CHICAGO – Faced with an employee pension crisis that could become his biggest challenge, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Thursday he is putting his full force behind getting lawmakers in Springfield to achieve an overhaul of the state’s pension systems.

The mayor expressed frustration with legislative leaders and the gridlock in the state Capitol that has stalled negotiations over reforms. He said he expects lawmakers to take up the issue in January, after the November elections.

“They need to get in gear, pick up the game,” Emanuel said. “I’ve told the speaker [of the House], I’ve told the Senate president, I’ve told the minority leaders and the governor, I’ll spend as much or as little [political] capital as you think it takes.”