Lawmakers May Take Up Pension Reform, Gun Control In Veto Session
(CBS) – Five million dollars a day. That's the cost of Illinois' unresolved pension crisis.
There was some hope that lawmakers headed to Springfield next week could be close to solving the pension problem once and for all.
But CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine is getting the feeling that close may not be close enough.
It's a matter of body language -- of the governor and legislative leaders. They've been saying for weeks they are close to a deal, yet no deal has surfaced.
"The people want to get this done. They're sick of hearing about it. Frankly, a lot of us are sick of talking about it. So, let's just get the bill passed," state Rep. Michael Zalewski of Chicago says.
Among other issues in play next week will be mandatory-minimum sentences for gun crimes, which is opposed by the powerful NRA and which new studies say won't work. Still, it's the top issue for Mayor Emanuel and Police Supt. Garry McCarthy.
Zalewski is the bill's chief sponsor.
"We need to defer to law enforcement. We need to do what they're asking us to do to protect the streets," he says.
Supporters of a marriage equality bill could force a second effort, though the bill is still opposed by black clergy, needs more Republican support, and requires a three-fifths vote during a veto session.
A gambling-expansion bill, which would include a Chicago casino, almost made it to the floor back in May but is unlikely to be voted on this time.
The most pressing issue remains pensions, with the governor still playing it close to the vest.
"I've done many things to try and keep this issue front and center. I'll continue to do that," Quinn said. "They should understand that when you don't do your job and the job is pension reform, the public is very unhappy."
Zalewski says if pension reform doesn't surface next week, it could come soon thereafter.
The meter continues ticking at $5 million a day. The bond-rating agencies are poised to lower Illinois' rating, and it's already the worst in the nation.
