Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Judges may sue over health insurance bill
Next Post: The Tenaska Tax: A $163 Million Annual Residential Rate Hike
Posted in:
* How would you rate the pension reform proponents’ legislative performance so far this year? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 12:34 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Judges may sue over health insurance bill
Next Post: The Tenaska Tax: A $163 Million Annual Residential Rate Hike
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
“F” Taking from the employees and retirees and giving nothing in return. That’s some solution.
Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 12:37 pm
I gave an overall “C”.
Cullerton gets an A for sound public policy.
Madigan gets a B for political acumen.
Quinn gets a C for planting a stick in the ground and focusing public attention.
Republicans and fiscal think tanks get an F for failing to offer workable solutions.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 12:43 pm
D - They haven’t proposed a cap on pensions somewhere south of $100,000 per year.
Comment by Jeff Trigg Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 12:51 pm
The only grade to give is an F. Legislators and governors created the problem by raiding pension funds years ago to keep constituents happy. Now, instead of doing what they should have done years ago, they’re trying to stick it to retirees ( and probably will.) Somehow, the unions get blamed….and even those retirees who are not union members are pilloried. The legislators and the governor are just more than happy to blame the retirees…just so they don’t get stuck wearing the jacket. The politicians get to bloviate till the cows come home…and still no workable solution.
Comment by Deep South Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 12:53 pm
Incomplete. Course-work never turned in.
Comment by NIref Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 12:54 pm
I give them an A — not because I agree with all of this, but because it looks like they are going to make this happen after years of it’s being considered impossible
Comment by soccermom Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 12:54 pm
This process has been topsy-turvy from the beginning during this session. Last year, when they tried to do some sort of reform, the legislature at least gave some indication they were willing to work with all the stake-holders and come up with some tenable solutions.
This year, much of that planning was done in secret in among legislators only, at the apparent urging of the Governor’s office. Perhaps that’s a method to sneak something through under the cover of darkness, ala the second tier that they rammed through last year. By most reports I’ve heard, input from the unions whose members are most affected is going largely unheeded in this process, despite the fact they are offering real, structural changes that address the funding issues.
Some of this seems like kabuki pension budget theater, solely intended to give legislators cover so they can ride the current wave of popularity in the notion that you have to cut deficits no matter what and damn the real-life consequences. It certainly does nothing to address the court challenges that will definitely come if the fund recipients don’t have buy-in.
It is refreshing to see the legislature get its head out of the sand and finally realize that they have a problem with pension funding. Their conclusion that the sky is falling, however, is not the way to solve it. More sober reflection and careful deliberation with all affected parties should be the order of the day, not the rush to pass a bill that could have drastic impacts for years, if not decades, to come.
Comment by mother jones Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 12:57 pm
To this point, like it or not, you’d have to say “A.”
They’re controlling the agenda and the public discussion. Democratic leadership, including Pat Quinn, is lined up top-to-bottom with the Civic Committee.
They’re moving the ball down the field while opponents are still lacing up their cleats.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 12:58 pm
I give them a D. I want to see true reform, not passing the debt off to others and evading future responsibility.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 12:58 pm
F, as in Fahner, who two weeks ago admitted on “Chicago Tonight” that if the politicians who shorted the public pension systems had done the same in the private sector, they’d be going to jail … then last week told Greg Hinz that the Civic Committee “wants employees to suffer most of the pain.”
Comment by Reality Check Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:00 pm
I believe we the people should vote for what you get . You want to take what I have worked for and was told I was going to recieve , Why would any one wan to come and set up a business in Illinois a state that lies to it’s own employees . Man use to be proud of his work and word , You are steel and Lie call it to help balance the buget . Let the blame stay where it should Balance out of your pay checks and what you have stolen
Comment by PJARVIS Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:00 pm
Proponents of emasculating pension benefits have failed to provide a justification for breaching contracts and violating the constitution. They’ve failed to explain why workers, who never missed a pension payment, must make up for the employer who did.
Comment by reformer Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:14 pm
Like I gave AFSCME an “F”, you have to give these guys an “A” under the same rules. They control the message, they control the agenda of delivery, and got something to the Guv’s desk to show some movement.
Gotta be an “A”.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:15 pm
Gotta go with an “A”.
Agree or disagree with the agenda, Speaker Madigan is once again having an outstanding legislative session.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:18 pm
The proponents have the momentum and are certainly winning the day…so far.
I gave them a C because I think they are wrong to punish the worker instead of focusing on strong legislation to prevent this from ever happening again.
Comment by Sunshine Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:21 pm
I would say F. Much of what has been proposed is going to get decimated in Court which will thwart the stated purpose
Comment by Generation X Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:22 pm
Yes, they have controlled discussion and agenda.That is a standard ploy for the Chicago Way.They will have something done behind closed doors that will appear,get voted on and made law before they leave Springfield.What ‘that’ is can only be theorized.
Comment by earl Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:23 pm
“F” - no hesitation.
