* 11:39 am - The governor has finally filed his veto message on the budget. The line item and reduction veto message is 79 pages long and not posted online yet. Stay tuned.
* 11:54 am - LIS has updated the bill status to reflect the vetoes, but the veto message is not yet available.
* 11:59 am - Press release from the guv’s office. Without seeing the message itself, it looks like he didn’t touch the Senate Democrats’ pork…
In the budget the Governor signed today, he cut a total of $463 million in spending:
$15.8 million reduced from constitutional office budgets for personnel and other grants;
$141.3 million reduced from legislative add-ons; and
$306 million reduced in other agency spending.
Many of the legislative add-ons that were eliminated had little to do with the core mission of state government, such as funding for:
o outdoor volleyball court improvements
o an international dance exhibition
o a foreign delegation for a sister city program
o a drill team
o an elevator for event catering at a private cultural center
o parking lot and gymnasium improvements for private schools
o beautification project for a national railroad company
o planning funds for an Arboretum
Last week Gov. Blagojevich announced his plan to use his executive rule-making authority to bolster state healthcare programs and give 500,000 more Illinoisans access to affordable health coverage and services, including;
o Every uninsured woman in Illinois will be eligible to get screened and treated for breast and cervical cancer, greatly improving cancer outcomes and saving lives.
o Poor adults who are not eligible for Medicaid will have the chance to see a doctor regularly and get the prescription medications they need.
o More working and middle-class uninsured parents will receive access to health coverage at affordable rates through the Family Care program.
o Children in the All Kids program who have pre-existing conditions will continue to have access to affordable health insurance up to age 21.
o Families struggling with the high cost of health insurance premiums will be able to apply for yearly subsidies worth 20% of their annual premiums, up to $1,000.
* 12:03 pm - The full press release is here.
*** 12:53 pm *** You can download the budget message here. There are no descriptions in the line and reduction vetoes, so they’ll all have to be matched up to the budget bill one by one. Fun.
* 1:16 pm - From the AP…
Without an override in both chambers, the governor’s cuts would become law. The changes he seeks to make in health-care programs will come under heavy scrutiny to determine if they need to clear legislative oversight panels, which could challenge or block some of his moves.
The parts of the budget the governor did not veto become law.
*** 1:16 pm *** It appears that most, if not all, of the House Republican “pork” was left intact. Bizarre, eh?
- So Ill...who is now actually No Ill, and sometimes just Ill - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 11:48 am:
Darn, just as I posted a joke in a different thread….
- Budget Watcher - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:20 pm:
Someone should ask the Governor’s Office how much the healthcare initiatives will cost for a full year…my understanding is that the $463 million estimate is for the initial roll-out costs in fiscal year 2008…Much bigger price tag in fiscal 2009.
- Ghost - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:22 pm:
he slashed 15.8 Mil from the other constitutional officers payroll…But he spent 22mil himself on outside counsel for cases that could be handelded for free by the AG. So lets restore the constititional officers cuts (which seem punitive given his conflicts with the other elected offices) and cut spending on outside counsel instead.
- Mr Brown - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:22 pm:
Glad to see the other side of the story… These projects mentioned are obviously pork. Any substantial, meaningful projects can be taken care of with Rep Jay Hoffmans bill he just filed. Although, I am sure this wont stop the House Dems from crying foul over their pet projects not being funded. They should have bet on the Governor.
- Garp - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:23 pm:
and everyone will be treated for foot fungus too.
What a waste of ink.
The Governor has no authorized funding for any of these worthy initiatives because he aliented anyone who could possibly help get them actually done.
- MOON - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:24 pm:
One mans pork is another mans bacon.The Gov. is a fraud!
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:28 pm:
Hmm. Heading for lunch now - hopefully the eighth-graders will have finished commenting by the time I get back and the adults can begin.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:28 pm:
I pay for my insurance. Went to the ER and couldn’t get seen for many hours because children with no insurance went ahead of me for head colds and sore throats. All the mothers and fathers were dressed to the nines and were on their cell phones constantly. Must be tough.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:30 pm:
Let’s avoid brief, “drive-by” comments, please. Thanks.
