*** UPDATE *** I’m told by the governor’s office that should the Senate pass the tax hike bills the governor will take “immediate action” when it hits his desk. “So members shouldn’t plan to go anywhere.”
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* Press release…
Governor Bruce Rauner today issued the following statement following the House of Representative’s passage of a 32 percent income tax hike without any reforms to grow the economy, create jobs, or provide property tax relief:
“When I took office, I promised the taxpayers of Illinois that I would fight every day to take this state in a new direction after decades of failed leadership from both parties. Today, Springfield has decided to give the people of Illinois the largest tax hike in history and continue out of balance budgets with no real reform.
“Under Speaker Madigan’s direction, legislators chose to double down on higher taxes while protecting the special interests and refusing to reform the status quo. It’s a repeat of the failed policies that created this financial crisis and caused jobs and taxpayers to flee.
“I will veto Mike Madigan’s permanent 32 percent tax hike. Illinois families don’t deserve to have more of their hard-earned money taken from them when the legislature has done little to restore confidence in government or grow jobs. Illinois families deserve more jobs, property tax relief and term limits. But tonight they got more of the same.
“For two and a half years we have been working to find common ground on a balanced budget. As recently as two days ago we believed that was possible.
“The legislature could have passed a no reform budget like this one two years ago. Instead, they allowed Mike Madigan to play his political games, passed phony budgets, racked up our debt and inflicted pain on the most vulnerable. All of this to force a permanent, 32 percent tax increase on Illinois families.
“Moving forward, this vote shows that if the legislature is willing to pass the largest tax hike in state history with no reforms, then we must engage citizens and redouble our efforts to change the state. “
*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release…
“Today, Democrats and Republicans stood together to take a crucial step toward reaching a compromise that ends the budget crisis by passing a fully funded state budget in a bipartisan way. While none could say this was an easy decision, it was the right decision; it’s clear that a budget package that cuts billions of dollars in state spending and also provides new revenue is the only path forward. I’m grateful legislators worked together to provide for our schools, protect medical care for the frail elderly, services for survivors of domestic abuse and others in great need.
“There is more work to be done, and we will continue working with Republicans to ensure the issues still on the table are fully resolved.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** House Republican Leader Jim Durkin…
“You have all heard the following statement: ‘it’s Déjà vu all over again.’ It has never been more true than today. What transpired is a repeat of the Illinois Democrats infamous temporary tax of 2011, with the only difference being today’s tax increase is permanent - yes, permanent. These votes confirm that the Illinois Democrats will never accept change and are only interested in the status quo – the status quo that placed Illinois in this squalid condition. The fight for Illinois families, workers and employers is not over.”
Except 15 of his own members voted for the bill today, unlike the 2011 tax hike when it was a purely Democratic vote.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Mayor Emanuel…
“I want to thank the host of Democrats and Republicans who came together tonight in bipartisan fashion to put the people of Illinois ahead of political party. This bipartisan budget is a major step forward to ending three years of inaction in Springfield. This bipartisan budget will prevent Illinois’ most vulnerable from losing their safety net, keep road projects active and keep people at work, ensure schools across the state open next month, and prevent Illinois from being downgraded to junk status. And this bipartisan budget will provide much needed stability to people in every corner of Illinois and from all walks of life.”
*** UPDATE 4 *** Press release…
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider released the following statement after the Illinois House of Representatives passed Speaker Mike Madigan’s permanent 32% tax hike without reforms:
“Today, Springfield politicians led by Speaker Mike Madigan voted to permanently raise taxes by 32% on the hard-working families of Illinois without passing property tax relief for homeowners, job-creating reforms, or term limits on politicians.
“Make no mistake about it - this historic vote was not the product of negotiation and compromise focused on pro-growth, citizen-empowering reforms. Last night, Madigan broke away from good faith budget negotiations with the intent of pushing his own plan to protect the broken status quo. Today, Madigan then introduced his massive 1,241-page tax-and-spend plan and gave lawmakers only hours to read, debate, and vote on the package.
“This 32% permanent tax increase, the largest in Illinois’ history, was the product of insider deal-making between special interests and entrenched politicians. Next year, voters will hold those politicians accountable for choosing Madigan over the people of Illinois.
“Now more than ever, Republicans across Illinois are standing with Governor Rauner and redoubling our efforts to end Madigan’s corrupt status quo.”
I don’t see how they can keep claiming this is the largest tax hike in Illinois history. 2011’s was larger.
*** UPDATE 6 *** Press release…
Comptroller Mendoza’s Statement on Sunday’s Budget Votes in the State House of Representatives
I want to thank all the members of the Illinois House of Representatives who courageously voted to step back from the fiscal disaster of the last two years and to take back their constitutional power of appropriation. In particular I want to thank the 15 Republican profiles in courage who were true heroes today, standing up for the people of Illinois and not for a Party of One.
We still have a long road ahead to a comprehensive budget plan to pay down our $15 billion backlog of unpaid bills that has tripled in the two years since Governor Rauner took office. I am disheartened but not surprised that he, as a Party of One, has announced that he will veto the bill. I hope that all the legislators who showed true courage on Sunday’s tough votes stay strong and steadfast in overriding his irresponsible veto.
Sunday’s vote sends a strong message to the financial markets that Illinois is serious about getting its fiscal house in order. I strongly encourage Republicans and Democrats in the state Senate to likewise forge ahead working together. Our office will continue working with members of the General Assembly to help in whatever capacity we can. When we come together in a bipartisan fashion, great things are possible for the state. Let’s keep this positive momentum going.
- Doofman - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:03 pm:
Translation: now that Pritzker’s money is in the game too, the Governor’s game is up.
- Matt P. - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:06 pm:
Thank you, Governor Rauner.
We need reforms. Tax hikes cannot alone solve this problem.
