Article updated: 5/3/2012 7:46 AM

Budget dilemma looms for Illinois Democrats

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Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union during a rally in front of the governor's office in February, demanding that Gov. Pat Quinn pay them raises he has withheld.

Associated Press

Gov. Pat Quinn delivers his budget address in February to a joint session of the General Assembly in Springfield. Facing one of the nation's worst budget crises, the Democrats who run Illinois insist they're serious about overhauling the state's expensive health programs and employee pensions, though it promises to be painful.

Associated Press

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Ralph Martire from the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability speaks to reporters during an April news conference at the Capitol in Springfield. Martire is one of many social service advocates opposed to Gov. Pat Quinn's proposal to cut Medicaid services.

Associated Press

A Secretary of State police officer confronts Henry Bayer, executive director of AFSCME Council 31, left, as members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union rally in front of the governor's office in February.

Associated Press

About this Article

Facing one of the nation's worst budget crises, the Democrats who run Illinois insist they're serious about overhauling the state's expensive health programs and employee pensions. Gov. Pat Quinn underscored his determination by declaring he was "put on earth" to solve the multi-billion-dollar pension problem. But can the Democrats actually do it?