Those giving an “A” are being duped by the pols.
“Mouthy”, “Deep South”,”reality check” and “reformer” have it right. I concur.
Comment by JustaJoe Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:27 pm
A solid B.
They have media and four key Democratic leaders (Quinn/Madigan/Cullerton/Rahm) on their side.
But they seem to be all over the place in terms of a workable plan, with too many competing ideas, allowing the “delay lobby” to still have a chance to postpone this problem once again.
Comment by Robert Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:31 pm
B-they aren’t kicking it down the road. We’ll probably see legislation this week. Not everyone is going to be happy. The two main issues are to keep the system sustainable and help the state dig out of the hole they are in. Not an easy task.
Comment by Because I say so... Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:31 pm
I’m with mom, word, michelle et al: “A” all the way. This year they’re good at it.
Those of you who think Madigan and Cullerton prefer confrontation to cooperation are very wrong, I think. The larger problem is the unions simply can’t voluntarily give up as much as needs to be taken, and the President and the Speaker aren’t going to go thru the pain, put their members on tough votes, for a half-way solution.
Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:32 pm
===Yes, they have controlled discussion and agenda.That is a standard ploy for the Chicago Way.They will have something done behind closed doors that will appear,get voted on and made law before they leave Springfield.What ‘that’ is can only be theorized.===
What does that mean in a grade?
===I gave them a C because I think they are wrong to punish the worker instead of focusing on strong legislation to prevent this from ever happening again.===
Being effective and punishing the worker doesn’t work in a grade I don’t think. If the agenda is to get something regardless who may get hurt or how it shakes out to get their agenda pushed, I doubt that factoring in to the effectiveness is part of the grade.
If “niceness” was a mitigating factor in legislation, then “Sunshine and Lollypop” agendas are the only “A” agendas.
Nice - is different than Good.
It can be “good” and not nice …
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:32 pm
I gave an A. Looks like something is going to happen, although it may get reversed in the courts. The Pols have looked at the numbers and it the state employees vs the non state employees. There’re are a whole lot more non employees.
Comment by SIiUPROF Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:32 pm
More like an “Incomplete”.
But if they top off many decades of F work by just sticking it to the workers and retirees (likely to have that overturned in court), then they’ll keep that perfect streak of straight F’s going.
Comment by titan Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:33 pm
“A”
Why?! Because - gasp! - they actually offered up a plan and put the ball back in the union’s court.
I have been active in politics for nearly ten years now and I have followed politics for over half my life. Unless I am being forgetful or missed a few blurbs years ago, I can’t remember AFSCME or SEIU or the Teamsters offer any workable solutions - even during the disastrous Blago years. It’s all been flowers and puppies and scented laundry dryer sheets. Please. AFSCME had a golden chance in 2010 to avert such a showdown when it entered into negotiations with the Quinn Administration and it refused to budge. The savings AFSCME offered then were peanuts compared to what it will take to keep the pension and retiree health system solvent. Well, Madigan (and Cullerton and Cross) are proposing a solution.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:34 pm
C because they have been sucessful so far in getting the press on their side and a (supposed) Democratic governor to do their bidding. If something gets passed that is later ruled unconstitutional the grade changes to an F. I am hoping for that F grade…
Comment by Roadiepig Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:41 pm
I gave a “C” because I see no conceerted, focused effort to get anything done before May 31; but, the problem is in the open and being discussed. Ther may be action before May 31 - 50/50 at best; but probalby not until after elections which would then warrant an F. F for spinal failure. Yellow Dog - Really - The Republicans have been offering no solutions of their own? Been offering solutions for many years, but Madigan has had the legislative process under tighter control than a cowboy at a castration. Now, you try to make it look like it is the Republicans fault? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Comment by johhnypizza Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 1:54 pm
I gave them an “F” because if it’s not legal it doesn’t count.
Comment by Raising Kane Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 2:03 pm
A ‘C’ because of their failure to bring unions to the table. This isn’t just unfair, it could end in failure like SB512.
Comment by AC Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 2:08 pm
Voted C.
In terms of moving legislation, they deserve an A.
In terms of passing reform that will stand up in court, they deserve and F.
In terms of fundamentally changing the Illinois budgeting priorities, somewhere around a C. They recognize the problem, know it needs fixed, but so far haven’t come up with a sustainable budget … most of it is still 1 to 5 years patches.
Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 2:17 pm
D
Not really passing real legislation to deal with the pension issue. threatening to put funding back on local districts makes sense, but doesn’t address the real issue of unsustainable benefits by current retirees. If the local districts are going to pay for pension, then the local districts should have the option to offer different types of retirement plans for employees.
Right now it is one size fits all mentality.
Comment by Louie Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 2:27 pm
I’m a state employee retiree and a TRS survivor retiree - turning 65 in September, when the state just becomes my insurance wrap-around beyond Medicare.
I have no problem with the equity of being asked to pay $150/month for health care, even though I pay nothing now.