- astuishin - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:06 pm:
Thank you LOrd Jesus Christ for Governor Bruce Rauner!
- Simple Simon - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:06 pm:
Now that Rauner gets the money to avoid being labeled Governor Junk, he can begin the blame game. “Oh, I vetoed it, they forced me!”. What a crock. We will see through your nonsense “Governor”.
- Simple Simon - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:09 pm:
At Suishin…Are you saying the Almighty wants to keep taxes low? See you in church as social services providers collapse.
- former southerner - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:09 pm:
Governor Junk finds his voice again. #WorseThanBlago
- BBG Watch - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:10 pm:
You have had 2 years to put together a deal. The tax increase is the level where you started. You have destroyed this state Rauner. Quit blaming everyone and start taking responsibility for the destruction you have intentionally created.
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:12 pm:
Giftwrapped for 2018. “Governors own” will not be applicable to this tax hike.
- not again - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:12 pm:
“The legislature could have passed a no reform budget like this one two years ago. Instead, they allowed Mike Madigan to play his political games, passed phony budgets, racked up our debt and inflicted pain on the most vulnerable. All of this to force a permanent, 32 percent tax increase on Illinois families.”
Replace “Madigan” with “Rauner” and that sentence is closer to accurate.
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:12 pm:
===Thank you LOrd Jesus Christ for Governor Bruce Rauner!===
Politics is not a religion.
That is why you and he fail.
To Rauner Update,
You have a chance to find your government and you’re going to choose a Veto
Keep this in mind Governor’s Crew….
… Governors can’t explain away vetoes.
- Demoralized - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:12 pm:
Well the coming destruction will be on the Governor now
- Fax Machine - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:12 pm:
Just have the decency to veto it tomorrow night (assuming Senate passage Monday) so it can be overturned on Tuesday
- DuPage Saint - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:13 pm:
Well I guess we will see how fast the bond rating house can act
- Watching - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:13 pm:
You can’t treat a patient if they are first allowed to expire. These bills are the shock paddles of last resort. Having a revenue and budget plan in place is necessary before any further reforms can be debated or enacted. A veto at this point would be the height of irresponsibility.
- not again - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:14 pm:
‘“Moving forward, this vote shows that if the legislature is willing to pass the largest tax hike in state history with no reforms, then we must engage citizens and redouble our efforts to change the state.”
In other words, get ready for your mailboxes to be full of mailers and your tv shows to have plenty of duct tape commercials.
- Lt Guv - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:15 pm:
Override requires 3/5th. 71 in the House and 36 in the Senate.
- happyfeet - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:15 pm:
Stay strong, Mr. Governor.
These tax increases would cause a scary acceleration of the downward spiral we’re in.
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:17 pm:
Blago called himself a reform governor too. We all know how that worked out.
- Bothanspy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:18 pm:
So just to be clear for some of us in the rafters, if he vetoes the tax hike, does he veto the whole thing or just the line item? I assume the line item throws the budget out of balance, as it were?
- Thoughts Matter - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:19 pm:
Plus 1 for BBG. I had to put my phone down and walk away after reading what the Gov said. I was afraid I would be able to follow the comment rules. I truly do not understand how anyone believes we can dig our way out of This crisis without a tax increase. Especially the person who is supposed to be leading this state, and who should understand what $15B in debt means. I understand not liking a tax increase- I don’t like not going on my vacation because my washer and dryer needed to be replaced. Doesn’t mean I go on vacation anyway. It’s called being an adult.
- James Knell - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:19 pm:
Oh God, a Nero order.
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:20 pm:
===Override requires 3/5th. 71 in the House and 36 in the Senate===
Vote AGAIN for a tax hike? I’ve already, 2 years running seen how that plays.
Rauner will have the jet fueled to that, running on that.
“However…”
===Giftwrapped for 2018. “Governors own” will not be applicable to this tax hike.===
No tax hike, no budget… How will that bond rating go?
Governors own damaging vetoes.
- So tired of political hacks - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:20 pm:
This governor is seriously out of touch as are many reps, the level of destruction put on this state has been terrible. People just want this over.
- teddy salad - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:21 pm:
Happyfeet; Our downward spiral is social services collapsing while you Governor is spending almost a billion on consultants.
Wow. Stand strong Governor, make our richest richer.
- Perrid - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:21 pm:
Since the bills have to be veto proof to pass now, this is probably just grandstanding. Unless he thinks that his veto will scare Republicans back in line and change their vote, which doesn’t seem realistic to me.
- sloman2001 - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:22 pm:
tax and spend, tax and spend, blah, blah, blah…
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:22 pm:
===Stay strong, Mr. Governor.
These tax increases would cause a scary acceleration of the downward spiral we’re in.===
Is staying strong vetoing budgets to get Junk status?
Odd definition for strong(?)
- Ducky LaMoore - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:22 pm:
It really is amazing how many handles, that I have never seen, come out of the woodwork to praise the governor when he does something monumentally dumb.
- Fixer - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:23 pm:
No is not a solution. No does not pay the bills. No does not prevent a junk status.
Raunerites, this junk rating is owned part and parcel by Governor Rauner. House has done their job, I predict the Senate will do theirs. Time for Governor Victim to step up and does his job already.
- Ducky LaMoore - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:25 pm:
@Perrid
If he vetoes, does Madigan try to override…? Or just let him sizzle in the pan for awhile…?
- Simple Simon - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:26 pm:
Hey Happyfeet… “would cause a scary acceleration of the downward spiral we’re in”
I would support a bipartisan look at why our taxes are higher than neighboring states, per capita spending, and other common sense reforms. But I fully oppose the Turnaround Agenda, which is partisan at its core.
Although things have gotten worse in the last 20 years, the accelerated swirl around the drain has happened in the last 2 years Even Crains say so. And that is totally on Rauner.
