State Rep. Dan Brady said the intent of the pension referendum is to give the minority party more of a voice. (Photo courtesy Illinois House Republicans)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON - State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said voters should decide whether lawmakers should have to get bi-partisan support to pass any pension reforms.

A referendum on the Nov. 6th ballot would require a three-fifths majority on all pension matters.

Brady said he voted for the measure so that voters can decide for themselves.

"I can see both sides of it and I would have to tell anybody who asks me 'What should I do?,' I've told them what the legislative intent is," Brady said.

Brady said the bill is intended to give the minority party a voice in how retirement benefits are handled.

Brady suggested House Speaker Michael Madigan agreed to the bill so that Republicans would have a 'co-captain' on a sinking ship.

Brady said the referendum is vague and confusing but he said requiring bi-partisan support likely would have stopped various pension sweeteners from being added over the years.

The Illinois Education Association opposes the plan.

Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.

You can listen to Scott and Colleen's interview with Brady on the podcast page at wjbc.com.