Illinois takes an important step on public employee pension reform, cutting benefits for future employees (but not current ones). This was a bipartisan effort for once, although Republicans say they want to go further and reduce benefits for current employees as well, as that is what is killing the state budget ($11 billion in the red). Of course, unions are very unhappy, and are threatening action against Democrats for their support for this measure. Democratic Governor Pat Quinn is also pushing a tax increase in the state income tax, from 3% to 4%. Don't look for the Republicans to sign on to that one though.