Judge tosses social services lawsuit that included Diana Rauner's organization

A judge has tossed a lawsuit brought against the state by a large coalition of service providers — including a not-for-profit run by first lady Diana Rauner — that say they're owed more than $161 million in bills that have gone unpaid during the budget impasse.

The decision might not be the final word in the case, however, as the service providers are considering an appeal.

The Pay Now Illinois coalition of providers contends they've honored their state contracts by continuing to deliver services throughout the budget stalemate, which began in July 2015, and that the state is in breach because it hasn't been paying the bills for the services.

The group brought its suit in the chancery division of the Cook County Circuit Court, hoping that the venue would provide a quicker resolution than the court of claims, where contract disputes are typically brought. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office, defending the state, argued the lawsuit was in the wrong venue and petitioned for a dismissal.

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-illinois-rauner-social-services-lawsuit-met-0901-20160831-story.html