Question of the day
Monday, Oct 21, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Aside from pension reform and gay marriage, there are some other issues coming up in the veto session and Jamey Dunn provides a quick rundown…
* Gambling expansion It seems unlikely that lawmakers will vote on a gaming bill during the veto session, but there is a House hearing on the topic scheduled for Wednesday. Quinn has not said that he would give a gaming bill the same treatment as an ADM tax break if it landed on his desk before pension reform. However, he has warned lawmakers in the past not get distracted by the “shiny object” of a gambling expansion when he feels they should be working to get pension changes passed. He has vetoed two gambling bills in the past and said last year that he could only approve one if it had strict regulations and the money went to education.
* Budgetary issues Several House budget committees are holding hearings on potential supplemental appropriations. It is the time of year when agencies tend to come to lawmakers looking to patch budget holes. Union leaders may also be seeking an appropriation for workers’ back pay from raises there were promised but did not receive. Quinn’s budget staff has said that workers should get the money under a new deal the state made with the unions. However, House Speaker Michael Madigan seems less than warm to the idea. Since there are no bills drafted and in committee, it seems more likely that such budget issues might be tackled in January. Quinn may also be reluctant to sign more spending unless pension changes pass. There is a bill for employee back pay, Senate Bill 2603. It had not been posted to an appropriations hearing as of Monday. Union officials are working to lobby lawmakers. “A circuit court judge has already ruled that the money must be paid. Now Gov. Quinn has agreed, too. But it is up to the state legislature to appropriate the funds that are needed,” says a call to action to its members from the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Council 31.
* Paint disposal One hearing that may lead to legislation down the road is scheduled for November 4. Lawmakers are looking to create a program to ensure that paint is properly disposed of in the state. Holmes, who sponsors the Paint Stewardship Act, said the committee is seeking input and hopes to get an end product that sellers and industry can agree to. Under such a plan, a small fee would be added to the cost of paint, and the money would be used to set up the program. Holmes cautions that the idea is still in a very early stage and could see major changes as the process continues. “What we want to do is have everyone on board with it,” she said.
* Retiree health care The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability is scheduled to hold a hearing on state retiree health benefits on Wednesday morning.
* Other veto session preview stories…
* Quick facts about veto session agenda
* Lawmakers could face lively veto session — or not - Brauer expects ‘deadly dull’ two weeks
* 3 more knotty issues - Lawmakers also facing gun law, tax breaks, gambling
* Several gun rights bills could be considered during veto session
* Illinois Law Would Heavily Restrict Possession of Firearms Outside Home
* Timing hurdle to gay marriage vote - Sponsor still looking for support, but casting ‘yes’ vote now could bring lawmakers primary challenges
* Pro-Gay Marriage Rally Tuesday
* Black Pastors kick off pro-traditional marriage initiatives for veto session
* 2014 deadline among hurdles in lawmaker session
* Pension deal remains elusive - Politics still has upper hand as conference committee works out plan
* Casino vote unlikely in veto session
* Illinois racing faces its own fiscal cliff
* The Question: Why veto session proposal interests you most and why?
- Hit or Miss - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 1:27 pm:
Pension reform because it has the largest impact on the finances of the state both in the short and long term.
- downstate hack - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 1:44 pm:
Gaming expansion. It is the one of the few politically acceptable solutions to address a portion of our fiscal woes, but our Governor seems bent on another political stunt rather than real leadership.
- Aldyth - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 1:49 pm:
By the way, did you know that paint recycling grants were discontinued throughout Illinois a couple years ago when the money was swept, except for the Chicago Metro area?
- Arthur Andersen - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 2:06 pm:
Drunk boaters.
- wordslinger - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 2:24 pm:
Gay marriage. I want to keep learning from certain self-professed “Men of God” on the justifications for using secular law to discriminate against some of God’s children.
Like this Holy Man from the IR link:
–Rev. Kirk Clayton, pastor of a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod church in the southern Illinois town of Mascoutah, echoed the sentiments of his spiritual colleagues.
“Since marriage pre-dates any government, no government should presume to change God’s definition,” Clayton said. “What God therefore has defined, let not man re-define. I am pleased to stand with my friends of various faith traditions to support God’s blessed plan for marriage.”–
A lot of things have been cast aside that “pre-dated” government and were endorsed by The Bible. Slavery. Polygamy. The submission of women. And barbarism against those that are different than you.
I’m always fascinated by the Christian Holy Men who choose to ignore the words of Jesus and the God of Love and slum it in Leviticus with a Vengeful God.
Didn’t they all go to Sunday school?
- Huh? - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 2:52 pm:
Pension reform. Will I have the pension that was promised to me when I retire.
- A guy... - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 2:59 pm:
Slinger, I’m always fascinated by you. We agree rarely, but it’s always fascinating.
- wordslinger - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 3:12 pm:
Well, A Guy, like the man said (the Son of Man, as a matter of fact), “do unto others….”
