Comptroller says she can't pay Illinois lawmakers

CHICAGO (AP) -- Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka said Thursday that she has no choice but to withhold lawmakers' paychecks, citing a precedent-setting court case that bars her from paying state employees without a budget appropriation or court order.

Gov. Pat Quinn cut $13.8 million for legislators' paychecks from a budget bill earlier this month, saying it wouldn't be restored until lawmakers addressed the state's $97 billion pension shortfall. He also suspended his own pay.

"It is my deep hope that this matter is resolved expeditiously," either by a court or by lawmakers agreeing on a solution to the pension crisis, said Topinka, who undertook a legal review to determine if Quinn's actions were constitutional. The Riverside Republican said Thursday that Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office advised her of the case that appears to bar her from acting

She called Quinn's actions a "serious precedent that is being created," and said the stalemate was "no way to run government."

"Threats, blackmail and inertia may be good theater, but it makes us look ridiculous and takes away from our ability to get things done," she said. "It is time for leaders to lead."

Lawmakers are scheduled to receive their next paychecks on Aug. 1.

[link to news.yahoo.com]