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Quinn Takes Action To Suspend Pay For Lawmakers

Governor Pat Quinn is using his veto power to try to suspend state lawmakers' pay because of their inaction on Illinois' pension crisis. 

The Chicago Democrat announced the news Wednesday morning. He says there'll be no paychecks for legislators until they get the job done.  

Quinn's using his line-item veto power in a budget bill that's on his desk. Lawmakers have to approve his changes.  

The bill gives the state comptroller the ability to issue paychecks to state employees. Quinn's announcement comes a day after he said there'd be consequences for lawmakers who didn't send him a pension overhaul plan by Tuesday's deadline.

A bi-partisan panel was created to reach a compromise on an overhaul plan. But members say they need more time. Some have also criticized Quinn for issuing political threats and for failing to attend a recent hearing.

Illinois has nearly $100 billion in unfunded pension liability, the worst of any state.