Gov. Pat Quinn pledges to sign legislation ending free health insurance for state retirees. Carol Marin talks with state lawmakers about what else may happen during the legislative session on Chicago Tonight at 7:00 pm.

The Illinois Senate followed the House of Representatives and overwhelmingly approved a plan on May 10 to begin charging retired state workers, lawmakers, judges and university workers for their health insurance. The plan affects about 78,000 retirees. The Department of Central Management Services and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules will now have to agree on a sliding pay scale.

Gov. Quinn issued a statement regarding the passage of Senate Bill 1313:

"I am encouraged that legislators have taken this step towards restoring fiscal stability to Illinois. This legislation will help ensure that our retirees continue to have access to quality health care, while also lowering the cost to taxpayers.

“I would like to thank Senate President Cullerton, Senate Minority Leader Radogno, House Speaker Madigan and House Minority Leader Cross for their collaboration and leadership. I plan to sign this legislation and look forward to continuing to work together to make the difficult decisions necessary to return Illinois to sound financial footing.”

Christine Hurley contributed to this report.

Related Links:

Bill Status of SB1313

Chicago Tonight's interactive graphic on House vote on SB 1313

Chicago Sun-Times article on Plan to charge state retirees for health insurance heads to Gov. Quinn’s desk

More on Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg

More on Sen. Matt Murphy

More on Rep. Daniel Biss

Contact your legislators

File Attachments:

SB1313.pdf