* Yesterday during a press conference, Gov. Pat Quinn expressed strong concerns about the proponents’ plan to “fix” the gaming bill via a trailer, or cleanup bill…
“They talk about something called a trailer bill; I don’t know what that is,” Quinn said. “I think that if you have a bill that isn’t a good bill, then you should roll up your sleeves and correct that bill rather than tell the governor to sign something that isn’t top notch. Who would ever do that? I think that’s a bad way to go. … Do it right the first time, that’s my philosophy.”
Quinn also said, “The notion that we work it out later, that’s not in my book.”
Listen to the raw audio…
* The governor was obviously being disingenuous here. He is no stranger to trailer bills, having signed several into law. Earlier this month, for instance, he signed HB 3376, wich was the trailer bill to the Police and Fire Pension bill, SB 3538. Quinn signed the initial legislation last December. The trailer fixed technical errors, but there was no expression of outrage when he signed the cleanup legislation.
Quinn has often touted the big education reform bill, SB 7. But that bill was fixed by a trailer as well, HB 1197. Again, no complaints out of the governor.
Then there was SB 1641, which was a trailer to HB 6094, which was passed in the 96th General Assembly, which was a trailer to correct confusion between HB 2455 and SB 1866, which also passed in the 96th.
It goes on and on and on. There was even a trailer to fix the capital bill to tighten up the video gaming regulations. That video gaming law was a quite large legal expansion of gambling (even though the illegal activities already exist all over the state).
…Adding… From commenter “siriusly”…
Even more ironic in that audio clip he was asked about the FOIA bill he just signed - it was essentially a clean up bill too . . .
*** UPDATE *** Looks like we need another gaming trailer bill…
Finally, a new owner opened the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines in July, yet the portion slated for horse racing remains in the state’s Gaming Fund. Brad Hahn, a spokesman with the state’s comptroller’s office, said that’s because the law states the money “shall be paid” rather than “transferred.”
And without an appropriation from the General Assembly, the Gaming Board can’t send the money.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* I asked the governor’s office about Quinn’s comments and was sent this…
What the Gov responded on the “trailer” method [yesterday] was in reference to a question on the gambling bill. Basically, he was saying that he is not aware of what is in said gaming trailer bill, what it contains, what it looks like, what it proposes to change, etc.
Well, of course he wouldn’t know. Nobody knows because the trailer doesn’t yet exist. The sponsoring legislators are waiting on Gov. Quinn to finally engage and list his “must haves.” Until Quinn does that, no bill can be constructed. The trailer is all about satisfying Quinn, but Quinn won’t say what, exactly, would satisfy him. If he’d lay out his specific demands, he’d know pretty quickly what was going to be in the trailer bill.
The governor did lay out some demands for the ComEd bill, which the company hasn’t fully agreed to. So, why isn’t he doing the same with the gaming bill? The administration response was “We will.”
“When?” is the next big question here.
And then there’s the indisputable fact that if Quinn had been more engaged during the spring session there would be no need for a trailer bill at all. He made himself irrelevant all last spring, and now he wants back into the game, but he won’t actually get into the game.
* If you listen to the audio, you’ll hear Quinn expressing concerns that the mob might get involved in Chicago’s new casino. When asked to explain, Quinn couldn’t provide any specifics in the legislation.
* The governor was also pressed by reporters to say whether he planned to sign the gaming bill, veto it or issue an amendatory veto. Quinn said that he never talks about his actions before bills actually reach his desk.
That’s just ridiculous. Quinn’s been saying since June 1st that he plans to veto the ComEd bill.
* Meanwhile, black and Latino aldermen demanded yesterday that Quinn sign the gaming bill…
The City Council’s Black and Hispanic Caucuses on Wednesday joined the bitter battle between Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Pat Quinn aimed at pressuring the governor to sign a bill that would pave the way for a land-based Chicago casino and slot machines at O’Hare and Midway Airports.
It’s one thing for the governor to ignore a political plea from the newly-elected mayor of Chicago. It’s quite another to turn a deaf ear to elected representatives of black and Hispanic voters who helped put Quinn in office, the aldermen said.
“Our caucus came out and supported Quinn when it was a close call. He needs to understand that and see that our communities are suffering,” said Ald. Howard Brookins (21st), chairman of the City Council’s Black Caucus.
“Some of the prosperity seen downtown [was] not seen in our communities. There’s simply not enough money in the meager [aldermanic] menu program to fix everything that needs to be done in our communities. This is a way that we can help our constituents without raising taxes.”
What happens if Quinn refuses to sign the bill?
“There’s always a political consequence to anything you do or you don’t do. Those people who are out of work will look unfavorably on that,” Brookins warned.
* Also yesterday, organized labor and the Chicagoland Chamber urged Quinn not to veto the ComEd bill. From a press release…
Business and labor leaders today called on Governor Pat Quinn to sign legislation authorizing investment in upgrading and modernizing the state’s electric grid, saying it would spark economic growth, create new jobs and make Illinois a hub in the nation’s emerging “new energy economy.”
