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* From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan called Gov. Bruce Rauner’s push for reforms extreme when speaking with a reporter July 27 at the Democratic National Convention. Madigan said, “Democrats are like most Illinoisans, they are not happy with the extremism of Bruce Rauner.”
But there’s nothing extreme about Rauner’s reform proposals in light of the economic and fiscal mess Madigan has created during his three-plus decades of leadership in the General Assembly. Illinoisans are suffering under the nation’s third-worst business climate, a shrinking population, the nation’s third-highest unemployment rate, a collapsing manufacturing sector, the nation’s worst pension crisis, the worst credit rating of any state and the nation’s highest property taxes.
What is extreme is the stopgap budget Madigan took pride in passing in June. The speaker said the nearly $40 billion stopgap budget was only possible because it didn’t include any of the governor’s economic and spending reforms: “We can pass a budget when the governor’s demands …. are dropped.”
Madigan got what he wanted: “compromise.” In one fell swoop, Illinois politicians hiked spending by $4 billion to $39.6 billion – a 12 percent increase – despite the fact that tax revenues will total just $31.8 billion in the new fiscal year. […]
Rauner, on the other hand, sees the fiscal crisis that necessitated the stopgap as “the bottom” and “the low point in the evolution of Illinois,” and explained, “This is not a balanced budget. This is not a solution to our long-term challenges. This is a bridge to reform.”
Yep. The governor is most definitely the victim here. He didn’t push a stopgap budget for a solid month at all. Nope. Didn’t happen. Move along.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:28 pm
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Bruce Rauner…
… signed it.
Bruce Rauner hailed it.
Are we suppose to forget those two unmistakeable facts?
Is being truthful… but a choice to make… even in “editorials”
Governors own their signatures, can’t deny signatures…
… the rest is an embarrassing re-write of a narrative and purposely ignoring Rauner’s own words.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:32 pm
Death, taxes, Illinois Bob disparaging educator salaries, and IPI blaming anyone but Governor Rauner.
Comment by thunderspirit Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:33 pm
Well, at least the IPI is consistent.
But, as OW always correctly points out, “governors own.”
Comment by G'Kar Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:37 pm
How are we supposed to get anything done when all they want to do is cast the blame elsewhere? No one can be a statesman in the era of 24 hour news, sound bites and social media. Stop, just, stop.
Comment by Thoughts Matter Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:38 pm
As Rauner would say, it’s good to have a propaganda operation that’s disguised as a goo goo.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:39 pm
This spin is so extreme I am suffering from motion sickness and feeling nauseous.
Comment by cdog Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:40 pm
So wait, I guess if we drop all efforts at reform and just continue along the path we’ve been on for years and years, somebody is going to wave a magic wand and we’ll not be last in the country financially any longer? Well I should be so relieved! What is Rauner thinking?!
Comment by BigDoggie Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:42 pm
Well if IPI says so…
Comment by Come on man! Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:44 pm
I don’t remember that press conference on the capitol steps on May 31st. That never happened with a bunch of Republicans standing behind him. Calling for a stop-gap budget
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:44 pm
This is why we can’t have nice things.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:44 pm
Classic case of spinning the facts to support an editorial viewpoint. But come on, IPI, don’t you have anyone over there who can perform a laugh test on pieces like this before you publish them?
Comment by GA Watcher Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:46 pm
We had to destroy the village in order to save it………
Rauner Ministry of Truth
Comment by TinyDancer(FKA Sue) Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:48 pm
I’m not sure what is unclear. If you make less money, you’ll spend more, and the economy will grow by leaps and bounds.
Just ask Bruce!
Comment by Doug Simpson Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:48 pm
What a how…gotta what BigBrain foundation dropped on IPI for this one
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:50 pm
“Rauner, on the other hand, sees the fiscal crisis that necessitated the stopgap as “the bottom” and “the low point in the evolution of Illinois…”
And I thought starving universities, college students, rape victims, kids, people with disabilities, addicts, etc. was “the low point in the evolution of Illinois”. Guess I had it wrong.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:54 pm
Rauner ran on “I’ve been successful at everything I’ve ever done.” He was the one who was supposed to be able to overcome all of these obstacles, he’s really moving away from the core brand they built during the campaign.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:04 pm
We have the “nation’s third-worst business climate”. As long as we remember that a good business climate is defined as weak unions and poor wages, tax breaks for business, and low taxes for the rich. Many of the “business climate” studies are obvious shills for the Chamber of Commerce and used to support tax policies that favor business over workers and other citizens of the state. Gut your environmental and workplace safety laws and watch your business climate scores rise. Cripple unions and destroy workers’ compensation and move up five positions. This is the battle of Rauner and Madigan.
