Ill. Governor Suspends Lawmakers' Pay over Public Pension Crisis

A never-ending nightmare there

Gov. Pat Quinn said today he is suspending state lawmakers' pay until they come up with a comprehensive solution to the state's public pension mess, a dramatic gesture that is likely to increase tension with the General Assembly and the fellow Democrats who lead it.

"It's important our budget reflect what the people want," Quinn said at a news conference in Chicago, announcing he would use his line-item veto power to alter the state budget.

The move comes a day after the Democratic-controlled legislature overrode Quinn's rewrite of a concealed carry gun bill amid criticism that he wouldn't engage in meaningful negotiations over the controversial measure.