Tagged: Tom Cross

Most Illinois House members recently backed a measure to limit the salary on which public employees’ retirement benefits could be based. One of a few proposals to address the state’s $96 billion pension shortfall, it was seen as a test vote as lawmakers grapple with some way to make good on years of the legislature failing to make its payments.

Illinois will disclose more details about its underfunded pensions systems following an agreement with the Securities and Exchanges Commission.

It's the start of Illinois' new legislative session, and Governor Pat Quinn has now explained what he wants lawmakers to accomplish.  

In his fifth State of the State address since becoming governor, Quinn laid out a wide-ranging agenda:

He wants to allow same-sex couples get married and he wants to raise the minimum wage to $10 per hour. He also said lawmakers should pass a measure that would allow voters to register online.

In addition, Quinn called for a ban on the sale of assault weapons.

Over the protests of state employee unions, an Illinois House committee gave bipartisan support to a plan intended to repair Illinois' underfunded pensions.  But the full House adjourned Monday without taking a vote.

The legislation would leave workers paying more for a smaller retirement benefit.  House Republican leader Tom Cross said the change is necessary given the condition of Illinois' pension systems.