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* I heard yesterday that Reps. Ken Dunkin and Reggie Phillips were working on a bill to help ease the “squeeze” on higher education, but I couldn’t get anyone to respond. Here’s their bill…
Appropriates $160,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Board of Higher Education for emergency assistance to public universities. Appropriates $40,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Community College Board for emergency assistance to community colleges. Effective immediately, but does not take effect at all unless Senate Bill 3044 of the 99th General Assembly becomes law.
SB 3044 would “forgive” $450 million in special funds borrowing the state did at the very end of Fiscal Year 2015.
* That’s a truly “odd couple” of sponsors, but Chicago State University and Eastern Illinois University are in the worst trouble of all the state’s public universities. So, it makes perfect sense, particularly since both men have primary opponents.
*** UPDATE *** I’ve asked for responses from the governor’s office and all four leaders. Here’s Leader Jim Durkin…
“These two bills should be given a fair hearing and awarded an up or down vote. These initiatives actually have money attached for Higher Education unlike the insincere bill regarding MAP the Governor rightfully vetoed.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 12:38 pm
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So $uper$tars now go for a $450 million payday in order to give universities about 14% of their cash….BTW no $$$ for MAP in $tars plan.
BTW-2 the borrowing scam was something the $tars promised to never ever ever do.
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 12:42 pm
Could the IBHE and ICCB take the money and not distribute it because of some political chicanery?
Just asking…
Comment by Dee Lay Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 12:44 pm
If this happens, social services will be left out for the year.
The only thing we have left is the fact that Universities are not funded either. Once they are, we will be the only thing left.
This worries me.
Comment by Try-4-Truth Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 12:45 pm
this must have rauner support since it his secret floor leader…. maybe to distract from the map veto…
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 12:47 pm
@RonSandack …. I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate.
Comment by illini97 Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 12:54 pm
Why contingent on SB 3044?
Comment by burbanite Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 12:54 pm
So the key to getting hostages released is primarying Raunerites? Good to know.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 12:54 pm
“forgive” is putting it nicely. These are the words that were lined out on SB3044-
except that any moneys transferred pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section shall be repaid to the fund of origin within 18 months after the date on which they were borrowed.
*****
I have a feeling that this would become standard procedures if Rauner is handed the “broom” as he wishes under some other pending legislation-
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=4521&GAID=13&SessionID=88&LegID=93593
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 12:55 pm
“SB 3044 would “forgive” $450 million in special funds borrowing the state did at the very end of Fiscal Year 2015. ”
“forgive” - It all depends on which special funds they raided.
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:09 pm
I’m betting HA001(madigan) will include language restoring MAP grant funding.
Comment by Wonderin' Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:12 pm
$200M will not save the colleges & universities.
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:14 pm
I’m confused……these borrowings don’t come due until FY17. So using this money to “pay for” the emergency money for colleges doesn’t make a lot of sense. If this somehow passed & the Governor signs it (given the sponsors, I assume he would), he’s actually blowing a $450M hole in his own budget proposal from last week considering it was counting on this borrowing forgiveness in FY17.
Comment by Get a Job!! Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:17 pm
Websters:
–Emergency, n., a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.–
Note, that the definition does not include the word “planned.”
–So, it makes perfect sense, particularly since both men have primary opponents.–
Makes perfect sense to try and get some cover a few weeks before the primary.
But unless The Boss is on board, it means nothing.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:18 pm
Reggie said in his speech at EIU today that Rauner has said he will sign it.
Comment by Chucktownian Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:23 pm
Ah more reform
$450 million giveaway to get $200 million yikes
what a scam…and Dunkin’ & Reggie Philips are the banditoes…that is a turnaround
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:24 pm
Let me strap on my budget hat for a moment.
This is perhaps the most poorly written approp bill I’ve seen in a while, and that’s being kind. Not sure what FY this is even for, not to mention how it will be distributed.
Bottom line: It’s not even an attempt at a real bill.
Also, using the “borrowing into sweeps plan” to pay for it is odd considering the $450 million in cash has probably been spent. Ken should call the governor and check. I’m assuming he’s got a direct line.