- the unknown poster - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 3:21 pm:
@ wordslinger
The Bible’s stance against homosexuality is hardly limted to the Old Testament. Saul of Tarsus was specifically chosen by Christ to spread his teachings. Ever read any of his Epistles?
- Chavez-respecting Obamist - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 3:31 pm:
I don’t want my laws coming out of some book written over hundred of years by a bunch of people and then badly translated.
- the unknown poster - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 4:07 pm:
@ Chavez
Like laws against murder?
- Bill White - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 4:23 pm:
Speaking of Leviticus . . .
http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Leviticus+18+22_6e6481_3761725.jpg
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 4:26 pm:
I am interested in the SSM Bill, by status, and impact of the “lobbying”, and by the possibility of state Senator Jim Oberweis being “candidate” Jim Oberweis for US Senate, and that mix coming into play, and all that tainted baggage Oberweis will bring on the Ticket, and if Oberweis can help himself and not be available for comment.
If MJM and Harris “slow-play” this, beyond the filing season, and this is out there for an ILGOP ticket to be sattled to a possible 3-63 “No” to SSM, it very well could innoculate all the possible Dem targets in the Collars.
Add to that, Oberweis being quotable, and the “platform”, and Brady, and “must” …its a level that has to be looked at and could very well be used to make “Slytherin House Republicans” the platform the Dems will use to victory.
So, I am looking at the politics at play in the SSM Bill and the Bill movement itself.
- Just The Way It Is One - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 5:44 pm:
Pension Reform–period. EVerything else should be on the back burner…!
- wordslinger - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 5:52 pm:
@ wordslinger
–The Bible’s stance against homosexuality is hardly limted to the Old Testament. Saul of Tarsus was specifically chosen by Christ to spread his teachings. Ever read any of his Epistles?–
Another theologian. The Bible does not have a “stance.” What the hell are you talking about?
Seriously, what is your folks problem? Peaking in windows all night long?
- wordslinger - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 7:09 pm:
–I am interested in the SSM Bill, by status, and impact of the “lobbying”, and by the possibility of state Senator Jim Oberweis being “candidate”–
It’s 2013 in Illinois. I think most in Illinois are Yankees, can you dig it?
I think Sen. Kirk, JBT and mind-your-own business Republicans can dig it. Back in the day, they would call that “conservative.”
It’s beyond me how anyone, much less a self-described conservative, in 2013, could think to make second-class citizens of the two dudes and their little girl who live across the street from me.
How is that possible?
Get out of the bedroom, and clean up your side of the street.
Especially when, as an institution, you have ennabled profound and despicable crimes and cover-ups against children.
Some folks want to go backwards, but I have no doubt most of us went to public schools and have no interest or fear in the hysteria of the pezzonovante.
This ain’t 1950 Alabama, and never will be, no matter what the alleged Holy Men in the State Parkway Mansion say, or the alleged South Side “civil rights” leaders taking their money to peddle their poison say.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 7:28 pm:
- wordslinger -,
Why is the “non-judgemental” Evangelicals, can’t find it in their heart to be non-judgemental?
They remind, that the day of judgement is upon us, so why do they feel the need to judge anyone?
To the 1950’s Alabama…that is where we get the Slytherin Republicans who think Illinois is Indiana or Texas, and can’t understand that what makes us all different is what makes us all great here in Illinois.
As the narrowing continues in My Party, aided by this false bravado against all whom are “different”, all who do not mold into their perfection, that false bravado sits there like a stain on a shirt, or like a stain on a Party.
Well said, - wordslinger -, keep those who forget “judge, lest thee be judged” paying attention.
- wordslinger - Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 9:56 pm:
Willie, I’m with you.
And I think AA is with you, and he’s a lot smarter than both of us put together.
Gungbalonga. So you got that going for you. Which is nice.
I’m fifty, Old School, Main Street, Midwestern citizen. Ain’t nobody turning me around now.
Loved me some Republicans, loved me some Democrats. But I’m a progressive and a Yankee through and through.
(By the way, those of you who think that “progressive” and “liberal” and “moderate” are perjoratives….you’re morons. Pack a lunch, it’s going to be an all-day job).
As a citizen, I refuse to acknowledge a GOP where a great statesman like Dick Lugar is an enemy, a “Rino,” to be voted out by a s-for-brains like God-like-rapey Murdouch.
I refuse to acknowledge someone like Steve King or Ted Cruz is a “conservative.” I’m a conservative. They’re misanthropes.
I have my eye on Reps. Schock and Kinzinger. They’ve already been targeted by the Club for Growth and other Rauner friends.
Step up, you Illinois Republicans.
If they stand up to the lunatics like Club for Growth, and the cynics like Rauner, I’m with them til the last dog dies.
I traveled and hanged with Jack Kemp, Bob Dole,Aland Simpson, GHW Bush and Ronald Reagan. Those dudes were “conservatives.”
And more often than not, I liked the the way the governed, if not their rhetoric sometimes.
Willie, trust me, you’re fighting the good fight. Don’t sto[p