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CHICAGO (AP) - Gov. Pat Quinn says the state budget he'll present this week will be "hard and difficult" because of Illinois' massive pension debt.

The Democrat told reporters Monday he has to lay out the facts for the lawmakers to see the strain Illinois' nearly $100 billion in unfunded liability is going to affect other areas. He says that includes education.

Quinn gives his budget address Wednesday.

His administration has already projected a cut of about $400 million to education. Quinn says the agreement reached with the state's largest union last week is a good step forward.

After 15 months at the bargaining table, Quinn's administration and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees reached an agreement where workers will pay more of their health costs.

Absentee voting has closed in advance of tomorrow's St. Louis primary.

There are more than a dozen offices on the ballot, but the biggest contest is for Mayor. Mayor Slay is seeking his fourth term and is challenged by Lewis Reed, president of the Board of Aldermen.

The general election is April 2.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri Constitution already enshrines the right to bear arms, but a state senator wants to expand that protection.

The Senate General Laws Committee scheduled a vote Monday on the proposal by Republican Sen. Kurt Schaefer, of Columbia.

The proposed constitutional amendment would define the right to bear arms as "inalienable" and require the state to defend against any "infringement" of that right.

Schaefer filed his measure shortly after President Barack Obama outlined his plans for stricter federal gun control laws.

If passed by both the House and Senate, the constitutional amendment would need to be approved by Missouri voters.