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*** UPDATED x3 - AFSCME responds - Rauner responds - Bill defeated *** AFSCME bill override vote could come today

Posted in:

*** UPDATE 1 *** The veto override failed by two votes. Rep. Ken Dunkin was recorded as voting “Yes” to override, but he was apparently in the Senate when the vote was taken, so expect possible fireworks.

*** UPDATE 2 *** From the governor’s office…

The Office of Governor Bruce Rauner issued the following statement after the House of Representatives failed to override the Governor’s veto of HB 580. This is attributable to Catherine Kelly, Press Secretary for the Governor:

“HB 580 was unprecedented and unaffordable, and simply another attempt by the Majority Party in the legislature to insert themselves into the contract process and put hard working families in Illinois on the hook for a $3 billion tax hike. The Governor thanks those members who took the pro-taxpayer position today, and believes it is now time to move forward and find compromise on a balanced budget with structural reforms that will put our state on the path to prosperity.”

*** UPDATE 3 *** AFSCME…

AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch issued this statement:

“We are deeply disappointed in the 48 legislators in the House today who failed to override Gov. Rauner’s veto of the fair arbitration bill, House Bill 580. They sided with the governor against the people of Illinois and against the public service workers who protect kids, care for veterans and the disabled, respond to emergencies and keep us safe.

“In January the Rauner Administration walked away from the bargaining table and has since refused to even meet with our union. Instead the governor is seeking the power to unilaterally impose his extreme demands, including forcing workers to pay double their current costs for health care, a four-year wage freeze, and doing away with protections against unfettered privatization.

“If he imposes those demands, public service workers will be forced to work under his terms or go out on strike. While as a candidate Rauner vowed to force a strike, the union supported the arbitration bill as a fair alternative path to keep Illinois working.

“Contrary to the governor’s wild exaggerations designed to defeat HB 580, the bill would have merely provided to all state employees the same fair arbitration procedures already available to public safety workers throughout Illinois. According to state records, those procedures in the past 10 years have resulted in 48 percent of all arbitration decisions favoring the employer, 43 percent favoring the union, and 9 percent split.

“The fair arbitration bill was meant to protect public services and ensure fairness for the men and women who work to provide them. That’s why large majorities of voters even in Republican districts consistently supported the bill and urged their legislators to enact it. It’s unfortunate that too many lawmakers sided today with Governor Rauner rather than representing their constituents.”

[ *** End Of Updates *** ]

* Vinicky

Unionized state employees worried about stalled contract talks could learn Wednesday whether there’s hope for a work-around.

Last week, thousands of union members rallied in Springfield. They asked legislators to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of a bill that would change how the state negotiates with labor. Wednesday they may see if it worked.

Democratic Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch says he plans to call the measure for a vote.

“I think the rally in Springfield last week was very impressive,” he said Tuesday. “And people are hearing that. So we’re going to put it on the board and see if the votes are there.” […]

The governor has called it the “worst” bill he’s seen, but unions say Rauner is trying to force a strike or walk-out.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:20 am

Comments

  1. Dear Rep. Jimenez,

    Who do you represent: Rauner, or your district?

    Signed,
    A voter

    Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:25 am

  2. Those with Raunerite members, and you are a member of Labor.

    Pay. Attention.

    Come November, vote accordingly.

    2 in 5 Labor Household voters voting for Rauner… Gotta get that down to 1 in 4 or 1 in 5 voting Raunerite come November.

    It’s up to Labor to get their own house in order.

    Pay attention, please.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:27 am

  3. Are there any absences in the house today? Regardless of the outcome, we need to see where everyone stands.

    Comment by AC Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:28 am

  4. The way I see it, this vote could either start the compromise process if the veto is overridden, or it could set things in concrete until November / January.

    And I second this sentiment:

    Dear Rep. Jimenez,

    Who do you represent: Rauner, or your district?

    Signed,
    A voter

    Comment by RNUG Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:29 am

  5. How many previous ‘No’ votes have flipped? That’s the $64,000 question. I’ve not heard or read anything that leads me to believe there are enough (or any) to make a difference this time around.

