* Leader Radogno is out of state visiting her grandchildren, so she can’t be there today…
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, Senate Republican Whip Karen McConnaughay and a group of Republican lawmakers from the House and Senate will hold a press conference on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. on the 15th Floor, Blue Room of the James R. Thompson Center.
The topic of the press conference establishes a path forward on the state budget.
* Meanwhile, Rep. Steve Andersson (R-Geneva) is the House Republican floor leader and called an “emergency town hall meeting” the other day…
Andersson said he disagrees with those who say no budget is better than a bad budget.
“Our cash flow would be so limited, that we may default on our debt,” Andersson said. “Our bonds won’t get paid. Our state employees would not get paid.”
Instead, Andersson supports various plans to create a sustainable budget, one that is “a real budget, not a fake budget, not a feel-good budget.”
Raising the personal income tax rate to 4.95 percent and the corporate tax rate to 7 percent, along with some other taxes, would help shore up the state’s need for revenue to pay its bills, its pensions and support its programs, Andersson said.
“I do not want to raise taxes, but I was hired by you to govern,” Andersson said. “If we do not do something, we will fail as a state in a year.”
So, that looks like he essentially supports the Senate Democrats’ revenue plan.
Andersson went on to say that he doesn’t want a stand-alone school funding bill to put pressure on everybody to finally wrap things up.
* Meanwhile, we can cross next Monday off the possible special session day list…
The Illinois Republican Party is holding a Monday night fundraiser featuring all seven members of the state’s GOP delegation to the U.S. House plus what organizers are calling a “special guest” in Gov. Bruce Rauner.
The event is called “Cocktails with the Congressmen” and tickets start at $100 per person, with $10,000 required to play “host” at the Rosemont outpost of Gene & Georgetti.
Those paying $2,500 or more per person will gain access to a special hourlong reception prior to the general reception cattle call. Along with Rauner, scheduled to attend are Republican U.S. Reps. Peter Roskam of Wheaton, Randy Hultgren of Plano, Adam Kinzinger of Channahon, Rodney Davis of Taylorville, John Shimkus of Collinsville, Darin LaHood of Peoria and Mike Bost of Murphysboro.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 9:39 am:
State zooming to the bottom, but thank God there are still those who believe fundraising is still worth fighting for
- RNUG - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 9:45 am:
So … is this the crack in the dam?
- Gruntled University Employee - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 9:45 am:
===“I do not want to raise taxes, but I was hired by you to govern,” Andersson said. “If we do not do something, we will fail as a state in a year.”===
Did someone forget the “hang in there little buckaroo” message from His Majesty? Or could this possibly be another crack in the armor like the 911 vote?
- Gruntled University Employee - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 9:46 am:
RNUG, I’d like to think that great minds think alike but I know that mine pales in comparison. lol
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 9:48 am:
Don’t forget to ask the GOP Congressmen how Illinois is going to balance the budget in the future after they’ve slashed Medicaid funding.
So much to talk about at that event, including President What’s His Name? I wish I had an extra $100 to blow.
Smile and say, “midterm!”
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 9:49 am:
A Path Forward….how creative. wonder if it will include a notarized roll call with 47 names marked “Y” Can’t wait.
- Curl of the Burl - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 9:50 am:
Andersson saying this PUBLICLY is more of a tell than anything. Private or “anonymous” sources are great but when someone of Rep. Andersson’s standing makes that statement then there is a fire near that smoke.
- Henry Francis - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 9:51 am:
What’s the o/u on mention of “pro-rata”?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 9:52 am:
Unless the “game plan” consists of working with Senate Democrats, and that catalogued, large percentage, (not 90%, but I digress), of gives those Dems have to work with Leader Radogno… and this press availability explains that working with the Senate to get something passed to force Speaker Madigan’s hand…
… it’s a sham presser. “Period”.
If Leader Durkin would like to say he’s willing to allow his own members to vote for agreed to, compromise based, bargains, outside Rauner influence, I’d welcome that too.
Don’t waste my time, your own time, the state’s time, the people’s time with… “… with reforms… ” ridiculousness.
Either Leader Durkin wants to force a budgetary solution, or Leader Durkin is going to take that new $850,000 his political arm got from Rauner, “via” the Raunerite state party, and waste everyone’s time to phony talking points and sham paths towards no compromise.
My hope is Republicans decide being Republicans will be more important that the $850,000 Raunerite monies that say, loud and clear “90% agreement just isn’t good enough”
To Rep. Andersson,
You let me know how I can help. Keep being thoughtful to your state and math. Republicans are looking to you and others to actually care about the realities, and care about Illinois.
You let me know, Representative.
OW
- Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 9:53 am:
Who knew the revolution would be broadcast in Geneva?
Maybe things are gonna be all right.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGLGzRXY5Bw
- Winnin' - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 9:56 am:
Now, here’s suggestion for Durkin’:
Begin the press conference with a stack of paper in hand and say,
“Here is the House GOP budget plan.”
Don’t be dissin’ Madigan.
Don’t be Rauner’s lapdog.
Present something real and tangible.
Lol.
- Precinct Captain - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 9:57 am:
So it takes being on the verge of total and complete financial failure for Republicans to get the cojones to govern?
- Linus - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 10:03 am:
Right on, Rep. Andersson!
- Mr. K. - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 10:10 am:
—
So … is this the crack in the dam?
—
I’m guessing … no. He probably believes what he’s saying — and he knows his constituents want to hear it — but when it comes time to vote?
He’ll fall in line.
- Stand Tall - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 10:14 am:
“So it takes being on the verge of total and complete financial failure for Republicans to get the cojones to govern?” - When will the Democrats grow a set and tell Madigan that reforms need to get passed so the State can move forward and end the exodus of business looking for greener pastures?
