GOP leaders: No Progress in Illinois Pension Talks

Top Republicans say there's been no progress on an Illinois pension overhaul in talks with the governor and Democratic legislative leaders.

The officials say the two parties remain firmly divided on how to reduce the state's fast-growing pension costs.

House Minority Leader Tom Cross and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno oppose any plan to shift pension costs to schools. Democrats intend that must be part of any overhaul.

The two Republicans on Friday said that since a full-scale pension plan is stalled, Democrats want to vote on one that covers state employees and university staff but leaves out teachers. The GOP leaders reject that approach.

Lawmakers are in Springfield for a special session on pensions that was ordered by Gov. Pat Quinn.