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* 12:17 pm - The hour of 11 o’clock having finally arrived, the Senate is now in session. Listen or watch here.
* 1:10 pm - The Senate is now taking up the mass transit bill.
*** 1:25 pm *** The Senate has passed the mass transit bailout bill with 30 votes. It now goes to the House later today and then on to the governor’s desk, where an amendatory veto is expected.
* 1:42 pm - This is just the tip of the iceberg. There were more management layoffs today. Lots.
Dan Miller, the Sun-Times business editor, resigned today, telling his staff he expects the paper to be sold within a matter of months and wants to leave before he becomes a casualty of pending staff cuts.
Mr. Miller’s announcement comes days after the Sun Times Media Group began announcing newsroom layoffs as part of a $50 million cost-cutting effort.
One name circulating as a potential buyer is Denver-based MediaNews Group, led by William Dean Singleton. MediaNews Group was not immediately available to comment.
Miller is a great guy and I wish him nothing but the best. And the same goes for everyone else who got whacked today.
* 1:50 pm - Sen. James Clayborne changed his vote from yesterday’s “Present” to “Yes” today, which allowed the bill to pass. The roll call is here.
* 1:52 pm - Oops. I should’ve mentioned that the House is debating the transit bill.
*** 2:06 pm *** 62 House members just voted to send the transit bill to the governor’s desk.
*** 2:19 pm *** The House has approved the governor’s changes to the BIMP bill. The Senate did so yesterday. It’s done.
* 2:25 pm - The House has adjourned. Now, all we have to do is wait and see what the governor does to the mass transit bill.
* 2:35 pm - A new day? Sen. Rickey Hendon attended a press conference with House Speaker Michael Madigan a few minutes ago. Yes, you read that right.
Both men publicly demanded that the governor sign the transit bill without changes. Hendon, who recently all but called Madigan a racist, wouldn’t disclose what the governor said to him after the Senate action today. Hendon said during debate he planned to go to Blagojevich’s office and insist that he sign the bill without changes.
By the way, there were rumors from some insiders weeks ago that Blagojevich was signaling that he could change his mind on his sales tax veto pledge if he got a capital bill and perhaps healthcare expansion. But those rumors stopped.
* 2:44 pm - Statement from Chicago Federation of Labor President Dennis Gannon…
“Organized labor strongly urges Governor Blagojevich to sign the legislation without making any adjustments to the language by use of his amendatory veto power.
“The workers, riders, and general public have suffered through this ordeal for far too long. State Senators and Representatives have listened to the people and come up with a solution. Now it’s time for the governor to do the same and put an end to the issue once and for all by signing it into law.”
* 2:56 pm - Stand by for the guv.
*** 3:24 pm *** The governor just said that he will, indeed, change the mass transit bill, but he won’t veto out the tax hike language. Instead, he will AV it to allow senior citizens to ride free statewide.
Weird, eh?
Apparently, I should have put more stock into those rumors all those weeks ago that he would not veto the tax hike. Such is life, I suppose.
* 3:51 pm - The Tribune headline writer’s take isn’t so kind: “Blagojevich holds up transit funding”
The governor’s unusual move capped a frenetic 24-hour round of legislative negotiating that raised hopes of an agreement to end the months-long funding fight and avert service cuts and fare hikes scheduled for Jan. 20. But the governor’s decision will send the legislation back for further consideration in the House and Senate.
“We can’t say that all’s well that ends well, because this is not over yet,” said Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Chicago), the bill’s chief sponsor.
*** 3:57 pm *** People are wondering in comments why the governor would make such a change, rather than simply ask Senate President Emil Jones to include the language in the original bill.
One theory might be that the governor has relentlessly attempted to expand his executive authority. So, if he makes an unconstituionally excessive amendatory veto of a bill that is such a hot potato, Speaker Madigan will be put in a box. Accept it and give the governor some precedent for future AVs, or strike it down and suffer the wrath of seniors and transit riders.
Food for thought.
Madigan, by the way, is flying home at the moment and can’t be reached.
*** 4:03 pm *** From the guv’s people…
Some clarification on what the Governor’s Amendatory Veto “costs” for downstate. The bill that passed includes $50 million for downstate transit systems. The Governor’s amendatory veto will allow seniors anywhere in the state to ride for free. The total statewide cost of this change is approximately $20 million. The approximate cost for downstate transit (collectively) is about $1 million. So, $50 minus $1 million the cost of the program means downstate transit is still getting $49 million. [Emphasis added]
*** 4:47 pm *** Speaker Madigan’s spokesman, Steve Brown, just called. Brown said Madigan wants to “congratulate the governor for breaking his promise” not to raise taxes. Brown added that this was probably the last campaign promise left to be broken. Oof.
More importantly, according to Brown Madigan thinks the Legislature will accept the changes. The House staff is currently srveying members to see when they might be able to return to Springfield.
* 5:16 pm - Sun-Times…
“I’m not going to adjust or change at all the funding mechanism,” he told reporters at 3:15 p.m. “The revenue source the Legislature chose. But what I will do is essentially take what I believe to be a lemon and turn it into lemonade. I’m going to sweeten the bill. I’m going to improve the bill.”
