Some Illinois lawmakers who had their paychecks delayed by 9 months are expressing relief they’ll finally get their salaries. There was a popular slogan during last year’s campaign for Comptroller. No budget, no pay.
The former Republican comptroller said with no budget, lawmakers’ paychecks will be delayed, just like payments for other critical government services.
State Representative Chris Welch and 5 other Democrats sued and won yesterday. Welch says the delay was an attempt to pressure lawmakers to go along with Governor Bruce Rauner’s agenda.
"This was pure coercion, plain and simple. I know several who have faced severe financial hardship."
Lawmakers only recently got their paychecks from last summer. Illinois’ new comptroller, Democrat Susana Mendoza, wants to appeal this week’s decision to keep delaying lawmakers’ paychecks.