Cook County president lobbies for pension fix

SPRINGFIELD - Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has visited the state Capitol in Springfield to lobby for pension reform.

The Chicago Democrat attended meetings Thursday with House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton. She also planned to meet with Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno and House GOP Leader Jim Durkin.

The legislation still must be filed. It would reduce cost-of-living increases, raise the retirement age and require government workers to pay more.

It also calls for the county to put $144 million a year into the pension fund.

Preckwinkle says it's possible for the county to pay for the plan with budget cuts as opposed to a property tax increase.

Madigan told reporters he plans to support the bill, which he says has "good chance" of passage.