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* Lance Trover…
“President Cullerton made clear today that his view of a balanced budget is a budget that makes no spending reforms, no pension reform and only raises taxes. Rather than moving our state backward to the failed tax-and-spend policies of the past, we urge President Cullerton to work with us to pass meaningful structural reforms to change the fiscal trajectory of our state.”
This was sent out before Cullerton even finished speaking to reporters, by the way.
And Cullerton did say that he would work with the governor on structural reforms. What he suggested was that the governor finally introduce a balanced budget so they could get moving. Perhaps disingenuous, I agree, but this statement was truly unhelpful.
…Adding… “We’re not calling for a tax increase,” Cullerton said when told that the governor had sent out a statement while he was talking with the media, adding that he simply wanted the governor to send them a balanced budget. He repeated that he wants to work with the governor on the property tax freeze, workers’ comp, etc.
…Adding More… Cullerton said Rauner was “totally unaware” of the workers’ comp bills that had been passed. He also claimed the governor didn’t know about the report released by his own workers’ comp commission which showed progress was being made on costs.
…Adding Still More… From yesterday…
Weeks into the budget impasse, Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday said the whole mess would be solved if not for one powerful man: Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
At a Springfield press conference, the governor said the budget would have been done by now if he were working solely with Senate President John Cullerton and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
“We would have this done,” Rauner said, adding: “The speaker doesn’t want to deal with it right now.”
So, either the governor was flat wrong yesterday about Cullerton, or he went out of his way today to sabotage whatever relationship he had with Cullerton.
…Adding Still Still More… Cullerton’s spokesperson Rikeesha Phelon reacts to Gov. Rauner’s apparent flip-flop from yesterday…
Oh. Now I’m sad. I thought we were friends. Bummer.
In my mind, this was a big mistake by Rauner because it totally undercuts a message he’s been trying to build for weeks. We’ll see if the Chicago media can actually comprehend this.
…And Adding Even More… Cullerton’s full remarks…
* Press release…
Senate President John J. Cullerton today called on Gov. Bruce Rauner to reset the budget process by submitting a new balanced budget plan that can end the state’s immediate fiscal crisis.
Three weeks into the new fiscal year, neither the governor’s original plan nor the budget passed by the General Assembly is law. Cullerton called on the governor and members of his party to acknowledge that both plans are dead and that it’s time to reset and move toward a real resolution.
“The budget process traditionally starts with the governor submitting a balanced plan that allows the legislature to review and respond appropriately – something that Governor Rauner never did,” President Cullerton said. “He now has an opportunity to restart negotiations by submitting a new plan to the General Assembly. That balanced plan should reflect the budgetary lessons we’ve learned the past few months.”
Rauner’s budget balancing task may be simpler this time around given the fact that $23.5 billion of state spending is already in motion. That leaves $15 billion in anticipated costs left to budget. That responsibility, however, is balanced against revenue projections that give the governor only $10 billion to spend.
President Cullerton encouraged the governor to focus on priorities outlined by credit rating agencies rather than a corporate class agenda that doesn’t address the current budget crisis and hurts the middle class. Credit rating agencies have made it clear that we must address our structural deficit, pass constitutional pension reform and lower the backlog of bills to change Illinois’ status as the state with the lowest credit ratings in the country.
“The governor has spent all of his time in office prioritizing an agenda that will satisfy the corporate class. While some of those ideas are worthy of debate, he has been unable to provide one shred of evidence that his agenda adds one cent to the ledger for our budget crisis in the short term or elevates our credit rankings in the long term,” Cullerton said.
President Cullerton remains hopeful that the governor will accept this challenge and that a budget resolution can be reached before Aug. 4, when the Senate is scheduled to return to Springfield.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:18 am
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Not much of anything the Rauner camp has sent out has been helpful recently.
Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:21 am
“This was sent out before Cullerton even finished speaking to reporters, by the way.”
Superstars™!
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:21 am
Same canned message, just replace Speaker Madigan’s name with President Cullerton’s.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:22 am
This is like those “timed” chess matches played at North Ave. Beach.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:22 am
Divide and conquer failed.
Governing by way of One Way Streets will fail.
Comment by Anonymous Redux Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:22 am
How exciting that a statement about remarks arrives before the remarks are finished.
Here is the very distinct difference between Goldberg not helping, but genius in his work, and just issuing statements to lob grenades and not moving anything forward too.
I truly don’t understand the constant need to be in campaign mode when the state is screaming to be governed.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:22 am
Were all his business deals leveraged buyouts where Rauner’s crew had all the leverage and they didn’t have to negotiate?
Im starting to wonder how this financial wizard closed any business deals where each side had comparative leverage.
