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.
WELCH: This was pure coercion, plain and simple.
State Representative Chris Welch and 5 other Democrats sued and won Thursday.
Welch says the delay was an attempt to pressure lawmakers to go along with Governor Bruce Rauner’s agenda.
WELCH: 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.
A judge has ruled that even though Illinois doesn't have a budget, Comptroller Susana Mendoza must pay lawmakers.
In ruling in favor of Illinois legislators, the judge on Thursday cited a 2014 law passed after then-Gov. Pat Quinn withheld paychecks over pension reform.
A group of Democratic lawmakers last year filed a lawsuit against then-state Comptroller Leslie Munger, arguing she and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner were holding up legislators' paychecks for political leverage.
Legislators' June paycheck weren't issued until January. Several have been vocal about their disdain over not getting paid in a timely manner amid the state's budget impasse.
- Tony Arnold and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
