“As the Civic Fed budget projections so painfully illustrate, our state is not living within its means. When you’re in a hole, the first step is to stop digging.
“Consequently, we can’t afford to repeal any taxes, nor can we afford to increase any tax credits — no matter how worthy the cause.
“Instead, our twin priorities must be reducing what we spend while looking for opportunities to increase revenues without harming the economy. Those two priorities should pre-occupy us this year and every year until we stop the state’s financial ship from sinking.”
“I would like to thank ComEd, Nicor, Springield Water, and AT & T for keeping the state going with power, gas, water and telephone service. We will pay our bill, we promise.”
“Anything, anyone …. nothing.”
“Leave the tax breaks, take the cannoli.”
“And for my staff … Tennis Raquet, Mustard, Beanie Babies, Thor, and Elwood Blues … got them all in the speech, you all owe me money.”
“Governing is hard. I do not envy you all sitting out there. Good luck to you.”
“I know the weather is really great, and Tom Cross has a tee time at the Rail at 2:15, so I will be brief…”
“I want to ask Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton to refrain from making faces behind my back and doing the ‘bunny ears’ thing again … c’mon fellas … please.”
“I am new at the Teleprompter thing, so if my eyes go ‘back and forth’ its because I am reading, and not shifty.”
“Welcome to the Governor’s Mansion, I am Pat Quinn … Ya loaded the wrong speech again!”
“I think it’s best said by a band from Milwaukee, ‘I see “Good Things” for you and I’…”
“…and let me conclude by saying that if you don’t like anything I said today, please let me know soon, and I’ll be happy to walk back those statements in my budget address later this month”
“Now I am just spitballing here … but I am thinking … Judy …you get me a Cashier’s check …Judy …c’mon JBT … for what’s left in the Kitty … I take the state plane to Vegas … work trip … c’mon, stay with me on this … you guys vote … ‘Pats’ or ‘Giants’ … ya with me … I get into town … I lay that Cashier’s check down at Caesar’s … I stay ‘Comp’ because of the serious coin I am dropping … BAM! … I come home with some cash …whadda you guys think …”
I know that you are going to make fun of and ignore everything I say. I know that you are going to do whatever Madigan and Cullerton tells you to do so why bother? The state of the state is that it sucks. I have no clue as to how to fix it. Move to adjourn.
“A basic question before all elected officials in America today, and especially in the great state of Illinois, is how to right our listing economic ship. The problem is that none of us elected officials want to put our jobs on the line to do the right thing. We were elected your political leaders to manage the state and the nation. Instead we posture, pose, pontificate, and put off the difficult decisions that must be made NOW. Even if these decisions may anger our constituencies and result in the loss of our political position.
“I am here to change that. Many of us know the true nature of the economic troubles facing Illinois. We must pay down our huge load of debt to our creditors. We must find new sources of revenue. We must maintain our schools, roads, and neighborhoods.
“It is obvious to any informed tax-paying adult that creating new ways to spend the revenue we have, whether it be tax breaks to profitable corporations or tax credits to those needing it most, is wrongheaded. It is also obvious that in order to balance the accounts, temporary borrowing is a short-term solution that keeps creditors at bay, the economy working, and the doors of business open. A combination of borrowing with a schedule for repayment of the debt, catching up on unpaid bills, finding new revenue sources such as gambling and user fees, and attracting new business to Illinois is the solution. The details of this solution should be negotiated in good faith between the parties in Springfield. Anything less is vacating our responsibility to the people of this great state.
Realize we are blessed to be living in this nation, in this state, at this time in history. At all other times and places, there have been equal or more daunting challenges and hardships. Let’s maintain a positive outlook and have trust in ourselves, to take steps each day, to improve the quality of life for all Illinoisans.
“We must all find new revenue streams. I, myself, am no exception. Therefore, this state of the State adress is brought to you by Bloomington’s Own, State Farm, the ‘Good Hands’ people….”
- formerpolitico - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:04 pm:
I hereby resign and am moving to Florida, like most Illinoisians with any money are doing.
===“We must all find new revenue streams. I, myself, am no exception. Therefore, this state of the State adress is brought to you by Bloomington’s Own, State Farm, the ‘Good Hands’ people….”===
I know its “Like a Good Neighbor …”. I am mocking the sponsorship, just so you know.
I know that you are going to make fun of and ignore everything I say. I know that you are going to do whatever Madigan and Cullerton tells you to do so why bother? The state of the state is that it sucks. I have no clue as to how to fix it. Move to adjourn. ”
Wow– This is the first post from Bill with which I actually agree!
Holy underwear! Sheriff murdered! Innocent women and children blown to bits! We have to protect our phoney baloney jobs here, gentlemen! We must do something about this immediately! Immediately! Immediately! Harrumph! Harrumph! Harrumph!
“I would like to point out that as Governor of this great state, I am not under indictment or investigation to my knowledge. It is a great day for the Land of Lincoln. Moving forward.”
Can’t manage snark this afternoon, so this will probably get me branded as a hopeless idealist (so be it). Longer version of my answer appears on my blog, but here’s the fiscal health piece:
“As one elected official to another, I understand that political courage is at a premium in an election year—especially an election year following redistricting. I do not make the following request lightly, but the grave conditions facing the state—and the awareness that you, like me, are serving the people of Illinois rather than our own career advancement—compel me to do so. In three weeks, I will deliver my annual budget address. The budget I am sending to you is not the budget I wish I could send. It includes cuts—not cuts to budgetary fat (those days have long since passed) but cuts to muscle and even bone. As currently written, our budget cuts programs that will hurt many of Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens; I cannot look into the mirror without seeing the faces of those whose lives and livelihoods hang in the balance, and I suspect I am not alone in this.
