Gov. J.B. Pritzker Monday signed legislation that would expand cost of living adjustments for Chicago firefighters despite opposition to the bill from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other groups.

HB2451 (Martwick) sets a 3 percent annual pension increase to all Tier 1 Chicago firefighters, accounting for about 2,200 active and retired firefighters who current receive a 1.5 percent annual increase. Additionally, it eliminates a 30 percent cap on these cost of living adjustments.

“I’ve always believed that hardworking men and women who have earned their pension shouldn’t pay the price for local or state budget challenges,” Pritzker said in a statement. “HB2451 creates a system that gives all firefighters certainty and fair treatment. And to make sure that the city can meet its obligations, my administration is working to sell the James R. Thompson Center, which will return to the city’s property tax rolls and is projected to generate $45 million annually for the city and its sister agencies.”

In February, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot urged the governor to veto the bill in a letter, calling it a “massive, unfunded mandate” and saying the pension expansion would place an additional burden on taxpayers in Chicago, amounting to about $850 million by 2055. The bill was also opposed by watchdog group the Civic Federation. 

HB2451 is effective immediately. 

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant