SPRINGFIELD – If highly touted but abruptly halted lame-duck action in the Illinois Senate last week was any indication, the House’s return Sunday would likely continue a roller coaster of escalating hopes, discouraging dips and resurgent optimism.

Though the need to fix a $96 billion pension deficit is at the forefront of most taxpayers’ minds, the Senate gambled with public opinion last week, taking on the prominent but risky issues of gay marriage and gun control.

They lost. Supporters of gay marriage, especially, thought they’d have a bill to move to the House, but the fanfare fizzled when the legislation didn’t advance as hoped.