112 Comments - Anon221 - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:42 am: A “midnight Special” Op-Ed as heard on WUIS this morning. At least it wasn’t on a Friday. - Norseman - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:45 am: I can’t say I’m surprised. As Michelle mentioned yesterday, he is who we thought he was. The Blago/Quinn/Rauner years of state government dysfunction continues. - RNUG - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:45 am: Just reinforces my October prediction for a final budget. - Obamas Puppy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:46 am: …and then he wrote a check to make himself feel better. - RNUG - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:46 am: Proposed QOTD: What’s the the number of special session’s Rauner will end up calling for this summer? - JS Mill - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:49 am: =I’m not as familiar with how things historically have been done in state government= This is a bit of a stretch, he has been involved behind the scenes for many years, which is exactly how things usually get done. Seems like as much as things change, they stay exactly the same. - JerryG - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:50 am: I think Rauner is expressing a view of many Illinois citizens in regard to not dumping more tax dollars into a broken system. At the same time, he needs to forward specific reform recommendations that address both the revenue (income tax reform) and expenditure side - that rise above partisan politics. So far, most of his reform ideas focus on ideological positions moreso than pragmatic changes. Based on what he said in the op ed. he does not appear ready to present any specific reforms other than those he has already mentioned to get the ball rolling. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:51 am: You don’t need to remind anyone you’re the new guy, and being proud already starts this as an “me versus you” letter. Not a good way to find common ground, but we’ll get to that later… Also, while claiming the sunny side of the street and simultaneously putting up road blocks on that street for others isn’t leadership or being any more optimistic than others. What’s jaded is thinking he, Rauner, is the only one wanting to accomplish things. What IS true is Rauner wants what Rauner wants. Rauner claims to be concerned. Just not concerned enough to do his job. The budget and pension problem is now the Governor’s. How he, Mr. Rauner approaches his solutions will dictate an ending. Rauner, personally, just won’t own it, but Rauner owns it all the same. Governor, you need a budget. Holding a budget hostage for proposals that have no shot at passage isn’t leverage, it’s creating the crisis you crave, and not much more. Let’s be very clear about those taxes you opine about. You wanted it rolled back, and stayed rolled back, and WAS rolled back, and stayed rolled back…and now … are you claiming it’s still around? This is an all out lie. The budget… Governor? What about the budget? If you’re going to complain raises taxes won’t solve things, and cuts are more than needed, then your cuts, Governor. They’re yours. You own them. No one, …no one… is stopping you. You want reform? You want fundamental change? Write the Bills, vote them. Again, no one is stopping you. This one is precious; ===We must deliver true pension reform that protects what’s been earned, but in the future provides state workers with benefits that are more in line with the taxpayers who pay for them.=== …and constitutional, let’s not forget that pesky constitution. A laundry list of wants is understandable, on many fronts too, but until there are Bills ready, even for things people could agree on, then Rauner can be taken seriously in all these thoughts, not until then. You think this letter is going to help in getting these Bills? It won’t. I’m reading now, thinking this Op-Ed is evolving… You claim you’re in discussions. On everything. So, where are the Bills? Find common ground already. It has indeed been months. No common ground? Rauner sees the need for compromise but …”I just refuse to see I don’t have the leverage I thought. So I’ll whine”, says Rauner. Illinois government under Edgar and Ryan, and back to Thompson, their administrations thrived on compromise. Pick up a phone, governor. “It’s you,” says Rauner, to everyone not supporting Rauner, “not me.” Yikes. I don’t like the system, Rauner says, the system where he made his multi-millions. Governor, riddle me this; all these private, no leaks, meetings, and you choose THIS route to trash your “partners”? Publicy? You mustn’t be as close as you say… Couple grabs… ===Our agenda takes power and money from the special interests and gives it back to the people. That presents a serious threat to the protectors of the failed status quo, who are doing everything they can to block it.=== Us. Them. Just as I was told why I’m a “them”. If you aren’t with Rauner, you’re against him, a foe. Rauner wants common ground under Rauner’s ground rules. Digging in his heels is a choice. Rauner’s choice. From the letter; ===If legislators are willing to reform how we do business, they will find me an eager partner. If they are not, then they should expect a very long extra session because I will keep fighting for major reforms that will grow jobs and help properly fund services by shrinking waste inside government.