Lawmakers could finally move forward with a plan to address Illinois' worst-in-the-nation pension problem.

A proposal that requires employees to pay more and freezes cost-of-living increases for retirees is set to be heard Monday in a House committee.

1 of the bill's sponsors, Rep. Elaine Nekritz, says she's optimistic it will move out of committee.

The proposal has the support of Gov. Pat Quinn and House Minority Leader Tom Cross.

Quinn had set a deadline for pension legislation by Wednesday, when new lawmakers are sworn in.

The proposal follows a weekend meeting of legislative leaders in Chicago. They emerged without a deal but agreed to set aside a key sticking point, making suburban and downstate schools pick up their own pension costs.