Comment by Abe the Babe Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:23 am
What are the “spending reforms” he’s talking about in regards to the state budget? Is it the pension short in the governor’s proposed budget?
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:23 am
Heard from the 2nd floor fraternity, “great one Lance, ha ha ha.”
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:24 am
Rauner’s so-called “reforms” on collective bargaining are a non-starter and he needs to get over it.
The governor claims to want a climate that will improve the business economy. But I wonder if large corporations are eager to place a facility in a state with such an obviously dysfunctional state government?
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:25 am
===“We’re not calling for a tax increase,”===
Team Rauner better pay close attention to statements like this. The idea that the Democrats are chomping at the bit to raise taxes is a dangerously flawed assumption. The idea that voting to raise taxes is the reward Democrats will get if they eviscerate collective bargaining, prevailing wage laws and worker’s comp and tort reform is absurd.
Not only is Governor Rauner not going to get most of his anti-union agenda passed, he is going to have to beg the Democrats to help him raise taxes.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:27 am
He is still speaking….
Comment by burbanite Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:28 am
Springfield, we have a triangulation problem!
New strategy needed from the frat.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:28 am
God forbid Cullerton should be allowed to say he wants to compromise on the Turnaround agenda, before Rauner team preemptively attacks him.
“Our enemies had better keep acting like it!”
Comment by walker Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:30 am
= but genius in his work= Ow, I just don’t see it. If this were a high school burn contest, sure. How is he helping to move things forward, or even build support for the governor?
To the “reforms’- the pension “reforms” are not reforms, they are an attempt at a unilateral reduction of responsibility.
The ILGA and executive branch are in need of real reform. I suggest with finding a couple of adults to supervise the playground.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:31 am
The triangulation only works against Madigan if Rauner completely secures 37 Senate votes for any of his proposals.
Rauner hasn’t done it. Rauner won’t be able to do it with remarks and posturing like this.
In a campaign, it’s actually not too bad. “You know what?”, we’re not campaigning now, even thou they are still in tgat mode.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:31 am
Didn’t Rauner just get done stating that if it wasn’t for Madigan he, Cullerton and Rahm would’ve have struck a deal on reforms and the budget????
Money can buy a lot but it doesn’t buy integrity, common sense and/or honesty. This guys double talk is an embarrassment!
Comment by Just saying... Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:33 am
- JS Mill -,
Think looking glass / Alice in Wonderland snark.
It’s proportionally balanced in its sheer genius and it completely not helping the governing.
The Press Shop just regurgitates the same talking points, even responding to remarks not known or completed.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:34 am
Hypothetically, if the legislature bit the bullet and made extensive (and awful) spending cuts and passed a balanced budget, would Rauner even sign it? I say no because he still doesn’t get his agenda and he would still own the cuts since he signed. Of course, do Republican legislators even vote for a bare bones budget? So short of Rauner getting some part of his agenda is there any way out of this mess?
Comment by Demise Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:35 am
Now that’s governin! Thanks Lance. Oh, by the way, here’s the preamble to the State Constitution.
Read it.
P.S. That’s not a suggestion, superstar.
Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:35 am
It is a constitutional requirement that the governor propose a balanced budget. Until he does, he has failed his constitutional duties and Cullerton is right to hold the Governor’s feet to the fire. The Governor should base his budget on estimated revenues, not mystical predictions from imaginary legislation.
Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:36 am
I’ve always thought Rauner was over rated because he is rich and he continues to prove it over and over.
Comment by Liberty Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:36 am
Rauner keeps going back and forth between calling Cullerton a friend or a foe. The Governor seems to go back and forth on a lot of things - and will throw people under the bus who have tried to cooperate with him - including his own party members (e.g. GOP non-vote on education bill, Gov. Christie, etc.) So buyer beware.
Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:36 am
Just want to repeat what 47th Ward said, because I think he makes a great point about how Rauner and his crew simply don’t get it.
“Team Rauner better pay close attention to statements like this. The idea that the Democrats are chomping at the bit to raise taxes is a dangerously flawed assumption. The idea that voting to raise taxes is the reward Democrats will get if they eviscerate collective bargaining, prevailing wage laws and worker’s comp and tort reform is absurd.”
As for the premature press ejaculation, I honestly don’t get the strategy here. Any movement on Rauner’s issues depends on Cullerton, who will play the role of good cop for both Rauner and Madigan. It seems that Madigan understands this, but Rauner’s team does not.
I can’t believe we’re only six months in to his administration. The next three and a half years are going to be very long indeed.
