Should lawmakers approve paying back wages to state employees? The question is creating a divide in the Illinois House.
A judge ordered the state to pay the back wages, raises from 2011 and 2012, but some members of the Illinois House, such as Representative Lou Lang of Skokie, are reluctant to approve spending that money because they didn't negotiate the contract.
But State Rep. Brandon Phelps of Harrisburg says that doesn't matter - a deal is a deal.
The back wages for employees are among a number of supplemental budget bills proposed by the governor that could be voted on during the second week of the fall session that starts November 5.
