Madigan, Quinn Finally Connect on Pensions

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says he finally got in touch with House Speaker Michael Madigan. The governor said he’s called a meeting to address pension reform.

After last week’s disappointing end to the legislative session, Quinn tried to meet with legislative leaders to address what he calls the top issue facing the state - pension reform.

But Quinn said Speaker Michael Madigan doesn’t have a cell phone and couldn’t be reached.

On Friday, Quinn said he had a “pleasant” conversation with Madigan earlier that day and there will be a meeting on Monday.

“I’m telling our legislators, ‘Stop meandering. Forge an agreement that I can sign into law so we can resolve this problem,’” Quinn told reporters Friday at an unrelated news conference announcing an honorary street name for Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick.

Quinn has called lawmakers back to Springfield for a one-day special session on June 19th. But it’s not yet clear how negotiations over pension reform will have changed by that time or what legislators will be voting on.