SPRINGFIELD – Education programs face a $400 million cut in next year’s state budget because of increased pension costs, according to preliminary figures released by Gov. Pat Quinn’s office.

The new report also shows an expected $265 million reduction under the heading of “government services,” which includes budgets for the General Assembly, courts, statewide officials and agencies under Quinn.

“It would be a bit premature to say if there’s going to be any reduction in workforce. Who knows what tomorrow may bring?” said Quinn assistant budget director Abdon Pallasch. “There are no plans, there’s no notices going out. It’s just here’s how bad things are looking. If we pass pension reform tomorrow, that helps start us back on the right path.”