Tagged: John Cullerton

The Illinois Senate has moved forward with a pair of measures (SB 1 and SB 35)  that would strip government workers of some of their pension benefits. The changes would impact state and university employees, as well as downstate and suburban public school teachers.

Governor Pat Quinn has called lawmakers back to Springfield for a one-day special session to reform the state's pension systems.

But so far he doesn't have a plan beyond that.

"We've had proposals this year, we've had a working group this year, we've had discussions and negotiations this year," Quinn said. 

An Illinois Senate panel is supporting legislation (HB 3810) that would end a perk that lets legislators hand out free tuition at state universities.

The House has voted to get rid of the scandal-plagued program three years running. But previous attempts have been blocked by Senate Democrats -- until now.

Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno said problems with the scholarships are well-documented.