In recent days, news reports have circulated throughout Illinois claiming that I am calling for changes in the benefits currently received by retired teachers. I understand completely the confusion and frustration these reports have created.

To be clear: neither I nor the Teachers Retirement System is proposing any changes in member benefits, especially a reduction in the current annual cost-of-living adjustment.

All of us at TRS are working to educate our members and the public about a new reality in state government that throws the long-term financial viability of the system into serious doubt. It is not our role at TRS to suggest a solution to this problem.