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A little bit of what’s at stake this week

Posted in:

* Erickson

For the first time in seven months, the small group of people who could bring an end to the state’s epic budget impasse are finally going to meet.

But, rank-and-file lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say Tuesday’s pow-wow with Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Legislature’s four leaders may be more of a public spectacle than a productive meeting.

“So there’s a meeting in Springfield. Great,” said state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton. “What I want to see is a common-sense plan from the governor to lead us out of this impasse that he created.”

“I do not have high hopes for the meeting,” added state Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon. “It’s going to be theater.”

* Just a taste of what’s at stake from recent news stories…

* Chicago Teachers Union plans strike vote on Dec. 9: NBC 5 news reported Sunday night that the Chicago Teachers Union has set a strike vote for Dec. 9.

* Vendor Payment Program suspended in Illinois budget impasse: Vendors facing payment delays have lost another lifeline for getting what they are owed. The Vendor Payment Program gets cash quickly to vendors who have provided products or services to the state but have not been paid. It has been temporarily suspended because legislators and Gov. Bruce Rauner have not agreed on a permanent state budget.

* Drug Courts Affected by Illinois Budget Impasse: A program that gets drug addicts clean and helps prevent them from committing more crimes is at risk of shutting down.

* Budget stalemate nearly kills Lincoln’s Challenge program: “Before I came here, I had given up on everything,” Gwinn said. “(Lincoln’s Challenge) has helped me come to my senses, and I’m very grateful for that.”

* Budget impasse traps people dependent on utility help: Unable to work since 2005, the 57-year-old Effingham woman has been relying on the state’s Percentage of Income Payment (PIP) utility assistance program to help her pay her power bill on a $753 disability check. But the state budget impasse has eliminated the PIP programs, at least for the time being. She’s eligible for the Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), but she said that’s not an immediate option.

* Legislators, Rauner must compromise: More than 5,000 NIU Monetary Assistance Program grant recipients are at risk of having to repay MAP grants that were credited by NIU despite no money coming in from the state, and the university plans to spend $300,000 to maintain the Stevens Building — a state project — over the winter to avoid $1 million worth of damage.

* State employees’ travel reimbursements on hold during Illinois budget impasse: “It has been most acute at the Department of Children and Family Services, where unpaid reimbursements had built up to the point that more than half a million dollars was owed to child-protection workers at that agency alone.”

* State needs to fund services for people with disabilities: Every day this stalemate goes unresolved social service agencies struggle to keep their doors open. Agencies sign contracts with the state to provide valuable community-based services, and that’s what they continue to do – even though payments are not being processed for state-funded grant programs.

* Enforcement of underage drinking laws slows during Illinois budget standoff: Liquor commission sting operations are among the latest casualties of Illinois’ nearly five-month budget standoff, with only 38 this past August — the most recent month for which figures are available — compared with 208 in August 2014.

* Little interest in loans to cover state shortfalls: Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s plan to offer loans to help cash-strapped local governments weather the lingering budget storm appears to be drawing little interest. According to the director of the Illinois Finance Authority, only two 911 emergency telephone systems have inquired about the loans, and neither has taken the steps to apply for the financial assistance. The lack of business comes as a surprise, Illinois Finance Authority chief Chris Meister said last week. “I was expecting a lot of calls,” Meister said.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 9:54 am

Comments

  1. Take a hint, Rauner superstars. The locals want normal appropriations through a regular budget not payday loans.

    Comment by hisgirlfriday Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:02 am

  2. Let’s not forget state employees in Mattoon are now using buckets as toilets because of utility shut offs. What kind of CEO wouldn’t be proud of that?

    Comment by Daniel Plainview Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:05 am

  3. ===Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s plan to offer loans to help cash-strapped local governments weather the lingering budget storm appears to be drawing little interest. According to the director of the Illinois Finance Authority, only two 911 emergency telephone systems have inquired about the loans, and neither has taken the steps to apply for the financial assistance. The lack of business comes as a surprise, Illinois Finance Authority chief Chris Meister said last week. “I was expecting a lot of calls,” Meister said.===

    LOL.

    “Yeah, um, I’m callin’ to get a loan on the money the state owes me… ”

    No way.

    Pretty pathetic that this “loan” is seen as a solution.

    To the Post,

    The 50 minutes of platitudes will be fun. Each, clearing their throats, maybe taking a sip of water, shuffling papers, to talk completely past everyone in the room.

    The hijacking of the meeting by Gov. Rauner is all you need to know about governors owning the budget process.

    If Rauner felt, in all honesty, that Madigan owns the budget, Rauner would want the whole meeting seen as Madigan failing the state with no budget.

    Nope.