=== Ultimatum. Plain and simple. There is zero comprise found here, the complete opposite tone from earlier in the Op-Ed. ===I might be new around here, but I understand what I was sent to do. It was not to accept the dismal failure that our state government has become. It was to make Illinois the proudest state, the most compassionate state and the most competitive state in the greatest nation on earth.=== “I will burn this village to the ground, before I save it.” Rauner starts looking for that precious common ground, but ends with a torch aim towards the village. This letter says it all; I’m going to shut down government. I’m choosing it, but I want to blame everyone but me. Good luck with that. Governors own things, no matter if you want the “glory” for your choice, but not the blame for the pain it causes. This letter won’t help, but, it never was meant to help. This is a also ransom letter; give me what I want, and the state goes free. Maybe it was put together with letters cut out of past SJ-R editions, taped to make words, like all kidnappers do. Safe to say, May 31st will come, and go. Rauner says so. - Former Merit Comp Slave - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:51 am: It always jumps out at me when he brings up the largest tax increase in Illinois history but fails to mention his request to let it expire. Between contract negotiations and the budget it will indeed be a long summer I fear. - The Dude Abides - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:51 am: It just sounded like more campaign rhetoric from the Governor. I’m still waiting for specifics from the Governor. Holding the budget hostage until he gets his reforms is a dangerous game. If there is no agreement and we end up with a budget crafted entirely of cuts and no revenue the blame will land at his feet. I think some headway can be made on workman’s comp reform, possibly some small changes in tort reform but right to work is being largely rejected across the state and that one isn’t going anywhere. - Scamp640 - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:53 am: The governor’s focus on government waste is laudable. However, he should also be aware that Illinois already has one of the most efficient state systems as measured by state employees per capita. Here is some data: http://www.governing.com/news/headlines/gov-states-with-most-government-workers-are-more-conservative-analysis.html Yes, the data is about a year old. However, it shows that Illinois ranks 46 out of 50 states in terms of state government employees per capita. This article notes that “red-leaning states” tend to have more state employees per capita. So, I wonder how the governor intends to shrink waste inside government, while not increasing unemployment, at the same time as he delivers high quality government services. And, he is going to do this without raising taxes. - Wensicia - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:54 am: “Our agenda takes power and money from the special interests and gives it back to the people.” And replace it with power and money from my special interest (and my wealthy friends’). - Jack Stephens - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:55 am: Bruce: You are supposed to propose a budget. If it’s something you can’t or don’t want to do….resign. - Anonymous - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:57 am: “benefits that are more in line with the taxpayers who pay for them.” Then where has that 8% out of my check been going all these years???!!!!! - Frenchie Mendoza - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:57 am: I’ve never seen a politician so eager to punish people as Bruce Rauner. - VanillaMan - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:01 am: What he did was show everyone his political buzz words. It is all he has, folks. So - this is how you do this. You put together reform packages too. You give it a hopeful name. You present it as sincerely as he does - or better. Real reforms. Everyone has them, right. Mirror him. Coopt him. He tapped into a need to reform Illinois. So reform it. Just do it right without damaging our state. - facts are stubborn things - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:05 am: I think the Dems will put a very fiscally responsible budget together with tax increases and put what votes they can safely put on it but make sure it does not pass unless there is republican help which won’t happen. So when summer goes long the Dems can say we tried to pass a budget but we have zero republican votes. As the shutdown progresses they will try again and put the minimum votes needed to pass it and let Rauner veto it. Make the shut down Rauner’s. The Dems will say we are the grown ups and they can take the high ground using the ISC ruling and our structural deficit as their mantra. They will say let’s put our fiscal house in order and then we will give the Gov. votes on all of his issues (or they may have already) and if they pass fine and if they don’t fine, but don’t hold the hole state hostage until you get your way. - Anon - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:05 am: The pool at Lincoln Square is open! - Gooner - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:07 am: Speaking to the press is a heck of a lot easier than going to the Speaker in a serious attempt to make progress. By the way, what is our $30,000 a month budget consultant up to these days? At that price, I would have assumed she would have things figured out by now. - Norseman - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:10 am: Frenchie, did you forget Blago! - facts are stubborn things - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:10 am: Great article by Ralph Martire on structural deficit and how