Left unsaid…
Monday, Oct 26, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Crain’s Chicago Business editorial…
Enough already, Bruce. It’s well past time for the governor to drop his “turnaround” agenda and put together a budget that puts Illinois on a path toward financial stability. Who says? Increasingly, none other than Bruce Rauner’s Republican allies and business pals. […]
Rauner insists he won’t compromise with Democrats who control the General Assembly unless they enact his legislative agenda, which ranges from workers’ compensation changes and term limits to a local property tax freeze. His proposals are worth fighting for; the state needs fundamental changes to rev up a lackluster economy and dislodge entrenched politicians.
But Rauner was elected to lead, not ape the antics of House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, who have shown little interest in negotiating, making them to blame for Illinois’ deepening financial crisis, too. A savvy executive knows how to pick the battles that can be won.
A balanced budget won’t come easily. Madigan often made a fool of former Gov. Pat Quinn, and they were members of the same party. The House speaker knows how to cut a deal, however. Surely, he and Rauner could come up with a combination of necessary spending cuts and higher taxes to make ends meet. But don’t take it just from us, Bruce. Take it from former Gov. Jim Edgar, who used an interview with the State Journal-Register in Springfield to deliver much-needed advice:
“We need a budget,” the former Republican chief executive said. “These other issues, they’re important . . . but you don’t hold the budget hostage to get those. . . .It has been very destabilizing for state government. I think a lot of people have suffered.”
The governor claims that his business pals are all with him, so it would’ve been nice if Crain’s had named a couple of them, or at least given us a hint about whom they might be.
* Southern Illinoisan editorial…
“My goal is to look back in a couple of years and say, ‘That was hard, but I’m glad we did it,’” he told The Southern editorial board last week.
Both Rauner and lawmakers expect a budget deal by January. Rauner is finally meeting with Democratic Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, he said. “Progress” is being made, he assured us. That alone is noteworthy considering the total lack of communication from a few months ago. Rauner declined to go into detail about what he’s willing to give up to get a deal done, saying he won’t “negotiate in the media.” But he highlighted worker’s comprehensive insurance reform and a property tax freeze as priority issues. In return, Rauner is likely to support a tax hike. We urge him to back a constitutional amendment to allow for a progressive income tax, which Cullerton said he’s again planning on pushing.
A lot of pain will have swept across the state by January. Jobs will be lost. Important initiatives will be temporarily shelved.
But Illinois can’t continue running up massive debts and spending billions more than it brings in. Taxpayers need relief. Union power must be brought under control. Widespread inefficiency throughout state government must be streamlined.
Urging Rauner to support a progressive income tax shows just how little that paper actually comprehends about the governor.
- Wordslinger - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 9:56 am:
– Progress is being made, he assured us.–
And you apparently believed him.
Why?
He’s been saying that for months. What evidence of progress have you seen?
- Earnest - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 9:57 am:
Given that the collective bargaining stuff seems to have been dropped (based on it being absent from both editorial) I think a budget agreement will come around very quickly! /snark
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:00 am:
=== But he highlighted worker’s comprehensive insurance reform and a property tax freeze as priority issues. In return, Rauner is likely to support a tax hike.===
For the 5,793rd time;
Property Tax relief IS coupled with crippling Union bargaining and prevailing wage. Period.
So Rauner will agree to let Democrats vote to cripple unions and raise taxes, and claim that as a “win”
It. Won’t. Happen.
Geez Louise, someone on these Editorial Boards, ask the details and realize the “Whys” these aren’t getting done.
- jerry in chicago - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:00 am:
We could legalize cannabis, and pay bills, instead of cartels.
- My New Handle - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:01 am:
“But Illinois can’t continue running up massive debts and spending billions more than it brings in.”
Until Rauner wanted the temporary tax increase to sunset, the state was paying off the debts and not spending more than it brought in. Did the editorial board not remember that?
- Anonymous - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:02 am:
4 decades of irresponsible budgeting, politicians and special interests getting wealthy on the public dime and crony capitalism.
4 months is barely enough time to make a dent in such a deeply entrenched system of public greed.
- Young State Worker - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:07 am:
== crony capitalism ==
But enough about Rauner.
- Frenchie Mendoza - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:08 am:
—
4 months is barely enough time to make a dent in such a deeply entrenched system of public greed.
—
Lance, is that you? Your math is off, BTW.
- Mama - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:09 am:
“Widespread inefficiency throughout
state government must be streamlined.”
‘Inefficiency must be streamlined’? What?
Which state government office(s) or service(s) does Rauner consider to be inefficient?
- Honeybear - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:13 am:
–Union power must be brought under control.–
You know I was feeling particularly powerful. Yep, on top of the world AFSCME is. “Union power must be brought under control”, bi*$h please.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:17 am:
Politico said last week that every day Illinois goes without a budget puts us another $16 million in debt.
How many drug rehabilitation agencies would THAT fund?
- Mama - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:20 am:
“Rauner insists he won’t compromise with Democrats unless they enact his legislative agenda, which ranges from workers’ compensation changes and term limits to a local property tax freeze..”
