Topinka: ‘I’m Not Paying Any Legislators’
From the Chicago Sun-Times
Republican state Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka said that her office will not pay lawmakers’ paychecks following a legal review of a line-item veto by Gov. Pat Quinn.
“I’m not paying any legislators” or the governor, Topinka said.
Topinka told reporters at a news conference on Thursday that Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office had advised she could not pay out the salaries without an appropriation. Topinka said the issue will likely be resolved in court or if lawmakers override Quinn’s veto the next time they’re in Springfield. But until then, lawmakers will not be paid.
“Let me be clear: this is no way to run government,” Topinka said.
“Threats, blackmail and inertia may be good theater, but it makes us look ridiculous and takes away from our ability to get things done.”
Quinn vetoed a $13.8 million budget line that set aside money for lawmakers’ pay saying they should not be paid until they pass comprehensive pension reform.
Read more in our daily News Update...
From the Chicago Sun-Times
Republican state Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka said that her office will not pay lawmakers’ paychecks following a legal review of a line-item veto by Gov. Pat Quinn.
“I’m not paying any legislators” or the governor, Topinka said.
Topinka told reporters at a news conference on Thursday that Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office had advised she could not pay out the salaries without an appropriation. Topinka said the issue will likely be resolved in court or if lawmakers override Quinn’s veto the next time they’re in Springfield. But until then, lawmakers will not be paid.
“Let me be clear: this is no way to run government,” Topinka said.
“Threats, blackmail and inertia may be good theater, but it makes us look ridiculous and takes away from our ability to get things done.”
Quinn vetoed a $13.8 million budget line that set aside money for lawmakers’ pay saying they should not be paid until they pass comprehensive pension reform.
Read more in our daily News Update...