Senate Bill 1652, the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act, was approved by the General Assembly in late May and sent to the Governor on Monday. It would authorize ComEd and Ameren to spend more than $3 billion over the next 10 years to upgrade the state’s electric grid and install new “smart grid” digital technology.
With this new technology, including smart meters installed in homes, consumers will be able to save money on electric bills with new pricing options, more information about their usage and new energy efficiency programs. The legislation contains strict regulatory provisions protecting business and residential customers during the 10-year period of investment through oversight by the Illinois Commerce Commission. […]
“As Labor Day approaches, we urge the Governor to remember the thousands of Illinoisans who are out of work – more than 627,000 to be exact, according to the July report from the Illinois Department of Employment Security,” said Dean Apple, president and business manager of IBEW Local 15 in Downers Grove.
“The best way I can think of to remember our out-of-work brothers and sisters is to approve this major job-creating legislation and get to work on strengthening and modernizing our electric grid,” Apple said.
“SB1652 is a critical jobs initiative that will spur major economic development for our state,” said Jorge Ramirez, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor. “A 10-year program to invest billions of dollars in our infrastructure and in a modern grid will provide thousands of jobs not just over the short-term, but over the long haul. This bill represents a major step forward in the new economy of the 21st century.”
Discuss.
LIVE session coverage...
- Fed up - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 11:23 am:
Your coming along Rich,I remember when you used to defend Quinnn’s Flip flops and lies.
- Old Milwaukee - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 11:26 am:
As we all learned with the last guy, it is hard to plan and/or govern when you cannot believe what the Governor says. Very hard.
- siriusly - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 11:33 am:
Even more ironic in that audio clip he was asked about the FOIA bill he just signed - it was essentially a clean up bill too . . .
A prominent business person asked me my opinion of Quinn yesterday. I said “he’s clumsy”. Well meaning, honest and hard working - but really just clumsy, not a strong leader and
- wordslinger - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 11:45 am:
I’m wondering if Quinn just doesn’t want to give a casino to Emanuel. He may view him as a potential opponent for re-election. Or, he just might want to show him that he’s the Big Dog in the state.
I don’t think it’s outlandish to think that Emanuel has a plan for running for president someday that includes being governor first.
- Michelle Flaherty - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 11:53 am:
Siriusly,
There’s a name for the person you described.
Frank Drebin.
And stop calling me, seriously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3NmJcQ1H54
- Cincinnatus - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 11:55 am:
I vaguely remember that Quinn discussed a “trailer bill” when he was presented a budget that he did not like? Foggy memory?
Let me make a prediction, the current gambling bill has a tenuous coalition of support, and if Quinn makes ANY changes, or vetoes it, the bill is dead until after the next election. Quinn will also be robbing the State of many millions of dollars of revenues that the State desperately needs. This whole fiasco lays on his lap, and he will be ruthlessly blamed for his failure.
- Cincinnatus - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:10 pm:
Michelle,
Please warn me next time. Spit Take.
- Loop Lady - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:25 pm:
No disrespect to either pol but when Rahm says jump, is Pat supposed to say how high? I’ll wager Pat has some issues with the bill…a trailer bill for a Chicago casino? What could possibly go wrong? There’s a bit of history with organized crime and gaming here in the Windy City. There’s plenty of egoism and hubris to go around with this bill. I’m sure it will pass after much pounding of the chest in the Veto session. Everyone keep yer pants on.
What a surprise! The IL Chamber (aka the Republican Party) is siding with ComEd on a bill that essentially sticks their hand in your wallet…
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:27 pm:
===What a surprise! The IL Chamber (aka the Republican Party) is siding with ComEd on a bill that essentially sticks their hand in your wallet… ===
LOL
That explains the CFL’s support, too, I suppose.
- The Captain - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:35 pm:
I wish Dems and Repubs worked together as often as labor and the chamber do.
- hisgirlfriday - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:35 pm:
My apologies for threadjacking here but…
Rich, can we have a thread about Quinn deciding to send Illinois National Guard helicopters to Vermont to deal with the flooding?
Apparently Vermont had to request assistance from Illinois because all their national guard helicopters are currently in Iraq.
http://tinyurl.com/3w46lhw
http://tinyurl.com/3gjgl8x
I would like to give credit to Quinn for this good move despite his many missteps of late. And also find his another reminder that maybe it’s time to bring our national guard troops (and our equipment) home.
- Loop Lady - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:36 pm:
No CFL wants the jobs…that’s understandable with the construction industry stagnant…
- Left Out - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:39 pm:
Both the casino bill and the ComEd bill, in their current forms, are bad for Illinois. They both can be made to work for the people but only after revisions to both bills.
