Tagged: Pat Quinn

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. 

Illinois drivers are coming under more pressure to slow down and stay off their cell phones.  

Governor Pat Quinn has signed four laws aimed at making roadways safer.  

"We want to have strict laws that deal with those who greatly exceed the speed limit and cause great harm and loss of life," says Quinn, "and we need to, I think, lay down strict guidelines for our judges and for those in the traffic courts across Illinois, so they know what the rules are."  

Illinois prison guards say Governor Pat Quinn's move to close correctional centers will lead to more violence.

They said, during a rally at the State Capitol in Springfield this week, that assaults are already on the rise due to overcrowding.

Twelve prison guards gave graphic and disturbing reports of violence at their institutions.

Jake Dalton is a sergeant at the Pontiac prison.  He says his facility is drastically understaffed.

"The Governor has lit a fuse on a powder keg," says Dalton, "and he is not going to be around for the explosion.  We are."

15% of the state budget in Illinois this year is going toward pensions.  That means there's less to spend on other needs.
                                              
The gap between what has Illinois promised employees they will get when they retire and what the state has set aside to pay those pensions is $83 billion.  State government would have to completely shut down for two-and-a-half years, and use all of that operating budget money on pensions, to pay off that debt.