Business as usual is right
Friday, May 22, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Democrats have begun to craft their own budget without Rauner’s input. They’re looking to spend $36 billion on government operations next year, according to a Democratic source with knowledge of budget talks. That figure is the same amount lawmakers signed off on last year, which Rauner’s office has said was $1.6 billion out of whack. That shortfall will only grow next year after the January rollback of portions of an income tax increase, and questions remain about where the state will get the money to cover that level of spending.
While Democrats have made no secret of their desire to raise taxes to avoid deep cuts, they say a conversation on how to bring in more revenue likely won’t happen before the May 31 budget deadline.
There will be some “natural” revenue growth next fiscal year, but there’s no doubt that the Democrats’ budget will be way out of whack. Subscribers know even more about that gaping hole.
* The Tribune’s editorial page pounces…
Gov. Bruce Rauner spent his first months in office fixing the phony budget his predecessor signed.
He’s made it absolutely clear he won’t play that game. If anyone needed a reminder, Rauner offered it Thursday in an oped in the Springfield Journal-Register. “I might be new around here, but I understand what I was sent to do. It was not to accept the dismal failure that our state government has become.”
Last year’s budget deal was, indeed, phony. It took $1.6 billion in patches to make it balance this fiscal year.
$1.6 billion is a big hole.
But compare that to Gov. Rauner’s proposed state budget, which built in a $2.2 billion hole with a completely phony pension savings, well over $700 million in phantom employee heath insurance cost savings, and around $100 million in illusory savings from human services.
Total hole: $3+ billion.
Yet, Rauner’s the savior.
C’mon. Ain’t anybody’s hands clean here.
* Back to the editorial…
Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton complain that budget negotiations with Rauner have been fruitless.
From what we hear, it’s because they won’t give. On anything. Behind closed doors, Rauner has taken his most controversial proposals off the table. He’s pushing for workers’ compensation reform, term limits, an honest effort at restructuring state government. He will be flexible on their wishes, which would include more spending than he proposed in his budget.
The Democrats haven’t budged. That’s true. It’s their usual play.
But Rauner has most definitely not taken all of his “most controversial proposals off the table.” Subscribers know more about this. He has moved some, but, man, there are still a whole lot of things that Democrats cannot and will not agree to.
This is not a cartoon, even though some (*cough*Tribune*cough*) would like to portray it as such. And I’m sure we can expect more editorials like this as the summer progresses.
- Precinct Captain - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:26 am:
It’s amazing how out of touch the Tribune is.
- Frenchie Mendoza - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:27 am:
I’d like to know more about what happened — or what’s happening — inside those working groups.
If that information were public, I suspect there might be a bit more clarity about why Ds are refusing to budge.
- dupage dan - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:31 am:
=== C’mon. Ain’t anybody’s hands clean here ===
I agree. However, the chorus of “It’s Rauner’s budget now”, and “Rauner owns this” on this and other blogs is deafening. I know, I know, I’ll be branded a raunerbot. I ain’t but who cares. It ain’t about me, or any other person who doesn’t buy the narrative. He ain’t a savior - no doubt. I don’t pretend to know what his plan is and, as a state employee very near retirement, the pension issues, etc worry me no end. Having been in the state employ since 1990, I have seen much and very little has been done to address what everyone knows is a major problem.
But the narrative remains…..whose ox is being gored?
- Norseman - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:32 am:
I think we need to start charging admission to the Capitol. Admission is expected when one goes to a show. This show, “2015 Session,” is going to be playing for a long long time. We might as well get some money to cover some of the cost of the show.
(/s)
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:34 am:
==The Democrats haven’t budged. That’s true. It’s their usual play.==
My kids do the same thing.
- D.P.Gumby - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:35 am:
Who is more out of touch–Tribbie or Brucie??
- PublicServant - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:38 am:
Has there been any “budging” on the part of the Republicans, or am I missing something?…which is likely.
- JS Mill - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:46 am:
=C’mon. Ain’t anybody’s hands clean here.=
Should be our new state slogan.
- Lucky Pierre - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:48 am:
Why is unreasonable to raise taxes after structural reform of State Government? If you raise taxes and make no changes how does the situation improve? What are the democrats ideas for making Illinois more competitive and attracting more business to to employ our citizens and pay taxes to fund our government. Business as usual has not worked very well. I don’t believe the majority of Illinois residents want to keep doing what we have been doing
- the Patriot - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:49 am:
For all the posturing, the one thing Rauner has on his side is history. Hundreds of years of human history has proven that Madigan’s socialist policies will fail 100% of the time.
