Budget roundup
Thursday, May 26, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* We’re gonna skip over some of the stuff we discussed yesterday. Let’s start with Finke…
Illinois House Democrats Wednesday night rammed through a spending plan for the next state fiscal year, even though there’s no agreement on any of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s “turnaround agenda.”
The House voted 63-53 to send the spending plan to the Senate, which is also controlled by the Democrats. Rauner’s office said the budget in Senate Bill 2048 is $7 billion out of balance, and that the Republican governor will veto it if it gets to his desk.
“This is a very sad and dark day in Illinois democracy,” said House Republican Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs.
* The Sun-Times has a bit on why the Republicans were so upset about the procedure…
After the vote — in which seven Democrats targeted in November elections voted no — many House Republicans began yelling for a vote verification. Rep. Ron Sandack, R-Downers Grove, got in a shouting match with Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, shouting “This is b——-.”
Many Republicans were also upset that the debate was cut short.
Most of the “No” votes are not targets. But, yeah, the Republicans definitely had a right to be upset with the way this was jammed through. Our good friends at BlueRoomStream.com have provided us a video clip of the end of the debate and the aftermath. Click here to watch it.
* Mark Brown…
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan took his latest turn Wednesday at adding to state government dysfunction by ramming through a budget plan that has one major problem — it proposes to spend at least $7 billion more than the state expects to take in this year. […]
If there is a method to Madigan’s madness, it is not always evident to us mere mortals.
Was he trying to tell us that this is the size of a budget that House Democrats would find acceptable and that now it’s a matter of agreeing on how to raise the revenue to pay for it?
Or was this just another big F you to Rauner and the ever-evolving legislative demands that the governor has laid out as pre-conditions to a budget deal?
Well, it was definitely the latter, with maybe a little bit of the former.
With his ploy, Madigan erased all doubt that he is prepared to push beyond the May 31 scheduled adjournment of the Legislature, and possibly all the way past the November elections, without a state budget for the second straight year.
And maybe well beyond that mark, too.
* AP…
The Democrats’ budget proposal would fund everything except what’s already covered under court orders. The state would be spending $13.5 billion from its general fund, which is comprised of taxes. With federal funds and other money included, the total budget would be $47.5 billion.
A huge chunk of the funding would go to public schools, which would receive a total of $11.2 billion. Rauner has repeatedly said school funding should be a top priority to ensure schools open in the fall, and what Democrats are proposing one-ups his suggested funding increase of $55 million.
Democrats want to add $700 million, targeting most of the money for poorer districts.
The governor’s office blasted the Democrats’ overall budget idea, saying an analysis shows their plan is $7 billion out of balance. A full veto would throw schools into chaos this summer and force some to use reserves to open.
* Politico…
Where to begin. Let’s start with what happened Wednesday morning: “Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner told Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson on AM 560 ‘The Answer’, in an exclusive interview for Upstream Ideas, he is optimistic Democrats will band together to get a state budget passed by the end of the legislative session on May 31 because unlike House Speaker Michael Madigan, they are privately ‘sick of the status quo’ and are gathering up the courage to ‘do the right thing.’”
SURPRISE! House Democrats banded together and they passed a budget before May 31, all right. They rammed through a Dem-only $39 billion spending plan about three hours after the 500-page bill was introduced in committee. […]
NOT VETO-PROOF — This plan would still have to get through the Illinois Senate, which holds a true Democratic supermajority. If it does, the House roll call of 63-53 almost assures it could not mount a successful override, which would need 71.
* Team Tribune…
But if history is any guide, something close to what the powerful speaker put forward will end up being sent to the governor. And so began in earnest the long-awaited endgame of the legislative session that’s supposed to conclude Tuesday.
All of it made for a weird day under the Capital dome, where Radogno labeled Madigan a “Cheshire cat,” Illinois first lady Diana Rauner’s nonprofit group joined a lawsuit against her husband’s administration, and lawmakers sporting seersucker suits spent the evening hours debating the wisdom of regulating yoga schools. […]
“I don’t think we can afford to count on compromise. It didn’t work in the current fiscal year, and there’s no guarantee that it will in the next,” said Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago. “And for us to turn our backs on our responsibilities and fail to leave an insurance policy in place in the event there is no further compromise would be a significant disservice to the people of the state of Illinois, particularly to those who are vulnerable, who are fragile, who have no place but to us to turn.”
