*** UPDATED x1 *** “Confused and surprised”
Thursday, Apr 9, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Negative reactions to the governor’s “Good Friday Massacre” continue to reverberate…
State Rep. Dan Brady, a Bloomington funeral home director, was among a majority of Republican lawmakers who last month voted for a fix to the current state budget. […]
“I was under the impression that action would stabilize things through the end of the fiscal year,” Brady said Tuesday.
On Friday, however, Rauner froze $26 million in funding for a variety of social service programs, including about $6.9 million that pays funeral expenses for poor people.
“I was not anticipating having this type of situation. I’m confused over it,” Brady said Tuesday. “I’m confused and surprised.”
*** UPDATE *** The Rauner folks say this approp committee exchange between Rep. Frank Mautino and budget director Tim Nuding shows legislators like Brady shouldn’t have been surprised. Emphasis in the original…
Mautino: And a final question to Rich or Tim. In the course of preparing for this year, the number of accounts at the Bureau of the Budget, Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, going back to through the years.
Nuding: No problem, I’m nostalgic about it too.
Mautino: Well you have the right attitude for this year. A number of items that have been suspended and another number of accounts. In the course of passing this fix for this year, what will become the status of the suspended dollars? Cities have been notified that they maybe have a process or program in process over at DNR, EPA, that has been suspended, so those accounts are under suspended status. You may not have this handy here, but I’d like to know what the dollar value of the suspended account statewide is, and what the interaction is with the bill we’re passing today is. Will the status of those accounts be lifted? And may those project resume for those dollars.
Nuding: I would say, representative, that what we have done through the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget to try to address the FY15 problem… This bill works in concert with what we are already doing in terms of establishing reserves and looking at grants that are already out there. So that process will continue. I cannot report to you today how much we have frozen up. We are still actually working through that process with your agencies. As you know there are literally hundreds and thousands of grants out there that our agencies are evaluating, trying to figure out what needs to be frozen, what’s essential, what’s non-essential. We will continue to work through that process. Having said that, I would acknowledge that I do not that believe everything that is currently under review or frozen will ultimately be terminated. I think there will be some things that move forward. I don’t have specifics on that. Conversely, Representative, not all of them will. We need some of those savings to make that $1.6 billion hole balance in concert the bills that are in front of you today.
However, legislators I’ve talked to said they’d made it clear that those programs shouldn’t be cut. They also fully funded things like the autism program for a reason.
- How Ironic - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 10:59 am:
@ Gov Rauner:
Typically not a good move when even your own party is confused by your actions.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:01 am:
Geez. Are we going to see the GOP version of Rep. Lyons’ madman quote even earlier than Blagojevich?
- Skeptic - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:04 am:
Gov’nor, I heard what you said
Gov’nor, I know what I read.
I said Gov’nor, That’s not what we meant
Gov’nor, we want that line approp spent…So
We’re making you sign an M-O-U, yes we’re making you sign an M-O-U
We can’t trust what you say, especially today, so
We’re making you sign an M-O-U….
With apologies to the Village People and Vanilla Man who does it way better than me.
- phocion - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:06 am:
Dan Brady just wanted to wipe out the road fund, I guess.
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:06 am:
Rep. Brady, let me help you. It’s what’s known in some circles as a “double-cross,” part of the “lie” family of conduct.
- Huh? - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:07 am:
Given what has gone on since the timex watch took his oath of office, what makes anybody think that a mou will be worth the paper it is written on?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:09 am:
“Dear Rep. Brady;
Your co-opted now. It might not matter what you think. I’ll get back to you if you should think it at all.
Signed,
Gov. Rauner”
(Note delivered by Rep. Sandack)
- MrJM - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:11 am:
“I’m confused and surprised.”
From here on out, there is no excuse for being surprised.
– MrJM
- A guy - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:13 am:
Maybe more confused than surprised. Not sure how much this fund is involved in his business. But he is very involved in the industry for the State organization and they rely on him to carry their water. At this point every cut is heart-breaking.
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:19 am:
– maybe more confused than surprised –
He said what he wanted to say. No translation necessary.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:19 am:
Um, - A Guy -…
Let’s be very clear;
It’s not about the cuts or what the cuts entail.
It IS about the Rauner double-cross, and going back on his word.
That’s what’s confusing. That’s whats surprising.
And, if it breaks your own heart, tell Rauner, for you, to keep his word…then your heart will be fine.
- Norseman - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:46 am:
Oh, to be a fly on the wall of the less radical GOP legislators. They have to be pulling their hair out trying to think their way out of this mess.
- NewWestSuburbanGOP'er - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:53 am:
“Oh, to be a fly on the wall of the less radical GOP legislators. They have to be pulling their hair out trying to think their way out of this mess.”
Are there any less radical GOP legislators anymore?
