Governor Quinn Wants Lawmaker Pay Halted During Appeal

Sep 27, 2013 7:35 AM

Gov. Pat Quinn is set to ask a judge to stop lawmakers from being paid while he appeals a court ruling that his veto of legislative salaries was unconstitutional.

But the governor may be too late. Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka said her office started processing checks Thursday night and some lawmakers would have money in their bank accounts Friday morning.

Quinn halted lawmakers' pay in July because they hadn't solved Illinois' nearly $100 billion pension crisis. House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton sued, saying their fellow Chicago Democrat exceeded his authority.

Cook County Circuit Judge Neil Cohen agreed Thursday. He ordered Topinka to immediately issue checks.

Quinn's lawyers were expected to appear before Cohen Friday morning to request a stay while the governor appeals. 

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