Research from UIS raises concerns for underfunded pension systems

According to new research done by the University of Illinois Springfield's Institute for Illinois Public Finance, the state's public employee pension systems and downstate police and fire pension systems are not being adequately funded.

Distinguished Professor of Public Administration Kenneth Kriz said this is a big problem for the state. "Illinois is headed for a lot of pain, and a lot more pain than people even realize," Kriz said. "'There's not enough for them to be able to make payments they promised to workers as they retire." 

Kriz has been doing research on pensions for nearly 10 years and said the contribution levels are crucial, because there are only three levers policymakers can use to try to address pension funding shortfalls.

"You could in a lot of areas, either cut benefits or make workers contribute more for their benefits," Kriz said. "You can increase your contributions or you can get better returns out of your investments."

According to Kriz, the money for these pensions is mainly coming out of taxpayer dollars and ultimately, he said it comes down to the state raising taxes or cutting other services in order to be able to make the payments.

According to Kriz, the pension liability at the state level is estimated to be around $30 billion.

This story aired on WAND on January 30, 2020.

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Women's Softball: UIS ranked No. 4 in GLVC preseason poll

UIS ranked No. 4 in GLVC preseason poll Coming off two straight NCAA Division II tournament berths, the University of Illinois Springfield is ranked No. 4 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference preseason coaches poll.

The Prairie Stars had 170 total points and 16 first-place votes.

This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on January 29, 2020.

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Men's Baseball: UIS baseball picked fifth in GLVC preseason coaches poll

The University of Illinois Springfield baseball team was picked to finish fifth in the Great Lakes Valley Conference’s preseason coaches poll that was released on Tuesday.

UIS, which will be led by first-year coach Ryan Copeland, received 169 points in the poll.

The Prairie Stars finished one-game back of the GLVC title and appeared in the NCAA Division II super regionals last season. UIS won the league’s regular season championship in 2018.

The Prairie Stars have had the top offense in the GLVC the past three seasons and return all-conference position players in Chris Monroe, Brandon Bannon and Ruben Markham. Cameron Zunkel and Colton Hale, all-conference pitchers from 2018, also return to the team. Pitchers Jordan Mikel and Evan Snyder are Division I transfers expected to compete for innings.

This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on January 28, 2020.

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