- West Side the Best Side - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:28 pm:
Lot of Raunerites, including, apparently Jebus (Simpson’s reference), came out of the woodwork for this post.
- Western IL - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:29 pm:
The working people of IL thank you, Guv! Wouldn’t have made a spits worth of difference without serious reform, anyhow.
- Disappointed in Illinois - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:29 pm:
We are a 2 person income family. Over the last 6 years my raises have gone to cover increased insurance premiums. 3years ago my husband’s job moved out of state but we stayed behind. I now know that sacrifices we made to stay were not worth it. We made a decent income, now I am unsure how we can afford to keep our home with this increase. Way to let the middle class down.
- J IL - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:33 pm:
how do we know that the Republicans that voted for the revenue plan won’t turn around and not vote for the override now knowing that they won’t have the political cover of the governor of their own party voting with them?
- MED - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:33 pm:
You can cry if you want to but its on Rauner.
Think a 32 percent increase is bad. What kind of increase will be needed to service the debt after a downgrade.
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:34 pm:
===The working people of IL thank you, Guv!===
Once the state goes into ruin with your veto, the working people will know who to blame.
- Western IL - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:35 pm:
Not the real working people, Oswego.
- Pawn - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:35 pm:
Governor Irrelevant
- happyfeet - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:37 pm:
why are my commentings not going up
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:38 pm:
===Not the real working people==
Who is not the real working people?
Be specific, you seem to know.
- atsuishin - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:38 pm:
==At Suishin…Are you saying the Almighty wants to keep taxes low? See you in church as social services providers collapse.==
I don’t know what the Almighty wants but I am thankful for Rauner keeping up the fight.
To OW, illinois has been failing me and my family ever since I was born. From my terrible schools on the w side of chicago, to the violence, to poor housing it has not been easy for me to become a productive taxpaying citizen and I don’t want illinois taking even more money from me or my family still in the city. Can’t we simply have a disagreement without calling me dumb or a failure?
- TopHatMonocle - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:38 pm:
While it would be irresponsible, waiting the full 15 days before overriding to let Rauner stew in the consequences of his veto would be an interesting move. Bond ratings would be reduced to junk and the Governor would be solely to blame.
- Demoralized - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:38 pm:
The real working people? Give me a break. I’m tired of that sort of nonsense.
- Alternative Logic - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:40 pm:
There will be no override vote.
That’s it.
Gov. Junk wears these colonial-style debtor-stocks solo.
- Demoralized - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:40 pm:
I didn’t think you lived in Illinois anymore atsiushin
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:40 pm:
===Politics is not a religion.
That is why you and he (Rauner) fail===
That’s what I typed.
It’s not a religion.
- ZC - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:41 pm:
Bruce Rauner campaigned in 2013-2014 that he was such a businessman, he could cut income taxes AND balance the budget, starting from Budget Year One. He actually went so far as to promise a full budget plan before the election, but pushed it back again and again - like Trump, “I’ll get to it in two or three weeks” - and then Election Day arrived, and it was then revealed there never was a plan.
Now he’s pledging, he’ll “continue to work on it,” if reelected?
What a fraud.
- happyfeet - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:41 pm:
oh well
Hope for the best and plan for the worst you guys.
have a good holiday!
There’s a bluebird on my shoulder
- JohnnyPyleDriver - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:42 pm:
So is this budget sans a property tax freeze? No workers comp? Nothing?
- Winnin' - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:42 pm:
The governor gets his gift. State to begin recovery and Rauner can breathe a sigh of relief while continuing to blame Madigan. They’re doing cartwheels and high fives on the second floor.
Dishonest Bruce.
- a priori - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:44 pm:
It’s 1.2%. Stupid. That’s only $600 for someone making 50K a year if you paid on all your income (which we don’t!).
It should be higher. We are a big, rich state and we should fund this state like a big rich state.
Just look what happened in Minnesota after they raised taxes. 4.95% is still quite low!
Want no state income taxes, move to Alaska, Texas, Tennessee, Arizona, or Florida.
If Rauner vetos this, the cost of the downgrades are on him. We can’t keep paying for for borrowing money. Illinois can’t go bankrupt!! We have to pay for stuff. I’m happy to pay 4.95% if we fund higher ed and social services and pay down the pension debt!
- wordslinger - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:44 pm:
Tricky spot right out of the gate for the new Senate minority leader.
Demonstrate independence and vote his district or carry Rauner’s water?
- Former Hillrod - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:46 pm:
How long does the governor have to veto this?
- Simple Simon - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:46 pm:
Happyfeet: “Can’t we simply have a disagreement without calling me dumb or a failure?”
I’m more than happy to have a debate or polite disagreement with people who argue honestly. From my experience here, some people are, and some people aren’t. I don’t have an opinion about you, specifically.
But an example: I have respect for (but disagree with) people who oppose a tax increase but release a budget with massive cuts that is more or less balanced. I have no respect for someone who says they can balance the budget with no tax increases, but fails to put forth that balanced plan.
- Iron - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:47 pm:
Invoking the name of the Lord over greed? We have the lowest income tax in the Midwest save Indiana. I wonder what ministry this person has. Let’s cut elderly care, child care. Let the inmates move into your community.
- jw - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:48 pm:
How does this sound Chicago Wisconsin Rock Island Iowa Charleston Indiana Collinsville Missouri Carbondale Kentucky. Without a tax increase we all be moving without leaving the house.
- DuPage Dave - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:49 pm:
Yeah for the bipartisan team taking a grasp on reality today. I hope that the Republicans who stood up to Rauner today realize they can do that any day they want.
