* This was an interesting moment…
Several Senate Democrats were holding an upbeat news conference about progress being made in talks when Madigan’s statement about the [Sunday] tax hike vote was issued. None of them knew it was coming. Just before its release, Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, one of the Democrats’ budget negotiators, said, “We think we are really about nailed down now on all of the numbers for the budget and revenue side of this.”
If you missed that Madigan press release, click here.
* Sen. Toi Hutchinson looked stunned when a reporter read Madigan’s press release aloud to the gathered Senate Democrats…
State Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D-Olympia Fields, was surprised to hear the “revenue package” would be called. Hutchinson, who sponsored the Senate’s revenue bill, said it shows the “fluidity” of budget talks.
Hutchinson said recent negotiations about the revenue bill weren’t about elements in the measure but more about what Republicans wanted passed before they could declare support for an income tax hike.
“What we’re going to end up seeing when there’s final votes on this is that you will see Democrats who refuse to vote on revenue, and you’ll see some Republicans who change their minds,” Hutchinson said. “It’s going to be one of those situations where people are voting based on their districts and based on what they believe is the right course of action moving forward.”
* Sun-Times…
[Madigan spokesman Steve Brown] said the “revenue package” is “the one that the Republicans endorsed.”
“It could be modeled on that,” Brown said. “There may be some changes.”
Top Republicans last month offered up a “compromise” budget plan, which included a four-year property tax freeze. While it assumed an income tax hike, Republicans never filed a revenue bill.
The “changes” reportedly include a permanent income tax hike, which the governor opposes.
* Tribune…
The move by Madigan to call a vote without Republicans on board sets him up to collect ammunition against the opposition party, as he will be able to point to people who supported the spending plan on Friday but voted Sunday against the tax hike and accuse them of wanting to spend money without paying for it.
House Democrats who could be Republican targets in next year’s election also could vote against the tax hike in an attempt to inoculate themselves from Rauner-funded GOP attack ads.
Asked why Democrats would call the tax bill without a broader agreement with Republicans, [Rep. Lou Lang] said, “This cannot go on forever.
“There are members of Mr. Durkin’s caucus who are ready, willing and able to vote on a bill, and they want to do it right away, so we are going to oblige them,” he said.
* From Madigan’s spokesman yesterday…
I think members have told the Speaker that a number of Republicans are prepared to vote for the revenue bill.
* And from the Illinois Policy Institute’s Facebook page…
UPDATE: Our sources tell us there are two Illinois Republicans in the House who are confirmed “yes” votes on the $5 billion tax hike.
Rep. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez
Ph. (217) 782-xxx
xxxx@ilhousegop.org
Rep. Steven Andersson (Citizens for Steve Andersson)
Ph. (630) xxxxxxx
xxx@xxxxx
Andersson is apparently encouraging his colleagues in the House to join him in voting for Madigan’s tax hike.
Please contact both of these lawmakers and tell them to vote “NO” on the $5 billion tax hike.
The vote is expected to take place Sunday at 2 p.m.
The comments are quite something. And as subscribers know, it’s more than two Republicans.
* Rep. Andersson posted a photo of himself on Facebook last night having dinner with his wife. Check out a couple of the comments…
You are Madigan’s Toady. Switch parties traitor.
You are selling your soul to the devil. This tax increase will only drive more people out of this state. In fact we are prepared to relocate our entire family, not just my household, entire family. Hang your head low sir, you deserve it!!!!!!
*** UPDATE *** Rep. Steve Andersson responds to the Illinois Policy Institute Facebook post…
Rich,
Saw your post. FYI, there are 69 comments to the moment. A few supportive, mostly negative, some very offensive. But what’s far worse is that someone or some group has given out my personal cell phone number. Those calls and texts are about as nasty as you can imagine. Came in all night and day.
Steve
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 12:33 pm:
What will happen to the state government if the GA does not pass a budget now?
- cdog - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 12:33 pm:
Madigan games.
He says he is the trustworthy and truthful one but once he gets the votes on a revenue bill, will he call the other negotiated agreement bills?
Or, will he pick up his marbles and run?
- Thoughts Matter - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 12:35 pm:
Those comments are really something. Voters like that are part of the reason we are where we are today- $15b in the hole. Lots of hyperbole, but no understanding of the actual issues. The sad part is that there are many people who honestly believe in magic beans in terms of meeting our state financial obligations.
- Cindy Lou - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 12:40 pm:
cdog, I believe if Madigan gave his word he would call the other bills, he will do just that.
Call me naïve , if you must, Madigan may seem like the devil himself at times, but he’s not a liar when he gives his word.
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 12:41 pm:
“Those comments are really something.” There were only 2 prior comments, and I fail to see why either one was objectionable. “Magic beans” by contrast was …. Well. BTW will the governor sign a comprehensive package of bills if the GA sends one to him?
- wordslinger - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 12:44 pm:
I find it very hard to believe that there would be any real political/p.r. “ammunition” to be had against someone who voted for Friday’s amendment but against revenue today.
That’s inside-inside baseball. At this point, who outside the Dome is supposed to give a flip about the finer points and hypocrisy of sausage-making?
If that truly is a motivation, it’s scatter-brained stupid.
- Rich Miller - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 12:50 pm:
===That’s inside-inside baseball===
Correct. And several of Madigan’s own members are notorious for doing that very same thing. Sometimes, Team Tribune over-thinks a bit.
- Rich Miller - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 12:53 pm:
===I fail to see why either one was objectionable===
That comment says a whole lot about you. Perhaps you should do some reevaluation in church today.
