I think on Aug. 19 a new and brief window of opportunity opened that could finally help wrap up this long and drawn-out state legislative overtime session.
But that window will only be open for 15 calendar days – the time the Illinois Constitution gives each legislative chamber to vote on a veto override.
Allow me to explain.
I spoke with some Rauner folks last week and, man, are they ever on the warpath about the Senate’s Aug. 19 override of the governor’s veto of the AFSCME bill – which would prevent a strike by or lockout of state workers and would instead require binding arbitration after an impasse is reached. The House has 15 days from that date to take its own action.
Even though AFSCME has never invoked its binding arbitration power with state corrections’ officers (who cannot strike by law), the governor and his people clearly see this bill as an outrageous intrusion on executive branch powers.
The governor has called the legislation the “worst bill in Illinois history.” He says it would remove the only popularly elected official from labor negotiations (himself) and replace him with an unelected, pro-union arbitrator (although the unions have numbers that show employers have won a slightly higher percentage of arbitration cases in this state than employees).
He has ginned up editorials all over the state, privately warned all Republicans that a vote to override guarantees a primary opponent next year, and made it clear to Democrats that the best way to ensure a 2016 GOP opponent would be to vote “yes” on this motion.
One Senate Democratic operative only half jokingly said last week that the governor was “flipping out” about the bill.
The governor was also quite blunt the day of the Senate vote when he said that this override was a “test” of Senate President John Cullerton. “Is he controlled by Speaker Madigan, or does he make his own decisions for the benefit of the people of his district in the Senate?” Rauner asked rhetorically.
The clear implication was that if Cullerton went ahead with the override, the days of referring to him positively in public were over. Rauner has often said that he could work with Cullerton and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel if it wasn’t for that bad ol’ House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. Rauner’s people have also made a point of mentioning that they left Cullerton out of Rauner’s TV and direct mail attack ads, referring only to Madigan. But those days are over, too.
After the Senate’s override, the Rauner folks were vowing revenge. Cullerton “walked his members out on a plank,” said one. If Madigan doesn’t call the bill for a vote, Cullerton will have put his members, particularly his suburbanites, in fatally harm’s way, said another. Madigan should not expect a single House Republican vote to replace any of his own conservative “no” votes, said another, even though one Senate Republican, Sam McCann, voted with the Democrats to override last week.
It was clear to me that they were declaring all-out war.
So, why is any of this positive news? Well, it’s pretty elementary.
The governor has obviously established his top immediate priority, which is preventing the first and clearly most important veto override of his brief career.
There are, of course, two ways out of a corner. You can either negotiate or bull through it and fight.
Right now, the Rauner folks are itching for a fight. They want to stop this override dead in its tracks in the House and then start their revenge war in the precincts. It’s understandable. They’re angry as all get-out.
But Rauner has a way to stop the override if he can see beyond his anger and realize he’s in a trap of his own making: Cut a deal on his “Turnaround Agenda,” fix the budget, declare victory, and bring the overtime session to a conclusion.
Tellingly, the House Democrats made some discreet behind-the-scenes inquiries last week about possibly setting up negotiations on the governor’s agenda, which he says must be completed before he’ll talk about the budget.
The point is that on Aug. 19, we arrived at what could be the single most important moment in this overtime session.
After the 15-day clock runs out, we could very well look back on this as either the beginning of a negotiated truce or the start of the harshest, meanest political war we’ve ever seen.
Whatever happens, everybody has a choice here.
A crucial swing vote that will determine whether the General Assembly will override Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of a bill essentially stripping him of his ability to negotiate with a powerful state employee union is still undecided.
Democratic state Rep. Jack Franks of Marengo said he still is weighing his options regarding Senate Bill 1229, which would allow negotiations between Rauner and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees to go to binding arbitration as both sides struggle to come to terms on a new contract. The veto override is now headed to the House after Senate lawmakers voted on it last Wednesday.
Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan has a 71-seat supermajority on paper – the exact number needed to override a gubernatorial veto – but fiscally conservative Democrats regularly assert their independence and can make that threshold difficult for the powerful speaker to attain. Without Franks’ support, Madigan would need at least one Republican vote.
Franks said Friday he still is looking at both sides and examining all the information he can before he makes a decision. While he said that binding arbitration is hardly a new concept, and is used for other classes of state employees, there are aspects of the proposed legislation that he does not like.
“Most of the pressure I’m under is self-imposed. I just want to do the right thing,” Franks said.
Speaker Madigan said last week he didn’t think he would hold the floor vote this week. It’ll have to be next week.
- Excessively Rabid - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:06 am:
I always thought the AFSCME bill was a bargaining chip to finally force Rauner to the negotiating table. It would be really bad policy and I doubt if Madigan or most of the dems really want it.
- LilLebowskiUrbanAchiever - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:07 am:
With as dug in as each side is, this feels like wishful thinking.
- Dee Lay - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:08 am:
“After the 15-day clock runs out, we could very well look back on this as either the beginning of a negotiated truce or the start of the harshest, meanest political war we’ve ever seen.”
Rich, it could easily be both. The Dems know the Gov. and staff can’t be trusted.
- Stones - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:10 am:
The Governor’s veto of this legislation shows his true intentions with regard to state employees. If the House fails to override look for a protracted work stoppage and mass layoffs.
- G'Kar - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:12 am:
I wonder if the Administrations apoplexy over this bill is proof that their goal all along was to declare an impasse and unilaterally put in a draconian change to the contract in order to force a strike.
- Anonin' - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:13 am:
TeamBungle better do a quick deal with the union and hope that holds off the arbitration vote….but Capt Fax sez they want war so they lose the vote and continue getting thumped in the courts….those moments get uglier every day. Now that they fair is over better check the spankin’ TeamBungle has been gettin’
- unclesam - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:13 am:
Rich…there is no way out…none.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:15 am:
To the Post,
The 15 day window between the Senate override, I feel, is a window of opportunity.