That statement is missing Rauner’s biggest demand such as removing all power from the unions. Does this mean Rauner dropped that demand or he forgot to mention it?
- olddog - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:22 am:
@ Anonymous 10:02 a.m. –
I see you’re new to the blog, and to Illinois government, too. A couple of friendly tips:
1. Please take a half second to come up with a nickname.
2. Lurk a while, see what other people post so you get the drift of a thread before you embarrass yourself further.
3. Do some reading in the meantime. Start with the Wikipedia entries on Illinois. You’ll be surprised how much you learn!
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:22 am:
4 months anonymous? I know I am indulging anonymous trolls. The House has been in continuous (meaning at least being in session once a month) session for the past 9 months.
I hear Rauner is dressing up like a Governor for Halloween. He’d like to see what it feels like for a night.
- ZC - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:23 am:
>> Urging Rauner to support a progressive income tax shows just how little that paper actually comprehends about the governor.
I suppose, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep on talking up the idea, in general.
Whatever their other political errors, Rauner and the Trib Board have done a pretty good job of taking off the table, trying to make it unmentionable, one of the most obvious and best long-term solutions out there.
If we don’t keep on carrying the flag for a change in the IL Constitution and a progressive tax structure, the state will continue to be in for a world of fiscal hurt. To raise revenue, you have to go where the revenue increasingly is (both in IL, and worldwide).
- Jack Stephens - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:27 am:
Prevailing wage is fine, as long as the Rauners join in on the fun.
No need for the. To have that much if most of the rst of us don’t.
Look he already has the carhartts and the van. They can get a nice 2 bedroom apt in North Lawndale. Shop at the dollar store. Eat processed foods that they bought there.
- Mama - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:29 am:
“Property Tax relief IS coupled with crippling Union bargaining and prevailing wage. Period.”
OW, thanks for pointing out the poison pill.
OW, do you think Rauner might be willing to un-couple unions from the property tax bill to get a budget for FY16?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:34 am:
- Mama -,
The Prevailing Wage and Collective Bargaining sticking points could very we’ll be the hinge that allow the flood gates to open and a deal would be, could be, hours away.
Do I think on the in-coupling?
A governor would have done the math and uncoupled weeks ago.
When college students either don’t return for spring semesters or are sent home in February from the U of I, then Rauner might pass on the dismantling of unions, but probably not before those things happening.
In the short turn? Not seeing it. Sadly.
- Mama - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:37 am:
“So Rauner will agree to let Democrats vote to cripple unions and raise taxes, and claim that as a “win”
“It. Won’t. Happen.”
OW, this would be good in your HBO show “Daddy’s Home”.
Since Rauner is to bull-headed to drop his TA, what will it take to get Rauner to stop this nightmare?
- Mama - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:44 am:
OW, do you really think Rauner cares about college students?
I feel Rauner does NOT care about Illinois or the people who live, study or work here. He seems to care about Wall Street & its ability to make more money.
- Anonymous - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:46 am:
4 months refers to ex governor Jim Edgar’s additional comments concerning the state being 4 months into the fiscal year without a budget.
But most savvy commenters here already understood the context. As some here say “Try to keep up”.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:51 am:
===OW, do you really think Rauner cares about college students?===
The only student Bruce Rauner cared about was a Winnetka-Living Daughter, and denying a worthy Chicago student that wasn’t already denied.
Students? No. Parents of students? Rauner cares big time.
How do I know?
Rauner’s only signed Approp… K-12 funding, not for students, but to keep parents from revolting against a dad of a Payton Prep Alum.
There’s two episodes in storyboard for “Dad’s Home State”, (Spoiler Alert: Diana might not be happy)
- Norseman - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:52 am:
=== A savvy executive knows how to pick the battles that can be won. ===
An pointed observation from your friends - ouch.
A lot more like these and that “savvy” leader may start paying attention.
- Enviro - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:04 am:
==When college students either don’t return for spring semesters or are sent home in February from the U of I, then Rauner might pass on the dismantling of unions, but probably not before…==
Madigan and Cullerton could be waiting for this to happen creating the teachable moment that will convince Rauner to finally put together a budget.
- Same as it ever was - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:08 am:
U of I has over a billion in the bank.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:10 am:
===U of I has over a billion in the bank.===
According to the Universities of this state, spring semesters at all state schools, including the U of I are in peril.
Use the Search Key.
Thank you.
- CharlieKratos - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:11 am:
And this is year 1 of 4. We’re not even half way there.
- Triple fat - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:33 am:
About those crippled Universities… They are being wrecked to create another crony capitalism opportunity… They are trying to create conditions terrible enough to necessitate privatizing the universities; selling them for ten cents on the dollar.
- Sue - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:46 am:
Reform the sake of argument- assume Rauner drops all of his non- budget issues and sits down to negotiate a budget- what will the 2016 tax rate need to be and will The Dems agree to any program cuts? Does anyone think 5 percent gets the State to a sufficient revenue stream and w hat about the nearly 800 million Chicago seems to be asking for? Should Springfield bail out Chicago?
