By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network

BELLEVILLE – State workers could be getting their full paychecks next week after all.

The comptroller’s office has been ordered to fully pay state employees by a judge in St. Clair County.

The verbal order came from 13 public employee unions suing Comptroller Leslie Munger, arguing if the state doesn’t pay full wages, its impairing the contracts under their unions’ collective bargaining agreements.

“They should be paid on time and in full, and in the order in St. Clair County Circuit Court should ensure that they will be,” said Anders Lindall, spokesman for AFSCME Council 31.

In a ruling in Cook County earlier this week, a judge said state workers couldn’t be fully paid without a budget in place. Lindall claims the cases are unrelated, though they deal with the same question of the state payroll.

Natalie Bauer, spokeswoman for the Attorney General’s office, says it’s reviewing the next steps in the case, including whether to appeal.

“This is all going to play out in the courts, making it imperative that the governor and the legislature do their jobs and enact a budget,” Bauer said.