Comment by the Other Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:39 am
===Cullerton said Rauner was “totally unaware” of the workers’ comp bills that had been passed. He also claimed the governor didn’t know about the report released by his own workers’ comp commission which showed progress was being made on costs.===
Did Cullerton call the governor, basically, “clueless” as to what’s even going on?
That’s as bad as it gets; being called clueless to your governing.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:40 am
The Bearded Baby has a point: a property tax freeze will probably force more state money to be spent.
Comment by Losing My Edge Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:41 am
“failed tax-and-spend policies of the past”
What are those? Prior to the 2011 state income tax increase, the income tax was the same for 20 years.
http://www.revenue.state.il.us/TaxRates/IndividualPriorYears.htm
It’s more like the “failed spend-and-no-tax policies of the past.”
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:42 am
When Trover makes a snarky or critical statement, it is Rauner bashing Cullerton. But when Steve Brown makes a snarky or critical statement, it is not Madigan bashing Rauner?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:43 am
===Cullerton said Rauner was “totally unaware” of the workers’ comp bills that had been passed. He also claimed the governor didn’t know about the report released by his own workers’ comp commission which showed progress was being made on costs.===
Gutting worker’s comp is on the Koch Brothers/1%ers agenda. Incremental changes here and there to worker’s comp may not count in the Governor’s mind.
Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:43 am
I am stunned that Rauner is unaware (as reported by Cullerton anyway) of the workers’ comp bills that have passed, or that costs have actually improved in this state. Remember when he didn’t seem to know that his budget proposal had an obvious $3B gap of strictly unachievable saves?
Is Rauner really so unattached that he doesn’t know the current status of the key issues he himself identified as critical “reforms?” Too low-level for his attention?
Comment by walker Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:44 am
Do you think that all Torver does is hit a button and send out this drivel? Structural reform blah blah… tax incr blah…
Comment by Obamas Puppy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:46 am
At some point you have to wonder if the Rauner Administration will ever solve any of the major problems facing the state. He’s been Governor for 6 months and we have Corn as the official state vegetable and a return of Happy Hour. I’d like to see the elimination of our structural deficit solved sometime. His administration will be remembered as a failure if they don’t solve this and other major problems.
Comment by The Dude Abides Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:47 am
And is that two sentence statement really “bashing”?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:48 am
Just watched Cullerton’s full presser…I’m not saying the guy isn’t guilty of a little political posturing, but it’s clear he’s looking to cut a reasonable, face-saving deal. On the other side, you have Rauner releasing a critical statement reacting to a press conference before it’s over.
It’s easy to see who wants to govern and who wants to play D.C.-style “win the news cycle” politics, isn’t it?
Comment by Phil Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:48 am
I didn’t know Rahm was in charge of negotiating the State budget. ?????
Comment by Wow Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:53 am
Lance ‘Chief Frat-boy Attack Lap-dog’ Trover, why so defensive all the time? Didn’t Team Rauner know that being Governor puts Rauner and his office in the political spotlight, completely open to verbal attacks, criticisms, and suggestions that your side may not agree with? Did you not understand that being Governor of Illinois means ownership of problems associated with Illinois? Team Rauner is more than 8 months past campaigning yet you’re still stumping…quit with the campaign already, the people want a Governor.
Comment by Bulldog58 Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:53 am
==Is Rauner really so unattached that he doesn’t know the current status of the key issues he himself identified as critical “reforms?” Too low-level for his attention?==
Like with making sure the appropriations for state workers’ pay were signed into law, Rauner must believe it’s not worth his time to review ongoing negotiations and issues.
“Heck, all this campaignin’ is takin’ up all of my time!”
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:54 am
If Cullerton says they’re not calling for a tax increase, then he should explain just how they plan to pay for the $4 billion dollar hole they had in their budget plan
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:55 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOGWbzUM-y8
Rauner staffers practicing for negotiations.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:56 am
Streator, perfect point. Businesses HATE instability! Why would any business want to come here right now? Which is the point I want to bring up. It’s not about the business environment per se. It’s about killing the unions. If it were realy about business this whole thing would have gone down differently.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:56 am
RM, how dare you hold BVR accountable today for things he said yesterday?
That was almost 24 hours ago.
Comment by Abe the Babe Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:57 am
“If Rauner says He will support a tax increase, then he should explain just how he plan to pay for the $3 billion dollar hole he had in his budget plan”
Better.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:57 am
UUUUUUU—-turn!
Comment by Anonin' Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:57 am
Rauner doesn’t want to end this budget crisis; he’s still milking it for future campaign rhetoric.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:58 am
To the Numerous updates.
Critical avenues, in personal interworkings with Cullerton and with MJM;
Be truthful, work hard, know your own business, and work in good faith.
Is Rauner now on good paper with ANY of those criteria.