it is at the cause of our pension debt problems today. http://www.sj-r.com/article/20150520/OPINION/150529911/2012/OPINION?rssfeed=true - Norseman - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:13 am: Willy, somehow I think you’re holding back. What do you really think? RNUG, you’re looking pretty good with that October prediction. - Jocko - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:18 am: It’s hard to negotiate with the hostage taker when he thinks he’s the victim. - facts are stubborn things - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:18 am: I have been telling all of my AFSCME friends that are still working to build that personal strike fund up. - anon - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:19 am: Frenchie, you must not remember Blago punishing Sangamon County after his first win. - Skeptic - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:19 am: So, I wonder how the governor intends to shrink waste inside government, while not…. Magic beans and pixie dust of course. - Crispy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:20 am: @Scamp640: Thanks for this–this is really good information. I see our rate of government employees per capita is lower than that in Texas, Louisiana, Wisconsin, and even Indiana. Really interesting. Clearly, however, the facts aren’t getting in the way of the governor’s agenda. It may even be that he’s aware of this info, but chooses to ignore it because it doesn’t fit his narrative. There seems to be no limit to what he’ll do or claim to get his way. Sigh. - anon - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:21 am: Go get ‘em Bruce, somebody has to make things happen. The same ‘ol “keep doing things the way we’ve always done things, drive the car off the cliff” is over!! - Wallinger Dickus - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:21 am: I’m a naif when it comes to Moody’s and the like, but does the state’s bond rating turn to sludge if if the government shuts itself down for a couple weeks? Is that where the “full faith and credit” thing comes into play? Anyone know? - AC - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:23 am: Shutting down the government for the children doesn’t sound like a great idea to me. Neither does planning for overtime. In some ways this all seems familiar, in other ways it seems worse than anything we’ve experienced recently. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:24 am: - Norseman -, I don’t know what else to say…lol - Rich Miller - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:24 am: ===I think the Dems will put a very fiscally responsible budget together with tax increases=== LOLOL I’m going to the Summer Camp festival this weekend. Can I have some of what you’re smoking please? Just sayin… - Wordslinger - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:25 am: Stating the obvious. Just means more GOP votes will be needed in the end. Ultimately, I suspect Rauner will throw the Supremes under the bus for a need for new revenue and cherry pick from the Civic Federation report. If I were GOP members, I’d watch for a pension shift deal with Dems, as well. After July 1, doesn’t a lot of big-time spending areas, such as Medicaid, go on auto-pilot? No savings there. - facts are stubborn things - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:25 am: Rauner is going to play rough where he can. That is going to be on the budget and on the union contracts. The ISC pension ruling and the super majority in both houses limits his venues, but when he has one he is going to go for it. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:25 am: - anon -, rooting for the hostage taker isn’t governing. - Wordslinger - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:31 am: –I’m the new guy in Springfield.– It’s like the Caveman Lawyer bit from SNL. “I don’t understand your ways…they’re strange and frighten me.” The dude was been a playa for a very long time, a major bankroller of incumbents in both parties while he was chasing government business. He’s been a part of the status quo as much as anyone. - Secret Square - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:36 am: “The pool at Lincoln Square is open!” What are the odds that it will be closed for the season by the time the session ends? - A guy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:36 am: In assessing this Governor’s strengths, his team is utilizing them. While he takes a browbeating here on a daily basis, he’s clearly been all around the state talking with citizens of the state who are preaching something drastically different than what you might read here. His assets still include plenty of populism, plenty of editorial board support and an electorate that are absolutely fed up. Being a member of a party that has often snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, it appears to me that the other party could do just that in a presidential election cycle that should favor them. This state has a history of swimming upstream at times bucking national trends. Underestimate him at your own peril. He’s got the attention of the voters. His crew, though often scorned here or made to look like hapless fools who can’t get their guy to listen to them, are smart folks who know what they’re doing. He has resources and isn’t afraid to use them. His narrative will get out there. Negotiation is in everyone’s best interests. I still remain hopeful because there are some very smart people negotiating here. But, less hopeful than I have been. This “overtime” is starting to look like playoff hockey. It