    Rauner’s need to hijack the Goo-Goo’s premise, attempting to hijack the compete agenda, and making it quite clear these 10 minute “speeches” happen, is Rauner, and only Rauner, trying to deflect what even former Gov. Edgar knows; governors own, they always do.

    That first 50 minutes to an hour, that’s Rauner just not governing.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:05 am

  4. Winning–dems are scared–leverage–hang in there. We have to destroy everything to save it.

    Wanna bet when CTU strikes, rauner will say it proves his point that they shouldnt be allowed to bargain on, well, anything?

    Comment by Langhorne Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:13 am

  5. may be more of a public spectacle than a productive meeting

    Just like the entire Rauner Administration, so far.

    Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:13 am

  6. OW, maybe you should hijack the meeting and stroke Madigan and echo your above thoughts. You’d be a big hit for some.

    Comment by justacitizen Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:21 am

  7. Who is holding up that local money? It’s petty and pathetic Mike Madigan would put a hold on that local money for basic services after a 115-1 bi-partisan vote.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:21 am

  8. - justacitizen -

    Your drive-by, how do you type that without getting dizzy from your breathing, so heavy, through your mouth?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:26 am

  9. - Short Memory -

    “Short memory?”

    You “hang in there” with the hostage talk, k? K.

    If you want to renounce the Rauner hostage-taking too, have at it.

    Oh… You’re welcome, OW

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:37 am

  10. “‘I was expecting a lot of calls,’ Meister said.”

    You mean you’re surprised that local governments aren’t interested in borrowing money that already belongs to them? What are you, a superstar?

    Comment by Nick Name Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:38 am

  11. The NIU Stevens building has been in sad shape for many years. Blago and PQ wear the jacket for this one.

    News Release

    Contact: Melanie Magara, NIU Office of Public Affairs
    (815) 753-1681

    October 22, 2007
    NIU turns spotlight on troubled Stevens Building
    Home to award-winning programs would benefit
    from proposed $20.8 million in state capital funds

    DeKalb, Ill. — Northern Illinois University’s School of Theatre and Dance and the Department of Anthropology attract award-winning scholars and brilliant students from around the world. Some of the alumni rise to the pinnacles of their fields.

    Yet their success comes despite the appalling condition of the building that houses those programs, and some administrators say it’s becoming difficult to recruit new faculty and students and to protect those already here from being wooed away by universities with nicer facilities.

    The 67,000-square-foot Stevens Building’s critical needs, including mold and a leaky roof, have placed it atop NIU’s list of capital improvement projects for the last decade.

    NIU officials and students joined the governor’s office today in spotlighting the urgency of $20.8 million in state capital improvement project funds that would renovate and repair the Stevens Building.

    Jan Grimes, executive director of the Illinois Capital Development Board, represented Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich at the event. Blagojevich has recommended the Stevens Building project to state lawmakers whose approval would release those dollars to NIU.

    Comment by anon Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:42 am

  12. - Oswego Willy -

    What bills have passed with a bi-partisan, near-unanimous margin that Rauner is obstructing? There have been plenty of no votes from Republicans and Democrats on different bills, but nothing after the fact like this.

    The only people who need to “hang in there” right now are the victims of this.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:57 am

  13. Oh - Short Memory -

    I’d respond, but I’m sure with your short memory of all the hostage-taking Gov. Rauner still is involved with, you’d forget what I said anyway.

    Bruce Rauner is still, today, holding the budget hostage. ‘Nember?

    You “hang in there”, - Short Memory -…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 11:00 am

  14. I’m starting to think this “leveraging” strategy isn’t a good idea.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 11:02 am

  15. Short Memory, your handle is appropriate.

    That non-GRF money passed the GA in May in a series of 20 appropriation bills. The governor chose not to use his broad veto powers to let that money pass-through.

    But I’m glad you’ve had an epiphany on hostage-taking, now that the governor is against it sometimes.

    Must to be hard to keep track of what you think when you have to ask first.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 11:33 am

  16. - wordslinger -

    It seems apropo in light of the selective memories of some. Which of the May appropriations bills passed with “bi-partisan, near-unanimous support”? The ones I recall, like 4146, passed with narrow, partisan votes.

    From what I recall he also signed or vetoed all those split bills, allowing further action by the House if they chose.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 11:57 am

  17. These programs are for “little people” not “Masters of the Universe” like Rauner, Griff, & U-line. They don’t care AT ALL.

    Comment by James Knell Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 11:59 am

  18. Very Short Memory, 60+ plus failed override attempts in the House.

    That non-GRF pass-through money could have been out on July 1 if the governor and the legislators he dictates to had not chosen to use it as “leverage” for the union-busting agenda. That was a willful political strategy.

