Quotes from Aug. 17 special session to reform state pensions

While they only managed to pass an amendment, the House provided some memorable quotes.

Despite all the hype and political theatre, Gov. Quinn’s special session to “”reform”” pensions ended with a thud. The House adjourned without a pension vote and barely managed to pass SB 3168, an amendment to end legislative pensions.

AFSCME provided some early entertainment shouting: “”Fired up.”” “”Ready to go.””

Not to be outdone, House members began to get fired up over the lack of real reform.

Special session greatest hits:

Rep. Biss, “”We all look like idiots.”” “”…a traveling freak show.””

Rep. Harris, “”This bill is worse than nothing.””

Rep. Bost, “”When will we stop playing these political games?””

Rep. Kay, “”This bill shows a failure of leadership…Is this all there is?””

Rep. Senger, “”This is a farce. It’s a disservice to the people of Illinois.””

Rep. Reboletti, “”I want to invite Gov. Quinn to explain how this will help solve the pension problem in the state of Illinois.””

Rep. Franks, “”We wish we only owed $83 billion.””

Rep. Currie, “”There are only two options. Fake pension reform or no pension reform.””

Rep. Morrison, “”The state pension plan is a ponzi scheme.””

A footnote to the day was the removal of Rep. Derrick Smith (D-Chicago).

Meanwhile, Illinois taxpayers are left facing a mountain of pension debt that’s growing by the minute with no end in site.