Illinois AG Files Notice of Appeal in Pension Case

Attorney General Lisa Madigan has filed official notice that the state will appeal a ruling that Illinois' landmark pension overhaul is unconstitutional.

Madigan filed the notice with the Illinois Supreme Court Wednesday.

Illinois has the nation's worst-funded state pension systems, with an unfunded liability of about $100 billion.

Lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn approved an overhaul last year that reduces benefits for retirees. Labor unions and retirees sued, arguing the Illinois Constitution states that retirement benefits cannot be reduced. The state argued pensions can be modified in times of crisis.

A Sangamon County circuit judge last week struck down the law as unconstitutional.

Madigan has said she'll ask the Illinois Supreme Court to rule as quickly as possible because of the significant impact the decision will have on Illinois' finances.