Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn has taken the unusual step of suspending pay for its representatives and senators until they can agree on how to eliminate the state’s nearly US$100 billion pension deficit.
He asked legislators to come up with a solution by Tuesday, but that deadline was missed.
In June, Illinois lawmakers were unable to agree on pension reforms. As a result, both Moody’s and Fitch downgraded the state’s credit rating.
“Pension reform is the most critical job for all of us in public office,” Quinn says. “I cannot in good conscience approve legislation that provides paycheques to legislators who are not doing their job for the taxpayers.”
In addition, the governor will not be paid until the General Assembly sends him a comprehensive solution.
“This is an emergency, the taxpayers of Illinois are waiting, and there is no excuse for further legislative delay,” Quinn adds. “The taxpayers cannot afford an endless cycle of delays, excuses and more delays.”
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