It was essential that the Senate overrode, allowing a “game” of “what if” well beyond SB1229. Rauner absolutely can NOT have this bill be overridden, and “does the Speaker have 71″ both hanging out there makes compromise rotting on the vine, so ripe to be picked and saves face for everyone.
“Why take a chance” that the Speaker, who publicly said he had, can cobble 71? It puts Madigan and Rauner front and center, and Cullerton set the table. It also allows “Turnaround Agenda” failures to be overlooked in one fell swoop.
The only variable? The required (not optional) revenue increase. Rauner could probably save numerous GOP GA members from voting for the increase IF Rauner and his Legislative Shop sees the 15 days as the gift it is.
But…
You compare Illinois to the Cold War USSR, or China and threaten every Senator that “defied” you, how the heck are you seen as any sort of deal maker, level-headed, and most importantly, pragmatic to the governing and politics of 71 and 36 and saving face all in one masterful move? When Rauner goes off-script, he sinks all the good behind the scenes work that the back channels are still trying to use to reach Rauner. Governors can NOT be the shrill voice in the contest of trying to find common ground. Governors can NOT look at these days as a “Doomsday Clock”. Governors see windows like great running backs see “holes” to break for touchdowns when less gifted running backs are stopped for loses.
This is chess or checkers or Chinese checkers, this is the game of politics learned as a Freshman in the GA.
Rauner must learn it now.
Great work Rich, my hope is this 15 day gift has a chance to be exchanged and unwrapped by all.
- Mason born - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:18 am:
The most telling part to me is the last quote from Franks where he calls SB1229 a sideshow. Seems like Franks vote is up to the governor to secure. The question is are Rauners people smart enough to bargain instead of throwing punches. If your AFSCME better not stop preparing for a strike/lockout. At least after September there is more hunting seasons open.
- Austin Blvd - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:19 am:
It will be difficult for Rauner to cut any deal without the backing of those billionaire and millionaire buddies who have been supporting him with political cash.
These corporate donors are the types of people who want a significant return on their investment I.e., turnaround agenda).
If Bruce fails to deliver a big return, he will be viewed as s failure by his big backers.
Bruce promised them he’d run the state like a business.
The human suffering due to the budget fallout is merely incidental when compared to the fallout of not earning a return for his donors.
That’s the box Bruce has put himself into.
- Lincoln Lad - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:20 am:
Who wants an overall deal the most here - Rauner or the Speaker?
- downstate commissioner - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:21 am:
It is too bad, but the Raunerpublicans probably won’t have the guts to break ranks (other than maybe Poe) to override the veto. It needs to be done, so that Rauner will get some slight glimmer of what the future may hold for his “turnaround agenda”…
- XDNR - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:24 am:
===The governor has obviously established his top immediate priority, which is preventing the first and clearly most important veto override of his brief career.===. His top priority has been to destroy collective bargaining in Illinois. The override would not be an immediate priority if the Dem GA trusted him and he bargained in good and reasonable faith.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:25 am:
Reality?
Autonomous GOP GA Caucuses would’ve “corrected” the governor as to where his opening were/are, and would’ve been able to be more of a significant voting block in reality, instead of just chits and numbers used to continue gridlock for an unattainable passage… of an ill-conceived legislative agenda.
There’s a reason the branches of government are separate.
- Me too - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:28 am:
It would be very short sighted not to override. Right now the dems have massive support from the unions and the lack of a budget is sinking the gov. If they negotiate a budget and drop the override, then they really did walk Senate dems out on a plank while destroying the good will with the unions and for what? Getting a budget deal and removing the thorn in the govs side? Before this the unions viewed to never forget SB1. With no override it is back to square one. Madigan may think the unions will come home as they have no where else to go, but without this bill there may not be any unions to speak of in a year or three. That’s not hyperbole, trainers negotiation had been about removing any reason to join the union and then to take fair share payments and force the union to collect them. That will do two things, reduce union money both in terms of members and those willing to pay fair share, and generate resentment when the union tries to collect from nonpayers. Why would anyone want to pay for representation when there’s no raises, no automatic promotion, no seniorit, increased cost for worse health insurance and reduced vacation. What’s the point? As I said, short sighted to do this to get a budget. Madigan doesn’t need a budget. The gov does.
- The Captain - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:28 am:
Dear Democrats,
He’s coming for you, he’s coming for you no matter what, he’s coming for you no matter how you vote on this or any other bill.
There are currently 71 of you, it’s his stated goal to have no more than 58 of you. He’s coming after you no matter how you vote on this or any other matter because that’s the only way he can achieve his goal and take the speakership away from your current caucus leader.
Vote however you want, you can’t vote your way out of the war that’s coming. It’s coming anyway.
- Crispy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:28 am:
What Dee Lay said about trust. The thing is, when have the administration ever demonstrated a willingness to genuinely negotiate? “On the warpath” seems to be their default position. Sadly, such a stance seems to make “war” inevitable. Sigh.
- Anonymous Redux - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:30 am:
Who will our Governor represent?…That is The Question?
Time is telling.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:31 am:
Rauner and the superstars haven’t spotted an obvious out yet, like the property tax freeze vote.
Consequently, due to the “leveraging” of refusing to deal with the budget, the state is on track to spend at least
$38 billion in FY16 on GRF revenues of $32 billion.
That doesn’t count the billions in social services, MAP and group insurance that didn’t make the cut in the current Rube Goldberg FUBAR of signed bills, continuing approps, consent decrees and judicial orders.