“Since the budget was drafted, the news of our fiscal health has gotten worse, and it seems likely that more sacrifice is required. I ask my colleagues in the General Assembly—Democrats and Republicans alike—to join me in affirming the following two principles at the start of our negotiations:
(1) That any proposal to take money out of state revenues—whether by spending or by cutting taxes—be accompanied with an equally detailed proposal for how this lost revenue will be reclaimed: whether by specific budget cuts elsewhere or by new tax increases to cover the difference. We all want more spending on the programs that we believe are important; we all want a smaller tax burden. Maybe we can still do this. But it is our duty to the people of Illinois and our children and grandchildren to clearly consider the trade-offs of these decisions–publicly and in full detail–before we make them.
(2) That the principle guiding our budgetary decisions should not be protecting our friends’ interests, nor even ability to pay, but rather equality of pain. Every decision we make will hurt someone. Cutting a program will leave someone who needs that program in the lurch. Done carelessly, pension reform will cheat public employees who have spent their lives serving us, and make it harder for us to attract top talent. Tax hikes may make it harder for small businesses to keep their doors open and meet their payroll. Yet in the current crisis we have no silver bullets. To right our listing ship of state without eating our seed corn or dismantling the economic engine we need to power our recovery, we must all make painful sacrifices; if any of us can accept more budgetary pain and still manage to muddle through, we owe it to those who cannot do so to do what we can. This will require us to walk a mile—or five—in another’s shoes; to do this properly, we must look through the sheaves of pages crowded with program statistics to the human stories underneath. Let us commit—as the strong—to bear more than our share of the burden so that the weak can still stand while bearing theirs.
“This is a moment of truly historical proportions. Problems of this scale provide ample opportunities for greatness. Stand with me. Accept your place in history. Let us show our citizens—and the country—the true caliber of Illinois politicians. If we fail, history will not be kind. Neither, eventually, will the voters.”
[Full version at my blog; here’s the most relevant piece]
Since the budget was drafted, the news of our fiscal health has gotten worse, and it seems likely that more sacrifice is required. I ask my colleagues in the General Assembly—Democrats and Republicans alike—to join me in affirming the following two principles at the start of our negotiations:
(1) That any proposal to take money out of state revenues—whether by spending or by cutting taxes—be accompanied with an equally detailed proposal for how this lost revenue will be reclaimed: whether by specific budget cuts elsewhere or by new tax increases to cover the difference. We all want more spending on the programs that we believe are important; we all want a smaller tax burden. Maybe we can still do this. But it is our duty to the people of Illinois and our children and grandchildren to clearly consider the trade-offs of these decisions before we make them.
(2) That the principle guiding our budgetary decisions should not be protecting our friends’ interests, nor even ability to pay, but rather equality of pain. Every decision we make will hurt someone. Cutting a program will leave someone who needs that program in the lurch. Done carelessly, pension reform will cheat public employees who have spent their lives serving us, and make it harder for us to attract top talent. Tax hikes may make it harder for small businesses to keep their doors open and meet their payroll. Yet in the current crisis we have no silver bullets. To right our listing ship of state without eating our seed corn or dismantling the economic engine we need to power our recovery, we must all make painful sacrifices; if any of us can accept more budgetary pain and still manage to muddle through, we owe it to those who cannot do so to do what we can. This will require us to walk a mile—or five—in another’s shoes; to do this properly, we must look through the sheaves of pages crowded with program statistics to the human stories underneath. Let us commit—as the strong—to bear more than our share of the burden so that the weak can still stand while bearing theirs.
Full version at my blog. Short form: two proposals re: budget negotiations:
(1) That any proposal to take money out of state revenues—whether by spending or by cutting taxes—be accompanied with an equally detailed proposal for how this lost revenue will be reclaimed…
(2) That the principle guiding our budgetary decisions should not be protecting our friends’ interests, nor even ability to pay, but rather equality of pain…Let us commit—as the strong—to bear more than our share of the burden so that the weak can still stand while bearing theirs.”
Pray for Senator Kirk’s recovery. Let’s get to work!
Oh look - a kitty!
- Commonsense in Illinois - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:07 pm:
We have met the enemy and they are us…uh, they is we…uh, I are we…
Madigan: “Screwed again…!!!”
- Jake From Elwood - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:12 pm:
Mitch Daniels and Scott Walker cannot take anti-union action against our pledges. Only I can take anti-union action against our pledges.
Cue the one-woman banjo concert.
- Dan Shields, Springfield, IL - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:14 pm:
“The State of the State is a complete and total FUBAR.
Good people of Illinois. The voters have spoken, and I have listened. You do not want your income taxes raised. You do not want your property taxes raised. You do not want your corporate taxes raised.
You do not want your educational services cut. You do not want your health care services cut. You do not want services for the elderly or disabled cut. You do not want services for veterans cut. You do not want prisons cut. You do not want colleges cut. You do not want anything in your local areas cut.
You do not want additional bond issues. You do not want continued late payments of state obligations. You do not want borrowing. You do not want debt.
I have listened to you, the citizens and voters of Illinois and I have concluded that there is only one path forward. This path is bold, but it is one that this state has trod before. Consequently, I am declaring a sovereign default on the debts of the State of Illinois. The fiscal situation is as dire now as it was in 1841, when this state defaulted on its debts. Relived from its overwhelming debt in the 1840s, Illinois had some of its greatest years of growth and prosperity. Our state was able to recover and grow in the 19th century, and I see no reason why it should not in the 21st century. Our greatest years are before us, if only we have the determination do what must be done.
