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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Ill. State Employees, Retirees Need More Time In Pension Overhaul Argument

Office of the Illinois Attorney General

Unions and others fighting to prevent Illinois' pension law from taking effect are asking the state Supreme Court to ease up on its accelerated timeline. 

A Sangamon County judge ruled the measure unconstitutional. But Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed paperwork earlier this month that says the state can use "police powers" to cut pensions.

Ten other groups filed briefs backing Madigan’s position. 

John Fitzgerald is an attorney who represents retired public school teachers. He says lawyers need more time to respond to all of those additional arguments.

Fitzgerald says his side is still confident reducing benefits is illegal.

"Although we believe that the arguments raised by the amici need to be evaluated and responded to, we do not believe that any of those arguments have any merit; we do not believe that the amici have raised any arguments that should change the outcome of this case."

Lawyers representing current and retired state workers, teachers and university employees are supposed to have their briefs to the court by Feb. 16. They're asking to extend that deadline by a month.

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
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