Comment by not so simple Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:06 pm
“You must remember this
My reforms are not extreme,
A real Budget from me is just a dream,
The TurnAround still applies
As time goes by, and by, and by, and by…”
Rauner and the Raunerites
From the album- “Bridge to Nowhere”
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:07 pm
So when is the Governor going to do his constitutional duty and present a balance budget?
Comment by Curious Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:07 pm
@not so simple
=As long as we remember that a good business climate is defined as weak unions and poor wages, tax breaks for business, and low taxes for the rich.=
Absolutely wrong. A “good business climate” is one in which labor understands that labor can prosper commensurately with corporate profits and productivity growth, fair, market driven wages and benefits, and a well run, responsible government which puts the needs of the people over petty politics, patronage, and political greed. Steady, fair, responsible and predictable wins the races for business.
Illinois gets a “fail” on each of those thanks to the political culture in Illinois.
Comment by illinois bob Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:15 pm
1.4% - Forgive me father for I have sinned. I signed a stop gap budget that isn’t balanced. I have been calling it a bridge to the future in hopes that the State has hit bottom and our future is rosy as we become more business friendly. I had to set aside my turn around agenda because the schools wouldn’t have opened for the fall semester, State creditors are hounding me, the social safety net is in tatters and my wife joined a lawsuit trying to force me to pay the bills.
High Priest of IPI - Bless you my son, you are absolved of your sin of compromise with that diabolical demon Madigan. You were tempted from from the straight and narrow path of righteousness and purity by the political pressures of your office. To atone for your sin, you must never accept any responsibility for your actions and always blame the Speaker. You must campaign vigorously for your agenda. You must increase your donations to the less fortunate GOP caucus members. You must pick up the mantle of the hopeless cause of redistricting. If you do all these things, you are absolved of your sins. Bless you my son, go and sin some more.
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:16 pm
Wonder how fast shillmaster Eric Kohn can react to this.
Comment by John Gregory (ex-IRN) Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:16 pm
Now that Mr. Bob has said I am absolutely wrong do I get to join a special club or get discounts at the Cap Fax gift shop? Yes, when labor understands its’ place and isn’t so uppity, then all will be right with the world.
Comment by not so simple Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:21 pm
= Yes, when labor understands its’ place and isn’t so uppity, then all will be right with the world.=
See, that’s where you went wrong. You could have been in the club with the cool discounts, but you referred to labor as “uppity”.
For cryin’ out loud, they are “collectivist”. Please get with the program. /snark
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:27 pm
Can someone please institute a policy in Illinois that stops the Illinois Policy Institute? /s
Comment by CrazyHorse Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:29 pm
-not so simple-
I think Bob was just trying to state that your definition of a good business climate is not quite right.
Comment by Maximus Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:31 pm
This is why I ignore anything the IPI has to say.
I’m about ready to call the police to check on the Governor since he seems to be a constant victim.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:42 pm
So over the weekend the Gov. signs a bill that all the GOP opposed and went against their core values. Today he removes himself from the entire equation of the Stop Gap budget that he had everyone vote for.
Really?
Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:44 pm
Demoralized- we could start Rauner a GoFundMe account for an “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” pendant”
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:44 pm
Since we want to see which extreme is best, why don’t we check on the progress made by Kansas and Minnesota? Two very different paths and two very remarkable results.
Comment by Sense of a Goose Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:45 pm
IPI - you’re starting to make FOX News look quasi-professional. Stink Tank.
Comment by kimocat Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:47 pm
Governor Rauner successfully stopped Madigan from passing a budget with a 7 billion dollar deficit and demanded a spending plan that had only an 8 billion dollar deficit.