For those keeping score at home, a $6 billion-plus budget deficit (that still whacks social services and college students across the state) is worse than the slew of passed approp bills that was $4 billion short (and which the governor could have employed his line-item and reduction vetoes).
That’s some crazy kind of fiscal conservative strategery.
- Anonymous Redux - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:33 am:
Who wants an overall deal the most here - Rauner or the Speaker? - Lincoln Lad
Who wants a “Class War” on The 99% more?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:33 am:
The Captain nails it.
- @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:33 am:
“I’ve got this thing and it’s ██████ golden, and, uh, uh, I’m just not giving it up for ██████ nothing.”
– MrJM
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:33 am:
- The Captain - is right
The IllinoisGO PAC is all the evidence you need that Rauner wants his 2 Caucuses.
However, it’s time to govern right now. The time for politics will be there, I promise. It’s up to all parties to govern, and just trust one time in each other.
- mehh - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:38 am:
The Captain makes a good point that Jack Franks and every single Democrat needs to remember. One or 2 votes will not keep the Bruce from coming after you.
- Mason born - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:43 am:
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens to McCann over the next 10 days. If Rauner decides to fight this (as he appears to) instead of negotiating he has to keep his Republicans in hand. The only way to ramp that up is to go after the lone defector to scare the others straight. There is a reason the Royal navy held a formation for the cat of nine.
- Shoedoctor - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:49 am:
It is not just Rauner who thinks this is a terrible bill. Every single editorial board in the State is against an overide. It is best not to pick fights with those that buy ink by the barrel. That and Rauner’s warchest will make life difficult for those reps in swing districts.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:50 am:
Yes, this is an opportunity. However, it’s an opportunity that reasonable people would grasp. It’s not an opportunity to the frat boys. The frat boys want to attack. Their egos require it.
- Huh? - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:54 am:
If the House does not override the veto, Madigan hangs Cullerton out to dry and thus loses an ally.
Much has been written about how trust plays in politics. And unless there is behind the scenes discussions, Cullerton being being left out by Madigan is a breach of trust.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:01 am:
When there is ego involved rational behavior goes out the window. Not picking on the Governor here because I think Madigan is just as culpable, but when you have press released like this from the Governor it just shows how big his ego is. Commander in Chief. Really? May be officially correct but give me a break.
http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=1&RecNum=13299
- DuPage - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:08 am:
The trumpets of war are getting closer and louder.
The Democrats in the house should remember Rauner’s “take no prisoners” way of doing business. Rauner is going to finance a campaign against every Democrat no matter what. The best thing they can do is hold the line against Rauner by overriding the veto.
- walker - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:09 am:
Ed Sullivan as thrown in the towel, and will not run for reelection. Very good person. He is one of the Republicans in the House most helpful across the aisle.
- Judgment Day - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:11 am:
There’s a missing component here - it’s financial. Ten days ago, it was all good. Ten days later, not so much. Did we just have a temporary correction or are we just at the beginning of a long slide - Who knows?
Think about something - let’s say this is the start of a financial slide that’s going to take a while to play out.
IF the House votes to override, and IF the financial slide happens (and it’s still an unknown), then there’s even less incentive for Governor Rauner to compromise on a state budget.
Much less anything else for CPS, Cook County, or the City of Chicago.
That $6 bil dollar state budget hole could become even bigger, and at that point, why should he and the Republicans take the collar?
Rauner could use this potential financial downturn to really hammer the public sector unions as being totally out of touch with financial realities that all the other taxpayers are having to face. And by extension, Democratic leadership.
There’s a potential new player on the board - It’s “Mr. Market”. An independent player.
Rules (potentially) just changed.
- Sue - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:12 am:
Rich-Illinois law prohibits what lawyers refer to as single purpose legislation. The AFSCME bill is as single purpose as it getsOne negotiation, one Union and one governor. No matter what Madigan does this legislation will never pass constitutional muster.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:14 am:
==Illinois law prohibits what lawyers refer to as single purpose legislation==
The Constitution prohibits legislation that deals with more than one subject. I have no idea what you are talking about. Try again.
- walker - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:18 am:
If we step back a moment, we can see that this bill was targeted specifically at these contract negotiations and this specific governor. It is not necessarily justified as good law for the long term.
It can be seen as an inappropriate intrusion into the executive process by the legislature.
It’s not a slam dunk in the House, regardless of Rauner’s threats. Madigan will lever this one to his advantage, if he can. This override could certainly be sacrificed as part of a compromise package.
- Shoedoctor - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:18 am:
Don’t kid yourself Demoralized. If the house overides it will not be the final word
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:22 am:
===It can be seen as an inappropriate intrusion into the executive process by the legislature.===
How so? Constitutionally?
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:25 am:
Sue, what in the world are you talking about?
- Me too - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:29 am:
Word, I think she has an incorrect definition of bill of attainder, or maybe she just has single subject turned upside down.
- Abe the Babe - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:31 am:
I think Sue is referring to the special legislation clause though she seems to be conflating it with the single subject rule or something.
I also don’t think its applicable here…
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.
- Austin Blvd - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:31 am:
A “deal” would require Rauner to admit “failure,” not to mention failure to provide a return to his political investors.
Is it possible, or even conceivable, for Bruce to admit that he failed?
- burbanite - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:32 am:
9 more days…it goes fast.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:32 am:
===Don’t kid yourself Demoralized. If the house overides it will not be the final word===
Ugh.
What, Rauner will “Super-Veto” an override?
Under what will Rauner take this override to the courts? Under what will the court case be based upon?
- Rod - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:36 am:
I don’t see in the least how President Cullerton is being hung out to dry by the House failing to override. He knows the politics of this issue among conservative Democrats in the House, so if the override fails President Cullerton knew this situation going into this override.