It is not a matter of if, Madigan will be proven to be a failure, but when. From a historical and scientific standpoint you can’t even debate it. The question is when, and whether Rauner is positioned to be the fulcrum for the change.
Rauner has not pushed the budget because he can read. He knows at no point was Madigan capable of putting a balanced budget without raising taxes on his desk. (yea, Madigan could do it, just chose not to for 10 years).
I suspect Rauner line items it, and forces Madigan to get the democrats in the legislature to own massive deficit spending. Madigan does not have Blajojevich and Quinn to blame this time.
If Madigan wants an unconstitutional budget that will further sink IL, and his legacy, his name not the Governor’s will be on it.
- walker - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:50 am:
Interesting that everybody complains about secret meetings, then claims to know what went on behind closed doors. Each side discreetly feeds the press what would make them look good.
Could be wrong, but simply don’t believe that neither side budged on anything. Have often seen ideas from one side end up as part of the other side’s bills, without public acknowledgement. More likely that they’re just too far apart on the big issues to create joint positions.
- weary - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:54 am:
Why would anyone budget yet? There’s still way too much time left, and most everything happens on May 31st. Or after, if it’s really contentious.
- weary - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:54 am:
oops… meant to say “budge” not “budget”
- Been There - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:56 am:
I imagine it’s tough to keep negotiating with the gov office on issues that have already been voted down but they insist are still on the table.
- Louis G Atsaves - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 10:56 am:
“C’mon. Ain’t anybody’s hands clean here.”
As an unabashed “Raunerbot” it would appear that outside of the little cocoon called Springfield Government, a majority of people in this state still feel we are headed in the wrong direction and some change to turn things around is necessary.
All that Democratic stonewalling and voting on “amendments” tacked onto shell bills isn’t changing that perception.
Arguments about whose hands are dirtier are pretty meaningless to them. They do see a Governor up against supermajorities. Are the supermajorities living in that little cocoon aware of that the “optics” (to quote Oswego Willy) of the situation isn’t all that favorable to them as they might think?
- Apocalypse Now - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:00 am:
Didn’t the millionaire tax get voted down, yesterday? Seems like the Democrats are more interested in play politics than offer real solutions to a financial mess they created over the last 12 years. Madigan may control the House, but he sure isn’t leader.
- Politix - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:03 am:
I literally canceled my Tribune paper delivery after reading this. This board is bought and paid for. I’m so done paying for this garbage.
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:04 am:
==but he sure isn’t leader==
Sure he is.
He helped ==lead== us to this crisis point over the past 3 decades.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:14 am:
(Sigh)
1) the diverse caucus that can’t vote 71 cats, herded, is the goal to maintain a high number of seats. See also; SSM, Conceal Carry as other examples of the extreme, but not the complete “all vote” diverse caucuses.
2) - Louis G. Atsaves -, I concur.
===Are the supermajorities… aware that the “optics”… of the situation isn’t all that favorable to them as they might think?===
That’s the gamble for the Dems, isn’t it?
The counter will be the $26 million in cuts, and that the Administration and the GOP GA are unfeeling to the most vulnerable and needy when looking to find GOP solutions.
Who frames this aspect best will be able to move the politics beyond the final legislative actions that will play out.
The damage, if any, or how severe, will be on the most vulnerable 67, and the possible weaker hand to go after Tier 1 Dem targets.
Optics will last longer than this session, but… this session is trying to keep going.
- Anonymous - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:17 am:
Please explain OW:
The damage, if any, or how severe, will be on the most vulnerable 67, and the possible weaker hand to go after Tier 1 Dem targets.
- JS Mill - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:20 am:
@Louis G Atsaves - you are right about one thing for sure, the people of Illinois want change. I think that is evident.
The “people” want change that will actually result in a better economy and an improved quality of life for most if not all people in Illinois.
I just want someone to provide evidence to support the model/belief that the fewer rights, lower wages, fewer public services, poor schools, higher unemployment, reneging on debts and bankruptcies, and lower taxes especially for the highest earners (who arguably benefit most) equates to a high level of economic success.
Versus reasonable taxation, strong services, strong wages, rights for all citizens, strong schools, and good wages.
- Norseman - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:20 am:
Politix, what took you so long? (/s)
- JB13 - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:22 am:
Well, it’s tough to say if any of Rauner’s “most controversial proposals” are off the table, because every one of Rauner’s ideas is treated as if they will, individually, destroy the utopia we in Illinois have come to know and love. So, which of Rauner’s proposals are “the most controversial?” I suppose it depends on the day.