Comment by Bigtwich Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:49 pm
Let me agree with Bob for a moment. No tax breaks favoring one business over another would be fair, so Edge and all the rest are done. And we should include discounts for seniors, homeowners, and any and all other tax breaks in the system. A tax rate defined to cover agreed upon services would be steady and predictable. Transparency and accountability may lead to predictability as well. Probably won’t lead in the business climate index race, but would be good for business.
Comment by not so simple Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:51 pm
@not so simple
I think you’ve now become an honorary member of the IFT, IEA, CTU and AFCSME since I disagree with you! LOL
Not to mention the OW and Honeybear “Don’t you DARE respond to anyone disagreeing with us” Brain Rust.
Comment by illinois Bob Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:51 pm
Illinois has a balance sheet problem with unfunded liabilities. Madigan owns a huge share of that problem. Rauner does not own that.
Illinois also has a cash flow problem. That is owned by Rauner. He called for the GA to let the tax increase expire.
Illinois has structural problems with public unions, workmens compensation, and government regulations and corruption. These structural problems can be reduced through compromise solutions. I lack faith in the parties willingness to compromise.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:56 pm
ISI articles should be followed by the disclaimer. I am Bruce Rauner and I approve this message.
Comment by Augie Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 3:00 pm
Even when the comments are ignored, he’s a victim.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 3:07 pm
Rauner gets what he paid for from the IPI.
Comment by TominChicago Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 3:12 pm
@last bull:
Regarding your first point. Bruce DeWayne Rauner was elected Governor. He IS responsible for it. If he doesnt like it, he can resign.
Remember he ran on Quinn bad. So if Quinn owns it, so does Brucie Boy.
Comment by Doug Simpson Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 3:20 pm
Doug Simpson,
He does have to manage the balance sheet problem. But he did not create it.
He did largely create the cash flow problem.
Quinn actually addressed both problems through tier 2 and the tax increase. He needed to declare victory on pensions after creating tier 2. But that is history.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 3:53 pm
Please tell us how Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda will help solve IL’s financial crisis.
Rauner a victim? Oh please….
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 4:14 pm
Budgets from the GA are just authority. the only one who can over spend is the gov. he is free to live within his means.
notice how they dont indicate how much money rauners agenda woukd actually sace the state? or that Rauner had a budget that was 7bil in the red himself???
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 4:25 pm
@OW
=Even when the comments are ignored, he’s a victim.=
Can you even go a day without whining, OW? If hear one more “Rauner owns it” or more whiney piling on from you on the guy, I’ll start pulling out what little hair I have left!
If you’re gonna sign the blues, at least develop a little style, class, and ingenuity…
Comment by Illinois Bob Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 4:39 pm
A governor, any governor, signs it…
… a governor owns it.
Edgar Ramp, Ryan Illinois First, Quinn Tax.
Same as it ever was… same as it ever will be.
Thems the breaks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 4:42 pm
As soon as I saw the headline, knew it was IPI.
Literally lol. Does anyone take them seriously?
Comment by walker Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 4:49 pm
Bruce owns it.
Comment by Doug Simpson Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 4:50 pm
The IPI is the far right’s version of the Onion.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 5:21 pm
@OW
=A governor, any governor, signs it…
… a governor owns it.=
And my barber’s job just got a little bit easier…LOL
Comment by Illinois bob Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 5:29 pm
Madigan will only be leaving office “feet first.” term limits are out of the question given his massive power.
Any who cares about their money should “vote according” vote with your feet that is…
Comment by atsuishin Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 5:33 pm
- atsuishin -
You’re only a victim of you want to be.
I look forward to hearing of your new life outside of Illinois!
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 5:35 pm
Governor Rauner: [pointing to a member of his cabinet] I didn’t get a “harrumph” out of that guy!
IPI: Give the Governor harrumph!
Politician: Harrumph!
Governor Rauner: You watch your “donkey”
Comment by Morty Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 5:36 pm
Oh - illinois bob -
That was a - Zonker - of a joke…
Know what I mean?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 5:42 pm
IPI’s Stuff would be most useful if it came printed on a perforated roll of paper.
Comment by Bemused Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 8:09 pm
Aren’t we all tired of Rauner’s antics by now?
Why even bother covering this man’s rant’s? The turn a rounds in his own news releases makes your head spin.
Comment by tinsel town Wednesday, Aug 3, 16 @ 7:55 am