* Here is House Speaker Michael Madigan’s full react to Gov. Pat Quinn’s line-item veto of legislative salaries and benefits…

“I have been working for many months to pass real, comprehensive pension reform.  During the first Democratic Caucus of this General Assembly, I admonished our members that doing nothing or passing only a half measure on pension reform was not an option.  This issue must be solved in order to put Illinois on a more secure financial path. 

“I, along with Representative Nekritz, Leader Cross and the members who supported House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1, have been the only lawmakers willing to take a difficult vote that would lead to solvency in our pension systems.  The Governor’s decision follows my efforts and I understand his frustration.

“I am hopeful his strategy works.”

Translation: Unless something drastic happens, there ain’t gonna be an override vote until pension reform passes.

This is a House Bill, sponsored by Madigan himself, so he alone controls what happens next.

* Senate President John Cullerton’s full react…

Lawmakers have worked hard this session. That work included passing a balanced budget, paying off hundreds of millions of dollars in old bills, cutting their own pay and numerous, serious bipartisan efforts to enact comprehensive pension reform.

The governor’s actions today are as unproductive as yesterday’s arbitrary deadline. Responsible leaders know that unworkable demands will only delay progress.

Our efforts on pensions will continue until we’ve reached our goal. In the meantime, the work of the pensions conference committee shouldn’t be undermined or deterred by today’s or future political grandstanding.

Cullerton can complain all he wants. The sponsor in the originating chamber controls the override motion’s fate. If MJM is with Quinn, then there won’t be an override.

…Adding… Commenter 47th Ward is again spot on…

Madigan must believe Quinn’s “strategy” will soften up the Senate more than causing a ruckus in the House. The pension debate is still Cullerton v. Madigan, and neither is yet willing to blink.