Report: Illinois' top officials paid well

SPRINGFIELD -- A conservative think tank Thursday released a report showing Illinois' top officials are among the best-paid in the country, but state officials said the numbers don't take into account 12 unpaid days.

The Illinois Policy Institute's list of best-paid U.S. governors places Gov. Pat Quinn at No. 2 with a salary of $177,500.

“Despite all of its budget problems, and despite the fact Illinois ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to cost of living, Illinois also manages to pay its top officers very well,” the report reads.

Secretary of State Jesse White and Attorney General Lisa Madigan also rank high on the list, making $156,600 apiece.

But statewide officials also are taking 12 unpaid furlough days this year. That means what the institute cites as the officials' legal salaries isn't really what they're taking home.

“Governor Quinn has taken steps to voluntarily reduce his salary, and he continues to urge lawmakers to also take measures to reduce their own salaries,” Quinn spokeswoman Annie Thompson said in a statement.

White spokesman Henry Haupt said White runs the biggest secretary of state's office in the country. Like Quinn, White isn't paid for 12 days.

“He's working, but he's just not paid,” he said.