New ways to tackle Illinois' underfunded pension systems could be emerging. The governor appears to be backing away from his plan.
There's good reason many lawmakers are feeling flummoxed. Illinois' budget is already sagging. And with last week's state Supreme Court decision tossing a major pension law, the deficit is larger still.
The court decision was unequivocal, it's unconstitutional to cut state employees' pension benefits.
Gov. Bruce Rauner says he still hopes his fix would meet legal muster, because it leaves current benefits untouched and only deals with future ones. But for the first time, he hinted the justices' unanimous opinion has given him pause.
"When you look at the language, unfortunately their ruling was broad and tough and not crystal clear about what can change and what can't. I mean it leaves open to doubt a number of different scenarios."
Rauner says lawmakers should pursue a handful of options, simultaneously. The state's long term pension debt tops $100 billion.
