SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Sen. Mark Kirk has released a video calling for "decisive bipartisan action" to prevent further reductions in Illinois' credit ratings.

The Republican senator does not spell out what action he thinks is necessary. State officials are deadlocked over how to lower pension costs, which are a major factor in the state's declining credit ratings.

As a federal official, Kirk has no formal role in fixing the state's financial problems. But in the video released Tuesday, he says the problems affect everyone in Illinois.