State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Flossmoor) applauded the Senate on their vote to pass a union-backed proposal for pension reform.

President Cullerton’s Senate Bill 2404 gives new employees the opportunity to choose between a cost of living adjustment and retiree health care. It is a bipartisan proposal supported by the We Are One Coalition of unions and guarantees 90% funding of the pension systems by 2045.

“Although I was unable to be there, I’m happy the Senate was able to agree on this proposal,” said Harris. “These decisions are difficult, but the state cannot afford to wait to take action. Right now more money goes into pensions than into public education, and with this fair and bi partisan proposal we can get our state back on track."

Harris did not attend today’s session because this week his wife gave birth to their third child.

SB 2404 now waits to be heard in the House of Representatives.

For details about SB 2404, visit the Senate Democrat Caucus website here.