    The fact that they now have the fervor of the recently converted, in some cases, does not change that fact.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 12:12 pm

  19. - Short Memory -

    Are you ignoring email after email from “ck” and the continued ending paragraphs from the Governor’s Office and the words from the Governor himself?

    “… until the Turnaround Agenda is passed.”

    We’re not even talking budget because Bruce Rauner is holding the budget hostage, again, and since “forever”, until Rauner’s demands are met.

    Yesterday, today, months ago… It’s been ongoing.

    You do recognize that… right?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 12:19 pm

  20. - wordslinger -

    Exactly. None of those had bi-partisan support, much less a near-unanimous passage, as the local funds bill does.

    And none of those were held from progressing to the next stage in the legislative process, the override attempts, as the local funds bill is being held in the House. There is no justification or equivalent to what is being done on the local funds bill.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 12:31 pm

  21. –There is no justification or equivalent to what is being done on the local funds bill.–

    LOL, is that a gag?

    You need to be like that dude in “Memento” or Ray Rayner and start sticking postits to yourself to follow the conversation from one second to the next.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 12:34 pm

  22. ===There is no justification or equivalent to what is being done on the local funds bill.===

    Why do you… think… it got such support?

    Could it be that Rauner’s hostage taking has taken its toll on the Rauner Owls?

    You are either purposefully ignorant or blissfully unaware, lol

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 12:38 pm

  23. - Oswego Willy -

    Hostages are wrong, then and now. You do admit Mike Madigan is actively obstructing the local funds bill agreement at the moment, don’t you? And that he is the primary obstruction to that agreement even after a bi-partisan and near unanimous vote?

    Others have progressed to brokering agreements, while one person remains fixated on extending the impasse.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 12:39 pm

  24. - wordslinger -

    No gag. Since it is so laughable and simple, please provide one comparable example of a bill that passed with bi-partisan, near-unanimous support that Rauner prevented from progressing to the next stage in the legislative process?

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 12:47 pm

  25. All hostages are wrong. Hit the search key, said it.

    This premise that Rauner is absolved or that this one Bill is the final straw, ignoring months and months of Rauner holding hostages, and now… NOW… Madigan is the only holdup.

    Rauner even last week said his turnaround agenda is a must for any type of budgetary deal… So…

    While your want is to “point” to Madigan as the one stopping any and all movement, Rauner himself is still… still … still pressing “turnaround agenda for a budget deal”.

    Also, call Cullerton, let’s get the Senate in session then the actual “hostage” will really be at play.

    Why doesn’t Rauner plead with Cullerton to convene to put pressure on Madigan?

    Why aren’t there calls to “show up” Madigan by calling the sesdion bluff, and have Senators down?

    Hmm.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 12:49 pm

  26. SM, you’re obviously doing a bit.

    I think it’s swell that the governor and his legislative crew have changed their minds and are now willing to release a few non-GRF hostages.

    But all of FY 16 GRF remains hostage to the governor’s political agenda. He’s been quoted to expect nothing from this meeting, maybe something in January.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 1:04 pm

  27. Seems to me that there are some Trolls on this thread today!

    Comment by illini Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 1:05 pm

  28. - Oswego Willy -

    That is another false premise and straw man. as is the false premise of “blame Rauner” or “blame Madigan” some here repeat.

    The bill passed on a bi-partisan, near-unanimous vote. Everything was smooth. And then, as reported here and elsewhere, Madigan put a brick on it after the fact. Even the Illinois Municipal League said so on Nov 12.

    This follows Rauner and Cullerton brokering an agreement on the child care bill, and Madigan attempting to destroy that deal as well by calling the bill for a vote until “the rug was pulled out from under” him as explained in Rich’s November 16 syndicated column.

    While have progressed to brokering agreements, one person remains fixated on extending the impasse.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 1:21 pm

  29. - wordslinger -

    Are you saying you think Rauner is strictly responsible for the impasse at this point?

    It might aid you to read Rich’s Nov 23 syndicated column. The one explaining “Madigan’s move not only upset local mayors, who really want their money, but also agitated Senators in both political parties.”

    We should not ignore the past, nor should we allow it to obstruct the future. Rauner, Cullerton and others are progressing forward and brokering agreements while Madigan is now escalating the impasse and actively obstructing bi-partisan agreements even after they pass his own House.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 1:35 pm

  30. Yes, SM, the fervor of the newly converted is a sight to behold. Hostage-taking is now a sin.

    Except when it’s not, for the great majority of the budget that the governor refuses to negotiate on at all.

    You do realize, of course, that the governor’s epiphany on this one issue came after a handful of House members threatened to take a walk?