- MOON - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:34 pm:
Mr. Brown
To “bet on the Gov.” would be the same as getting in bed with the devil.Thank God the majority of the house and senate (absent Jones) had the good sense and backbone to do what is right. If the Gov. and Jones had their way businesses and corps. would be packing their bags in droves and waving goodbye!
- anon - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:44 pm:
come on…you guys are blog snobs…telling readers how to respond…it’s America!
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:45 pm:
Anon, this isn’t your blog, it’s mine. You don’t like the rules, leave. Simple as that.
- Fake Bill - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:48 pm:
Let the override begin. Doesn’t he Senate have to bring this to a vote on the override? Someone quoted the constitution and was specific that both houses would put it to a vote.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:50 pm:
The Senate president controls what comes to the floor. If he doesn’t want to bring a motion up for a vote, there’s almost nothing anyone can do. Even if everyone but him wanted to override in the Senate, he doesn’t have to go to that order of business or entertain any motions to do so.
- downhereforyears - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:54 pm:
Whats the delay in seeing the veto message?
- silentk - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 12:55 pm:
Fake Bill - if I’m following the play-by-play here correctly, both houses would *need* to put it to a vote to override the Gov’s vetoes. And yet, Emil has stated he would not bring it to a vote, therefore, Gov’s vetoes stand.
- Pete - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:03 pm:
Dear Mr. Brown,
I’d be willing to bet that the projects mentioned in the Gov’s release represent less than $1.3 of the $141.3 million vetoed, so its not really the “rest of the story.” I know a lot of this depends on your overall philosophy on member initiatives, but bottom line is that the gov has approved spending for similar projects in the past.
- downhereforyears - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:09 pm:
Rich, any idea about whats delaying the posting to the Gov’s veto message?
- Cookie Monster - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:09 pm:
As a healthcare provider, I am disgustted with ALL Kids, and don’t participate, due to time and amount of reimbursement. I see families who I want to see, usually at no charge. Today, I saw a family covered by All kids,because they go to school with my daughter. As usual, they arrived 90 minutes late, mom was talking on her brand new i-phone, demanding to be seen, then drove off in a newer Tahoe. What a scam!
- Guy - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:09 pm:
So does this mean that there is now an operating budget in place?
- Parliamentary Ponderer - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:10 pm:
Rich,
I’m wondering what could be done about Sen. Jones blocking a veto override. Are there any tricks that the Senate could try to force a vote. I’m not up to date on my parliamentary procedure, but couldn’t they basically keep asking him to bring it to a vote so that nothing can get done until the vote is cast? Or if not, why isn’t there any talk of removing Sen. Jones as the Senate leader. I mean, a veto is hard to override for a reason, but we don’t live in a tyranny of one just yet.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:12 pm:
Any idea how to find out what percentage he cut from each constitutional office?
- Milorad - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:14 pm:
All hail “Karnak” the all knowing Blago. He knows what’s best for all of us.
- MOON - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:14 pm:
The house will definitely call for and pass an override,however, the senate will not call for a vote due to Jones.In other words, Jones doesn’t care what the rest of the Dems. in the senate want to do. You can bet that if the Gov. attempts to spend money that was not appropriated for a specific program, the issue will end up in court. Madigan as well as the senate and house GOP will never let the Gov. spend money on programs not approved by the members.
Again, I am firmly of the opinion that Jones will retire and accept an appointment by the Gov. to a high paying job. This will allow Jones pension to increase 2 or 3 times what his pension as a legislature would be. Remember, you heard it here first !
- fedup dem - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:15 pm:
Rich, are there not provisions in the Senate’s rules regarding appealing a ruling from the chair, particularly in regards to what would be considered a privledged matter spelled out in the Illinois constitution (a motion to override a gubernatorial veto)?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:15 pm:
Anonymous, you’ll have to do that checking yourself, or just wait.
