No Pension Compromise In Sight As Special Committee Begins Work
From the Chicago Tribune
The first meeting Thursday of a special committee tasked with brokering a compromise on how to overhaul the state's public employee pension system illustrated just why an agreement has been so elusive as advocates on both sides of the issue dug in their heels.
Little new ground was broken during the 4-1/2-hour meeting in Chicago other than a flat acknowledgment from Sen. Kwame Raoul, D-Chicago, that the governor's prescribed July 9 deadline to reach a deal was unrealistic.
"I think it's somewhat irresponsible, it's setting yourself up for failure," said Raoul, the conference committee chairman.
The assertion drew a sharp rebuke from Gov. Pat Quinn, who argues that lawmakers have had nearly two years to study the issue as pension costs ballooned and they diverted money for other programs. The Democratic governor said it was "disappointing" that it took panel members eight days to hold their first public meeting, arguing that they should be working "round the clock" to get a bill on his desk.
"Instead of complaining about the deadline, get the work done," said Quinn, who faces re-election next year. "Get down to brass tacks and concentrate."
Read more in our daily News Update...
From the Chicago Tribune
The first meeting Thursday of a special committee tasked with brokering a compromise on how to overhaul the state's public employee pension system illustrated just why an agreement has been so elusive as advocates on both sides of the issue dug in their heels.
Little new ground was broken during the 4-1/2-hour meeting in Chicago other than a flat acknowledgment from Sen. Kwame Raoul, D-Chicago, that the governor's prescribed July 9 deadline to reach a deal was unrealistic.
"I think it's somewhat irresponsible, it's setting yourself up for failure," said Raoul, the conference committee chairman.
The assertion drew a sharp rebuke from Gov. Pat Quinn, who argues that lawmakers have had nearly two years to study the issue as pension costs ballooned and they diverted money for other programs. The Democratic governor said it was "disappointing" that it took panel members eight days to hold their first public meeting, arguing that they should be working "round the clock" to get a bill on his desk.
"Instead of complaining about the deadline, get the work done," said Quinn, who faces re-election next year. "Get down to brass tacks and concentrate."
Read more in our daily News Update...