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*** UPDATE 1 *** The actual question, which you can hear at about the 5:30 mark below, was about several different topics, not just the homeless shelter, and was actually a follow-up to a question about whether Rauner had a fall-back plan in case the GA didn’t pass a real budget…
*** UPDATE 2 *** From the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless…
Hey, Rich.
Just a note on the Northside homeless shelter. As we understand it, it wasn’t necessarily the lack of state money that forced Northside to announce they needed to close the program. It was more driven by the city having too low of a per bed rate for providers. The city has level funded the shelters since 2012. The city gets the money that comes from the Emergency and Transitional Housing line item in the state budget. The city then contracts with Chicago providers. Chicago has been covering the state’s portion of the funding since the budget crisis set in. Back in the summer, the city had told Northside that if the state budget mess didn’t get fixed that they would not be issuing contracts for 2017.
None of this is to say the state budget doesn’t play a huge factor. There is a $100k budget deficit for the program, but that is a structural deficit and it doesn’t necessarily correlate to the state’s portion. So, while theoretically, they could raise $100k to fill the whole, they don’t have confidence they can do that in a sustainable fashion that won’t undermine the rest of the work they do.
Some advocates (not us) have oversimplified the message to it being a $100k hole created by Rauner. There is truth in there, but, like everything, it is more complicated. All that being said, showing up to feed the homeless at the same building this program is slated to shut down was terrible planning on Rauner (and the Food Depository’s) part. And Rauner’s response was even worse. I’m not giving him a pass at all.
Just thought you might want some additional background. If you have questions, let me know.
Doug
Doug Schenkelberg
Executive Director
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
*** UPDATE 3 *** A person representing a wealthy Chicagoan (Democrat) did reach out to the shelter and was told this…
We have been operating the program at a deficit for several years now. We approached the city for additional funding for over a year now but they were not able to provide the additional $100,000 needed each year to balance the program’s budget. We made the announcement about the closing late summer and at this point don’t even have a contract for next year. We’ve already removed most of our equipment and furniture and have about 14 residents remaining.
Unfortunately the shelter will be closing in the next week or so. I do appreciate you reaching out however and wish I had better news for you.
* NBC 5…
A group of advocates for homeless residents of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood are blaming the state’s lingering budget impasse for the impending closure of a homeless shelter that’s set to shutter just before the holidays.
The group, which consists of homeless residents, community organizers and clergy, claimed the state’s inability to come up with $100,000 to fund the North Side Housing & Supportive Services shelter is directly tied to the ongoing budget stalemate in Springfield, faulting Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan. […]
Rauner responded to concerns about the state’s precarious economic situation and the shelter’s funding during a Monday press conference.
“Change is hard,” Rauner said. “We didn’t get into the mess we’re in in a few years, we got here over the last 35 years. So changing the structure takes a little time. I’m frustrated. I’m not the most patient person in the state, but I’m very persistent.”
“We have to do the right thing for the long term,” he added.
* On the day before he was inaugurated governor, Rauner and his wife showed up at the building that houses the shelter, which provides 72 beds for men with 24-hour access, 365 days a year, to help feed the homeless…
Thanks to @BruceRauner and Diana Rauner for volunteering this morning at 2 Lil Fishes, a soup kitchen in Uptown. pic.twitter.com/3dmgF39jMv
— Chicago's Food Bank (@FoodDepository) January 11, 2015
Those two piles of mats stacked behind Mrs. Rauner are apparently used by the homeless men as beds.
Somebody needs to pony up that $100,000. And soon.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:03 pm
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So which anonymous friend of Rauner’s is going to bail this facility out?
Or better yet, JB could bail them out as part of a repairing / rebuilding themed Illinois campaign. Tagline like “What Bruce destroye, we fixed. Help us fix the rest of Illinois that Rauner has destroyed”
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:12 pm
Private charity and volunteers, as wonderful as they are, simply are not enough to meet our society’s needs at all levels.
Too easy to take pot shots with this juxtaposition.
On a larger scale: Some social services funding should not be held hostage for any political structural reform, by anyone.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:13 pm
We can get to this stuff as soon as we get term limits, break AFSCME, and get rid of Madigan. This is Rauner’s leverage to get these things.