Parliamentary Ponderer, Jones controls the flow. Period. And if you want to bet cash on whether the Senate Dems will remove him for this, I’ll gladly take your money.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:19 pm:
Moon, that’s ridiculous. He makes a big buck as President of the Senate. No way could he jack up his pension that much by taking an admin job.
- wondering if im right - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:19 pm:
this means the rest of the budget not vetoed is now implemented, regardless of the override etc.?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:20 pm:
Fedup, you can go here and look for yourself, but you’re not gonna find anything.
- Cassandra - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:20 pm:
I like the subsidies for health insurance. I think all Americans, regardless of prior health history or income, should have access to the same private health insurance options that our fearless legislators and government leaders have right now, paid for by us. The subsidies should be bigger, though. Much bigger–not sure how much good $1000 will do but if I needed help with insurance costs, I’d take the subsidy and reach to pay for the private insurance rather than go with Medicaid/Allkids/Family Care.
Anyway, if the subsidies go thru, it’s a start.
As to the volleyball courts, perhaps the people who want them cut put out a little energy and do a fund raising drive instead of waiting for the Great Government Father to throw money to them.
Ditto the international dance competition.
- fedup dem - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:20 pm:
Mr. Miller, would you be so kind as to cease being an apologist for petty tyrants like Rod Blagojevich and Emil Jones? It is fine for you to serve as an impartial journalistic observer, but not as someone trying to protect them from criticism. THey both have their lackeys who are doing that job already.
- s - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:23 pm:
I’ll bet the Senate Dems don’t even WANT to override the veto.
So all your conjecturing about overriding Emil is a waste of time.
- Cassandra - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:23 pm:
Typing too fast…I meant, who want them could..put out a little energy…
- s - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:25 pm:
fedum dem - that is the funniest thing I have ever heard.
Do you actually READ this blog?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:25 pm:
Yeah, I’m their biggest apologist. I’ve never written anything critical of either of them ever. I’m such a fan that I might as well be on their payrolls and they both love me more than anyone else in their lives.
And I’ve never posted anything on the blog that could subject either of them to mockery.
You busted me cold, Fedup. I am but an imposter. I humbly submit to your non-hysterical, completely logical and totally sane criticism.
- Non-profiteer - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:25 pm:
Where can one identify which actual member initiatives were cut…
- smart cookie - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:25 pm:
Looks like House Republicans pork is still in.
Am I the only one who didn’t hear that the House GOP stuff was going to stay in??
Hmmmm… is this a new alliance??
I can’t keep score any more!
What will MJM do now?
Does he have enough votes to override?
Will he try, given that senate won’t override?
The saga continues.
- Siyotanka - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:26 pm:
I made the assumption that HB3866sam001 was what was sent to the Gov for signing… If this is correct, one will have a lot of trouble cross referencing the cuts to the bill. I just tried to match the cuts for my agency approp. and the $$ did NOT match up.
- anon - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:27 pm:
leaving…& get over yourself.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:30 pm:
No, anon, get over yourself.
Again, because I think you’re not completely clear on this matter, this is my blog. It’s a private business, not a public park. You can’t walk into a respectable business and say or do whatever you want. Same goes for here.
Goodbye.
- washmyhands - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:35 pm:
Mr. Miller (please forgive the “anon” comments…it must be the heat and humidity) - Would the correct Senate action be to move to suspend the rules (motion, second and requiring a 3/5ths vote)? Which is about as likley as gubernatorial impeachment?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:36 pm:
Senators can move all they want. They have to first be recognized by the President.
- Thinking - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:39 pm:
I’m in a Repub. district and my pork is still in. Others?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:40 pm:
That’s wild, “Thinking.” I’m writing my Sun-Times column so I don’t have time to check. Weird.
- PJ - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:41 pm:
To Siyotanka: here is the link to the public act: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/95/PDF/095-0348.pdf
- MOON - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:44 pm:
Rich
Remember you heard it here. Jones can at least double his salary with some job given him by the Gov. Then Jones basis for a pension will be twice what it is now.It’s not ridiculous it’s probable
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:44 pm:
and I think motions have to go to the rules committee, controlled by the Senate President. And even if they approve the motion, it has to come back to the Senate and the President has to go to it. And if they try to call it anyways, the line is “You were not recognized for that purpose.”