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:32 am

  6. I have great doubts about the possibility of this passing. However, it would be a great day if it did. Every repudiation of Rauner that can happen is a brighter day for Illinois.

    Comment by Saluki Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:34 am

  7. Attn: Rep Jimenez

    I live — and vote — in your district, and I pulled a Republican ballot in March specifically so I could support Sam McCann.

    Capice?

    Comment by olddog Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:37 am

  8. Same thing in my district (95th).

    Dear Rep. Bourne,

    Who do you represent: Rauner, or your district?

    Signed,
    A voter

    Comment by Tough Guy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:37 am

  9. A Yes vote on the override by Rep. Jimenez would likely ensure her easy victory over Tony DelGiorno this fall. Voting for the interests of folks in her state employee dominated district might even enable her to have a long political career that spans the terms of several Governor’s.

    Comment by AC Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:38 am

  10. I too pulled a Republican ballot in March to vote for McCann.

    Rep. Jimenez, take note.

    Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:43 am

  11. I think Jimenez should vote for it but remember that only 47% of the voters in the AFSCME commissioned poll said they would allow it to influence their vote in November. Sorry, that isn’t compelling and shows that they have work to do in the “state employee” district.

    Comment by One of Three Puppets Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:44 am

  12. DelGiorno is not a threat. Let’s be honest here folks.

    Comment by One of Three Puppets Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:46 am

  13. Jiminez advised a group she met with yesterday that she doesn’t support HB 580. She used Rauner talking points. Vote accordingly in November.

    Comment by unionman 2 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:47 am

  14. === the “worst” bill he’s seen ==

    That might mean something if he’d held office longer than 18 months.

    Comment by Name Withheld Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:50 am

  15. Dear Rep. Jimenez,

    Please vote No on HB 580. This is a horrible bill.

    Signed,
    A voter in the 99th

    Comment by S'field Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:52 am

  16. ===DelGiorno is not a threat. Let’s be honest here folks.===

    … and McCann was going to be pummeled.

    “Let’s be honest”, Labor made a statement with McCann, thinking it can’t happen again is foolish.

    “We’ll see”.

    Ignoring McCann’s win would be foolish

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:53 am

  17. How about doing what’s right regardless if you get reelected? This bill is the epitome of a special interest bill. The sunset provision makes that clear as day.

    Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 9:58 am

  18. Like it or not, this bill is a way to start to break the gridlock.

    Comment by RNUG Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:01 am

  19. @ One-of-Three — DelGiorno is not a threat. Let’s be honest here folks. –

    Point taken, but if the incumbent votes against her district, DelGiorno won’t be the first sacrificial lamb to win an election in unforseen circumstances.

    Comment by olddog Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:02 am

  20. ===How about doing what’s right regardless if you get reelected? This bill is the epitome of a special interest bill. The sunset provision makes that clear as day.===

    The “special interest” here is a fair contract. The sunset provision is an indication AFSCME doesn’t want or expect to need arbitration after Rauner leaves office. The provision is an indication of how unfair Rauner’s proposal is and how unwilling he is to bargain in good faith.

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:03 am

  21. ===… and McCann was going to be pummeled.===

    Who, among the sane, said this?

    Comment by A guy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:04 am

  22. Dear AFSCME Members: As you watch the debate on the bill play out and watch the final total, you might recall the show you put on at Gov’s Day at the State Fair when you shouted Gov. Quinn and other Democrats off the stage and generally acted like a mob. How did that work out for you? How you doing under Gov. Rauner?

    Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:04 am

  23. = The sunset provision is an indication AFSCME doesn’t want or expect to need arbitration after Rauner leaves office.=

    They don’t expect they’ll need arbitration because they hope to help finance the next governor’s campaign as usual and get another “best in the nation” contract in return like before. To say this isn’t special interest is beyond delusional.

    Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:06 am

  24. = The sunset provision is an indication AFSCME doesn’t want or expect to need arbitration after Rauner leaves office.=

    They don’t expect they’ll need arbitration because they hope to help finance the next governor’s campaign as usual and get another “best in the nation” contract in return like before.

    Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:07 am

  25. https://capitolfax.com/2016/05/18/another-union-agrees-to-contract-with-state/

    Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:07 am

  26. Raunerites- you saw our shieldwall on the 18th. That was a Wednesday. Think of what our othismos will be on a weekend. You think on that. We have I believe 18 weekends till the November elections.
    This vote will have a lot of consequences.

    Othismos

    See you on the field Raunerites, see you on the field.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:07 am

  27. Rep. Dan Brady do the right thing and vote for the people in your district for a change.

    Please vote to over-ride the governor’s veto on the union bill. Thank you.

    Comment by Mama Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:07 am

  28. OW. I am not a Raunerite so I shouldn’t fall into the foolish category. I know a nugget or two about how SD 50 went down and how HD 99 in the General could not come close to that effort.

    Comment by One of Three Puppets Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:08 am

  29. Although I am a state worker, I am in a union that isn’t AFSCME and I pulled a Republican ballot in the primary to vote for McCann and I completely support AFSCME and its members, many of which are friends of mine. We stand together in solidarity!

    Comment by StateWorker Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:12 am

  30. Dear reps Jimenez and Bourne, one is my neighbor and the other my rep, vote No on this bad joke because we have your back. State employees are no longer the majority in Springfield.

    Comment by DGD Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:14 am

  31. I don’t agree with what Rauner is doing but why does the union think a flat across the board increase no matter how much salary you make is fair? A 3% (or whatever the figure) raise is much different for 30K than it is for 100K? They want a progressive tax structure but do regressive raises for employees!

    Comment by Megan Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:17 am

  32. ===They don’t expect they’ll need arbitration because they hope to help finance the next governor’s campaign as usual and get another “best in the nation” contract in return like before.===

    Despite your disdain for unions AFSCME rank and file members understand the reality of situation the state is in. We don’t expect “best in the nation” anything. We want a contract that a) doesn’t put us in the poorhouse and b) provides some job protection.

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:17 am

  33. I would like to know if this bill has a snowball’s chance in he77 to pass today?

    Comment by Stones Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:20 am

  34. Do what is best for the taxpayers, vote no. Then make the changes that are necessary to make Illinois business friendly.

    Comment by Arock Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:20 am

  35. Megan et al, we weren’t done negotiating at the table. Rauner needs to be forced to come back to the table. He walked away. We weren’t done. HB 580 simply forces him back to the table and gives us a solution (interest arbitration) if we can’t come to agreement at the table. That’s all it does.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:21 am

  36. ===Do what is best for the taxpayers, vote no. Then make the changes that are necessary to make Illinois business friendly.===

    Um Governor, don’t you have a meeting to get to?

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:22 am

  37. Wow, the IPI folks sure come out of the woodwork don’t they.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:22 am

  38. Dear Rep. Hammond,
    State university employees’ health insurance benefits are tied to whatever health insurance AFSCME can negotiate for state employees. The Governor’s proposal is at least doubling the cost of health insurance for state and state university employees. This will hurt many people in your district. Stand up and vote for the override and support the state university employees in your district.

    Comment by Joe M Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:23 am

  39. Rep. Bryant….a former prison employee and AFSME member….you gonna sell out all your old friends and Co workers or are you gonna do the RIGHT thing and vote your district? We are WATCHING!

    Comment by Bushwacker Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:24 am

  40. A reminder this vote will have consequences. We’ve seen Rauner refuse to negotiate and declare impasse. There is no saying the bill is premature or any other hogwash. This goes down you tacitly admit you’re okay with a strike or privitization. If you’re a Republican better be sure themoney will cover the bad will from voters.
    It wasn’t for Dunkin will it be for you?

    Personally I thinkMJM should offer a few R’s golden tickets, exempt them from the coming Tax hike vote and agree to not spend in their district this cycle. Soething has to change the equation. This does the very least harm.

    Comment by Mason born Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:25 am

  41. Bushwacker-Would you and your AFSCME friends bail on your democratic candidate if Bryant did support this bill? Doubt it.

    Comment by McLroy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:32 am

  42. “Othismos”

    Damm another big word I have to look up.

    Comment by Huh? Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:34 am

  43. ===“Othismos”

    Damm another big word I have to look up.===

    I assumed it was one of the Three Musketeers. :)

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:37 am

  44. - McLroy

    Ask McCann.

