Chief Judge Files Lawsuit To Stop Court Layoffs
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Cook County ditches the Sweetened Beverage Tax on Friday, but the newly approved budget is not getting implemented without a court fight.
Chief Cook County Judge Timothy Evans is suing to stop court layoffs. CBS 2's Susanna Song has a look at the legal fight.
Chief Judge Evans is suing Toni Preckwinkle to keep her from laying off at least 156 court employees. There is a hearing at 11 a.m. Friday morning before a Lake County judge.
In the lawsuit, Evans wants an injunction to stop court layoffs. Preckwinkle long insisted the Sweetened Beverage Tax was needed to keep essential services and staffing levels.
Last week, the Cook County Board voted on an amended budget, appoving layoffs that would save the County $200 million.
Judge Evans argues Preckwinkle does not have the authority to cut those court system jobs and wants sufficient financial support to ensure the proper operation of the court system.
This is what he expressed last week:
Preckwinkle's spokesperson said that she has not seen the lawsuit and any delay in implementing the reductions will result in deeper cuts later.
