Effort To Save Public Pensions Falters in Illinois Legislature

So disaster still looms

The future of a potential solution to Illinois' mounting pension problem was hazy Tuesday, as House lawmakers entered the final full day of a lame-duck session not knowing whether the plan that seeks more worker contributions even had enough support to be called for a vote.

The plan _ which also pushes back when retirees can collect cost-of-living increases and requires the state to fully meet its pension funding obligations _ was approved out of a House committee a day earlier. It has the backing of Gov. Pat Quinn, House Minority Leader Tom Cross and some business leaders.

But it's uncertain whether the plan will advance further before the session ends Wednesday.