A Cook County judge ruled Illinois’ comptroller cannot delay paying the salaries of state lawmakers during the budget impasse.
Comptroller Susana Mendoza won a bitter campaign last year against her predecessor, Leslie Munger. But the two agreed on one idea that was popular with voters: Lawmakers’ salaries should be delayed to free up money for other vital government services during the budget impasse.
Six state representatives sued, though, saying the comptroller doesn’t have the discretion to do that. Cook County Judge Rodolfo Garcia today ruled in favor of the state representatives.
In a statement Comptroller Mendoza says she’ll comply with the decision. But without a budget, she believes hospice care, child care, and meals on wheels should be prioritized ahead of lawmakers’ paychecks. Mendoza says she’ll appeal.