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin countered, complaining that the 500-page document was unveiled just two hours before lawmakers were asked to vote on it. “Oh for crying out loud, this is absolutely the biggest joke that I have witnessed in my 18 years in Springfield,” said Durkin, of Western Springs. “We don’t know what’s in it; all we know is it’s a lot of spending.”
We’re still waiting to hear from Senate President Cullerton, by the way.
- Formerly Known as Frenchie M - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:18 am:
I like Mike.
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:25 am:
A sad day for Illinois democracy? Why? Did people not get to vote? Was there some sort of malicious tampering in the process? You could say a dark day for the Illinois government or for the people of Illinois, but for democracy? No.
- RNUG - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:29 am:
Madigan was making a point: he can get things done when he WANTS to.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:29 am:
2014 out of balance budget
2015 out of balance budget
2016 no balanced budget or budget
2017 no balanced budget or budget (yet)
The GA has not done their job for 4 years, even wih a Dem governor and the full tax increase. Anyone who thinks Rauner alone is responsible for this dysfunction is not paying attention.
- 100 miles west - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:29 am:
It was weak to ignore the request to verify the vote. I haven’t seen that before.
- PublicServant - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:31 am:
The Republicans don’t like the Democrats’ budget proposal, but haven’t submitted one of their own that’s balanced, nor have they agreed to sit down to negotiate spending priorities, or revenue to pay for them. They do want the Turnaround Agenda passed and are linking it to budget negotiations. The budget is a financial document as well as a statement of policy priorities. If you’re going to tie passage of a set of policy initiatives to a financial document, you need to financially quantify the effects of those policies on the budget they’re tied too. That’s the budget for this year (and presumably last), not some alleged savings in some unspecified future time period. If you don’t have the numbers, people are going to thing you’re just um, blowing smoke.
- northshore cynic - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:32 am:
(b) The General Assembly by law shall make
appropriations for all expenditures of public funds by the
State. Appropriations for a fiscal year shall not exceed
funds estimated by the General Assembly to be available
during that year.
(Source: Illinois Constitution.)
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:32 am:
The vote was never suppose to be veto proof, it’s was suppose to make Rauner… own and choose.
Sandack got mighty quick to the well to impede…
- Belle - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:32 am:
Something needed to happen. We have to move forward. Maybe it was not the most comfortable way to go? The only thing that is happening is that the bills are piling up.
- Hit or Miss - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:34 am:
===Democrats are proposing one-ups his suggested funding increase of $55 million.===
This may be a good political move. However, with the budget way out of balance it makes no financial sense.
- Nick Name - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:34 am:
“‘This is a very sad and dark day in Illinois democracy,’ said House Republican Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs.”
Said the guy who has allowed himself and his caucus to be completely co-opted by the billionaire governor. Gimmi a break.
- wordslinger - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:38 am:
A golden opportunity for Gov. Rauner to move the ball forward and counter with a responsible balanced budget proposal.
No one can stop him from doing so. It’s solely his call. And the best part is, it’s actually a Constitutional requirement of his office.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:41 am:
Oh - northshore cynic -
Ya skipped over…
Article VIII, Section 2….
… (a)
That’s fun.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:44 am:
Reps Cassidy, Drury, Franks, Kiwofit, Nekritz and Sente all deserve respect and credit for their logic and leadership yesterday. Even Rep Smiddy for voting pass and Dunkin get kudos.
Thank you, as a citizen of this state. You offer hope that other leaders will step up to bridge the gap of this childish impasse.
8 Democrats and 46 Republicans opposed yesterday’s phony budget attempt to short-circuit the progress of the working groups. Please, continue the progress you are making.
- Bushwacker - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:44 am:
Oswego Willy…..+1
- Menard guy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:44 am:
It is simply time for a federal takeover of the state of Illinois. Let them come in and do a budget without the G.A. and leave an oversight commission or panel in place under a federal decree.
- A Jack - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:45 am:
Why did Durkin need to read it? He would have voted ‘no’ or ‘present’ if he had read the bill so waste time on a foregone conclusion.
Durkin can’t vote yes until his master gets his turn-around agenda. So Durkin should just quit his sobbing and go face his constituents.