- A Jack - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:36 am:
“Cut a deal on his turn-around agenda”. Is there really anything he will accept as a compromise that isn’t an attack on the unions of some sort?
The reason he is flipping out is because if this bill is overridden, it kills the main purpose of his turn-around agenda. Once SB 1229 is overridden, I suspect a budget will be in place fairly shortly. He will want a budget so that he can pursue other business friendly changes such as de-regulating various non-friendly business laws.
- Me too - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:36 am:
Dr. Sholls is making geek inserts for carhartts… They put up your chest while containing nothing of substance
- Me too - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:37 am:
Gel not geek. Autocorrect.
- Me too - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:38 am:
And puff not put. I’ll proof better in the future.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:39 am:
– If the house overrides, it will not be the final word.–
Was it a double-secret probation veto?
The frat boys must have pledged Omega Theta Pi. They’re sneaky.
- Niblets - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:43 am:
I can’t imagine that anyone really wants this turkey of a law. Be reasonable, talk to each other. Behind closed doors,some agreement that allows both sides to claim they won. Makes sense. Oh wait, I guess that’s not going to happen.
- Liberty - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:46 am:
Rauner doesn’t seem to understand the legislature sets the rules. He just doesn’t get the fact he is not CEO.
If Poe wants reelected, he will vote with the state workers like McCann.
- Anon. - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:47 am:
==The AFSCME bill is as single purpose as it getsOne negotiation, one Union and one governor. No matter what Madigan does this legislation will never pass constitutional muster.==
Try searching how many of our laws apply only (or differently) to cities with populations of over 1 million. This bill, in itself, is no more an unconstitutional limitation on the Governor’s authority than the already existing law that gives public employees collective bargaining rights.
- walker - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:48 am:
OW: No not unconstitutional, but perhaps inappropriate. The legislature should not jump into the middle of ongoing contract negotiations, unless it is to make better law for the long term.
- D.P.Gumby - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:49 am:
Might Poe or another Repub flip like McCann did?
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:51 am:
JD, if there was a relationship between the stock market and the budget I guess the state would have been rolling in dougn the last few years.
The stock market is generally a poor predictor of anything.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:51 am:
- walker -,
With respect, it may have a feel or an edge of “inappropriate”, but nothing about it is illegal or unconstitutional.
That’s also why it steams Rauner and the Superstars he controls.
- walker - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:58 am:
OW: we agree
- Norseman - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:01 am:
Demoralized, she is erroneously referring to the special legislation section.
=== 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. ===
- G'Kar - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:02 am:
-Gel not geek-
I don’t know, I kind of like the image of “geek inserts.”
- Aldyth - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:04 am:
You can spend energy on temper tantrums or you can spend it on negotiating.
The latter is usually more productive.
- Earl - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:08 am:
I think Madigan can get 71 yes votes but getting them in the building at the same time might be the bigger challenge.
- Impair - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:08 am:
Jack is the only blue in one of the most red counties in the state. He approves the override, his career is done.
- Judgment Day - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:09 am:
“JD, if there was a relationship between the stock market and the budget I guess the state would have been rolling in dough the last few years.
The stock market is generally a poor predictor of anything.”
—————–
Two words - “Wealth Effect”. Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wealth_effect
Also, let’s not forget. Last few times we had fiscal downturns, our pension fund investment returns went into the toilet.
Which events usually affects the budget. And not in a good way.
Raising taxes in a downward trending fiscal environment is normally something political types from both parties try to avoid.
Just saying.
- Earl Shumaker - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:11 am:
It is really too bad that this Governor still thinks of Illinois as one of his corporate entities He apparently thinks that as the “Chief CEO” he is not obligated to have constructive, honest dialoguess with legislators from both parties when it comes to legislation and/or policies I hope that those legislators who blindly follow this governor realize that they should be representing the people who elected them and not be marching in lockstep with this uncompromising Governor
- A Jack - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:12 am:
Which constitution are the Raunerites using to say that this is unconstitutional? I see nothing in the constitution that grants the Governor unlimited bargaining power.
- DuPage Don - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:16 am:
If divided government means intractable positions staked out by both sides results in what we have witnessed for the last eight months, then put me in the camp that prefers one party rule where at least there is an appearance of a functioning government. Now, of course, my preference would be an all GOP government, but in the absence of that, let’s get on with the continued destruction of this state by MJM and company so at least we can point out who is causing this once great state to be no better than, say, Alabama in future job growth and development!
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:26 am:
- DuPage Don -
===…let’s get on with the continued destruction of this state by MJM and company so at least we can point out who is causing this once great state to be no better than, say, Alabama in future job growth and development!===
Rauner is NOT a victim of his office, his role in government or even how co-equal branches work together in divided government.
Divided government works best when sensible common ground or reasonable compromised is achieved.
But, if “Fire Madigan, 2.0″ works for you…
- DuPage Don - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:33 am:
-willy- “if Fire Madigan 2.0 works for you”
Oh, yeah, because things in this state have been going so swell since, um, 1971, Mr. Madigan’s first year in the ILGA!
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:37 am:
- DuPage Don -,
I’m sure Speaker Daniels, President Phillip, Governors Thompson, Edgar, and Ryan thank you.
Read McKinney in Crain’s. He lays at the the feet of Madigan quite a bit, as much as the Speaker deserves, and at the doorstep of many actors in the past.
Blaming one actor IS being a victim to “Simplehood”
- Neophyte - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:38 am:
The Captain is correct; war is imminent. To paraphrase from ‘The Kingdom’: General Westmoreland told U.S. officers to write our obituaries when we thought the Vietnam Cong were going to overrun the country during Tet. Once we realized that life is finite, we resolved to do our jobs. The only question that remains is how you want to go out, on your feet or on your knees’. The House Dems need to understand this override. The time for political rhetoric is past, sharpen your swords and swing them like statesmen. If war is inevitable, attack with extreme prejudice.
