Salaries for state workers are less than those in the private sector, according to a new study coming from the anti-tax, anti-union group Americans for Prosperity.

It shows that state workers in Illinois are paid 7.2 percent less than those in the private sector with comparable jobs and experience.

Illinois Director David From said, “The state workers get 1.8 times what private workers get in benefits.” Mostly in health care and retirement benefits, something he expects Governor Bruce Rauner to do something about.

“We very much expect that he’ll try some significant reforms to try to limit the costs to government, because frankly you have to. The government can’t afford and taxpayers can’t afford to keep moving in this direction. The benefits are just too large for us to pay out,” said From.

According to the study, the average Illinois state government employee in the data sample receives an annual salary of $56,919. In addition, Illinois employees receive annual benefits, either received in that year or accrued toward retirement, worth $55,791. A comparable Illinois private sector employee receives a salary of $61,017 but annual benefits of only $19,725.

From explained why private-sector workers aren’t given more. He said, “It’s because their employers can’t stay in business if they provide generous benefits.”