A controversial cost-shift proposal to help fix the pension system is off the table. It would've required school districts to pitch in more to cover the cost of teacher pensions. It's been one of the biggest hang-ups in pension reform negotiations. Downstate lawmakers don't like the idea because they say it would force the districts to raise property taxes. The House could act on a bill the Senate passed back in May, which makes changes to the State Employee Retirement System and the General Assembly Retirement System. Gov. Quinn says he'll meet with legislative leaders over the weekend to try to hash out the details.
(posted 1/4/13 by Metro/Ted Maguire)