By The Associated Press

AURORA - Illinois residents and lawmakers will discuss pension reform proposals during a town hall event later this week in suburban Chicago.

The (Aurora) Beacon-News reports that Northern Illinois Jobs with Justice and state Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia will host a forum Wednesday at East Aurora High School to discuss solutions.

The forum is called ``Funding Strong Schools and Fair Pensions.'' It starts at 6:30 p.m.

State Rep. Elaine Nekritz of Northbrook is also expected to attend the event.

Illinois lawmakers reconvene in Springfield this week and addressing the state's nearly $100 billion shortfall is among their priorities. They may also consider legalizing gay marriage and driver's licenses for illegal immigrants.

The state Senate meets Wednesday and the House is expected to meet the Sunday after.