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 1:39 pm

  31. ===While have progressed to brokering agreements, one person remains fixated on extending the impasse.===

    No budget until the reforms of the Turnaround Agenda are passed.

    You’re right. Rauner is blocking a budget requiring Unions be decimated. Thanks!

    As to the Child Care “brokered deal”…Ken Dunkin was a life raft, Dunkin was never the broker of a deal, but an exit strategy. It was discussed here, use the Google key… Heck even Rauner’s own superstars they sent didn’t know the deal details, LOL

    ===That is another false premise and straw man. as is the false premise of “blame Rauner”…===

    See; Edgar, Gov. Jim.

    Governors own, they always do. Not my rules. A former Governor also knows.

    ===While have progressed to brokering agreements, one person remains fixated on extending the impasse.===

    Turnaround Agenda, Democrats get to vote to raise taxes, lol.

    Raunerbot talking points don’t make the past, or present true.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 1:43 pm

  32. “Ken Dunkin was a life raft, Dunkin was never the broker of a deal, but an exit strategy.”

    Who said Dunkin brokered a deal? I said Rauner and Cullerton brokered a deal. Please, try to keep up. Maybe Rich can say it better

    “But the rug was pulled out from under Madigan. With the approval of Democratic Senate President John Cullerton, some Democratic legislators cut a deal with the governor to restore funding to those programs in exchange for killing the legislation. Madigan’s bills went nowhere.
    So instead of a defeated Durkin, we saw an angry Madigan. And while the speaker was obviously upset at one of his own members - Representative Ken Dunkin - for working with Rauner and killing the bills in the House by refusing to vote, Madigan was also said to be pretty steamed about a possible conspiracy involving Rauner, Cullerton and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.”

    Rauner, Cullerton, Hutchinson and others have progressed to brokering agreements and doing their jobs, which is a positive development, while Madigan is actively obstructing bi-partisan agreements. That is not a talking point, that is a fact.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 2:21 pm

  33. SM, we’ll see if it is a “fact” when the Senate is actually in session and can take action on a passed bill.

    A brick ain’t a brick until someone can do something about it.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 2:29 pm

  34. ===Who said Dunkin brokered a deal?===

    Ken Dunkin did. The Governor’s Office did.

    Seriously, are you purposefully ignorant or blissfully unaware?

    ===Rauner, Cullerton, Hutchinson and others have progressed to brokering agreements and doing their jobs, which is a positive development, while Madigan is actively obstructing bi-partisan agreements. That is not a talking point, that is a fact.===

    … That Rauner’s own Superstar seemingly had no clue what it all entailed after, and further, Durkin stated that he, personally, guaranteed the deal. Rauner’s Shop sent a letter praising Dunkin.

    So, Rauner embraces 5,000 families NOT being covered? lol.

    Dunkin’s NV or Present made all that possible, besides the fact in February Rauner cut the program to begin with…

    Rauner owns that 5,000 families are losing out to a bi-partisan program that superseded him taking office and holding Raunerite members from voting at the threat of Rauner’s wrath also means Rauner owns.

    Dunkin was the life raft for Rauner. Dunkin was heralded by… himself… and a letter by the Administration…

    I even stated the Rauner maneuver was genius in the art of Caucus Politics, but if it’s genius, then Rauner owns the fact that Rauner himself out into play the need to be saved.

    You seem to miss a lot in your defending of Rauner’s hostage-taking and “releasing”.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 2:31 pm

  35. ===SM, we’ll see if it is a “fact” when the Senate is actually in session and can take action on a passed bill.

    A brick ain’t a brick until someone can do something about it.===

    Ball Game.

    Have the governor ask President Cullerton to have session, so then the brick is actual, then the brick exist in the real, not in the abstract.

    How many days havs the state Senate been convened after the hold was placed? Why no push by the governor?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 2:34 pm

  36. “You seem to miss a lot in your defending of Rauner’s hostage-taking and “releasing”.”

    Again, with the straw man and false premise. Nowhere do I defend Rauner’s hostage taking.

    This began with a criticism of Madigan’s hostage taking on the local funds bill, and it drew a very defensive reaction. As for “purposefully ignorant it blissfully unaware”, one might ask the same of someone who resists even the gospel as reported by Capitol Fax and other media acknowledging the role Senators Hutchinson, Cullerton and others played in brokering the child care deal with Rauner.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 3:00 pm

  37. ===one might ask the same of someone who resists even the gospel as reported by Capitol Fax and other media acknowledging the role Senators Hutchinson, Cullerton and others played in brokering the child care deal with Rauner.===

    LOL…

    Here on Capitol Fax where Dunkin is thanked… and seems to be missing everyone but Dunkin. Please, keep up.

    https://capitolfax.com/2015/11/09/rauner-rescinds-don-score-change/

    “Questions?”