To Rikeesha Phelon; Funny, funny. funny. And pithy.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:03 pm
“So, either the governor was flat wrong yesterday about Cullerton, or he went out of his way today to sabotage whatever relationship he had with Cullerton.”
I look forward to the apologists explaining how Rauner is something other than an utterly untrustworthy negotiator. (I suggest a tortured metaphor about “the real world of business” and “3-D chess”.)
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:04 pm
Unions are here to stay.
Union workers don’t kneel or heel…not now… not never!
I know my grammar is incorrect…don’t care neither…also know the dots should be dashes…I know there only dots…but I like’um…likeum…Yes, I do!
Comment by Anonymous Redux Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:05 pm
It’s kind of Trumpish really. Losers like Cullerton don’t understand how huge I am and what a great opportunity I am giving him. His loss as I’ll be firing him and his entire party. Huge!
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:05 pm
Rauner needs to see a neurologist, because he is clearly suffering from a condition that causes short-term memory loss.
Comment by JoanP Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:06 pm
What’s with the “totally unaware” stuff on bills passed and his own workers comp report?
Prior to this, Steve Brown said the governor was “unaware” that his proposed budget was unbalanced.
Dude, you wanted the gig. How’s about taking a little personal interest in your job?
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:09 pm
I really like Cullerton tying the credit rating agency requests into this. That was a pro move.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:09 pm
All Rauner press releases and press conferences need to be set to the Benny Hill Theme moving forward. What a disaster.
Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Saying things doesn’t make them true.
The young smart alecks in this Governor’s Office can continue to spew their an alternate reality on his behalf - but eventually that office will be seen to be just as delusional as the Blagojevich group was.
As others have noted, eventually this Administration is going to need to find a partner in the legislature and they seem intent on limiting their future options.
Comment by Bluegrass Boy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:12 pm
I bet Zell’s even happier that he spent $2 million on those curiously timed anti-Madigan spots now that the governor’s office has stepped all over the message.
Anyone “research” on the “effectiveness” of those spots?
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:13 pm
I must have missed something. Is it the Governor’s job or the General Assembly’s job to present a balanced budget? If it is the latter, then they haven’t done their job yet because their proposed budget is $4 Billion short. So now Cullerton’s solution is to tell the Governor to do the GA’s job. How does this make any sense?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:13 pm
I think back to this:
https://capitolfax.com/2014/10/07/rauner-fights-for-his-life-against-a-well-planned-hit/
These are the business skills he promised to bring to the Governor job and he is bringing them. He’s got enough money to keep it up until he gets what he wants, even if it’s a few elections away.
Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:13 pm
@ the Other Anonymous - at this rate, Rauner’s going to be so unpopular GOP caucus is going to bail on him and General Assembly will just override everything.
Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:14 pm
===I must have missed something. Is it the Governor’s job or the General Assembly’s job to present a balanced budget? ===
Geez Louise, read the Constitution, Article VIII, Section 2 (a)
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:16 pm
So per Culleton’s estimate, 61 percent of the FY16 budget is in the clear.
Will the governor explain to those impacted by the 39 percent remaining why they rate as hostages to an agenda he’s afraid to talk about in public honestly?
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:18 pm
===I must have missed something.===
Yes.
Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:19 pm
In this situation, governmentally in the political spectrum you have Two choices;
Regroup or Double Down.
When you are responding to remarks still in progress and contradicting yourself in less than 24 hours…
Well… I’ll leave that obvious conclusion as self-evident.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:21 pm
Burn it down. Burn it, burn it, burn it! I’m not so sure BVR wants any partners — not now, not ever.
Comment by Contraire Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:21 pm
I still think Cullerton is the only grownup in the room. And I also think this is a last-ditch effort on his part to allow Rauner to step up and do his constitutionally mandated job. If that doesn’t start to happen pretty quickly,I would not be surprised to see Cullerton try to take a lead position in resolving this impasse.
Comment by Archiesmom Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:21 pm
I’m old enough to remember when the play was to isolate Madigan as the bad apple (as if Senate Dems would get so scared/mad at Madigan that they would slit the throats of labor and trial lawyers).
More to the point, I’m old enough to remember when the play was to buddy up to Madigan and isolate Senate Dems as the loony liberals.
I’m joining Wordslinger’s opinion here. There are no methods.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:21 pm
===…61 percent of the FY16 budget is in the clear.===
“We will release 6 hostages. We will hold the last 4 hostages until we get pizza, a helicopter, 74 and a 1/2 feet of green nylon rope, and 17 Hershey bars…”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:23 pm
===I’m old enough to remember when the play was to isolate Madigan===
Yeah, and you could’ve been born this morning to remember that.
lol
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:24 pm
Could Rauner do the following (i.e., is it constitutional)?
