Key Legislative Happenings on Final Day of Spring Session

>>State Reps Urge Quinn To Keep Murray Open

(Springfield, IL)  --  State representatives are again asking Governor Pat Quinn to keep the Murray Developmental Center open.  Representative Charles Meier says closing the facility in south-central Illinois can't be rushed.  He says if the center does have to be shut down, there needs to be a real plan in place.  Governor Quinn started transferring residents with various developmental disabilities into community care settings last year, ahead of a plan to shut the center down.  It's part of Quinn's push to save money and rebalance the state's budget.

>>Lawmakers Adjourn Without Taking Action On Pensions

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Pat Quinn is accusing the top state lawmakers of playing games with the economy and future of Illinois.  The state's lawmakers on Friday night adjourned the legislative session without taking action to address the state government's worker retirement system.  The state's pension system is now almost 100-billion dollars in debt.  The pension dilemma is affecting state budget resources for schools, health care and other key services.
 
>>Gay Marriage Bill Stalls

(Springfield, IL)  --  The state's bill to legalize gay marriage will have to wait until the next legislative session begins in the fall.  The state Senate had passed the measure by a wide margin, but House lawmakers couldn't manage to get enough votes for it before the legislature adjourned Friday.  Governor Quinn vowed the fight will continue until marriage equality is the law in Illinois.