I believe it would be a grave disservice to the people of this state if the General Assembly even tried to adjourn that early. The state faces too many problems to rush through its budget that fast.
- Michael J. Madigan - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 8:48 am:
I acknowledge that our problems are real and numerous, but frankly, the state is better off when the Legislature is forced to make a final decision, even as early as April 7th. Otherwise they talk it to death, with hearing after hearing, going nowhere. I like it when they have a calendar “gun to their head”.
Let’s hope so. They’ve cost us enough by going into overtime- now they can try to save the residents of Illinois some money. Anyway, the number of bills was limited just for this reason. Also, the analysts at GOMB deserve a break.
The Legislative session is an opportunity for Blago to grandstand about all the middle class welfare he wants to hand out and thus get free media coverage of his bread and circuses approach to governing. And, since the Repubs control nothing, all they can do is say no, no, no if recent past sessions are any example.
On the other hand, some issues are potential boondogles for both sides (assault weapon ban being a prime example) and some far left liberal is bound to start demanding an income-property tax swap again, to plunder the Cook suburban and collar middle class on behalf of the city and downstate, another issue best left alone in an election year. So both sides would probably benefit from an early wrapup.
Looks like the session rocketing toward an on conclusion. That benefits GRod and the Dems because the GOPs(as in MOPEs) lose their microphones. All that is left is the AccordianGal& her new pet rock, Brickhead the Executioner, wandering the wildernes as Bush drags the nation down down down. Maybe they can invite Cheney to Sparta for a little shoot off.
Budget deal is probably already in the works–among the Dems. The Republicans will get it a couple of days before the adjournment (april 7) so they won’t have time to react with counters that can pull any Dems from the majority pack.
With the power that the leadership has now, not too many Dems are going to buck the system.
Yes - because many of those who would obstruct its end need to campaign to.
And I have a QOTD suggestion (maybe a little late): Many saw the typical candidate goes and votes coverage on e-day. Oberweis was seen jogging to his polling place to vote, with an iPod Shuffle around his neck. What was he listening to?
Why don’t they pass the minimum wage increase now so we don’t have to hear it debated all summer? After all, the Dems control everything. Why not just get it done enstead of waiting for re-election?
- Six Degrees of Separation - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 1:15 pm:
This is the Word.
If the Dems get 4 Repubs to flip on the capital bill before April 7, the session will end on time. I predict this will happen, with lots of goodies for the lucky 4.
Absent some GOP Senators going with the cap. spending bill, I’m told that staff “is not to make any April vacation plans.” Sounds like were going past April 7th to me.
If they pass a assult weapons ban we will start sucession procedings. I am already printing the currency for the south. Glenn Poshard will be the guv of the south. We will put his picture on it along with two ak 47 in the form of a cross. We will contract with a local fence company to seperate the state just south of the collar counties.Hopefully homeland security will pay the bill. Then we will go to Arkansas and get enough trailers to build a two mile high barricade at the fence. Sorry I just woke up after taking a new sleeping pill. One of the side effects is typing and thinking without being awake. I hope the state senators and house members wake up and understand that they are messing with our rights and beliefs. I will move from this state with Springfield Armory and the other companys that will no longer be allowed to do business here!! Kentucky is only six miles away!!
The ban rod wants means you will have to turn in the weapons you have,the federal assult weapon law kept you from importing new guns and certain clips and other items. But you are right and now the only alternative I see is run for guv of the south myself. We will allow concealed carry by all that are qualified. also there will be a law that all households have at least one gun on hand for protection.
- anon in the sticks - Sunday, Mar 26, 06 @ 5:46 am:
Maybe if they’re in session less … they’ll take less of our money & pension funds. When they’re there ???…. they haven’t done anything substanative in nearly 4 years under Bladgo except put us now at about 21 Billion dollars in debt, nearly last in the nation on everything else. “”Hey but I didn’t raise your taxes !!”" Not yet … that will be someone else {hopefully though} after November & stop the madness ! In answer to the question … I can’t see it happening. It’s apparently the same number of legislative days on the calendar condensed. If Bladgo wants to look like a leader he’ll stay till the business is done … if not serious matters will get the cursery “onceover” & there you go. As to the budget it’s at least in theory a done deal from the Dem’s perspective with little time for the GOP to react, imput or challenge. Bladgo has to ensure smooth sailing there & insure his “public welfare” is intact…things he can {and other Dem’s can campaign on}to the less suspecting. Adjournment “projection” …May 4th.
- Randall Sherman - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 8:41 am:
I believe it would be a grave disservice to the people of this state if the General Assembly even tried to adjourn that early. The state faces too many problems to rush through its budget that fast.
- Michael J. Madigan - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 8:48 am:
Yes. Because I said so.
- Anon sequitur - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 8:50 am:
I acknowledge that our problems are real and numerous, but frankly, the state is better off when the Legislature is forced to make a final decision, even as early as April 7th. Otherwise they talk it to death, with hearing after hearing, going nowhere. I like it when they have a calendar “gun to their head”.
- Shallow Pharnyx - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 9:03 am:
Let’s hope so. They’ve cost us enough by going into overtime- now they can try to save the residents of Illinois some money. Anyway, the number of bills was limited just for this reason. Also, the analysts at GOMB deserve a break.
