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Judge Hears Lawmaker Pay Suit

A Cook County Circuit Court judge is expected to hear arguments in a lawsuit over Gov. Pat Quinn's decision to halt lawmakers' pay.

Quinn used his line-item veto to cut money for legislators' salaries from the state budget because they hadn't fixed Illinois' nearly $100 billion pension crisis.

House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton sued, saying Quinn's actions were unconstitutional and violated the state's separation of powers. They asked a judge to order paychecks be issued.

Quinn says if lawmakers want to be paid, they can vote to override his veto _ a move he acknowledges could be unpopular with voters.

Judge Neil Cohen scheduled oral arguments for Wednesday morning.

Lawmakers earn a base annual salary of $67,836. They've missed two monthly paychecks so far.
 

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