News Local/State

Topinka To Discuss Legal Review Of Quinn Pay Cut

 

Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka says she'll reveal the results of a legal review into whether Gov. Pat Quinn can legally cut lawmakers' pay.

Quinn cut $13.8 million for legislators' paychecks from a budget bill earlier this month, calling it the consequence for lawmakers' failure to address the state's $97 billion pension shortfall.  

Topinka says she'll talk Thursday about a legal review she requested to determine if Quinn's actions are constitutional. 

A provision of the Illinois Constitution says changes in lawmaker salary should not take effect during the term in which they were elected. 

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

Quinn says a prior court ruling gives him the authority. He also says he's not changing their salary, just withholding the money to pay it.