- Illinois Bob - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 9:58 am:
What are the odds that Rauner will show leadership here and do line item vetoes in the budget to get it balanced and cut the least valuable spending?
It’s clear that Madigan won’t act responsibly and cares nothing about the well being of the state. Time for Rauner to give Madigan the spending plan consistent with the revenues he has at his disposal.
Protect the defenseless and desperately needy, cut out the unnecessary or deferrable spending while spending to receive Federal matching funds.
Fund the unfairly generous public pensions that Madigan has ramped up over the last three decades of leadership, but don’t provide additional funding to the organizations that escalated them to unsustainable levels. It’s all part of compensation, and pension contributions need funding before increases in salaries and benefits.
- Dome Gnome - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:01 am:
“Rep. Ron Sandack, R-Downers Grove, got in a shouting match with Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, shouting ‘This is b——-.’”
When I watched this on Livestream last night, I only saw Rep. Kay approach Rep. Lang, saying: “C’mon, that’s b——-.” Did the reporter see something I didn’t see?
Wait. Why am I defending Sandack?!
- A Citizen - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:06 am:
Gov Rauner seems to be the adult in this battle. I have worked in areas close to Madagin for most of the past four decades. Back in the day Madagin would lead from the podium and was a statesman. When he would make remarks/speeches as a Representative he would symbolically leave the Podium and go to his seat on the floor. It seemed appropriately formal and respectful. I note a seeming slide in his previous excellence. I personally think his decline is real and the ramifications quite serious and troubling. As to the Governor, I am pleased with his performance and support his continuing efforts.
- Jake From Elwood - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:07 am:
Yet another installment of Politics > Governing.
Rauner will veto this, and then what?
Not enough votes to override, so we are back where we started.
The sides are already drawn, so what is the point?
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:09 am:
Madigan may have inadvertently let Rauner off the hook by forcing the issue and combining all appropriations in one bill.
If Rauner zeros out or vetoes everything except education and sends it back, the GA must come up with a balanced budget before July 1 or everything except education loses all funding until they do so.
If the GA overrides Rauner they become responsible for another out-of-balance budget and now own the tax increase necessary to pay for their budget.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:13 am:
…the GA must come up with a balanced budget before July 1 or everything except education loses all funding until they do so.===
Just like last year.
Unless Rauner calls them back, the Dems can let Rauner own his Veto.
===If the GA overrides Rauner they become responsible for another out-of-balance budget and now own the tax increase necessary to pay for their budget.===
This plan was never intended to be veto-proof.
It’s really all up to Rauner now.
Rauner decides. Rauner cuts. Rauner approves.
The Big Chair is big for a reason.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:15 am:
- FKA -,
Like last year, what is going to compel the Dems to bail Rauner out?
I can’t see any unless Rauner calls them back down.
- HistoryProf - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:15 am:
A Jack + 1.
Question from an historian: How can you argue that Union activity is dragging the economy down when the very economic downturn you want to explain has been accompanied by an huge DECLINE in union membership, activity, clout, and success?
For some of you “conservative” blog posters here, Do you really believe excessive wages and compensation due to unbridled Union activity have cause the economic downturn we are grappling with? Really? See or read “The Big Short!” Amoral sociopath hucksters like Rauner and not public sector unions, or any other unions, are responsible for this mess. Rather than face that obvious fact, you are doubling down on crazy/evil. But I say unto you, abandon your evil overlord. (No snark.)
So to A Jack I would just add: “the master,” BKR, is himself an avatar for vulture capitalists world wide. THEY are your true masters. (Please genuflect or salute now, according to your persuasion.)
- Politix - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:21 am:
Thoroughly enjoyed watching that Lou Lang mike-drop. Perfectly orchestrated.
And the truth hurts.
- Bryan - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:25 am:
They could balance the budget with new revenue, correct? Can the governor propose that? Surely he could spin it as the result of tax and spend liberals (raises hand).
This stick-in-the-mud approach is not going to go well for him.
- Bryan - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:26 am:
“the very economic downturn you want to explain has been accompanied by an huge DECLINE in union membership, activity, clout, and success?”
Interestingly, @historyprof, Rauner has caused a spike in union interest. His anti-union ways are working, just not in the way he intended.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:28 am:
===They could balance the budget with new revenue, correct?===
It’s not needed, it’s required. Period.
===Can the governor propose that? Surely he could spin it as the result of tax and spend liberals (raises hand).===
The Thompson Pivot. Rauner, in a rookie mistake, made the pivot, then refused to follow thru with the layup.
That was 13+ months ago, that Thompson Pivot fail…
- Bryan - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:31 am:
“It’s not needed, it’s required. Period.”
Oh, I know that, unlike some state legislators, apparently. I was being kind in the way I posed the question.
“The Thompson Pivot. Rauner, in a rookie mistake, made the pivot, then refused to follow thru with the layup.”
I’ve noted elsewhere several times that Rauner has all kinds of ways to end the standoff and declare victory in defeat, but he has some very bad political advisers or a very hard head. Neither one is good for the state.
- Norseman - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:39 am:
I’ve long expected a Dem budget. The structure is a little surprising. I suspect it reflects an attempt to confuse on the amount of the deficit. It also puts forward the money to deal with CPS and other districts without the need for Manar bill. Now we’ll see if Cullerton is comfortable with this approach.
- A guy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:45 am:
Yeah. Rationalize this insanity. It only makes the clear even more clear.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:47 am:
- A Guy -
Where is Rauner’s budget?
If you want to admit Rauner is inept and can’t come up with a budget, or… lol
- A guy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 10:59 am:
===Where is Rauner’s budget?===
Uh, I believe there was/is a bipartisan group working on it with the cooperation of all leaders, but your hero.
Who is ept? You? The Speaker? I know how much you love this little platform, but I’m not thinkin’ you’re much of a genius today.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 11:14 am:
===Uh, I believe there was/is a bipartisan group working on it with the cooperation of all leaders, but your hero.===
Because I’m not a Raunerite, that doesn’t make me Madigan my “hero”…
Oh - A Guy -
These groups, Rauner “hears” things, these aren’t groups working with Rauner, these groups are trying to work around the ineptness of Rauner’s choices and find common ground.
I’ve always been a believer of 60 and 30. That’s what they’re doing.
You claiming ownership as Rauner’s groups, when Rauner speaks as a person spreading rumors…
You crack me up.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 11:17 am:
To be even more clear…
While Rauner has people involved, Rauner publicly refuses to be engaged.
That makes no sense, and you can’t claim ownership of something you refuse publicly to be involved in.
- A guy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 12:06 pm:
I called it a bipartisan group, dude. It’s not Rauner’s group. If I believe what I’ve read here, there are more members of the majority than the Governor’s party (which, unfortunately, there should be, given the make up of the legislature).
Now your argument is just flat-out dishonest. No surprise given your defense of the most undemocratic process witnessed yesterday. Tough to defend. But, you’re doing it. Atta boy.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 12:13 pm:
===Now your argument is just flat-out dishonest. No surprise given your defense of the most undemocratic process witnessed yesterday.===
Where did I do that? Be very specific.
You should be happy, Rauner can flex his muscles, veto everything, including K-12, Higher Ed, and Rauner can own that Veto.
“Simple”
It’s just a stamp and ink, this should be easy for Rauner.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 12:17 pm:
I also noted you couldn’t point to a Rauner Budget, and that bipartisan, bicameral group, Rauner is beyond publicly passive
So, thanks. Rauner has no Rauner budget, publicly won’t engage in the bipartisan, bicameral process, and still is willing to be a “person” more likely to pass on rumors, than publicly say he’s engaged.
Appreciate that.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 12:21 pm:
==Like last year, what is going to compel the Dems to bail Rauner out?==
The election year, their conscience, or their desire to prevent more agony from the Madigan-Rauner vendetta are all valid reasons.
We differ, imho, in the view that this would be the Dems bailing Rauner out. With 4 years of the GA failing to pass a balanced budget, even with a Dem governor and the full tax increase, it would be difficult successfully pinning Rauner as the =problem=. In such an anti-incumbent year, all Rauner needs to do is spend $25 Mill emphasizing the GA’s derelictions instead of his own
4 years straight without a balanced budget from the GA; Strong bipartisan opposition to this =phony budget=; 14 years of deficits; $140 Bill debt; failing to pass even moderate reforms; refusing to give the gov temporary, one-year powers to manage state funds due to the lack of a balanced budget, etc
Blaming Rauner for not introducing a balanced budget becomes an ineffective defense when you have passed unbalanced budgets 4 straight years, under both Dem and Rep govs, both with and without the tax increase. Blaming Rauner for not compromising becomes moot when you have not passed any major reforms of your own using your party majority.