Submit a budget with tax hikes that are contingent on his certification of [turnaround agenda items] by [date], else no tax hikes and budget is balanced by sequestration.
Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:25 pm
Guys, stop with the pessimism. I feel a deal is coming soon.
In fact, I think we are only 3 snarky Goldberg letters away from a final budget.
Comment by Abe the Babe Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:27 pm
Willy–I was thinking:
Hans: The following people are to be released from their captors: In Northern Ireland, the seven members of the New Provo Front. In Canada, the five imprisoned leaders of Liberte de Quebec. In Sri Lanka, the nine members of the Asian Dawn movement…
John McClane: [listening on the radio] What the &%$@?
Karl: [mouthing silently] Asian Dawn?
Hans: [covers the radio] I read about them in Time magazine
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:28 pm
- ArchPundit -
“Come down the Capitol, we’ll get together, have a few laughs…”
Geez, who’s McClane?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:31 pm
Anonymous @12:13 P.M.
From the Illinois Constitution:
ARTICLE VIII FINANCE
SECTION 2. STATE FINANCE
(a) The Governor shall prepare and submit to the General
Assembly, at a time prescribed by law, a State budget for the
ensuing fiscal year.
Cullerton is just pointing out the Governor’s constitutional duty.
Comment by Kurt in Springfield Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:36 pm
It seems that Rauner’s thing is to create as much chaos, discord,animosity —which then of course, creates lots of attention for him. Reminds me of New Jersey, Wisconsin. The new leadership in America, apparently. Little does he know how much disrespect he is creating from all those who witness these childish shenanigans. Attention starved as a child, I’d imagine. Some people talk and create theater——-great people make things happen.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:38 pm
Rich said “We’ll see if the Chicago media can comprehend this.”
Excellent question. I agree with Phil’s post above and any unbiased analysis of today’s event by a reporter should probably draw a similar conclusion. But reporters don’t call balls and strikes like they used to, so we’ll probably just get the usual he said/he said coverage from the Chicago media.
Comment by I'm trying! Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:39 pm
Oswego - you mean the part that says “the Proposed expenditures shall not exceed funds
estimated to be available for the fiscal year as shown in the
budget”? It is convenienent to pick and chose which parts of the constitution you like and those to be ignored isn’t it?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:43 pm
@EditBoardChick - I got new talking points today and they seem like they contradict themselves. Meh, hasn’t stopped the board before #WillfulShillin’ #WaitForTheSpinOnThisOne
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:43 pm
Excuse me, “- Anonymous -”, your drive-by lacks substance. If you’d like to clarify, that would be swell.
So… Are ya also sayin’ the Governor is responsible, since you are insinuating interpretation and all…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:46 pm
I said it last week and I’ll say it again: SB 316 should’ve been pushed by the Governor’s office. He should’ve asked Leader Radogno to put half of the caucus as “yes” votes. What a wasted opportunity of a massive olive branch offered by President Cullerton. So it didn’t have CBA language. Big whoop. A two year property tax freeze, a stabilizing payment to CTPF and a potential/likely end to the block grant formula. That’s a win, Governor Rauner.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:51 pm
Anonymous, I also found it a bit odd that you picked the language this part of the executive’s duty, and not what the constitution says as to what the General Assembly has to do.
Comment by Juice Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:52 pm
C’mon people, thought you were better than this.
Comment by North Shore Joe Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:57 pm
I’m new to this - what is a drive by? Do you have to have a membership card or secret handshake to post? Or a catchy name?
I’m saying they are all responsible for this mess. It is disturbing to see such emotional reactions and finger pointing based on political bias as you have capably demonstrated. We need adults not shrills to solve the problem. Now consider Article VIII section 2b
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 12:58 pm
Anonymous, I’ll have to respond later. My lunch is over.
Comment by Kurt in Springfield Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:00 pm
The more Rauner talks the more the DEM op research guys are salivating!
Donald Trump, Mark Kirk, Bruce Rauner…the start of a productive 2016 election cycle for the GOP in Illinois. Jeesh!
Comment by Just saying... Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:01 pm
As much as I would like the governor to succeed, I’m beginning to see the media dogs trained solely in GOP campaign mode and not governing are as much of an impediment to a deal as Madigan.
This is classic campaign speak, getting out in front of a possible attack. It’s not the way a governor’s press office should be operating. I’m wondering if they forget they’re not in the State GOP Press Office anymore… seriously.
