* Rep. Rich Brauer (R-Petersburg) is resigning from the House effective Friday. Brauer has been widely rumored to be moving into the Rauner administration.
Now are the GOP powers-that-be going to hand this appointment to Rauner? There are still a lot of GOP or GOP leaning constituents working for the state who won’t appreciate the slash and burn act on them.
i understand there may be some summer workers who have worked at the State Fairgrounds the last few years interested in the representative opening. Probably would bring more experience than the one appointed in the 95th.
My dog is 21 (in dog years), lives in the district, and can be easily trained to do whatever he is told (provided that there are treats involved). How does he apply? He sounds like the perfect candidate for Team Rauner.
I live in Rich’s district. Rich is a nice guy, but all the bloviating on here, what has he ever done? He has been in office for 12 years and I cannot think of a single piece of landmark legislation he has moved. IF anyone cares to enlighten me, then I am all ears.
Now, if Rich Brauer was a Dem and was going to work for a Dem Governor, the GOP establishment would be whinin’, hootin’ and hollerin’ about abandoning his constituents in their time of need to take a cush job and line his pockets. There would be cries of “cronyism”
Sometimes it would be fun to see Ds stoop to the level of Rs. And get the mainstream media all puckered up.
- Metro East Transplant - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 5:23 pm:
I heard the IDOT rumor a while back as well. Will probably be announced on a Fri afternoon.
Team Sleep…BINGO! I don’t care how nice a guy is, I care if they can get the job don’t. Brauer likes the Legislator lifestyle. Showing up and doing an actual job might prove difficult.
Will Rauner allow Brauer to base his pension on his higher state salary? Will he ask Brauer to accept Tier II benefits? Or is Rauner going to allow more gaming of the pension system?
It won’t hurt his pension — not unless the Gov. starts applying his premise about state workers being overpaid to his own appointees.
- BlameBruceRauner - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 6:56 pm:
Rauner speaks from both sides of his mouth. I heard Brauer wants a bigger retirement and will be the next secretary of IDOT. Good luck in sure the agencies budget will be slashed to the bone.
Word is that Brauer is going to IDOT as the Assistant Secretary. So now they have a Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Chief of Staff, Assistant Chief of Staff and a rumored Assistant Secretary on the way. Hmmmmm…isn’t this the same agency Rauner made a huge issue out of patronage hiring during the campaign?
Rich is one of the good guys in the General Assembly, I served with him in the house and I am a retired democratic state representative he is not eligible for a pension bump so get off that angle, I wish him all the best in whatever his future job may be. For all of you cinics who think that just because a person has an opportunity to do something different and possibly help this state in what ever capacity he or she can please recognize that people like Rich,Wayne Rosenthal,Chuck Hartke,Joel Brunsvold,Bob Flider,Tom Holbrook,Kirk Dillard,and many other ex legislators who went to work for the executive branch know a hell of a lot more about state government than any snot nosed kid out of college or any out of state consultants could even hope to learn in their lifetime. Sorry about the rant but most people posting here don’t have a clue about the sacrifices made to friends and family that public servants have to make on a daily,weekly and yearly basis.
Joe Blow you are breaking my heart about all the sacrifices made to friends and family by state reps. they have a cushy life, live like kings at taxpayer expense, why do you think they fight so hard to get elected
==they have a cushy life, live like kings at taxpayer expense==
While they may make good money, if you are a full-time legislator you certainly don’t have a “cushy life.” But I’m sure your dopey rant made you feel better.
Good for Brauer - he’ll get a good pension bump. But Rich, what I find more interesting is that Rauner is (smartly) promoting the pro-labor GOP legislators and installing in his own people. It will save him embarrassment when they don’t want to vote with him. My guess is that Don Moffitt, Ray Poe (if he’s healthy, knock on wood), and some of the others are next in line for promotions. Pretty soon the whole caucus will be Rauner mouthpieces like Ron Sandack (don’t believe me - check his Facebook page).
If I were a Democrat in Central Illinois, I would be salivating at the chance to run in 2016 in some of these districts. It will be tough to win, but at least you have a message.
I think legislators are adequately compensated for the governmental demands of their jobs (the political demands? Not my problem), but they can’t exactly live like kings. I make more than some of them.
JOE B I agree that Rich is a conscientious and knowledgeable person. But how will he not get a pension bump?
