Illinois high court allows speedy pension appeal

Posted on December 10, 2014

Illinois' Supreme Court will be a quick decision on the constitutionality of the state's pension reform law. (WJBC file photo)

By The Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Supreme Court is allowing a speedy review of a state pension overhaul that a lower court has declared unconstitutional.
 
The court issued an order Wednesday granting the government's request for an expedited appeal.
 
The court says the government must file its initial argument by Jan. 12. The other side – a group of state employees, retired teachers and others – must respond by Feb. 27.
 
The case involves the pension fix lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn adopted last year. The law cut retirement benefits and made other changes to help fill a $111 billion deficit in five state pensions systems caused by years of state underfunding.
 
A Sangamon County judge struck it down.
 
Attorney General Lisa Madigan appealed and sought a speedy hearing because of the financial implications.

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