On Monday, Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) spoke to the City Club of Chicago about the challenge that Illinois faces in solving its pension crisis. His address began with a crash course on how the state budget operates before outlining how recently introduced measures will not only reform the state’s pension systems but also could conform to the Illinois Constitution’s pension code.

Read more: Senate President talks budget, pensions

Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton released the following statement regarding final action on SB 957:

“I congratulate the communities, organizations and the legislators that joined this strong coalition for highway safety.  I want to thank Governor Quinn as he prepares to sign this bill to make our roads safer by ensuring that all drivers are trained, tested and insured,” said President Cullerton, the chief Senate sponsor of the bill.

“This initiative gives more than 250,000 newly eligible motorists the opportunity to go to work and take their children to school while driving on safer roads and highways. This bipartisan success demonstrates that we can work together for the good of the people of Illinois.”

State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) recently addressed the Joliet Chamber of Commerce during that group's January member luncheon. During the luncheon at Joliet's historic Patrick Haley Mansion, McGuire discussed three areas of concern for residents of the 43rd Senate District: the closure of Illinois Youth Center Joliet, new gaming legislation and funding for the Illiana Expressway.

(video courtesy of the Joliet Chamber of Commerce)

  SPRINGFIELD – Today Illinois State Senator John J. Cullerton was elected to a third term as President of the Illinois Senate. In his inaugural address, Cullerton stressed to members that reforming the state’s financially troubled pension system is the top policy priority.

Cullerton also filed Senate Bill 1, a comprehensive reform plan that combines both the Illinois House and Senate models for overhauling the pension finances. In his speech, Cullerton urged quick and bipartisan action.

“This issue has lingered for generations and threatens to doom future generations if something isn’t done. We are on the verge of our state budget turning into a financial plan that funds pension benefits rather than essential services.”

Read more: Cullerton Elected President of the Illinois Senate (VIDEO)

Following the approval of Senate Bill 957 (65-46) in the Illinois House of Representatives today, Senate President, John J. Cullerton, made the following statement:

"I would like to congratulate and thank the members of the House of Representatives for passing SB 957, which will now head to the Governor's desk to be signed into law. Communities, senators and representatives have supported this legislation with the goal of making roads in Illinois safer. Today, this goal was accomplished with bipartisan support," said President Cullerton.

"Felicito y agradezco a los legisladores de la Cámara de Representantes por aprobar de
iniciativa SB 957, que ahora irá al escritorio del Gobernador para ser firmada y convertirse en ley. Las comunidades, los senadores y representantes hemos impulsado esta medida con el fin de hacer más seguras las carreteras de Illinois. Hoy ese fin se alcanzó con un marcado apoyo bipartidista", dijo el Presidente del Senado, John J. Cullerton.