Judge: Illinois Must Set Aside Union Money

The judge in a dispute over Illinois workers' pay raises is telling Gov. Pat Quinn's administration to hand over unspent money from the state budget in case he rules in favor of the employees.

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Richard Billik Jr. ordered a voucher for $18 million in unspent payroll money sent to the state comptroller. Millions of dollars more might also be involved.

The Thursday decree came a day before the state's authority to earmark spending from the last budget expires.

Quinn hasn't paid about $60 million in raises required by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees' contract from 2011 because he says the Legislature didn't appropriate it.

An arbitrator ruled in favor of the union but Quinn sued and Billik is deciding the case.