Lawmakers, Quinn, Plan Pension Talks Into July

Gov. Pat Quinn and lawmakers are working on a new plan to solve the state's $97 billion pension crisis that involves forming a bipartisan committee and reconvening the Legislature again in July.

Lawmakers will meet in Springfield Wednesday for a special session called by Quinn to deal with pensions. But Quinn's spokeswoman told The Associated Press Tuesday that the governor will call an additional session in "early July'' for lawmakers to keep working on the problem.

The House and Senate are split over rival plans on how to solve the crisis.

Quinn's proposal for a committee to overcome the stalemate was initially rejected by House Speaker Michael Madigan. But his spokesman said Tuesday that he has warmed to the idea.

Lawmakers are scheduled to consider pension legislation at hearings Tuesday.