Are you frustrated or is reforming Illinois more important that Higher Education, Social Services… people… And how much reform is 1.4% or $500 plus million worth to you and the people you hurt to get that?
Governor if, as you say, your standoff with AFSCME and changes to the prevailing wage laws, you would like to implement, are not about lowering the pay and benefits of middle class workers, how then will it reduce the state budget?
Governor, I’m going to play a clip of you at the Illinois Republican Party convention, and you’re support of Donald Trump, your reaction after… roll the clip…
Why do you justify high pay your administration (because they could make more money in the private sector). However union state employees making less money than they could make in the private sector are still overpaid and demonized.
I know you have been doing some reforms in the various agencies and, in some cases, getting some good results. How much net savings have you achieved from improving operations? Be specific.
Governor, did you think you’d own the entire GOP GA at such a cheap price of $20 million, or, as some say, you overpaid and the GOP GA could’ve been got for $12 million…
Governor, is it more satisfying blocking a Madigan override, or watching GOP GA members voting against their districts and their own history,… which makes you smile more…
- Robert the 1st - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:04 pm:
Why did you choose to spend a fortune of your own money and invest all your time into this? Most people would have just moved to Texas and watched IL collapse.
Why do you feel that interviewing candidates, heavily contributing to their campaigns, and doing do during session is ok?
Exactly how long do you think state employees and their medical providers should wait to get paid for medical care? Have we lost valued employees over this mess? Or are the only valued employees your superstars?
When are you going to start being a statesman rather than a divider? When are going to submit a balanced budget?
Why should a voter support you in 2018?
Please explain how the requested business “reforms” are related to the state’s financial budget for funding and operating the state government responsibly by paying bills on time and not paying 9% late fees on those bills.
Governor, do you still think the state is worth it? Do you really think it is possible to untie this Gordian knot? Are you tempted to give up on re-election and let the Democrats try to fix the mess that is largely their own creation?
Do you still think you can balance the budget without a tax increase? If Yes, please say how, with details (and without wild assumptions of economic growth). If No, please say exactly what tax increases you will support (and how many Republican member of the House and Senate will be voting for them).
Given the clear rulings by the IL SC the last several years, it appears only a consideration model might be used to modify pensions for existing employees. A lot of analysts do not believe the current Cullerton proposal meets the criteria of voluntary consideration, yet you have pointed to the Cullerton proposal as a way to change the pensions. Why do you think pensions of current government employees can be changed? Be specific.
Is this going to be your pat answer to all the questions today - “Um, that’s a good question. I’m, I’m really not gonna comment on it. It’s going through its own process.”
Governor, will you give Charleston, Quincy, and Edwardsville at least a 24 hour heads up before the universities close, or will you just board up buildings and see if anyone notices?
Governor, by my back of the envelope calculation, there are certain blog commenters who are paid to put in 65 plus hours per week ragging on you in a tired, repetitive fashion. You don’t give a hoot do you?
Governor, in plain speak please, how do you see a Democratic member of the General Assembly vote to diminish or eliminate unions and… vote to raise taxes, and raising taxes isn’t a “give” or a “reward”, it’s required, given the budgetary crisis Illinois finds itself.
Voting to seriously curb unions and raise taxes, how is that appealing to Democrats?
I would like to ask the governor this… no snark, just “us”, and hopefully an honest answer….
Governor, if you had the chance to go back and just make your Labor crusade against AFSCME and public sector unions, and leave the Trades, for example, alone, would you?
I’ve felt Rauner’s biggest mistake in his crusade(s) was tacking all Labor and leaving little room for Republicans with Labor credentials the opportunity to parse, for now, the Labor strife, let alone divide Labor too.
What was the total state and local tax you paid last year as a percentage of your pretax income? Please explain why you should be taxed at 1/2 to 1/3 the rate of middle and low-income taxpayers.
At the end of a long day, this comic relief of comments was one of the funniest things I have read in a long time, including Rich’s mocking of the RF. Thanks everyone!
Governor, what connections do you have in Russia, and just how involved are they in your campaign against state employees? As a retiree, should I be keeping an eye out for stout Russians in huge overcoats with umbrellas?
When is the Bond issuance?
How many billions will be issued?
How many trenches will be offered?
Have you determined which Investment Bank will do the offering?
Have you determined which law firm will do the paperwork?
