Ill. House rejects pension cuts for lawmakers only

Tools

Associated Press

Story Created: Fri Aug 17, 2012 5:41 PM

Story Updated: Fri Aug 17, 2012 5:41 PM

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A measure to cut Illinois legislative pensions has fizzled out.

The Illinois House approved an amendment that would have reduced benefits for current lawmakers and ended pensions for future lawmakers. But the amendment got only 54 votes -- not enough to pass a bill -- so the sponsor didn't bother trying to get the full bill approved.
This means Friday's special session on pensions didn't produce anything.
When it became clear no major action was possible, Democrats proposed cutting legislative pensions. They said it would show they're willing to share the pain they're asking of other public employees.
But Republicans blasted it as a stunt to provide political cover for a failed session.
 
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)