COOK COUNTY — Pay Now Illinois, a coalition of 64 Illinois-based human and social service agencies and companies, today filed suit against Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and the directors of six statewide agencies seeking immediate payment in full of more than $100 million owed for work performed under contracts that date back to July 1, 2015, the beginning of the state’s current fiscal year.

The group seeks a permanent injunction and declaratory judgment. The suit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, charges that the Governor and other state officials have acted illegally by failing to make payments on contracts while continuing to enforce them.

The suit also claims that the Governor’s veto of certain appropriation bills on June 25, 2015 was an unlawful impairment, or interference, with the agencies’ constitutional right to a legal remedy for the non-payment of these contracts.

State agencies signed contracts with the social services providers, in some cases even after the Governor’s veto of the budget. The value of unpaid contracts for the members of the coalition exceeds $100 million.

The coalition members, which include One Hope United and Addus Home Care, provide services including housing for the homeless, healthcare, services for senior citizens, sexual abuse counseling, and programs for at-risk youth.

Their suit says the member organizations face “acute financial hardship.” Many have reduced staff and programs, and the viability of some of the organizations is threatened.