- Siyotanka - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:46 pm:
Thank you PJ…
I have made the corrolation. They cut the funds for our fire departments mutial aid system (costs and Services)…Hum? Some pork…
- Esteban - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:46 pm:
Why would anyone expect anything different from
Emil Jones when the guv controls a big portion
of his family’s income? He is the best Senate
President that money can buy.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:46 pm:
I think it would be tough to find him a $200,000 a year state job.
- Ghost - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:49 pm:
Gov slashed the AG’s payrol by almost 4% (115, 5, 84, 5) But left his payrol completely untouched! (article 105)
- A Citizen - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:53 pm:
Gov cut the budget that was already not sufficient. Great, we save a bit more. At least we now have a budget in place and we can close this chapter of madness. Time to get started on FY2009! Let the fun begin.
- Ghost - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:54 pm:
actually it appears the gove vetoed chunks out of everyone but his own office. What a hypocrite. He want to fund his projects byt slashing everyone else, but will not sacrifice a dime from his own operations.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:54 pm:
Does he need a $200,000 a year job to play the pension game? Back in the day, it only took one month, if you were a former legislator (e.g., Sec of State George Ryan gave former Senator Ted Lechowicz a very high paying job for one month, which vastly increased his pension). If that loophole hasn’t been closed, you could give a legislator $15,000 for one month, and their pension would be based upon an annual salary of $180 K).
- Thinking - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:57 pm:
As you post the results for your dist., please say whether your rep is dem or repub. I think the results are starting to show mostly dem pork getting cut. If so, tha’s quite a shot at the speaker.
- A Citizen - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 1:58 pm:
- Anonymous -
Are you sure that wasn’t Roger Stanley and not TL ?
- MOON - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:00 pm:
Rich
What is the salary of Chicago State’s Univ. office of the president?
- smart cookie - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:03 pm:
Hey “thinking”, thanks for the confirmation.
It looks to me like the House GOP pork is still in the budget. I wonder if Watson worked with the Governor too. If yes, that means that 3 of the leaders got to keep their pork.
Wow — he’s really trying to mess with MJM.
- JLK - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:06 pm:
What kind of effect do you think Jones “jumping ship” will have on future legislation that crosses both the Senate?
- A Citizen - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:07 pm:
” . . Wow — he’s really trying to mess with MJM. . ”
Oh, good, I thought things were going to get boring. I’ll bet gov touched that hot stove more than once too. He’ll regret mess’in with Mike.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:08 pm:
LOL. OK, maybe you got me there.
- Capitol Bill - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:09 pm:
What about the CTA, Metra, PACE, RTA, education, roads, bridges? Maybe the house and senate should have been working on these issues all along….
- Don't Worry, Be Happy - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:11 pm:
The cut member initiatives appear to have been by project rather based on who put it in. I think he cut the questionable ones but left the school grants and public safety grants and so forth in.
- A Citizen - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:12 pm:
Okay, this is how it’s gonna work: We don’t let gov know what Mike wants and we don’t let Mike know what gov wants. Yeah, that’ll work. Okay let’s GO!
- You can't make this up. - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:14 pm:
Mr Flu-Shot cut the entire line ($1,183,000) for “pandemic flu preparedness.”
- pchappel - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:17 pm:
Probably a silly question, but has there ever been a situation where the Senate president blocked bills coming to the floor in this fashion? It appears as if there are no consequences for this to the Senator, barring his not being re-elected (and a Dem from Chicago NOT being re-elected? What are the odds there?)… I mean there does not appear to be a mechanism or any sort of check/balance here… But then I’m just an Engineer, not a politician…
- Leigh - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:18 pm:
Maybe the gov is hoping Pakistan will sell us back our expired vaccine!
- s - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:22 pm:
“Probably a silly question, but has there ever been a situation where the Senate president blocked bills coming to the floor in this fashion?”
