IL House committee considers creating pension commission
Posted:
Updated:
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (FOX 32 News) -
A House committee is considering a proposal to create a commission that could reform the public pension system without legislative input.
Pension-reform sponsor Rep. Elaine Nekritz called the House Personnel and Pension Committee to a meeting Tuesday afternoon to consider an amendment to her bill. She said earlier she didn't think she had enough votes to pass comprehensive reform.
The change would create an eight-member commission to come up with recommendations by April 30 for closing a $96 billion deficit. It could enact those reforms with a majority of five votes unless overturned by the Legislature.
Gov. Pat Quinn told the committee the panel was like the federal commission that closes military bases. He called the measure "extraordinary action" to help break the gridlock.
Governor Quinn called state senators back to Springfield, to hammer out a deal on Illinois' pension mess on Tuesday. The House met midday Tuesday, and the Senate is expected to meet in the afternoon.
The current plan up that's up for debate would freeze cost-of-living increases and require state employees to contribute more to the pension fund. An Illinois House committee approved that bill on Monday.
Tuesday is the final full day of the lame-duck session. State lawmakers need to reach a deal before new lawmakers are sworn in Wednesday, or they will have to start from scratch in the next session.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:25 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:09 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:09:21 GMT
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:44:33 GMT
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
Monday, June 17 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:03:54 GMT
Carla Oglesby is accused of using fake contracts to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars to herself and her friends, from local vendors. She was first arrested nearly three years ago.
Carla Oglesby is accused of using fake contracts to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars to herself and her friends, from local vendors. She was first arrested nearly three years ago.
Friday, June 14 2013 9:36 PM EDT2013-06-15 01:36:02 GMT
Lawyers for Jesse Jackson Jr. assert in a court filing that the former Illinois congressman's mental health may worsen if he is given a lengthy prison sentence.
Lawyers for Jesse Jackson Jr. assert in a court filing that the former Illinois congressman's mental health may worsen if he is given a lengthy prison sentence.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:46 PM EDT2013-06-15 00:46:35 GMT
Political observers will be closely watching as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie participates in a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago.
Political observers will be closely watching as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie participates in a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:25 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:09 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:09:21 GMT
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:44:33 GMT
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
Amy Le started out behind the wheel at Duck-N-Roll. Now she's bringing some Asian-Latin spice to Chicago's financial district with her new restaurant Saucy Porka. Ever heard of a "baco?"
Amy Le started out behind the wheel at Duck-N-Roll. Now she's bringing some Asian-Latin spice to Chicago's financial district with her new restaurant Saucy Porka. Ever heard of a "baco?"
Monday, June 17 2013 12:48 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:48:35 GMT
Jewel-Osco was offering a $0.05 per gallon discount on fuel at Shell stations for every $50 in grocery purchases. But they have decided to cut the program.
Jewel-Osco was offering a $0.05 per gallon discount on fuel at Shell stations for every $50 in grocery purchases. But they have decided to cut the program.
Father's Day is only two days away. Do you have a present for your dad yet? David Viggiano, the gift and gadget guy, showcased some of the coolest new tech gadgets you can get – all under $100!
Father's Day is only two days away. Do you have a present for your dad yet? David Viggiano, the gift and gadget guy, showcased some of the coolest new tech gadgets you can get – all under $100!
Friday, June 14 2013 1:57 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:57:37 GMT
Democratic leaders in the Illinois Legislature said Friday that they would try again to pass a pension-reform plan backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, rejecting Quinn's request for committee.
Democratic leaders in the Illinois Legislature said Friday that they would try again to pass a pension-reform plan backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, rejecting Quinn's request for committee.
