On October 15, 2025, the Illinois Senate Pensions Committee held a subject matter hearing on SB 1893, sponsored by Senator Robert F. Martwick (D). This critical bill increases the retiree health insurance premium subsidy, protecting the health and financial security of Chicago’s retired teachers.
Chair Martwick opened the meeting, reflecting on CTPF’s 130th anniversary and highlighting the importance of supporting retirees for life. His moving testimony cited the examples of 107-year-old retiree Beatrice Lumpkin and 111-year-old Edith Renfrow Smith who attended the August Board of Trustees’ meeting in celebration of CTPF’s 130th anniversary.
CTPF’s Executive Director Carlton W. Lenoir, Sr., offered testimony along with Trustee Maria J. Rodriguez who shared a retiree perspective and Trustee Quentin S. Washington, Chair of the Pension Law and Rules Committee, who offered an active member perspective.
“SB 1893 is not just a financial adjustment; it is a lifeline for thousands of retired educators who dedicated their lives to serving Chicago’s students. Access to affordable, reliable health care in retirement is not a luxury for our members; it is a necessity. We are grateful for the support from Senator Martwick and the opportunity to share information with lawmakers,” said CTPF Executive Director Carlton W. Lenoir, Sr.
“We also appreciate the tremendous response we received from our members on behalf of SB 1893. Nearly 900 completed witness slips for this legislation, demonstrating widespread support from both active and retired teachers,” said Lenoir
Chair Martwick noted that the retiree health subsidy has remained unchanged for 21 years and shared that he intends to move SB 1893 in the spring session.
CTPF will share additional information as it becomes available.
SB 1893 Summary
Since 2004, the amount that CTPF can spend on retiree health insurance has been capped at $65 million annually, which now covers 60% of premiums. This cap hasn’t kept pace with inflation or the growing number of retirees, up over 40% since 2004. Health insurance costs have surged, with a 33% increase from 2017 to 2020.
SB 1893 proposes raising the annual subsidy cap to $100 million and indexing future increases to inflation, protecting retirees from dramatic cost hikes and coverage disruptions. The bill is supported by all major CTPF constituent groups including the Retired Teachers Association (RTAC) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU).
Why SB 1893 Matters
Without this funding, it will be harder to keep health insurance affordable for retirees. SB 1893 is our chance to Secure Our Subsidy (SOS), a call to action to safeguard the benefits our members have earned.
More Information on SB 1893
- Senate Bill 1893 Fact Sheet
- Secure Our Subsidy (S.O.S.) Information Sheet
- SB 1893 Full Text
- Executive Director Lenoir Testimony
- Trustee Rodriguez Testimony
- Trustee Washington Testimony