CHICAGO (AP) — Social service providers suing Illinois over lack of payment during the budget impasse have appealed their case to force immediate payment.
A Cook County judge dismissed the lawsuit in August, saying it belonged in a higher court. The group requested intervention from the Illinois Supreme Court, but the state’s highest court denied it last month.
The group’s complaint this week with the Illinois Appellate Court alleges a “breakdown of constitutional government.” The budget stalemate is in its second year.
About 60 organizations remain in the Pay Now Illinois coalition, down from roughly 100. They’ve claimed they’re owed over $160 million because Illinois didn’t honor contracts.
The lawsuit names Gov. Bruce Rauner and agency leaders.
One provider is the Chicago-based Ounce of Prevention Fund, which is run by Rauner’s wife, Diana.