- Wumpus - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 9:06 am:
It depends what Rod wants to happen.
A. If he wants to come across as a leader, he will maked sure Eminem (Mike Madigan) and Emil finish on time.
B. If he wants to come across as a fighter for the people, it will be prolonged.
I am sure it is not that simple, but since the D’s control the house and senate, it an be seen that way.
- Cassandra - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 9:09 am:
The Legislative session is an opportunity for Blago to grandstand about all the middle class welfare he wants to hand out and thus get free media coverage of his bread and circuses approach to governing. And, since the Repubs control nothing, all they can do is say no, no, no if recent past sessions are any example.
On the other hand, some issues are potential boondogles for both sides (assault weapon ban being a prime example) and some far left liberal is bound to start demanding an income-property tax swap again, to plunder the Cook suburban and collar middle class on behalf of the city and downstate, another issue best left alone in an election year. So both sides would probably benefit from an early wrapup.
- Reddbyrd - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 9:42 am:
Looks like the session rocketing toward an on conclusion. That benefits GRod and the Dems because the GOPs(as in MOPEs) lose their microphones. All that is left is the AccordianGal& her new pet rock, Brickhead the Executioner, wandering the wildernes as Bush drags the nation down down down. Maybe they can invite Cheney to Sparta for a little shoot off.
- Nearly Normal - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 10:09 am:
Budget deal is probably already in the works–among the Dems. The Republicans will get it a couple of days before the adjournment (april 7) so they won’t have time to react with counters that can pull any Dems from the majority pack.
With the power that the leadership has now, not too many Dems are going to buck the system.
Depressing.
- SenorAnon. - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 10:11 am:
Yes - because many of those who would obstruct its end need to campaign to.
And I have a QOTD suggestion (maybe a little late): Many saw the typical candidate goes and votes coverage on e-day. Oberweis was seen jogging to his polling place to vote, with an iPod Shuffle around his neck. What was he listening to?
- Mr . Ethics - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 11:03 am:
Why don’t they pass the minimum wage increase now so we don’t have to hear it debated all summer? After all, the Dems control everything. Why not just get it done enstead of waiting for re-election?
- Six Degrees of Separation - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 1:15 pm:
This is the Word.
If the Dems get 4 Repubs to flip on the capital bill before April 7, the session will end on time. I predict this will happen, with lots of goodies for the lucky 4.
- illinifan86 - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 2:28 pm:
Absent some GOP Senators going with the cap. spending bill, I’m told that staff “is not to make any April vacation plans.” Sounds like were going past April 7th to me.
- Nearly Normal - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 3:08 pm:
Obie was listening to “breathe in, breathe out, repeat” on his iPod.
Old blond joke. Have a good weekend.
- Criminal Enterprise Called Illinois - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 5:19 pm:
How could they possibly adjourn? Aint nuttin happenin. Better idea…have em meet every two years. Spare us.
- NIEVA - Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 9:23 pm:
If they pass a assult weapons ban we will start sucession procedings. I am already printing the currency for the south. Glenn Poshard will be the guv of the south. We will put his picture on it along with two ak 47 in the form of a cross. We will contract with a local fence company to seperate the state just south of the collar counties.Hopefully homeland security will pay the bill. Then we will go to Arkansas and get enough trailers to build a two mile high barricade at the fence. Sorry I just woke up after taking a new sleeping pill. One of the side effects is typing and thinking without being awake. I hope the state senators and house members wake up and understand that they are messing with our rights and beliefs. I will move from this state with Springfield Armory and the other companys that will no longer be allowed to do business here!! Kentucky is only six miles away!!
- Anonymous - Saturday, Mar 25, 06 @ 12:30 pm:
NIEVA,
Poshard voted for the federal assault weapons ban when he was in Congress.
- NIEVA - Saturday, Mar 25, 06 @ 9:16 pm:
The ban rod wants means you will have to turn in the weapons you have,the federal assult weapon law kept you from importing new guns and certain clips and other items. But you are right and now the only alternative I see is run for guv of the south myself. We will allow concealed carry by all that are qualified. also there will be a law that all households have at least one gun on hand for protection.
- anon in the sticks - Sunday, Mar 26, 06 @ 5:46 am:
Maybe if they’re in session less … they’ll take less of our money & pension funds. When they’re there ???…. they haven’t done anything substanative in nearly 4 years under Bladgo except put us now at about 21 Billion dollars in debt, nearly last in the nation on everything else. “”Hey but I didn’t raise your taxes !!”" Not yet … that will be someone else {hopefully though} after November & stop the madness ! In answer to the question … I can’t see it happening. It’s apparently the same number of legislative days on the calendar condensed. If Bladgo wants to look like a leader he’ll stay till the business is done … if not serious matters will get the cursery “onceover” & there you go. As to the budget it’s at least in theory a done deal from the Dem’s perspective with little time for the GOP to react, imput or challenge. Bladgo has to ensure smooth sailing there & insure his “public welfare” is intact…things he can {and other Dem’s can campaign on}to the less suspecting. Adjournment “projection” …May 4th.