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 3:06 pm

  38. - wordslinger -

    Very true on the local funds bill. Though it is a fact he was upset about the child care truce with the Senate and still called his own bill for a vote. Ha, maybe we are all underestimating them and tomorrow will bring a resolution. Or not.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 3:11 pm

  39. I need to start keeping track of some great snippets and other succinct phrases that I can appropriate in future threads.

    “You are either purposefully ignorant or blissfully unaware” Thank you Willy

    Comment by illini Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 3:24 pm

  40. Welcome - illini -. Feel free to use anything I say here, attribute at your own discretion, lol

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 4:36 pm

  41. Thanks Willy - and I will attribute. Do need to start making some notes on these gems so I do not plagiarize. These will come in especially handy when the Trolls start trying to dominate or change the focus of some of these threads. Thanks

    Comment by illini Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 4:41 pm

  42. “Here on Capitol Fax where Dunkin is thanked”

    Or maybe here on Capitol Fax where Hutchinson and Cullerton are named… and seems to be missing Dunkin.

    https://capitolfax.com/2015/11/23/divided-they-could-fall/

    You can keep the letter from Rauner at that link, which contains no additional analysis from Rich. I’ll side with the reporting of Rich Miller, NBC, Crain’s and others who recognize that Cullerton and Hutchinson had something to do with it as well.

    Questions?

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 4:44 pm

  43. - Short Memory -

    ===You can keep the letter from Rauner at that link, which contains no additional analysis from Rich.===

    The Governor, you know, the guy you keep defending (lol) thanked Dunkin.

    Are you just only seeing what you want, or… lol.

    How about that Rauner made, personally, those cuts in February to begin this whole thing?

    You’re trolling due in large part that your selective interpretation forgets a lot, or just plain ignores things you don’t want.

    ===You can keep the letter from Rauner at that link,…===

    Dunkin keeps it, as his “brokering”, so there’s that.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 4:50 pm

  44. - Oswego Willy -

    I am not defending the governor, though your comments are intent on defending Madigan and dwelling on the paste. My comments simply point out a factual reality - that while Rauner, Cullerton and others are progressing forward and brokering bi-partisan agreements on matters like child care funding, Madigan has been escalating the impasse and actively obstructing any bi-partisan agreements.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 5:05 pm

  45. ===..,while Rauner, Cullerton and others are progressing forward and brokering bi-partisan agreements on matters like child care funding…===

    Seriously, no snark…

    Are you paying attention, at all?

    Rauner, personally, held hostage these cuts. Rauner. Got it?

    When the Raunerites were going to revolt and override, Rauner used Dunkin as a life raft, had the Owls not vote to override, Dunkin is a “hero” with a letter in hand, Facebook and Twitter tweets claiming he, Ken Dunkin saved the Rauner hostages, and the HGOP members still got another bad vote placed upon them.

    It was a Rauner hostage, released by Rauner under tremendous pressure, and saved face through the life raft of Ken Dunkin.

    The very next meeting? Rauner’s Superstar didn’t even realize what was agreed to and Dunkin texted Rich that he (Dunkin) personally vouches for the deal, even when the senators felt confused about what was going down.

    Rauner started this fiasco, Rauner fixed his fiasco.

    Please, seriously, keep up.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 5:16 pm

  46. @Short Memory, so it only matters if bills pass with bi-partisan support? The local funds were included in the budget passed in May, it doesn’t matter if no Republicans voted for it or not, the money was the same and then the Governor made the decision to veto that money along with the rest of the budget. Any discussion of bi-partisan bills doesn’t matter after that.

    Comment by MyTwoCents Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 5:22 pm

  47. - Short Memory -,

    When the Senate is session, waiting for that funding, then Madigan is holding it “hostage for real”

    How about you call for Cullerton to convene the state Senate, then you have a beef.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 5:23 pm

  48. Has anyone, other than me, noticed that some who get on these threads ( I won’t accuse all of them of being Trolls ) always seem to begin with the premise of “I am not defending the Governor, but—”. And how they always seen to try to change the focus of the discussion?

    Comment by illini Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 5:31 pm

  49. - illini -,

    The Rauner trolls try to sound reasonable, but when pressed, they revert to the Raunerbot Talking Points to an aside, and they too never have a flat out yes, it’s “yes, … but”

    Purposeful ignorance.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 5:36 pm

  50. Willy - “Purposeful ignorance.” Excellent.

    Comment by illini Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 5:40 pm

  51. - illini -

    Oddly I have noticed that over time, but with a different conclusion. Typically it is the minority who consistently take a “blame Madigan” or “blame Rauner” viewpoint here that wind up shifting the focus of discussion, most often while attempting to shift responsibility or to re-frame the discussion in terms friendlier to their mantra.

