Politics

Illinois Republicans are crying foul over the governor's appointment of a state health official.

They say it's a political deal meant to pave the way for a Democratic congressional candidate next year.
 
Dr. David Gill of Bloomington was appointed the assistant director of the Illinois Department of Public Health on May 3rd.

The Illinois Senate approved an overhaul of the state's pension systems Thursday. It comes one week after the Illinois House approved a more severe set of benefit cuts.

Senate President John Cullerton negotiated this latest proposal with several labor unions. Cullerton acknowledges his plan would save less money than the House proposal. But he says it's about as far as lawmakers can go without violating the Illinois Constitution, which says government pension benefits "shall not be diminished."

IL Governor Pat Quinn says House Speaker Michael Madigan's pension-reform plan deserves a Senate vote.