will either be over quickly or we’re gonna have to settle in for the night and wait a long time for a fluke goal; probably caused by exhaustion. - Gooner - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:37 am: Am I the only one having a tough time imagining any scenario where a budget is passed? I don’t see Rauner agreeing to a tax increase, and as importantly, I don’t see Democrats sending him a budget unless he promises to sign it. Without a tax increase, it can’t be done. I think October is generous. I’m thinking December 2016. I just don’t see a compromise. - RNUG - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:39 am: == He’s been a part of the status quo as much as anyone. == But he’s used to just writing checks to politicians, not having to do the actual deal making in person. Different set of skills … - Rich Miller - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:43 am: === I’m thinking December 2016.=== Maybe 2018. - downstate commissioner - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:45 am: The general assembly might as well go home now, come back ONLY if somebody from Rauner’s camp has a budget bill to introduce. If he calls a special (I think he may have just misspoke on the “extra”) session, doesn’t he have to specify a reason? If so, all Madigan or Cullerton has to do is ask if there are any budget bills for introduction; if none offered, adjourn the session. By the end of the state fair, even Rauner should get the message. - Jack Stephens - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:51 am: @a guy: Do you understand how the system of Government works in the United States of America? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-EISWIY9bG8 - A guy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:56 am: @ Jack. No. I’m new to this world. Perhaps your brilliant post could be a beacon to those of us who just arrived on a banana truck and fell off in the Prairie State. (Someone picked me up hitchhiking in Cahokia and told me that’s what it’s called here and corn is a vegetable) I’d admire your remarkable intellect. Keep up the fine job. But, think of this like Algebra…show your work or it doesn’t count. i.e. n = silly video. - Bill White - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:58 am: Does anyone know of a good summary of what happens if no budget is passed (and signed) in May, June or July? Do prison guards and state police stop being paid? - Wordslinger - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:00 am: Guy, the only problem with your analysis is that the votes for right to work will never be there and the governor will need the resources to do his job or he, personally, will be presiding over daily chaos. At some point, the ideology of the philosopher-king will be trumped by the very real practical responsibilities of the chief executive. The gig ain’t all about giving speeches. There’s actually some real work involved. And the reality of Illinois government and politics is that a governor has to stick his neck out first on revenue. There’s just no getting around it. Somebody should have told him that. - Jack Stephens - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:03 am: @a guy: Great! Then you understand that the 3 branches of Government in the United States of America (my country) are Co-equal. And that The Executive Branch (”Bruce”) proposes legislation and the Legislative Branch disposes. Welcome to the United States! - Firecely Independent - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:09 am: ===We must deliver true pension reform that protects what’s been earned, but in the future provides state workers with benefits that are more in line with the taxpayers who pay for them.=== Again with the “State employees are not taxpayers” dribble. Grrrrr…………. - A guy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:10 am: Sling, we’re not very far apart on your analysis. I’m not holding out for “Right to work”. I’m not so sure he is. That’s an area where he’s already shown movement, and he’ll have to show more. Probably a lot more. There’s way more to all of this than that. @Jack, I think you need to get some pep up courses. The exec proposes a budget, has the privilege of a legislative package, legislators legislate and the executive executes the law. To read your version, one would assume “all” legislation is born in the Executive Branch. I think you know that’s not true, right? - RNUG - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:10 am: == Does anyone know of a good summary of what happens if no budget is passed (and signed) in May, June or July? == That’s one of those “it depends” answers. In most cases, payroll issued in the last half of July would be the first one affected. I’m going assume the situation is just no budget and not a lock-out. At the one end of the spectrum, there could be a temporary continuing resolution for “public safety” positions. At the other end, the Comptroller (in cooperation with the Treasurer) could issue (potentially worthless) script to the employees in place of their paychecks (technically warrants). If past history is a guide, some of the banks will make (maybe interest free) loans to their customers on the basis of those scripts. Or anywhere in between. Whole different ball game if there is a lock-out … - Mama - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:10 am: Maybe everyone should read Ralph Martire’s article “The prescription to cure what ails Illinois” http://www.sj-r.