–Every bill that doesn’t get a vote would fall into this category.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:22 pm:
pchappel -
A few years back, Sen Pres Pate Philip blocked a vote on a “tax swap” for schools bill that had passed the House and was widely believed to have majority support in the Senate (and was supported by Governor Edgar, too). I think he was using Hastert’s Law - if a majority of the majority doesn’t support it, it doesn’t get called. He took a lot of abuse, but wouldn’t budge and the bill died.
- A Citizen - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:23 pm:
- Leigh -
They couldn’t even use it - past the expiration date. They incinerated the whole lot. A total waste.
- Steve - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:24 pm:
So much for the ALPLM celebrating the bicentennial of Lincoln’s B’day. Cut from $3 million to $500,000. Comptroller’s office cut by 3.5%, and court reporters cut by 4.66%. Arts Council also took a big hit.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:25 pm:
To the novices who continue to ask whether Sen. Jones has the right to block a vote. He has the right. He controls the chamber. Please, before asking again, scroll through the comments.
- Pete - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:26 pm:
It costs a lot of political capital to try and punish House Dems for sticking with the Speaker. almost seems like falling on your sword.
Example: $2.2 million for add’l beds at LaSalle Vets home? I know thats a dem district but WOW!
- dc - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:30 pm:
He may have cut all money for pandemic flu preparedness but if someone gets sick from pandemic flu, he will blame Madigan or Watson. Cutting money out of a budget will make enemies out of friends — and frankly there should be some occasional line item vetoes in budgets — but Governor Glamour Shots here has invented a new way to govern that will surely serve as a poster child for graduate students across the globe on how NOT to lead. Mark my words: in 3-4 years, Rowdie Roddie will live in infamy in textbooks and case studies. It will be anything but positive. Sometimes the best learning experience is observing how NOT to do things.
- Moderate Repub - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:32 pm:
MOON - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:00 pm:
Rich
What is the salary of Chicago State’s Univ. office of the president?
The president of state universities are not set by the State. They are set by the Board of trustees at the University. THey are not public record. (although some schools publicize them). In other words, you can not request the Salary that a University President makes from the comptroller, as you can for any state job.
- Parliamentary Ponderer - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:33 pm:
Thought I’d throw this in. Half of my D Rep’s stuff got cut. His money for schools stayed in, but his money for libraries and the YMCA got cut. Not sure about my senator.
- Skeptical Optimist - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:34 pm:
I think a lot of people (myself included) who hadn’t paid much attention to state politics in the past have suddenly taken an interest due to the budget fiasco. As a result, there are frequent of “how does this work” questions.
It might be helpful if someone (no, I’m not volunteering) were to write a “State Politics 101″ that would give a quick overview of the process (e.g. committees, etc). Sort of a slightly more detailed version of the old “I’m just a bill” cartoon that we all saw back in the 1970s.
That would stop all of the questions, but it would be an easy way to say “go read this” in response.
Just a thought.
- Anon - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:36 pm:
Phone Rings
Lisa: Daddy?
MJM: Yeah Sugar!
Lisa: Rod just cut my payroll budget by 4%!
MJM: I know sweetheart. Daddy’s working on it.
Lisa: Do you still have those Lisa for Governor signs?
MJM: I’m dusting them off as we speak.
- Just My Opinion - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:36 pm:
I can’t be the only one who sees this legislative system as extremely flawed if the Senate President has this much power. So how do the rules get changed to prevent this continual power grabbing?
- A Citizen - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:36 pm:
- Skeptical Optimist -
I think Ebay has a tutorial that comes pretty close to what you want.
- OneMan - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:37 pm:
Quick glance shows Aurora did not fare well, 200K for the police statation and 250K for projects cease fire as well as some money for AU and the Aurora school districts…
Also looks like some township money got cut.