Have you gotten Treasurer Freidrich and AG Madigan on board with the issuance?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:34 pm:
Costumes… You pick them by event, day, …how do you decide which costume for what audience?
- Dave Dahl - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:35 pm:
What’s the opening bid on that fabulous facility you’re in, guv?
I’ve got few more for you, the next time you and I are together.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:35 pm:
Has being on “Dad’s Home State” changed you at all, your Crew…
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:35 pm:
Please oh please let him put on a Chewbacca mask.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:39 pm:
Your sleep… How’s that going… Only on weekends… Or…
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:39 pm:
Is that a new tie?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:41 pm:
You’re wearing a tie now… Who did you meet with and how much money are they worth?
- Anon - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:41 pm:
The constitution says you — The Governor — are supposed to introduce a balanced budget. Why haven’t you done that?
#Raunerlive #BecauseMadigan
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:43 pm:
Are you frustrated or is reforming Illinois more important that Higher Education, Social Services… people… And how much reform is 1.4% or $500 plus million worth to you and the people you hurt to get that?
- Nobody Sent - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:43 pm:
Why are you letting the guy you put in charge of the ICC run it into the ground?
Seriously, I’ve seen happier faces in a hospital burn unit.
- Jocko - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:43 pm:
Ginger or Mary Ann? If possible, please refrain from TA agenda items when responding.
- Piece of Work - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:44 pm:
Guv, have you ever considered hiring Willy as your CoS?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:44 pm:
Where are you hiding Ole Slip and Sue and are her waivers current through 2016?
- Sir Reel - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:45 pm:
Just how dumb do you think the people of Illinois are?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:46 pm:
Governor, two years from now… Eastern Illinois University will be… what?
- Publius - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:46 pm:
Governor if, as you say, your standoff with AFSCME and changes to the prevailing wage laws, you would like to implement, are not about lowering the pay and benefits of middle class workers, how then will it reduce the state budget?
- Huh? - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:46 pm:
What is with you and not being able to tell the truth?
Have you given up on your crash and burn agenda and picked new demands that must be met before you agree to a tax increase?
Are you going to perform your constitutional duty and submit a balanced budget?
How can you say that you want a business friendly environment and not pay State vendors?
How much did you have to pay for the flash on your motorcycle vest?
- A Jack - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:47 pm:
Will you have a leading role in that new IPI movie?
- AlfondoGonz - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:49 pm:
A tip of the cap to all my former staffers with this question…
“Do you think you’re better than me?”
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:49 pm:
Governor, I’m going to play a clip of you at the Illinois Republican Party convention, and you’re support of Donald Trump, your reaction after… roll the clip…
- AlfondoGonz - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:50 pm:
fellow* former staffers
- A Jack - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:50 pm:
Would you support a law disclosing the donors of campaign “dark money?”
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:52 pm:
Governor, IPI.. John Tillman… Owned or Rented?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:54 pm:
Governor, Sonny Corleone… Fair comparison?
- S-Town - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:54 pm:
Why do you justify high pay your administration (because they could make more money in the private sector). However union state employees making less money than they could make in the private sector are still overpaid and demonized.
- RNUG - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:55 pm:
Do you expect to have a budget before the 2028 election?
- RNUG - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:57 pm:
I know you have been doing some reforms in the various agencies and, in some cases, getting some good results. How much net savings have you achieved from improving operations? Be specific.
- Dave Dahl - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:57 pm:
== Will you have a leading role in that new IPI movie? ==
And did you do your own stunts?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:58 pm:
Governor, did you think you’d own the entire GOP GA at such a cheap price of $20 million, or, as some say, you overpaid and the GOP GA could’ve been got for $12 million…
- RNUG - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:59 pm:
Oops. That was a typo, meant to say 2018 election.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:00 pm:
Governor, is it more satisfying blocking a Madigan override, or watching GOP GA members voting against their districts and their own history,… which makes you smile more…
- Robert the 1st - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:04 pm:
Why did you choose to spend a fortune of your own money and invest all your time into this? Most people would have just moved to Texas and watched IL collapse.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:09 pm:
Governor, Red Sox or Cubs… Sorry … Um… Steelers or Bears… Silly notes… Let me start over…
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:14 pm:
Governor, Have you stopped beating your wife?
- Thoughts Matter - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:14 pm:
Why do you feel that interviewing candidates, heavily contributing to their campaigns, and doing do during session is ok?