Help, Mr. Wizard. I don’t want to be governor of Illinois!
- Wilson Pickett - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:44 pm:
After having served as your elected state official over the past years (7?), I have decided to resign and leave you to clean up this mess. I am going to now be a well-paid lobbyist so that I can still make money off of you, my esteemed Illinois taxpayers. By the way, “Thanks!”
As an Illinois elected official, I quickly learned “how to “jump out of The Car just before it goes off of the cliff”. It is simply a matter of timing and knowing how to properly “tuck & roll” as you hit the ground.
I believe that you should all “eventually” be okay although there may be “just a little” pain and suffering involved for you (and your grandchildren). It is “No Big Deal” folks! You see, our favorite son will soon see that we (Illinois) is also “too big to fail” and he will bring the federal government to our rescue. The nation’s CEO will be just like “the cavalry coming to the rescue” of another wagon train (especially if it happens to be an election year). The rest of the country will have to bail Illinois out of it’s financial mess. (Mi casa es your casa, mi amigo).”Don’t you love it!” Those red-neck neighbors of our’s ( Indiana and Wisconsin) will get to pick up our Illinois bar tab! So as you can see, I will be leaving you sitting “very pretty” after many, many years of drinking “free beer” while I “head for the high ground” just before the flood comes. Good luck to you all, my fellow Americans. Time for me to read up on “How To Be A Lobbyist And Grow Rich”.
I’d announce my plans to stay in Springfield while the legislature was in session, and meet with legislators throughout the budget process. I’d describe my plans to bring labor leaders and business leaders together to resolve the pension issue. I’d use the address as a way of signaling my change of strategy to one focused on engaging constituents in solving the budget mess. Basically, if I were Quinn, I’d announce my intent to do the opposite of everything I did so far, and I’d become a completely different governor.
The people of the state of Illinois will lose their reputation as deadbeats to its workforce and its other creditors.
Illinois will accomplish this by placing a small tax on services. Since we have achieved our long term policy goal of converting our economy from production to service, services industries will no longer enjoy their tax-free status.
We will use the revenue to pay our debts and no longer be deadbeats.
I’d say that it was time we all worked together to solve this horrible fiscal crisis, that solving the crisis is priority one, that there should be no further tax breaks until the crisis is solved, there should be no new spending until the crisis is solved, and all hiring is frozen. It is time to put aside partisan politics, solve the pension funding issues, and figure out how to pay our bills. This is what the people who elected us expect and what they deserve.
I’m having a hard time deciding which lobbyists will get to keep their projects, which companies I’ll toss a tax bone to, and which special interest group to suck up to.
I can’t decide if I’m for the unions or for the people. I don’t think I can do both, or maybe I can?
I think I’ll ramble on and say things people can’t possibly comprehend, change my mind as I talk, and give a shout out to the companies in Indiana and Wisconsin. Of course I know they are all looking at us and shaking their heads but we are determined to kick this can on down the road ….and over the cliff!!
Hey, regardless of what happens, I’ve got my pension.
Any new taxes on retirement income, to solve the mess our politicians have gotten us into, and I will be living in Florida, and those who stay behind will have to find the courage to elect people who will solve the problem, and not kick the can down the road, before it is too late for the state!
To the good people of the greatest state in the nation, greetings.
There is no way to sugar-coat the truth you all know.
Illinois is undergoing one of it’s most trying times since it was founded. The list of challenges is long. The list of who’s to blame is longer still.
And yet, there is no state better equipped to overcome these difficulties, than Illinois, and the people of this great state have what it takes to make Illinois not just survive but thrive, and be the model for every state in this nation. The list of resources and qualities and advantages Illinois has, is WAY longer than the list of challenges.
The road back to prosperity is long; longer than one term of office. But we have a vision and we have the determination to see that vision accomplished. It starts, here, today. NOW. And there will be work for everyone to do, at every level, if we are to defeat our problems and all prosper again, together.
In a couple of weeks, I’m going to present my version of a budget. This legislature will take those recommendations, add to them and modify them, and pass a bill for me to sign.
I won’t sign it. Not unless everybody shares the burden fairly. We’re going to be in a period of austerity, it’s an austerity budget you voters demand, and that’s what I’m going to draft.
But austerity alone is not enough. We’ve already made all the easy cuts, long ago. I’m going to ask for more taxes to go hand in hand with the cuts, and moreover, we’re going to have to re-structure a lot of existing operations and ways of doing things, in order to stop the bleeding, and to pay down the deficit and fund a future for us all. It’s what you the voters have demanded.
People run down government, they act like “the government” is some ambiguous entity that comes here and does evil to us. Look in a mirror: WE are the government, you are, he is, she is… every one of us. It’s OUR government, it does what we ask of it, it does the jobs we can’t do alone, does the jobs that the free market can’t or won’t do. And that’s a good thing. Government is good. I need every one of you to agree to participate in this process, to be engaged with the decisions that need to be made now. Whether you’re part of the process or not, you’re going to be affected by it.
As voters, you tell me and your local officials and representatives and senators what you want. But realize that everything comes with a cost, and if you’re not willing to contribute something towards making these things happen, they really can’t happen. New projects and services that don’t come with a reasonable source of funding are just dreams.
I covered spending and I covered revenue, now we have to fix some things that are structural. The biggest financial drains on this state are human services, medical care, and pension debt obligations. An austerity budget means human and social services must be cut back to match the money that comes in. I’m cutting back on things that were nice to have, but that were promised to you without any means to pay for them. I’m going to make eligibility for programs more rigorous, and you better believe I’m not going to sleep well tonight or ever again, knowing some people in need will be turned away. My hope is that that situation will not be permanent. But I can’t promise exactly what will happen, not without citizens supporting the decisions with dollars.
