Area legislators take issue with putting off pension payments

East Central Illinois Republicans were uniformly critical of Gov. Pat Quinn's tax and budget plan Wednesday, particularly proposals to increase the income tax and suspend about $3 billion in payments, this year and next, to the state's retirement funds.

But Democratic state Sen. Mike Frerichs, D-Champaign, said Quinn "has been handed a very difficult situation" and "understands that it's his job to put all this out as a starting point."

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• Governor's budget proposal has funds for UI's priorities
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• Group's rallies press for action on health care reform
• Parkland College trustees updated on gym remodeling
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• Obituaries

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