Quinn: Special session could end pension gridlock

Gov. Pat Quinn says next week is another opportunity to tackle the state’s $100 billion pension crisis.

Legislative leaders have been negotiating on a plan, which could come up next week if there’s a special session in Springfield. House Speaker Michael Madigan has told representatives to be ready for a one-day session next Tuesday. The Senate has tentatively set some days aside next week.

However, details about the plan haven’t been released publicly and legislative leaders say they’re still hammering out issues.

Quinn says he’s been in communication with legislative leaders and lawmakers. He says even though details aren’t public that lawmakers should be familiar with the issue already because it’s the state’s most pressing financial issue.

Quinn told reporters Tuesday that it’s time to break the gridlock.