I’ll be looking to the legislature and the courts to give us some flexibility on the pension issue. To keep giving every worker the money they spent a lifetime earning, we need a structural change in the law that assigns money to pension contributions. Doing so immediately relieves us of billions in immediate obligations, without threatening a single penny of pensioner’s promised funds. I don’t like doing it, but this state will have a new pension system for new people joining it, one that’s financially realistic for the state we’re in today.
I want to pursue a tax swap, one that reduces dependence on property taxes and takes us away from the flat tax our constitution orders, and one that’s at the same time simpler and fairer to tax payers at every level of society.
I’m pretty sure I just talked myself out of getting re-elected, but I was given this job in a time of crisis, and I love this state and it’s people, more than I do holding on to a job. So, you can hang the jacket for all this coming pain on me. I’m taking one for the team. I’m going to do what it takes, and not just what’s popular, and let history judge if I did right. I figure: if you care more about KEEPING the job, than DOING a good job, you don’t DESERVE the job. There’s too much on the line here now. I’ve gotta take this state into a prosperous new century, and I can’t do it by clinging to old methods tangled up in politics and selfishness. I’ll be making the hard calls, like it or not.
I ask you to be part of this process with me, make your preferences heard, make your values felt. It’s YOUR government. You have to tell it what to do, and give it the tools to get it done.
God bless this state, and all the people in it.
(drop mic on floor, walk out)
That won’t happen until we get a serious leader instead of the current “sound bite” governor.
- CicularFiringSquad - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 8:03 pm:
gotta love it when the GOPies roll out ALL their great idea… not. But then they did give a groovy taxpayer financed web site, twitters,etc.
that wil make it all better
Good people of Illinois. The voters have spoken, and I have listened. You do not want your income taxes raised. You do not want your property taxes raised. You do not want your corporate taxes raised.
You do not want your educational services cut. You do not want your health care services cut. You do not want services for the elderly or disabled cut. You do not want services for veterans cut. You do not want prisons cut. You do not want colleges cut. You do not want anything in your local areas cut.
You do not want additional bond issues. You do not want continued late payments of state obligations. You do not want borrowing. You do not want debt.
You people are seriously crazy.
- Can't Say My Nickname - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 9:45 pm:
I would like to announce that Jim Edgar has agreed to assist my Budget Office to methodically regain fiscal control of the State.
I’m giving my first of two lectures about state fiscal policy this noon. Unless Steve Schnorf objects, I’m kicking off class discussion with his comment from 8:54pm.
@Gregor - If a politician actually gave that speech at the state or federal level, it would be like a dam breaking. I’ve been waiting for someone to realize it for the past 6 years.
- ah HA - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:20 pm:
Blah, Blah, Blah
- CircularFiringSquad - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:25 pm:
A+
tight, to the point and chock full of fresh ideas.
oppo react confirms the GOPies got little in the way of new ideas.
- reformer - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:27 pm:
“As the Civic Fed budget projections so painfully illustrate, our state is not living within its means. When you’re in a hole, the first step is to stop digging.
“Consequently, we can’t afford to repeal any taxes, nor can we afford to increase any tax credits — no matter how worthy the cause.
“Instead, our twin priorities must be reducing what we spend while looking for opportunities to increase revenues without harming the economy. Those two priorities should pre-occupy us this year and every year until we stop the state’s financial ship from sinking.”
- Anon - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:29 pm:
Thank you, Agriculture!
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:35 pm:
“Well, here we are ….”
“I would like to thank ComEd, Nicor, Springield Water, and AT & T for keeping the state going with power, gas, water and telephone service. We will pay our bill, we promise.”
“Anything, anyone …. nothing.”
“Leave the tax breaks, take the cannoli.”
“And for my staff … Tennis Raquet, Mustard, Beanie Babies, Thor, and Elwood Blues … got them all in the speech, you all owe me money.”
“Governing is hard. I do not envy you all sitting out there. Good luck to you.”
“I know the weather is really great, and Tom Cross has a tee time at the Rail at 2:15, so I will be brief…”
“I want to ask Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton to refrain from making faces behind my back and doing the ‘bunny ears’ thing again … c’mon fellas … please.”
“I am new at the Teleprompter thing, so if my eyes go ‘back and forth’ its because I am reading, and not shifty.”
“Welcome to the Governor’s Mansion, I am Pat Quinn … Ya loaded the wrong speech again!”
“I think it’s best said by a band from Milwaukee, ‘I see “Good Things” for you and I’…”
- QBRNST - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:37 pm:
“We’re broke.”
- L.S. - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:40 pm:
Everybody Panic!
- Cook County Commoner - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:41 pm:
mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa
- GMatts - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:42 pm:
“How far is it to Indianapolis?”
- Robert - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:42 pm:
“…and let me conclude by saying that if you don’t like anything I said today, please let me know soon, and I’ll be happy to walk back those statements in my budget address later this month”
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:46 pm:
“Now I am just spitballing here … but I am thinking … Judy …you get me a Cashier’s check …Judy …c’mon JBT … for what’s left in the Kitty … I take the state plane to Vegas … work trip … c’mon, stay with me on this … you guys vote … ‘Pats’ or ‘Giants’ … ya with me … I get into town … I lay that Cashier’s check down at Caesar’s … I stay ‘Comp’ because of the serious coin I am dropping … BAM! … I come home with some cash …whadda you guys think …”
- Old Stoney - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:50 pm:
Here is why Indiana is wrong…..