- Why must it always be about pensions - Thursday, Feb 19, 15 @ 8:27 am:
For the many pension “experts” on here, Brauer does not get a pension bump with this move. Due to the configuration of the tier 2 law, GARS and JRS members (even if they are Tier 1 under GARS/JRS) are tier 2 if they enter another retirement system after January 1, 2011. Said different, Brauer will be tier 2 in SERS assuming he gets a job in the executive branch. Although if he had service under IMRF or SERS before he entered the GA, he would be tier 1, but according to his bio on ILGA, it doesn’t appear to be the case.
Additionally, since he entered the GA after 1995, his higher SERS salary will not count towards his GARS pension.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 2:46 pm:
A whole bunch of “22 year old law students” just rejoiced!
- Norseman - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 2:54 pm:
Now are the GOP powers-that-be going to hand this appointment to Rauner? There are still a lot of GOP or GOP leaning constituents working for the state who won’t appreciate the slash and burn act on them.
- The Captain - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:00 pm:
I only had limited interaction with Rich but they were all very positive. I hope this leads to good things.
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:09 pm:
Does he make the administration’s “shakin’ it up” poster, along with family members and spouses of campaign aides?
- A Citizen - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:12 pm:
Hmmm wants to be part of the solution, not the problem. Good for him.
- proudstatetrooper - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:16 pm:
Good Luck Rich. You were one of the “Good” guys. Salute !!
- Keyser Soze - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
A good guy.
- Wow - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:21 pm:
Rich is a great guy! Congratulations and best luck! I have always supported Rich because he always strives to serve his constituent’s.
- Anonymiss - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:21 pm:
Someone notify the Tri-Delts about this job opportunity ASAP.
- Tough Guy - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:27 pm:
i understand there may be some summer workers who have worked at the State Fairgrounds the last few years interested in the representative opening. Probably would bring more experience than the one appointed in the 95th.
- Tom - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:28 pm:
I heard Rauner’s next EO is to lower the minimum State Rep age to 17, so High School seniors are eligible.
- Mama - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:35 pm:
Brauner has a ton of state workers / retirees in his district. Now those people have no one representing them.
- 1776 - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:36 pm:
Rodney Davis is creating quite the fiefdom.
- chi - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:38 pm:
Now those people have no one representing them.=
Never fear, Bradley and ISU have a ton of kids chompin’ at the bit to do some representin’.
- Mittuns - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:45 pm:
I’d sure like an internship as State Rep., too. Where do I apply?
- Mama - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:54 pm:
The last thing we need is Brady taking Brauner job.
- Brauer Constituent - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 4:06 pm:
My dog is 21 (in dog years), lives in the district, and can be easily trained to do whatever he is told (provided that there are treats involved). How does he apply? He sounds like the perfect candidate for Team Rauner.
- ash - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 4:25 pm:
Yep — move all of the moderate and reasonable people out and replace them….
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 4:47 pm:
I live in Rich’s district. Rich is a nice guy, but all the bloviating on here, what has he ever done? He has been in office for 12 years and I cannot think of a single piece of landmark legislation he has moved. IF anyone cares to enlighten me, then I am all ears.
- foster brooks - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 4:50 pm:
heard he’s going to idot
- walker - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 5:06 pm:
Better in the tent, than outside of it.
- Dick Vitale - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 5:07 pm:
Now, if Rich Brauer was a Dem and was going to work for a Dem Governor, the GOP establishment would be whinin’, hootin’ and hollerin’ about abandoning his constituents in their time of need to take a cush job and line his pockets. There would be cries of “cronyism”
Sometimes it would be fun to see Ds stoop to the level of Rs. And get the mainstream media all puckered up.
- Metro East Transplant - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 5:23 pm:
I heard the IDOT rumor a while back as well. Will probably be announced on a Fri afternoon.
- Anon - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 5:32 pm:
Team Sleep…BINGO! I don’t care how nice a guy is, I care if they can get the job don’t. Brauer likes the Legislator lifestyle. Showing up and doing an actual job might prove difficult.
- flea - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 6:04 pm:
He’s not stupid. He just dodged a bunch of hard votes.
- Precinct Captain - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 6:12 pm:
Rich Brauer spent at least a third of his adult life as an elected official. Is that too much “insider” experience for Brucie boy?
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 6:21 pm:
Will Rauner allow Brauer to base his pension on his higher state salary? Will he ask Brauer to accept Tier II benefits? Or is Rauner going to allow more gaming of the pension system?
- anon - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 6:34 pm:
== I hope this leads to good things. ==
It won’t hurt his pension — not unless the Gov. starts applying his premise about state workers being overpaid to his own appointees.
- BlameBruceRauner - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 6:56 pm:
Rauner speaks from both sides of his mouth. I heard Brauer wants a bigger retirement and will be the next secretary of IDOT. Good luck in sure the agencies budget will be slashed to the bone.