- GENERAL ASS. Lackey - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:37 pm:
We just read the veto message and compared it to the legislative support agencies’ proposed budgets. This guy is a real piece of work. He classifies his veots as cutting pork. Many of the cuts are from basic operating budgets, including all legislative support agencies. We so look forward to the gov trying to push his healthcare reform by administrative rule instead of through the full General Assembly. He is in for a rude awakening! Without specific statutory authority for the programs and no specific statutory authority to expand the existing programs, he is dead in the water. For all of you applauding the gov’s healthcare reform, do not hold your breath. The initiatives will never make it without the authority necessary to make them permanent.
- 69 Mets - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:38 pm:
couple of observations. There will not be a veto. President Jones CONTROLS the senate by process if short on votes, remember Forby’s bill. The President also gave the Governor his word on it but just to be sure the Senate Dem’s projects were lumped. $141 million is chump change. It is less than three tenths of one percent of the budget. This is still posturing for the bigger picture of who controls the Democratic party of Illinois and has the ability to put forth his agenda. The City of Chicago has not been taken care of, i.e., mass trans, casino, capital projects, etc. nor have the bigger issues of roads, schools, tax equity issues, etc. This is still petty politics but instrumental in the overall game. One first down at a time. So far the Governor is winning the budget tussle because of the power of the veto pen and his commitment from Jones. Lots of politics to be played before next November.
- the Other Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:42 pm:
This is a gift to whoever is running against the Governor (if he goes for re-election): a ready made opposition research opportunity to say the Governor vetoed funding for (whatever project is in the district).
And the punch line is, he still doesn’t have the authority to spend money on health care reform.
- Reality Check - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:43 pm:
Pete at 2:26 noted the 80-bed expansion of the LaSalle Veterans Home was vetoed.
Yes that’s the below-referenced project:
“The federal government may have turned its back on our veterans by short-changing them on the disability and health care benefits they’ve earned, but we are doing things differently in Illinois. We owe it to the men and women who bravely put their lives on the line in defense of our freedoms and our liberties,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “With the expansion of the LaSalle Veterans’ Home we will be able to provide better care for more of our veterans, and we will also create more jobs and strengthen the economy of the LaSalle area.”
http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=1&RecNum=4624
I wonder what Rep. Mautino has to say about this. Not to mention Director Duckworth.
- Thinking - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:43 pm:
It is interesting how quickly we forget. Everyone is sitting here with the impression the Gov “won” (myself included) but lets back up and see whether this budget is even close to what the Gov originally wanted. No. He’s trying to grab a publicity victory out of an overall defeat and for awhile I was falling for it.
- s - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:44 pm:
Just want to note -
As always, just about all of the agency cuts were off of increases this year.
I know that there are some cost of living adjustments, and general inflation, but I don’t think cuts were made in areas where that would apply.
The question is - did anything get cut below last year’s levels?
That is what I am trying to find out.
(Not talking about the leg add-in cuts, just the other spending)
For example - the AG’s office got a cut of 4% off the budget that was passed, but their budget still INCREASES compared to last year’s.
This was probably because their office budget was going to increase 7% - a BIG increase.
- What planet is he from again? - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:46 pm:
Am I the only one missing something? He “cuts” $500M from one pile then spends it on another. Isn’t that the old “I couldn’t afford $20,000 for a down payment on a house, so with the money I saved, I bought a $20,000 new car!”
- Southern Ilinois Democrat - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:47 pm:
Can anyone tell me if Angry Frank Watson and his side-kick Ron Stephens got their projects or not?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:49 pm:
“Just my opinion,” the rules have been that way for years. People only notice them when things like this happen.
- Cassandra - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:56 pm:
I think the Dems will behave themselves next year because of the national election. No visible in-fighting. No new income taxes (yay!)and maybe no new sales taxes although Cook County might still be at risk of the sales tax increase. Everybody playing happy and supporting Obama.
He’s going to be tough to beat in a primary challege. He kept taxes down. He cut pork–not enough pork, but he’ll be able to point to what
he did cut and talk about how brave and strong he had to be to get that. He’ll be able to talk about how he fought for health care and won money for poor women with breast cancer, etc. Of course, there is so much state money sloshing around, anybody could have done this stuff, but we won’t hear about that. Then it’s on to 2010 with, of course, no viable Republican candidate and another four years.