There is a big problem with pension caps or pension COLA caps. Consider how community based services have collapsed due to lack of COLAs to cover annual CODB cost increases.
Perhaps our state government leaders will consider a begger’s area for former state employees on the grounds of the Capitol, if they limit annual COLA increases…
And about the constitutionality — why doesn’t someone as the Attorney General for an Opinion on one or more of the various options? The Supreme Court is not bound to following it, but it would add weight to whatever pension options the legislature and governor might be considering…
Comment by Capitol View Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 2:34 pm
I gave an “A” because the discussion this year has not been about if there will be cuts but about how much will get cut. Shifting the terms of the discussion that way is already a huge win.
Comment by SAP Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 2:34 pm
Following the grading theme - If I copy the answers from the guy next to me, and they’re still wrong, how is that an A?
Passing diminishments suggested by the civic club wastes more than this session.
F. Another year of failure.
Comment by countryboy Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 2:38 pm
Unless they work harder at building a more powerful groundswell of press, region by region, they’re going to fail.
Comment by NW Illinois Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 2:50 pm
For likely passing legislation: A
For passing good legislation that won’t be tied up in court for years: D or F
For convincing lots of people that they are doing the best thing for the state and being responsible legislators: C (they have convinced a lot of people, but that is likely to change if local property taxes rise or schools go into the red or any number of other likely, negative consequences come to fruition)
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 3:03 pm
“F” all the way. An “A” to the Civic Federation for successfully making itself the fourth branch of government.
Comment by Pete Granada Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 3:22 pm
I give them an “F” for including the judges in SB 1313. That was really stupid.
Comment by Bill Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 3:38 pm
It looks like the reformers are getting more D’s and F’s than AFSCME.
Comment by Bill Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 3:39 pm
–It looks like the reformers are getting more D’s and F’s than AFSCME. –
I wonder if that makes it an irresponsible and provocative question in some minds, lol.
Tell you what though, Bill: If you’re opposed to the current proposals, I wouldn’t concede the word “reformers” to the group pushing them.
Even in Illinois (which, famously, ain’t ready for reform) it implies they’re the good guys advancing positive change.
If you don’ believe that, I’d come up with my own description for the group and repeat it like a mantra every chance I got.
That one’s free.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 4:04 pm
I wanted to give them an F for controlling the narrative and allowing the “brave” legislators to once again screw state employees and get away with it, but they deserve a solid B for their inevitable win.
Comment by reggieandtfe Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 5:26 pm
An “A” in all phases of the effort. The IML has done a great job in pointing out that the problem is not only that the GA has underfunded and skipped pension funding payments. The GA has also repeatedly enhanced pensions (unfunded mandates)to dramatically raise funding costs. IML has made state elected officials recognize the magnitude of the problem without calling them stupid. It was a great and delicate effort.
Comment by one of the 35 Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 5:57 pm
I give them a BIG F..like they just gave the few State worker left keeping the State running.
Comment by State Worker Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 6:05 pm
D — because it appears that the proposed reforms are mostly phony. A week or two ago this blog’s readers offered up a lot of substantive ideas at the request of Rich Miller. I don’t see the Dems trumpeting any of those ideas. There seemed to be a lot of clearly smart and mostly fair proposals. Why aren’t they part of the final plan?
Comment by Anon Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 6:34 pm
Like they’re throwing darts. Whatever it hits & what they think the public wants to hear. 95% of state workers are on the job…doing their thing everyday & just want what they signed up for. Been a mess for a while & who’s fault is that ??
Comment by annon Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 6:58 pm
F, The legislators are hiding and no one is standing up for the little guy. The case for pension reform is funded by Big Money, they win. The employees of the “Great State of Illinois” do not have big money, they lose.
Comment by Makandadawg Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 7:08 pm
After seven years cooking the books and after jailing the second governor in a row, Illinois is a rotting carcass of a state. Please grade the vultures that have been circling it now that it seems they may finally eat their fill.
B
They waited a long time.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 8:47 pm
Looks like North Carolina tried the same thing on Health Care and lost. Check out the link below:
http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/04/20/2014196/state-retirees-sue-over-health.html
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 9:05 pm
An F- along with two days of an in school detention. Passing unconstitutional legislation is akin to cheating.
Comment by The Great Unwashed Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 9:41 pm
C to little to late.
Comment by mokenavince Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 10:20 pm
An A…for adios the next time the run! Socking it to the retirees is going to cost a bunch of these ineptocrats.
Comment by Steamer Wednesday, May 16, 12 @ 10:26 pm
Glad to see you polled this group too. I rated “F”. They took the easy way out…on the employees backs. They were elected to dedicate time while they are in session to figure out sound plans to work out budget issues when they have let runaway spending occur. As far as the Union, members have to be advocates too and attend rallies and pickets to let the General Assembly know they are not happy. You cannot be uninvolved - AFSCME represents its membership but you must represent yourself. Thank you for posting the polls.
Comment by CatHerder Thursday, May 17, 12 @ 7:09 am