Sun-Times Editorial Board
On Feb. 5, Aaron Ortiz appeared before the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board. We asked him why he’s running for the Democratic nomination in the Illinois House of Representatives in the 1st District.
The Chicago Sun-Times sent the candidates seeking nominations for the Illinois House of Representatives a list of questions to find out their views on a range of important issues facing the state of Illinois.
TOPIC: Pension debt
QUESTION: In 2017, Illinois’ unfunded pension liability ballooned to at least $130 billion. Do you support re-amortizing this debt? Please explain your answer. And what is your position on a constitutional amendment that would reduce the liability of the pension debt?
ANSWER: Illinois’ pension is an obligation to its retirees and that needs to be the constant underlying framework. I think Center for Tax and Budget Accountability plan for a 44-year re-amortization should be seriously considered.