Illinois Lawmakers Return for Pension Special Session

State lawmakers on Friday again will attempt to take on one of the biggest and most expensive issues facing Illinois.

Gov. Pat Quinn has called back lawmakers for a special session to tackle a public pension deficit that tops $80 billion. 

As of early this week, the four top legislative leaders did not have a solution to the problem. They gathered Friday morning at the capitol prior to the 1 p.m. start of the session. 

Quinn carried two file folders "full of ideas" into the meeting. He said the time to act is here.

"We will tell leaders this is our hour, and our moment to act for the common good," he told reporters on the wat to the meeting.

Efforts to scale back how public pensions are funded failed in the regular spring session. Most Springfield observers cast heavy doubt on any action until after the November election.

Quinn says the state's pension costs will jump by $12 million each day the issue isn't solved.

At the State Fair this week Quinn was booed by labor members who have fought plans to change or reduce their pensions. Another protest is expected Friday at the state capitol.

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