Fact check: Illinois currently faces a pension funding crisis. However, if 75% of the pensioners were to suddenly expire, it would resolve a huge portion of the issue.

1. Summary of the results

Illinois is indeed facing a severe pension funding crisis, with multiple sources confirming critical underfunding. The state's unfunded pension liabilities range from $143.7 billion ^[1] to potentially over $300 billion according to some independent rating agencies ^[2]. The funding ratio is alarmingly low at 46% ^[1], making Illinois' pension system the worst-funded in the nation ^[3]. The situation has dramatically worsened over time, with pension debt increasing nearly nine-fold from $16 billion in 2000 ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial contextual elements are missing from the original statement:

• The crisis has historical roots dating back to 1917 ^[5]
• Pension costs currently consume 20-25% of the state budget, far exceeding the national average of 4% ^[6]
• The burden on Illinois households is substantial, averaging $30,000-$40,000 per household ^{[4] [6]}
• There are ongoing issues with accounting techniques being used to mask the true extent of the crisis ^[4]
• As of 2020, the total pension obligation was $237 billion, with only $96 billion available for payouts ^[5]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement contains several problematic elements:

• The suggestion about pensioner mortality as a solution is ethically inappropriate and is not supported by any of the analytical sources ^[2]
• The statement oversimplifies what is actually a complex problem requiring careful, legal reforms ^[5]
• It ignores the systemic issues that led to this crisis, such as:
• Higher-than-expected salary increases ^[1]
• Changes in retirement assumptions ^[1]
• Long-term structural funding problems ^[5]

The sources emphasize the need for legitimate reform solutions within legal and ethical boundaries, rather than drastic or harmful measures ^[7]. The statement appears to be attempting to provoke an emotional response rather than contribute to meaningful discussion of actual solutions.