Here is why Wisconsin is wrong….
- OneMan - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:51 pm:
These go to 11….
- Bill - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:53 pm:
I know that you are going to make fun of and ignore everything I say. I know that you are going to do whatever Madigan and Cullerton tells you to do so why bother? The state of the state is that it sucks. I have no clue as to how to fix it. Move to adjourn.
- Louie - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:53 pm:
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Welcome to Illinois.
- How Ironic - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:53 pm:
@ OW
You owe me a monitor. The Tom Cross golf quip is classic.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:56 pm:
“I have something serious I need to share with you. We, your state government officials, have absolutely no idea what we are doing!”
- Davey Boy Smithe - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:58 pm:
“I know, it’s terrible I won’t be here when February gets cold, but I really need to go to South Africa and tell them a thing or two about Illinois.”
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:58 pm:
“I want everyone to know … I am down to that ‘3rd envelope’ George left for Rod in the Desk …”
- Lefty Lefty - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:01 pm:
“A basic question before all elected officials in America today, and especially in the great state of Illinois, is how to right our listing economic ship. The problem is that none of us elected officials want to put our jobs on the line to do the right thing. We were elected your political leaders to manage the state and the nation. Instead we posture, pose, pontificate, and put off the difficult decisions that must be made NOW. Even if these decisions may anger our constituencies and result in the loss of our political position.
“I am here to change that. Many of us know the true nature of the economic troubles facing Illinois. We must pay down our huge load of debt to our creditors. We must find new sources of revenue. We must maintain our schools, roads, and neighborhoods.
“It is obvious to any informed tax-paying adult that creating new ways to spend the revenue we have, whether it be tax breaks to profitable corporations or tax credits to those needing it most, is wrongheaded. It is also obvious that in order to balance the accounts, temporary borrowing is a short-term solution that keeps creditors at bay, the economy working, and the doors of business open. A combination of borrowing with a schedule for repayment of the debt, catching up on unpaid bills, finding new revenue sources such as gambling and user fees, and attracting new business to Illinois is the solution. The details of this solution should be negotiated in good faith between the parties in Springfield. Anything less is vacating our responsibility to the people of this great state.
“Thanks and God Bless Illinois.
- James - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:03 pm:
Realize we are blessed to be living in this nation, in this state, at this time in history. At all other times and places, there have been equal or more daunting challenges and hardships. Let’s maintain a positive outlook and have trust in ourselves, to take steps each day, to improve the quality of life for all Illinoisans.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:04 pm:
“We must all find new revenue streams. I, myself, am no exception. Therefore, this state of the State adress is brought to you by Bloomington’s Own, State Farm, the ‘Good Hands’ people….”
- formerpolitico - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:04 pm:
I hereby resign and am moving to Florida, like most Illinoisians with any money are doing.
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:07 pm:
Remember, the warranty on today’s speech is good for 48 hours.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:07 pm:
===“We must all find new revenue streams. I, myself, am no exception. Therefore, this state of the State adress is brought to you by Bloomington’s Own, State Farm, the ‘Good Hands’ people….”===
I know its “Like a Good Neighbor …”. I am mocking the sponsorship, just so you know.
- shore - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:09 pm:
wordslinger and oswego win the day. excellent. I would have also appreciated dan sinker’s view.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:13 pm:
To finish off I would like to sing a bit from the Broadway Show Avenue Q…
“It sucks to be you….
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:15 pm:
“We can’t ‘wish’ ourselves out of these troubles … believe me, I tried!”
- dupage dan - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:16 pm:
“I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things….”
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:23 pm:
“- Bill - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 1:53 pm:
I know that you are going to make fun of and ignore everything I say. I know that you are going to do whatever Madigan and Cullerton tells you to do so why bother? The state of the state is that it sucks. I have no clue as to how to fix it. Move to adjourn. ”
Wow– This is the first post from Bill with which I actually agree!
- jt - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:24 pm:
My speech today will add to the wind power we have in Illinois.
- Montrose - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:26 pm:
Ladies & Gentlemen - Jesse White!
Thank you and God bless.
- WashingtonIrving - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:26 pm:
If only we could print our own currency, I would solve this problem like Barack has.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:27 pm:
-How Ironic-
Sorry about the monitor …and thanks
-Shore -
Thanks … appreciate it
- MrJM - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:27 pm:
– MrJM
- Boone Logan Square - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:29 pm:
“Soy.”
- Dirty Red - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:36 pm:
“Lades and gentlemen….We beat Bill Brady.”
Toss the microphone in pure Bill Black fashion.
High five Sheila.
Walk out.
- mark walker - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:37 pm:
The Civic Federation report has made me speechless.
- enuff - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:41 pm:
Mares eat oats and does eat oats but little lambs eat Ivy - Quinn eats Ivy too!
- TTWSYF - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:42 pm:
“I would like to point out that as Governor of this great state, I am not under indictment or investigation to my knowledge. It is a great day for the Land of Lincoln. Moving forward.”
- JCE - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:43 pm:
Can’t manage snark this afternoon, so this will probably get me branded as a hopeless idealist (so be it). Longer version of my answer appears on my blog, but here’s the fiscal health piece:
“As one elected official to another, I understand that political courage is at a premium in an election year—especially an election year following redistricting. I do not make the following request lightly, but the grave conditions facing the state—and the awareness that you, like me, are serving the people of Illinois rather than our own career advancement—compel me to do so. In three weeks, I will deliver my annual budget address. The budget I am sending to you is not the budget I wish I could send. It includes cuts—not cuts to budgetary fat (those days have long since passed) but cuts to muscle and even bone. As currently written, our budget cuts programs that will hurt many of Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens; I cannot look into the mirror without seeing the faces of those whose lives and livelihoods hang in the balance, and I suspect I am not alone in this.