- Biker - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:50 pm:
The Republicans who voted for the tax increase will be protected. The Republicans who vote for the override will be protected. Happy to work on moving state and muni employees to 401K style retirement packages. Happy to work on keeping pension investments in Illinois businesses to grow the tax base, happy to work on keeping retired state and muni workers in Illinois, keeping the dollars local. Happy to work on a lot of things. But you don’t argue about installing a stop sign versus a stop light while the Mack truck with no breaks is heading toward you standing in the middle of the road. You jump to the side, ,live, and get to work. Don’t play politics with the life of the state. No matter what solution we come up with, at junk status we can’t fund capital projects. We are effectively taking the state and the $35 Billion a year in revenue off the table as an effective economic engine. That is wrongheaded. We lost a great local asset when we stopped requiring that banks holding state funds not be headquartered in Illinois. If we no longer can borrow money to build water, sewage, road and rail infrastructure we can’t defend our incredible Lake Michigan wealth and birthright. The privatization vultures will circle, and we will lose what has aptly been described as “the Saudi Arabia of Water.” Credit ratings don’t improve overnight, and debt is crushing. Even this $15 Bill backlog with a $1 Billion a year surplus will take 15 years to pay off. We are already too far in the hole to even contemplate rejecting this. I hope cooler heads prevail.
- Loop Lady - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:51 pm:
Cmon Rauner, veto it…can you say bye bye?
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:52 pm:
I wonder if the Governor’s caucus put up 72 votes on the tax bill so the Governor can continue to whine about the GA not overruling his vetoes. His malingering is a feature not a bug of his administration.
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:54 pm:
==How long does the governor have to veto this?==
60 days from when he receives it
- James - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:54 pm:
Rauner needed to answer today’s action quickly and he did, but I believe he chose the wrong response and has been misplaying his hand lately.
He needed the compromise, where he was part of the solution–by putting votes on the bill and then claiming statesmanship points for being able to broker a deal.
Instead, he got an uncontrollable, and probably irreversible revolt from formerly-controlled GA members.
I don’t think he let any of them go–I think they went on their own.
I believe a veto is a harmful strategy for Rauner. and will shift 2018 votes away from him. He has never been able to quantify the benefits of the TA. The media will now begin to ask for these, as they are his only defense for a veto.
I expect he will produce endless high-quality commercials, but will increasingly be perceived by voters as a robot spokesperson, without any accomplishments, and bearing a quantifiable record of damage done.
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:55 pm:
Big Puffed Up Chest while he signs his name to the veto.
Will be on every national news channel as folks are informed of the governor who couldn’t do a damn thing but secure junk bond status and devastation for a his state. Way to go Bruce! You’ll be a hero in the history books!
- Thoughts Matter - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:57 pm:
Disappointed-
We are discussing a tax increase that will take $1.25 for every $100 you make after exemptions. That will be offset by an increase in the deduction you take for state income tax on your federal taxes( provide you itemize), reducing federal taxes. Your federal taxes are at a much higher tax rate. So I think you will actually come out even.
- Wordslinger - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:58 pm:
– real working people–
It’s so much easier to dehumanize those who disagree with you rather than offer a rational solution to the fiscal disaster.
The state currently can’t cover the nut for court ordered spending. Under the status quo, the backlog of bills is on track for $24B by July 1, 2018, nearly $20B more than when Rauner took office.
The state is reneging on billions in signed contracts. The state does not pay its utility bills.
That status quo does not include the hammer Judge Lefkow brought down last week, to the tune of $300M a month.
Those facts never seems to come up among the learned “fiscal conservative” Turnaround Agenda economists.
For economists, they’re really not much into facts, numbers or data.
And for “fiscal conservatives,” they’re terrible deadbeats.
- Sonny chiss - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:58 pm:
Wonder why the governor’s press release doesn’t demand passage of his own balanced budget that doesn’t need a tax increase?
- happyfeet - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:00 pm:
Mr. Simon the important thing is to remember that these are the good times.
But Mr. Madigan doesn’t seem to think much at all about what a high tax Illinois will be facing in a downturn.
But the people and corporations he’s raising taxes on, they’re already mulling it over.
Advantage: Not Mr. Madigan that’s for sure
- Steve - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:01 pm:
Any guess on how high the next round of tax increases will be?? These aren’t going to be the last.
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:02 pm:
===Madigan doesn’t seem to think much at all about what a high tax Illinois will be facing in a downturn.
But the people and corporations he’s raising taxes on, they’re already mulling it over.
Advantage: Not Mr. Madigan that’s for sure===
If Rauner does indeed Veto… what is the fallout of Rauner’s veto?
No budget.
Ok, then what?
Credit rating?
How can you stabilize a credit rating when the one requirement is… a budget.
The revenue is needed for the budget.
- Former Hillrod - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:03 pm:
What would happen if he waited the full 60 days to veto?
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:03 pm:
THe shining star of the Midwest.
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:06 pm:
Asking…
Is Durkin already turning on the “Brave 15″?
===What transpired is a repeat of the Illinois Democrats infamous temporary tax of 2011, with the only difference being today’s tax increase is permanent - yes===
I guess Durkin forgot about the “Brave 15″… or…
- Rich Miller - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:06 pm:
===What would happen if he waited the full 60 days to veto? ===
Oh, I dunno. Junk bond status, closed universities, schools can’t open. Your usual.
- Anon1234 - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:07 pm:
I hope they over ride the veto. Letting Rauner simmer in this disaster, while tempting, is not worth the pain to the state. I have a huge amount of respect for the Republicans that broke rank. Looking at junk status versus accepting what was on the table seems like a no brainer.
Also, I would think Republicans would be in favor of a flat tax increase instead of the continued push for a graduated tax (which I think is the fairest solution).
- happyfeet - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:08 pm:
I think wargaming the credit agencies is not the highest and best use of anybody’s time Mr. Willy.
This is a situation where you have to get the fundamentals right, and that’s just not happening.
I agree with people here that there will be more tax increases - and not just income and property and what have you - but lots more of the preckwinkle-style nickel and diming that do so much to shape people’s choices and lifestyles.
