CHICAGO (AP) - The Republican candidates for Illinois governor are arguing about pension reform and the state’s finances in the second-to-last debate ahead of the March 18 primary.
State Sens. Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard, businessman Bruce Rauner (ROW’-nur) and Treasurer Dan Rutherford (ROOTH’-ur-furd) attended the debate Wednesday hosted by WGN-TV and the Chicago Tribune.
Brady is the only one who supported a recent pension overhaul that cuts benefits for state workers and retirees. Dillard voted against it, which has been the reason that several unions have endorsed him.
He and Dillard argued over past votes and financial savings. Brady accused Dillard selling out when the state is “crumbling.”
Rauner wants a plan that moves current and future workers into a defined contribution plan like businesses offer. Rutherford belives the overhaul is unconstitutional.
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