Comment by Nearspringfield Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:13 pm
B.R. Should just check them a personal check for 100k. I will see what I can give.
Comment by Rocky Rosi Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:14 pm
“Change is hard … we have to do the right thing for the long term” doesn’t mean a helluva lot to a hungry, jobless man facing another night of subzero temperatures on the street. That man is a little more–understandably–preoccupied with the short term.
This is a very special brand of holiday heartlessness, but it sure rhymes with Donna Arduin’s suggestion that a street person “get a job.” Remember that chestnut from the Governor’s CFO?
Comment by Linus Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:15 pm
Change is not hard if you have compassion…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rksBNj1CsxA
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:16 pm
The realization of Gov. Rauner’s response “Change is hard” is clearly letting it be known Rauner forcing this change and it isn’t an accident. The starving the of beast to destroy Social Services is a Raunerite “want” not a GOP desire.
Rauner says he’s frustrated, but what if his frustration is based on not having this destruction occur quicker to force Labor and Dems to capitulate.
“Change is hard”, that’s Rauner choice and Rauner’s want.
Illinois is going to need someone to help those Rauner hurt, because Rauner is more concerned about an Agenda then his job as Governor and the people of this state he thinks he can leverage, no matter what it dies to them.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:17 pm
“faulting Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan. […]”
Which one of these men said the following:
“Change is hard,”
“We didn’t get into the mess we’re in in a few years, we got here over the last 35 years. So changing the structure takes a little time. I’m frustrated. I’m not the most patient person in the state, but I’m very persistent.”
Yet these ‘groups’ continue to lay blame with both. I guess volunteering absolves the Rauners from sole responsibility.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:17 pm
RNUG, I like your thinking for JB.
But to the larger point, there will not be enough angels to rescue all providers. Remember the Pay Now Illinois lawsuit last year? At one point they were owed more than $100 million. There is no angel investor ready to make that payment year in and year out. And that was only a fraction of the human service providers who are owed money.
Comment by Pawn Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:18 pm
the gov. is more heartless than scrooge. can Willy come up with a new HBO for christmas.
Comment by jw Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:18 pm
He looks a little bothered, I think I will just spit in it just to get even with Mike M
Comment by Red Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:18 pm
Organizations like this should charge $100K to allow politicians to pose for photos intended to make you think that they (and their spouse) care.
Comment by very old soil Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:18 pm
This isn’t good. But Rauner ain’t wrong in saying it took 35 years to get here. Maybe Madigan not passing a balanced budget has something to do with it, no? I mean a budget where expenses match revenues and borrowing isn’t counted as income. I hear the “governors own” cry from the back row but jeez we didn’t get here over night and Madigan certainly has blood on his hands too.
Comment by Big Muddy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:22 pm
- jw -
The writers’ room has about 3 or 4 ideas, but when “Bruce” says things like he did here or does things like he did on TV, the re-writing starts.
I’d be shocked if there wasn’t a “Very Special” episode of “Dad’s Home State” ready for air on HBO soon.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:22 pm
I wonder what propels the blood through his circulatory system?
Comment by illinoised Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:26 pm
===I hear the “governors own” cry from the back row but jeez…===
You mean “Pat Quinn failed” that “Governors Own”, or ignoring the Rauner campaign cry altogether and the facts that Governors do own, like Vetoes and not submitted budgets, or signatures.
You pick any of those, I’ll wait, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:26 pm
Yes, it would be great if someone with means could help keep this facility open.
And it would be even better if we acknowledge that spending money on programs like this is a valuable public investment.
When we invest public dollars efficiently, taxpayers save money in the long run, and working families experience greater stability.
Both sides of the aisle agree on this. They might not agree on what programs to invest in, but I’ve never heard an elected official say that homeless shelters aren’t worth it. Well, until now.
In the long run, we can’t rely on private philanthropists to fill all the gaps this budget impasse has created. There are simply too many gaps.
