SPRINGFIELD, IL - Governor Pat Quinn's budget director says the gridlock on an Illinois pension overhaul is "baffling" but the looming special session could still produce results.
 
Jerry Stermer said he expected more Republicans to back efforts to cut government pension costs. He rejects their argument that the current pension proposal would increase property taxes by sticking schools with new pension costs.
 
The governor has ordered a special legislative session on Friday, but there's little chance of action. Democrats insist on shifting some pension costs to schools, and Republicans remain adamantly opposed.
 
Stermer says Quinn will meet with top lawmakers and again urge them to compromise. But he rejects a compromise that would drop the cost-shift.