Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford was critical of party leaders who predict there won't be a vote on state pension reforms until 2013. (Photo WJBC Archives)

By Beth Whisman

BLOOMINGTON - Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford said Friday he's disappointed to hear that party leaders think public pension reform won't happen before the new year.

Gov. Quinn said Friday he believes a pension overhaul can be passed by the end of the legislative session in January. His comments come a day after Senate President John Cullerton told the Chicago Tribune he doesn't think a pension overhaul can pass this year. And, House Speaker Michael Madigan has hinted at the same timetable.

Officials want to reduce retirement benefits for public employees to limit what state government pays each year. They're also divided over what costs school districts should cover.

Rutherford said reform is "the right thing to do" for all parties involved. He challenged lawmakers to face their critics and make the "tough decisions" despite political pressure and protests.

"If we don't have a viable sustainable program for state pensions, they will not be there for them in the f uture," he warned.

Beth Whisman can be reached at whisman@wjbc.com.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.