(Harrisburg) -- The state's ranking senator is suggesting Governor Corbett's anticipated push to reduce future pension benefits for current public employees will face a tough road in the Legislature.

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati says lawmakers should have assurances that any legislation to address the state's public pension obligations can withstand a legal challenge.

Corbett's likely to propose pension changes for current school employees and state workers in the state budget plan he'll present next week, despite questions about its legality.

Scarnati says he hasn't seen that proposal and says it can be considered. But Scarnati also says he doesn't expect Democrats to support such plans and the best course of action might be through negotiations with Democrats and unions.