February 06, 2026
Joint Statement from BOMA/Chicago, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, Civic Federation, Better Government Association, Illinois Manufacturers' Association, and Illinois Retail Merchants Association on Governor Pritzker's proposal to strengthen Illinois' pension system.
Governor Pritzker’s just-released proposal to strengthen the long-term stability of the state’s pension system is encouraging, and we commend the governor for his ongoing commitment to fiscal progress. At a time when the federal funding landscape continues to shift, clear-eyed leadership and a focus on financial responsibility is critical—including ensuring we don’t pass SB 1937, legislation that would saddle already-stretched taxpayers with more than $80 billion in additional pension costs and drive significant property tax increases that taxpayers simply cannot afford. By prioritizing improving our state’s credit rating and ensuring full pension funding when underfunded pensions have long weighed on Illinoisians’ shoulders and wallets, the governor’s proposed plan has the potential to drive real benefits. Strengthening the state’s fiscal foundation is essential to attracting and retaining companies, supporting job creation, driving much-needed growth, and unlocking new momentum in the years ahead.