Illinois voters should vote NO on CON CON

In November, Illinois voters will be asked to decide whether or not the state should convene a constitutional convention, or "Con Con". Learn more about what a Con Con is, what it would cost, how it could jeopardize teachers pensions and more.
On Nov. 4, Illinois voters will see a referendum on the ballot that asks whether or not a state consitutional convention should be convened. The Illinois Federation of Teachers and dozens of other unions, civic groups and citizens organizations have come out in opposition to the referendum.
Illinois has had a constitution since it became a state in 1818. The current constitution was written in 1970 and became effective on July 1, 1971.
The purpose of the Illinois Constitution protects fundamental rights of citizens in Illinois.
There is nothing wrong with the constitution; it is regarded as one of the best in the country. The current constitution requires that every 20 years Illinois voters must be asked whether or not they want a constitutional convention.
The $100 million dollars it would cost to hold the convention could be spend to increase the education foundation level by $150, provide a school nurse in every school building, or pay off the debt owed to Illinois pension systems.
There is a possibility especially now when our economy is not stable, that the convention could eliminate current constitutional language that says no pension benefit can be "diminished or impared". Eliminating this provision could mean the formula for current members could be reduced. Basically, it could end up with an empty pension fund and no money left to pay teacher pensions.