Despite the announcement by Exelon Thursday morning they would begin the process to retire their Clinton and Quad Cities facilities early, local lawmakers are not giving up the fight to keep the plants open.

State Representative Bill Mitchell and State Senator Chapin Rose were on the Clinton Square Thursday afternoon, joined by local leaders, to discuss the future of the legislation that is in Springfield. Sen. Rose says the overtime session is giving them continued opportunity to get something passed.

Rep. Mitchell echoed the Senators thoughts in that the legislature continues to work on the bill. He explains many lawmakers are working hard to keep the two plants in Clinton and the Quad Cities open.

Rep. Mitchell indicates the legislature can move major pieces of legislation in a short period of time and the legislature continues to be motivated.

Sen. Rose called his mood at the press conference 'incredulous'. He says people were screaming almost ten years ago when rates increased for electricity but the legislature didn't act quickly enough.

Sen. Rose points out consumers across the state are in for a rate increase, no matter the scenario. He explains lawmakers are working to keep Illinois families from being left "high and dry".