- Jack Stephens - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:47 am:
Bruce:
If “Prevailing Wage” is such a great tool to spur the economy, why don’t you giveaway all your money and live on it?
Show us all how it’s done!
Lead by example, instead of “just trust me”.
- Precinct Captain - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:36 pm:
==- Frenchie Mendoza - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:08 am:==
I wouldn’t expect anything more out of a superstar lol.
==- Same as it ever was - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:08 am:==
Google what an endowment is, then come back to us.
- Arizona Bob - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:55 pm:
@Mama
“I feel Rauner does NOT care about Illinois or the people who live, study or work here. He seems to care about Wall Street & its ability to make more money.”
You can’t just drop a bomb like that without making a case.
“prevailing wage” repeal would simply reduce the costs of labor for many types of construction for schools and municipalities, which in turn would allow more to improve and make safer the school and building environments while lessening the burden on taxpaying workers. In fact, “Prevailing wage” does more to help the fatcat crony contractors than the community. They typically mark up their prices by a percentage of the total cost, which will be higher when ‘prevailing wage” rates are being paid. Exactly how do you think repealing it serves Wall Street?
When it comes to Wall Street bond traders, they don’t care if the state overtaxes its citizens to destitution. They just want the state to grab enough money from the people to pay the bonds off by any means necessary.
Exactly how do you think Rauner’s attempt to hold the line on taxes serves Wall Street more than those workers who are burdened by higher taxes?
If Rauner were really serving Wall Street, he’d propose a lower tax rate for capital gains as the Feds do. That would increase profits for speculating, and would increase prices somewhat for Wall Street. It’s a good way to encourage investment in the state, but he hasn’t put it on the table. If he “serves Wall Street” way hasn’t he proposed that as part of his agenda?
Mama, it would be nice if you thought things through a bit before making insulting posts as you have here. Learn to “think” instead of just “feel” when it comes to fiscal politics. If a majority of Illinois voters did that, there wouldn’t be anywhere near the catastrophe happening that we see today…
- GOP Extremist - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:14 pm:
Four months of doing nothing makes him the greatest governor in forty years?? I don’t see the logic.
- Jack Stephens - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:14 pm:
@AB:
“make safer the school and building environments while lessening the burden on taxpaying workers”
Needed a good laugh today!
What a load of baloney sausage…
- Jack Stephens - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:18 pm:
Prevailing wage helps the fat cats more!
Is someone making this stuff up?
- Honeybear - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:22 pm:
Mama don’t feed it. I learned the hard way last week.
- GOP Extremist - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:24 pm:
I agree with you Arizona Bob, if more voters thought about it, maybe they wouldn’t have allowed self serving Billionare to buy the Governors office.
- Demoralized - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:28 pm:
==“prevailing wage” repeal would simply reduce the costs of labor==
In other words, pay people less. I don’t think that’s a solution we should be looking for.
- Btr401 - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:29 pm:
@ Arizona Bob
Again you fail to mention that you do not work here and only pay property taxes here. Why don’t you mention how Sheriff Joe is currently doing in your state and how the Arizona Supreme Court just ordered the state to increase education funding and to quit messing with state pension benefits?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Arpaio
You talk about prevailing wage? What about your own sheriff costing the taxpayers of the county you live in more than what they spend on road projects combined by contempt of court charges and 1981 civil right lawsuits?
As to say what you said to Mama, look in the mirror already for once and heed your own advice because the heat is starting to get to you, again, already.
- walker - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 2:43 pm:
cb: Best to just assume all “Anomymous” posters are paid political staff, and brush them off. Seems to work for about 90% of their comments.
Serious posters, pick a name.
- Arizona Bob - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 4:05 pm:
@Jack Stephans
“make safer the school and building environments while lessening the burden on taxpaying workers”
Needed a good laugh today!
What a load of baloney sausage…”
So when schools have a life safety budget of $1 million and they could pay $25 per hour for qualified workers, who are paid that lower rate for their commercial jobs, and get more work done when they don’t have to pay those same workers $44 JUST for school work, you can’t figure out that more could be accomplished? You can’t figure out that when less money, due to fair market value rather than inflated “prevailing wage”, is required for life safety bonds to meet latest code requirements, resulting in lower bonds and lower tax bills the workers paying the taxes are less burdened?
Seems like you find math (and hurting taxpayers and the kids)HILARIOUS!
Do you also go to foreclosures and tax repositions for giggles?
- Triple fat - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 4:21 pm:
AB - since when does the contractor have to pass the savings on to local governments and school districts? Seems to me you’re assuming a lot. You know, the UAW agreed to a two tier wage system. Line workers start out $15 an hour. How automobile prices haven’t come down?
- Triple fat - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 4:32 pm:
How come
- Politix - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 4:46 pm:
You might find his business pals in the Crain’s comments section. Looks like that was a rather unpopular editorial.
- Jack Stephens - Tuesday, Oct 27, 15 @ 7:59 am:
@AB:
Thanx for the laugh this morning too!
See Triple Fats post…..I have the same opinion.