Exactly how long do you think state employees and their medical providers should wait to get paid for medical care? Have we lost valued employees over this mess? Or are the only valued employees your superstars?
When are you going to start being a statesman rather than a divider? When are going to submit a balanced budget?
Why should a voter support you in 2018?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:14 pm:
Governor, which half of the teachers you encountered teaching your clouted daughter at Payton Prep were illiterate?
- Team Warwick - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:17 pm:
Please explain how the requested business “reforms” are related to the state’s financial budget for funding and operating the state government responsibly by paying bills on time and not paying 9% late fees on those bills.
- LizPhairTax - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:17 pm:
Why did you put a tie on for this?
- Anony - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:22 pm:
Governor, do you still think the state is worth it? Do you really think it is possible to untie this Gordian knot? Are you tempted to give up on re-election and let the Democrats try to fix the mess that is largely their own creation?
- Regnad Kcin - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:25 pm:
Bruce Rauner, Superstar. Who are you, what have you sacrificed?
Bruce Rauner, Superstar. Do you think you’re who they say you are?
- UIC Guy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:30 pm:
Do you still think you can balance the budget without a tax increase? If Yes, please say how, with details (and without wild assumptions of economic growth). If No, please say exactly what tax increases you will support (and how many Republican member of the House and Senate will be voting for them).
- Piece of Work - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:30 pm:
Guv, rumors are circulating that Willy will head up the Turnaround Agenda. True or False?
- RNUG - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:31 pm:
Given the clear rulings by the IL SC the last several years, it appears only a consideration model might be used to modify pensions for existing employees. A lot of analysts do not believe the current Cullerton proposal meets the criteria of voluntary consideration, yet you have pointed to the Cullerton proposal as a way to change the pensions. Why do you think pensions of current government employees can be changed? Be specific.
- FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:32 pm:
When will you submit your proposal for tbe State budget? Will you post it publicly so we can see it?
- Stones - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:35 pm:
Are you still driving the “trashcan van”?
- RNUG - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:44 pm:
How many commentators on Cap Fax are being paid by you? Are they paid a flat monthly fee or is it per post?
- Michelle Flaherty - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:46 pm:
Did you have any idea there’d be so much stuff to not be involved in and refuse to comment on as governor?
- d.p.gumby - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:49 pm:
Why, Lord, Why? What on earth made you think you could be a successful Governor?
- Cheryl44 - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:49 pm:
You there, wearing that tie–I don’t know where you’re keeping the governor, but can you keep him there?
- IllinoisBoi - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:50 pm:
You and Mike Madigan — how about a hug?
- No Longer A Lurker - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:55 pm:
Bruce, who will you vote for in November, Trump or Clinton?
- Huh? - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:55 pm:
Is this going to be your pat answer to all the questions today - “Um, that’s a good question. I’m, I’m really not gonna comment on it. It’s going through its own process.”
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:56 pm:
“Waste, Fraud, and Abuse-” where is it and what have you done about it? Examples, please.
Note: “Your fat pension” is not an acceptable answer.
- RNUG - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:56 pm:
Who is the better politician, yourself or Madigan?
- RNUG - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:57 pm:
Or: Who is more stubborn, yourself or Madigan?
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:57 pm:
May I please have $1 million?
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:57 pm:
Where is the “For Sale” sign on that joint?
- Huh? - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:58 pm:
When are you going to be issuing the raunerite speech bingo boards? What is the grand prize for today’s game?
- RNUG - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:58 pm:
Finally,
How much would you pay Madigan to retire?
- Soccermom - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:00 pm:
Who hurt you, Bruce? Was it a union maid?
- RNUG - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:01 pm:
Do you plan to also buy the Green and Libertarian parties?
- HRC2016 - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:03 pm:
When will you stop campaignin’ and start governin’?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:05 pm:
Governor, will you give Charleston, Quincy, and Edwardsville at least a 24 hour heads up before the universities close, or will you just board up buildings and see if anyone notices?
- Hardworking Taxpayer - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:14 pm:
Governor, by my back of the envelope calculation, there are certain blog commenters who are paid to put in 65 plus hours per week ragging on you in a tired, repetitive fashion. You don’t give a hoot do you?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:17 pm:
“Hardworking Taxpayer” commenting via a Russian Federation IP address.
