By Illinois News Network
SPRINGFIELD – The Service Employees International Union is suing the state to get state money for home health care workers’ health insurance costs.
The Associated Press reports SEIU’s suit seeks to have the state pay $1.5 million from last year and nearly $12 million since July. SEIU says the state has refused to pay the government’s portion of insurance and, if payments aren’t made by the end of the year, workers could lose their insurance.
The governor’s office says no spending authority for the payments has been approved because of the ongoing state budget impasse, which is now approaching its fifth full month. Meanwhile, many other state employees, including lawmakers who use state insurance, are expected to pay out of pocket until a budget is passed.
