A public policy group says the State University Retirement System in Illinois needs to be stabilized rather than reformed.The University of Illinois’ Institute for Government and Public Affairs believes it has a plan to accomplish that. The IGPA suggests universities start contributing to employee pensions. Spokesman Steve Cunningham says the plan calls for a gradual implementation with the level of university participation rising to three-percent after three years. Cunningham says it's very much an effort to look at alternatives that are reasonable to stabilize the situation. He says realizing that some adjustment to state obligations may be necessary to facilitate, the-a viable funding plan for the unfunded liabilities.
Western Illinois University president Jack Thomas says the school is willing to do its part. But he says the contributions would be an additional burden, especially when the state is so far behind in paying universities. Thomas says the state still owes western $32 Million for the current budget year.