Where we are, in a nutshell
Thursday, Jun 1, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Monique Garcia, Kim Geiger and Haley BeMiller…
The blame game quickly commenced. House Speaker Michael Madigan said Democrats will continue to work throughout June to “close the Rauner budget deficit.” House Democrats want to work “cooperatively” with Rauner, Madigan said, but many “just don’t have a high level confidence in how the governor has conducted himself.”
Rauner had vowed to veto a Democratic budget that included an income tax hike and sales tax expansion, but he nonetheless classified the House’s inaction on a spending plan as a “complete dereliction of duty by the majority in the General Assembly.”
“Please, members of the General Assembly in the majority, do not travel around the state holding sham hearings about a balanced budget,” Rauner said. “Don’t go through a process of just trying to create phony headlines around the state.”
Madigan’s decision not to hold budget votes Wednesday held some political benefits as he tries to protect a Democratic majority that’s kept him in power for all but two of the last 34 years.
Not only was Madigan able to sidestep the immediate pressure from some of his House Democrats to vote for a tax increase, but going into overtime also pushes GOP lawmakers to join in a solution or split the blame for the continued stalemate. That’s because starting Thursday, passing a budget will require at least some Republican votes to reach the three-fifths benchmark now required.
A House Speaker who has never really worked cooperatively with this governor claiming he has, and a governor who can’t cut a deal blames others for his inabilities. Not to mention a guy who constantly travels around the state ginning up phony headlines browbeating others for doing the same.
And now we wait for whatever happens next.
- Juice - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:09 am:
“And now we wait for whatever happens next.”
You mean GO being downgraded to BBB-, and McPier and ISFA being downgraded to junk?
And Build Illinois bonds getting a triple downgrade?
That next?
- AC - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:13 am:
A good start at ending this mess would be an acknowledgement by the Republicans and the Democrats that they both agree, income taxes need to increase.
- Biker - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:14 am:
BBB-
- Langhorne - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:17 am:
You nailed it, rich.
Dereliction? Look in the flippin’ mirror.
Republicans are shamefully complicit and enabling.
Give them the entire TA, and voters will still punish all incumbents.
- Anon221 - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:17 am:
Yep, Rauner’s “GPA” as a “junior” is not looking so hot.
Jan 26, 2013 from the Chicago Tribune: “Illinois received its bottom-of-the-pack ranking when it fell from an A rating to A-minus.”
June 1, 2017, Reuters: “S&P says lowered its rating on Illinois’ General Obligation (GO) bonds to ‘bbb-’ from ‘bbb’.”
- cdog - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:20 am:
That’s a real good conclusion from Capt Fax.
And humbly adding, the one guy that hides out like a near-extinct nocturnal animal where rare sightings and carefully prepared statements are newsworthy.
- Honeybear - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:23 am:
What happens next is that the nuke lands and the economic damage from a credit downgrade to junk status literally flattens our economy.
Public Universities= Mushroom cloud
State Contractors= Mushroom cloud
Social Services= Mushroom cloud
State Workforce= Mushroom cloud
Business Environment= Mushroom cloud
School systems= Mushroom cloud
Missiles have left the silos folks.
You thought it was bad before.
just
you
wait
We are economically lined up for the biggest
downturn
Ever
And worst of all
We’ve lost the ability to communicate, dialogue
and
compromise
no tools to stop it or limit the damage
mutually assured destruction was a great restraint
Till Rauner took us there through perfidy.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:23 am:
The status quo holds.
A year from now, $25B backlog, junk bond status and the complete vivisection of the social service network and higher ed. No infrastructure plan, too.
People from all over will be flocking to Generissimo Rauner’s Banana Republic.
- Gooner - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:26 am:
Governor Rauenr seems to combine a wonderful understanding of Illinois voters with a complete lack of regard for the condition of this state.
To win a second term, Rauner is best staying course. Do nothing. Blame Democrats. Claim only they want a tax increase, and don’t disclose any plan. Voters who believe that a few painless cuts can solve the problems will lap it up.
However, then you have to question why he would want a second term. To do what? Hope for a GOP majority in the House and Senate? What does he think will be better after the 2018 election?