    You’re welcome.

    ===I know a nugget or two about how SD 50 went down and how HD 99 in the General could not come close to that effort.===

    Welp, then it “won’t”…

    Doesn’t mean voting accordingly won’t make some… Well,… take pause.

    If anything, if it’s so dire for Labor, then getting close will be a huge victory?

    Giving quarter to Raunerites is ill-advised.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:40 am

  45. “Othismos”
    Damm another big word I have to look up.
    Its Greek to me too…..

    Comment by Anotheretiree Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:43 am

  46. I’m genuinely curious as to why the folks opposed to this bill presume that an arbitrator wouldn’t see things their way?

    Comment by Indochine Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:45 am

  47. It’s just a way to force him back to the table? Why did they run SB1229 when the governor was still at the table? Don’t change the argument when it conveniences you.

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:46 am

  48. The web is your friend, mostly:
    “The Othismos
    [4] Hoplite warrior preparing for battle
    [4] Hoplite warrior preparing for battle

    One of the most highly debated aspects of Hoplite warfare is the othismos that occurred when two Hoplite armies clashed on a battlefield. Although the term “Othismos” has multiple m

    Comment by Ill_will Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:46 am

  49. - RNUG - Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:01 am:

    +1

    Comment by Jimmy H Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:50 am

  50. McLroy……right is right….wrong is wrong….simple math….let me know if you need remedial education in morals.

    Comment by Bushwacker Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:51 am

  51. ===Why did they run SB1229 when the governor was still at the table?===

    Because they could see the writing on the wall. Consider the fact AFSCME has never sought this type of legislation before and ask yourself why.

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:53 am

  52. Sorry, my bad. Being dramatic. Othismos- the initial clash of opposing forces. It literally means “push”. Thus Rauner is going to feel the real “othismos” of Labor. He only saw the Wednesday crowd, not the full on assault.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:54 am

  53. == A 3% (or whatever the figure) raise is much different for 30K than it is for 100K? They want a progressive tax structure but do regressive raises for employees! ==

    I’m a union member and totally pro-union but this sentiment is one I agree with. That’s a union reform that should be considered.

    Comment by CrazyHorse Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:54 am

  54. =Consider the fact AFSCME has never sought this type of legislation before and ask yourself why.
    =

    Because before they were negotiating with allies who didn’t have the state’s interests in mind.

    Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:55 am

  55. Why did they run SB1229 when the governor was still at the table?

    Duh! To try to keep him there. It was obvious that this was going to be his play to walk away after he bought the ILRB.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:56 am

  56. - Honeybear -

    Ugh. Less is more, under-promise and over-deliver.

    Let March speak for itself, the rally was to show Rauner something, sure, but it was to make sure social services and Labor stay in the reservation too.

    Food for thought.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 10:58 am

  57. ===Because before they were negotiating with allies who didn’t have the state’s interests in mind.===

    So your contention is no previous governors had the state’s interests in mind? Alrighty then…

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 11:03 am

  58. Rauner has the interests of his fellow billionaires in mind who would stand to make more once he starts privatizing State services. These are his constituents. Not the people of Illinois or taxpayers in general. Same goes with the Dems. Constituencies are always specific and never general. Any politician who speaks of constituents or the people or taxpayers in general terms is lying.

    Comment by DHSJim Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 11:12 am

  59. Oswego, Honeybear, etc.

    Benton WON Sangamon.

    McCann won because of his hard work outside of Sangamon.

    He won but the reason might have been more “anti-chicago money” than union push.

    Comment by Remember Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 11:27 am

  60. There will be no bipartisanship and no compromise if this is voted dow.

    Show Rauner the limits of his vicious governing tactics.

    Defeat him.

    Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 11:29 am

  61. - Remember -

    Let’s not forget, it’s about mobilizing Labor and Social Services to send a message.

    Who knows, vote accordingly in a general election with s choice might scare a whole bunch of Raunerites.

    - Remember -, relax, have a sandwich, I’m sure none of Sangamon Raunerites have any reason to worry…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 11:32 am

  62. Thanks, Honeybear - I was just about to look it up. First, perfidy and now othismos. Please help me continue to improve my vocabulary.