* 5:21 pm - Crain’s…
Even if all of the original “aye” votes hold firm, it will be no easy task to get both the House and Senate back to Springfield on short notice at this time of the year, [Rep. Julie Hamos] added.
“There’s logistical difficulty in getting everyone back, in the middle of winter, two weeks before an election,” she said. “I hope” it happens.
Ms. Hamos said Mr. Blagojevich’s proposed free-ride plan came as a “total surprise” to her and other sponsors.
When she heard of the plan, Ms. Hamos said she asked Blagojevich aides if such plan would be approved later in a separate, “trailer” bill — an action that would allow the subsidy bill to become law immediately.
But the governor’s office replied no, she said.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 12:18 pm
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The House is in too
Comment by listening Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 12:57 pm
Just tuned in at 1:00 pm. Fascinating. Reminds me of a piece by Philip Glass.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 12:58 pm
He is going to sign this bill…
He doesn’t half to be his friend….
Looking forward to what happens when he goes over there and the governor does not sign it..
Comment by OneManBlog Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 1:17 pm
Wow…
Comment by OneManBlog Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 1:21 pm
When did Charlie Morrow get elected to the Senate. LOL I was waiting for Hendon to do the “bag of bones” speech.
Comment by Beerman Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 1:23 pm
mendatory veto? But Ricky promised he would sign it…
Comment by OneManBlog Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 1:28 pm
Do we know what the differences are between this and SB 572?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 1:36 pm
they are debating the transit bill in the house now.
Comment by montrose Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 1:49 pm
Notice how Senate amendment 4 takes Schillerstrom off the hook for his sales tax referendum — it allows the entire 1/4 percent tax that ALLEGEDLY was going to be used for transit to be used for “public safety”. So much for the Jim Ryan/Birkett referendum.
This is clearly what was needed to get the DuPage senators on board.
Comment by Prairie Sage Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 1:50 pm
Ok, It’s time for the governor to sign… Ricky said he would.
Comment by OneManBlog Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 2:06 pm
This game of chess isn’t over by a long shot.
Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 2:15 pm
so, are we expecting the Guv to hold off on a signature until 1/19 when he’ll likely tweak it a bit?
Comment by tubbfan Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 2:23 pm
That would be my guess, he will amend veto the flexibility on the tax increase and amend veto the amount of the tax increase down to 0.
Comment by OneManBlog Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 2:28 pm
From a quick look, this is the 6 county sales tax increase plan, not the gas tax shell game that left a hole in the budget. Rich, it should be clarified here which pan passed, because there were multiple proposals out there. And Amendment 5 does indeed allow DuPage (or other collars?) to have some flexibility with their $ share.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 2:32 pm
This is a House Bill. The House has 30 days to send it to the Governor. The Governor gets the bill a week from Friday about 4:55 p.m.
If he does anything to the bill except sign it, the CTA institutes its “Doomsday” and he wears the collar for a Mass Transit shutdown.
The Governor has been boxed by Madigan with help from Jones and Daley.
Comment by Old Elephant Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 2:41 pm
K. Dillard is rapidly becoming the Senate version of PR Lindner - a “D” vote when you REALLY need it.
Comment by Pat collins Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 2:41 pm
damn, dan is a great guy. i’m shocked. the ship must be sinking…
Comment by bored now Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 2:43 pm
Hendon standing with Madigan! Did he get permission from Jones?
That sure sounds like the Gov’s key allies are starting to distance themselves a bit from his lunacy.
Anyone notice at the conference with Madigan and Hendon if there was an pig flying about?
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 2:44 pm
Pat, Dillard has a ton of transit riders in his district. He voted his district.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 2:45 pm
Is Blago in the building or is he hiding at home watching Hannah Montana?
Comment by Bluefish Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:07 pm
He’s in the building.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:10 pm
Give me 58 more senators like Dillard who vote their district rather than shill for political donors and political leaders who control committee (and stipend) bonuses. No one likes to vote for a tax increase, but people do like to vote for elected officials who uphoald their oath of office and make tough decisions they were elected to do.
Comment by DC Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:12 pm
So what is the over/under on the amount of time he will need to ‘review’ the legislation?
Comment by OneManBlog Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:19 pm
Stand by just a couple more minutes, Henry. We should know then.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:21 pm
seniors ride for free?? let them walk!! jk.
Comment by b-dogg Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:28 pm
Will the Gov exit through the loading dock?
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:28 pm
Rich said…> “Instead, he will AV it to allow senior citizens to ride free statewide.”
Free rides, statewide? All those taped confessions those seniors that did sure must hit a chord with Rod.
Who needs Greyhound now? Leave the driving to the tax payers.
Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:30 pm
Allow senior citizens to ride free? What is the point? Is this issue so pressing that the bill has to go back through the House and Senate?
He just can’t sign anything.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:31 pm
if only young people turned out to vote like seniors do we could ride for free too.
Comment by b-dogg Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:32 pm
What??? The governor couldn’t tell anyone before now “Hey, add a provision for me that seniors get to ride free…” We’re going to go through all the grandstanding and have to deal with an AV for this? This is beyond just about anything else to date…it’s just plain stupid! Hope the press gets to and does ask about this.