“Since the budget was drafted, the news of our fiscal health has gotten worse, and it seems likely that more sacrifice is required. I ask my colleagues in the General Assembly—Democrats and Republicans alike—to join me in affirming the following two principles at the start of our negotiations:
(1) That any proposal to take money out of state revenues—whether by spending or by cutting taxes—be accompanied with an equally detailed proposal for how this lost revenue will be reclaimed: whether by specific budget cuts elsewhere or by new tax increases to cover the difference. We all want more spending on the programs that we believe are important; we all want a smaller tax burden. Maybe we can still do this. But it is our duty to the people of Illinois and our children and grandchildren to clearly consider the trade-offs of these decisions–publicly and in full detail–before we make them.
(2) That the principle guiding our budgetary decisions should not be protecting our friends’ interests, nor even ability to pay, but rather equality of pain. Every decision we make will hurt someone. Cutting a program will leave someone who needs that program in the lurch. Done carelessly, pension reform will cheat public employees who have spent their lives serving us, and make it harder for us to attract top talent. Tax hikes may make it harder for small businesses to keep their doors open and meet their payroll. Yet in the current crisis we have no silver bullets. To right our listing ship of state without eating our seed corn or dismantling the economic engine we need to power our recovery, we must all make painful sacrifices; if any of us can accept more budgetary pain and still manage to muddle through, we owe it to those who cannot do so to do what we can. This will require us to walk a mile—or five—in another’s shoes; to do this properly, we must look through the sheaves of pages crowded with program statistics to the human stories underneath. Let us commit—as the strong—to bear more than our share of the burden so that the weak can still stand while bearing theirs.
“This is a moment of truly historical proportions. Problems of this scale provide ample opportunities for greatness. Stand with me. Accept your place in history. Let us show our citizens—and the country—the true caliber of Illinois politicians. If we fail, history will not be kind. Neither, eventually, will the voters.”
- JCE - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:46 pm:
[Full version at my blog; here’s the most relevant piece]
Since the budget was drafted, the news of our fiscal health has gotten worse, and it seems likely that more sacrifice is required. I ask my colleagues in the General Assembly—Democrats and Republicans alike—to join me in affirming the following two principles at the start of our negotiations:
(1) That any proposal to take money out of state revenues—whether by spending or by cutting taxes—be accompanied with an equally detailed proposal for how this lost revenue will be reclaimed: whether by specific budget cuts elsewhere or by new tax increases to cover the difference. We all want more spending on the programs that we believe are important; we all want a smaller tax burden. Maybe we can still do this. But it is our duty to the people of Illinois and our children and grandchildren to clearly consider the trade-offs of these decisions before we make them.
(2) That the principle guiding our budgetary decisions should not be protecting our friends’ interests, nor even ability to pay, but rather equality of pain. Every decision we make will hurt someone. Cutting a program will leave someone who needs that program in the lurch. Done carelessly, pension reform will cheat public employees who have spent their lives serving us, and make it harder for us to attract top talent. Tax hikes may make it harder for small businesses to keep their doors open and meet their payroll. Yet in the current crisis we have no silver bullets. To right our listing ship of state without eating our seed corn or dismantling the economic engine we need to power our recovery, we must all make painful sacrifices; if any of us can accept more budgetary pain and still manage to muddle through, we owe it to those who cannot do so to do what we can. This will require us to walk a mile—or five—in another’s shoes; to do this properly, we must look through the sheaves of pages crowded with program statistics to the human stories underneath. Let us commit—as the strong—to bear more than our share of the burden so that the weak can still stand while bearing theirs.
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:47 pm:
Let’s hurry this along; I have a flight to catch. I’m on “Morning Joe” tomorrow to again explain my genius.
- JCE - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:51 pm:
Full version at my blog. Short form: two proposals re: budget negotiations:
(1) That any proposal to take money out of state revenues—whether by spending or by cutting taxes—be accompanied with an equally detailed proposal for how this lost revenue will be reclaimed…
(2) That the principle guiding our budgetary decisions should not be protecting our friends’ interests, nor even ability to pay, but rather equality of pain…Let us commit—as the strong—to bear more than our share of the burden so that the weak can still stand while bearing theirs.”
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 2:55 pm:
“HICKORY!”
- siriusly - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:02 pm:
Pray for Senator Kirk’s recovery. Let’s get to work!
Oh look - a kitty!
- Commonsense in Illinois - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:07 pm:
We have met the enemy and they are us…uh, they is we…uh, I are we…
Madigan: “Screwed again…!!!”
- Jake From Elwood - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:12 pm:
Mitch Daniels and Scott Walker cannot take anti-union action against our pledges. Only I can take anti-union action against our pledges.
Cue the one-woman banjo concert.
- Dan Shields, Springfield, IL - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:14 pm:
“The State of the State is a complete and total FUBAR.
- Aldyth - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:27 pm:
I have paddle ball games here for each of you.
(Thanks for the inspiration, MrJM. And some of the best belly laughs evar from Oswego Willy)
- lincoln's beard - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:29 pm:
Good people of Illinois. The voters have spoken, and I have listened. You do not want your income taxes raised. You do not want your property taxes raised. You do not want your corporate taxes raised.
You do not want your educational services cut. You do not want your health care services cut. You do not want services for the elderly or disabled cut. You do not want services for veterans cut. You do not want prisons cut. You do not want colleges cut. You do not want anything in your local areas cut.
