Illinois Senate President John Cullerton wants to push forward with a pension overhaul ``as quickly as possible'' and says the timing is good to move forward with legalizing gay marriage. In a public presentation, the Chicago Democrat stressed the need for addressing Illinois' worst-in-the-nation pension problem, which he says drains the state budget. Cullerton introduced a bill after lawmakers were sworn in this month. Senate Bill 1 combines a Senate-approved measure along with a bill that failed to get a House roll-call. He says he's working to get support. The Senate reconvenes next week. Cullerton says Standard & Poor's recent credit rating downgrade should motivate lawmakers to act.
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