* Press release…
Governor Bruce Rauner today released the following statement regarding the General Assembly’s budget negotiations:
“If the legislature fails to send a balanced budget package to my desk by Friday, we will have no choice but to keep them in session until they get the job done.”
*** UPDATE 1 *** Tina Sfondeles got the Madigan response…
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s spokesman Steve Brown called extra special session days “not surprising.”
“All he [Rauner] needs to do is understand that the Legislature has gone way past middle ground to compromise,” Brown said. “We’ve been working on his reforms.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Press release…
Democratic candidate for governor Daniel Biss released the following statement in response to Governor Rauner’s threat to extend special session if the legislature does not pass a balanced budget by Friday.
“The Senate did its job and passed a budget. Instead of holding the state hostage to costly stunts, demands, and political manipulation, he needs to sit down with Speaker Madigan, make hard decisions and find compromise, and end this madness.”
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:07 pm:
Ha, ha, you have turned into Blagojevich.
- Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:08 pm:
Physician heal thyself.
- Thoughts Matter - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:10 pm:
Earlier this week, there was no reason to have a meeting of all 4 leaders,because it was supposedly better for just the House leaders to meet. Yet, we had 170+ legislators here. Now, he wants to continue these special sessions? There is no point because he won’t compromise and will veto whatever he is sent.
- Lt Guv - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:13 pm:
Well done Rod!
- Gruntled University Employee - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:14 pm:
That gentlemen is an insult to the good Governor Blagojevich.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:15 pm:
Which is your favorite “Gov. Rauner”?
The Pat Quinn - Thinking that stopping/withholding the pay of Legislators is good
The “Blagojevich” - Talk about standing ovations and church visits, and call Special Sessions while being the biggest impediment to the work needing to be done.
Now, at first blush, you could say the “Pat Quinn” isn’t a good choice, but… what if you forgot the Property Tax bit, the “working day and night” spiel morphed…
Ah, so you think “Pat Quinn”, not the “Blagojevich”…
“Not so fast my friend” - Coach Corso.
… Rauner loves the theatre of things, like Blagojevich, and Rod had the football, Rauner has the Carhartt and Biker Vest, both on hand like that Blago “football”
Yeah, not that easy, is it?
Stunts are stunts.
Same as Blagojevich, same as Quinn, same as… Rauner.
Just different “producers, costumes, and settings”… same plot and “characters”
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:15 pm:
Invite the Governor to testify at a committee of the whole!!!
- Captain Ed Smith - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:16 pm:
I thought he was in Iowa cutting the ribbon on a one-way bridge.
- Saluki - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:17 pm:
Kinda takes the zest out of the ? of the day.
- Crispycritter - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:19 pm:
Endless session till 2018; sweet!!!!
- Curl of the Burl - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:20 pm:
Well…on the bright side…local dry cleaning businesses will see a boom!
- anon2 - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:20 pm:
This would disrupt vacation plans by legislators, few of whom plan to be in Springfield all summer.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:21 pm:
Who’s payin’ for this?
- northsider (the original) - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:21 pm:
He should foot the bill for this.
- Capitol View - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:21 pm:
I thought the appropriations process starts with the governor proposing the first draft. Both revenues and spending, towards a balanced budget for the year. Someone please share a copy of the state constitution with the 2nd floor - and have him look at the Preamble to the State Constitution which sets out what the purpose of state government is - and it isn’t just partisan rambling.
- Real - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:22 pm:
Is there any reason why my comments aren’t being displayed on the board other than this one????
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:22 pm:
Springfield’s economy is going to boom this year! I am a glass half full person.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:23 pm:
===Is there any reason why my comments aren’t being displayed on the board other than this one????===
You have to figure out which buzz word you are using that is getting your comment caught in the filter.
- TKMH - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:24 pm:
Calling this stunt a dumpster fire would be too insulting to dumpster fires.
- Blue Bayou - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:27 pm:
You can see Rauner and the Big Brains all huddled up for an idea circle: “OK, we aren’t gonna sign anything, but how can we pretend like we want to?”
If this guy is still fooling you, seek help.
