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Gubernatorial Debate: Quinn & Rauner address school funding, pension liability

Gubernatorial candidates Bruce Rauner and Governor Pat Quinn debated in Peoria Thursday, October 9, 2014 ahead of the November election.

Gubernatorial candidates Bruce Rauner and Governor Pat Quinn debated in Peoria Thursday, October 9, 2014 ahead of the November election.

Among other topics, the opponents touched on the economy and school funding, according to a report by the Chicago Sun Times.

Quinn noted that since he’s been governor, employment within auto manufacturing companies has grown. Rauner, on the other hand, said that state regulations and taxes have stunted growth.

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The Chicago Sun Times reported that Quinn is looking to extend the state’s temporary tax increase, while Rauner supports incremental rollback.

On the school funding front, Quinn said Illinois needs to invest more in education. A proposal by Democratic Senator Andy Manar would take state money from wealthier suburban districts and place it in districts with less money. Neither Quinn nor Rauner said they would support that proposal as is. Quinn said it needs review and debate.

The Elgin Courier-News reported that the candidates also discussed the state’s $100 billion unfunded pension liability.

In 2013, Quinn signed a bill into law that would have the retirement system funded by 2045. Cutting benefits is partially how the funding would accumulate. Employee unions have sued, however, claiming that the bill violates the constitution that protects benefits, according to the report.

Rauner’s solution was to move employees into a 401(k) plan, which does not guarantee workers any particular level of benefits. He noted that while this plan doesn’t save much at the start, it would save billions in the long run.

The candidates are scheduled to participate in two more debates before the election.

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