- Keyrock - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:09 pm:
I used to have respect for Durkin, Sad!
- Former Hillrod - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:09 pm:
Thanks Rich. That’s what I figured.
- Anon28 - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:10 pm:
To the second update:
Save your breath, Jim Durkin. He’s a good man, but never has a House minority leader been more irrelevant than he is right now.
- cardsfan - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:11 pm:
@ wordslinger =Tricky spot right out of the gate for the new Senate minority leader. Demonstrate independence and vote his district or carry Rauner’s water=
Brady is my Senator, unfortunately. He never “votes his district” IMO and is another Raunerite bobblehead. I don’t expect to see anything bipartisan out of him.
- words - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:12 pm:
Rep. Durkin could use a rest.
He doesn’t recognize 15 of his caucus members, can’t read a roll call and is confused as to the meaning of phrases like “status quo.”
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:12 pm:
===I think wargaming the credit agencies is not the highest and best use of anybody’s time===
The politics say otherwise.
“Gov. Junk”
There needs to be revenue now, not nickel and diming, it’s funding government
- GOP Extremist - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:13 pm:
=Giftwrapped for 2018=
A Complete Failure! Rookie Gov goes 0 for 4 on annual spending plan. #Governor Junk
- Ihatepolitics - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:13 pm:
For everyone begging the gov to veto, let me remind you of something. A few years ago the rate was 5%. You survived that didn’t you? The gov isn’t fighting for those making 100k or less(most of you). He’s fighting for the .01%( almost none of you). If the rate doesn’t go up now, when it does go up it will be much higher than 4.95%.
- The Dude Abides - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:17 pm:
Rauner’s veto will be what officially puts Illinois into junk status. It can’t be blamed on the House, who did their job today or the Senate, if they also pass the budget. Rauner has said that he would accept a 4.95% rate, but with reforms. Those reforms, even by the administration’s own numbers are not anywhere near the damage he has caused this state by holding out. The Governor’s veto shows once again that he does not care about the citizens of this state. Ken Griffin didn’t give Rauner $20 million because he wants to raise the middle class. It’s all about getting that 2nd term hopefully with a GOP majority and making Illinois a low wage state with no Unions. That’s what the Ken Griffins of the world want. Those are the people Rauner is fighting for. Today is just another example of what he is, a non stop campaigner and a non effective Governor. I’m proud of my own Representative Sara Wojcicki Jimenez, for standing up for the people in her District instead of the ideologue bully Governor.
- JohnnyPyleDriver - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:17 pm:
Sorry to ask again, but does this mean no property tax freeze or workers comp reform? Trying to keep track, but the gov calls it a sham no matter what is passed
- Eight Zero - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:18 pm:
On May 31st, the IL GOP said the Dems were passing a school funding bill that was dishonest–”they don’t have the money to actually pay” for the school funding change. Then, on June 1st, the IL GOP changed their public rhetoric to, “there’s an even better deal to be had–downstate schools will gain so much more!”
That same, schizophrenic strategy reared its ugly head all weekend, with House R leaders never demonstrating that they understand how to end the bargaining and close the deal. And, yet again, Mr. Speaker out-snookered them.
- happyfeet - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:20 pm:
There’s no meaningful fundamental trade-off that people are getting in exchange for the draconian tax increase, Mr. politics.
That’s not a good faith budget deal.
Dare I say it’s actually a bad faith budget deal.
But I’m not begging Mr. Rauner to veto, I’m asking him to honor the promises he made to the people who voted for him.
- Western IL - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:22 pm:
Ihate: No. We taxpayers are tired and ’surviving’. Esp when we see people thriving while not working. You can only choke the engine that fund pensions and whatnot so much. Then it dies. It’s dying now. So, we working folks are finally standing and saying…this is MINE. Just like the good gov’t union folks.
- cardsfan - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:22 pm:
@JohnnyPyleDriver The 4 year prop tax freeze failed in the House on Wed. Only got 59 votes. Kind of hard to pass “reforms” when none of the R’s will push the green button
- Western IL - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:23 pm:
Sorry…tired OF just surviving..
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:25 pm:
===There’s no meaningful fundamental trade-off that people are getting in exchange for the draconian tax increase,===
Keep up.
Revenue is required. It’s never been a give. Your premise is flawed
===That’s not a good faith budget deal.
Dare I say it’s actually===
Paying for a budget? That’s not bad faith, that’s being responsible. Good try thou.
===But I’m not begging Mr. Rauner to veto, I’m asking him to honor the promises he made to the people who voted for him.===
What does a veto mean for bond rating?
Think on that.
- JohnnyPyleDriver - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:29 pm:
Thanks cardsfan, have been following, but I thought even as of this morning, all those reforms were still part of the deal. Trying to gauge to what level the governor got snookered here. Seems to be pretty bigly, but I’m still a novice at keeping track of all these moving parts
- Norseman - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:30 pm:
Rauner better be careful about drawing redlines. He now has to explain while a sizable chunk of GOP members voted for the bill. He better get on board with some other item comprises to give him cover for the tax hike. I would be surprised if the GOP “yeses” went along to sustain a veto now. It could be very embarrassing for the gov if he ends up with a tax hike and nothing else.
- illinois manufacturer - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:30 pm:
WIU will open even if its 60 days but some k12 may be late
- Norseman - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:31 pm:
oops “why a sizable chunk”
- CEA - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:33 pm:
zOMG the “largest tax hike in history”…back to where the rate was three years ago. To the fainting couch!
- happyfeet - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:34 pm:
The bond rating can turn on a dime if you have strong fundamentals Mr. Willy. That’s why I don’t think that’s the be all end all of this situation.
My sense is this is all band aids and bubble gum, and what an odyssey it was to come to this disappointing conclusion… I feel it should be said - if given all this time Governor Rauner could not exact reforms, there’s no brighter hope on the horizon.
