Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says he’s ready to call a special session. That’s after lawmakers failed to pass a pension plan last week. Illinois Public Radio’s Susie An reports.
Governor Quinn says leaders need to work out an agreement first before he calls a special session. He and Senate President John Cullerton met this morning to discuss the state’s pension system. Missing from the meeting...House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Quinn says Madigan was unavailable and unreachable because he doesn’t carry a cell phone.
The governor says for things to move, the speaker and Cullerton need to get past personal differences.
QUINN: On Friday, John Cullerton and Michael Madigan in the House of Representatives working together for a pension holiday for the city of Chicago. So if they can work for a pension holiday, they can work for pension reform for the people of Illinois.
Yesterday, Fitch Ratings downgraded the state’s bond rating. Quinn says that will continue if a pension plan isn’t approved.