    And each of these works are perfect when used in context.

    Comment by illini Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 11:34 am

  63. Willy-

    Tony D only has $13K in the bank- SWJ has $50K plus full support of HRO/State Party. Unless labor makes a big push for him (and thus spreading thin for Bourne, Bryant, McAuliffem etc), I don’t see an issue. Plus have you heard Tony D speak? There is a reason why he only does FB ads.

    Comment by Remember Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 11:38 am

  64. - Remember -

    Tony D is not a Raunerite or tinted his back on state workers.

    Nothing to be thin on. Labor and Social Services have ALL summer to tell their neighbors, friends, and when Social Service groups continue to fold, and state workers feel even less heard, “vote accordingly” might scare a Raunerite.

    - Remember -, your under the impression this is a one election deal. This is the very, very, VERY beginning. Voters will choose Rauner or not.

    You shouldn’t worry…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 11:44 am

  65. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 11:44 am:

    “- Remember -, your under the impression this is a one election deal. This is the very, very, VERY beginning.”

    This is a very important point made by OW. R members should take note.

    Comment by Jimmy H Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 12:02 pm

  66. Bush-who said politics is moral?

    Comment by McLroy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 12:06 pm

  67. R members, will you diffuse the coming war? Look at Bill 2038, how much does Bruce Rauner care about you? Rauner is more than willing to marginalize the will of GOP legislative members. This is the edge of the cliff. Stop the madness; vote yes to override this veto.

    Comment by Jimmy H Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 12:09 pm

  68. HB 580 is being debated right now.

    Comment by Small Town Girl Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 12:33 pm

  69. For those of you that think Rep Jimenez will bite the hand that has fed her or that Rep Dunkin will become un-bought; You’re kidding, right?

    Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 12:41 pm

  70. Failed again. I can’t see how a strike is not imminent.

    Comment by Small Town Girl Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 12:49 pm

  71. Please disregard my last comment. I recieved bad info.

    Comment by Small Town Girl Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 12:51 pm

  72. AFSCME is like an NFL player shopping around doctors to change their concussion diagnosis so they can play next week.

    Comment by Almost the Weekend Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 12:52 pm

  73. Actually, I stumbled. I’m not sorry for making my message very direct and adding a word of the day, othismos.

    It doesn’t really matter what happens today with HB580 to me. The fact that we’re here at all is all I, and others like the 10k+ that took time off on a Wednesday, need to throw ourselves at key winnable races. My point was that those who showed up on Wednesday the 18th are just the tip on the othismos, the front rank if you will. Arrayed against us is truly a formidable line, the Raunerite caucus. They ARE truly tough and unified like never before. I totally hand it too them. We’re not breaking their line. And so far the DEM line hasn’t broken. The “othismos” of the two has been terrible. Raunerites got a taste of labor in April. Just a limited scrum. November is when our total othismos comes crushing. We have a LONG time till then. 18 weekends. Let me ask you all. What was the real othismos of the Arab spring? I don’t think it was all the people in Tarir square in Egypt. It was social networking. Right there is the othismos of Labor that cannot be stopped with mailers or tv ads. It’s knowing and trusting someone online and acknowledging what they are saying.
    Rauner and _______ are costing jobs
    ruining lives
    racking up debt
    hurting people
    starving seniors
    destroying education
    decimating services
    outsourcing your jobs
    serving the rich
    etc
    etc

    Starting today. All day. All night.
    Friend to Friend
    Contact to Contact

    Simple, understandable, relational, and devastating

    Like and Share

    Othismos

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 12:53 pm

  74. Yeah, it just died again. 2 votes short. Everybody strap in, it’s about to get really interesting

    Comment by Chi Native/Spfld Resident Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 1:05 pm

  75. Watching the Drury, Dunkin, and Franks tango on HB 580 was fun. At one point Drury and Franks were Yes and Dunkin was not voting. Then Drury drops to No, Dunkin to Yes, and Franks to Present. Convenient that they all danced well enough to keep it at 70 and not hit 71 at any point.

