The newest leader in state government says he doubts pension reform will become reality during the upcoming fall veto session. Republican House Minority Leader Jim Durkin says it's not right to vote for something that's close to ideal just because there is fatigue surrounding the issue.
"The issue needs to be done, but we need to do it right," Durkin said. "But I am not going to just wave the white flag out of expediency because people have been worn down or they're tired of the issue and want to get it off their plates."
Durkin, who took over for Tom Cross as minority leader last week, says he favors having a set figure for retirement cost of living increases rather than a compounding COLA which negotiators seem to be embracing. Durkin says controlling costs is the most important factor of pension reform.
Durkin also talks about same sex marriage and his relationship with House Speaker Michael Madigan in this interview with Illinois Public Radio's Willis Kern:
