Firefighters’ pension bill could cost Chicago taxpayers $3 billion, city official says

Two bills to boost pensions for Chicago firefighters — and cost city taxpayers billions of dollars — could soon be on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk. (Sun-Times file)

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration is sounding the alarm about a pair of firefighters pension sweeteners poised for legislative approval that, mayoral aides warn, could saddle Chicago taxpayers with $3 billion in additional costs.

The companion bills are co-sponsored by Lightfoot’s legislative nemesis, state Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) and by Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, the progressive champion who will serve as deputy chief of staff to Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson.