* From the governor’s office…
October 23, 2015
Dear Speaker Madigan, President Cullerton, Leader Durkin and Leader Radogno:
Next week we will complete an unprecedented fourth month without a state budget. Over four months, it’s become clear that there are not enough votes to pass a tax increase in the General Assembly without also enacting much-needed structural reforms. In order to solve this budget impasse, we must come together to agree on a package of structural reforms that can save taxpayers billions alongside a balanced budget.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve met with each of you individually to try to move beyond this impasse. I believe it’s time for all of us to meet as a group, and thanks to the invitation of a few advocacy groups, I understand everyone has availability on Wednesday, November 18 from 9:30 AM to Noon and is interested in a public meeting. This is excellent news.
As you know, Leaders Meetings are held and conducted by the governor’s office. As such, while we appreciate the advocacy groups desire to be involved, we will pick up the organization of the meeting from here.
We are happy to host the meeting in the governor’s office in either Springfield or Chicago and will coordinate with your office on the most appropriate media access (fully open, pooled press, streamed online, etc.). We will also circulate an agenda in advance of the meeting. My chief of staff will reach out to your chief of staff to finalize scheduling and logistics.
Thank you for your commitment to solving this impasse. I look forward to seeing you all soon and on November 18.
Sincerely,
Bruce Rauner
Governor, State of Illinois
Background is here.
*** UPDATE 1 *** From Senate President Cullerton’s spokesperson…
Anytime, anywhere.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Leader Jim Durkin…
“I accept the Governor’s invitation and look forward to a productive meeting.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** House Speaker Michael Madigan’s spokesman just said that his boss wants to wait and see what the governor’s office actually sends to the chiefs of staff, by way of an agenda, etc.
*** UPDATE 4 *** Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno…
“I am available to attend the leaders meeting called by the governor on November 18th in either Springfield or Chicago.”
*** UPDATE 5 *** The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform’s chairperson, former state Sen. Susan Garrett, just told me…
“We are extremely pleased that so much progress has been made in such a short period of time.
“Hopefully, moving forward, the agenda will receive input from the leaders so it’s an agreed upon agenda.”
That suggestion makes sense.
Hopefully, the governor doesn’t demand a 100 percent “Turnaround Agenda” discussion or this could very well fall apart.
Either way, congrats to Garrett and the other good government leaders. I was pretty skeptical that this would work when we initially discussed it here.
- Macbeth - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:55 pm:
Public please. Streamed.
In your office? Whatever, dude. Here’s the first statesman-like thing you’ve done — and you want to pretend like it’s something with gravitas?
Okay, whatever. Just make it public. And unscripted.
- Linus - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:55 pm:
Way to “lead,” dude.
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:55 pm:
I’ll give the guy credit, good move. Now see if you can build some momentum off of this one…
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:56 pm:
I’m confused… Are the advocacy groups allowed to attend the meeting that Rauner’s staff will organize?
- 47th Ward - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:57 pm:
===it’s become clear that there are not enough votes to pass a tax increase in the General Assembly without also enacting much-needed structural reforms.===
He’s pretty thick, isn’t he?
- illini - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:57 pm:
4 PM Friday press release - just as expected!!!!
- Liberty - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:57 pm:
World to Bruce Almighty- get over yourself.
- Ahoy! - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:58 pm:
We do not need a streamed and open leaders meeting. We need those people behind closed doors hashing out an agreement that gets 60, 30 and 1.
- Nero says let it burn - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:58 pm:
Being forced to govern. Keep it open and public. Get it done. How about next week? Why wait? Adult time.
- John A Logan - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:59 pm:
Good News.
- Qui Tam - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:00 pm:
=As you know, Leaders Meetings are held and conducted by the governor’s office. =
Could this be a sign that the Governor is abandoning the victim /bystander shtick?
- Excessively Rabid - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:00 pm:
==He’s pretty thick, isn’t he? ==
Or somebody just doesn’t realize when it’s time to stop the rhetoric.
- Archiesmom - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:01 pm:
Great move on Rauner’s part – he controls the meeting, he controls the agenda. I, at least, would want a mutually agreed-upon agenda. In any event, now if the Democrats bulk, Rauner can claim the win. Just more games. But at this point, I’d try anything.
- Cubs in '16 - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:01 pm:
IN SUMMARY:
This was Rauner’s idea and the “advocacy groups” simply confirmed the date/time of availability. Oh, and Rauner alone will set the agenda/talking points. I’m not hopeful this will be productive but sincerely hope I’m wrong.
- Give Me A Break - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:02 pm:
“As you know, Leaders Meetings are held and conducted by the governor’s office.”
Gov’s also introduce budgets then work to pass them. Just saying.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:04 pm:
===thanks to the invitation of a few advocacy groups, I understand everyone has availability on Wednesday, November 18 from 9:30 AM to Noon and is interested in a public meeting. This is excellent news.===
He couldn’t do a busy search on Outlook or pick up a phone?
- And I Approved This Message - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:05 pm:
Home field advantage.
- hisgirlfriday - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:06 pm:
What does “pick up the organization of the meeting from here” mean? Rauner will organize a monologue about turnaround agenda for 30 minutes without listening to anyone else?
- Michelle Flaherty - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:08 pm:
So Rauner’s afraid of Susan Garrett?
- Triple fat - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:09 pm:
Advocacy Groups? We don’t need no advocacy groups!
- Bogey Golfer - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:09 pm:
=I’m confused… Are the advocacy groups allowed to attend the meeting that Rauner’s staff will organize?= I don’t get that feeling - would you want to give Andy Shaw any credibility that he is part of the solution?
- allknowingmasterofracoondom - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:10 pm:
Smart move. About the only move he could do other than show up to the “advocacy” groups meeting. Let’s be real here, do y’all think these advocacy groups could get anything done? I know all the groups well. 3 are decent true advocacy groups. 2 are concealed liberal lobbyists, and one is a front for a lawyer’s group who pretends to care about stuff other than the legal hours they log.
- Dan "The Hammer" Johnson - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:10 pm:
Susan Garrett gets the award for most impact by an advocacy group for the month. Good for her and for the leaders for jumping on it.
I sure hope it is public.
And that all legislators are invited to attend. I think the days of the “Five Tops” coming to a structured mega-deal are over.
- Outsider - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:11 pm:
=== Over four months, it’s become clear that there are not enough votes to pass a tax increase in the General Assembly without also enacting much-needed structural reforms.====
He is still on the same track….
- AC - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:12 pm:
==We will also circulate an agenda in advance of the meeting==
A budget agenda or a turnaround agenda?
- Louis G. Atsaves - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:12 pm:
With the update, 2 out of 5 accept. Who’s next?
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:12 pm:
Bogey Golfer, +1
- Dilemma - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:13 pm:
==Over four months, it’s become clear that there are not enough votes to pass a tax increase in the General Assembly without also enacting much-needed structural reforms. ==
Again with the narrative that the Democrats are frothing at the mouth to pass tax increases. Higher taxes aren’t a benefit for Democrats, they are merely an acknowledgement of the realities of making a budget. Someone said in another thread that until there is a recognition that neither side wants to raise taxes or make cuts there won’t be a deal. It’s clear from this statement that this realization has not happened yet.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:13 pm:
===2 out of 5 accept. Who’s next?===
Oh, please. Do you really think the GOP leaders will turn that down?
lol
It’s 4 out of 5.
- South Central - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:15 pm:
Oh, now I understand. This was Rauner’s idea all along. Right.
That first paragraph is absurd.
- Get a Job!! - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:15 pm:
-As you know, Leaders Meetings are held and conducted by the governor’s office. As such, while we appreciate the advocacy groups desire to be involved, we will pick up the organization of the meeting from here.-
Did the Governor just admit that he’s to blame for the lack of meetings in the last 5 months? I mean if it’s the Governor’s responsibility to call/host meetings, then who is to blame for the lack of meetings.
- Dilemma - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:16 pm:
I thought Madigan was the first to accept the idea of a meeting. I doubt he would now decline merely because it is being held at the governor’s office.
- Losing My Edge - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:16 pm:
“As you know, Leaders Meetings are held and conducted by the governor’s office.” I’m just going to leave that right here.
- Get a Job!! - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:17 pm:
-Over four months, it’s become clear that there are not enough votes to pass a tax increase in the General Assembly without also enacting much-needed structural reforms.-
Hey Gov, maybe just maybe, there isn’t enough votes for the structural reforms. Surely that has also become clear, eh?
- Jocko - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:18 pm:
I have to give props to the press release, but acting like Nov. 18th was the only mutually agreeable time is a bit much. I also like how this “impasse” is spoken of in the third person, like an unexpected houseguest.
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:18 pm:
Online streaming voting too and ask questions?
- Losing My Edge - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:18 pm:
@Get a Job!!–Beat me to it.
- So rich the governor is dropping G's left and right. - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:19 pm:
Shouldn’t it read: “Leaders meetins”
- Willie Stark - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:20 pm:
The meeting should not be in the governor’s office according to an agenda that he sends out. Already off to a bad start there: no offer for a mutually agreed agenda or to even ask the input of the legislative leaders. His purposeful, unprecedented dithering low these many months means he’s forfeited the right to be the convener on his own stage. Regardless of what he believes about himself, he’s not the boss of a state whose constitution creates a separation of powers among three co-equal branches. No more should the meeting be in the Speaker’s or President’s offices. Neutral ground with “independent observers” a la peace talks during wartime - regrettably it’s that bad - rather than giving the governor’s consultants time for ambush tactics and props with which to festoon their stage or mess with lighting on the leaders, chair heights, etc.
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:21 pm:
Make Goldberg’s letter public
- Solid Dwight - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:22 pm:
Hijacked. More hijinx. More of the same from Rauner. Afraid to be in public without a script.
Is it not a sham(e) that it took an invite by a special interest group to motivate Rauner to say, “hey, wait a minute. I’m supposed to host these meetings?”
What the heck have you been waitin’ for?
- Robert the Bruce - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:22 pm:
== I doubt he would now decline merely because it is being held at the governor’s office. ==
But he might be tempted to decline if Turnaround Agenda and Budget, rather than just Budget, is the agenda.
- ihpsdm - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:23 pm:
Why wait until the 18th? If you’re hijacking the location of the meeting, can’t you change the date as well? It’s not like we need a budget or anything……
- Gooner - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:23 pm:
Interesting that he’s talking about trading a tax increase for “structural reforms” that would lead to cuts instead of, I don’t know, maybe actual budget cuts.
This seems to provide more support to those who claim that Rauner views a tax increase as perfectly acceptable, as long as he gets to attack unions.
- Bogey Golfer - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:23 pm:
@Willie Stark - would like a discussion as to the shape of the negotiation table, ala the Paris Peace Talks?
- Dan Johnson - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:23 pm:
Just taking out “The Hammer” from my name….(I think it was there from a prior post when someone said everything looks like a nail….)
- Macbeth - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:26 pm:
Good for Madigan. If Rauner is just showboating — and not actually willing to talk about important stuff — i.e., anything but collective bargaining decimation — forget it.
Since when does an invitation by a third party involve Rauner creating an agenda? The only reason for this is that he’s nervous — and doesn’t want to move beyond talking points.
- Archiesmom - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:26 pm:
I completely understand where Madigan is coming from. I might have stated it a little differently, such as suggesting that the group works together to create an acceptable agenda, but I sure understand the desire not to commit to a meeting where you don’t know have input into or approval of the agenda.
- cb - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:26 pm:
==House Speaker Michael Madigan’s spokesman just said that his boss wants to wait and see what the governor’s office actually sends to the chiefs of staff, by way of an agenda, etc==
Seriously?
- Solid Dwight - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:27 pm:
Big Jim would’ve walked to Madigan’s and/or Cullerton’s office without an invite.
- Philo - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:28 pm:
I’m dizzy from the spin…”meeting called by the Governor” and “Governor’s invitation.” Nicely hijacked.
- From the 'Dale to HP - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:30 pm:
Rauner really looks like he wants to get this budget done… what’s three and a half more weeks! What a silly PR stunt. If this was serious, they’d meet this weekend or early next week.
- Grass Bowl - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:31 pm:
Clearly written by me
- Wordslinger - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:31 pm:
BR: “Hey, wait a minute — I’m the governor. Shouldnt I be calling this meeting?”
Yes. Long ago.
- Nick Name - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:31 pm:
MJM is entirely correct to want to see an agenda first.
- Keyrock - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:31 pm:
It looks like Rauner is afraid of the Union League Club. I always thought it was kind of a GOP place, but now I know it’s controlled by Madigan.
- jim - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:32 pm:
why are all commenters so mad at Rauner. I thought they wanted a resolution to the standoff. Seems like it could be good news.
- Senator Clay Davis - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:32 pm:
Why are they waiting nearly a month for this? Was that really the first time all 5 of them will be available? Must’ve been a tough doodle poll.
- Austin Blvd - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:33 pm:
See you in my office in November. Gives us a month to kill and then another month and a half to kill until after the holidays.
- Dee Lay - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:33 pm:
Do it at the Hilton Chicgao.
Neutral Site, and if you do it in the ballroom - put the media on the balconies and let the Tops sit in the middle of the room by themselves. No staff running them papers, just themselves talking. And if someone wants to walk away, they know they will have the uncomfortable long walk in front of the cameras.
I don’t trust the Gov.’s office to do anything that fair or thoughtful.
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:34 pm:
Make it the Thompson center
- JS Mill - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:34 pm:
For a guy that has not accomplished much in the way of a positive anything, Rauner sure likes to set the “conditions”.
I will give him this much, it takes some brass to hijack everyone else’s meeting and then act as if he is in a position to set the rules. A “I’LL be there but expect to have input on the agenda” would have been classier but those wealthy Ivy League guys feel pretty entitled.
- Newsclown - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:35 pm:
Based on how run-down and tatty it looked in that Daily Show footage - with the chipped formica reception desk, tatty, dirty, worn carpet and missing light bulbs on the ceiling - is the Governor’s office in Chicago really the image they want to project for the public meeting?
- Keyrock - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:36 pm:
Thompson Center. Good idea. Especially if there are no janitorial services.
- John Parnell - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:36 pm:
I would assume that the meeting date is four weeks off to allow the participants to each come up with an agenda that could be compared over that time period, and not a unilateral one. That might make the proceedings go quicker.
- Newsclown - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:37 pm:
Hmm…Based on how run-down and tatty it looked in that Daily Show footage - with his name glued to the chipped formica reception desk, tatty, dirty, worn carpet and missing light bulbs on the ceiling - is the Governor’s office in Chicago really the image they want to project for the public meeting? Like the Rodney joke from caddyshack: “Do you get a free bowl of soup with that?”
- burbanite - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:38 pm:
“Over four months, it’s become clear that there are not enough votes to pass a tax increase in the General Assembly without also enacting much-needed structural reforms. In order to solve this budget impasse, we must come together to agree on a package of structural reforms that can save taxpayers billions alongside a balanced budget.” translation: Reforms: destroy collective bargaining, turnaround agenda
“Over the last few weeks, I’ve met with each of you individually to try to move beyond this impasse. I believe it’s time for all of us to meet as a group,” because I was called out in public for not doing this on my own.
“and thanks to the invitation of a few advocacy groups, I understand everyone has availability on Wednesday, November 18 from 9:30 AM to Noon and is interested in a public meeting. This is excellent news.” Because for four months I couldn’t get you all to agree on a meeting time ad place?
“As you know, Leaders Meetings are held and conducted by the governor’s office.” And now I know it too!
” As such, while we appreciate the advocacy groups (calling us out in a public forum”,
We will take it from here so we can circulate MY “agenda in advance of the meeting”
This is actually very very different from what teh advocacy groups proposed. Now, I am going to call it sham meeting, its not going to be about the budget. Because Rauner and the agenda he controls.
- Wensicia - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:38 pm:
== structural reforms that can save taxpayers billions alongside a balanced budget.==
Which taxpayers? The upper 1%? The rest of you will be making less money, so of course your taxes will be less as well.
- AC - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:38 pm:
Agenda:
1) Madigan agrees to accept turnaround agenda
2) Rauner gives Democrats the tax increase they always wanted, just in time for Christmas
3) Cullerton and Madigan apologize for not listening to their wise leader sooner
4) All agree to provide tax credits for upcoming HBO series titled “Dad’s Home State”
- Archiesmom - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:39 pm:
John Parnell - Should read: “I would LIKE to assume…” Because I don’t think you can assume what you’ve said.
- DuPage Don - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:40 pm:
Oswego Willy, does this work for you? Does this pass your threshold for “leading”? Can’t wait to hear if you approve? Or has this move left you puzzled and mystified?
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:41 pm:
Start the meeting by reading constitution duties
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:42 pm:
I’m pleased.
Now will know where the compromise lies, and if preconditions exist.
No hiding now.
- Langhorne - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:42 pm:
Gov:
–my turf
–my agenda
–media TBD, (”dont count on it”)
–will get input on logistics, so you have your favorite snacks
———-
Rauner may as well release his agenda, before it has to be leaked. Same old script. Dedication to TA invigorated. Winning/s
- John Parnell - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:43 pm:
Stop all the complaining and snark. We have been waiting for a breakthrough fora long time and now its here. How about some positive feedback for a change.
- Triple fat - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:46 pm:
Agenda item 1 - 9:30 - 10:00 Governor’s welcoming statements,
item 2 - 10:00 - 11:00 PowerPoint presentation by Governor’s staff highlighting the urgency of destroying AFSME!
item 3 - 11:00 - 11:30. PowerPoint presentation on Tort Reform.
item 4 - 11:30 - 11:57 PowerPoint presentation on redistributing
Item 5 - 11:57 - 12:00 open discussion.
