Illinois lawmakers will be at the capitol today to address the state's pension woes. But there's growing skepticism that a deal can be reached at this time. Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno is among those who anticipate the day will end without a pension overhaul.
"Unfortunately I don't think a lot happens. As I understand it, we have a meeting scheduled at 10 o' clock with the Governor. Mind you, that's an hour before we go into session. My guess is we're not going to do comprehensive reform in an hour" Radogno
Radogno says while she backs changes to the pension systems, she no longer supports a plan she helped push through the Senate last spring. It only affects state workers and General Assembly members. Radogno says any pension package must include all the systems.
Meanwhile, Governor Pat Quinn remains optimistic the one-day session will be fruitful. The Democratic governor says in the end... lawmakers will do the right thing.
“I believe in positive thinking and optimistic thinking. I believe in democracy, and I think when people are confronted with the choice of having a state that invests in children and education and in public safety, the choice will be in favor of pension reform” Quinn said.
In addition to the pension debate, House members will decide today whether to expel Chicago Democrat Derrick Smith. He faces federal charges for allegedly accepting a bribe.