Attorneys for Illinois’ comptroller are expected to be in court today to respond to allegations they’re in contempt. The office is being sued for not paying court-mandated services for developmentally disabled residents.
A federal judge in Chicago mandated that Illinois pay for services for some Medicaid-eligible people with developmental disabilities. At least until lawmakers and the governor agree on a spending plan.
But Comptroller Leslie Munger’s office, which signs the checks, didn’t pay up until yesterday.
Rich Carter, a spokesman for Munger, says the state didn’t have the money to pay according the judge’s timeline.
"We are prepared to explain to the court that we simply do not have the funds to immediately pay all organizations covered under the existing order and still meet required debt and payroll payments."
Carter says the comptroller paid out $71 million yesterday.