Remember, the Rauner admin used Pat Quinn’s borrowing authority back on the very last day of FY 15 to ease cash flow problems.
There’s no shame in that. A lot of guys in that position have problems with their cash flow.
It happens to a lot of guys.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:28 pm
Dunkin = kiss of death.
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:34 pm
Question: Most of the $450 million in sweeps they do not want to pay back, are we primarily talking about the Road Fund and the gas tax money? Anyone have a breakdown on what funds/programs moneys have been ’sweep’?
Comment by Beaner Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:34 pm
Oh I don’t doubt it’s a bad rush job, although you have to understand that might actually be the best Reggie can do. His reputation among his colleagues (and in Charleston) is not the best.
Comment by Chucktownian Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:36 pm
Mama - maybe not the U of I, but $200 million would mean a TON to the directional schools. EIU itself gets around $40 million from the state, so even a portion of that right now would be helpful.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:37 pm
Where is the Goldberg letter slamming Ken Dunkin and Reggie Phillips for trying to force a tax hike, or divert money from social services?
Comment by Juvenal Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:38 pm
Totally agree with Chucktownian. Reggie is not the sharpest tool in the shed.
Comment by East Central Illinois Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:42 pm
Somebody, I believe, is coordinating bedfellows of the strangest sort.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:44 pm
After seeing this proposal more clearly I was mistaked thinking this bill was Rauner releasing hostages. Just a fake hostage rescue attempt via unserious legislation meant to never pass but let these two point fingers while the hostages remain imperiled as ever. Bummer.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:48 pm
Citizens for Rauner, Inc transferred $53,000.00 to Citizens for Reggie Phillips
https://www.illinoissunshine.org/committees/citizens-for-reggie-phillips-25650/
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:51 pm
I suspect you may be right. Reggie claimed the governor’s staff had told him that it would be signed. Of course getting it through to that point is another question entirely.
Comment by Chucktownian Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:52 pm
Reggie’s been on the defensive since the news of Rauner’s $53,000 donation broke on social media on Friday. He apparently solicited the donation and says he’s sorry it looks bad. He now claims he will give it back.
Or donate equivalent money to charity.
Or something.
It’s all confusion in Reggie’s world. There’s more than a whiff of desperation there.
Folks are gathering the pitchforks and torches in Charleston for Reggie as we speak.
Comment by Chucktownian Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 1:58 pm
Those two deserve each other.
Comment by Blago's Luxurious Grey Mane Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 2:03 pm
A little cover before the primaries? Surely people aren’t buying!
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 2:06 pm
It’s official- Phillips is in Raunerite territory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZhoWL5igNg
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 2:12 pm
–“These two bills should be given a fair hearing and awarded an up or down vote. These initiatives actually have money attached for Higher Education unlike the insincere bill regarding MAP the Governor rightfully vetoed.”
What’s the difference?
Where does the “money attached” come from when GRF is running a $6.2 billion deficit for FY16?
Where’s the “sincere” money pot located?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 2:18 pm
I know that Ken Dunkin, when it mattered, refused to vote to help people.
I know that.
The city of Charleston, Eastern Illinois needed someone months ago to “fight” for them.
Charleston, EIU faculty, students…
When it mattered, was “Reggie”, who, keep this in mind, just took more Raunerite money, there when you need “Reggie”
Raunerites, both.
“Vote Accordingly”
To the Post,
When it mattered most, CSU and EIU were let down. Now, the Century Club President, thrice annointed, is “cobbling” and is going to ask Democrats, who Dunkin has turned on, to support this?
Ken Dunkin is Rauner’s vessel… for EIU… and CSU.
Um, ok.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 2:19 pm
This feels like the part in Dog Day Afternoon where Sonny orders some pizzas to feed the hostages. Seriously, $200 million for all of higher ed?
This is entirely about getting Philips and Dunkin past March 15. Ken Dunkin is afraid of going down the tubes with CSU. Too bad, he made his bed and now he gets to lie in it.