Governor, please call Mike Lawrence, Eric Robinson, Dan Egler, Patty Schuh, Brad Hahn, Vicki Crawford, etc. The list is much longer and not hard to find. Geez.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:01 pm
Rauner does not have the leverage he thinks he has by holding up the budget for his turn around agenda. We don’t have to have a turn around agenda NOW, but we do need a budget. The turn around agenda will have to come little by little with elections changing the shape of the two houses of the legislature. The Dems can just keep saying please present a balanced budget (you go first with revenue) and then we can work from there.
Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:04 pm
“- Anonymous -”
lol, your “terminology” seems to point that you aren’t very new at this.
Governors sign budgets, the Agencies are under the Governor, even Candidate Rauner reminded us all; “Pat Quinn failed…” because governors own.
Quinn’s Pensions, Geo. Ryan’s Illinois First, Edgar Pension Ramp…
Governors own, and Article VIII, Section 2 (a) requires the governor to have a presented budget. What Governor Rauner can’t propose a balanced budget? Hmm.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:04 pm
Love that the Governor is continuing to do what he must to fight the institutional powers that have brought Illinois to the financial breaking point. To the status quo defenders here: Keep talking among yourselves.
Comment by Georg Sande Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:04 pm
Re: Contistiution Article VIII
So it’s the Governor’s responsibility to present a budget, and the legislature’s responsibility to balance it?
No sir, don’t like it.
Comment by Bradley A. Zahn Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:05 pm
- Georg Sande -
What is he doing? Use your words. What exactly. Rauner has no budget, boy that’s showing people, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:06 pm
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jun 29, 15 @ 11:50 am:
- North Shore Joe -,
Um, you may wanna reread…
It’s about triangulation of the Speaker. It ain’t no good cop and bad cop.
Comment by North Shore Joe Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:07 pm
- North Shore Joe -,
Then flipping on Cullerton makes zero sense, now does it, lol.
What was your “point” again?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:09 pm
It bears repeating that there is not a budget impasse.
The parties have not discussed the budget in any meaningful way. But 61 percent of FY16 is a go at this time.
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:11 pm
U think R would F on C w/o R thinking C flipped on R first?
Keep your friends close….
Comment by North Shore Joe Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:12 pm
These guys are a walking, talking personification of the first half of Dunning-Kruger.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
Comment by Sam Weinberg Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:13 pm
===U think R would F on C w/o R thinking C flipped on R first?
Keep your friends close….===
Use. Your. Words.
You can do it!
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:13 pm
Sam, I’m laughin out loud
Comment by North Shore Joe Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:14 pm
@Sam Weinberg
Perfect! Makes total sense. I have been looking for the right words to explain the Rauner administration. Some people want to try to connect him to Blago. But they are too different. Where Blago was a sociopath, Rauner is suffering from the Dunning-Kruger effect!
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:20 pm
Ahhhh..now I get it!
Rauner is trying to “devalue” and asset in order to get a better deal on it when it hits rock bottom! Then, he can hire a superstar to turn it around or he can make big bucks on the break out.
That is what he must be doing, he got a great deal on the GOP and he is trying to clean up on all of the rest./snark
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:22 pm
Rauner seems to have the mind of W.
Comment by AJ_yooper Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:22 pm
@Sam- maybe they just stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:27 pm
@AJ_yooper
Wow, I wouldn’t go that far. Rauner was very successful at making himself money. W could turn a dollar in to three quarters overnight.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:27 pm
- Georg Sande -
Rauner is playing a game of chicken with the legislature - that’s all he is doing. And to what end? For his “turnaround agenda”? He’s not governing. He is stuck in campaign mode. He throws around money and blames the democrates. What a leader.
Comment by anon Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:29 pm
=We need adults not shrills to solve the problem=
I saw the shrills once, not my cup of tea although I do love California psych punk.
https://theshrills.bandcamp.com/
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:30 pm
To Lake Co Democrat -
I don’t think a bill that links a budget to a non budget item is constitutional under art IV sec 8. That sets out the “single subject” rule that requires a natural and logical connection between the subjects in the bill. It would make an interesting court case though. If they are not so related, any linkage is just because the governor and GA have an understanding.
Comment by Anono Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:33 pm
Rauner may have been successful negotiating in the private sector. But I don’t think he has figured out yet that the public sector is a different world. There is more transparency and eyes watching everything you do. There are a lot more stakeholders involved in the negotiations. And the people you are negotiating with don’t go away when the deal is done, you have to work with them for at least 4 full years.
Comment by Chicago Guy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:35 pm
==So it’s the Governor’s responsibility to present a budget, and the legislature’s responsibility to balance it?==
Not quite. I’d say a more likely interpretation of the Constitution is that it is the Governor’s responsibility to present a budget that is balanced.
