Retirement Contributions: 1) I contribute to IMRF Pension through employer, enter amt on tax rtn? 2) Also contribute to a personal IRA, can I get credit for that also?

I was told by an acct friend that since I contribute to IMRF pension, I'm not eligible any longer to get a retirement contribution credit for my personal IRA. Another acct friend said as long as I make less than $70k I can get the credit. Which is right?