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:34 pm
Amtrak is mass transit - now I can ride free from Chicago to Springfield and verse visa? Yes I am old enough!
Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:34 pm
The Governor’s actions are bizarre. Please pass the following along to the Speaker, I think this needs to be applied in some fashion.
According to the Illinois Constitution: “The General Assembly by law shall specify by whom
and by what procedures the ability of the Governor to serve or to resume office may be questioned and determined. The Supreme Court shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction to review such a law and any such determination and, in the absence of such a law, shall make the determination under
such rules as it may adopt.”
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:36 pm
ummmm interesting.
Would this apply to para-transit?
If so this could be a real budget problem if para-transit use goes up.
Comment by OneManBlog Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:37 pm
@#$%^&
Seniors can ride transit free statewide (where it exists, anyway?)
So, Cook and the collars are subsidizing a handful of small transit systems statewide, like Chsmbana. Or will the AV have a statewide “contribution” component? Taxpayers in the 90-something counties without a functioning transit system might not appreciate that one too much. What about St. Louis MetroLink? Do IL seniors get a free ride when they board in MO, or just on the IL side?
Can O’ Worms, Coming Right Up!
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:38 pm
This is so bizarrely and fantastically Blagojevich. A good policy proposal delivered in the most cavalier manner possible with no regard to actual governing — he gets all the credit for a populist reform while others have to do the work to figure out how to implement it. And the cost? Who knows! What a perfect, perfect ending to this saga.
Comment by Come On And Take a Free Ride Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:38 pm
Our governor…what an idiot.
Comment by Niles Township Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:41 pm
George Ryan where are you?? We were so wrong to have doubted you—can we take it back?? You may have been corrupt, but at least you were able to run a functional state government. This guy we got now is corrupt and couldn’t govern his 2nd grade homeroom class!!! We sure had it good!!
train111
Comment by train111 Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:42 pm
If the gov’s AV for seniors applies to paratransit (which costs $30/trip) it will blow a $120 million (and growing) hole in the RTA budget
Comment by green eyeshade Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:44 pm
Contrast the AP headline “Governor backs transit deal, but with sweetener for senior citizens” with the Tribune news flash “BREAKING NEWS: Blagojevich holds up transit funding”. I wonder how this action by the governor will be framed by television media tonight… But does the “sweetener” really matter? All that most people will hear is that CTA/RTA funding has still not passed.
Comment by Morning's Minion Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:44 pm
Does G-Rod have any help coming up with these ideas? These are from Waveland Avenue/S. Wentworth Avenue.
Comment by Rod sez I'm pork Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:47 pm
Nothing surprises me anymore when it comes to the actions taken by “our Gov.” He can never leave well enough alone!
If this transit issue was not a crisis I wish the legislature would over ride his veto or just let the bill die. Blago is thru, he couldn’t be elected dog catcher!
Comment by MOON Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:48 pm
OTOH, it’s another win for the Baby Boomer generation, which by far will be the wealthiest generation of senior citizens ever on the face of the earth. Seniors are already eligible for reduced fares on CTA.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:50 pm
I’m sure all those rich Lake Forest Metra riders appreciate the freebie Rod. I can’t wait for the 2010 race.
Comment by Lake Tom Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:51 pm
Rich: Dillard’s District office is approximately 50 feet from the BNSF Metra line, most of which is in his district. According to the rtams web site, 55,439 people ride the BNSF Metra line each day. That is what you call an interested constituency!
Comment by one of the 35 Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:51 pm
Rich, your campaign for truth in reporting by Chicago TV isn’t working. Fox Chicago headline: “Lawmakers Pass Mass Transit Bill, Governor Says He’ll Sign It.”
Comment by Reality Check Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:52 pm
So Springfield, Peoria, Champaign, Decatur etc will no longer be able to charge seniors fees for using the bus? I hope thats not right because this will create funding issues State wide for all the cities. It becomes and unfunded mandate. Since the Bill only provides dollars back to one trnaist system your just creating a State wide tranist crisis.
If that AV passes look for cities to start cutting service….”Yes Grandma you can ride for free, but we had to reduce to a single bus line which drives in a cricle around the depot. But dont worry, your tax dollars are being shifted to CHicago so they can have the same benefit paid for by those downstate.”
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:52 pm
Umm…yay? I think?
Comment by the commuter once known as So Ill Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:58 pm
I don’t mind giving seniors a break, but to prolong this is in this manner just nuts. By the way, Amtrak is a federally funded program, so it won’t qualify for this freebe. A real beneficiary will be anyone over 65 who is still working…they now have fully subsidized transportation…and there’s a bunch of them.
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 3:59 pm
Good thought on a ‘why’, Rich. But why can’t Madigan just run both the AV and this same bill (under a different number) and send it right back?
Comment by the commuter once known as So Ill Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:03 pm
Why just seniors? Why not the single mom making ends meet who could use the extra $20 bucks a week?
In fact, since he no longer has a problem with the sales tax, why not just raise it to whatever amount it takes to let everyone ride for free. Then he could be known as the all kids, all people, and all riders governor.
Comment by Jaded Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:06 pm
I was wondering about that, Ghost, Peoria charges 50 cents for seniors and then $2 & $4 for paratransit. It’s really reasonable (kinda,sorta) but what will this do for fares for the other Peoria riders? Increase it?