“SECTION 2. STATE FINANCE
(a) The Governor shall prepare and submit to the General Assembly, at a time prescribed by law, a State budget for the ensuing fiscal year. The budget shall set forth the estimated balance of funds available for appropriation at the beginning of the fiscal year, the estimated receipts, and a plan for expenditures and obligations during the fiscal year of every
department, authority, public corporation and quasi-public corporation of the State, every State college and university,and every other public agency created by the State, but not
of units of local government or school districts. The budget shall also set forth the indebtedness and contingent liabilities of the State and such other information as may be required by law. Proposed expenditures shall not exceed funds
estimated to be available for the fiscal year as shown in the budget.”
(Source: Illinois Constitution.)
Then the General Assembly’s responsibilities follow in the next section:
“(b) The General Assembly by law shall make
appropriations for all expenditures of public funds by the State. Appropriations for a fiscal year shall not exceed funds estimated by the General Assembly to be available during that year.”
(Source: Illinois Constitution.)
As Cullerton mentions, the General Assembly is still waiting for that balanced budget from the Governor.
Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:38 pm
That’s the first sensible thing any DEM has said. The budget starts with the Governor. PERIOD. Governor’s Own Budgets. The sooner Bruce accepts this the better Illinois will be.
Comment by Ben Franklin Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 2:04 pm
Mr. Madigan, please tear down that wall!!
Comment by Sunshine Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 2:08 pm
==- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 11:55 am:
If Cullerton says they’re not calling for a tax increase, then he should explain just how they plan to pay for the $4 billion dollar hole they had in their budget plan===
The Democrats gave the Governor an outline of spending he could use to make a budget. At that point, he could have publicly declared what he wished to cut, or he could have called for increased revenue. At some point, he has to be the one to make that decision. The Democrats haven’t called for new revenue, they have pointed out that the governor needs to balance the budget, which means he has to choose to cut or raise revenue. His choice.
Comment by Nickname #2 Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 2:13 pm
Madigan is his own mystery zone, but if you can’t make any deal with Cullerton, you weren’t seriously trying to make a deal in the first place.
Comment by ZC Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 2:18 pm
Attention starved as a child, I’d imagine. - Anonymous
I believe your imagination to be well developed and possibly correct.
Task Avoidance is a symptom of a lack of self confidence disguised…ergo (I just like to write the word)…The NeverEndingCampaignTour?
Campaignin’ is ea$y…Governin’ is hard…not as hard as Presidentin’… but hard enough still…even for those who are qualified for the position?
Gettin’ attention is satisfying… whether positive or negative?
Comment by Anonymous Redux Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 2:28 pm
-”As Cullerton mentions, the General Assembly is still waiting for that balanced budget from the Governor.”-
Lol. Cullerton & Madigan passed their $4 Billion out of balance budget for FY 2016 (they’ve habitually passed unbalance budgets) and this Governor said “No” … thankfully.
That’s what this “impasse” is all about. A Governor, thankfully, who will not go along with the Democrats’ past bad practices of over spending.
Comment by Ottawa Phil Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 2:32 pm
Typical John Cullerton: soft spoken, genial sandbagging. He is a master of it.
Comment by Percival Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 2:40 pm
Rauner’s first mistake was in believing Cullerton was a potential trustworthy ally in solving the budget shortfall. There is nothing in his history that should have left him with the thought that it was a good idea. I’m sure the thought was its better to deal with the lesser scoundrel since Mother Theresa wasn’t available to him….
Comment by DuPage Don Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 2:41 pm
- Ottawa Phil -,
It’s not about the budget.
If it was about the budget, Rauner himself would have submitted a balanced budget and fought that battle.
The impasse is about holding the budget hostage for the Turnaround Agenda.
It only works if Cullerton delivers 36 votes and Rauner had a balanced budget proposal in his back pocket that didn’t need any revenue.
It has zero to do with the budget. Rauner miscalculated on his need for revenue being his Achilles Heel in leverage, and exposing that so early.
It’s the Agenda. The budget is a red herring.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 2:41 pm
This first step is to increase taxes on millionaires.
Comment by vegetarianlush Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 2:45 pm
===Rauner’s first mistake was in believing Cullerton was a potential trustworthy ally in solving the budget shortfall.===
Do yourself a solid - DuPage Don -, actually read the Post above on Rauner flipping on Cullerton, in less than 24 hours, lol.
Rauner has no history of trust or even telling the truth about something as simple as when he’s talked to Cullerton and Madigan.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 2:46 pm
===This first step is to increase taxes on millionaires.===
Right now, unconstitutional. Next.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 2:47 pm
Note to Governor Rauner: When you trash the shuttle, it becomes impossible to engage in shuttle diplomacy.
