Springfield, IL…State employees who have been owed back pay since 2010 may soon receive it now that legislation co-sponsored by Rep C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) has passed. House Bill 4290 appropriates wages earned by employees of the State for services provided. “I am glad that a clean bill to pay back pay has finally been given a chance on the House Floor for a vote today and it passed 98-10-1,” said Davidsmeyer.
The dispute over pay began in 2010 when former Governor Pat Quinn threatened to fire state employees and close facilities. Union leaders and Governor Quinn negotiated a compromise that delayed, but contractually guaranteed pay raises. Unfortunately, former Governor Quinn refused to honor the deal and was eventually ordered by the Courts to provide back pay.
However, the Court order did not bring relief.
“The Speaker and his Democrats held one-party control of Illinois and refused to pay this court-ordered payment for five years,” said Davidsmeyer. “Then they had another two years of super-majorities in the House and Senate and refused to do anything about the State’s oldest unpaid bill.”
“I have filed multiple appropriation bills to pay the back pay over the years that were never allowed to see the light of day.”
HB 4290 now moves to the Senate, which must pass it before it can be sent to the Governor’s desk.
“This legislation proves that ignoring your unpaid bills does not make them go away! I am glad the issue of back pay is drawing to an end and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to take this bill up and pass it immediately.”