Gov. Pat Quinn is calling on state lawmakers to address pension reform before the new legislative session begins. (Photo courtesy flickr)

By The Associated Press

BERWYN - Gov. Pat Quinn says lawmakers should have plenty of time to deal with pension reform and other major issues during a shortened lame duck session. 

Legislators are scheduled to return to Springfield next week. Quinn has said he wants them to approve a fix for the state's estimated $95 billion pension crisis before new lawmakers are sworn in Jan. 9. Other issues that could be on the agenda are a gambling expansion, allowing gay marriage and a bill to let illegal immigrants have driver's licenses.

Legislative leaders in the House and Senate have canceled some of the days lawmakers had been scheduled to meet.

Speaking at an unrelated event yesterday, Quinn said he talked with the leaders Monday and believes there will still be ``ample time'' to get things done. 

Quinn salutes military at annual Christmas dinner

Gov. Pat Quinn says the men and women who volunteer to serve in the military deserve the nation's gratitude on Christmas Day and every day.

Quinn had Christmas lunch in Berwyn yesterday with service members from the Great Lakes Naval Academy.

Many of the recruits were spending their first Christmas away from their families.
Quinn called them ``the best of the best.'' He says it was inspiring to see hundreds of young people who've volunteered to serve their country.

It was the seventh year that community groups in Berwyn have organized the event. Quinn has attended every year except in 2011, when it conflicted with his annual trip to visit injured service members at a military hospital in Germany.