Illinois voters differ on pension amendment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois voters are deciding whether to amend the state's constitution to make it harder to increase retirement benefits for public workers.

While the ballot measure is confusing to some, other voters say they're informed on the issue.

In Springfield, 42-year-old Lynn McClanahan says she voted yes on the amendment, which would require a three-fifths majority vote of lawmakers in before retirement or pension benefits for public employees could be enhanced.

Illinois pension systems are in a financial mess, and some critics say legislators too often grant better benefits without worrying about the cost.

But 67-year-old John Taylor of Chicago voted against the amendment because his wife is a retired teacher. He says he doesn't understand why a "supermajority" is needed to increase benefits.