The Illinois legislature sent reforms to the Governor that would reign in pension abuses by labor leaders. The new law would block union leaders from double-dipping in union and public pensions and change the practice of basing the pension on the larger salary. It would also remove union lobbyists from the state pension system. Legislators say that the changes are very necessary, and correct problems. Some question the legality of the changes, citing pension laws. Others say that the problem is bigger than a few people, and that changes to the entire system need to be addressed.
See "Pension abuse reforms sent to governor", Ray Long and Monique Garcia, Chicago Tribune, November 28, 2011