In the meantime, that lack of leadership, and in particular his refusal to signal an intent to either sign a budget or to produce one himself is destroying this state.
I genuinely wonder what Mr. Rauner views as a realistic goal.
- Honeybear - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:28 am:
In fairness Rauner took us there through perfidy
and Madigan let him do it.
- Mike Cirrincione - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:28 am:
Well at least at least he’s not out there makin’ TV commercials, talkin’ like he’s helpin’ the middle class.
The longer this goes on the conclusion becomes clear. Former self-proclaimed *successful* business persons, with no government experience, should be in politics.
- don the legend - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:29 am:
This game of chicken continues but the amount of highway left is shrinking fast.
Until those Raunerites who hate government feel the pain of damaged government Rauner will not budge.
A tipping point will be realized and it will tip against Rauner.
- Anon - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:29 am:
Dear University Community:
Due to the unprecedented state budget impasse, Western Illinois University continues to consider fiscal adjustments. As we approach a third year without a state appropriated budget, pursuant to Article 30 of the WIU/UPI Agreement, the University is delaying contract renewal notices to non-tenure track faculty (Unit B). This notice delays a decision on staffing levels for the Fall 2017 semester. Impacted employees will receive written notification.
While we face funding challenges, Western Illinois University is committed to continuing to provide a world-class education to our students. On numerous occasions, we engaged the Governor and state legislators about the need for funding. As recently as Sunday, May 28, I testified before the House Higher Education Appropriations Committee. We continue to advocate strongly for our University.
Questions about this notice can be directed to the WIU Office of the Provost and Academic Vice President at (309) 298-1066 or Academic Personnel at (309) 298-2216.
Sincerely,
Jack Thomas, Ph.D.
University President
- @MisterJayEm - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:29 am:
“Where We Are: In a Nuts Hell”
– MrJM
- Juice - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:31 am:
JPC, the constitution says that any bill passed between May 31 and the following January 1 and has an effective date prior to the following June 1 requires a 3/5ths vote to be passed.
Since we’re talking about a budget, that would essentially require an immediate effective date, so it would apply.
- Honeybear - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:34 am:
I would also like to put forward that I still believe Rauners “plan” was
concieved
planned
fostered
by
ALEC
(look back at the meetings and powwows with Kock brothers, ALEC and other thinktanks. Rauner is not smart enough to come up with this on his own. This was planned out long ago waiting for one such as Rauner to try it. They just didn’t count on someone like Madigan saying “fine, here let me press the button for you.”)
But instead of winning like in WI and MO
the nuclear brinksmanship
led to
economic/political nuclear war
- William j Kelly - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:38 am:
How did we get in a nutshell? www.williamjKelly.org
- AlfondoGonz - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:41 am:
Does Rauner still think anyone respects what he has to say?
- sharkette - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:42 am:
Where do we go…
The Comptroller does not release funded invoices.
The agencies do not process any invoices as they ALL now have to roll into F18,keep in mind,, DOC has 50,000 invoices, part of CMS has well over 6,000. Keep in mind all agencies are working very short staffed.
Vendors, not just healthcare providers, stop delivering goods and services, so things like malware on computers
stops functioning, and IEMA sat phones no longer work, and crime scene data can not be produced, and paperwork can not get printed, no ink, no paper, and milk is not delivered again to juvi. And data back up ceases to function. And headsets for disabled persons fortunate enough to have a job can not get them.
SO all the 4000 or so vendors that have been carrying the State of Illness cease delivering the basic underlings of what the state needs to operate or function.
- Responsa - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:42 am:
Enuff with the war, mushroom cloud and nuclear language. It helps nothing and explains nothing and solves nothing. It looks unhinged.
- sharkette - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:44 am:
It would make more sense if the people, and the business community simply demand the legislators go back to work.
But we the people rather just not.
We the people just assume feed the never ending nonsense frenzy of pointing fingers and doing nothing.
The legislators have been told for 2 years what they need to do.
They pass laws after they were previously agreed to be one thing to now pass them in another form as out right lies to every adult in this state & the adults should call them out on their actions.
