SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) – Public employees, including teachers, firefighters and police officers, descended on the Illinois state capitol Wednesday, demanding lawmakers fix a pension system they believe isn’t working.

Public employees were united as one in Springfield Wednesday, but for retirement they are divided. That’s because a 2010 state law separates them into two groups. Tier 1 employees were hired before 2011. Anyone hired after that is a Tier 2 employee. They have to wait longer to get their full pension.

“We need to fix this,” said Bloomington High School special education teacher Brandon Thornton, Tier 2 employee.

As a teacher, Thornton can’t retire until he’s 67. His Tier 1 colleagues can retire at age 55 if they have worked for at least 35 years or until age 60.

“I want a fix. I want a level 2 fix. I think 67 is way too late.” Thornton said.

According to the Illinois Education Association, almost 3 out of 5 teachers have considered leaving the professionand the retirement system is a major reason why.

While there is no quick fix, lawmakers have tabled the files invoices in both the state House and Senate to address Tier 2 issues. If passed, it would bring the final calculation of the average wage pension in line with Tier One, align retirement ages between tiers, implement a general 3% cost of living simple interest adjustment for all Tier 2 members and would close and adjust the pension wage cap to match the Social Security wage base. This will address the so-called “safe harbor” problem and ensure that their pensions are equal to what they would earn if they were receiving Social Security benefits.

“Teachers deserve to retire with dignity and respect. He shouldn’t be teaching until he’s 67. They should not have to earn less than they would if they were on Social Security. I hope we get this problem fixed,” said Cyd Paulsen of the West Suburban Retired Teachers Union.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) was asked Wednesday about the potential changes. He said it was essential for the state to meet the Social Security minimum, which would be paid over several years.

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