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Updated with comments from Quinn, statement from GOP leaders

Illinois state lawmakers now know when they'll have to return to Springfield to wrestle with the state's financially-strapped pension system.

Gov. Pat Quinn today announced an Aug. 17 legislative session for lawmakers to push forward with "full-scale reform." House members were already scheduled to meet that to vote on whether to expel indicted Democratic Rep. Derrick Smith.

Illinois lawmakers are losing a century-old political perk - the ability to award college scholarships.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Wednesday to end the practice after one last round of awards this summer.

The awards are actually tuition waivers, meaning universities wind up educating the students and not getting any payment.

Over the years, legislators have given waivers to the children of friends, campaign donors and political allies.