12:00 / meeting adjourned!
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:46 pm:
BTW, - DuPage Don -
I wasn’t answering you.
I’m traveling today and saw this update. I don’t answer to you, or for you. K? K.
As for the HBO Tax Credits;
I’d like the wavers signed first, lol
- Triple fat - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:47 pm:
Redistricting
- Cubs in '16 - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:49 pm:
“why are all commenters so mad at Rauner. I thought they wanted a resolution to the standoff. Seems like it could be good news.”
Because past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.
- thoughts matter - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:49 pm:
I have to agree with Langhorne. It’s going to be more of the same. Turnaround Agenda. period. A fully public meeting, hosted by objective moderator, agenda set by objective moderator would get us somewhere. Bruce setting the agenda, media, and continuing to ram non-budget items down people’s throats doesn’t get us a budget.
- JackD - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:50 pm:
There’s no harm in letting the Governor put union bashing on the agenda. It should be no.1 and disposed of quickly: “no!” Next item?
- lake county democrat - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:51 pm:
Why buy trouble? - chance for everyone to come out looking good.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:53 pm:
Who is going to do play-by-play and color commentary?
- 47th Ward - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:54 pm:
To: Legislative Leaders
From: Governor Rauner
Re: Minor change
One small change to the agenda. Instead of Susan Garrett and Andy Shaw moderating, it will be John Tillman and Bruce Dold.
Looking forward to seeing all of you on the 18th.
- Langhorne - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:56 pm:
—Over four months, it’s become clear that there are not enough votes to pass a tax increase in the General Assembly without also enacting much-needed structural reforms.—
Because WE WONT BUDGE on union busting. We have plenty of hostages, and will take more.
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:57 pm:
Moody’s Fitch and supreme court entered in as a roadmap
- Cubs in '16 - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:57 pm:
“Who is going to do play-by-play and color commentary?”
Here’s Rauner’s wind-up…aaaand the sales pitch;
Oh! Drilled AFSCME in the ribs with a fastball. THAT’S gonna leave a mark!
- Archiesmom - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:57 pm:
Wow, Parnell, have a nice weekend.
- illini - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:59 pm:
Yeah - this seems to have Goldberg written all over it.
Isn’t it great to know that the top 5 elected officials in Illinois are going to meet for a total of 2.5 hours - A MONTH FROM NOW - and without any independent observers or commenters, much less public access. I know, understand and appreciate that some meetings have to be conducted in private ( but would this meeting be subject to FOIA? ). BVR has agreed, but have we heard from the other 2 Republican leaders?
At least they may all be in the same room at the same time ———- but let’s be honest, we are looking at Nov. 18 ( when does the GA meet again? ).
These games are getting untenable - a pox on both your houses - but BVR needs to understand that being GOVERNOR is different from being an OWNER OF A PRIVATE EQUITY FUND.
Real people are impacted by his myopic agenda and his refusal to follow the advise of some of his predecessors - oh, I’m sorry he made $58 Million last year and controls a $20 Million Slush Fund - guess he does not have much to worry about!!!!
These games are getting untenable - a pox on both your houses - but BVR needs to understand that being GOVERNOR is different from being an OWNER OF A PRIVATE EQUITY FUND.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 5:00 pm:
4 out of 5 from the last updates. The last holdout?
- Louis G. Atsaves - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 5:02 pm:
===”Oh, please. Do you really think the GOP leaders will turn that down?
lol
It’s 4 out of 5.”
After Edgar, I’ve become real cautious on predictions of this nature!
- AC - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 5:02 pm:
The last holdout is an agenda focused on the budget.
- illini - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 5:02 pm:
Sorry, I tried to clean up my comments - did not mean to repeat myself - thought I had it the way I wanted it - obviously not!
- lake county democrat - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 5:04 pm:
As of the time of this comment, this story isn’t on the Tribune’s homepage (at least when accessed by a non-IE browser.)
- ash - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 5:05 pm:
“We’ll hold it in my office” — so I can repeat the same thing I’ve said over and over without any transparency. If it were public, I’d have to tell the truth and no longer play the victim…
- walker - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 5:36 pm:
Process, access, and agenda all have to be right for this to be a worthwhile event. Since Rauner took them over, let’s see how he proposes to handle them. He has not earned automatic credibility with his behavior to date.
Remaining hopeful.