Blago sang and danced all week and for what, to say seniors could ride free. Why the big secret?
Comment by Princeville Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:07 pm
Doesn’t this set up a potential equal protection lawsuit. Everybody pays the increased sales tax, but only one category of people get the free benefit that the tax increase would subsidize. What if the Governor chose to provide free rides only to African Americans; would that be okay? How do Senior citizens become eligible for free rides then?
What percentage of a federal jury of 12 would be expected to be senior citizens?
In addition, wouldn’t this serve to reduce the operating funds that the bill was designed to provide to the transit systems; whch they sad they desperately needed?
First they give them the sales tax money. Then the CTA Pension plan takes its rake. The balance of the proceeds are then distributed to the operatng systems. The operating systems however then lose the reduced fares they currently collect from seniors who can then ride for free? How much does this reduce the net increased revenue to the system?
I don’t think this will pass muster.
Comment by GEN X'er Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:07 pm
It won’t end eve if Madigan lets it go. Then it has to survive tax payer lawsuits over an unfunded mandate or other theory. So CTA/RTA may find their entire bill dumped for an unneeded provision.
its time to take back the State and start with a speedy veto override.
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:09 pm
Princeville, check the 3:57 pm “update.”
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:09 pm
Then the Gov says “People already pay too much in taxes; I believe they should pay less, not more.”
Yet he keeps spending more. He must use a different kind of math.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:10 pm
Spoke too soon, I see Rich gave an update to clarify the cost to downstate transit. Thanks Rich.
Comment by Princeville Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:12 pm
Rich
This entire fiasco dealing with legislation in 2007 and 2008 has been engineered by Blago to put Madigan in a box. What Blago doesn’t realize is that ” what goes around comes around”.
Blago’s entire legislative agenda is motivated by politics and he has no concern for the citizens of this state!
Comment by MOON Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:16 pm
At least they have included the idea of funding to cover this donwstate. Lets see if it really raises and generates 50 mil in money for downstate, and is actually turned over by the Gov.
I can just see the Capital spending bill now…we transfer 49 mil out of the donwstate fund to cover health care/wrigely field etc.
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:21 pm
Ghost ====Then it has to survive tax payer lawsuits over an unfunded mandate or other theory====
Unfunded mandate? What to you think the sales tax increase is? I do believe that is a funding source.
Rich, as far as your 3:57 comment ===if he makes an unconstituionally excessive amendatory veto of a bill that is such a hot potato, Speaker Madigan will be put in a box.===== When the gov makes an AV the constitution says he is making a recomendation to the legislators. The legislators can take his recomendations word for word or give him back their version of it. Its then back to him on whether to accept. He could end up with the hot potato that he doesn’t like and then has to return it again as a vetoed bill.
Comment by Been There Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:21 pm
Why is downstate transit getting a $49 million windfall from revenue raised in the Chicagoland area? It is just another successful extortion attempt by our poor stepsisters from the south. Now we are paying for their electricity AND their transit.
Anyway, kudos to the legislature for getting it done and to the governor for his courageous agreement to sign a tax increase. Thanks Governor Blagojevich for looking out for our senior citizens.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:24 pm
{The Governor’s amendatory veto will require transit agencies statewide to allow senior citizens, aged 65 and older, to use main line and fixed route public transit service for free. A senior who uses public transportation twice a week could save $176 a year on CTA fares, $156 a year on Pace fares and $405 a year on Metra fares. There are approximately 1.3 million seniors living in communities across Illinois
that have mass transit service.}
All seniors pay the sales tax increase; but only those that use mass transit for free get any benefit.
If this amendatory veto is not over-ridden; I would look for a lawsuit requesting an njunction from allowing this to go into effect
Comment by GEN X'er Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:25 pm
Good to see the inter-generational subsidies flowing as strong as ever!
Comment by Greg Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:27 pm
Last time I checked not all seniors are poor. Why should they all get to ride for free? If he really cared about “working people” then he would based this free ride on income.
I do understand this helps a lot of seniors who have not saved for retirement. However this is the same mentality of Illinois not taxing retirement income. It isn’t based on anything reasonable. So a senior that has a retirement income of $150,000 pays no taxes, while the same senior who has a retirement income of $10,000 has to work part time to make ends meet and pay taxes on that income.
The state loses hundreds of millions a year because of it.
Comment by Max Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:27 pm
I’m writing this as I’m on a CTA bus… The driver has already heard about the Gov signing it. I’m just curious why he didn’t mention ANYTHING about signing (although AV) the measure. It would have made the last few weeks (months, even) a non-issue. Maybe so he can govern by Press Conference, with the senior bonus?
‘Here he comes to save the day!’
Jeez…
Comment by 312 Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:30 pm
Where does the $20 million cost for seniors come from? That number seems really low.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:33 pm
so if the AV is over-ridden, the basic underlying bill still stands and is law. BUT, that means the GA has to come back to town before the 20th doomsday to take action? whats the word on that happening?