- DuPage Don - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:52 am:
-OW- “I’m sure Speaker Daniels” (one two year term as speaker), President Phillip, Governors Thompson, Edgar and Ryan thank you.”
First off, you left out Blago in your post. Secondly, not all of them have been there continuously since the Nixon Administration. With the exception of Big Jim, all the rest are, to borrow a line from our president, JV members compared to MJM!
- PublicServant - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:54 am:
They need to override. If the governor comes out using Napalm, I can see the coalition that passed this override sticking together in the future. If the governor is seen as ineffective, he’ll so isolate himself, that the legislature will have no alternative but to govern in his stead. He’s well on his way towards cementing an opposing force that really has nothing to lose.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 11:59 am:
- DuPage Don -
I can’t stop your own victimhood, lol.
It’s amazing how easy it is for some to just slurp up its Madigan’s Fault. If you sleep better, have at it, just font wish for a storm to fix things.
- Mouthy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 12:11 pm:
So, are the two sides negotiating? You know, have meetings, give and take or are they already at an impasse? If not it appears to be one of two things. Save the union or let it be destroyed.
- Mama - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 12:17 pm:
“there are aspects of the proposed legislation that he does not like.”
Why would SB1229 be a problem for Franks? It sounds like Rauner might have Rep Franks in his pocket.
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 12:22 pm:
“It sounds like Rauner might have Rep Franks in his pocket.”
It’s hard to get all 71 Democrats to vote for the override with Franks in there. That’s why I believe one or more Republicans need to vote for the override–but who will risk it?
- Ginhouse Tommy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 12:35 pm:
Rauner’s goal seems to be total and absolute power, with the power to take away any state employee benefits and have them work for almost minimum wage. It’s not going to happen but you can’t convince Rauner or his people of that. They want total war and don’t seem to care how much damage they do because they won’t be affected by it. If Rauner wanted to compromise he would have done it by now. Really is a sad situation. His public temper tantrums remind you of Blago. Wonder how he’ll act if he loses another round.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 12:47 pm:
JD, your two words aren’t cutting it, If a bull stock market was a driver of consumer spending we’d have had a lot more of it the last few years, don’t you think?
Try these two words: home equity. When people were flush with that, they were spending a lot more. That’s still coming back.
Or, two more words. Income stagnation. That’s a lot bigger deal than a stock market blip.
Dude, we’re at 16,115. That ain’t 1929 or 2008. Take a look at the DJIA five and ten year charts.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 1:03 pm:
DuPage Don:
Mike Madigan is still the Speaker and those that want things done still have to deal with him. So, you can continue to whine or you can live in the real world. Your choice.
- DonaldTrump - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 1:09 pm:
Amazing, only one Dem who’ll stand up for the people of Illinois. No wonder the State is broke and Madigan and his cronies are rich.
- CrazyHorse - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 1:10 pm:
I have got to believe that Poe is in on the override. I can’t see him changing his stripes this late in his career. Everyone always spoke of Poe in such high regard. He’s a big boy but I wonder if he wants to sell-out a huge group of people that have backed him for so long. A YES vote is a much easier path for Poe.
According to Chicago Tonight, Jack Franks is proposing a bill to end corporate tax loopholes and has Madigan’s support as they have been meeting quite often recently. Wonder if they discussed the AFSCME bill? http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2015/08/24/third-way-out-state-budget-impasse-emerges
Lastly, I’ve heard rumors that Norine Hammond may vote to override as well but that’s just from an AFSCME member and I cannot personally verify.
- Anon - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 1:14 pm:
Jack Franks for Auditor General!
- X-prof - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 1:21 pm:
Does Madigan bluff on vote counts? He’s told the press more than once that he’s confident he has the votes to override. Are there any past examples where he made a similar claim and came up short? My guess is that he wouldn’t risk compromising his credibility and power if he wasn’t sure, but others here would know his record where I don’t.
If the override is secure if it comes to a vote, aren’t we at checkmate for the union-busting part of the turnaround agenda? There might still be some face-saving compromises on property taxes or workers comp – especially if Rauner comes to the table in time to avoid the override vote.
- The Real Donald Trump - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 1:45 pm:
Donald Trump’s comment from 1:09 is a fake. Im the real Donald Trump. The commenter at 1:09 is a big, fat, pathetic loser. He probably lives in his mommies basement and plays with Star Wars action figures. Im the real Donald Trump, and I’m rich, and I have many golf courses and hotels that are fantastic. That commenter at 1:09 should be deported back to whatever sad pathetic loser country he came from!
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 1:59 pm:
Divided government works best when sensible common ground or reasonable compromised is achieved.
But, if “Fire Madigan, 2.0″ works for you…
- Me too - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 2:02 pm:
I think the gov if thinking he’s peeled off more than Franks. Poe is in hot water either way, and I’ve gotta believe he’s got a better shot at winning against a primary opponent than against his constituents. I’d bet the gov knows this and is trying his darnedest to hold the rest of the line and get another dem or two.
- Bulldog58 - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 2:02 pm:
–“Most of the pressure I’m under is self-imposed. I just want to do the right thing,” Franks said.–
Sen. Neil Anderson (union firefighter) met with a group of concerned union members prior to the Senates over-ride of SB1229 and he made a statement to us that was so eerily similar that it may have been that easily could have been the exact same words. He kept promising us that in the end he would do the right thing.
Sen. Anderson was not present in Springfield on the day of the over-ride vote…I hope that Rep. Franks at least shows up to cast a vote, one way or another.
Voting is the right thing to do.