Meanwhile, within the party, Dem opponents may think twice about going up against his budget allocations in future years. Too tiring.
- to "s" - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:57 pm:
What will hurt the constitutional officers’ budgets are the raises for the union employees in the cba that took effect FY ‘08. The Gov’s cutting the budgets to ‘07 levels does not negate those pay increases. It does, however, mean other areas will have to be cut to compensate (merit comp employees’ pay increases etc).
- Ghost - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 2:59 pm:
s - The union contracts provide somthing like a 6% increase in payroll when you combine cola with anual increases. So payrol increases that are less then this would effectively be cuts.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:01 pm:
Yes, it was Pate Philip who began the concentration of power in the President - back in early 1990s.
- gulag - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:04 pm:
So is Cross a knowing accomplice in this, or just a windfall recipient? It’s actually a fairly slick tactic by Blago, as much as it pains me to give the man credit.
- silentk - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:06 pm:
Anybody looked at what (if anything)’s happened in Fritchey’s District?
- MOON - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:06 pm:
Rich
If most of the house GOP “pork” was not vetoed then it would appear the Gov. is trying to isolate Madigan. However, the house GOP could still join the Speaker in voting for a override. They have nothing to loose since they know the senate will not act on the override. Also, the house GOP will need the Speakers help in the future to pass some of their pet projects. Your thoughts on this please !
- To "Silent K" - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:09 pm:
Re Fritchey, see Parliamentary Ponderer at 2:33.
- Emilatitagain - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:10 pm:
Hahahah this is hilarious! Tom Cross is a Democrat! He runs with the governor at washington park and attends the governor’s family events! Let’s ponder this. The Governor in all his rhetoric has never gone after Tom Cross. Sure he’s gone after Madigan and Jones but not Tom Cross isn’t that something?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:10 pm:
Moon, that sort of stuff is saved for the Fax.
- Emilatitagain - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:11 pm:
Sorry not jones…watson
- Just My Opinion - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:11 pm:
I’m hoping and praying that someone of the GOP persuasion is keeping track of all of the promises/broken promises such as was posted here earlier by Reality Check. IF Blago runs again and IF (that’s a really big IF) the GOP are doing their homework, the next election is the GOP’s to lose. The Veteran’s Home is just one of many examples of promising money, then backtracking, and CYA with a press release. The GOP could campaign in all of the 24 school districts on “the list” that didn’t get the promised funds and they would probably cover most of the state. Blago needs an opponent next time smart enough to box him in a corner that he can’t get out of, and to be absolutely relentless about it. This next election SHOULD be a slam dunk for the GOP. We’ll see if they can get their act together.
- PJ - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:15 pm:
To Emilatitagain: I dont’ think that Tom Cross is a Democrat. What it’s really akin to is two athletic coaches who are bitter rivals on the field but buddies off the field. They all make a lot of noise in their speaches when they’re off the clock and then go have beers together when it’s all done.
- Gene Parmesan - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:16 pm:
Cassandra, you’re far too optimistic on the Gov’s and the Dem’s futures. Daley and Stroger are both going to raise property taxes, and there is still no viable plan to fund transit or capital. If Rod dares to run again, he runs into serious primary competition (LM), and a viable general candidate (Brady, Rutherford, maybe a Green, or anyone who’s not Rod). I agree voters are less than bright, but they’re not that dumb. Oops, forgot about possible indictments too.
- PJ - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:16 pm:
typo… meant “on the clock” in previous post
- Old Time Springfield - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:17 pm:
Not only does the Governor’s hypocrisy know no bounds, but also his proclivity to deliver a political hit knows no bounds.
- Moderate Repub - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:20 pm:
Just My Opinion - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:11 pm:
I’m hoping and praying that someone of the GOP persuasion is keeping track of all of the promises/broken promises such as was posted here earlier by Reality Check. IF Blago runs again and IF (that’s a really big IF) the GOP are doing their homework, the next election is the GOP’s to lose.
Have an excel sheet, it has over 200 entries.
