Statement by Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich on Senate approval of pension financing plan

Today's vote is a big win for the people of Illinois. In a time when we are faced with the largest deficit in the state's history, this is a major step toward solving our fiscal crisis and moving this state forward.

I want to thank the Democratic leaders in the General Assembly - Senate President Emil Jones and Speaker Michael Madigan - and House Minority Leader Tom Cross and our spirited colleagues across the aisle for their support in passing our pension bond financing plan. The willingness of Rep. Cross and Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson to allow their members to vote their conscience bodes well for the bipartisan cooperation we must have this spring to solve the budget crisis.

Throughout the process, it is has been my goal to balance the budget and protect our investments in education, health care and public safety, without raising the income or sales tax. Today's vote will help us get there.