Statement from Governor Pat Quinn on Comptroller Topinka's Announcement

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today released the below statement following Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka's announcement. Earlier this month, Governor Quinn issued a line-item veto of House Bill 214 to suspend pay for state legislators until they break years of legislative inertia on comprehensive pension reform. Under the Illinois Constitution, the governor has the power to line-item veto any appropriation.

Lack of action on pension reform costs Illinois taxpayers millions of dollars every day, has forced $2 billion in education cuts and $3 billion in social service cuts, and has resulted in multiple downgrades of the state's credit rating.

"Today Comptroller Topinka properly recognized and adhered to my line-item veto of appropriations for legislative salaries.

"By doing so, she followed the express provisions of the Illinois Constitution.

"Legislators should not be paid until they enact comprehensive pension reform.

"In addition, I've also asked the comptroller to withhold my own paycheck until this important reform is achieved.

"Pension reform is the most urgent priority facing the state of Illinois.

"Nobody should be paid until the job gets done for taxpayers."