Go back to work Madigan is what needs to happen.
But what will happen is not a thing.
- sharkette - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:45 am:
And the legislators plan to rally all over. Well that will bring the same exact as a march for stopping murders. They continue, do they not? Rally all over all you all you want. It will not change a thing. Facts are facts. The state will shut down. Because the legislators have not done the job they were elected to do. Serve the people.
- illini - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 10:57 am:
@Honeybear - many of us concur with your outrage, passion and indignation.
- Honeybear - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:10 am:
Responsa
enuff with the “dial it back”, “tone”, “working with”,”let’s calm down”,”back to the table” language.
You don’t seem to realize that
REAL PEOPLES LIVES ARE BEING RUINED!
I’m so sick and tired of the privileged
trying to calm things down
when it’s gone to hell in all but a few pockets of the state.
People are losing jobs-thousands already
You think that’s not nuclear to them?
Companies are going under every day. (look at Springfield for Gods sake)
You think that’s not nuclear to them?
People are suffering because the can’t get treatment, shelter, a meal, medicine, a job.
You think that’s not nuclear to them?
Our institutions of higher learning are going to fail THIS YEAR!
You think that’s not nuclear to them?
It’s not nuclear to you because
of the privileged position from where you sit.
Your not effected yet so it doesn’t exist or if you do acknowledge it, we must speak in hushed polite tones.
My fellow poster, it will be upon us all
If we don’t cry out, shout
ALARM!
WARNING!
DANGER!
From the top of our voices.
It’s not about the politicians any more.
They launched the economic devastation
They can’t call it back
It is about SIRENS now. It is about shouting to our neighbors to
SEEK SHELTER NOW
COME IN HERE WITH ME
Responsa Gods Grace gave you the privilege of distance from blast zone.
I’m at ground zero. It’s a different thing for me and those around me.
Call me chicken little all you want.
Rich is the only one I know who publishes damage. God bless you Rich.
But don’t tell me what my experience of this Gallipoli is.
Yes I am fully unhinged by the horror that has been wrought on Illinois.
- Downstate - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:11 am:
Honebear,
Those Kochs are incredibly manipulative. Wonder how they got inside Madigan’s head so that his group couldn’t even vote on the Senate Budget.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:12 am:
===Wonder how they got inside Madigan’s head so that his group couldn’t even vote on the Senate Budget.===
How many Senate Raunerites voted for the Senate budget.
“No, I’ll wait, thanks”
Ugh.
- AC - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:13 am:
I’ll second what illini said. HB, keep doing what you’re doing. To those that question the rhetoric, wait to see how this plays out before you decide what’s hyperbole and what isn’t. To “the least of these” the problem certainly isn’t overstated.
- Reactio - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:14 am:
Okay, Responsa:
You Help, Explain, Solve…GO!
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:16 am:
Once you close any state university… It’s too late.
That’s not hyperbole, that’s just “business”… in a nutshell.
It’s “that” dire.
Those denying that… wow.
- Anon221 - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:16 am:
Good nutshell overview on The 21st today on NPR Illinois.
- Century Club - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:21 am:
It kills me that Rauner has been so much clearer than the Democrats. He is not doing a tax hike without “reform” that the Democrats will never agree to. His fundamental belief is that with $70 million to campaign, and an anti-tax message, he will win re-election even if the state is falling down around him.
The Democrats’ message seems to be that they are the grown ups. They will make you eat your spinach (tax hikes) and carry out the functions of government (like selling the Thompson Center) and return to the pre-Rauner status quo.
I just don’t understand why the Democrats think this is an advantageous posture for them. The Senate Dems seem utterly convinced that people will applaud them for raising taxes. The House Dems seem to think people will applaud them for not doing anything. I know these are smart people, but I just don’t get it.
- lake county democrat - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:23 am:
AC - I think they have both agreed that - even Rauner. The question is how much of Rauner’s TA items get passed and how big is the tax increase. As I keep noting, the Democrats refuse to use the political reform items - which 80% of the voters consistently say they want and which don’t cost the taxpayers a penny - as a bargaining chip. Until they do, they have no moral standing to rage in the tones they do: they’re sacrificing both the poor and middle class for the sake of 1) keeping a permanent or near-permanent job for themselves or 2) keeping a seat that would “naturally” be competitive in their hands.