The GA’s history hurts the GA in this case. Without that track record, Rauner would be toast. Because of that track record, voters will see Rauner as the =good guy= who just wants the GA to pass a balanced budget for once, stop 14 years of deficits, etc.
- A guy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 12:28 pm:
Your high road is a subway. Just sayin’ dude.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 12:30 pm:
Let’s look at my argument…
===These groups, Rauner “hears” things, these aren’t groups working with Rauner, these groups are trying to work around the ineptness of Rauner’s choices and find common ground.===
These groups are looking at the Turnaround Agenda, budget, revenue, etc.
These groups are literally helping to find 60 and 30. That’s it. Where can the two sides find 60 and 30. Rauner and this narrative “structural reforms” has been seen fit what it is… 1.4% and $500+ million of baloney.
Since giving out the ridiculous ROI, nary a number, chart, report… with updated numbers or a better understanding what the “word salad” means to… anything.
The “frustration” that Rep. Sandack tries to be empathetic about is Rauner’s poison pills.
The point is to get beyond what poison pills destroy.
Then you get 60, then you get 30.
That’s where common ground has been since I asked for 3 thibgs from this governor. FY2015 Fix, FY2016 Budget, Labor Peace.
So my argument that Rauner, the passenger, should be applauded when Jaffe yesterday decides #TaxHikeMike angles need to pop up again?
Rauner has won over 60 veto overrides. Madigan is pushing the buttons by having Raunerites choose their own buttons. That’s an observation of the politics that Rauner has going with the Speaker.
Agreed to legislation will stop this. Rauner the passenger knows that too.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 12:36 pm:
Not surprising, - A Guy -, your drive bys never respond to anything, lol
- FKA -
With respect,
“Pat Quinn failed… ”
“Bruce Rauner is destroying Eastern Illinois”
“Bruce Rauner is destroying Social Services”
“Bruce Rauner refuses to help students go to college”
- FKA -, you can’t claim all you do… as awful… with ALL these years and budgets… then absolve Rauner… for refusing to have a budget at all.
The rest falls apart …right there…
and that’s why Governors own.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 12:41 pm:
- A Guy -
======Now your argument is just flat-out dishonest. No surprise given your defense of the most undemocratic process witnessed yesterday.===
I asked you to make the case, point it out… your response?
===Your high road is a subway. Just sayin’ dude.===
That’s not an argument.
You’re welcome.
- Shemp - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 12:44 pm:
Now I feel even sadder for our sorry State/state having watched the videos.
- A guy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 2:33 pm:
Willy, you’ve become Charlie Brown’s teacher. You don’t say anything new, no matter what occurs. I guess if you keep saying it, it becomes etched in stone for you. You try to sell a piece of fruit one day and then try to sell it again, everyday ad infinatum, thinking it’s ripened up, or gotten fresher.
Then, when your fruit is rejected, you start an argument about vegetables or go down the road of suggesting those who don’t agree with you “just don’t get it”. Then the names a cliches begin. Once you’re used to it, it’s just “willy being willy”.
That’s where we are my friend. Occasionally you say something smart. At those moments I try to compliment and even agree with the sentiment. I’ve had so such opportunity the last few days. Just old fruit.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 2:45 pm:
- A Guy -
===Now your argument is just flat-out dishonest. No surprise given your defense of the most undemocratic process witnessed yesterday.===
Anytime you want to address this, no one is stopping you.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 2:48 pm:
===… you’ve become Charlie Brown’s teacher.===
We learned Linus Van Pelt with the “Phoniest Phony” response works in the Rauner Press Shop so is Charlie Brown a theme, or…
- wordslinger - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 2:55 pm:
===Now your argument is just flat-out dishonest. No surprise given your defense of the most undemocratic process witnessed yesterday.===
What happened? Were legislators not allowed to cast their votes?
I think that’s what “undemocratic” means in the English language.
- A guy - Thursday, May 26, 16 @ 4:26 pm:
Hey Sling, they did a do over. Maybe because someone aside from me thought they got it wrong. Jeesh, man, they admitted as much.
They embarrassed themselves. You must have missed it. You may have been here defending them.