    Comment by One of Three Puppets Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 1:12 pm

  76. Too late. One less decision I have to worry about in November.

    Comment by Whatever Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 1:15 pm

  77. Dunkin was not in the chamber for the vote and is sending a memo that it was his intent to vote no.

    Comment by Small Town Girl Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 1:16 pm

  78. No way but forward sisters and brothers. No way but forward. It is set now. Do not let hope of a ILRB decision distract us from what must be accomplished by November. Home to home, facebook to facebook, friend to friend, family to family, our othismos comes from changing hearts and minds not from protest and picket line.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 1:23 pm

  79. I’m so tired of this. We should just strike and get it over with. (Partial snark, but not 100%)

    Comment by State Worker THX 1138 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 1:25 pm

  80. I for one am very happy Franks is not running for the House again. I want my Dems to be Dems and the Repubs to be Repubs. No scrubs needed. Now if only we could get a real Democrat to run in place of Drury.

    Comment by Ratso Rizzo Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 1:32 pm

  81. ===”…believes it is now time to move forward and find compromise on a balanced budget with structural reforms that will put our state on the path to prosperity.”===

    The Press Shop leave early for Memorial Day.

    At least pretend to try. Don’t try, just pretend to try.

    ===… put hard working families in Illinois on the hook for a $3 billion tax hike. The Governor thanks those members who took the pro-taxpayer position today,…===

    Oh - ck -

    So state workers aren’t hard working and aren’t taxpayers? This is a lil embarrassing.

    You’re better than this.

    Also, the Press Shop needs to figure out if there is going to be a grand bargain, how are you guys going to spin that signature?

    I’m not worried, the lazy non-paying state workers will be the scapegoats.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 1:34 pm

  82. It gets me how rauner continues to assert that union state employees are not taxpayers themselves by his comments such as the failed override being a pro-taxpayer stance. I am a union employee and i pay my fair share of taxes, a higher percentage than the governor himself does based on my middle class income which is less than $60,000/ year despite having a master’s degree.

    Comment by worker Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 1:48 pm

  83. Worker +1

    Comment by State Worker THX 1138 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 1:56 pm

  84. Rep Reis and Franks were the 2 Dem reps who voted no and present. Remember that vote in November.

    Comment by Anon Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 2:23 pm

  85. I’m not worried, the lazy non-paying state workers will be the scapegoats

    I prefer the term “sin eater” thank you.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 2:24 pm

  86. No choic now. Stike will be coming. Labor will side w R and he will shove his BS down employees throats.

    Comment by Anon Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 2:25 pm

  87. Not surprised by the vote. I didn’t think any Republicans would vote for the override, and I expected a couple of Democrats would vote no.

    I hope this is a lesson to Republican pro-union government employees, that they realize they no longer have allies in state government, except for Sen. McCann.

    There is no place in today’s ILGOP for the thousands of men and women who work for and provide vital services to the state, including prison workers who have to face the worst of humanity on a daily basis.

    Vote accordingly, as OW says.

    Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 2:27 pm

  88. AFCSME will need to link strike with November. And no, Labor won’t side with Rauner.

    Comment by DHSJim Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 2:33 pm

  89. worker + 1 (again)

    I think the politics would be very different if more voters understood that not all IL taxpayers suffer the same high overall tax rate. The unions would be wise to educate the public on this point between now and November. Get the people to understand that public workers are not the problem, their real enemy is an unjust revenue system and those (in both parties) who perpetuate it. Ending this disparity would go a long way toward resolving the state’s fiscal woes.

    It would help if the press wasn’t so mute on this issue. Statehouse reporters, why not ask the governor how his overall tax burden compares to the average middle class taxpayer? If he waffles, help him out; tell him his rate is about half (or less) and ask how he justifies that. Amanda V., Rich, others??

    Comment by X-prof Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 2:37 pm

  90. It would help if the press wasn’t so mute on this issue. Statehouse reporters, why not ask the governor how his overall tax burden compares to the average middle class taxpayer? If he waffles, help him out; tell him his rate is about half (or less) and ask how he justifies that. Amanda V., Rich, others??

