* Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) has been driving for Uber to make ends meet while his and other legislators’ paychecks were held up by two successive state comptrollers. This was his reaction to the legislator pay ruling last week…
Andrade insists the move did little to drive his colleagues to cooperate with Rauner.
“It was actually the opposite,” Andrade said. “It was just a political ploy . . . the public loved it, that the (legislators) didn’t get paid. If you would poll the regular residents I’m sure they’d say, ‘They’re all rich; they’re all lawyers. Don’t pay ’em.’
“They’re people. We’re getting paid. It’s still a sad day because nothing gets solved. Now people are more upset that the legislators got paid.”
He’s right on every point. Holding up those checks didn’t work for Gov. Quinn and it didn’t work for Gov. Rauner. It’s just a cheap populist stunt. And like most cheap populist stunts, the populace eats it up.
* The governor expectedly took full advantage of the public’s outrage…
“Lawmakers just made a big pot of money while they weren’t doing their jobs — while they weren’t passing a balanced budget,” Rauner said Friday. “This just shows how rigged our system is. Our taxpayers in Illinois are being abused, and our most vulnerable residents are being hurt.”
They only made a “big pot of money” because they’ve received just one check since June. But, whatevs.
* Editorial reaction was also expected. Here’s the Belleville News-Democrat’s take…
Diiiiiiiinnnnggg. We are conducting a hearing test. It is a test to see if Illinois House and Senate members are as tone deaf as we suspect.
We’re assuming some aural disability because that is all that would explain them spending the people’s time declaring October as Zombie Preparedness Month. Their resolution states that “while a Zombie Apocalypse may never happen, the preparation for such an event is the same as for any natural disaster.”
Our assumption is reinforced by the fact that they have time to consider whether pot should be legalized for recreational use in Illinois.
And, again, by them being so deaf to their constituents’ concerns and needs that they would unleash House Speaker Mike Madigan’s attorney and his minion, Illinois Comptroller Susana Medoza, on the pressing question of state lawmakers getting their pay on time. They not only undid the old Republican comptroller action to make state lawmakers and elected officials wait in line with everyone else owed $12.6 billion by our deadbeat state, they got a Chicago judge to order they be bumped to the head of the line.
Me first. Did zombies eat their brains? Are they high? Are they just deaf?
* The Daily Herald called Comptroller Mendoza’s promise to withhold the checks “Fake Spin”…
If, by now, you’re scratching your head over who is on what side in this debate, or how effective the paycheck threat can be, we don’t blame you. After all, if Springfield made sense, maybe the bills would be paid and a budget would be passed.
One thing that does seem clear, however, is that Mendoza’s commitment to pay-them-last is bullhorn loud but razor thin.
When a Cook County judge ruled last week that “there may be discretion by a comptroller as to certain expenditures but as to expenditures that are compelled by Illinois law, that discretion doesn’t exist,” Mendoza instantly caved.
Rather than seeking, as would be expected, a stay of the ruling while appealing the decision, Mendoza immediately released the legislators’ back pay.
In fact, it sounds like the paychecks are already going out.
* Tribune…
It’s maddening but not surprising. In Illinois, clout wins. Politicians win. Rank-and-file citizens are at the back of the line. Yet voters keep sending the same pols back to Springfield.
It’s not getting better. The Democrat-controlled General Assembly is halfway through the spring session and doing little at this point to deal with the crisis. Of the roughly 50 calendar workdays since lawmakers were sworn into office in January, they’ve been in Springfield less than half of the time. That’s the schedule set by Democratic leaders. That’s how seriously they’re taking the state’s mayday. In other words, not. Both the House and Senate are taking a two-week spring break in April.
Legislators, grab some beach. You must be so exhausted.
We wish we could offer some measure of genuine astonishment at their behavior. But history has shown they’re right on track: No balanced budget, no progress, no conscience. (A recent Reuters report noted that the fiscal year that ended last June was the 15th straight year Illinois wound up in the red.)
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 9:28 am:
The fact that the Governor, and the editorials, “fail” to acknowledge the constitutionality of why this move is legally wrong, the governing ethics, separating the powers and using this illegal move to usurp those equal powers… is now disguised with phony words, “sound effects” and images of beaches and vacations… as Rep. Andrade drove an Uber, and a member like Sen. Matt Murphy left to help his own family.
That should scare editorial boards. Instead, editorial boards see the constitution as a hinderence, especially when it comes ton that whole “separation of powers” bit.
You can’t be for good government and think withholding legislator pay is following good government.
Can’t.
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 9:29 am:
So much for the full time legislator meme.
legislators have been in Springfield 25 days since being sworn in
Representative Andrade works 50 hours a week for Uber and attends graduate school. Meanwhile his pay and benefits exceeed 1OOK working part time for the state
How many hours does he spend working on a balanced budget?