- Me too - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 2:06 pm:
I wouldn’t be surprised if it was agov sponsored talking point.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 2:07 pm:
If I recall from a look at the original roll call last week, 23 House members, the great majority of them GOP, didn’t cast a vote — yes, no, or present — last time when it passed with 67.
- Judgment Day - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 2:18 pm:
Word:
You’re not selling me, and it’s clear I’m not selling you. So we agree to disagree.
Still don’t see how a House override is going to move the Governor closer to a budget deal. All the override does is toss in another ‘poison pill’ into any budget deal, because if AFSCME wins (thereby increasing costs), there will have provisions in place for immediate employee layoffs/furloughs to get the budget back down to the base amount.
Methinks that AFSCME wouldn’t look favorably upon that idea.
After all, you only have so much money. And trying to get more in a *potential* fiscal downturn isn’t likely to happen.
I just don’t see anything in a House override that moves Governor Rauner any closer to making a budget deal.
- dupage dan - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 2:31 pm:
Binding arbitration for the unions. If that goes thru I don’t have anything to worry about. So close to retirement I can taste it - what to do if we go on strike? Can’t delay the final day and won’t cross the picket line.
Am I sorry if this sounds a bit self-absorbed? Nope. As for the rest of you - more tax increases to follow. And so much of it to help pay my pension. Thank You!
- Mason born - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 2:36 pm:
JD
I think the idea is that the last thing Rauner wants is the override. That would be taking away his most precious toy (no offense to AFSCME members.) Everything else he wants requires compromise or building public support. Now the AFSCME contract that is his all alone no GA to work with nolegal handcuffs or it will be if those meddling kids Madigan and Cullerton don’t expose him. Now that vote is like telling your kid they can’t go on a trip it’s only a threat till the buss leaves then the threat loses all meaning. Had Cullerton failed Bruce gets his way. Now he has 10 days to stop it or lose his toys.
What else does Rauner have to negotiate with? Only one way out cut a deal with MJM to not call the bill or at least not whip the vote. Of course he could negotiate a contract with AFSCME but then he also loses the toy and can’t play white knight fighting off the union assault.
- Judgment Day - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 2:49 pm:
MB
IMO Rauner is looking at everything through an economics viewpoint. Look at all the recent veto’s/AV’s. Fiscal components (and resistance to increased regulatory costs) appear to be critical parts of his reasoning.
The greater the fiscal instability (or increased costs), the more likely his opposition.
If this is indeed his reasoning, why would anyone possibly expect him to be more receptive to a budget deal that introduces fiscal instability with the real likelihood of increased costs (AFSCME).
The numbers still have to work.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 3:06 pm:
JD, that’s a curious viewpoint, given that the guv signed the K-12 bill, went to court to pay state employees without an approp, FY16 is $6 billion-plus out of whack and he refuses to negotiate on the budget two months into the fiscal year.
- Me too - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 3:12 pm:
JD, the idea is that he would trade a budget deal to remain the sole negotiator with afscme. He’ll impose a last best offer that the union can’t accept and then try to bring in replacement workers when they strike. If it is determined to be an economic strike (it won’t be since he has demonstrated he is not negotiating in good faith by attempting to bypass the process through legislation) then he can permanently replace striking workers, ridding the state of all the tier 1 employees. Note he wants to eliminate seniority, even if there is no strike this is how he plans to “solve” the pension crisis, fire all tier 1 employees. Then offer then maybe if he’s nice hell offer them new jobs if they “voluntarily” accept tier 2. It’s so transparent I can’t believe he thinks it’ll fly.
- Me too - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 3:14 pm:
Or maybe I should take off the tin foil hat. It just seems to me that if he wants to destroy the union and cut pension debt that’d be the way a heartless chap would do it.
- Skeptic - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
“if they “voluntarily” accept tier 2.” Except it doesn’t work that way. The Tier is based on when you first joined the pension system (i.e., the original hire date). So the Tier 1 people would have to stay fired. But you still have to pay their pensions.
- Mason born - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 3:29 pm:
JD
You are giving him the benefit of the doubt. The problem with that I see is his willingness to walk back cuts he said where necessary such as the goid friday cuts. Add to that his budget was 3.5+ billion out of whack. I think he desperately wants to be seen as the it’s about economics guy. The problem is nothing he is holding the budget hostage for improves the economic picture in the next 4-10 years if ever. As we progress down this path we spend more of the available funds leaving fewer and fewer places to cut. No if it was all about the economics he could have line itemed the bills on his desk to balance. There is another goal he Is chasing.
Also remember he needs the tax hike every bit as much as the General Assembly. Which is why his budget standoff will fail.
- Judgment Day - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 3:33 pm:
Word:
Makes perfectly logical sense if you lay it out in a timeline format.
First off, move certain items (K-12 & paying state employees) off the list. You didn’t really hear either side throwing too big of a squawk.
But no agreements after that (other than the temporary AFSCME agreements).
So now the override votes for AFSCME kicks in. So things change.
So now we start having veto’s and AV’s, with an emphasis on fiscal considerations and increased regulatory costs which Illinois can’t afford (in the Governor’s opinion).
Next…..????
Looks like each side is adjusting to the other’s actions.
- Andy S. - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 3:43 pm:
Personally, I hope the House overrides Rauner’s veto but I doubt Madigan has the votes. I know he said he has the votes, but he also said he had the votes of 4 ISC Justices to uphold his pension legislation. How did that one turn out?
- Me too - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 3:48 pm:
Skeptic, what is legal doesn’t matter in the minds of the masters of the universe. They imagine there is always a loophole. Maybe it is to keep the tier 1 folks fired. That way they don’t continue accruing a pension and can’t collect until 60. It would save money in the end. All of the sudden everyone is paying in more than they’ll collect and the tier 1 folks retirement is both delayed until 60 and higher salaries are eliminated in favor of new lower ones with no potential in the near future for raises. There is no other reason to eliminate seniority and bumping rights.
