Pension summit ends with no resolution
Updated: February 13, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- The "We Are One Coalition" created a pension summit in hopes of finding middle ground on reform, but it looks like that didn't happen. Top leaders from both parties were invited to attend, but only Governor Quinn and Republican Minority Leader Tom Cross showed up.
Reports show Cross thought it was important to go, but felt like nothing really got accomplished. House Speaker Michael Madigan refused to make an appearance. He says he's been more than willing to work with the unions.
Union leaders say they're not at fault for the pension crisis, and argue the benefits are owed to their workers. However, they did say they're willing to negotiate.
Governor Quinn has been pushing for reform for months. He says the crisis is costing the state about $17 million a day. He hopes lawmakers will hammer out a deal before the end of session.
Reports show Cross thought it was important to go, but felt like nothing really got accomplished. House Speaker Michael Madigan refused to make an appearance. He says he's been more than willing to work with the unions.
Union leaders say they're not at fault for the pension crisis, and argue the benefits are owed to their workers. However, they did say they're willing to negotiate.
Governor Quinn has been pushing for reform for months. He says the crisis is costing the state about $17 million a day. He hopes lawmakers will hammer out a deal before the end of session.
