Tri-Cities Talk: Is Quinn Right To Withhold Legislators' Paychecks?

Welcome to Tri-Cities Talk—a feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on current issues facing Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles.

Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked the Tri-Cities community on local Patch Facebook pages.

Earlier this week, House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton filed a lawsuit over Gov. Pat Quinn's decision to withhold lawmakers' paychecks until they send him a proposal to revamp the state's broken government worker pension system. That brings us to this week's question.

Is Gov. Quinn right to withhold lawmakers' pay until a pension proposal is made, or should legislators still get their paychecks as planned?

See what people had to say, then share your two cents by joining the conversation in the comments section below. 

Dennis Engel: In what field of employment, if one doesn't do the work of the job that they are hired to do, do they get paid? — Batavia Patch Facebook

David Fringer: How about Cullerton and Madigan pay for the lawsuit out of their pockets instead of the taxpayers? Oh and maybe actually get legislation passesd that makes sense for Illinois' long term financial health. — Geneva Patch Facebook

Jill E. Johnson: I think the Governor is correct. Most employers will fire at will if the employee isn't performing the required tasks of the job. These individuals representing the masses are not putting in the time to do the job and provide a solution - they are merely collecting the paycheck. All that time wasted filing the lawsuit could have been put to use in fixing the issue at hand. — St. Charles Patch Facebook

Amy Thompson Hansen: Not legal to borrow from TRS and then not pay us back either. — Batavia Patch Facebook

Parkson Lin: Yes because these guys just keep putting it off. Worsening states debt. That's their job and if they're not getting it done no check. — Geneva Patch Facebook

Mandi Sronce: I think the Governor is right here...the law makers should have figured out a solution a long time ago. — St. Charles Patch Facebook

Dan Pedreyra: He wants our police pensions.......so let him make enemies.....more votes for us. Thanks Quinn. — Batavia Patch Facebook

Angela Kane: As much as it pains me to agree with them, they are right. The governor (as inept as he is) cannot use withholding pay as a punishment for not getting his way. Unconstitutional. — Geneva Patch Facebook

Jeff Fender: If you went to work every day and did not accomplish what you were suppose do would you get paid? NO you would end up getting fired. The only reason they get paid to do nothing is in itself the problem of all Government jobs, no accountability. No work - No Pay Thank You Quinn!!!! — St. Charles Patch Facebook

Dan Kernler: Feels good to hold back their pay, but probably not legal. — Batavia Patch Facebook

Jeff Moos: At what point do we draw the line then? If they come up with legislation the Governor doesn't agree with, should he try to stop their pay? — Geneva Patch Facebook

Mary Ann Wagener Campagna: Best idea the Governor has ever had!! — St. Charles Patch Facebook

So where do you stand on the issue? Tell us in the comments. 

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