- Cook County Commoner - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:44 pm:
Gov Quinn’s delay confounds me. He raked in loads of dough from the trade unions during his election, and casino construction is certainly one of the paybacks. And a healthy cut of the construction costs and gaming revenues will find its way back to co-operating politicians. And the financial destruction to many local gamers and their families will create more clients for government services, which will please government employees and their unions. Again, more dough back to the politicians. This is a win-win for politicians and their financial sponsors. Could it be that Gov. Quinn understands the additional havoc gaming will play on already stressed citizens is immoral? Could it be that he understands that the resources would be better spent on less malevolent pursuits? Could it be that he understands that the already bottom of the barrel standing of Illinois among other states would be lowered even further when national commentators observe that the only solution Illinois can come up with to its fiscal plight is casino gambling? Could it be that he understands that expanding casino gambling is just handing businesses another reason not to come to Illinois? Could it be that in his own fumbling way he is displaying leadership?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:47 pm:
===when national commentators observe that the only solution Illinois can come up with to its fiscal plight is casino gambling?===
Perhaps you missed the tax hike vote.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:47 pm:
===Could it be that Gov. Quinn understands the additional havoc gaming will play on already stressed citizens is immoral?===
He signed the video gaming bill into law. So, I doubt it.
- SportShoz - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:48 pm:
Its actually sad how labor is saying they want the “ComEd” bill now - afterall it was ComEd and parent company Exelon’s front group “STOP” that killed the Tenaska bill the unions wanted so badly.
As for the Chamber - its hard to call a bill that contains a provision for $10 million in “workforce reduction program severance costs” for ComEd a “jobs bill.”
I guess when ComEd says jump both the Chamber and Unions now say “how high?”
- Been There - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:48 pm:
===*** UPDATE *** Looks like we need another gaming trailer bill…===
Actually, the current gaming bill wipes out the provisions for horse racing to get a percentage of the new casino. So if he ends up signing it the funds can be used for other purposes. No trailer needed for this.
- SportShoz - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:50 pm:
Rich - actually Quinn has been saying he would veto the “ComEd” bill since May. He and AG Madigan did a joint release on the 29th with a headline that says “Governor Renews Vow to Veto Measure”
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 12:54 pm:
===No trailer needed for this. ===
I’m assuming the tracks are still gonna want the money owed to them in the runup to the law becoming effective, if it ever does.
- Foxfire - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 1:01 pm:
Very interesting post. I understand that some…most…politicians have different definitions for the words “truth” and “honesty” than the rest of us. I’m curious. Is Pat’s flip-flopping the product of lunacy or dishonesty or both?
- downstate hack - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 1:06 pm:
With the Black and Hispanic caucuses joining with the Mayor, I would wager Gov. Quinn will scramble to find a way to support the gaming bill.
- Been There - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 1:31 pm:
===I’m assuming the tracks are still gonna want the money owed to them in the runup to the law becoming effective, if it ever does.===
Not sure if it would be worth blowing the attorney fees. It’s pretty clear if they don’t appropriate you are not going to get the money. Just like the regional superintendents. And I can just imagine the conversation with Cullerton asking to be included in an aprop bill.
- Coach - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 2:38 pm:
“Disingenuous” is far too charitable a term to describe the governor’s comment on the trailer bill. It’s clear from PQ’s comment, especially when you listen the audio, he was attempting to show himself to be flatly ignorance about the very concept of a trailer bill.
As you’ve demonstrated, Rich, PQ knows exactly what a trailer bill is. Not to mention, the dude is a lawyer, a lifelong pubic official, and the governor; he’s surrounded by staff who could educate him about the legislative process just in case he lost track.
This is Rod all over again: “Aw shucks, the Illinois Constitution says we have to balance our budget, so we couldn’t possibly have a deficit, let alone the biggest deficit in the nation.”
Infuriating.
Nice try from the press office, but their response is nonsense.
- Coach - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 2:43 pm:
Sorry, meant “… flatly ignorant …”
- Coach - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 3:05 pm:
Honestly, if PQ continues with this silly “we need to do it right the first time or not do it at all” message, then every news story repeating that message should also refer to his regional super fiasco. Gee whiz, he sure handled that right the first time.
- OneMan - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 3:16 pm:
Then Pat,
TELL THEM WHAT YOU DON’T SPECIFICALLY LIKE ABOUT THE BILL…
Sorry about the caps but that needed to be yelled.
- siriusly - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 3:17 pm:
Michelle:
If Quinn is Drebin, does that make Sheila Simon his Nordberg?
- Cam McAndrews - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 3:56 pm:
I seriously doubt that the horsemen will ever realize the money from the 10th riverboat. The GA was supposed to appropriate money for the recapture program and hasn’t done that for the last five years or so. There is no way they will give millions of dollars owed to the horsemen when they can keep it for the state…Sad.
Also, Quinn says he supports agriculture, he went to the Illinois Progress ag show and talked up Illinois ag over and over; doesn’t he realize that a huge part of sb744 provides money for agriculture programs?
- wordslinger - Thursday, Sep 1, 11 @ 9:28 pm:
–Also, Quinn says he supports agriculture, he went to the Illinois Progress ag show and talked up Illinois ag over and over; doesn’t he realize that a huge part of sb744 provides money for agriculture programs?–
I grew up in farm country, and I honor the farmers’ contribution to civilization.
I just wish some of my farmer friends would realize that they’re not exactly pioneers anymore, and they wait on that government check, and look for that government break, just like a lot of other folks.