The state Senate approved legislation that would require retired state workers to pick up more of the costs of their health insurance.

The measure, which passed the House one day earlier, went to the governor on a 31-20 vote, with one lawmaker voting present.

Sen. Jeff Schoenberg, D-Evanston, said the escalating costs of retiree insurance could hit $1 billion in the budget year that starts July 1 if nothing is done to rein in costs.

Schoenberg, considered a budget expert, said the costs are approaching $880 million this year alone. Thousands of retirees now get coverage for little or nothing.