SPRINGFIELD – A scaled-back overhaul addressing Illinois’ worst-in-the-nation pension problem is ready for its first test, key House lawmakers said Sunday as they entered the final stretch of the lame-duck session.

The amended measure – which would mean employees chip in more and would freeze cost-of-living increases for retirees, among other provisions – was scheduled to get a committee hearing today, said Rep. Elaine Nekritz, a Northbrook Democrat who has been at the heart of pension talks.

“We think the bill will get out of committee,” she told reporters Sunday. “It’s been my goal throughout this entire process to not to place blame, whether it’s blame as to how we got here, blame as to why this isn’t getting done.”