Beware the Ides of March Ken.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 2:26 pm
Reggie hasn’t been there for his constituents. Hundreds of EIU families have been unnecessarily put at risk for the Rauner agenda and Reggie was paid well for his participation. Hopefully when this is all done, Reggie will make good on his promise, click his ruby red slippers three times and wish himself to Florida.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 2:34 pm
Hmmm. Durkie to not seem to say how he and Avery and Sara & Tim will votin’ on the Dunkin’ debacle.
What happened to Durkie/Brady hocus pocus finance bill from last week the ole trust me to make some cuts….BTW what happens to funds plundered for the interfund borrowin’ that GUMBY wants “forgiven”
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 2:35 pm
Annonin’- “BTW what happens to funds plundered for the interfund borrowin’ that GUMBY wants “forgiven”?”
****
They get plundered- no payback is required as specified in the bill by the language that was lined out. That’s what “brooms” do.
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 2:41 pm
53 g from Rauner Inc, ads from Liberty Principles PAC, they aren’t even discreet about the payoff. Money transferred Friday, bill filed Tuesday, got it !
Comment by burbanite Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 2:44 pm
burbanite- Yep, nuthin’ to see here!/s
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 2:50 pm
Word nailed it. Durkin’s money attached statement is pure malarkey. What he means is that debts are simply ignored by these bills.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 2:55 pm
Anon221 +1 - indeed following the money tells the story.
Comment by AC Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 3:24 pm
I hope there’s a good watchdog for this money if its distributed. I’m not over the corporate squanderings that resulted from the 2008 bailout scenario.
Yes, I know there’s differences. But all the same, you can’t starve a hedonist, then give him a stack of money with the hope he’ll change his ways.
Comment by Stumpy's bunker Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 3:28 pm
Could this have been part of a Madigan strategy to hold out until CSU folds and hope that it effects the Dunkin primary? Or am I ascribing to much to the speaker?
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 4:11 pm
Honeybear, that is not the Speaker’s M.O.
Comment by Austin Blvd Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 4:13 pm
Reggie’s unpopularity around EIU probably won’t hurt him all that badly on the 15th. It’s pretty much Indiana West around there excepting EIU. Many folks have harbored resentment towards academia and are poorly hiding their satisfaction in seeing its current struggle.
Comment by Chuckvegas Alum Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 4:20 pm
Great another version of borrow and never repay the money. Has anyone learned anything from the past 100 years of Illinois Government? You can’t borrow money from one source with the promise to pay it back, then never pay it back without creating a hole! I don’t care how insignificant the line item is, at some point it was dedicated money and still is dedicated money. It will need to be repaid. Unless that campaign promise just went out of the window as well. The more things change, doesn’t matter who’s in charge!
Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 4:23 pm
Does SB 3044 even pass constitutional snuff? I seem to recall ILSC ruling fund sweeps MUST be repaid. It very easily could be that the mechanisms, fund types, and laws are different than they were during that ruling.
Comment by Dirty Red Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 4:25 pm
==unlike the insincere bill regarding MAP the Governor rightfully vetoed==
Was this necessary? Will it help get non-Raunerite votes? Is reminding people of their differences help in any possible way?
Comment by AC Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 5:07 pm
After what Dunkin has done to Madigan, I can not see Speaker Madigan calling Ken Dunkin’s bill up for a vote.
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 5:31 pm
Dunkin? raunner’s dunkin? Tryin’ to save his … by the primary? Just wonderin’.
Just gotta love politics & spin, eh?
Comment by sal-says Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 5:45 pm
Again hilarious. The House is barely even in session long enough to take this up and get it through…I hear rumors that March 3 will be cancelled.
Comment by Pawn Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 6:16 pm
A clean bill….no games….
Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 7:20 pm
Just campaign lit fodder. Someone might produce a real bill later.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Feb 23, 16 @ 9:08 pm
Reggie lost Coles County in the primary in 2014. He knows he’s vulnerable. That’s why he asked for the money from Rauner and I’m sure it’s a coincidence that the dark money funded ads started showing up at the same time although, as we all know, such coordination would be illegal.
Comment by Chucktownian Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 10:00 am