Illinois legislature

Illinois lawmakers approved cuts to state employee pensions Tuesday. The move comes after years of stalemate over how to address the worst-funded pension plans of any state.

Democratic Governor Pat Quinn immediately declared victory and says he'll sign it into law, while labor unions promise a court challenge. 

The committee in charge of finding a pension solution for Illinois is scheduled to meet again Monday. The 10-member committee formed last month out of a special session on pensions. But will the threat of another deadline force them strike a deal?

Environmentalists and business groups have reached an agreement that paves the way for "fracking" in Illinois. 

Members of Illinois' 98th General Assembly were sworn in today in Springfield. There are a number of new faces -- but the four at the top remain the same. 

Lobbying efforts are intensifying with a vote on legalizing same sex marriage looming next month at the Illinois Capitol. The rhetoric is coming from both sides of the issue.

Illinois smokers could soon see a huge increase in the cost of a pack of cigarettes. The Illinois House today approved a plan to more than double the tax on cigarettes, to $1.98 a pack. Other tobacco products would see a similar increase.

• O’Hare cargo deal to create thousands of jobs
• Will legislature adjourn on time?
• Student loan rate hike hits Illinois hard
• Police mark one year in search for boy
• Ponzi schemer must repay and do time

Three bills stand out among those receiving attention Wednesday in the Illinois Legislature.  One has to do with health-insurance costs for state retirees.  Another is in response to the comptroller scandal in Dixon.  The third seeks to end the scandal-plagued legislative scholarship program. 

Budget issues are expected to top the agenda as Illinois lawmakers get ready for the spring session.