    That’s a cop out. It’s their choice to report it or not. (BTW Rich does) No YOU NEED TO REPORT ON IT WITH YOUR OWN SOCIAL MEDIA. Don’t throw blame on them. YOU NEED TO REPORT IT! That is the way the line will flow around the rock. You must like and share that stuff like there is no tomorrow. You have a great and powerful voice as an academic. LET’S HEAR IT!! You must educate your network, your public. I don’t mean to be a putz but it’s not someone else’s problem. It’s all our problem. Get in the line and push with me. I’d like you next to me.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 2:46 pm

  91. - YOLO -

    Union members, trades and otherwise,… are taxpayers too.

    Your ignorance is compelling, lol

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:00 pm

  92. I have to wonder about the strategy of calling this for a vote today.

    It would have made more sense to me to leave this for early October, unless Madigan is fairly certain he won’t need this card.

    Comment by A Jack Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:03 pm

  93. “It would have made more sense to me to leave this for early October, unless Madigan is fairly certain he won’t need this card.”

    Each chamber has 15 days to override a governor’s veto. A bill’s originating chamber goes first.

    Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:06 pm

  94. I think it’s time to FOIA some representatives’ travel expenses. We can start with Franks and Drury. Just sayin…

    Comment by Triple fat Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:09 pm

  95. Rauner will most certainly have enacted his terms by early October. Any strike should be over by then too, if AFSCME can even manage to get a strike vote.

    Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:11 pm

  96. Honeybear.

    ===That’s a cop out. It’s their choice to report it or not. (BTW Rich does) No YOU NEED TO REPORT ON IT WITH YOUR OWN SOCIAL MEDIA. Don’t throw blame on them. YOU NEED TO REPORT IT! That is the way the line will flow around the rock. You must like and share that stuff like there is no tomorrow. You have a great and powerful voice as an academic. LET’S HEAR IT!! You must educate your network, your public. I don’t mean to be a putz but it’s not someone else’s problem. It’s all our problem. Get in the line and push with me. I’d like you next to me. ===

    We agree, see my first paragraph. The unions have their job to do and shouldn’t/can’t rely on the press.

    But that doesn’t absolve the press from not doing they’re job — report all the news as objectively as they can.

    Comment by X-prof Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:15 pm

  97. their job.

    Comment by X-prof Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:18 pm

  98. This is the outcome I expected although I thought there might be slightly less for or at least a couple more abstaining their vote…

    I even question if AFSCME tries bringing a vote for a strike to the table that it will pass with the members either, it may but it will be close I think…

    Comment by Allen D Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:28 pm

  99. Second try. Honeybear, I read too fast and missed an important point of your message that was directed at me (and those like me, I suppose). I agree there too.

    I do stand with you and other state workers. Part of it you see here on CapFax, and part you don’t see. I have not been so active since the days of the Vietnam war. But, one can always do more.

    Comment by X-prof Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:31 pm

  100. It will pass. Overwhelmingly. Most in my office want us to strike and get this over with.

    Comment by DHSJim Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:32 pm

  101. There’s the spirit x-prof! You Vietnam era folks showed us pups how it’s done! Your generation wrote the book on it! Nobody is better at the old school one on one communication! Thanks for being in the line with us young Labor folk! Side by side!

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:39 pm

  102. –Rauner will most certainly have enacted his terms by early October. Any strike should be over by then too, if AFSCME can even manage to get a strike vote.–

    We shall see. I think you must not have seen how many came out on a Wednesday last week. I imagine you were resting from the excitement of your 40 person geriatric gathering on Tuesday.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:42 pm

  103. LOL- I missed the IPI rally, too bad I could have used the gift card…

    Prove me wrong. I just think it’s easy to rally and march but when they ask you to vote to forego a paycheck indefinitely, Rauner’s terms won’t seem so bad.

    Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:47 pm

  104. Honeybear - if you think the public sentiment regarding AFSCME is in any way proportional to the attendance of those “rallies”, I really feel sorry for you.

    Comment by Birdseed Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:47 pm

  105. AFSCME going on strike? Let’s be real they will strike for two days realize they don’t have a strike fund and go back to work. Would be the worst move AFSCME has made since they protested PQ at the IL State Fair in 2012.

