Most state workers do pay into their pensions, 8% in fact. The state is supposed to pay a share and has historically underfunded their share so they could spend it on other projects. My husband works for the State of Illinois, he doesn’t get a big pay check or a get his pension paid. Given it is Chicago, I mean Illinois, I have no doubt that there are some perks thrown around up in the Chicago area. Look at where all the school teachers or admins, or retirees are that get the big money, around Chicago.