SUAA is your voice at the State Capitol: through voice, action, mission, and visibility. Our work is often done behind the scenes, but here is how we are working every day to make a difference for our members:
LEGISLATIVE DIFFERENCE
STOPPED CONSTITUTIONAL THREATS
Represented all SURS participants and beneficiaries by suing the State of Illinois over Senate Bill 1 (Public Act 98-0599), pension reform. The Supreme Court found the law unconstitutional, saving the average pensioner HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS over the course of their retirement
Led the charge to defeat adding a new section to Article XIII of the State Constitution, which would have been an attack on SURS employees and retirees
Continue to actively lobby the Legislature to prevent changes to the Constitution that would harm SURS retirees and active members, such as the "pension clause"
PROMOTED HIGHER EDUCATION'S FUTURE
Stopped legislation that would create a slippery slope toward abolishing tuition waivers for university personnel, that ultimately could target community colleges next
Continuing to support legislation in Springfield to strengthen health care and pension benefits for SURS members
Advocating for protecting and preserving the College Insurance Program (CIP health benefits)
Protected faculty forced to take furloughs during the state's budget crisis
Working to preserve Illinois' higher education system as a critical, quality commodity for Illinois, through the Higher Education Creates Jobs campaign and other advocacy
KEEPING YOU INFORMED
Using SUAA Mini-Briefings and our website and social media pages to provide regular updates from legislative and court action that affects you: your workplace, your health care, your retirement, your future