- Rich Miller - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 9:34 am:
===Andrade works 50 hours a week for Uber===
Which he wouldn’t have to do if he was getting paid on time.
C’mon, man.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 9:36 am:
===How many hours does he spend working on a balanced budget?===
Rauner has proposed 3 grossly unbalanced, status quo budgets.
This is the first time, today, I’m reminding you of the Rauner budgets.
- Lucky Pierre -
You don’t get the “budget” talking point when Rauner is the status quo.
- Roman - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 9:37 am:
At least this provides some clarity to Republican members of the General Assembly — you know what your leader, the governor, thinks of you: you’re a bunch of do-nothing hacks who don’t deserve to get paid.
Must be a joy taking orders from someone who publicly holds you in contempt.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 9:40 am:
Rauner had said 1/3 of the General Assembly is corrupt too…
Rauner not only wants legislators NOT paid, Rauner thinks a 1/3 of legislators (both parties, mind you) are corrupt.
Rauner says and thinks all this… while hold 2 Caucuses hostage, and with Rauner personally blowing up the “Grand Bargain” too…
Whew.
- A guy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 9:49 am:
Maybe Uber is more satisfying than (not) legislating. The “honor” is seeping out of public service. Most treat this as a public service vocation. Obviously there are a few exceptions and always will be. When you take the honor out of public service, you’ll be taking honorable people out of it too. Pay them on time. Only then do you have the right to demand action.
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 9:54 am:
Isn’t the whole point of not paying the legislators on time because we are not paying anyone else on time?
legislators control the purse as a co equal branch of government and they have not passed a balanced budget in 15 years
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 9:59 am:
===Isn’t the whole point of not paying the legislators on time because we are not paying anyone else on time?===
The constitution and the appropriations that are linked to following the constitution, required they be paid, when, and how often is at play. Keep up
Ugh….
===have not passed a balanced budget in 15 years===
- Lucky Pierre - ?
===“Those who live in the past are cowards and losers”
- Coach Mike Ditka===
… cited by - Lucky Pierre -
You’re not even trying anymore, are you?
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:07 am:
Selective enforcement of the constitutional provisions for a balanced budget don’t seem to be of any concern.
why is the constitution not being enforced across the board?
- Annonin' - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:08 am:
Surprise…BND, Shaw Media Group, Tribbies pout becuase the tactic to squeeze BigBrain opponents fails. BigBrain needs to work harder at persuading folks his ideas will make a difference rather than crusin’ at 110 MPH to the next presser.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:11 am:
===Selective enforcement of the constitutional provisions for a balanced budget don’t seem to be of any concern===
I know, “right”? Rauner has yet to propose a balanced budget, with Rauner proposing 3 grossly unbalanced, status quo budgets. Exactly right.
===why is the constitution not being enforced across the board?===
Great question. Why are state employees being paid without a budget?
Rauner is 0-2 in the whole “constitution-thingy”
Why aren’t you upset with Rauner, paying state employees, ignoring countless constitutional questions, sham budgets?
- dude - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:17 am:
==- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 9:29 am:
So much for the full time legislator meme. legislators have been in Springfield 25 days since being sworn in==
Do you think legislators are only working when they’re in Springfield? In my experience, Springfield is a break for them. No constituents calling to scream. No constituents at the door asking for help. No local groups or businesses yelling at them. The real work of a legislator doesn’t happen in Springfield.
Dude, you might want to learn a little about elected officials actual do before you post this nonsense.
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:24 am:
The point of the Tribune editorial is that legislators are not working on a solution to the budget
the Speaker has not spoken the Governor since December.
One legislator works 50 hours a week for Uber and attends graduate school.. How many hours does that leave for legislating and constituent service?
Repeating what the legislator describes about his own schedule does not qualify as” posting nonsense”
- Anonymous - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:25 am:
Just more from the drive-by media in Illinois.
- Arock - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:38 am:
Red ink the last 15 years, Madigan 0-15 in that constitution thingy.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:39 am:
===The point of the Tribune editorial is that legislators are not working on a solution to the budget===
No. No it’s not.
The point is that legislators should not be paid, and the Trib is upset that…
===Politicians win. Rank-and-file citizens are at the back of the line.====
Reading is fundamental.
To justify not paying the legislat…ure, not any one legislator, as prescribed by the constitution and appropriations defined to those payments, the Tribune builds a strawman, because no where is it listed what hurdles must be cleared to get paid, just the breakout of what and when, in regards to pay.
Good try thou, lol
===One legislator works 50 hours a week for Uber and attends graduate school.. How many hours does that leave for legislating and constituent service?===
Being a legislator is part-time, right?
