Illinois attorney general to ask high court to consider pensions
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says the state has a "very strong argument" in favor of its public pension overhaul when the case is appealed to the Supreme Court.
A Sangamon County circuit judge struck down the law as unconstitutional on Friday. Madigan told reporters in Chicago on Monday that she plans an "immediate" appeal and a request that the court quickly take up the case. The law was written to reduce pension benefits to close a $100 billion state pension debt.
State employees successfully argued in local court that the state Constitution prohibits benefit reductions.
The state says it has the power to take extraordinary steps during crises.
Madigan says if the high court agrees to an expedited hearing, a ruling could come by January.