Cinda Klickna, with the Illinois Education Association, says teachers, firefighters, and other public employees are willing to share the cost of shoring up the pension systems.

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Klickna says it's time lawmakers get serious, tackle the pension problem, and face the facts.

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Sean Smoot, with the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association, says police will up their pension contributions but they think raising the retirement age is a bad idea.

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Union workers say that state could generate about two billion dollars a year in additional money if they close tax loopholes for corporations and implement new taxes on vehicle trade in and satellite TV. The unions say their increased payout is contingent on the state guaranteeing payments into the pension system each year. Lawmakers introduced a pension proposal last month which includes cost of living adjustments, a cost shift for down state and suburban schools, and an increased retirement age. Union members say the plan won't stand up in court.