Comment by PJS Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:39 pm
Gov. Blagojevich … will insert change to protect seniors from impact of .25% sales tax …
“I’m particularly concerned about seniors who live on fixed incomes and who don’t have the ability to absorb a higher sales tax without making cuts in other areas. That’s why I will rewrite the bill to allow all senior citizens in Illinois to take public transportation for free.”
all seniors will pay the sales tax, but only seniors who take public transportation get relief?
were free rides for seniors an idea that was percolating throughout the negotiations but needed a little push from the gov to become reality, or is it as totally out of left field as it seems?
Comment by Hugh Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:40 pm
Amazing to me that everyone is keying in on the seniors thing and not on his abandoning of his sales tax pledge.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:43 pm
He didn’t abandon it, Rich, he said he would veto any sales tax legislation and that’s what he is doing. Amendatory veto, to be sure, but if the Blagojevich administration hasn’t been about technicalities, what HAS it been about?
Comment by the commuter once known as So Ill Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:46 pm
That’s the beauty of Rod. He’s got us all talking about the freebie
while he breaks the one big promise that basically got him elected.
That - and asked what “she” was thinking.
Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:46 pm
seniors are already eligible for reduced price fares. CTA is under a buck, somebody mentioned that it’s 50 cents in Peoria.
I think (I don’t know, but I have a feeling) that at least some of the reduced fare subsidy is federal dollars dispensed by the state to transit agencies.
Nothing there mentions that the senior fare reduction will apply to paratransit. But a clarification would be nice.
What about other reduced fare eligibles? Just seniors? Students get reduced fare. So do low income households. Are the eligible in the Gov’s plan?
I think $20 million doesn’t sound especially low. Costs and revenues are rather decoupled with public transit.
Economically speaking, the marginal cost of one additional (free) rider (a senior) is nil. So the real cost is how many senior fares are lost vs. the increased funding. If the increased funding covers the needs of transit agencies and recovers the lost senior revenue, then everything is covered. Seniors probably don’t count for a whole lot of rides, relatively speaking, as most are retired.
Comment by jerry 101 Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:47 pm
Cmon, Blago has raised taxes all over the place with his fees. That and his GRT debacle. No surprise he faulted on his no sales tax pledge whatsoever.
I mean, I don’t think that will hurt his re-election chances.
Comment by Gene Parmesan Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:48 pm
The abandonment of his sales tax pledge ends up being what everyone has been telling him. Just do it. Its not that big of a deal. The citizens won’t revolt. It is needed and prudent. Editorial boards all over the state have said for him to abandon that pledge. He actually did something we should be proud of (the tax part of it). Maybe we should be patting him on the back.
Comment by Been There Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:51 pm
“Abandoning his sales tax pledge”…”for his courageous agreement to sign a tax increase”…
Maybe I’m confused. He didn’t abandon anything or sign a tax increase. He AV’d the bill. He didn’t sign it. If the GA agrees with the AV, he still didn’t ’sign’ the tax increase. If they override, they are on the hook with the seniors.
HotRod can still say he has never asked for or approved a tax increase.
Comment by SangamoGOP Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:51 pm
SangamoGOP. If the
Comment by Been There Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:53 pm
I don’t think it applies to paratransit. At almost $30 bucks a ride (operation cost) the money that is recovered from passengers is absolutly needed. The RTA would go bankrupt if it had to foot the bill for all paratranist rides.
Comment by AnonymousTransitEmployee Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:54 pm
my contact at RTA tells me the have no idea what the effect of the AV would be. the wild card is the paratransit. It’s stipulated to be no more than 200% of a normal fare. So 200% of $0 is $0, therefore, big hole.
If paratransit is exempted, or the laws changed, then it would be rather negligible in terms of impact.
Comment by jerry 101 Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:54 pm
SangamoGOP. If the legislators approve his recomendations he still needs to sign for it to become law.
Comment by Been There Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:55 pm
Rich,
Probably because:
1. Very few thought the pledge was reasonable in the first place. He was getting more credit for his steadfast pledge outside his base than inside it, mostly backhanded compliments from people like Cassandra.
2. An issue had become so critical that many people were practically begging to be taxed. It’s never easy politically to raise taxes, but this one is as easy as it gets.
3. I think people are still trying to digest the new pink elephant; they’ll get to the breaking of the tax pledge in due time.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:58 pm
There is no end to the bounds of this guy’s ego, is there? “But what I will do is essentially take what I believe to be a lemon and turn it into lemonade. I’m going to sweeten the bill. I’m going to improve the bill.”!!?!?! What a freakin’ hot air bag. Think much of yourself, Rod?? If he could get hold of a white horse and a knight’s armor to use for his press conferences, I have no doubt he’d do it.
Comment by BigDog Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:59 pm
Anon 433, the Governor proposed $37 million for “reduced fare reimbursement” in IDOT’s budget. That covers half of the mid-1990s cost of seniors, students, and people with disabilities — but RTA has always said it doesn’t cover half anymore. So assume that the cost of service for ALL seniors, students, and people with disabilities is at least $80 million — not sure how the Governor figures that seniors make up just 1/4th of that population — especially when making service free will INCREASE ridership.
Comment by green eyeshade Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 4:59 pm
green eyeshade -
the marginal cost for fixed bus lines and trains for each additional rider is nil. So, the cost to RTA and other transit agencies is the reduction in fares collected, which were already discounted (CTA is $0.85, someone mentioned $0.50 for Peoria).
