Reitz Supports Government Reform, Affordable Health Care, Pension Security During Fall Session

RED BUD, Ill. – State Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, fought for lower insulin costs, more ethical government and to secure local pension systems during the recent legislative session.

“This fall, I helped crackdown on corruption in Illinois’ political system,” Reitz said. “Illinoisans deserve to have government officials they can trust to make tough decisions on the important issues facing our state, so I will keep fighting for reforms to build an Illinois people can have faith in.”

Reitz supported two ethics reform measures. Senate Bill 1639 will require lobbyists to disclose more specific details of their government access to ensure that no ethical lines are being crossed. House Joint Resolution 93 will create the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform, a bipartisan task force to examine current state ethics and lobbying laws and make recommendations for concrete reforms. Both bills passed the Illinois House of Representatives with robust support from both Republicans and Democrats.

“Shady dealings with immoral interests have no place in Illinois politics,” Reitz said. “These ethics reforms will stop corrupt officials from using their positions to get rich and keep our legislative processes focused on lifting up our families and moving the state of Illinois forward.”

Reitz also backed Senate Bill 1300, a major pension reform measure that will help lower the property tax burden on homeowners, while ensuring pension security for local first responders. The legislation combines assets and management of hundreds of police and fire pension systems into two systems, cracking down on wasteful bureaucracy and cutting back on the spread of needless government administration. Over the next 20 years, the consolidation of these systems is estimated to result in between $3.6 billion and $12.7 billion in increased investment returns. The legislation was passed with strong bipartisan backing.

“A pension is a promise, and our pension system needs strong reforms to ensure hard-working Illinoisans get the important retirement money they’re owed,” Reitz said. “Right now, our pension system is draining money from property taxpayers while not leaving nearly enough for retirees that’ve earned it. This legislation will cut back on government overreach and red tape while ensuring first responders get the pensions they’ve more than earned.”

Finally, Reitz also helped pass legislation to lower the cost of insulin for diabetics in Illinois. Senate Bill 667 would cap patients’ out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 a month. This bill is addressing the massive spike in insulin prices; between 2002 and 2013, out-of-pocket costs for insulin increased almost 300%. There are 1.3 million adults with diabetes in Illinois, many of whom regularly rely on insulin to maintain their health and quality of life. Senate Bill 667 passed the House with strong bipartisan support.

“Part of my commitment to build a stronger Illinois includes fighting for affordable health care for our families. Massive pharmaceutical companies have had free reign to take advantage of people with serious diseases, and they have to be stopped” Reitz said. “Diabetic Illinoisans rely upon insulin for survival. They should not have to make the dangerous choice between rationing their insulin to afford to keep a roof over their head. This legislation is about stopping medical price gouging, plain and simple.”