- CrazyHorse - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 4:14 pm:
==he had the votes of 4 ISC Justices to uphold his pension legislation. How did that one turn out?==
Technically, I don’t recall him ever saying he had X number of votes, rather he said he believed they would find it constitutional. What was he supposed to say? I think it’s toast. He had to say he thought it would pass.
- Langhorne - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 4:29 pm:
Rauner would rather fight than win. On any front:
-budget- no plan, no process, just pain
-Contract-demands over the top, no real negotiation
-turnaround agenda- demands to pass bullet points, no real understanding of legislative process
-veto override- newest top priority bec it cuts off path to shutdown, and gasp, would be a clear win for madigan
Meanwhile, repubs keep voting present. Still completely irrelevant
- Nick Name - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 4:45 pm:
“Personally, I hope the House overrides Rauner’s veto but I doubt Madigan has the votes. I know he said he has the votes, but he also said he had the votes of 4 ISC Justices to uphold his pension legislation. How did that one turn out?”
How is Madigan supposed to “have” the votes of members of a separate branch of government?
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 4:54 pm:
For Lo the Allfather (BVR) Odin and Loki (MJM) new it was fortold (Friedricks v. CTA) that the Jotunn (AFSMCE) would be weakened. Both longed for Ragnorok, the great battle upon the plain of Vigrith. Odin and Thor(business)and the Einherjar (GOP) long for the defeat of the Vanir, the Jotunn,the giant world snake Jormandgand (human need), and great wolf Fenris (chaos and unrest). But Loki longed for Ragnorok for vengeance against the other Aesir. He would betray them. At Ragnorok he would lead the forces of Hel upon the plain. But what none know is that all who do battle will be killed upon the field. Ragnorok will destroy the world. Fenris will be loosed, Jormundgand will writhe and destroy in it’s throws of death, the state will crumble. In Ragnorok there is no victory. Will Loki or Odin bring about it about? We shall see. We live in epic times
- MurMan - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 5:00 pm:
JD, I think you are missing Word’s point entirely.
Rauner plays the fiscal responsibilty card when he is opposing/vetoing spending that does not agree with his ideoligacl views.
At the same time, however, Rauner has no problem spending $100 million on corporate tax breaks. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150409/BLOGS02/150409776/despite-spending-freezes-elsewhere-rauner-oks-corporate-tax-breaks
You don’t really believe that Rauner’s actions are based upon fiscal responsibility? If you do, where have you been these last 8 months? he didn’t propose a balanced budget, he didn’t use his line item veto to balance the Dems budget, and the list goes on.
All his actions point to his priorities being union busting, not fiscal responsibility and deficit reduction.
try basing your analysis on Rauner’s actions instead of his rhetoric.
- Last Bull Moose - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 5:23 pm:
I too saw the report that Jack Franks had a plan to increase revenue by $3 billion, with no increase in rates. Pass that plan, override the veto of SB 1229, and Governor Rauner is in a bind.
That is a lot of power for Jack Franks, if the rest of the votes are there.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 6:31 pm:
JD, you’re cracking me up.
What are you selling, anyway? The governor has been consistent and clear that FY16 is not a priority, and won’t be until his political agenda is addressed to his satisfaction.
That leaves us with $$38 billion in projected spending, $32 billion in projected revenue (38-32=6) with billions in social services. MAP and insurance not even in the equation.
It’s a fiscal disaster, that has been predicted since the beginning of Rauner’s ludicrous, lying campaign.
What’s your out? The arithmetic doesn’t spin.
- West Side Willie - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 6:43 pm:
First they came for the Unions and I said nothing because I was not in a Union. Then ………….
- Andy S. - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 8:05 pm:
The only point I was trying to make earlier is that Madigan’s recent track record does not inspire much confidence. The push for an obviously unconstitutional pension law when a less extreme law with union buy-in might have stood a chance, the failure to push for making the 5% income tax permanent before Rauner’s inauguration, etc. If he didn’t have the votes for that back in December or early January, then he may not have the votes to override Rauner’s veto now.
- RNUG - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 8:25 pm:
== but he also said he had the votes of 4 ISC Justices to uphold his pension legislation. How did that one turn out? ==
He had to say that to keep up the pretense that SB-1 was constitutional … since the GA is not supposed to pass bills they believe / know to be unconstitutional.
- RNUG - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 8:29 pm:
== That way they don’t continue accruing a pension and can’t collect until 60. ==
There are some who could retire immediately if such a scenario should come to pass, either because they are already age 60 or they have reached the “rule of 85″. That group has just chosen not to retire yet, either because they want to earn as much pension as they can or because they don’t think they can live on just the pension. Given the choice between no income and retirement, they will choose retirement.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 8:32 pm:
And, RNUG, as we all know by now, the whole point of SB1 was to get a definitive ruling from the Supremes, in order to put a stop to the ignorant and hysterical pipe dreams of Tylenol Ty and the Civvies, and Big Brain Bruce and his sidekick, Katrina.
- RNUG - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 8:39 pm:
== The push for an obviously unconstitutional pension law when a less extreme law with union buy-in might have stood a chance ==
They had to pass an obviously unconstitutional pension law in order to get the SB-1 ruling, so they could get the political cover to raise taxes … which they were prepared to do in December until Rauner asked them not to.