- Saluki - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:07 pm:
These last few days is nearly enough to drive me out of the Republican party.
- Elliott Ness - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:08 pm:
Attacking the very group that wants to save the state, disgusting
- Norseman - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:08 pm:
To the update. Posting Andersson’s personal phone # is out-of-bounds.
I nominate Andersson for the statesman of the year award.
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:10 pm:
I am not trying to be sarcastic. I truly did not understand why either of the two earlier comments would be objectionable. Please explain it to me. And I went to church today since you ask. The collect of the day asked that we be joined together in unity of spirit. Wouldn’t that be nice?
- ryan - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:13 pm:
@Anonymous - The IPI Facebook comments. Not these comments.
- wordslinger - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:15 pm:
So whoever gave out Andersson’s phone number….. happy? You certainly must have expected the results.
If you’re wondering what a cowardly POS looks like, consult your nearest mirror.
- A guy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:18 pm:
==To the update. Posting Andersson’s personal phone # is out-of-bounds.===
Totally agree. It’s despicable to do this. Someone ought to post theirs. But they might enjoy getting a call for once.
==I nominate Andersson for the statesman of the year award.===
Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves here. We’re still defining him as a legitimate “victim”, which he is.
Statesman is still in the distance. He appears to be outrunning his caucus a bit here.
- Southside Markie - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:19 pm:
How many more people will leave public service because we have to ask others “At long last, have you left no sense of decency?”
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:20 pm:
No one has a greater opportunity to stand tall today than a Republican with the courage to put the state ahead of their party.
- A guy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:21 pm:
===That’s inside-inside baseball===
Couldn’t agree more Sling…Maybe today might be something as unique as us agreeing? lol
- Thoughts Matter - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:21 pm:
My post about the ‘comments being something’ was not about the two prior comments from Rich’s posters. My post was about the comments to Rep Andersson.
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:28 pm:
The goal is to recognize the seriousness and honesty of revenue and structuring roll calls accordingly.
It’s getting lost in the rabbit hole of blame
- wordslinger - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:28 pm:
Anon 1:10, if you truly don’t get it, you must be an IPI toady-traitor who sold his soul to the devil.
No offense. In unity of spirit.
- RNUG - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:41 pm:
== someone or some group has given out my personal cell phone number. Those calls and texts are about as nasty as you can imagine. ==
Someone trying to solve the problems doesn’t deserve that kind of treatment. I consider myself generally in the R category, and I support his efforts to reach a deal.
- OurMagician - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:41 pm:
Name calling/posting personal information on the internet? Trumpian. Stay strong Rep and show what leadership is. All the House is up for reelection next year, the voters can have their say then whether they agree or disagree and hide behind their private ballot rather than their made up name or disposable cell.
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:45 pm:
Intimidating an elected official by the harsh words that Rep. Andersson is facing isn’t what we should all be about.
The giving out of the phone number, the texts, the voicemails, that is a sad commentary that someone willing to be the solution doesn’t deserve.
- Three-Finger Brown - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 1:56 pm:
If anything, this proves that the moderates are on the right side of things here. If you find yourself in agreement with the type of subhuman that would troll a family photo, it’s time to step back and reevaluate your ideals.
Bravo Rep Andersson. The adult in the room.
- cdog - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 2:30 pm:
It is increasingly important to condemn the whips on the fringe. That would include IPI, and some of the Dem gov hopefuls.
Quiet the noise from the extremes and focus on what’s doable.
- StopPlayingGames - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 2:44 pm:
If I was him, I would have my phone number changed stat.
- CCP Hostage - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 2:45 pm:
For what it’s worth, I’m truly grateful to Rep. Andersson for leading the way out of this mess. I will be looking for ways to help him in the future. For now, I just have my sympathy to offer because he is being treated poorly for doing the right thing.
- Al Grosboll - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 2:46 pm:
When this is over, there will be time to recognize the stand-up legislators who knew it was time to take steps necessary to get Illinois out of this mess - even knowing it would mean taking criticism. (See Theodore Roosevelt’s “In the Arena” speech.
At the top of my list, though, will be Reps. Steve Andersson and Greg Harris who are doing the things that are unpopular within their political parties but necessary for the State of Illinois.
Regarding the hurtful words and the passing out of personal cell numbers, these childish actions are a reflection of the ugly times in which we live. It is a time for statesmanship not posturing, immaturity and cheap shots.
- James Knell - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 2:53 pm:
I’m not doing anything for the 2018 primaries. If they go after Anderson, I will be there for him doing my little part.
- cdog - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 3:23 pm:
So it appears Madigan and team just filed an amendment to budget bill w/ 605 pages.
Cindy Lou, are you sure Madigan is trustworthy?
Stop drinking that kool-aid.
- Mr. Independent - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:10 pm:
Sorry all, but this State is on the verge of collapse. There is absolute no way on Earth to close the budget deficit without a tax increase. Honestly, Illinois is in serious trouble. Will a tax increase hurt business-yes. However, failure to come up with a balanced budget this week will hurt business a lot more… and we will be the laughing stock of the entire country besides, as if we aren’t already!
- Amalia - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:35 pm:
The Illinois Policy Institute publishes the names and photos of the personnel who work for the group. Shame on which ever one of you published on Facebook the personal cell phone number of a State Representative. You’ve urged the unhinged to harass and they did. Now you have to own this. Fess up and resign. Stop playing in the Trump/video fight school of “policy.”
- Just like Jimmy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 11:51 pm:
Ten to one that guy’s “family stays in state.