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20150520%2FOPINION%2F150529911%2F-1%2Fjson - A guy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:12 am: “Do prison guards and state police stop being paid?” C’mon Bill. I’ve read your posts and you’re a smart guy. Really? - Rich Miller - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:13 am: ===Or anywhere in between. === Comptroller Hynes went to a judge to get approval to issue paychecks during at least one OT session. Not sure what the new Comptroller will do, though. - Arsenal - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:14 am: ==While he takes a browbeating here on a daily basis, he’s clearly been all around the state talking with citizens of the state who are preaching something drastically different than what you might read here.== That’s not clear at all. His approval rating is, at best in the low 40s, and the vast majority of local governments aren’t passing his resolution. In fact, the bulk of evidence suggests quite the opposite. - JS Mill - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:15 am: = While he takes a browbeating here on a daily basis, he’s clearly been all around the state talking with citizens of the state who are preaching something drastically different than what you might read here. = Except when it has anything to do with one of his cornerstone proposals like RTW. If I am not mistaken he has been getting it handed to him with frequency on that issue. - Bill White - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:15 am: @aguy RNUG is smarter than me: == At the other end, the Comptroller (in cooperation with the Treasurer) could issue (potentially worthless) script to the employees in place of their paychecks (technically warrants). If past history is a guide, some of the banks will make (maybe interest free) loans to their customers on the basis of those scripts. == Will prison guards and state police be paid in script? = = = My advice for the Dems - pass a $37 billion budget and go home. If that budget is vetoed, come back gavel in pass the same $37 billion budget, and go home. If the Governor only wants to spend $32 billion, that’s on him not the General Assembly. - JS Mill - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:18 am: @Arsenal- great minds? Or a sign of the apocalypse? - Arsenal - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:18 am: And the members of the General Assembly, who are demonstrably skilled at responding to the electorate, also don’t see a big enough danger in opposing Rauner’s agenda, so at best, the support is a mile wide and an inch deep. - walker - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:20 am: Still with the philosophy and generalities? When is Rauner going to propose anything workable as legislation? Ten days to go and still no bills? This is starting to get embarrassing for Republicans. Certainly hope Rauner’s staff is way ahead of the Governor on governing. - Jack Stephens - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:20 am: @a guy: We’re on the same page! I’ve made no assumptions at all. Just waitin’ for the Executive Branch in the State of Illinois in the United States of America to propose a budget. That’s all. Simple,huh? - Rich Miller - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:21 am: ===Just waitin’ for the Executive Branch in the State of Illinois in the United States of America to propose a budget=== He did. Sheesh. http://www2.illinois.gov/gov/budget/Pages/default.aspx - Arsenal - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:22 am: @JS Mill- It must be the second, ’cause no one would confuse me with the first. - Wordslinger - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:24 am: RNUG, do some programs, such as Medicaid, go on auto-pilot absent an approved budget or continuing resolution? I thought so, but I can’t find on the google to confirm. - cover - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:25 am: = Do prison guards and state police stop being paid? = State payrolls start to be missed on July 15th. The pay dates are staggered, so more agencies would be affected the longer the state is without a budget - the Corrections payroll is the last one to run, and would be missed on either the 30th or 31st. - Langhorne - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:27 am: Nicely written (for its purpose). Give-em-hell buzz words for popular consumption. Bold, clear ultimatum to the GA, to bow to my will or face scorched earth. ==help properly fund services by shrinking waste inside government.== Sounds nice enuf, til you realize rauner considers almost every dollar govt spends to be wasteful. Govt is overstaffed, inefficient, overpaid, with lavish health care and pensions. Unions are the core of a corrupt bargain that must be destroyed everywhere. No budget? No paychecks? No contracts? No problem at all. Chaos makes for a good fully developed crisis. Crisis = leverage. Right up until people get hurt. Do unpaid prison guards, state cops, social workers, etc show up and work for free? - A guy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:28 am: @Jack. I tried being gentle with you. lol. Ars, don’t make the mistake of confusing Rauner’s personal approval numbers with his policy approval numbers. It’s fashionable to not approve of people. Just look at the GA numbers. The policies are faring much better. - RNUG - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:28 am: == RNUG is smarter than me: == Probably just older and been through the budget wars too many times. - thunderspirit - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:28 am: ===I think the Dems will put a very fiscally