Comment by Emily Miller Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:27 pm
Big Muddy, we got here most directly from the failure to extend the income tax hike, which Bruce Rauner demanded. Before that we did not have these scenarios - or at least not nearly so many of them. As for a balanced budget, where is Rauner’s? If we were to ever pass a balanced budget without a tax hike homeless services would surely be eliminated.
Comment by Eugene Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:29 pm
I assume these are the entrenched special interests fighting tooth and nail for the status quo
Comment by Carhartt Representative Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:29 pm
C’mon Bruce. For a guy who made 90K/Hour last year, change only amounts to a little less than 1 Hour and 7 minutes of your time. Not so hard for you and Kenny G. Really, Really Hard, actually impossibly hard, for those about to be put on the street.
Is there a GoFundMe for this? I don’t have 100K but I can help a little.
“We have to do the right thing for the long term”
For those affected by this, there isn’t a “long term”, sadly many are merely hoping for tomorrow.
Comment by CrazyHorse Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:30 pm
Big Muddy- “…but jeez we didn’t get here over night and Madigan certainly has blood on his hands too.”
And so does every governor who ever signed such a budget. And so, does every legislator who ever voted for such a budget. And so does every voter who ever voted for any of the above. So now that we have the blame seated, do we still hold the hostages and just wait for them to “change”??? In most cases, especially this winter, the change will become permanent.
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:30 pm
These photo ops are increasingly crass and sickening.
Rauner’s failed leadership is hurting vulnerable people.
He has done NOTHING to address escalating violence in Chicago.
Hope he and his twisted enablers feel good about what they have done to Illinois.
Comment by Oh, please! Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:30 pm
This shelter needs $100,000 to keep the homeless warm and fed at Christmas, meanwhile the Governor’s folks lobbys for a new law to use a $1M Racing Board surplus to pay for prizes at privately owned tracks?
Change is hard. And this change is repugnant.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:31 pm
==I hear the “governors own” cry from the back row==
I will say, all I remember Rauner sayin’ durin’ his campaignin’ was “Pat Quinn Failed”. Of course I may have missed his rants on the failures of Mike Madigan during the campaign…I wasn’t fond of Rauner and tended to tune him out a lot. But it seems he told everyone “Governor’s Own” before he was elected.
Comment by HangingOn Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:37 pm
“Change is hard.”
And a cold sidewalk in December is even harder.
Comment by flippy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:39 pm
A homeless shelter is closing just before the holidays and the only response he has is “change is hard?” Change certainly is hard for those folks who will have nowhere to go.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:41 pm
“Everything that we’re advocating has strong bipartisan support.”
Name names.
Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:42 pm
Thank you, Emily - well stated.
And thumbs up to RNUG and CrazyHorse “sadly many are merely hoping for tomorrow.”
Comment by illini Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:44 pm
===Everything that we’re advocating has strong bipartisan support.===
Put them on the stairs, let’s see the 60 and 30 bipartisan support Rauner has.
Why won’t he?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:45 pm
If only Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood had Exelon’s lobbyists…can somebody say, “homeless shelter bailout.”
Comment by Under Influenced Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:47 pm
Deny it!” cried the Spirit, stretching out its hand towards the city. “Slander those who tell it ye! Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse! And bide the end!”
“Have they no refuge or resource?” cried Scrooge.
“Are there no prisons?” said the Spirit, turning on him for the last time with his own words. “Are there no workhouses?”
The bell struck twelve.
Comment by IllinoisBoi Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:49 pm
- Emily Miller -
I think the absolute world of you. Your hard work and determination and thoughtfulness to these discussions has been one of the consciouses we all need, including me, there’s no question.
I hope, honestly with my eyes and heart both open, that the Governor, who personally, not by spokesperson of press release, realizes that when he says “change is hard”, it’s he, the Governor, that has made clear his idea of change is worth situations like this occurring.
Emily, I know that the most needy and most vulnerable too have no greater advocate then you and those you work with, daily. Your tireless work is why we find out where we as a state need to do better.
I’ll follow your lead, and I still hope that your call is heard.
Oswego Willy
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:55 pm
===If only Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood had Exelon’s lobbyists…===
…Or the Racetrack industry’s
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:56 pm
Mr. Schenkelberg’s comments are as fair as it gets. Most problems are not simply explained away by an A or B answer.
