SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Pat Quinn is calling a special session of the General Assembly for Aug. 17 to deal with pension reform.

Quinn issued the call Monday, saying he wants the General Assembly to convene “for the purpose of considering any legislation, new or pending, which addresses pension reform.”

But Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said Quinn should withdraw the special session proclamation to save the state money. Instead, Cullerton said, he will call the Senate back into regular session on Aug. 17 to take up pensions.