Gov. Quinn Rejects Pension Panel’s Invite

Gov. Pat Quinn says he won't testify before a bipartisan pension panel Monday in Springfield.

The Chicago Democrat told reporters Sunday that staff from his budget office would attend.

The committee tasked with finding a solution to the nearly $100 billion problem had invited Quinn to testify.

The group was formed last month since lawmakers remained at odds over two reform plans. The committee held two public hearings in Chicago.

Committee chairman state Sen. Kwame Raoul sent Quinn a letter dated Friday and obtained Sunday by The Associated Press. In it, Raoul says the committee has been working well together and members appreciate details they've received from Quinn's budget office.

Quinn gave the panel a Tuesday deadline to come up with a fix. Committee members say that's arbitrary and irresponsible.