    Comment by Almost the Weekend Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:50 pm

  106. Yes. But public sentiment towards the Governor is worse. Time for afscme to bring out those Rauner = Mr. Byrnes from the Simpsons signs again.

    Comment by DHSJim Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:51 pm

  107. Almost the Weekend, we have nothing to lose.

    Comment by DHSJim Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:53 pm

  108. Have news for the Unionistas. It’s not Rauner vs the people. It’s ACSFME vs the people of Illinois.

    Comment by Sue Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:55 pm

  109. afscme are the people of Illinois. Rauner is a billionaire who is using his wealth as leverage against the people of Illinois. This is known everywhere except for Tribune editorial board.

    Comment by DHSJim Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 3:59 pm

  110. Jim- you got it wrong. The union represents 30 thousand people. Rauner represents the rest of the millions of us who the Union is intent on bankrupting with its ludicrous contract propossls

    Comment by Sue Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:06 pm

  111. @Sue—Your arguments are so well thought out and articulate. /s

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:12 pm

  112. Name me a ludicrous contract proposal. I can name you several - from the governor. Doubling health care premiums. Wage freeze. No limits to privatization which means no job security and private corporations profiting off of state services.

    Comment by DHSJim Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:13 pm

  113. No - Sue -,

    When Rauner (again, another rookie mistake) took on the trades too, AFSCME joined all Labor with Rauner targeting to destroy Labor…

    … and social services…

    … and higher ed…

    - Sue -, I fed you, good luck.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:14 pm

  114. =Name me a ludicrous contract proposal.=

    Overtime starting at 37.5.

    Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:15 pm

  115. ===Name me a ludicrous contract proposal. I can name you several - from the governor. Doubling health care premiums. Wage freeze. No limits to privatization which means no job security and private corporations profiting off of state services.===

    Don’t bother DHSJim. She’ll just parrot the “3B cost to taxpayers” nonsense.

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:17 pm

  116. Robert, that was not our last best offer. And that’s nothing to Rauner’s privatization proposal. We have a legitimate fight on our hands. Not saying an afscme win is guaranteed, but don’t count us out. Don’t count the trades out. Or social services. Or anyone else in Illinois who is not Rauner and who is not a billionaire.

    Comment by DHSJim Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:21 pm

  117. Robert:

    That’s the status quo. It’s not a new proposal.

    Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:30 pm

  118. “afscme are the people of Illinois.”

    No. AFSCME are a tiny minority of taxpayers that rely on a huge group of nonunion taxpayers to provide you all with salaries and benefits that nonunion taxpayers largely do not enjoy.

    I think AFSCME is seriously overestimating the rank and file citizenry’s support for these contract demands.

    Comment by sulla Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:31 pm

  119. I really doubt if Rauner will be a two term Governor. So the unions may just have to ride it out and make certain that a Governor they support is elected- and hope they don’t double-cross them.

    Comment by Federalist Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:34 pm

  120. “AFSCME are a tiny minority of taxpayers that provide a huge group of taxpayers (union and non-union) the services that all taxpayers expect, require and enjoy.”

    There, fixed it for you.

    Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:36 pm

  121. @Federalist, there is no riding it out when he wants to destroy us. This is why the whole ballgame is unlimited privatization. Wish I could ride this out. I’m afraid I don’t have that luxury.

    Comment by DHSJim Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:40 pm

  122. -Skeptic-

    +1

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:48 pm

  123. Illinois had 847,000 union members in 2015. AFSCME does not stand in this alone. On top of that, I would guess a large percentage of those union workers are married and have voting age children. My house is private sector union and we represent at least 4 votes. Trust me, there are millions in Illinois that support the union as well.
    Voters for Rauner captured 50.73% (1,757,569) of the vote. Many of whom were union antiQuinn voters who would never repeat thta mistake.

    847,000 TAXPAYERS. Think on that.

    Comment by burbanite Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 4:50 pm

  124. Did any Republicans vote to over-ride the governor’s veto?

    Comment by Mama Wednesday, May 25, 16 @ 6:58 pm

  125. I wish Lisa Madigan would stop our pay. That way there’s no strike.

    Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 8:38 am

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