Comment by SAP Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 3:00 pm
Rauner needs some shutdown heat to move any of the votes.
When the locals start calling their elected with complaints, the first place they’ll turn is to their party lead for a solution. That relationship works both ways. Since Rauner can veto his way, losing votes hurts him only so much. When the House/Senate leaders lose votes, the leverage shifts. So the budget pain will come sooner or later. Rauner knows this. He’s using time to see if he can heat up the Dem Caucasus and break free a few votes.
IMHO
Comment by Pete Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 3:05 pm
There cannot be governing without listening. Rauner’s team exposed itself as a joke today.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 3:07 pm
- Pete -
Please learn.
Who took/is taking the heat for the State Museum?
Governors own. Rauner has no budget, while trying to hold it hostage for things he can’t get passed on “a good day”.
Heat will happen. To Rauner.
The $26 million Good Friday Massacre U-Turm
Schools U-Turn
Hospitals U-Turn
They weren’t done to take the heat off the Dems…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 3:11 pm
Pete at 3:05. Rauner signed the K-12 education budget, which eliminated a major pressure point. Rauner is behaving as though he wants to prolong the budget impasse, not solve it.
Comment by SAP Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 3:13 pm
==Ottawa Phil, That’s what this “impasse” is all about. A Governor, thankfully, who will not go along with the Democrats’ past bad practices of over spending.==
Then it is time for Rauner to live up to his Constitutional responsibility and submit his own balanced budget. Or use his Constitutional authorities of line item vetoes and reductions on the budget the GA sent him. But unfortunately for the state, with Rauner, its not about the budget at all - its about his anti-union, pro-business, agenda.
Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 3:16 pm
Cullerton wants to start over. Smart idea.
Trover’s statement doesn’t match up with the Cullerton release, though, so I’m confused.
Comment by Politix Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 3:18 pm
The GA will take heat over lack of budget, but it’s the house GOP not the House Dems that are likely to flip IMHO. You need one or two GOP votes to override if you are Dems. You need 24 Dems votes if you are GOP. Plus add to that fact that many house GOP were on fence to begin with Rauner. Think Poe for example. Time will tell, but when the heat ratchets up, I’d bet that MJM has a stronger grip on his caucus then BVR has over GOP. If the BVR doesn’t blink, then I’d wager it will e house GOP to blink or no one links at all and this fight drags into next November
Comment by MurMan Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 3:23 pm
Big “What if…” What if the Dems approached guys like Poe and Davidsmeyer (Rs in bright red districts that have more than their fare share of union employees) and said, “Look, vote for us this time, and we won’t oppose you in the next election.” That way they (the R’s) wouldn’t need the Rauner cash held over their heads, the D’s get the votes they need and wouldn’t have to spend their campaign cash in those sure-loser districts in ‘16, their constituents get the votes they want, and everyone (except Rauner) is happy. Crazy…I know.
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 3:55 pm
== pass constitutional pension reform ==
When are they going to get it?
‘Tier 2′ was the cheapest constitutional reform possible … and even it needs a tweak or two down the line to stay within Federal requirements.
The major thing the reformers screwed up was (a) not making the income tax increase permanent and (b) not specifically dedicating a percentage of it to paying down the pension debt.
The only other constitutional pension action possibly on the table would be to cost shift the normal pension costs to the employing government entities (TRS / school districts primarily), but that is not really a reform, it’s just shifting who has to pay the bill in the future.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 4:35 pm
== Oh. Now I’m sad. I thought we were friends. Bummer. ==
Clever, not demeaning. PERFECT response, Rikeesha!
Good job!
Comment by sal-says Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 5:16 pm
== I truly don’t understand the constant need to be in campaign mode when the state is screaming to be governed. ==
Because, after 6 months they don’t know how & can’t figure it out?
Comment by sal-says Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 5:20 pm
== Is Rauner really so unattached that he doesn’t know the current status of the key issues he himself identified as critical “reforms?” Too low-level for his attention? ==
Yes. Rauner is a salesman and somewhat gifted at finding loopholes in the bankruptcy laws. That’s it, period.
He has people to handle all the details … but it appears Rauner either doesn’t want to know any of the details or his people won’t tell him the truth.
I’ll admit I can’t figure out his end game plan. He won’t get his Turnaround Agenda passed with the union poison pills and he doesn’t seem willing (at least in public statements) to settle for his “must have” items without the poison pills. So there doesn’t seem to be an exit strategy for the standoff.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 7:08 pm
His endgame is muni bankruptcy. The two year property tax freeze put forth by the GA is not enough time.
Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 7:18 pm
Rikeesha is hilarious.
Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 9:19 am