responsible budget together with tax increases=== ===LOLOL I’m going to the Summer Camp festival this weekend. Can I have some of what you’re smoking please? Just sayin…=== Yeah, I went there too. There’s as much likelihood of that happening as there is that Governor Rauner will stop holding his breath before he turns blue. (Maybe less likelihood, actually; Gov. Rauner is only one person, after all.) - Team Sleep - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:30 am: It’s a good thing I haven’t unpacked my bathing suit yet. - A guy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:30 am: ===Bill White - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:15 am: @aguy RNUG is smarter than me:==== Bill, RNUG is smarter than most people. You don’t have to be as smart as him to know that emergency personnel will be paid. - Arsenal - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:33 am: ==Ars, don’t make the mistake of confusing Rauner’s personal approval numbers with his policy approval numbers.== Polling policy is a mug’s game. People like what works and dislike what doesn’t and are open to being convinced about what’s what. ==The policies are faring much better.== They are demonstrably not, they’re getting killed or ignored up and down the state. - Old Shepherd - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:35 am: No budget also means schools struggling to open in August–if they can open at all. Imagine when the stuff hits the fan when parents have to scramble to find a place to send their kids…daycare facilities won’t be an option because they will be closed, too. Shutting down the Federal Government for awhile doesn’t affect most people on a day-to-day basis. Shutting down state government will be crippling because it touches almost everyone each and every day. - Arthur Andersen - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:40 am: Word, I don’t recall about Medicaid, but I know the pensions and the bonds get paid, budget or no budget. I think everything else is in limbo, but I’ll defer to the subject matter experts. - foster brooks - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:41 am: But rauner said last month we would have a budget by the end of may. - Bill White - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:44 am: What if the Democrats pass a $37 billion budget with exactly 60 and 30 votes that is balanced by shorting the pension contribution (and/or cost shift) and cutting other local revenue sharing. Then go home. If Governor line item vetoes down to $32 billion, okay, those cuts are on him. Don’t bother to override, let him own the cuts. Or, Governor vetoes and calls a special session. Each Monday morning gavel in and vote on the same budget - either it passes or it fails - then adjourn with a joint resolution to reconvene the following Monday. Remind everyone that the Governor CAN line item veto if he’s willing to take the heat for the cuts. Given the Governor’s power to line item, I don’t see the legislature being blamed if state police and prison guards stop being paid. - Wordslinger - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:44 am: Langhorne, in reality, the governor’s proposed budget only identified $200 million in vague “operational efficiencies” so I don’t understand why he’s playing the “waste” card again. Old habits, I guess. And he flinched on further cuts, discovering $3 billion plus in new revenue from imaginary pension and healthcare savings, plus a a grab back on tne locals income tax share. It’s always instructive to pay attention to what someone does, rather than what he says. When faced with the $1.6 billion hole in FY15, Rauner got $1.3 billion in new revenue from sweeps that wont be paid back –and he wanted more, but the GA didnt go along. And he couldn’t stand the heat on $26 million in social service cuts. Those are not the actions of a man willing to preside over and manage a scorched earth budget. - Arthur Andersen - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:44 am: And, to clarify-”pensions” means the appropriations to the pension funds, not benefit payments, which are completely independent of the budget process. - anon - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:45 am: Foster, he has 10 days. This is May, not June. - RNUG - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:46 am: == do some programs, such as Medicaid, go on auto-pilot == Not positive. I believe fully Federally funded stuff can continue; but usually something like 10% of those funds are designated for the management overhead (hence the requirement of some programs for a 10% state match). It gets trickier if you are second or third party recipients of federal funds, especially if the position is only partially federally funded. There are also some revolving funds that will still contain money and have continuing authority to spend said funds. However, in at least one instance I know of, a revolving fund was going to skip payroll like the rest of the state even though the money and authority existed to meet payroll. And while I implied it in the above paragraph, things with continuing resolutions (bonds as cited above by -AA-) and other independent entities (the pension funds as an example) will be capable of paying. In many ways, it can come down to the people administering things … and if they work for Rauner, I would expect the programs would be frozen until a court order says otherwise. -word-, sorry I couldn’t be more definitive in my answer. - Wordslinger - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:47 am: AA, thanks. - Rich Miller - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:47 am: ===and cutting other local revenue sharing.