Illinois lawmakers may cap wage increase for state workers
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CHICAGO (Associated Press) -
Illinois lawmakers are considering a measure to cap any wage increases for state employees in contracts negotiations between their unions and the governor's office.
State Rep. John Bradley is sponsoring the measure and said Thursday the state has already made too many financial promises it can't keep.
Gov. Pat Quinn's administration has been unable to reach an agreement to replace a contract with the state's largest employees union that expired in June.
Union representatives told the House Revenue and Finance Committee Thursday that the proposal would restrict their right to negotiate a contract. They argued state employees shouldn't take a hit for budget problems that politicians created.
Financial experts also briefed the committee on the state's severely underfunded pension system liability and backlog of billions of dollars of unpaid bills.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
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A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
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Democratic leaders in the Illinois Legislature said Friday that they would try again to pass a pension-reform plan backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, rejecting Quinn's request for committee.
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