- walker - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:55 am:
Was Radogno “surprised and confused” by Rauner’s latest?
Radogno is one of the best on budget issues in Springfield. Brady received his briefing on the deal from someone.
Changing what Madigan understood was part of the agreement is bad enough, but you don’t want to lose the trust of your strongest in-house allies.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 12:01 pm:
“…including about $6.9 million that pays funeral expenses for poor people.”
I’m curious. Are those bodies just being held in morgues, or are funeral homes being stiffed (no pun intended) by the State on their bills?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 12:12 pm:
Typical Illinois. Cut, but not my stuff.
- Cheryl44 - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 12:15 pm:
I think that’s typical anywhere, not just Illinois.
- How Ironic - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 12:21 pm:
@Anonymous:
“Typical Illinois. Cut, but not my stuff.”
What makes this particularly galling is that the funding to help bury indigent citizens is being eliminated due to fiscal issues.
HOWEVER, if you buy a motorcycle in the state of Illinois, your motorcycle training classes are PAID BY THE STATE, in part with a $633,000 INCREASE from last year.
Get that? We can’t afford to help bury the poorest of the poor, and those forgotten by society. But we sure as heck can provide additional ($633,000) for FREE motorcycle training classes.
That’s in Gov Rauners budget. He’s asking for that.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 12:25 pm:
It’s not typical Illinois…
Understand what Rep. Brady is “surprised and confused” about;
Gov. Rauner double-crossed MJM, Cullerton, and both GOP GA Caucuses.
It’s not that one was chosen over another, or “no cuts” or “not mine!”… It’s the double-cross.
- Soccermom - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 12:30 pm:
What do you guys think? My feeling is that, if we’re going to make cuts, let’s try to preserve spending on people who are in need. I understand our desire to honor those who died destitute, but I would rather see those dollars spent on early intervention for children with developmental disabilities.
Have I grown cold in my old age?
- How Ironic - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 12:36 pm:
@Soccermom.
Yes. These are not full blown catered affairs. Pine box, big hole, usually several coffins in each. They need to be buried.
Especially when the state can find additional funding for free motorcycle training classes.
Yes, they need to be buried.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 12:42 pm:
===Have I grown cold in my old age?===
Doubtful, especially since you don’t age.
But I reject the premise. It’s 2015 and we live in one of the richest states in the country. I refuse to believe we cannot afford to invest in early childhood education and also provide something more than mass, unmarked paupers’ graves. I expect more. I’m willing to pay for it. And I’m smart enough to know there is a way to do both (and more) that doesn’t bankrupt the state.
It’s not either-or, it’s both-and.
- Levois - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 12:44 pm:
Confused by an action that only hurts his own business?
- MoreThanA217Prob - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 12:45 pm:
@Soccermom
Nope, the only thing growing colder are the bodies waiting to be picked up by the funeral homes. I too would rather invest in the future (our children w/DD) than in burials. Ideally, we should do both, but if I had to choose, I choose a brighter tomorrow for those who will still be here. Plus, early intervention actually saves money in the long run.
- Big Rauhuna - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 12:48 pm:
What don’t you understand, Dan? Just trust me.
I got you through that bit about raiding the road fund when you downstate GOPers used to howl to high heaven and quiver with worry that those big bidness types would cut you off at the knees.
Just trust me. Your funeral director buddies will love me (and you).
We won. See? That’s all that matters. We Win!
- ArchPundit - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 12:49 pm:
This is a very effective strategy to get the Dems and Republicans together in the Lege. However, not to agree with Rauner, but to write such detailed budgets that he will be restricted in what he can do unilaterally. He’s building consensus–against him.
- S.A.D. - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:03 pm:
How Ironic & 47th Ward, hear, hear.
This violates one of our most basic human instincts. It also serves as a final insult to the poor in death after enduring a lifetime full of scorn and shame.
Bury the dead.
- S.A.D. - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:05 pm:
If burying our indigent dead is not the very definition of a public service and a fundamental purpose for organizing a government, then nothing is.
- Ginhouse Tommy - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:13 pm:
It appears that the Governors word and promise don’t mean a thing and he can’t trusted. “oh what a wicked web we weave when at first plot to deceive”. I believe that’s from Robert Louis Stevenson and it’s appropriate.
- DuPage - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:13 pm:
@Soccermom12:30
I could be wrong, but I thought they already got just a very minimal closed cardboard coffin/unmarked grave type of a funeral, at a very low “non-profit” price. I don’t see how they could cut much more off the price.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:23 pm:
Unlocking value under false presence what a business model.
- Skeptic - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:43 pm:
“I’ve been Confused and Surprised for so long it’s not true, I’ll make this Governor sign an M-O-U. Lots of people voted but few of them know which way this Rauner guy is going to go…”
With apologies to Jimmy Page and more apologies to Vanilla Man who still does it better.