    It could be the product of intentionally selective memories as I say at 11:57 or real differences of opinion.

    I won’t call anyone a troll either, but in this thread I have consistently focused on Madigan actively obstructing specific bi-partisan bills right now. When that was assumed as a defense of Rauner, I said that hostages are wrong and that Rauner’s earlier actions do not justify tit-for-tat governing before trying to refocus on the point that while Rauner, Cullerton and others are gradually raising a “truce” flag on some issues, Madigan is trying to stop any bi-partisan accord or progress.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 6:44 pm

  52. ===Rauner, Cullerton and others are gradually raising a “truce” flag on some issues, Madigan is trying to stop any bi-partisan accord or progress.===

    Do not feed trolls… lol

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 6:46 pm

  53. The Slip and Sue “Union Bustin’ Proposals” aren’t truce flags.

    Rauner surrendereing to the Surrender Caucus before facing defeat ain’t a truce flag, but a retreat.

    When Rauner tomorrow requires the Turnaround Agenda to get a budget ain’t a truce flag.

    “Because… Madigan”, ain’t a truce flag…

    ===Madigan is trying to stop any bi-partisan accord or progress.===

    Why are the Munis in need of money? Can’t they get a loan? LOL.

    Rauner owns the mess, no matter the vote totals.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 6:54 pm

  54. “Rauner, personally, held hostage these cuts. Rauner.”
    And that justifies Madigan now holding hostage these local funds, as the Illinois Municipal League has said?

    Or Madigan attempting to nullify the child care agreement by running his bill after an agreement was reached?

    Two wrongs don’t equal right.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:01 pm

  55. ===And that justifies Madigan now holding hostage these local funds, as the Illinois Municipal League has said?===

    Has the Senate met? Can you read? Why isn’t Cullerton calling the Senate in to force Madigan’s hand?

    Seriously, no snark, how can something be held hostage when the body allegedly waiting isn’t in session?

    Purposeful ignorance.

    The agreement was going to happen because a Governor can rescind their own decrees. It was Rauner, personally, who changed the criteria, it was Rauner, feeling heat from moderate HGOP members and their threats to vote for the override that led Rauner to the Dunkin life raft.

    Again, purposeful ignorance.

    ===Two wrongs don’t equal right.===

    These two wrongs, are Rauner’s choices backfiring.

    Please keep up.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:08 pm

  56. “Why are Munis in need of money?”

    Illinois Municipal League members believe they will have their money soon after Madigan stops obstructing their funds. The brick he placed after it passed the House by a 114 margin may have something to do with that.

    Madigan picked the wrong bill to take hostage.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:13 pm

  57. ===Illinois Municipal League members believe they will have their money soon after Madigan stops obstructing their funds.===

    Last chance. Can you read?

    The Senate isn’t in session. The IML should call Cullerton if they feel that way.

    Do you understand, this isn’t a hostage until the senate meets again.

    Do you understand how legislation works?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:17 pm

  58. They need to get the budget impasse over with. All the waiting for political considerations is a bunch of flim flam thats not playing with the general populace either way. Lame. Totally.

    Comment by internal angel Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:20 pm

  59. As a friend of mine once said “Governors Own” - time for a shot!

    Comment by illini Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:29 pm

  60. - illini -

    Hopefully your someplace with “2 for 1″ Happy Hour type specials, lol

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:31 pm

  61. No, I’m at home but will have one if you will!

    Comment by illini Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:32 pm

  62. I’m going to open my last Yuengling.

    Won’t get another until 2016.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:34 pm

  63. How can you continue ignoring the clear details in Rich’s Nov 16 and Nov 23 syndicated columns, which have been corroborated in other reports?

    Rauner and Senate Democrats brokered a deal on child care, and Madigan was upset at “being triangulated by Rauner and Cullerton.” Moderate Republicans helped get Rauner to an agreement, but pretending Dunkin brokered the deal because of that letter is the definition of purposeful ignorance.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:41 pm

  64. Actually, I was thinking about a red wine, but Yuengling is good. First had it at a wedding reception several years ago. Hard to find here in Southern Illinois. Enjoy!

    Comment by illini Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:41 pm

  65. - Short Memory -

    You are officially a troll. The Senate isn’t in session. I’ve learned my lesson, you just talk in the same circle. Ugh.

