CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham and State Representative Mary Gill announced a well-deserved pension victory for Chicago police officers born after 1966 as Senate Bill 1956 was signed into law on Friday.

“Chicago police officers will now receive the same level of retirement benefits that most other public employees do,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This change is only fair, as we’re all still dealing with higher cost of living.”

The law removes the birth date requirement that was previously in place (born before Jan. 1, 1966) for Tier 1 retirees to be eligible for an annual 3% cost-of-living adjustment. The law also ensures that police officers born after Jan. 1, 1966, who received a retroactive increase of 1.5% in any year, will receive a proportional increase for that year so that the total increase is equal to 3% for each year.

“Our friends and neighbors who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our community weren’t getting a fair shake,” said Gill (D-Chicago). “When I found out this injustice that was being done to our officers, I made passing this law a top priority.”

This achievement will have a major impact on the lives of retired and soon-to-be retired Chicago police officers. It means that they will receive a 3% COLA, doubling the previous 1.5% rate. This boost in benefits not only recognizes the dedication and sacrifices of Chicago police officers, but also provides them with greater financial security and stability in their retirement.

This legislative action will bring Chicago police officers in line with the current Chicago firefighter retirement standards.

Senate Bill 1956 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect immediately.