- Illinois O'Malley - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 10:14 am:
Just love the open ‘pay to play’ here by R’s but it’s corruption to Republicans and the Tribune when a donation goes to Berrios or a precinct worker requests help from MJM.
- Huh? - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 10:17 am:
Does 1.4% know that one of his members is trying to get out of the back yard?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 10:17 am:
===When will the Democrats grow a set and tell Madigan that reforms need to get passed so the State can move forward and end the exodus of business looking for greener pastures?===
Leader Radogno was undercut when specific compromise was achieved to force Speaker Madigan in a corner with Cullerton and Rauner boxing in Madigan.
Your willful ignorance of that makes your sham plea less genuine.
Be honest to what has been happening.
- SAP - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 10:25 am:
==“I do not want to raise taxes, but I was hired by you to govern,” ==More like this, please.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 10:25 am:
=When will the Democrats grow a set and tell Madigan that reforms need to get passed so the State can move forward and end the exodus of business looking for greener pastures?=
Did you happen to catch the budget bill that was passed by Senate Democrats?
- Skeptic - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 10:55 am:
“tell Madigan that reforms need to get passed” That of course assumes that Madigan is the reason why such “reforms” are unpopular with Democrats.
- Deft Wing - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:03 am:
The Dems here and elsewhere are all very positive about Andersson’s comments. And they should be as his exemplifies bipartisanship … from the Dem perspective.
Not seeing the love from his caucus, however. Wondering how Andersson’s comments jive with Durkin’s. Perhaps there are more votes for Madigan to claim than just one.Perhaps we’ll soon see.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:06 am:
ok, so how soon will BVR find someone to challenge Steve in his primary? 5, 4, 3, 2, 1….and yep..they got a 30-something who “wants to make a difference” and won’t say crazy stuff in public –like supporting a tax increase. Watch out Steve
- Annonin' - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:07 am:
Wow Righterstandin’ behind Durkie really makes look like pure mopery. Looks like rebtal checks have been deposited
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:07 am:
anonymous at 11:06am was 10th Ward
- Winnin' - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:08 am:
Madigan, can you please come up with a plan to pay down the state’s bill backlog to the amount that it was when Rauner demanded that the tax increase expire? Thank you.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:13 am:
===The Dems here and elsewhere are all very positive about Andersson’s comments. And they should be as his exemplifies bipartisanship … from the Dem perspective===
Only closed-minded partisans would not see this as a person reaching across the aisle.
According to you, then, the Radogno-Cullerton attempt to get a bipartisan agreement is… bad
Speaks volumes. You don’t want compromise and you are “math challenged”
===Not seeing the love from his caucus, however.===
Yeah… Yeah… Rauner just funneled $850,000 to keep the Raunerites in line.
You ‘nember to $20 million “no $&@#% problems” money Rauner used to crush Republicans and force Raunerism? Hmm.
===Wondering how Andersson’s comments jive with Durkin’s.===
Durkin just got $850K from Rauner. That might give a “hint”
===Perhaps there are more votes for Madigan…===
… you mean to get a budget, or to force Dems to work towards a budget, or try to end the impasse?
You seem hyper-partisan. You must think the stalemate is good.
- Annonin' - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:16 am:
Where is NoTaxBill?
- Lead not follow - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:22 am:
Stand tall- are you referring to those non budgetary items that have failed to produce and tangable results in state sales that have tried them.
- The Captain - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:23 am:
Rauner paid Durkin $850,000 to stand up this morning and present Rauner’s talking points as a “compromise” budget solution, lol. There has to be a cheaper way to do that.
- anon2 - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:24 am:
It’s good to see one Republican who accepts fiscal reality, and is willing to sayso in public. He may also place a higher priority on serving the public interest than he does in preserving his tenure.
- Stand Tall - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:25 am:
Did not the gutless Democrats elect him as Speaker once again? Does he not control what legislation makes it to the floor? What does what the Senate does have any bearing on Madigan’s control of the House? Did the Senate budget get called for a vote by the House? Who controlled that?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:28 am:
===Did not the gutless Democrats elect him as Speaker once again? Does he not control what legislation makes it to the floor? What does what the Senate does have any bearing on Madigan’s control of the House? Did the Senate budget get called for a vote by the House? Who controlled that?===
You don’t understand politics, leverage, isolation and triangulation.
You understand “Madigan!”
You are unreachable.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 11:45 am:
Great words from Rep. Andersson, but we need action. I just can’t see House Republicans stepping away from their owner–especially after he contributed $1.5 million or some other large amount to them. What would that do to Rauner’s proxy war against Madigan?
- doggonit - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 12:30 pm:
At some point, connection to Rauner will cost more than he can make up for in contributions. I suspect that point will come shortly after k to 12 schools start faltering, so soon.
I appreciate leaders like Radogno and Andersson.
- DuPage - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 1:14 pm:
I saw a Rauner ad just a few days ago where Rauner was talking about “a balanced budget with NO increase in taxes”. Is Anderson going to get primaried for this?
- Lance Mannion - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 1:35 pm:
Andersson ought to sign on as a sponsor of the bill to raise taxes.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 1:37 pm:
- Lance Mannion -
Oh, there’s gonna be a tax increase. It’s required for any and every proposal out there.
If you don’t understand that, I can’t help you.
- JDuc - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 4:30 pm:
Scrambling for cover for the upcoming elections. Everyone looking like they are trying to do something…
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 14, 17 @ 7:16 pm:
I am a retired State worker from Mr Anderssons district. I applaud his courage.
- Jduke - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 8:34 pm:
I do not support any budget that includes personal tax increases to fix the bad judgement of our elected officials