=== C’mon. You think the Dems are gonna whack the city? Try reality, BW: https://capitolfax.com/2015/05/21/dems-to-rauner-you-do-the-cutting/ - Bill White - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:52 am: @Rich Miller Point taken. - Bill White - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:56 am: I think it really does come down to this: = = = - Jocko - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:18 am: It’s hard to negotiate with the hostage taker when he thinks he’s the victim. = = = It also is unwise and imprudent to negotiate with a hostage taker who thinks he is the victim. - Norseman - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:00 am: === Word, I don’t recall about Medicaid, but I know the pensions and the bonds get paid, budget or no budget. I think everything else is in limbo, but I’ll defer to the subject matter experts. === If I recall correctly, court authorization was also sought for Medicaid and TANF. Pensions and bonds are paid by continuing approp. - RNUG - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:04 am: -Norseman- I think it comes down to the state matching funds. - Anonymous - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:04 am: And at the end of the day, judges can issue injunctions and levy taxes like they have done numerous times before. - Norseman - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:10 am: === Langhorne, in reality, the governor’s proposed budget only identified $200 million in vague “operational efficiencies” so I don’t understand why he’s playing the “waste” card again. Old habits, I guess. === Rauner’s purposely being disingenuous because he knows folks will accept the concept of massive “waste and abuse” in government like little children who don’t question the existence of Santa Claus. You’ll never hear him explain to the public that he can’t come up with more than $200 million in QUESTIONABLE waste and abuse. Nowhere near an amount that would be significant to the shortfall we’re facing today. - crazybleedingheart - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:13 am: Unfrozen Caveman Governor* is a great Springfield summer jam band name. * h/t wordslinger - CharlieKratos - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:24 am: But appropriations and funding don’t really mean much at all in the case of a lockout, do they? What would a doomsday scenario (lockout plus no budget) mean, what could be done about it, and what kind of time frame would we be looking at? - Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:24 am: The “goal” is; Take responsibility of shutting down government, but in a “good” way. Talk to points unattainable, and around issues that can be resolved. Fund everything, by cutting everything, without new revenue, with new revenues on the table. Take Turnaround Agenda items off the table, until they can be put back on the table to blow up the process. And finally, Say the new way of doing things will work, by not doing any work until the old way of doing things gets a solution. Ugh. - facts are stubborn things - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:26 am: @Firecely Independent - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:09 am: ===We must deliver true pension reform that protects what’s been earned, but in the future provides state workers with benefits that are more in line with the taxpayers who pay for them.=== Please read the ISC ruling on pensions and the GA and Gov. Quinn already passed a landmark pension reform (legaly) that took effect for all state employees hired after Jan. 1, 2011. Both of what you want has already been done. first, pension benefits are protected (SC said they must be paid) and secondly, for those hired after Jan. 1 2011 a much less gracious pension system was put into place. - Juice - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:27 am: Where’s Tusk when you need him? - Emily Booth - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:28 am: TANF is federally funded. Medicaid is basically 50:50 federally funded (depending on the program). The FFY starts October. - Nick Naylor - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:39 am: Maybe the Governor meant “extra special” session? - Anonin' - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:52 am: OK Day III of battlin’ the bad press on the campaign cash, losing TRW and near certain set backs on more power point stuff today. Sounds like this brainstorm started about noon Wednesday. Kinda confirms GOPies have been droppin’ out for four days…..too bad - zonz - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 12:09 pm: where do I send my $100 for a piece of the “Thriving Springfield Businesses Investment Partnership” - zonz - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 12:37 pm: 129 days after his inauguration, Gov. Bruce Rauner gets The State Journal-Register to publish his “I’m the new guy in Springfield.” op-ed got it! Gov. Rauner: Length of the legislative session entirely up to lawmakers https://shar.es/1rxWLI - JS Mill - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 12:41 pm: The pension payment can be “shorted” and is an easy way to provide as much as $7.6 billion in breathing room (full payment next year). Politically, that seems less likely these days. Cost shift, if enacted gives them $1.8-$2 billion in reduced expenditures. Madigan wants it, and has for several years. Tough sell though, especially in the shadow of the property tax freeze