Local Lawmakers Say Pension Vote Unlikely
By: Alex de Leon
Updated: August 16, 2012
Tomorrow is decision day for the state's pension crisis.
The Governor called for a special session of the General Assembly to find a solution. But, lawmakers we talked to say there's virtually no chance of a bill passing. "This is more of a dog and pony show" says Sen. Dave Syverson (R). "If they were serious they would not be getting together on a Friday afternoon for two hours thinking they're really going to solve an issue as vague and as complicated as the state's pension problem."
House Rep. Chuck Jefferson (D) echoed Syverson's sentiments.
"We know that we have to fix the pension system" says Jefferson. "We're not going to fix it overnight. We're not going to fix it in two hours, to have us come back to Springfield tomorrow is a waste of the legislators' time."
The pension is debt is over $80 billion and with each passing day it increases by $12 million, which is why Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno wants a comprehensive plan covering all five state funded pension systems, not just a limited reform bill which is what is up for a vote tomorrow.
Meanwhile, credit agencies have threatened to downgrade the state's credit rating.
The Governor called for a special session of the General Assembly to find a solution. But, lawmakers we talked to say there's virtually no chance of a bill passing. "This is more of a dog and pony show" says Sen. Dave Syverson (R). "If they were serious they would not be getting together on a Friday afternoon for two hours thinking they're really going to solve an issue as vague and as complicated as the state's pension problem."
House Rep. Chuck Jefferson (D) echoed Syverson's sentiments.
"We know that we have to fix the pension system" says Jefferson. "We're not going to fix it overnight. We're not going to fix it in two hours, to have us come back to Springfield tomorrow is a waste of the legislators' time."
The pension is debt is over $80 billion and with each passing day it increases by $12 million, which is why Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno wants a comprehensive plan covering all five state funded pension systems, not just a limited reform bill which is what is up for a vote tomorrow.
Meanwhile, credit agencies have threatened to downgrade the state's credit rating.
