"Some folks think the court might split the baby somehow perhaps, for instance, adopting Gov. Bruce Rauner's idea that the only guaranteed benefits are those earned up to today, with any benefits from work from tomorrow on negotiable.... [But] much and maybe most of the $111 billion in unfunded liability is for past service, so such a ruling would be of little help. Others believe the court might send the matter back to the trial court for further consideration. But years of additional litigation aren't what's needed in a state that has to get on with revamping its budget and spending."  MORE >>