* AP…
The Illinois General Assembly is back to work after the Senate approved a major spending package.
Eyes are back on to the Senate on Wednesday to see how negotiations will shape up between majority Democrats and Republicans over issues important to Gov. Bruce Rauner.
The Senate approved a $5.4 billion tax increase for a $37.3 billion spending plan Tuesday. Republicans said Democrats were walking away from attempts to trade a tax increase for a local property tax freeze and Rauner-demanded reductions in the cost of the workers’ compensation system.
* A Senate Republican operative was super cheerful this morning about the spotlight finally being off that chamber after months of turmoil, and then I shared the above link. The response…
Who told them that?
I don’t think anybody did. The Senate President’s spokesman said he’s not aware of any scheduled negotiations on property taxes or workers’ comp. Cullerton is open to such negotiations, however.
The governor may want these talks to stay in the Senate, but those days are over unless he comes up with a new path.
The ball is in Madigan’s court now.
…Adding… This…
“All of these cries for more time, please allow me to say you have more time in the other chamber,” said Sen. Toi Hutchinson.
*** UPDATE *** I explained some possible House scenarios to subscribers this morning and told them about Springfield’s special visitor. Here’s Greg Hinz…
About two hours after Illinois Senate Democrats sucked it up and approved a big tax-hike bill late yesterday, two other figures were seen dining at a Springfield restaurant: Michael Sacks, a confidant and emissary for Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Consider it a sign that the inevitable finally has arrived. […]
That leaves Madigan in position to box in Rauner. But what will he actually do?
Sacks, who was good enough to email me, isn’t saying — if he knows. About all he’ll disclose is: “I came down with a group to talk about education funding. With the prospect of a new formula and significant revenue, it is really important to get things right. It was great to be able to catch up with (Senate) President (John) Cullerton and Speaker Madigan and other leadership.” […]
Madigan spokesman Steve Brown says the speaker and governor are not now scheduled to talk. But he does allow that a Madigan budget and revenue package likely will emerge in committee “over the weekend.” It looks like that will be the first solid indication of the shape of the world.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 11:35 am:
One of the reasons this got voted and sent out of the Senate was to pass the ball where Rauner’s chances of a deal aren’t the “best”.
Even Sen. Brady, while explaining why he and they were negotiating so long and hard with SDems was the fear once it got to the House they’d (HDems) would work their own amendments away from the Senate Bargain (that never materialized)
Thinking that “eyes are on the Senste”, even Sen. Brady knew, once it went across to the House, it’s the House’s chance to work.
We’ll see what can be done that could arise from the Senate, but I’m not holding my breath in the short term.
- tomhail - Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 11:35 am:
Please, Jesus.
- Norseman - Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 11:47 am:
Yes, we’re back to the Rauner v Madigan battle. Congratulations Rauner on your success in tubing the “Grand Bargain.”
While there was no guarantee of a final passage had the “Grand Bargain” been approved by the Senate, it would have been extremely politically problematic for Madigan not to work within that framework.
- The Real Just Me - Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 11:59 am:
Please help me try to figure this out. The Senate President is “open” to further negotiations with whom exactly? The Governor? Senate Republicans? The Speaker? It seems like the President has been spurned by the first two.
- Adults in the room - Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 12:15 pm:
How much does the state receive and appropriate in property taxes?
- Dude - Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 12:40 pm:
If the Dems try to put this through with no GOP support and not give Rauner his property tax freeze, I’m afraid that the governor will have no problem continuing to dig in and veto it. I am not optimistic about the outcome if the Dems try to go it alone.
- cdog - Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 12:58 pm:
Well then, these are encouraging words from the Mr. Sacks, “… With the prospect of a new formula and significant revenue, it is really important to get things right.”
I know my thoughts have more in common with a fairy tale, but some day, using a “new formula and significant revenue,” the State of Illinois could quit funding education with property taxes.
Other states have figured it out so it is not impossible.
Let’s all hope Springfield can come together and get this close to right.
- RNUG - Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 1:20 pm:
Could Madigan be cooking up a Netsch style school funding tax swap?
That would he a definite game changer!
- Last Bull Moose - Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 1:42 pm:
RNUG, I like the way you think.
The House and Senate Dems need to get a balanced budget to Rauner and force him to veto it. Then, if they can get their messaging right, he owns the collapse of services and credit rating.
- jim - Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 1:44 pm:
So the Dems will try to force their plan down Rauner’s throat? just like the last two years. that’s not an approach designed to pass anything, just another request for surrender by Rauner. Don’t see it happening.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 1:46 pm:
===The House and Senate Dems need to get a balanced budget to Rauner and force him to veto it. Then, if they can get their messaging right, he owns the collapse of services and credit rating.===
The last 3 years, Dems haven’t mastered any messaging to build upon that they could use today.
Further, there’s that $71 million sitting out there.
The goal is to own the messaging when the governing continues to fail.
Can Dems do it?
I dunno.
- Grand Avenue - Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 2:08 pm:
This is helpful
https://twitter.com/moniquegarcia/status/867455642000379904
“Illinois Republican Party announces robocalls over the Senate budget and tax votes yesterday.”