And though Goveror Rauner should perhaps not have used that phrase while serving at a homeless shelter it is apparent that NBC 5 should have used a better context for the comments.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:58 pm
The shelter will be fine and doors will stay open. They will have the 100k to stay open.
Comment by Rocky Rosi Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:00 pm
Some of the rich Dem politicians wouldn’t miss $100K.
Dig deep in those pockets boys!!
Comment by Piece of Work Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:04 pm
===Some of the rich Dem politicians wouldn’t miss $100K.
Dig deep in those pockets boys!!===
Like Diana Rauner?
She’s a Denocrat. She told us.
Let me know when your done with your silliness.
K? K.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:05 pm
To UpdateX3…
Diana. Rauner.
You know where to find her.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:07 pm
Doug makes a really good point about the $100k. Just throwing unsustained resources at a service provider is not a business model that allows them to plan to provide continuous service. What comes after the $100k? They can’t keep qualified staff in house if they’re always worried about whether they can even keep doors open.
In addition, shelters are part of an interconnected web of services that provide emergency assistance to families in need. To work efficiently, that entire web must receive sustainable funding.
This is a very concrete example of terrible decisions service providers across the state will me making in the coming weeks.
Don’t forget– when Jan 1 gets here, there is no funding for human services or public universities.
Comment by Emily Miller Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:11 pm
I and a few other labor folks just gave to UptownTentCity.com. I urge my fellow posters to do the same. I have to admit I wanted the t-shirt bad. But regardless it’s money that will save lives this winter.
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:12 pm
“Don’t forget– when Jan 1 gets here, there is no funding for human services or public universities.”
I don’t know if this scares, and bothers, you as much as it does me, but I guess this is just a “Part of the Plan”.
Comment by illini Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:21 pm
Give me what I want or the kids and the poor folks get it!
Comment by JackD Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:24 pm
Rocky Rosi, what do you base that claim on? The shelter itself says it is not staying open. Emily’s point is real: there is no way to plan and when the infrastructure is destroyed, propping up one little part of it is not helpful.
Comment by Pawn Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:32 pm
What’s going on at Guaranteed Rate Field the next couple months? And they could show movies on those new $7 million video boards.
Comment by Jeff Trigg Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:33 pm
Huh, they went to the city and they would not help them out.
Comment by What Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:34 pm
The decline in the state income tax saved the governor over $2million last year. Maybe if he searched the cushions in one of his couches in one of his homes, he could scrounge it up.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:35 pm
Dear Ms. Miller,
Thank you also for all you do.
Gov. Rauner is using social services recipients as a wedge to pry Democrats away from unions. He’s using the most vulnerable as political pawns in his quest to break and remake state government.
The governor says change is hard, but how so for him? He made a combined $246 million in 2014 and 2015. He is pushing the bulk of the sacrifice onto many thousands of workers, so many of whom live paycheck to paycheck. What is he sacrificing?
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:42 pm
Starve the beast. Literally. All part of the plan.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:42 pm
- Somebody needs to pony up that $100,000. And soon. -
Yeah, exactly what we need, another one off gesture that allows everyone to continue the fantasy that this isn’t by design.
Comment by Daniel Plainview Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 4:48 pm
“You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.”
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 5:05 pm
The GCFD got a grant from the state in December of 2014 — oh wait, it didn’t (at least it was delayed for as long as I know of), because Rauner came in and decided that though he apparently believes in a “safety net,” that doesn’t include poor people being able to eat.
Change is hard, but starvation is harder. Living on the streets is harder.
Comment by Moist von Lipwig Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 5:19 pm
–“We have to do the right thing for the long term,” he added.–
Stop signing contracts in bad faith for goods and services you no have no intention of ever honoring.
Have the courage of your Randian convictions.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 5:33 pm
Change will be very easy in November 2018
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 5:40 pm
VMan, if you’re out there:
Take a look at that photo and read the thread.
If you’re doing requests, “Baby, it’s Cold Outside,” would be swell.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 5:43 pm
I have no patience for injustice , no tolerance for government incompetence, no sympathy for leaders who fail their citizens (Donald Trump)
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 5:44 pm
Emily Miller is right as usual.