And some of us have to be honest with ourselves about that, cause from here on out it’s the classical “good money after bad” scenario.
And that’s the best case.
- Ihatepolitics - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:34 pm:
Ihate: No. We taxpayers are tired and ’surviving’-
You think the rest of us aren’t taxpayers too? The gov’ s so called reforms would maybe save 500 million. While he has “fought” for them, he has run up grf debt by about 15 billion. Sound like a fair trade-off to you?
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:39 pm:
===The bond rating can turn on a dime if you have strong fundamentals===
They asked for a budget… That’s as fundamental as it gets.
===My sense is this is all band aids and bubble gum, and what an odyssey it was to come to this disappointing conclusion… I feel it should be said - if given all this time Governor Rauner could not exact reforms, there’s no brighter hope on the horizon.===
It’s a fully funded budget you’re dismissing.
Yikes.
I don’t think you understand… the bond houses want a budget… Rauner vetoes… Rauner dictates the bond status.
- atsuishin - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:40 pm:
==- Demoralized - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:38 pm:== moved to TX last year. brother is moving down by the end of the month. parents still have ties to the state and don’t want to the leave but I have had to step in and the pay property taxes which is not sustainable. taxes keep going up and up in chicago while the quality of life is down.
- TopHatMonocle - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:42 pm:
Per the most recent update, Rauner is obviously assuming they will immediately override. Seems like a huge assumption he’s gambling on there.
- atsuishin - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:47 pm:
==- happyfeet - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:20 pm:==
They want the money and want you to shut up. Pay the taxes! They want they want the pensions, do nothing jobs, cozy and healthcare plan. state worker unions have spoken and you must bow.
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:47 pm:
===I don’t see how they can keep claiming this is the largest tax hike in Illinois history. 2011’s was larger.===
I woulda said
“Arguably one of the largest permenant tax increases in state history” and worked off “permanent” and link that to the 1st permanent tax increase too(?)
- Norseman - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:48 pm:
=== I don’t see how they can keep claiming this is the largest tax hike in Illinois history. 2011’s was larger. ===
Because alternate realities are the in thing for the Raunerites and Trumpies. Big league sad!
- happyfeet - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:50 pm:
This is a budget that doesn’t even attempt course-correct for the fundamental imbalances that got us to this impasse to begin with.
And in a state that’s losing population and gaining automation.
- happyfeet - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:51 pm:
excuse me attempt *to* course-correct i mean
- Michelle Flaherty - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:53 pm:
The only way out of this is when the veto pen runs out of ink and the state can’t afford to buy more. Maybe then we’ll get a budget.
- Arsenal - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:56 pm:
==This is a budget that doesn’t even attempt course-correct for the fundamental imbalances that got us to this impasse to begin with.==
Well, a budget bill can’t remove Rauner from office, so.
- Generation X - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:56 pm:
I think there is a bigger problem Nationally that none of this really addresses. Ok fine we move to 4.75% and stave off disaster to another day. We all know that isn’t going to be enough in the long run and it is very difficult to raise taxes ever.
The answer is to significantly lower the Federal Income tax so that States may raise the revenue they need to fund the issues and priorities that each respective state sees fit. Get the Feds out of education, healthcare, Environmental Protection and return those powers to the States. Lower the income tax federally and allow Illinois to tax appropriately.
After all Illinois doesn’t have the same priorities/issue as say Delaware, Utah or Alabama. The Feds are handcuffing our State Government making it impossible to function effectively. A family in Illinois making $50,000 will watch as $15,000 of its income goes marching out the door, most of which goes to the Feds.
I know a Convention of the States got labeled a right wing, Republican idea under Obama but I think all sides can now agree with Trump as President that States should be allowed to govern according to their own unique situations.
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:56 pm:
===This is a budget that doesn’t even attempt course-correct for the fundamental imbalances that got us to this impasse to begin with.===
Is that Term Limits?
The measurables are the same, 2 years running, 1.4% or $500+ million. That’s it.
- Generation X - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:57 pm:
Sorry meant 4.95
- Norseman - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:58 pm:
P.S. See https://capitolfax.com/2017/07/02/the-governors-biggest-recent-mistake/
Rauner was trying to have his cake and eat it too. Now he can just eat it.
- Duh - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 10:00 pm:
Rich,
I’m sure their reasoning behind largest tax hike is because it is permanent as opposed to 2011 temporary.
- wordslinger - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 10:12 pm:
For crying out loud, no statutes are “permanent,” they’re all “temporary” if you have the votes to change them.
- I'll pay more taxes! - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 10:18 pm:
So what are the #s to override? Are we there? Is this just Brucey “saving face”?
- 360 Degree Turnaround - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 10:21 pm:
Has a Governor ever called a GA back to override his veto?
- wordslinger - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 10:35 pm:
Rauner’s clear signal that he will immediately veto could persuade some GOP senators in university communities to vote yes.
They can bite the bullet and get both votes done in one day, without Rauner spending money and pounding them for weeks between votes.
- east central - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 10:36 pm:
So if there is a veto then why wouldn’t they wait to override until bonds are classified as junk and highway construction shuts down? This would seem to inflict maximum damage to the Governor and provide optimal cover for the override vote.
- P. - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 10:39 pm:
Maybe it’s time for another meeting with Chance the Rapper.
- JohnnyPyleDriver - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 10:44 pm:
I’m trying to understand how we got from what earlier appeared to be a progression of talks about a number of items to what now appears to be an end run on those talks for a hike/cut only budget with no reforms, and the implications thereof. Am I perceiving this wrong?