- AlabamaShake - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:24 am:
**All that Democratic stonewalling and voting on “amendments” tacked onto shell bills isn’t changing that perception.**
LOL - I look forward to Atsave’s opposition to the Rauner “turnaround agenda that is dropped today as “”amendments” tacked onto shell bills.”
- The Dude Abides - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:25 am:
@apocalypse now, you mention the mess created by Democrats over the last 12 years. You and others need to quit pointing the blame at Democrats as both political parties share responsibility. The GOP has held the Governorship for many of the years in which the state borrowed and spent. Edgar was Governor when the pension funding ramp became law, in which the practice of borrowing from the pension fund to fund services was basically codified into law. As a result of this the unfunded liability of the pension fund, which was just 17 billion in 1994, grew to 54 billion in 2008, just 14 years later. Incrediblt, the pension funding ramp is still in existence today and the liability has grown to around 111 billion today. GOP Governors from Thompson to Ryan all went along with the borrow and spent policy. There is enough blame to go around.
- Wensicia - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:27 am:
Maybe Rauner should start issuing checks to the Tribune editorial board. They’re all in for him.
Criticism for the Democrats is misplaced as long as Rauner is saying give in to my agenda or kiss your summer goodbye.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:28 am:
- Anonymous -,
The Rauner Budget, the Rauner Cuts, any and all things Rauner will be voted 67-0 by the GOP GA, and how that plays out within micro districts, we will know come March and November 2016.
The Speaker WILL protect as many as he can, even with $40 million aimed by a Dem PAC and a Policy PAC aimed at Dems.
That’s all. Pretty simple.
- The obvious - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:30 am:
The stage is set. For the rest of the year, it’s all one big PR battle to see who gets their way (ie gets the people on their side.) It will look more like a campaign for the people’s hearts and minds than the usual backroom deals to get Rauner’s structural change. Long year.
- Lucky Pierre - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:31 am:
It is unproductive to point blame for past actions that both parties did. It is not unproductive to voice concerns about the GA which is not willing to make any changes. Submitting a budget the same as LY, no changes to workers comp, tort reform, structural changes to funding local governments. They are acting as if there is not divided government. Illinois citizens voted for compromise it is time we see some.
- Louis G Atsaves - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:32 am:
@AlabamaShake, you telling us all of those proposals will undergo a full day of “committee of the whole” hearings in the House?
Don’t see that happening. The Game of Thrones mentality in the Springfield cocoon will not tolerate that. What would Queen Cersei say?
- Wordslinger - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:48 am:
–Hundreds of years of human history have shown that Madigan’s socialist policies will fail 100% of the time.–
Woof, somebody got an early start to the long weekend.
Patriot, I would be thrilled and honored if you’d expound deeply. Start with the “hundreds of years of socialism.”
Please?
- MrJM - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 11:57 am:
I respectfully disagree, Rich.
Specifically, it’s this cartoon.
– MrJM
- Obamas Puppy - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 12:11 pm:
Voting is not a charade it is a chance to go on the record regarding important issues that will be used when the public evaluates a legislators record. For the Tribune to downplay that simply outs them as the Rauner shils that they are.
- Anonin' - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 12:18 pm:
Looks like the Tribbies and Capt fax both got bamboozled on paired back list
Current hot topics look and sound like
Prop Tax Frees
Local Control of Collective Bargaining
Local Control of Competitive Bidding
Local Control of Pension
Local Bankruptcy
Remove various working conditions from bargaining (actual words too much gibberish)
exclude health care and pensions from contract
work comp “reforms”
law suit “reforms”
pensions/find legal version of consideration and Tier 3
empowerment zones — “compromise” border counties only
That’s about everything cowboys. Not sure why anyone thinks he left anything out
- Kurt in Springfield - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 12:51 pm:
Anonin,
Pensions are excluded from the contract. Pension changes are passed by the legislature. They are not bargained. There, strike one off the list.
- Apocalypse Now - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 12:53 pm:
=@apocalypse now, you mention the mess created by Democrats over the last 12 years. You and others need to quit pointing the blame at Democrats as both political parties share responsibility. The GOP has held the Governorship for many of the years in which the state borrowed and spent.
In 2002 the funded pension balance was about 74% the highest in 30 years. In 2013, he funded pension balance was at 43%. It was during that time the Democrats were in control of all branches of government. The facts are the facts.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 22, 15 @ 12:58 pm:
- Apocalypse Now -,
A very rational and sound premise.
How does the Edgar Ramp figure into your percentages? How do you figure, with Quinn making the payments, the percentages decreased?
Show your work.