- Educated in the Suburbs - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:59 pm:
What happens to the dead if they’re not buried? Honest question. Do local governments have to come up with the funding? Do they just sit there in the morgue if not?
- Rod - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:05 pm:
Possibly Rep. Dan Brady and many others either did not read HB 317 and HB 318 (now PA 99-0001 and PA 99-0002) or did not understand them. As I pointed out the other day there was no language in those bill limiting cuts to specific lines that those bill reduced until the end of the fiscal year.
In general Governor Rauner and his team is being accused of being duplicitous in their bargaining over these bills because there was an impression given that the bills somehow trumpeted the Executive Orders relating to non-essential spending that were issued the day the Governor was sworn into office. Clearly that is not the way his team must look at it.
I suspect that if language was included in these two bills formally limiting the effect of the EOs issued by the Governor he could well argued that was an encroachment on his executive authority and vetoed the bills. Given this situation and the fact that even some Republicans were under the impression that no further cuts would take place until the end of the fiscal year we have here an obvious break down in the relationship between the executive branch and the legislative branch that needs to be corrected in order for a FY 16 budget to be adopted and implemented.
- How Ironic - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:08 pm:
@ Rod,
You forgot to mention that Gov Rauner also had his fingers crossed when he made said promises to Madigan and the GOP.
That’s important to remember. I bet he even had his toes crossed as extra ‘insurance’.
Don’t try to drive after all that spin. You’re liable to drive off the road.
- Joan P. - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:11 pm:
@ Ginhouse Tommy:
“Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practise to deceive!”
– Sir Walter Scott, Marmion
- Downstate Illinois - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:12 pm:
Although there can never be good optics when it comes to cutting off state payments for indigent funerals, keep in mind this was never a state function until sometime in the 20th century. Previously, this was a local responsibility from the earliest of territorial days to the modern era.
I don’t know who did backed the change, but it wouldn’t be unbelievable to think it was a combination of the state funeral home association wanting a way to pad their pockets and counties wanting to dump the costs associated with their responsibilities.
- Soccermom - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:22 pm:
Thanks, Joan. And 47th — aww….
- Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:34 pm:
budget cuts that are nothing more than deflecting costs to other units of government or to the private sector are “false savings”. Death benefits are the classic example - when Public Aid recipients die, someone has to pay for their burial. Why should the cost fall to cemeteries and gracious mortuaries. Since the person will no longer be on state assistance, the State should be willing to come up with one last payment for this service to Illinois residents.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 3:06 pm:
To the Update;
“We told the legislators, Rich, we did see… shall forfeit all rights, privileges, and licenses herein and herein contained, et cetera, et cetera… Fax mentis incendium gloria cultum, et cetera, et cetera… Memo bis punitor delicatum!
It’s was all there, black and white, clear as crystal! A holiday weekend happened so we double-crossed them so they get nothing! They lose!
Good day, Rich.”
- Say It Ain't So!! - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 3:10 pm:
When will the first hospital start dumping the dead bodies off at the Governor’s mansion, when the funeral homes refuse to pick them up, for lack of funds?
- ArchPundit - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 3:11 pm:
It’s like calling AOL back in the day–didn’t you read the TOS? I’m sorry, we own your bank account now.
- walker - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 3:13 pm:
Rod: I suspect that members of different teams on Rauner’s staff are not talking to each other. One team, led by Arduin, is cutting whatever they feel is not “essential” regardless of previous commitments or statutes, and another led by the more experienced Illinois budget folks, negotiated to fill the 2015 gap with emergency funds to make further 2015 cutting unnecessary.
Remember Rauner’s publicly stated rationale for suspending spending by his EO, was because he was faced with a specific 2015 funding gap on his first day. Then Rauner’s publicly stated rationale for requesting emergency funds transfers from accounts established by statute with other specific usages, was because he faced the exact same specific 2015 spending gap.
If Rauner didn’t need the whole amount given him on a one time emergency basis, then there was no way he could have received those funds.
Rauner would never have vetoed these bills if they had the restrictions you suggest, because he would then have not been able to operate thru June 30.
- walker - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 3:16 pm:
And there it goes again.
Rich’s update makes my previous comment wrong. Apologies to Rod et al.
Must try to avoid “I suspect” comments.
- BlameBruceRauner - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 3:27 pm:
Maybe the dead can qualify for a free motorcycle lesson. This is a very shady move, that will cost him.
- A guy - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 3:42 pm:
===Wordslinger - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 11:19 am:
– maybe more confused than surprised –
He said what he wanted to say. No translation necessary.====
Yes he did Sling. And at best he could only be half right according to the update. I guess that makes you his “apologist”, right? yeah right. Pick a fight over more worthwhile things.