- Arsenal - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 10:54 pm:
==I’m trying to understand how we got from what earlier appeared to be a progression of talks about a number of items to what now appears to be an end run on those talks for a hike/cut only budget with no reforms==
Lots of other policies have been debated and/or passed, and they’re still in the mix. But frankly, the bond markets, the construction jobs, the school accreditors… they don’t care about term limits or procurement reform or right to work. They need a budget. Priorities.
- Arlis - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 10:59 pm:
Higher taxes = more taxpayers leaving = less money
- Been There - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 11:23 pm:
===I don’t see how they can keep claiming this is the largest tax hike in Illinois history. 2011’s was larger.====
And throw in that there use to be no income tax and it went from zero to three percent.
- Shark Sandwich - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 11:42 pm:
“Rauner is obviously assuming they will immediately override. Seems like a huge assumption he’s gambling on there.”
Yeah. They could let the override stew for a few days, the bond houses downgrade us, then they have more cover and a win win; they get to hang the downgrade on him in 2018 AND look like the adults in the room.
- SignTheBudget - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 11:53 pm:
- Disappointed in Illinois - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:29 pm: =
If you were able to pay your state income tax 2-3 years ago, you will be able to pay them now. The tax increase they passed will be less than the income tax you paid prior to Rauner’s election. This tax increase has nothing to do with your property taxes since the state can only charge you for state income tax.
- happyfeet - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 11:55 pm:
It’s looking like the rating agencies have successfully stampeded the legislature into a situation in which the ratings agencies will become increasingly pivotal arbiters of the increasingly haphazard finances of an economically declining state.
Why does this remind me of something i was reading recently about toxoplasmosis?
- pete - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 11:56 pm:
hey rich miller you people must not like the truth I know it might sting a little but you never post my post I guess the freedom of speech that I defended in my military years does not exist here thanks rich
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 11:58 pm:
===
It’s looking like the rating agencies have successfully stampeded the legislature into a situation in which the ratings agencies will become increasingly pivotal arbiters of the increasingly haphazard finances of an economically declining state.===
A budget is… “increasingly haphazard finances of an economically declining state.”
They want to see a budget. A budget is bad?
- happyfeet - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 12:04 am:
That’s just it Mr. Willy.
There are good budgets and there are bad budgets.
One would be speculating, but would a ratings agency not prefer a budget that contains meaningful structural reform to one that does not?
All kinds of riff-raff have budgets you know.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 12:11 am:
No.
An argument that… no budget is better than A budget… has been dismissed here as utterly lacking any rational thought.
Good try thou.
- RNUG - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 12:16 am:
== I don’t see how they can keep claiming this is the largest tax hike in Illinois history. 2011’s was larger. ==
Arguably, you could claim the initial 2969 flat income tax implementation was the biggest hike so far; it started at 2.5% personal and 4% corporate.
- μολὼν λαβέ - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 12:21 am:
One other thought - At 7%, don’t be surprised when Caterpillar follows through with prior threats, and leaves the state entirely. You’ve been warned.
- RNUG - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 12:21 am:
== It really is amazing how many handles, that I have never seen, come out of the woodwork to praise the governor when he does something monumentally dumb ==
-Ducky-, I had the same thought.
- μολὼν λαβέ - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 12:25 am:
-Ducky-, I had the same thought.
Many lurk here, and never post. The regulars here need to remember that. The Madigan sycophancy on this board is overwhelming, and one of the main reasons that this is the first time I have been back in years. Rauner may be a tool, but it takes at least two to tango.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 1:48 am:
==Thoughts Matter: That will be offset by an increase in the deduction you take for state income tax on your federal taxes( provide you itemize), reducing federal taxes. Your federal taxes are at a much higher tax rate ==
Math matters. Complete hogwash. People saying this don’t even understand rudimentary math. My grandpa used to say you can go broke spending a dollar to save 25 cents.
And those who keep calling it a ’small’ increase cite the 1.2% rather than the true 32% increase it is. How about we cut the 3% pension annual increase to 1.8%? After all that’s just a ’small’ decrease of 1.2% right?
And the GOP at the Federal level is proposing removing the Federal deduction for State / Local taxes.
- Rabid - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 2:02 am:
Tax hike mike is back. Not one credit agency stands with Govenor junk
- Rabid - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 2:40 am:
Bruce almighty is about to release the wrath of the money changers in the pockets of taxpayers
- David - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 3:34 am:
Is that a Cyrillic name? Btw several Russian sites have taken an interest in our plight and seem to want to girl the right.
- Rabid - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 4:05 am:
Govenor said his expertise is unlocking value, not for the taxpayer but for his handlers
- Huh? - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 5:58 am:
Oh for crying out loud!
“I will veto Mike Madigan’s permanent 32 percent tax hike.”
Did anybody seriously think that 1.4% would do anything else? Stop and think for 1 minute. 1.4% stays on message like no other politician. He as campaigned ceaselessly against any tax hike without his personal agenda.
Even if the General Assembly can override the veto, there is no guarantee that the money will be spent as appropriated. 1.4% controls the agencies and, other than court orders, nothing says he has to spend the money.
I challenge the 1.4% sycophants to ask the question “Who benefits from this veto?” The bonds go to junk with a maximum 9% interest rate. Depending on the bond, they are double exempt from income taxes. Illinois pays bond holders before any other bill gets paid. People like 1.4% and his uber wealthy friends can drop $100 million into bonds as though it was petty cash. How would you like $9 million in tax free cash.
- Thoughts Matter - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 6:18 am:
I did realize overnight that I’d only gain a percentage of the increase back on my federal taxes. Doesn’t make this tax increase any less necessary. Please pay attention to OW and RNUG. And, yes, Madigan’s budget spends less than The GOP budget.
- Southwestsider - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 6:42 am:
I am so tired of all of this. Both side are playing a game of chicken with our future. Business sentiment is low here in Illinois..
I am disappointed in the upcoming veto. And I am equally disappointed in the Dems not being able to accommodate some of Rauner’s reforms. (I am pro union by the way).