So, if the cost of the lost fares is covered through new funding (the sales tax that goes to the collar counties and downstate, the real estate transfer tax for CTA), then there is no cost related to increased ridership, and the governor’s mandate is fully funded.
OTOH, if paratransit is not somehow exempted, then there is a huge hole is blown in transit agency funding. Pace will be screwed.
Comment by jerry 101 Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:03 pm
The law of unintended consequences is the law that will go into effect if the Governor’s plan goes through.
What those consequences are, however, remains to be seen.
Comment by Edgar Winter Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:05 pm
Whatever happened to the KISS principle? The ongoing problem is that the Gov makes everything so complicated. The constant scheming to get around laws, rules, and promises wouldn’t be necessary if he would actually spend some time in Springfield and work with the legislators.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:06 pm
“…in the Sunday Sun-Times; and the Friday Daily News…”
Sorry. Can’t get that old radio jingle out of my head. Will you update us on the cuts?
Comment by Sun-Times Job Mart Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:09 pm
I dont view this as breaking a promise. He was left with no choice but to go along with the wishes of the general assembly. Everybody has been saying that the problem has been his refusal to work with them. Now that he did, mass transit will be funded.
I thought it was pretty petty of Speaker Madigan to make the statement that he did.
Comment by CTA Rider Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:14 pm
The Gov’s press release clearly refers to “…main line and fixed route transit lines…” .Assuming that is correct the free ride would not apply to paratransit.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:14 pm
It’s no surprise to me that Governor A is accepting the Hamos bill. To do otherwise would have been political suicide.Governor A really had no choice since he would have been unable to escape the blame for causing Doomsday if he had outright vetoed the bill. Free transporation for seniors was trademark Governor A grandstanding - bad fiscal/public policy, but great headlines for our Huey Long “wannabe”.
Comment by Captain America Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:17 pm
===I thought it was pretty petty of Speaker Madigan to make the statement that he did. ===
That shouldn’t suprise anyone.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:17 pm
The Gov’s support of this funding strategy now provides a way out of gambling expansion for a capital bill. His breaking his no tax increase pledge puts him back into the category of a Democratic Governor and will allow him to raise taxes to fund a state fixup bill with burdening the state with more taxes.
Doug Dobmeyer
Comment by Doug Dobmeyer Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:21 pm
Petty? You mean, like the Governor’s suing the House Speaker for not holding sessions at his exact specified time, but letting the Senate off the hook? Like calling the Speaker a Republican? Like refusing to release subpoenas even when ordered by the courts?
Etc?
The BEST you can say is that it runs both ways, lol.
Comment by the commuter once known as So Ill Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:24 pm
Former So Ill,
It does run both ways. Whatever. Enjoy your heavily subsidized CTA ride tommorrow.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:26 pm
Rich is right in his 4:43 comment. This was a no win situation for Blago. Either break his pledge and raise taxes or tick off much of his support in the minority areas of Chicago. He broke his pledge but did it in such a way that it is not the story. This is probably the best he could do in this situation. He will get far positive publicity in the mainstream media for helping the old folks than criticism for breaking his promise.
Comment by Silent Majority Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:28 pm
Don’t quite understand your comment, there, Bill.
But, thanks. I’ll enjoy it fine. I’ll also be more than happy to pay the additional sales tax to help subsidize rides for the businessmen, seniors, and drunks I’ll be sharing the train with.
And I hope in turn you’ll enjoy the lessened traffic congestion and cleaner air and union jobs and third-largest-economy-in-the-country the CTA makes possible.
Comment by the commuter once known as So Ill Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:31 pm
Bill,
madigan was just pointing out subject A has broken all his campaign promises to clean up goverment. What is you reasoning for subject A (elvis) to keep wasting taxpayer money fighting the release of subpeonas into corruption investigations into his administration. He has spent over 150k of taxpayer money to keep taxpayers from seeing what the feds are investigating. Thats alot of free senior rides ont the bus.
Comment by FED UP Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:33 pm
Former So Ill,
I will also happily pay the extra tax. The RTA is vital to the economic engine that suports the entire state. I just wish that they would have applied the tax to the whole state. I’m finding this constant freeloading by the rest of the state very annoying.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:44 pm
Interesting that none of the Govs legislators voted to concur. If they are short votes for the AV will Rod put the arm on Hoffman and the gang?
Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:51 pm
Well, it could have been worse.
I’ll just have to be more careful about what I buy in Cook County vs. on the internet or elswhere. I bet I can reduce the impact of this sales tax on purchases made for my family.
And although I’m not 65 yet, I like the concept of free senior rides. Maybe more seniors will start traveling on public transit. No doubt the seniors will remember in 2010, too.
Comment by Cassandra Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:54 pm
Instead of all this hair-splitting over what the definition of “is” is, lets look at The Constitution regarding Amendatory Vetoes:
From Article IV, Section 9(e):
“The Governor may return a bill together with
specific recommendations for change to the house in which it originated. The bill shall be considered in the same manner as a vetoed bill but the specific recommendations may be accepted by a record vote of a majority of the members elected to each house. Such bill shall be presented again to the Governor and if he certifies that such acceptance conforms to his specific recommendations, the bill shall become law. If he does not so certify, he shall return it as a vetoed bill to the house in which it originated.”
