It has been 500 days since Quinn said he was "put on earth" to fix Illinois' pensions

On April 20, 2012, Illinois' hapless governor, Chicago Democrat Pat Quinn, launched this verbal dud about the state's pension system, which is underfunded by at least $100 billion:

I didn't create the problem, but I'm here to solve it. I know that I was put on earth to get this done.

That was 500 days ago.

Not much has happened since the 400-day millstone passed. The General Assembly ended its spring session without agreeing on a pension reform bill. Quinn called a special legislative session in June--which led to a bipartisan committee being formed to ascertain a pension cure. They have yet to do so--largely because of fierce opposition of the public-sector unions--who of course have the Democratic legislators in their pocket.

But in July Quinn suspended the pay of the members of the General Assembly--which is probably unconstitutional--until they passed a pension bill. Oh, Rod Blagojevich's old running mate suspended his own pay too, but Quinn maintains the trappings of his office--including the ability to travel gratis all over the state. Compared to President Obama, he still moves around like a peasant, but Quinn still enjoys a comfortable gig. Except for speaking at Chicago Blackhawk rallies.

There is a bit of good news for taxpayers. Quinn is finally getting paid what he's worth.

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