    - illini -

    Thanks. Say, can you get Yuengling down south, Metro East?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:47 pm

  66. “Do you understand, this isn’t a hostage until the senate meets again.”

    https://capitolfax.com/2015/11/11/madigans-turn-to-take-a-hostage-as-tension-builds-with-senate/

    A number of people from the IML to respected journalists are of the opinion right now this is a Madigan hostage. I agree with them, and anyone not acting “purposefully ignorant” should get that it is not an unreasonable conclusion at the moment.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:56 pm

  67. Do not feed trolls.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 7:57 pm

  68. As was noted the next day, Currie “would have immediately moved to table her motion” if this brick after-the-fact was innocent in nature. “That would have prevented a hijacking and prevented a delay in sending to the Senate.”
    Disagreeing does not make someone a troll.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 8:06 pm

  69. The senate is not in session. It’s only a brick if the senate was in session and the bill didn’t move.

    Call Cullerton, tell him to call the senate in.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 8:12 pm

  70. I’ll trust the opinion of the IML and reliable reporters over an anonymous Internet commenter. There’s no need to call Cullerton or anyone else.

    Comment by Short Memory Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 9:02 pm

  71. You can’t call a bill for a vote without having session.

    Purposeful Ignorance, lol.

    Rauner owns, governors always do. When Rauner vetoed everything but K-12 funding, Rauner owns the consequences.

    Ask Gov. Edgar, he was a Governor…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 9:06 pm

  72. ===There’s no need to call Cullerton or anyone else.===

    I guess Rauner could call the GA into session, force Cullerton to ask Madigan where the bill is…

    LOL.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 9:08 pm

  73. “Word is , if the governor and four leaders hope to save some face, it may be with an agreement to move a local aid funding bill — containing money for Illinois lottery payouts, roads and other items. It already passed the House, then stalled once House Speaker Mike Madigan’s lieutenants put a hold on it.” says Politico this morning.

    Maybe today is the day Madigan stops obstructing the local funds bill and sets his hostage free. The IML, for one, would appreciate it as there is no reasonable explanation for placing that hold to begin with.

    Comment by Short Memory Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 7:50 am

  74. - Short Memory -

    Along with your short memory, reading comprehension is another place you may need help;

    ===…if the governor and four leaders…===

    ===Maybe today is the day Madigan stops obstructing the local funds bill and sets his hostage free.===

    Seems Rauner was thrown in there too.

    “Hang in there” - Short Memory -, lol

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 7:57 am

  75. - Short Memory -

    Also, make sure you add;

    “Speaker Madigan and the lieutenants he controls”, you know, for bonus points.

    And, let’s be quite clear;

    Rauner in July obstructed the whole budget, less K-12 funding.

    Let’s help your Short Memory…

    “@RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate.”

    Yep, that Rauner, reform requires pain, even for IML.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 8:02 am

  76. It seems the word “troll” gets thrown around here a bit too often. SM (and others) make a valid point and they get bombarded with “troll” and “ignorant” descriptions. If it wasn’t intended to be a brick, then what was the real purpose of the motion to reconsider?

    Comment by Birdseed Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 8:42 am

  77. - Birdseed -

    Has the Senate met?

    There’s only a brick, a true brick of stalling, if the Senate is convened, and as they wait, the bill isn’t sent over.

    ===There’s no need to call Cullerton or anyone else.===

    That’s why its troll behavior.

    Call Cullerton, convene the Senate, call out the actual brick.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 8:46 am

  78. - Oswego Willy -

    So if the Senate met tomorrow, then it would be a brick? Also, can you tell me what was the real purpose of the motion to reconsider? Thanks.

    Comment by Birdseed Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 8:52 am

  79. Yes, if the Bill has a brick on it and the receiving chamber waiting for the Bill is in session, yeah, now you have an active brick placed on a Bill when real action could take place, but literally can’t.

    From Capitol Fax

    ===The motion was filed to protect Ken Dunkin from filing a similar motion first, and having control of the bill. The motion to reconsider, IMHO, has nothing to do with the Senate.===

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:01 am

  80. It was reported here by Rich that Currie made the motion to reconsider to keep any of the other 114 reps. who voted for it from making a similar motion and taking control of the bill.

    That does not-yet a hostage make, as the Senate has not been in session since then. We’ll find out soon enough.

    But the governor took everything he could hostage with the exception of K-12 when he refused to exercise his broad veto powers to fund non-GRF pass-throughs on those 20 approp. bills back in June.

    I’m pleased that so many now have had an epiphany and consider the hostage tactic reckless and damaging. I hope they remain consistent on that as we’re nowhere near the heavy-lifting yet.

    Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:03 am

  81. - Birdseed -

    Apologies, my phone cycled out…

    Adding… The rebuttal to the purpose of the brick here…

    ===If it was really intended to simply block another Representative from hijacking the bill with a motion to reconsider, she would have immediately moved to table her motion. That would have prevented a hijacking and prevented a delay in sending to the Senate.===

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:03 am

  82. From Capitol Fax

    ===If it was really intended to simply block another Representative from hijacking the bill with a motion to reconsider, she would have immediately moved to table her motion. That would have prevented a hijacking and prevented a delay in sending to the Senate.===

    Comment by Birdseed Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:12 am

  83. Sorry, didn’t F5.

    Comment by Birdseed Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:13 am

  84. - Birdseed -,

    Yep, that’s the rebuttal.

    How can there be a brick if the chamber hasn’t convened to try to move the Bill?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:20 am

  85. - Birdseed -

    Here is the link to that post discussing possible reasons for the hold placed on that bill after it passed https://capitolfax.com/2015/11/12/mayors-to-apply-pressure-on-majority-leader/

    Comment by Short Memory Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:31 am

  86. - Birdseed -
    I see you already found it. It was also mentioned in my comments yesterday. Thank you for adding another civil voice to the discussion, regardless of your thoughts on this. Take care.

    Comment by Short Memory Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:35 am

  87. - Short Memory -

    I’m sure the IML really appreciates your assistance, even ignoring the when a brick is actually in play, and ignoring at least a few times to call Cullerton to convene the Senate.

    ===There’s no need to call Cullerton or anyone else.===

    lol.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:36 am

  88. “Yep, that’s the rebuttal.”

    Actually, that’s an indication this may not be an innocent maneuver.

    She could have tabled her motion if all she wanted was to prevent a possible bill jacking and move the bill to the Senate. She did not. That is part of what has many suspicious of the motives here.

    Comment by Short Memory Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:41 am

  89. As I am sure Madigan appreciates your throaty defense of his actions.

    Why did he attempt to obstruct the bi-partisan child care agreement?

    And do you still refuse to acknowledge that Hutchinson and the Senate Democrays had something to do with brokering that deal?

    Comment by Short Memory Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:43 am

  90. - Short Memory -

    ===There’s no need to call Cullerton or anyone else.===

    Please stop, IML is happy, you did your part, even ignoring the reality of the brick not in play…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:44 am

  91. .===And do you still refuse to acknowledge that Hutchinson and the Senate Democrays had something to do with brokering that deal?===

    Nah, it wasn’t me, it was Gov. Rauner who ignored it, and Dunkin who touted he brokered it with the Rauner letter…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 9:45 am

  92. “Nah, it wasn’t me, it was Gov. Rauner who ignored it, and Dunkin who touted he brokered it with the Rauner letter…”

    But it was you, while pretending to be “deliberately ignorant” yesterday when you gave Dunkin credit for brokering the deal and made light of the comment about Rauner’s child care deal with the Senate Democrats.

    You chose to claim it was Dunkin who brokered the deal. You chose to offer that letter as proof. You chose to ignore the role of Hutchinson and Cullerton in that, simply to be argumentative. It was your choice to ignore facts and reality.

    Comment by Short Memory Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 10:08 am

  93. ===Dunkin credit for brokering the deal and made light of the comment about Rauner’s child care deal with the Senate Democrats.===

    I cited the letter. It’s up there. Can’t you read?

    ===You chose to claim it was Dunkin who brokered the deal.===

    Rauner and Dunkin both say so, the letter by the Governor says so… lol.

    ===You chose to ignore the role of Hutchinson and Cullerton in that, simply to be argumentative. It was your choice to ignore facts and reality.===

    I’m your trolling, your beef is with the Governor and Dunkin, not me…

    ===As I am sure Madigan appreciates your throaty defense of his actions.===

    If you are clueless to what entails a brick, that’s on you.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 10:15 am

  94. “If you’re trolling… ”

    Stupid phone auto-correct…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 10:16 am

  95. “I cited the letter. It’s up there. Can’t you read?”

    And I cited more than one story, including by Rich, supporting the initial comment that Cullerton, Hutchinson and Senate Democrats were part of brokering that deal.

    Are you trolling? Maybe you should ask yourself that question, since you read and commented on Rich’s original story and already knew that my comment was accurate when you were posting your snarky straw man argument.

    Comment by Short Memory Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 11:27 am

  96. Thanx for conceding that Cullerton, Hutchinson and Senate Democrats were involved in the child care agreement brokered with Rauner.
    The bi-partisan child care agreement Madigan tried obstructing.

    Comment by Short Memory Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 11:37 am

  97. ===And I cited more than one story, including by Rich, supporting the initial comment that Cullerton, Hutchinson and Senate Democrats were part of brokering that deal.===

    Take it up with the Governor and Dunkin… lol

    I think, maybe, you may just be… blissfully unaware.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 11:38 am

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