To the Editor:

The state of Illinois must reduce the $85 billion pension deficit. The five pension systems that the state supports involve three groups of people. 

Future employees: The state needs to get out of the pension business! The state of Illinois should not offer pension benefits to any future employees. Local governments or school districts should not be required to offer pensions to their employees, but may do so if they wish. Money that would have been paid into the state pension fund could be used to match employee 401(k) contributions, increase pay or benefits, etc., with no additional hardships on local governments or school districts. Instead of employees paying into a pension system over which they have no control, employees pay into their own 401(k), which they can control. Additionally, when they die, the 401(k) becomes part of their estate that they can pass on to their children, grandchildren, charities, etc.