- ...ddem - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:22 pm:
I absolutely cannot believe that hte people of IL have to suffer b/c of a childish fued, fueled by our repub-in-disguise governor.
He cut ALL of my Member’s Initiatives, *EVEN THE HEALTHCARE RELATED ONES**, just to play a power trip on Madigan.
Can someone explain to me how treating the meth-addicted, running an afterschool program, heating a homeless shelter, and funding a teen pregnancy prevention program qualify as “pork”?
Better yet, can someone explain to me why expanding healthcare initiatives FOR ONLY 5 MONTHS is more important than funding vital community programs?
- MOON - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:29 pm:
I don’t think Cross had any deal with the Gov. As I said before, the Gov. is trying to isolate Madigan, and I might add, peel off some Dem. house members for future battles. This tactic by the Gov. will never work.
- NSSRepublican - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:30 pm:
TO Emilatitagain
Can’t people be friends without allowing for their different political leanings. My husband is democrat and I am republican. We have some pretty good go-a-rounds, but in the end we let each other have their own judgements. I think you are way off base here.
- Moderate Repub - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:30 pm:
…ddem - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:22 pm:
I absolutely cannot believe that hte people of IL have to suffer b/c of a childish fued, fueled by our repub-in-disguise governor.
Please do not put him in our corner, YOU guys elected him reember? Bet you voted for him too.
Can someone explain to me how treating the meth-addicted, running an afterschool program, heating a homeless shelter, and funding a teen pregnancy prevention program qualify as “pork”?
Better yet, can someone explain to me why expanding healthcare initiatives FOR ONLY 5 MONTHS is more important than funding vital community programs?
Becaseu it cost WAY more than he has raped from the budget to fund his expansions. He will decalre how vital these NEW expansions/programs have been and what a success they are. Then he will ask AGAIN for his $8 billion. THis time it will be harder to say no becuase he will say we are cutting recipients of these progams off. Will be a tough vote for any legislator at that point. I assume thats what he is trying to do, but who knows with guy.
- erstwhilesteve - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:37 pm:
Funding for CeaseFire is completely gone, with kids being killed and wounded by guns on city streets just about every day…
- Emilatitagain - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:39 pm:
Oh NSSRRepublican you are sooo trusting. Again just look at the Rhetoric from the Governor. You are right that he wanted to isolate Madigan. But he could have done that without leaving in all the House Republican pork projects. He never said that Madigan was in bed with Cross…he did say he was with Watson. Don’t be sooo trusting
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:42 pm:
Blago, Madigan and Jones had better be hunkered down right now for another reason that has nothing to do with the budget… there’s a tornado warning in Cook County!
- wndycty - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:44 pm:
Yeah the entire Chicago area is about to be tuned up by Mother Nature. Even the national cable channels are giving severe weather updates for Chicago. With reports of tornados downtown.
All Ogilvy and Union station trains have been postponed.
- pisseddem - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:46 pm:
-Moderate Repub
I meant no offense to republicans. I just feel that Blago’s tactics mimic Dubya’s far too much for Blago to keep calling himself a Democrat. (And I want him to stop besmirching my party :)
Oh, and I proudly voted for Whitney. Blago isn’t my fault either.
- s - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:48 pm:
Problem with the Republicans and those 24 school districts.
Over the past 5 years, they have actually NEVER voted to give those school districts any money whatsoever.
They have voted numerous times to actually NOT give them the money.
Not a good place for them.
Only the Dems can capitalize on that one.
- Loop Lady - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:50 pm:
Emil can retire you dolts…doesn’t he have in excess of a million in coffers…but who will Rod align himself with if he does? His support of the Guv’s agenda was oh so crucial to the outcome…if they planned it this way, man it really worked except for the capital bill…It’s done…
- ...ddem - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:50 pm:
FutureGen to Texas!
Just got word the Gov cut $550,000 from the State Geological Surveys… the agency responsible for the progress of FutureGen.
Note from Miller: Please change your name.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 23, 07 @ 3:52 pm:
I’m closing this down and starting a fresh thread.