- Wellthatswhereitis - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 7:02 am:
Can’t they just agree on a temporary tax increase contingent on actual reform development? I’m liberal and work in the public sector… but an increase with no real reforms is not fixing the issue. I feel like everyone needs to take the blame and everyone should be removed from their seat including MAdigan and Rauner at this point. Both people are toxic for the state,
- Rod - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 7:11 am:
Governor Rauner is pressing his advantage in the face of the collapse of the Democrats in supporting SB 6 which has more cuts in it than the wildest dreams of many Republicans might have had. Both Cutterton and Madigan in playing the big boys in the room by agreeing to surrender for the good of the State get it thrown back in their faces.
Governor Rauner is winning his fight for the supposed turn around agenda. Time is on Rauner’s side, even if there is no approved budget all the way up to November 2018 he is a winner. JB may very well be defeated by Rauner and most of his program will be implemented and then a situation like Kanas will occur where the conservative growth strategy fails to generate growth and we return to pump priming model of funding. The damage will have been done.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 7:26 am:
- Rod -
With a 58% disapproval, junk bond status, universities losing accreditation, social services closing, no budget, and Diana Rauner herself discredited, as an alleged Democrat…
What is Rauner going to run on?
“The state has Junk status, no budgets, universities closing, social services closing, re-elect me!”?
Whoa.
- Aldyth - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 7:31 am:
I predicted that Rauner would figure out a way to sabotage the budget. After all, that’s what he consistently does.
- RNUG - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 8:06 am:
== What is Rauner going to run on? ==
He’s going to run on “I tried” and “I just need a few more GOP members in the GA”
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 8:07 am:
The tax hike will buy Illinois a few years, till increased spending, debt, and exodus of business and tax payers forces the Democrats to seek another tax hike. The flaw is structural, but the status quo is stronger and continues to destroy the state!
- Hamlet's Ghost - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 8:07 am:
“The state has Junk status, no budgets, universities closing, social services closing, re-elect me!”?
No, Rauner will campaign on this:
“The state has Junk status, no budgets, universities closing, social services closing, and it’s Madigan’s fault!”
And he’ll give Dan Proft hundreds of millions of dollars to shout that message in every ILGA race as well as the governor’s race.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 8:12 am:
===He’s going to run on “I tried” and “I just need a few more GOP members in the GA”===
“Bruce Rauner failed. Bruce Rauner is ineffective.”?
Rauner is going to Rubin being a failure.
===“The state has Junk status, no budgets, universities closing, social services closing, and it’s Madigan’s fault!”===
“Pat Quinn failed” showed an underwater governor (58% disapproval) owns the failures of their tenure.
===And he’ll give Dan Proft hundreds of millions of dollars to shout that message in every ILGA race as well as the governor’s race===
Statewide races are not legislative district races.
Rauner will have that 58% disapproval to drag on him statewide, not just in “competitive” districts.
Respect to you both.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 8:19 am:
So your choice is destruction of the state {fear}, or give me some of your hard earned money! Sounds like a robbery!
- JPC - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 8:27 am:
In all of the talk about “fleeing the state” etc., there’s this:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/ct-mega-developments-ryan-ori-0625-biz-20170621-column.html
Billions in development. Billions.
- Rabid - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 8:36 am:
The bill has 30 days, it can wait for Rauner to beg to sign it. I don’t see a veto override soon
- Hamlet's Ghost - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 9:02 am:
@Oswego Willy - Of course I agree with you on the underlying merits however I also believe Team Rauner’s strategy will be to shout “Fire Madigan” with a megaphone costing hundreds of millions of dollars.
Will that strategy work? Only time will tell.
We also can go back to the very first comment at the top of this thread;
“Translation: now that Pritzker’s money is in the game too, the Governor’s game is up.”
I’m skeptical Biss or Kennedy would have the financial firepower to answer Rauner/Proft but Pritzker does.
- Pundent - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 9:08 am:
=One would be speculating, but would a ratings agency not prefer a budget that contains meaningful structural reform to one that does not?=
If you can’t draw a straight line between “structural reforms” and improvements in the fiscal condition of the state I don’t think the rating agencies care. These guys are all about math and when it comes to math political statements don’t mean much. Keep in mind the only math we’ve seen from Rauner to date suggests that his agenda produces a measly 1.4% return. That’s not even a rounding error on our debt service. In fact it speaks to the larger problem facing Rauner. He hasn’t been able to articulate the benefits of any structural reforms which justify the carnage caused by not having a budget. The second that he says achieving these benefits outweighs the consequence of this tax increase the charade will end.
- Nick Name - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 9:14 am:
Gov. Gaslight’s press release: he’s either off his meds or he’s seriously unhinged. Wow.
- downstate hack - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 9:15 am:
I don’t see how they can keep claiming this is the largest tax hike in Illinois history. 2011’s was larger.
2011 was temporary. This is the largest permanent increase
- Nick Name - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 9:16 am:
And to Leader Durkin, respectfully, two years ago, if you had done *your* job, and actually been a leader for your caucus instead of being a water carrier for the governor, we wouldn’t be in this mess today. Civics 101: the legislative branch does not exist to do the bidding of the executive branch.
- Curl of the Burl - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 9:21 am:
What can Rauner run on?! Seriously?! Assuming things go down as we all are expecting:
1. Your taxes went up.
2. Your taxes went up without reforms.
3. Your taxes went up and you got no property tax relief.
4. Speaker Madigan wants to mess with education funding (see the Will Davis post).
5. Chicago Schools do not need or deserve a bailout.
6. I need more people to help me fight the Madigan Machine (his words - not mine).
There are surely more but those are the low-hanging fruit.
- Well then - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 10:04 am:
Arggh Cats and dogs living together!!? Someone tell a joke