- illini - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:34 am:
To paraphrase ( and taking liberty ) I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes from Easy Rider -
“This used to be a great state.”
- AC - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:37 am:
LCD - every thing I read and hear from Rauner and his surrogates includes a statement that the Democrats want to raise your taxes without reforms. So, why even mention the tax increase everyone agrees on? I suspect it’s because it would expose that the disagreement involves nothing related to the budget or revenue. It’s not a budget impasee when everyone wants to spend roughly $38 billion and everyone wants income taxes just under 5%. Instead it’s a term limit, property tax freeze, workers compensation, etc impasse. So, why not move ahead on the budget and revenues while letting the other issues stand on their own merits? If the Democrats are so out of synch with popular opinion on those other issues, that’ll get resolved in the next election.
- NoGifts - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:39 am:
The main thing we find in a nutshell is a NUT. Seems a good place for Illinois heads of state.
- NorthsideNoMore - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:41 am:
Honey B…As Dr Peter Venkman stated: “Real biblical end of the World stuff”… “dogs and Cats living together!…” All of this was eventually going to come to a head problem is no one thought the guy at the Head would be this head strong. If K-12 goes down then there will be deal struck, CPS is now in a world of hurt and something has to be done soon… the other groups will come along for their share of the ride.
- ILPundit - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:44 am:
I appreciate the continuing efforts at “both sides-ism”, but even though Madigan can’t stand Rauner, he’s helped send School Funding Reform, Sale of the JRTC, Local Government Consolidation, and procurement reform. In addition, he’s sent real workers comp reform (even if it isn’t the type Rauner wants), he’s repeatedly been willing to pass property tax freezes, and he even sent the bill to separate the ALPLM from IHPA.
I’ve yet to see a single word or action from Rauner acknowledging any of this. Compared to where we were in 2015, this is massive movement in Rauner’s direction.
At a certain point, one has to accept what is staring you right in the face. The. Governor. Does. Not. Want. A. Deal.
That’s not on Cullerton, Radogno, Madigan or Durkin. That’s on the Governor.
I’m beginning to wonder if he’s on a kamikaze mission to try to take out Madigan. He must not care if he loses, but wants to make it so bad he takes our Madigan with him.
- Mama - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 1:41 pm:
== ILPundit - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:44 am:
“At a certain point, one has to accept what is staring you right in the face. The. Governor. Does. Not. Want. A. Deal.”==
You are 100% right.
I will add that what Rauner really wants is to destroy the unions in IL, and he knows the Dems will never throw the unions under the bus.
That’s not on Cullerton, Radogno, Madigan or Durkin. That’s on the Governor.==
- Mama - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 1:42 pm:
= Honeybear - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:10 am: =
I totally agree with your take on what is happening to Illinois.
- lake county democrat - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 2:23 pm:
AC - oh, I never said Rauner wasn’t disingenuous! If he can’t get enough TA items to cover his butt, he’ll bash the Dems with the tax thing - it plays to public perceptions that the Democrats are the big spenders anyway. You should see some of the emails I’ve got from suburban Dem legislators - they are very concerned of being seen as selling out “their” taxpayers for the benefit of Chicago, particularly the schools.
- RNUG - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 3:13 pm:
== the legislators plan to rally all over ==
A while back I said the only way I see this ending is citizens with pitchforks, torches, tar and feather on the Capitol lawn. The only question is whether it is Rauner or Madigan who ends up leaving town on a rail ..
- Way Way Down Here - Thursday, Jun 1, 17 @ 11:00 pm:
To quote Mell Brooks: A riot is an ugly thing.
- Honeybear - Friday, Jun 2, 17 @ 7:17 am:
NOrthsidenomore- I don’t know. I think “This is the big one!” as Redd Foxx used to say.
Rauner has cornered his own people. There is only one way out for them.
Win or die
Win and rewrite history to plot out the horror that they caused.