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 7:28 pm:
Blame -
1. IDOT already has a secretary. His name is Randall Blankenhorn.
2. Slashed to the bone? Nothing is worse than hyperbole in politics.
- Anon - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 7:48 pm:
Word is that Brauer is going to IDOT as the Assistant Secretary. So now they have a Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Chief of Staff, Assistant Chief of Staff and a rumored Assistant Secretary on the way. Hmmmmm…isn’t this the same agency Rauner made a huge issue out of patronage hiring during the campaign?
- 19th warder - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 8:14 pm:
Why would he leave if it wasn’t for the top job?
- Macoupin Minority - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 9:15 pm:
It wouldn’t be the D’s stooping, it would definitely have to be stepping up to the R’s level in any instance.
- low level - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 9:22 pm:
Top heavy clout positions. Where is the Tribune and their sanctimonious editorials condemning this old school hack politics?
- Anon - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 9:28 pm:
And where’s the federal hiring monitor? IDOT is an agency of 5,000 +. Anywhere near the top is a big deal. And a major pension bump.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 9:39 pm:
Anon. 6:21 Google 40 ILCS 2, 14, and 22. You will find all the answers to your questions right there.
- Joe Blow - Thursday, Feb 19, 15 @ 1:37 am:
Rich is one of the good guys in the General Assembly, I served with him in the house and I am a retired democratic state representative he is not eligible for a pension bump so get off that angle, I wish him all the best in whatever his future job may be. For all of you cinics who think that just because a person has an opportunity to do something different and possibly help this state in what ever capacity he or she can please recognize that people like Rich,Wayne Rosenthal,Chuck Hartke,Joel Brunsvold,Bob Flider,Tom Holbrook,Kirk Dillard,and many other ex legislators who went to work for the executive branch know a hell of a lot more about state government than any snot nosed kid out of college or any out of state consultants could even hope to learn in their lifetime. Sorry about the rant but most people posting here don’t have a clue about the sacrifices made to friends and family that public servants have to make on a daily,weekly and yearly basis.
- Kathryn - Thursday, Feb 19, 15 @ 7:22 am:
Joe Blow you are breaking my heart about all the sacrifices made to friends and family by state reps. they have a cushy life, live like kings at taxpayer expense, why do you think they fight so hard to get elected
- Demoralized - Thursday, Feb 19, 15 @ 7:45 am:
==they have a cushy life, live like kings at taxpayer expense==
While they may make good money, if you are a full-time legislator you certainly don’t have a “cushy life.” But I’m sure your dopey rant made you feel better.
- Anon - Thursday, Feb 19, 15 @ 7:48 am:
I’m most concerned about the fact that Joe Blow can’t spell cynic! Yikes…
- 2nd Ward - Thursday, Feb 19, 15 @ 8:09 am:
Good for Brauer - he’ll get a good pension bump. But Rich, what I find more interesting is that Rauner is (smartly) promoting the pro-labor GOP legislators and installing in his own people. It will save him embarrassment when they don’t want to vote with him. My guess is that Don Moffitt, Ray Poe (if he’s healthy, knock on wood), and some of the others are next in line for promotions. Pretty soon the whole caucus will be Rauner mouthpieces like Ron Sandack (don’t believe me - check his Facebook page).
If I were a Democrat in Central Illinois, I would be salivating at the chance to run in 2016 in some of these districts. It will be tough to win, but at least you have a message.
- Arsenal - Thursday, Feb 19, 15 @ 8:16 am:
I think legislators are adequately compensated for the governmental demands of their jobs (the political demands? Not my problem), but they can’t exactly live like kings. I make more than some of them.
- anon - Thursday, Feb 19, 15 @ 8:17 am:
JOE B I agree that Rich is a conscientious and knowledgeable person. But how will he not get a pension bump?
- Why must it always be about pensions - Thursday, Feb 19, 15 @ 8:27 am:
For the many pension “experts” on here, Brauer does not get a pension bump with this move. Due to the configuration of the tier 2 law, GARS and JRS members (even if they are Tier 1 under GARS/JRS) are tier 2 if they enter another retirement system after January 1, 2011. Said different, Brauer will be tier 2 in SERS assuming he gets a job in the executive branch. Although if he had service under IMRF or SERS before he entered the GA, he would be tier 1, but according to his bio on ILGA, it doesn’t appear to be the case.
Additionally, since he entered the GA after 1995, his higher SERS salary will not count towards his GARS pension.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Feb 19, 15 @ 8:51 am:
Someone choose Judge Mike Atterberry to replace Brauer.