Madigan pension reform package passes House in tight vote
By DAVE McKINNEY blogs.suntimes.com/politics May 2, 2013 3:38PM
Updated: May 2, 2013 3:50PM
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House Thursday narrowly backed a bi-partisan pension-reform package pushed by House Speaker Michael Madigan and put the question of solving the state’s nearly $100 billion pension crisis in the lap of the state Senate.
In a sober debate lasting a little more than an hour, the House voted 62-51, with six members voting present. Sixty votes were needed for Madigan’s measure to clear the House.
“This bill has been worked assiduously by many, many people. Obviously, it does not meet every request. Obviously, it does not make everybody happy,” Madigan said as the normally bustling House chamber came to a standstill.
“I think we’re all familiar with the severe fiscal problems of our state, and the fiscal problems of the pension systems are a large, large part of that problem. In my judgment, this is a critical action that must be taken now. It must be taken for future budget making. It must be taken for the fiscal wellbeing and reputation of the state of Illinois,” Madigan said.
No sooner than the roll call was locked in, Gov. Pat Quinn heaped praise on the House’s action.
“Today the Illinois House of Representatives took the biggest step to date towards restoring fiscal stability to Illinois,” the governor said in a prepared statement.
“With the passage of this comprehensive pension reform solution, Illinois is closer than ever to addressing a decades-long problem that is plaguing our economy, our bond rating and the future of our children,” Quinn said.
