* This proposed compromise was rejected by business groups and the Tribune and Sun-
Times editorial boards several weeks ago, but it is not a bad idea at all and should be revisited…

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is asking lawmakers to approve both rival plans on how to solve the state’s nearly $100 billion pension crisis. But it’s unclear if legislative leaders will agree. […]

Quinn proposes that lawmakers vote on a bill that combines the two proposals at a June 19 special session. Madigan’s plan would be the primary plan and Cullerton’s would serve as a “back-up” in case Madigan’s is rejected by the courts.

Madigan expressed concerns Monday that the Quinn proposal would be too complicated.

It wouldn’t be too complicated, Madigan just doesn’t want to compromise yet.

*** UPDATE *** Tribune…

“This is like a lot of things in the legislature,” Madigan said. “You can make it complicated if you wish, or you can keep it simple. Let me say it again: The best pension bill that passed so far, and the one that does the most cost savings is the House bill, and that’s in the Senate. And the governor ought to work to get that passed.” […]

Senate President John Cullerton said Quinn has asked him to re-introduce legislation that would combine two differing approaches, the idea being if one portion of the legislation is thrown out by the court the rest of the measure would stand.

One portion of the proposal would push back retirement dates, ask employees to pay more for benefits and scale back annual cost of living increases. The other portion would allow workers and retirees to keep their health care and receive reduced benfits, or keep their current pension plan but give up health care. The measure would not go into effect for another year, meaning it would only need a simple majority to pass instead of three-fifths support.

Cullerton said it was unclear if his new proposal would have the votes needed to pass the Senate. Even if it did, Madigan made no promise to call the measure before the House.

Cullerton acknowledged there was not an agreed way forward, but said “we’re going to proceed anyway.”

* Related…

* Quinn blames legislature for unresolved pension crisis

* Little urgency, a lot of politicking in Illinois over deepening pension crisis

* Finke: Don’t count on special session being so special

* Rosenthal: Nothing special about upcoming legislative session

* Hinz: If only the state’s pension fight were just about money

* Carrigan: Pension bill was rightly rejected

* Despite windfall, Illinois still to lag on bills

* Editorial: Lawmakers still living a fiscal fantasy

* Chicago Democrats control government, downstate still big contender

* Fracking companies focus on southern Illinois sites

* Quinn has a full desk of legislative decisions