GOP Gubernatorial Candidates Split On Pension Deal, Legislators Could Take Action This Week

The four GOP candidates trying to beat Governor Quinn next fall are split about a proposed pension deal. Wealth equity investor Bruce Rauner says he opposes the agreement reached by leading lawmakers last week. State Senator Bill Brady has given some positive feedback, while State Senator Kirk Dillard tell the "Chicago Tribune" that he wants to see the final language.

Treasurer Dan Rutherford didn't comment on the potential pension deal that lawmakers will tackle in a special session this week.

Meanwhile, state legislators could take action on a pension reform deal this week. The deal reached by legislative leaders aims to overhaul Illinois' severely under-funded public pension system.

The proposal calls for the retirement age to gradually increase and the state may cap how much of their employees' earnings can be used to calculate pension benefits. While lawmakers agree that there needs to be a solution to the pension crisis, many are skeptical that this agreement will get through the Legislature, which meets tomorrow.