- Archiesmom - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:27 pm:
If you stop and think about it, that is an incredibly patronizing and condescending statement. Next thing you know, he’ll be sending the kids to bed without their supper. He is a part of the problem and needs to be an active part of the solution, not just standing back there and making digs and funding commercials that are completely counterproductive. This is just infuriating !
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:28 pm:
Who will pay for the special session???
Rauner, Apr 28, 2016: “If we have to go into special sessions, we’ll deal with that at the time,” Rauner said. “I don’t want taxpayers to be charged for it. I would seriously consider, we’re discussing this within our administration, me paying for it personally, so the taxpayers don’t have to if special sessions have to be called.”
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Rauner-Might-Pay-for-Special-Legislative-Session-to-Reach-Budget-Deal-377461251.html
- A guy - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:28 pm:
Like it or not, it’s strategic in forcing a consequence on a lack of action.
- Skeptic - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:29 pm:
Michael Madigan and the Special Session Calling Governors he controls.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:30 pm:
Rauner is like an incompetent parent putting the kid in an endless timeout.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:30 pm:
===Like it or not, it’s strategic in forcing a consequence on a lack of action.===
Rauner, personally, blew up two Grand Compromises.
That was an action that got us here.
- Nick Name - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:35 pm:
L, as they say, OL.
- Nick Name - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:35 pm:
Gov. Gaslight, don’t forget to schedule time on Sundays to get standing ovations in African American churches.
- Get a Job!! - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:38 pm:
When the impasse is already costing us millions per day, what’s another $50k here and there?
- @MisterJayEm - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:40 pm:
And the beatings will continue until morale improves.
– MrJM
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:41 pm:
===Like it or not, it’s strategic…===
How is it strategic? Looks pretty reactionary to me.
Let’s recap: Rauner can’t get a deal during the regular session. Check. He calls a special session and still won’t sign the deal. Check. Now he’s threatening to call another special session and you think this is part of some grand strategy? A strategy to accomplish what, exactly? Chaos? Starve the beast?
He’s not winning and now he’s doubled down on failure.
I’ve news for you Guy, if Governor Rauner doesn’t declare victory and sign the budget he negotiated, he’ll never get another chance to sign a budget again.
- Huh? - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:42 pm:
Speaker: The Clerk will call the roll.
Clerk: Mr. Speaker, all are present with the exception of 5 excused absences.
Parliamentarian: Mr. Speaker, a quorum of the Members are present to conduct the business of the House.
Speaker: The House will recess until the next special session.
- Ole' Nelson - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:42 pm:
“Endless Special Session” was always my favorite Beach Boys album.
- thunderspirit - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:50 pm:
Endless campaign, meet endless special session.
Endless special session. endless campaign.
You two should get acquainted, cos from the sound of things you’ll be seeing a LOT of each other for the next seventeen months or so.
- A guy - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:52 pm:
==How is it strategic? Looks pretty reactionary to me.==
It’s both. These Legislators are tired, angry and frustrated. It’s no treat when they go home for any of them. It’s been a lousy term to be a Legislator.
If the Speaker wants to ram something at the end of the clock…the reaction was to not let the clock end. It’s definitely a reaction.
Even when we disagree, I get your perspective and where you’re coming from. Refusing to see any other point of view isn’t a strength. This big mess needs a resolution. There are no saints and no winners anywhere in this pile of steaming ****. No redemption in any resolution. Just a chance to pick up the pieces. A budget gets us out of the judiciary managing our government. No one (even these clowns) are more ill-equipped to manage a legislative or executive process than judges.
All this “put ‘em in a room and lock it until they agree” stuff has been said. Bringing them back and continuing session is the closest you get to that. Hopefully it’s miserable enough.
- No Longer A Lurker - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:52 pm:
The evening entertainment during the endless summer session will be “Groundhog Day”
- Slippin' Jimmy - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:53 pm:
Anyone have Dr Phil on speed dial?
- Ace Laredo - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:54 pm:
Could he feasibly pay for special session days out of his own pocket?
It would be one heck of a campaign maneuver if it’s possible i.e. “Look, I wanted to make things work so badly I paid all of these crooks out of my own pocket.”
