WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

The Illinois House of Representatives took a major vote Thursday afternoon on pension reform.

An Illinois House committee approved a measure Wednesday that would change how the state pays for its severely underfunded pension systems. But the bill could face a harder vote in the state Senate.

Legislative leaders and governor Quinn were not able to come up with a compromised deal to address the state’s $95 billion unfunded pension obligations.

The top Republican in the Illinois State House of Representatives is accusing Democrats of using harsh lies in their campaign literature.

In a crowded college dining hall brightened by white linen tablecloths, a Chamber of Commerce official delivered remarks into a bouquet of microphones on the lectern before him.But the microphones, from Chicago television and radio stations, were turned off.

Pension costs that are draining Illinois’ budget could be shared by local school districts.The idea seems to be gaining steam among top Democrats, including Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who gave a rare, hour-long speech at Elmhurst College Tuesday morning to talk about the challenges faci

Illinois lawmakers will be returning to the state Capitol for another try at passing tax relief for businesses, including some big corporations threatening to leave the state.Speaker Michael Madigan announced the House will hold a special session on Monday in another effort to move the bill forward.