Just FYI, I only let your comment through so I could mock you.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:22 pm:
Governor, in plain speak please, how do you see a Democratic member of the General Assembly vote to diminish or eliminate unions and… vote to raise taxes, and raising taxes isn’t a “give” or a “reward”, it’s required, given the budgetary crisis Illinois finds itself.
Voting to seriously curb unions and raise taxes, how is that appealing to Democrats?
- Flynn's mom - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:40 pm:
Why???
- Piece of Work - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:41 pm:
Willy, you may want to check the enrollment numbers at SIUE. Just sayin!!
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:48 pm:
I would like to ask the governor this… no snark, just “us”, and hopefully an honest answer….
Governor, if you had the chance to go back and just make your Labor crusade against AFSCME and public sector unions, and leave the Trades, for example, alone, would you?
I’ve felt Rauner’s biggest mistake in his crusade(s) was tacking all Labor and leaving little room for Republicans with Labor credentials the opportunity to parse, for now, the Labor strife, let alone divide Labor too.
I’d like to know.
Oswego Willy
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:53 pm:
Are you more Cowboy or Biker?
- Keyrock - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 5:00 pm:
How much did the Tribune editorial board cost?
- Keyrock - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 5:01 pm:
How does your wife sleep?
- Keyrock - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 5:04 pm:
When will you release your tax returns?
(Oh sorry, wrong Republican. Or is it?)
- X-prof - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 5:20 pm:
What was the total state and local tax you paid last year as a percentage of your pretax income? Please explain why you should be taxed at 1/2 to 1/3 the rate of middle and low-income taxpayers.
Thanks!
- X-prof - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 5:23 pm:
It’s mid-September. Shouldn’t AFSCME be on strike now?
- 32nd Ward Roscoe Village - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 5:54 pm:
At the end of a long day, this comic relief of comments was one of the funniest things I have read in a long time, including Rich’s mocking of the RF. Thanks everyone!
- RIJ - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 6:33 pm:
Governor, what connections do you have in Russia, and just how involved are they in your campaign against state employees? As a retiree, should I be keeping an eye out for stout Russians in huge overcoats with umbrellas?
- RIJ - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 6:35 pm:
Governor, do you want ants? Because this is how we get ants.
- Winnin' - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 8:15 pm:
Governor, why not create a foundation to update the Thompson Center?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:20 pm:
–”Hardworking taxpayer” commenting through a Russian Federation IP address.–
It makes sense for the Trump campaign and the Illinois GOP to coordinate and share resources prior to the election.
Thanks, Vladdy!
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 6:53 am:
How many are eight sevens ?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 6:55 am:
What should the tax rate be?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 6:56 am:
Are you taxing seniors?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 6:58 am:
Is it better to be appointed or elected?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 6:59 am:
What is your level of support for trump?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 7:01 am:
What do you want to be remembered for?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 7:03 am:
Did you receive any primary education in march?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 7:05 am:
Have you ever gone without a budget in the private sector?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 7:07 am:
Is it true you want to withdraw Illinois from the union?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 7:22 am:
Is a rejection of munger a rejection of your turnaround agenda?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 7:31 am:
Long term pain worth it?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 7:38 am:
Is your crew jumping ship or you make them walk the plank?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 7:47 am:
Ken dunkin BFF ?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 7:52 am:
Does the soft spot on top of your head hurt?
- Anonymous - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 7:56 am:
When will you submit a budget to legislature as required by constitution?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 8:02 am:
Why have you not submitted a budget?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 8:09 am:
How do term limits and redistricting balance the budget?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 8:13 am:
How much yogurt can you eat?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 8:23 am:
Is it better to put money in the cayman island or grow Illinois instead?
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 8:24 am:
Why do you think it’s okay to expect government employees to bear the burden of cuts while sparing Illinois’ highest earners?
- yeah - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 9:47 am:
When is the Bond issuance?
How many billions will be issued?
How many trenches will be offered?
Have you determined which Investment Bank will do the offering?
Have you determined which law firm will do the paperwork?
Have you gotten Treasurer Freidrich and AG Madigan on board with the issuance?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 10:30 am:
Are you running your wingman’s campaign?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 10:33 am:
Do you pluck the doves or just rip their breast out?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 2:00 pm:
How have you evolved?
- Rabid - Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 2:01 pm:
Do you eat baloney?