His base and the dumb would eat that up come campaign time.
- Curl of the Burl - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:55 pm:
Better bring that dumpster back…
- Todd - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 3:55 pm:
My liver is going to divorce me
- Linus - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:00 pm:
I’m running out of ways to avoid swearing on this blog.
- Hit or Miss - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:03 pm:
An endless sessions sounds expensive to me, a taxpayer. I only wish I was receiving value for my hard earned tax dollars.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:05 pm:
How many universities need to lose accreditation diluting this special session before that part of Rauner’s destruction will be enough?
- Deft Wing - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:06 pm:
Good.
Sometimes I think people truly believe Rauner is a legislator. Legislators legislate by passing bills and sending them to the Governor, who signs them or vetos them.
Tricky, I know.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:12 pm:
===My liver is going to divorce me===
And that, dear friends, is our comment of the week. lol
- Nick Name - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:12 pm:
“Remain Calm! All is well!” — Animal House
- Anoniphone - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:13 pm:
Does this mean all roadwork is dead?
- Flippy - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:19 pm:
At least the legislature is making an effort. Where’s you effort, Governor?
- Former Hillrod - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:23 pm:
Soon it will be time for a Colorado road trip.
- Mama - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:24 pm:
“How many universities need to lose accreditation diluting this special session before that part of Rauner’s destruction will be enough?”
All but 2 of the ‘public’ universities.
- Captain Ed Smith - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:25 pm:
Flip, well said. At least act like you are part of the process and engaged.
- Scooteriffic! - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:25 pm:
Say what you want about Pat Quinn, but he kept all the balls in the air and made sure payments were made in full and on time. Sure wish Captain Carhartt could do that!
- RNUG - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:26 pm:
== “All he [Rauner] needs to do is understand that the Legislature has gone way past middle ground to compromise,” ==
Translation: What we are willing to do is on the table. Take it or leave it.
- Former Hillrod - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:27 pm:
Oops hit say it too soon.
The CO road trip might be easier on the liver
- Annonin' - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:29 pm:
Another notch in the Blagoofian Bullet Belt. Hats off to Gov “Happy” Junk
- Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:32 pm:
“- Deft Wing - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:06 pm:
Good.
Sometimes I think people truly believe Rauner is a legislator. Legislators legislate by passing bills and sending them to the Governor, who signs them or vetos them.”
Respectfully, I don’t think you understand what’s going on here. The governor is calling Durkin behind the scenes and giving instructions. I know this is happening for a fact. So please don’t pretend he’s just a bystander waiting for the legislature to do their work when he’s the one pulling the strings.
- North side Dude - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:34 pm:
What in the wide, wide world of sports is a goin’ on here?
- RNUG - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:34 pm:
Just wait until the game playing reaches the level of adjourning for good each day and a new special session proclamation every day. We’re almost there.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:38 pm:
–Sometimes I think people truly believe Rauner is a legislator. Legislators legislate by passing bills and sending them to the Governor, who signs them or vetos them.–
Thanks for the Schoolhouse Rock lesson.
Sentient beings though have observed that Rauner through his roles as governor and Illinois GOP bank has exercised a wee bit of power over the GOP GA caucuses.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:41 pm:
===Sometimes I think people truly believe Rauner is a legislator. Legislators legislate by passing bills and sending them to the Governor, who signs them or vetos them===
… Or Rauner inserts himself to blow up compromises, you know, disrupt the process… and is really purposely derailing everything.
I don’t think, - Deft Wing - you understand the governing on now, lol
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:42 pm:
==Like it or not, it’s strategic in forcing a consequence on a lack of action.==
I would probably say “tactical” instead of “strategic” but I get your meaning. The problem is, the consequences don’t have enough bite to ‘em. But I’m not sure what consequences the Governor could bring about that would.
- Real - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:42 pm:
Rauner wants to campaign on Speaker Madigan blocking a budget, term limits, and property tax freeze. This is why he won’t sigh the budget. He won’t have anything else to campaign on.
- Stumpy's bunker - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:49 pm:
An endless special session?