You do not want additional bond issues. You do not want continued late payments of state obligations. You do not want borrowing. You do not want debt.
I have listened to you, the citizens and voters of Illinois and I have concluded that there is only one path forward. This path is bold, but it is one that this state has trod before. Consequently, I am declaring a sovereign default on the debts of the State of Illinois. The fiscal situation is as dire now as it was in 1841, when this state defaulted on its debts. Relived from its overwhelming debt in the 1840s, Illinois had some of its greatest years of growth and prosperity. Our state was able to recover and grow in the 19th century, and I see no reason why it should not in the 21st century. Our greatest years are before us, if only we have the determination do what must be done.
- anonymice - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:34 pm:
Help, Mr. Wizard. I don’t want to be governor of Illinois!
- Wilson Pickett - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:44 pm:
After having served as your elected state official over the past years (7?), I have decided to resign and leave you to clean up this mess. I am going to now be a well-paid lobbyist so that I can still make money off of you, my esteemed Illinois taxpayers. By the way, “Thanks!”
As an Illinois elected official, I quickly learned “how to “jump out of The Car just before it goes off of the cliff”. It is simply a matter of timing and knowing how to properly “tuck & roll” as you hit the ground.
I believe that you should all “eventually” be okay although there may be “just a little” pain and suffering involved for you (and your grandchildren). It is “No Big Deal” folks! You see, our favorite son will soon see that we (Illinois) is also “too big to fail” and he will bring the federal government to our rescue. The nation’s CEO will be just like “the cavalry coming to the rescue” of another wagon train (especially if it happens to be an election year). The rest of the country will have to bail Illinois out of it’s financial mess. (Mi casa es your casa, mi amigo).”Don’t you love it!” Those red-neck neighbors of our’s ( Indiana and Wisconsin) will get to pick up our Illinois bar tab! So as you can see, I will be leaving you sitting “very pretty” after many, many years of drinking “free beer” while I “head for the high ground” just before the flood comes. Good luck to you all, my fellow Americans. Time for me to read up on “How To Be A Lobbyist And Grow Rich”.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:47 pm:
- Aldyth -
Thank you …
- Highland, IL - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:53 pm:
“I think it’s best said by a band from Milwaukee, ‘I see “Good Things” for you and I’…”
OW - Did you just throw out a BoDeans reference?
- Bluefish - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:53 pm:
I’d just sing something. Seems to be working for Romney and Obama.
- A.B. - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 3:59 pm:
Good grief, Charlie Brown!
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 4:04 pm:
Yes, I did drop a BoDeans reference …
A reference to the band and the ongoing struggles of this great state and the state of Wisconsin.
- AC - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 4:11 pm:
I’d announce my plans to stay in Springfield while the legislature was in session, and meet with legislators throughout the budget process. I’d describe my plans to bring labor leaders and business leaders together to resolve the pension issue. I’d use the address as a way of signaling my change of strategy to one focused on engaging constituents in solving the budget mess. Basically, if I were Quinn, I’d announce my intent to do the opposite of everything I did so far, and I’d become a completely different governor.
No one said we had to be realistic…
- Cincinnatus - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 4:21 pm:
Don’t panic ’til you have all the facts…
… then panic.
- Honestly - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 4:28 pm:
The people of the state of Illinois will lose their reputation as deadbeats to its workforce and its other creditors.
Illinois will accomplish this by placing a small tax on services. Since we have achieved our long term policy goal of converting our economy from production to service, services industries will no longer enjoy their tax-free status.
We will use the revenue to pay our debts and no longer be deadbeats.
- jt - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 4:29 pm:
Look the sign language woman is throwing up.
- redrum - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 4:35 pm:
Help me…
- Common Sense - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 4:57 pm:
I’d say that it was time we all worked together to solve this horrible fiscal crisis, that solving the crisis is priority one, that there should be no further tax breaks until the crisis is solved, there should be no new spending until the crisis is solved, and all hiring is frozen. It is time to put aside partisan politics, solve the pension funding issues, and figure out how to pay our bills. This is what the people who elected us expect and what they deserve.
- NorthernIL - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 5:19 pm:
“Sorry Rockford, that casino in Beloit is going to be too awesome to pass up.
And now for a few words from our next Governor, my friend and mentor, Lisa.
Hey Lees, this mess is all yours.”
- Sunshine - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 5:38 pm:
We are so screwed.
I’m having a hard time deciding which lobbyists will get to keep their projects, which companies I’ll toss a tax bone to, and which special interest group to suck up to.
I can’t decide if I’m for the unions or for the people. I don’t think I can do both, or maybe I can?
I think I’ll ramble on and say things people can’t possibly comprehend, change my mind as I talk, and give a shout out to the companies in Indiana and Wisconsin. Of course I know they are all looking at us and shaking their heads but we are determined to kick this can on down the road ….and over the cliff!!
Hey, regardless of what happens, I’ve got my pension.
- RightGirl - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 5:49 pm:
“Today, I announce, that the Tunnel between the Stratton Building and the Capitol is open! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!”
- Idealist - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 6:41 pm:
Do you remember me? I used to stand up for the little people….
- Billy - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 6:45 pm:
Any new taxes on retirement income, to solve the mess our politicians have gotten us into, and I will be living in Florida, and those who stay behind will have to find the courage to elect people who will solve the problem, and not kick the can down the road, before it is too late for the state!
- Gregor - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 7:00 pm:
To the good people of the greatest state in the nation, greetings.
There is no way to sugar-coat the truth you all know.
Illinois is undergoing one of it’s most trying times since it was founded. The list of challenges is long. The list of who’s to blame is longer still.