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 5:44 pm
How to describe our Guvnah on this one?
It rhymes with “one of a stitch”.
Comment by btowntruth from forgotonnia Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 5:46 pm
“Change is hard.” Not if you’re Exelon obviously. Then Rauner just throws more money at you and you don’t have to change.
This guy is a disaster. For both the state and what’s left of the IL GOP. I’ve never seen such an unskilled politician.
Comment by GOPgal Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 5:50 pm
–Don’t forget– when Jan 1 gets here, there is no funding for human services or public universities.–
If I may add, “again.”
What are the odds that such misfortune would fall on the same governor, twice?
This Illinois governor aspires to transform the state on the Mississippi model — a backward plutocracy.
The Main Street Illinois Republicans of my youth were true Yankees. They built things to last, for the greater good.
And like the saying goes, any mule can kick down a barn, but it takes a crew of carpenters to build one.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 6:12 pm
As inept and befuddling as Quinn was, this would never have happened on his watch.
That is all.
Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 6:19 pm
- following the Jutish goat to sloter. The political middle management people have caused the pension problem with inflated salaries. -
Care to show us the numbers and wow us with your math skills? Or are you content with just showing off your spelling?
Comment by Daniel Plainview Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 6:20 pm
==You people are like a herd of goats, following the Jutish goat to sloter. The political middle management people have caused the pension problem with inflated salaries. The average worker can’t come close to the retirement money they receive.==
A question for you. College Tuition rates have skyrocketed in the last 20 yrs. If I failed to put a single dime into my daughter’s college fund for 18 years and cannot afford to send her, should I just tell her that the costs of college are out of control and we just can’t afford it anymore or should I look in the mirror and point the finger at myself as well?
Comment by CrazyHorse Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 6:25 pm
“Don’t forget– when Jan 1 gets here, there is no funding for human services or public universities.”
Oh, it’s worse than that.
There will be no health care services for Medicaid clients in my part of the state either, as they will be dumped at the end of December by at least one for-profit HMO that is supposed to be providing them with care. The state is supposed to contact these Medicaid clients and provide them with a choice from at least two HMOs in their area, but so far this hasn’t happened under the Rauner administration. Thus, people with severe disabilities, the elderly, and the poor are being left in a state of suspense about whether or not they will have any health insurance coverage by the time the New Year arrives. The state was supposed to assign these Medicaid clients to HMOs back in September, but so far they have not heard so much as a peep from the state about their expiring health care benefits. This sad state-of-affairs violates state law, Federal law, and the consent decree from a Federal judge.
Thank-you, Gov. Rauner, for your colossal incompetence at running the state and say good-bye to all of those Federal matching funds for the Medicaid program.
Comment by ultra Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 6:43 pm
so I picture a scene where a family is preparing to celebrate Easter and the shelter they volunteer at is closed on Good Friday because BR failed. Next scene, family celebrating Christmas and a different family being ushered out of a homeless shelter on the same day, because Bruce Rauner failed. Change is hard Bruce…living on the street is harder.
I’m hoping voters don’t forget this stuff in 2018
Comment by GetOverIt Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 7:03 pm
This will be gone.
But once as pos, always…
#FailedILGovernor has no clue about real life & he doesn’t care. His lifestyle changes exactly zero regardless of what he destroys in IL.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 8:56 pm
Rauner just doesn’t get it…. a cavalier answer, “Change is hard!”
I know You wouldn’t publish what I would like to write.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:02 pm
Failed leadership
Comment by JDuc Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:57 pm
“Squeeze the beast” — Sen. Christine Radogno
The good Senator misspoke. She intended to say the plan was to “freeze the least.”
By the time this is all over, Ron Sandack will look like the lucky one.
Comment by crazybleedingheart Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 10:21 pm
Be patient grasshopper
Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 5:26 am
Confusing impatient with impassive
Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 5:46 am
–Thank-you, Gov. Rauner, for your colossal incompetence at running the state and say good-bye to all of those Federal matching funds for the Medicaid program.–
Ultra- They know about it. Just like DCEO, they see the train coming. Not enough staff to get it done. We lost the knowledge of those now gone to even know how. Superstars know how to bluster and blow and puff up but they are incompetent and feckless.
