Editor's note: The following was submitted by Renee Kosel as a letter to the editor

Assistant Republican Leader/Illinois State Rep. Renėe Kosel (R-New Lenox) made a tough vote in favor of Senate Bill 1313, which will change the costs for retiree health care benefits.  

Illinois has been one of only three states in the country to offer free health care to some retirees. This legislation affects retired state employees but does not include retired teachers.

It does not take benefits away from retirees but puts a mechanism in place that allows the Director of Central Management Services to determine the State’s premium payments on behalf of retired employees of the various State systems, including members of the State Employee Retirement System, State University Retirement System, General Assembly Retirement System and the Judges Retirement System. Payment will be based on an ability to pay and years of service. 

“This was a difficult decision, but many people in our state are making difficult decisions every day around their kitchen tables. It is our best option to move forward in a positive direction,” Kosel said. “We cannot continue to grant these benefits when it is clear, given our state’s dire financial crisis, that we simply do not have the funding to pay for them.” 

Currently, there are 78,000 retirees who pay no premium for health care. In addition, 7,400 pay a portion of their premium, and 36,000 dependents are enrolled, but their premiums do not cover the true cost of the health care benefits. 

“This is just one of many tough votes that will come before the legislature this May as we work diligently to get our state back on the right fiscal track,” Rep. Kosel said. “I am hopeful that by voting responsibly on these issues now, we will see a new, improved and prosperous Illinois in the coming years.” 

The bill passed the House 74-43 after a long and heavy debate and will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. Representative Kosel can be reached at her district office or her Springfield office (where she will be spending the majority of her time until the end of May) to answer any questions about this legislation.