And yet, there is no state better equipped to overcome these difficulties, than Illinois, and the people of this great state have what it takes to make Illinois not just survive but thrive, and be the model for every state in this nation. The list of resources and qualities and advantages Illinois has, is WAY longer than the list of challenges.
The road back to prosperity is long; longer than one term of office. But we have a vision and we have the determination to see that vision accomplished. It starts, here, today. NOW. And there will be work for everyone to do, at every level, if we are to defeat our problems and all prosper again, together.
In a couple of weeks, I’m going to present my version of a budget. This legislature will take those recommendations, add to them and modify them, and pass a bill for me to sign.
I won’t sign it. Not unless everybody shares the burden fairly. We’re going to be in a period of austerity, it’s an austerity budget you voters demand, and that’s what I’m going to draft.
But austerity alone is not enough. We’ve already made all the easy cuts, long ago. I’m going to ask for more taxes to go hand in hand with the cuts, and moreover, we’re going to have to re-structure a lot of existing operations and ways of doing things, in order to stop the bleeding, and to pay down the deficit and fund a future for us all. It’s what you the voters have demanded.
People run down government, they act like “the government” is some ambiguous entity that comes here and does evil to us. Look in a mirror: WE are the government, you are, he is, she is… every one of us. It’s OUR government, it does what we ask of it, it does the jobs we can’t do alone, does the jobs that the free market can’t or won’t do. And that’s a good thing. Government is good. I need every one of you to agree to participate in this process, to be engaged with the decisions that need to be made now. Whether you’re part of the process or not, you’re going to be affected by it.
As voters, you tell me and your local officials and representatives and senators what you want. But realize that everything comes with a cost, and if you’re not willing to contribute something towards making these things happen, they really can’t happen. New projects and services that don’t come with a reasonable source of funding are just dreams.
I covered spending and I covered revenue, now we have to fix some things that are structural. The biggest financial drains on this state are human services, medical care, and pension debt obligations. An austerity budget means human and social services must be cut back to match the money that comes in. I’m cutting back on things that were nice to have, but that were promised to you without any means to pay for them. I’m going to make eligibility for programs more rigorous, and you better believe I’m not going to sleep well tonight or ever again, knowing some people in need will be turned away. My hope is that that situation will not be permanent. But I can’t promise exactly what will happen, not without citizens supporting the decisions with dollars.
I’ll be looking to the legislature and the courts to give us some flexibility on the pension issue. To keep giving every worker the money they spent a lifetime earning, we need a structural change in the law that assigns money to pension contributions. Doing so immediately relieves us of billions in immediate obligations, without threatening a single penny of pensioner’s promised funds. I don’t like doing it, but this state will have a new pension system for new people joining it, one that’s financially realistic for the state we’re in today.
I want to pursue a tax swap, one that reduces dependence on property taxes and takes us away from the flat tax our constitution orders, and one that’s at the same time simpler and fairer to tax payers at every level of society.
I’m pretty sure I just talked myself out of getting re-elected, but I was given this job in a time of crisis, and I love this state and it’s people, more than I do holding on to a job. So, you can hang the jacket for all this coming pain on me. I’m taking one for the team. I’m going to do what it takes, and not just what’s popular, and let history judge if I did right. I figure: if you care more about KEEPING the job, than DOING a good job, you don’t DESERVE the job. There’s too much on the line here now. I’ve gotta take this state into a prosperous new century, and I can’t do it by clinging to old methods tangled up in politics and selfishness. I’ll be making the hard calls, like it or not.
I ask you to be part of this process with me, make your preferences heard, make your values felt. It’s YOUR government. You have to tell it what to do, and give it the tools to get it done.
God bless this state, and all the people in it.
(drop mic on floor, walk out)
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 7:03 pm:
===Any new taxes on retirement income===
Since there are no current state taxes on retirement income, perhaps you should say, “If they impose a tax on untaxable income…”
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 7:18 pm:
Oy vey!
- bored now - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 7:25 pm:
illinois is a mess. instead of knee-jerk responses, it’s time to get to work and start to seriously address the problems at hand…
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 7:32 pm:
@bored now,
That won’t happen until we get a serious leader instead of the current “sound bite” governor.
- CicularFiringSquad - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 8:03 pm:
gotta love it when the GOPies roll out ALL their great idea… not. But then they did give a groovy taxpayer financed web site, twitters,etc.
that wil make it all better
- steve schnorf - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 8:54 pm:
With a bog tip of the hat to lincoln’s beard;
Good people of Illinois. The voters have spoken, and I have listened. You do not want your income taxes raised. You do not want your property taxes raised. You do not want your corporate taxes raised.
You do not want your educational services cut. You do not want your health care services cut. You do not want services for the elderly or disabled cut. You do not want services for veterans cut. You do not want prisons cut. You do not want colleges cut. You do not want anything in your local areas cut.
You do not want additional bond issues. You do not want continued late payments of state obligations. You do not want borrowing. You do not want debt.
You people are seriously crazy.
- Can't Say My Nickname - Wednesday, Feb 1, 12 @ 9:45 pm:
I would like to announce that Jim Edgar has agreed to assist my Budget Office to methodically regain fiscal control of the State.
- JCE - Thursday, Feb 2, 12 @ 8:24 am:
I’m giving my first of two lectures about state fiscal policy this noon. Unless Steve Schnorf objects, I’m kicking off class discussion with his comment from 8:54pm.
- Colossus - Thursday, Feb 2, 12 @ 9:28 am:
@Gregor - If a politician actually gave that speech at the state or federal level, it would be like a dam breaking. I’ve been waiting for someone to realize it for the past 6 years.