Ill. Supreme Court Sets Schedule For Pension Case

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.