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 3:54 pm:
Guy, your comment makes no sense. He said he was “confused and surprised.” There’s no “half-right” or “right” about it, there’s just your constant unsolicited speaking for others rather than yourself.
- Rod - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 4:02 pm:
“How Ironic” indicates that Governor Rauner’s team made “promises to Madigan and the GOP,” in relation to what HB 317 and 318 meant in relationship to the scope of cuts. I have not seen a reference clearly indicating that such a promise was made to either the Speaker or leader Durkin verbally or otherwise. If anyone has seen any quote or statement to that effect I would like to get a link to the article or media story containing that.
Maybe a better way of putting this was that there was an “understanding” relating to scope of the cuts and the two bills approved by the GA. I suspect Rauner’s people would argue that there was in fact a “misunderstanding.”
Maybe what used to be based on informal leader to leader assumptions will need to be more formalized in the future. Might that lead to greater conflict between the executive and the legislature, yes that is a real possibility. But if it leads to greater clarity then the conflict is probably worth it.
- CapnCrunch - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 4:09 pm:
“Why should the cost fall to cemeteries and gracious mortuaries.”
Because it is a cost of doing business, not unlike hospitals swallowing the costs of caring for patients who don’t pay their bill or retailers’ losses to shoplifting. If they cannot persuade local authorities to subsidize them they absorb the costs and adjust rates accordingly. The state has no business here. Of course, if they provide enough of such service, they might lobby the legislature to classify them as non profit businesses. As -Downstate Illinois- points out some lobbying by these folks must have occurred in the past.
- Ginhouse Tommy - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 4:15 pm:
Correct me if I’m wrong but I thought crossing MJM was a bad idea. He crossed the most powerful Speaker Illinois has ever had. I don’t he will forget this anytime soon. Major oops.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 4:26 pm:
===I suspect Rauner’s people would argue that there was in fact a “misunderstanding.”===
I suspect Madigan’s people have a different term for what happened with the autism grants. Rauner is playing a very dangerous game.
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 4:26 pm:
Crossing Madigan is not a good idea, but its expected. Crossing the folks on the Right side of the aisle is a really bad idea for our megalomaniac-in-chief. If they gave their lawmakers verbal assurances that certain expenditures would be preserved, the Rauner folks need to keep those promises. The $20 million threat only works if the threatened legislators trust the Gov to leave them be if they support his bills. If Rauner goes back on his word often enough, the Republican GA members will start to assume the $20 million will be spent in the 2016 primaries no matter what. If the Republicans start to believe that, they will stop following the Governor’s lead.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 4:32 pm:
===Maybe a better way of putting this was that there was an “understanding” relating to scope of the cuts and the two bills approved by the GA. I suspect Rauner’s people would argue that there was in fact a “misunderstanding.”===
Are MJM and/or Cullerton the people you want confused?
Trust. Rauner is squandering it like it means zilch
- A guy - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 4:57 pm:
===Wordslinger - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 3:54 pm:
Guy, your comment makes no sense. He said he was “confused and surprised.”===
He can be confused all he wants. Unless he slept through some important conversations, he can’t be surprised. Now, it’s fine for him to say so. Heck, you believed him.
- A guy - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 4:59 pm:
===Are MJM and/or Cullerton the people you want confused?===
Any direct evidence that they are? Didn’t think so. Cullerton had more than a cursory look at this beforehand. MJM isn’t confused.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 5:03 pm:
===Any direct evidence that they are? Didn’t think so. Cullerton had more than a cursory look at this beforehand. MJM isn’t confused.===
Hmm… how about…
===However, legislators I’ve talked to said they’d made it clear that those programs shouldn’t be cut. They also fully funded things like the autism program for a reason.===
Are you saying MJM and/or Cullerton double-crossed the Mushrooms, with years and years of trust built up…
…or the New Governor, who actually used the holiday Easter weekend to “hide” the cuts is the double-crosser?
Hmm, tough choice…
- Rod - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 5:04 pm:
Pot calling kettle: I don’t disagree at all - but were such assurances ever given to the leaders by Rauner’s people? I am not seeing anyone stepping forward saying so and so from the Governor’s office said if you agree to these 1.6 billion in cuts that is it for FY 15.
As I said the other day maybe President Cullerton and Speaker Madigan got beat at their own game. Bruce Rauner speaking at Tazewell County Lincoln Day Dinner said well before he was elected said “Springfield has never seen anything like me because I don’t want a political career and I don’t care if I get reelected - I don’t care who I get upset - I am going to be like a bulldozer down there.” What if that wasn’t electoral BS? Then all informal assumed deal making of the past are maybe are not part of the new reality of this Governor.
- Arsenal - Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 5:04 pm:
“Any direct evidence that they are?”
There’s a lot more evidence that the GA was blindsided by this then your constant “The Governor and the Speaker would be super best friends if not for that mean old Senate President!” theory.