Translation: I will wear the legislators down. I’ll keep them away from their families and businesses, all the while running attack ads on them back home as being The Problem.
- PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:50 pm:
“….It’s no treat when they go home for any of them. It’s been a lousy term to be a Legislator.”
Maybe things wouldn’t be that way if GOP members voted for the interests of their districts.
- illinoised - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:55 pm:
What’s the rush? I thought he was the happiest he’s been in 20 years.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:57 pm:
–What’s the rush? I thought he was the happiest he’s been in 20 years.–
Just wants to keep the good times rollin’.
Why do you think he won’t take 90%?
- Real - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:58 pm:
Rauners goal now is to prevent a balanced budget that contains a property tax freeze, workmans comphensation reform, and pension reform… Because if he gets that now he won’t have anything left to campaign on.
- walker - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 4:58 pm:
Neither tactical nor strategic — except as a campaign press release.
- Muni Guy - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:00 pm:
I think JB and Madigan want to campaign on Governor Junk rather than $251 billion in unfunded pension liability, $15 billion in unpaid bills and net loss of 500,000 Illinoisans over the past decade or so. When JB and Madigan get their way, most of the commenters above will be stuck with the bill. The rest of us, will be LONG GONE. Illinois needs fundamental reform to attract businesses and economic development. While necessary to dig out of the current budget hole, the tax increase does nothing to address the long-term economic decline the state has experienced and continues to face in the coming years. Older, wealthier residents are leaving in droves and are being replaced by younger college graduates. The numbers do not add up, without addressing the economic decline. Say what you will about the Governor and his negotiating style, he has but one chip to play for his economic agenda, the budget, and he and Madigan know it.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:03 pm:
== Rauner wants to campaign on Speaker Madigan blocking a budget, term limits, and property tax freeze. ==
Nah. Rauner just wants to campaign on preventing a tax increase … or on the need for more GOP Legislators to prevent yet another Democratic tax increase.
- Real - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:21 pm:
RNUG
Nah. Rauner just wants to campaign on preventing a tax increase … or on the need for more GOP Legislators to prevent yet another Democratic tax increase.
…….
Rauner is for a tax increase just not for one in his first term. He wants to be re-elected before he signs a tax increase.
- Randall Dowling - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:23 pm:
You never go full Blagojevich.
- Huh? - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:25 pm:
Wonder if State employees are to report to work on Monday.
- Thomas Griffin - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:36 pm:
They will have an endless do-nothing job. The Chief Volunteer Executive will not hurt either with $26K per hour earned from his amassed wealth.
Not so lucky at Northeastern Illinois University and other state schools are we?
- Sonny chiss - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:36 pm:
If Rauner kills or prevents a deal, then he is Ernie McCracken after Ernie won the $1M - “I have enough money I can buy my way out of anything. Finally, big Ern (Bruce) is above the law” Big governor Ern kills the deal and uses his money to pin it all on Madigan. Only the movie Big Ern is so duplicitous.
- Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:38 pm:
Muni Guy,
JB and Madigan…you’re pretty funny. Did you get paid for each time you typed that here by the campaign? Geez.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:42 pm:
===and net loss of 500,000 Illinoisans over the past decade or so===
Um, no.
- Shake - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 6:15 pm:
Gov. Junk Owns All Of This..
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 6:34 pm:
To House Republicans who truly care about this State-
It’s time to Go Around the person who is planning to turn his back to you. Illinois is a tool for Rauner and he is bound and determined to use it until it breaks. He’s already made sure the “warranty” is damaged. Since the AHCA will not be so much center stage over the 4th, I have a feeling Illinois will start really making national news. Tomorrow we are front and center on 1A. Do you really want to be on that “stage”???
- crazybleedingheart - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 7:50 pm:
===“All he [Rauner] needs to do is understand that the Legislature has gone way past middle ground to compromise,” Brown said. “We’ve been working on his reforms.”===
How To Lose A Base In Ten Months
- Blago's Hare - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 11:41 pm:
“You never go full Blagojevich.” and Todd’s liver comment have me laughing more than I should at this hour of the night.