State Comptroller Stops Paying Lawmakers Amid Impasse

In this June 10, 2015 file photo, Illinois state Comptroller Leslie Munger speaks at a news conference in Chicago. Munger’s office said Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, it’s unable to pay social service agencies as directed by a court order because it can’t find the funds. The comptroller writes Illinois’ checks and has been ordered to pay agencies by courts while Gov. Bruce Rauner and lawmakers are deadlocked on a budget causing a cash shortage.
Leslie Munger speaks at a news conference in Chicago in 2015. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner announced Friday he has hired the former state comptroller to serve as a deputy governor. Christian K. Lee / AP, file
In this June 10, 2015 file photo, Illinois state Comptroller Leslie Munger speaks at a news conference in Chicago. Munger’s office said Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, it’s unable to pay social service agencies as directed by a court order because it can’t find the funds. The comptroller writes Illinois’ checks and has been ordered to pay agencies by courts while Gov. Bruce Rauner and lawmakers are deadlocked on a budget causing a cash shortage.
Leslie Munger speaks at a news conference in Chicago in 2015. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner announced Friday he has hired the former state comptroller to serve as a deputy governor. Christian K. Lee / AP, file

State Comptroller Stops Paying Lawmakers Amid Impasse

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Leslie Munger, Comptroller for the State of Illinois, says she’s going to stop paying lawmakers until they agree on a state budget.

The state has gone nearly ten months without a budget, wreaking havoc on social service organizations, schools, and small businesses that rely on state funding.

Munger said until a budget is passed, the salaries for lawmakers, which add up to more than a million dollars a month— will be treated like other bills.

That means lawmakers’ paychecks will likely be delayed by at least a month.

“Our social service network is being dismantled,” Munger said.

“As our cash crunch grows in the coming months, it is only appropriate that the unfair prioritization of payments to elected leaders ends. We are all in this together, we all will wait in line.”

Munger will also delay payment to herself.

Greta Johnsen is a general assignment reporter. Followe her @gretamjohnsen.