By his request, Rauner inserted himself into the middle of the game. Now the political game is to share blame with Rauner and the GOP for the tax increase we all know is coming … and because Rauner asked for the temp income tax to expire and will be forced to ask for the forthcoming revenue increase. The D’s will insist ALL the R votes be placed on the tax bill before any D votes are added to pass it. At this point, it’s all about the impact on the 2016 campaigns and maintaining a D majority. If the roles were reversed, the R’s would be playing the same game.
- Mama - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 8:44 pm:
++- The Captain - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:28 am: Dear Democrats,
He’s coming for you, he’s coming for you no matter what, he’s coming for you no matter how you vote on this or any other bill.
There are currently 71 of you, it’s his stated goal to have no more than 58 of you. He’s coming after you no matter how you vote on this or any other matter because that’s the only way he can achieve his goal and take the speakership away from your current caucus leader.
Vote however you want, you can’t vote your way out of the war that’s coming. It’s coming anyway.
++
Not voting to over-ride SB1299 will not stop Rauner from trying to get rid of all the Dems. I agree with The Captain - you might as well make the union happy by supporting SB1229.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 8:52 pm:
===The D’s will insist ALL the R votes be placed on the tax bill before any D votes are added to pass it.===
If you are in the GOP GA and think ignoring these 9 days left will prevent 100% compliance of Green on the revenue increase, as an Owl, you are not paying attention.
The only way some Owls will be saved is in this window before the override vote in the House.
It’s the smart move, it saves GOP members, the governor can declare victory, we all can move on.
But…
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:14 pm:
Wouldn’t it be something if a judge held the state in civil contempt and raised funds in the process? Judges have levied taxes…
- Blue dog dem - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 9:21 pm:
Fact or fiction: if house overrides veto, Rauner furloughs 10,000 state workers.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Aug 25, 15 @ 10:53 pm:
No, department/agency consolidations, attrition, leave of absences, and retirements. In essential employee areas it wouldn’t save that much and would actually cause more overtime which causes one’s pension earnings to go up. The more people you furlough, the more will cause people to retire. Remember, smaller government and efficiency measures based on lean concepts. Things are coming down the pipeline.
- Mason born - Wednesday, Aug 26, 15 @ 5:15 am:
As Rich has reported there is some real substantial pain comming to a lot of folks if this budget fiasco isn’t sorted out. As well as the fiscal disaster Wordslinger highlights. Quite honestly it would make sense to sacrifice SB1229 to end this mess. No AFSCME won’t be happy and a strike/lockout would bring pain all its own but that is an October 1st problem. That and MJM needs that 500 mil reduction to employees insurance.
So is Rauner smart enough to seize the oppurtunity?
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Aug 26, 15 @ 7:06 am:
Mason born, I don’t think you understand how bad a strike would be for the economy of this state. South Chicago, East St. Louis, Decatur would blow up like Ferguson. That is unless HSC (Human Service Caseworkers) are deemed essential by the ILRB which is a move I think the Rauner folks are going to pull. God help them if they don’t.
- Mason born - Wednesday, Aug 26, 15 @ 7:31 am:
Honeybear
Oh I understand. However I think you miss some distinctions.
First a strike is % 100 on the gov and AFSCME the g.a. escapes all blame.
Second State Employees have options while those about to get hit with the budget mess are out of options.
Third MJM’s budget counts on a 500 million reduction in state employee insurance costs. Hard to get there if AFSCME doesn’t fold big time.
Fourth a strike/lockout is a true shutdown. Not a soft every service still gets delivered shutdown like is happening now. Can Rauner take the heat? MJM may very well believe he won’t take it very deep into October.
Finally the very things you describe work against the gov. It’s one thing to have a strike to put the no good unions in their place it’s another when the headlines are burning Illinois.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Aug 26, 15 @ 8:37 am:
== Fact or fiction: if house overrides veto, Rauner furloughs 10,000 state workers. ==
As thin as the State is on staffing, I doubt it will be 10,000 … but some layoffs are already being announced.
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Aug 26, 15 @ 8:54 am:
Mason Born, thanks for replying. I think Rauner has been totally focused upon bringing about the Ragnorok of Labor. I don’t think he’ll cave until AFSCME lies in a broken heap. I am wagering that he will be merciless. AFSCME honestly can’t take much. I’d say a majority of public servants are paycheck to paycheck. (by how much I don’t know. this is just my feeling) But failure to override will not just destroy the union, it will destroy state government. I think a sizable number of public servants will seek work elseware after a strike or decide to retire. I think a lot will not come back. Thus when the strike breaks we won’t go back to happy land. The state will have to start over, literally from scratch. Republicans don’t want to work for the state. You will be left with a workforce in total disarray staffed by temps. But that’s what Rauner wants. Ripe for privatization. But we know that is a disaster. Every day I have to mop up the blood from Maximus that happened over a year ago.
- Johnnie F. - Wednesday, Aug 26, 15 @ 9:16 am:
We have lost 3 of 65 in the last month. These are people with very specific knowledge and backgrounds. They will not be replaced at all, or replaced by individuals severely lacking experience or frankly having no experience (true bureaucrats) in a complex field of work. So, in essence self-layoffs are occuring at an accelerated pace.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Aug 26, 15 @ 9:50 am:
== I don’t think he’ll cave until AFSCME lies in a broken heap. ==
He won’t cave even then; he’ll just use the pile of rubble to bury the other unions. Only when all labor unions associated with state employment are destroyed will Rauner get serious about a budget and the tax increase he will need for all the outsourcing contracts to privatize almost evewrything.
- Mason born - Wednesday, Aug 26, 15 @ 9:59 am:
Honeybear
I am not sure exactly how long it’ll last. Rauner doesn’t like to wear the jacket for his decisions. I can’t think of a bigger jacket than a hard shutdown.
It will all depend on how well he can shift blame. If that fails I suspect his tolerence for the bad press will drop precipitously.