This is what collapse looks like.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 7:10 am
>“Squeeze the beast” — Sen. Christine Radogno
>Rauner just doesn’t get it…. a cavalier answer, “Change is hard!
These are strong anti-Rauner arguments (agree with them or not) yet the Illinois Democratic Party cannot successfully make this the topic of conversation around the state. What will be the main topic in the media today? A Democrat suggesting holding K-12 hostage to a budget? I do believe voters wanted divided government when they elected Rauner, but the Democrats aren’t stepping up to put on pressure to make things happen.
Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 7:41 am
== Change is hard ==
Here’s a challenge for #FailedILGovernor. Sell every mansion, take those $ and your entire wealth, give it away to charity. Then, finally, you can get an up close & personal understanding of ‘change is hard’ and ’starve the beast’. Well see if your attitude changes.
Comment by sal-says Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 7:59 am
A couple of pensioners giving up their 3 percent COLA could do it.
Comment by Now Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 8:43 am
=A couple of pensioners giving up their 3 percent COLA could do it.=
Sure, right after you give up something equivalent that you worked for 35 years to attain.
Isn’t the how our courageous governor does it? You first.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 8:45 am
== A couple of pensioners giving up their 3 percent COLA could do it. ==
Let’s try a little math. Assume the average state pension is $35,000 (that’s actually a bit high).
$35,000 * 0.03 = $1,050. Times 2 = $2,100.
You’re only $97,900 short …
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 8:51 am
BR: “If they do not have bread, let them eat cake.”
Comment by cimry90 Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 8:54 am
==worked for 35 years to attain==
Not to mention paid extra to have. I’m sure there are some that would give it up if the state refunded every cent they paid into it first. I can’t remember, was it .5% of a paycheck more the workers pay toward that?
Comment by HangingOn Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 8:54 am
Change is hard for whom? I have an idea, lets set down and negotiate a 2 year budget with cuts and revenue and then let the 2018 election be a referendum on the TA agenda.
Comment by facts are stubborn things Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 9:00 am
He was able to come up with $45M to fund his “friends” during the last compaign.
Yep, change is hard.
Comment by BBG Watch Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 9:05 am
== it is apparent that NBC 5 should have used a better context for the comments. ==
What would that context be?
‘While destroying IL with the lack of his required State balanced budget, Rauner continues his Starve the Beast policy’.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 9:06 am
== A couple of pensioners giving up their 3 percent COLA could do it. ==
How about we quite blaming the 3% AAI for the pension trouble and realize the problem goes back to the fact that Illinois wants services but are not willing to tax to pay for it. Instead of taxing to pay for services the pension system was robbed of funds which created the pension debt problem we have today. The 3% AAI is not the problem, nor is any part of the pension system — it is the debt of the pension system that was ran up to pay for services that we did not have income to cover. I paid into the system for 30 years and planned my financial life around the constitutional protected pension system. I gave up much higher salaries in the private sector because I saw the long term value in the pension system. In my profession I earned $103,000 my last year with the state and easily could have made over $200,000 in private sector. I gave up a lot of yearly salary for an inflation protected life time of income for myself and my spouse, and I think it is illegal and morally wrong to change the rules now after the game is over. The settled law in Illinois suggests I am correct.
Comment by facts are stubborn things. Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 9:11 am
Does anyone know what percentage of photo-ops end up in closures? The state museum? This shelter? How many others? If I was a local business, I’d be leery of allowing that bad luck charm in my front doors.
Comment by Delimma Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 9:35 am
Changin’ is hard, but I got a pile o’ money!
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 9:47 am
Rahm and Rauner just can’t figure out how on earth to fund a shelter.
But their friend and fellow budget-buster Ken Griffin can give $12M to this
http://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/lakefront-trail-to-be-separated-thanks-to-12m-donation/
Comment by crazybleedingheart Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 11:10 am
“Confound it man! Are you afraid of success?” Mr Bruce Potter
Comment by Morty Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 12:50 pm