Are you ever trying today?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:40 am:
===Red ink the last 15 years, Madigan 0-15 in that constitution thingy.===
Oh, - Arock -
You dot get that point with Rauner’s 3 proposed, grossly unbalanced, sham, status quo budgets.
It’s cute you’re trying, but it doesn’t count when Rauner is the status quo, 3 budgets running.
- Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:49 am:
I think the Supremes should freeze all Rauner’s personal and political accounts until he presents a balanced budget. No, I know the ILSC has no authority in the Caymen Islands.
- Arthur Andersen - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:51 am:
Annonin’ try again. My daughter just bought an Expedition similar to the Rauner Chariot and the owner’s manual clearly states the maximum speed for the model Rauner is driven in is “governed” to a speed below 110 mph. Like a plate race, ya know.
- A Jack - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:55 am:
And yet, no editorial board outrage over Munger getting paid as a “budget advisor.”
- Team Warwick - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 10:58 am:
Lincoln freed the slaves in Illinois. They werent getting paid. Pay equity. You work, you get paid in Illinois.
Pretty simple. Your identity or job doesnt matter.
- Robert the 1st - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 11:05 am:
=You dot get that point with Rauner’s 3 proposed, grossly unbalanced, sham, status quo budgets.=
Why doesn’t Rauner get to play make-believe in La-La-Land like very other IL politician the last couple decades? Why do we hold him to a different standard here?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 11:08 am:
===Why doesn’t Rauner get to play make-believe in La-La-Land like very other IL politician the last couple decades? Why do we hold him to a different standard here?===
“Shake up Springfield. Bring back Illinois”
“I won’t sign sham budgets”
“End the status quo”
You run a campaign and a continued campaign while being governor based on “not accepting” things, then propose those very same things… no, you don’t get that.
Rauner himself asked us all to hold him to a “higher”, standard. No one else.
So, Rauner doesn’t get the “budget” point. Nope. Sorry.
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 11:12 am:
Wake up OW
If Rauner proposed the “very same things” the budget would have been passed two years ago.
- Robert the 1st - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 11:13 am:
Rauner became a politician the moment he started his campaign. Unless we’re going to be honest and admit the “status quo” is broken, corrupt, and ruinous, then Rauner gets to play by the same rules as everyone else.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 11:19 am:
===If Rauner proposed the “very same things” the budget would have been passed two years ago.===
Proposing a sham budget(s) as Rauner has, you conveniently forgot the required Rauner Tax increase AND the Turnaround Agenda requirements…
… while Rauner’s own budgets continue the “sham” budget, grossly unbalanced lineage.
I don’t need to wake up, if I was asleep I’d think Rauner wanted a budget. The breaking of the “Grand Compromise”, that continues to show me Rauner wants destruction or an agenda, and Rauner wins, like Rauner is now, destroying social services and higher education with no budget.
Bruce and Diana think the destruction IS a business decision.
To bring this back,
Legislators need to be pandas per the constitution and the corresponding laws describing such paying.
If you’re against that, as a populist, you can’t point to the constitution on other things, or work against the constitution with state employee pay.
Just because something is popular doesn’t make it legal or within the parameters of a working, healthy democracy.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 11:23 am:
===Rauner gets to play by the same rules as everyone else.===
No. He doesn’t. Sorry.
Rauner is holding hostage 2 caucuses, publicly, by these phony parameters Rauner continues to say are real.
By doing so, and for example, blowing up the “Grand Bargain”, Rauner gets no shelter, especially when pointing to “sham” budgets, exactly like his 3 himself proposed.
Being disingenuous to the politics and the governing to usurp the power to to both, you don’t get that “nod”.
- Robert the 1st - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 11:36 am:
No need to apologize to me. It seems Rauner thinks he can play by the same rules as everyone else and is currently doing so. Does that mean he loses next year? Maybe. Maybe he would have anyway.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 11:39 am:
- Robert the 1st -
Incumbent Illinois governors are tough to beat.
Given the Dems’ messaging so far and the lack of pushback by Dems towards Rauner, Rauner isn’t unequivocally beatable or not.
With respect.
- wordslinger - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 11:48 am:
Cheap populist stunt indeed.
Pathetic that alleged deep-thinkers at newspaper edit boards traffic in this Banana Republic abuse of executive power.
- G'Kar - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 11:54 am:
OW @ 11:19: “Legislators need to be pandas per the constitution”
I for one would love to see a legislature full of pandas! They couldn’t do any worse.
With respect.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 11:59 am:
- G’Kar -
If they were pandas, imagine the money on webcams the state could make.
My ridiculous typo is actually… genius?
:)
- Signal and Noise - Monday, Mar 27, 17 @ 12:19 pm:
The Tribune has not made money in years. By any sound logic, their editors and reporters should not get a pay check until the ship is righted.