conversation. With no budget it is likely that GSA and MCAT payments will cease to schools. These have been slowed, reduced, and even eliminated this year and the past 5 years. If that happens, schools will close their doors quickly. How many? 10% is a conservative estimate. If it goes until November you are talking as many as 25%, some of those will be large districts. - dupage dan - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 12:41 pm: === You want reform? You want fundamental change? Write the Bills, vote them. Again, no one is stopping you === Fundamental change from the Illinois GA? In the direction Rauner wants it to go? Really? Rauner has a better chance doing it his way - which means, either way it ain’t happening. This is an impatient man we are watching. He ain’t got time for all that coalition building and careful dealing with existing power structures. - Anon - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 12:49 pm: Does Rauner really think that writing an op-ed somehow is going to erase his lack of governing to this point? He can say what he wants about the legislature, but it is he who has demonstrated a lack of leadership or even concern. It almost seems as if this is a game to him and we all are simply playing pieces to be moved around on and eventually removed from the game board. - Michelle Flaherty - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 1:00 pm: The most interesting part of the gov’s op-ed is that his keyboard apparently does have a “g” and he knows how to use it. - ChilliGuy - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 1:18 pm: Rich - off topic here, but… I too will be at Summer Camp this year (I live in Chillicothe). A few suggestions of bands that you might enjoy: Oteil Burbridge with Roosevelt Collier on Friday; Floodwood and Victor Wooten on Saturday; Dumpstaphunk and Here Come the Mummies on Sunday. (and of course moe and Umphrey’s…) Have a great weekend and welcome to town! - Juice - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 1:35 pm: RNUG, Word et al, the Medicaid program would continue because most of the liability is established in law, but providers would not be able to get paid. There is a federal court order in places that requires TANF get paid even if there is no appropriation, but the same does not apply for HFS. Even though it is over 50% federally funded, the State only receives the federal funds once the payment has been made to the provider. And the reality is in the first couple of months of a fiscal year, most Medicaid providers are receiving payments for April/May/June, they would have some time before they really started to feel it. - steve schnorf - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 1:52 pm: I don’t remember our judges levying taxes, but maybe I’m wrong - Norseman - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 2:03 pm: === I don’t remember our judges levying taxes, but maybe I’m wrong === Not that I recall Steve. They have ordered payments without appropriations. - Rich Miller - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 2:48 pm: Thanks, ChilliGuy. I’m really looking forward to seeing Trigger Hippy Friday. Also, I did the umVIP upgrade, and I’m really happy about seeing them. Violent Femmes is gonna be great. Kung Fu. Chicago Farmer. I dunno if I’ll be able to stay for GRIZ late Sunday night, but what the heck, right? Awesome band. - Long time listener - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 2:55 pm: So the governor is looking for partners to help reform the way the state does business. Doesn’t he already play for the team that wants to change the way business does the state? - zonz - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 3:08 pm: maybe a QOTD - If budget remains unresolved, how long until we see more-than-isolated shutdowns of Medicaid providers - - even hospitals - - due to lack of funds to pay workers? ———————— Author: Juice Comment: RNUG, Word et al, the Medicaid program would continue because most of the liability is established in law, but providers would not be able to get paid. There is a federal court order in places that requires TANF get paid even if there is no appropriation, but the same does not apply for HFS. Even though it is over 50% federally funded, the State only receives the federal funds once the payment has been made to the provider. And the reality is in the first couple of months of a fiscal year, most Medicaid providers are receiving payments for April/May/June, they would have some time before they really started to feel it. - Anonymous - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 5:12 pm: I thought it was his resignation letter for being a failure only said I nine times and one me? - anonin' - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 8:17 pm: HGOPies trying deflect the heat from campaign cash with intro of power point bills…Sun,Times pretends it is news…yikes - Norseman - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:01 pm: AP is reporting that Rauner is finally going to release 6 bills that are part of his agenda tomorrow. It’s about time. - Rwa74 - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:16 pm: @ Bill White I agree with your viewpoint. Let him cut the budget up. You can’t declare war on people who don’t fit your point of view. Unlike the last budget, he won’t get the power to rearrange things the way he wants. What is he going to do, call the national guard in? It’s going to be hard to run the state when you fire everyone who disagrees with you. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.