Illinois lawmakers will return to Springfield June 19 for a special session to solve the state's nearly $100 billion pension crisis.
Gov. Pat Quinn's announcement of the special session comes as Moody’s Investor Service lowered the state's credit rating from A3 to A2. That’s just three levels above junk status.
The state House and Senate couldn't reach a pension agreement during the regular legislative session. The Senate rejected a bill sponsored by House Speaker Michael Madigan that cuts benefits across the board. Meanwhile, Senate President John Cullerton sponsored a plan giving employees and retirees a choice in benefits that was never called for a House vote. Quinn backs Madigan’s plan.
Some leading lawmakers though aren't certain if the session will deal with pension reform of gun laws.