That, my friends, sure sounds like signing the bill to me, as opposed to “return it as a vetoed bill to the house in which it originated.”
That said, I’m glad that the Governor has finally come to his senses on Mass Transit. As far as I can tell — someone correct me if I’m wrong — he didn’t get gambling or capital construction, the two things he and Emil Jones were holding out for.
Yet another big victory for Madigan.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:54 pm
great jahosefat–cooperation and compromise- I am pinching myself really hard–OUCH–yay!
Comment by Loop Lady Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 5:54 pm
Bill-
All the extra downstate transit money is going to Democratic-leaning downstate cities (ummm…let’s not mention Springfield). You should be proud that the Governor lent a generous Chicago helping hand to his elderly constituency downstate, while shaking down some wealthy Republican suburbanites for their loose change in the process:-)
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 6:03 pm
And, I think I probably disagree that this amendatory veto establishes a precedent for future amendatory vetoes.
Nowhere in the Constitution nor in state statute — as far as I’m aware — is the rule that amendatory vetoes must be germaine spelled out.
That is a rule of the Illinois House — not subject to judicial review because Article IV, Section 1 of the constitution invests sole authority in the general assembly over legislative matters. The only rule it is subject to is the Rule of 60.
Remember a few years back when George Ryan AV’ed an ABATE bill that prohibited discrimination against bikers in public accommodations, to include the human rights bill prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation? If memory serves — correct me if I’m wrong — that AV was approved by the House.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 6:05 pm
Six degrees,
Thanks, I hadn’t thought of it that way. I feel better now.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 6:06 pm
Southern Ill,
Bill should take one look at where most of the State’s Medicaid population lives, and then tell us who’s freeloading.
At least this affirms that everything is right in the universe. Rod’s word is still no good. Raise them taxes, Gov, raise them high. Now Madigan will begin boxing you on the income tax.
Comment by Truth Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 6:06 pm
Bill, you’re scraping pretty low to cite a SpinSisters original as a “clear reference.”
Once again, the truth goes under the Big Blago Bus!
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 6:35 pm
Yellow Dog, I’m sure the speaker and his downstate members would love it if you were in charge of communications for the house dems. madigan victory equals no new money for roads, crumbling bridges, and dilapidated schools.
Move over, Brownie. Yellow Dog is the new spinmeister!
Comment by CTA Rider Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 6:38 pm
No worries, CTA Rider,
Madigan wants a capital bill too and he’ll pass one eventually. If not this year, next for sure. It’s got to happen, it’s only a question of how to pay for it. Right now gambling probably isn’t the best choice (IMO). Be patient.
I think the Governor would have been smart to include college students too, or at least offer college students the same discount Illinois gives to grade school and high school students. Throw a bone to the Obama voters that are going to swamp the polls on February 5th. It would have been a classic two-fer: doesn’t cost much and pleases many.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 7:05 pm
ROd is one smart politican. Instead of the media focusing in on him breaking his tax pledge promise as my favorite Steve Brown reminded us of, he sugar coats the bad with a sweetner for the Old people. Not bad Rod. Got I love Brown’s quotes.
Comment by Stephen King's M-O-O-N Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 7:11 pm
Bill:
As you of all Blaggoidiots must know it is IMPOSSIBLE to be petty with POA (new nickname folks). Madigan just concluded that if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck ….then.
More surprising than the tax flip flop is the flip flop on the local sales tax issue. Remember this is the whack job who vetoed the Rockford effort to collect a referendum approved sales tax early….Do the words jury tampering ring out tonight?
Capt Fax this must be the quickest clim to triple digits in Blog history.
Comment by DumberThanYouThink Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 7:36 pm
Is it possible that our governor has just screwed himself in making such a grandstanding move of, allowing for senior to ride for free? And that in only proposing this to make himself look good, he’s only served to forget about his campaign promise or not raising taxes on the people? Man I really like Michael Madigan now!!!
Comment by Levois Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 8:01 pm
The gall and hypocrisy coming out of Steve Brown could be at an all time high today. Didn’t Madigan hold a press conference today calling on the Gov to sign the bill and then sends his lackey to criticize him for it anyway. Certainly seems like he’s doing Lisa’s dirty work for her. The reality is that the governor beat Madigan at his own game and he doesn’t know what to do. The governor didn’t sign a tax increase and found a way to provide free transit to seniors. I guess when you beat Madigan, a petty political hit is all he come back with. Shame on him.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 8:11 pm
I am NOT surprised the guv has Raised taxes on people in spite of his “pledge”. We did not even have a MOU. And he will do it again since he found it so easy. Steve Brown is correct - NO promises left to keep by the “guv”. God help us now!
Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 8:19 pm
Obviously, LimpRod’s word is not his bond (i.e. his tax pledge) and his “seniors ride free” initiative is only a cloak for expanding executive power. He could have suggested same publicly anytime previously. HE MUST BE BROUGHT TO HEEL BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; otherwise, they can just go by the name of General Ass.
