CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is defending his decision to block raises for 33,000 workers in the state.

Quinn said on Saturday lawmakers do not have enough money to pay both the raises and keep state government operating.

Quinn said he’s prepared to face the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in court. The state’s largest employee union filed a lawsuit on Friday that argues Quinn is violating contract terms and equal protection laws.

The suit seeks to restore pay increases for workers in 14 agencies. The pay hikes were scheduled to go into effect July 1.

Copyright Associated Press