SPRINGFIELD, IL - Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge John Belze has struck down a landmark state law aimed at fixing Illinois’ worst-in-the-nation $100+ billion government worker pension system.
Belz agreed with public employee unions and government retirees who challenged the December 2013 law and issued a summary judgment ruling it violated the Illinois Constitution’s pension protection clause and declaring the law "unconstitutional and void in its entirety."
Belz ruled the Illinois constitution's language is clear and unambiguous. "The court finds that, on its face, the act impairs and diminishes the benefits of membership in the state retirement systems in multiple ways," wrote Belz.
The ruling sets the stage for what is expected to be an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court.
UPDATE x1: Governor-elect Bruce Rauner issued the following the statement:
“Today’s ruling is the first step in a process that should ultimately be decided by the Illinois Supreme Court. It is my hope that the court will take up the case and rule as soon as possible. I look forward to working with the legislature to craft and implement effective, bipartisan pension reform.”