Comment by enrico depressario Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 8:48 pm
Ha! I cant help but chuckle because I know Madigan was caught totally off guard. You can tell how irritated they are just by Brown’s agitated comment. Madigan CANNOT WAIT to get rid of this governor for another puppet administration.
Comment by EL SALSA Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 9:00 pm
The Governor always semmes to find a way to waste the tax dollar as if they were his own, whether through winless and pointless lawsuits, clueless special sessions, frequent flyer miles, or having the legislature meet one more time to vote on his AV. He turned from a government of law to a government of personality.
The bill should not be sent to his desk for the full thirty days, or until a time when the legislature is already scheduled to be in session in February. No reason they should be made accomplices to the irresponsibile actions of the executive.
Comment by anon Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 9:36 pm
I guess I’m nt on top of the tricks in politics, but I really can’t see why some are calling this a loss for Madigan. He got the bill he wanted and has pushed for months. His comment, okay, maybe worded a wee snide, but it was Blago just last week screaming promises of he would veto anything with a tax increase. So Madigan just congratulated Rod on changing his mind
Comment by Princeville Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 9:48 pm
In response to BigDog, I can’t imagine that Hamos was really happy to be behind him at the presser when he said that.
$20 million is probably a wild guess. Have they considered whether people will start to borrow their parents and grandparents passes?
Why shouldn’t seniors have to pay to ride public transit? They already get a discount. In the grand scheme of things, I’d much rather see new state funds directed at using high tech to create new means of public transit.
This whole thing is so Blago. Force his opponents to make uncomfortable votes and respond with criticism and an ‘alternative’ straight out of Candyland.
Comment by Quizzical Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 10:22 pm
“I’m particularly concerned about seniors who live on fixed incomes and who don’t have the ability to absorb a higher sales tax without making cuts in other areas. That’s why I will rewrite the bill to allow all senior citizens in Illinois to take public transportation for free.”
The Governor’s amendatory veto will require transit agencies statewide to allow senior citizens, aged 65 and older, to use main line and fixed route public transit service for free. A senior who uses public transportation twice a week could save $176 a year on CTA fares, $156 a year on Pace fares and $405 a year on Metra fares. There are approximately 1.3 million seniors living in communities across Illinois that have mass transit service.
SECTION 13. SPECIAL LEGISLATION
The General Assembly shall pass no special or local law when a general law is or can be made applicable. Whether a general law is or can be made applicable shall be a matter for judicial determination.
Comment by GEN X'er Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 10:36 pm
[…] The Illinois House and Senate passed a transportation bill today that will increase mass transit funding and provide it with more stable revenue, according to the Chicago Tribune (hat tip Capitol Fax). The new revenue comes from an increase in the sales tax (a quarter point in Cook County and half a point in the suburban collar counties). The bill also contained spending flexibility for DuPage and the collar counties to spend half of the increase on public safety - more on that later. Governor Rod Blagojevich agreed to sign the bill, despite being against a sales tax increase, but only if seniors 65 and older were permitted to ride free on “main line and fixed route” public transit routes - so the bill goes back to the State Assembly to consider Blagojevich’s demands. The House passed the bill today by 62-51 and the state senate by 30-25. […]
Pingback by WurfWhile » Blog Archive » Mass Transit Funding Passes State Assembly - Senator Kotowski Press Release Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 11:01 pm
This was a bad day for Rod, and he did his level best to distract everyone from the worst aspects. He had to cave on his anti-tax pledge, so he sets a fire over in the corner to take everyone’s mind off it with the senior freebie.
Did you hear the quote when he was asked who gave him this idea? I think it sets a new record for a run-on sentence by Rod, yet he never actually answered the question.
The guy sure can dance, but he’s run out of floor.
Comment by Gregor Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 11:13 pm
Para-Transit will have to be included as this is publicly funded transportation run by the CTA or Pace who use sub-contractors. When a senior crosses boundary lines and another fare becomes due, it will now also be free.
What about the disabled community or those who are not seniors but must use public transit to go to shelter workshops? What about those who are blind and require special transit services compared to healthy seniors? Wow,the stage is being set for everyone to demand free rides!
Comment by Loyal Alumn-Uof I 65 Thursday, Jan 10, 08 @ 11:56 pm
This issue and many others should have been settled last May.
One of the problems with this and previous sessions is that every issue now becomes a contest between the Speaker and the Governor. “Its a great victory for Madigan.” “Its a bad day for Blagojevich.” This constant score keeping is irrevelant to most citizens outside the culprits and their staffs. We don’t care about this inane contest and tend to view boths camps as childish and ineffective at best. There are no victories or losses for either camp. When good public policy like this bill becomes law the people win. When it doesn’t, they lose. After this past year, most real people I know would like the Governor AND the Speaker to just go away.
We want good transit. We want health care. we want quality education. If these two bozos can’t get it done,let’s find a governor and a speaker who can.
It is the same experience vs change argument that we are seeing at the national level. If experience is what Madigan and Blagojevich represent then let’s have some change.
Comment by Bill Friday, Jan 11, 08 @ 7:28 am
Rich,
Is this the Real Bill?
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Jan 11, 08 @ 8:33 am