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Quorum lacking in House

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Word got out very early that the House wouldn’t vote on any override motions until later in the week, so people apparently split town…


They’re reconvening tomorrow at 10. But word is there will be no override votes until Thursday because of attendance issues, but that hasn’t been formally confirmed. It’s just what members have been told.

And that’s it for me. Miller time.

  57 Comments      


Brady: Let’s “come together and complete our work soon”

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Senate Republican Leader-Designee Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) offered the following reaction after the Illinois Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto of a budget passed with a permanent income tax hike and no substantial reforms.

“I want to acknowledge the bipartisan participation that this chamber has seen over the last few months, and compliment colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their work. It’s regrettable that I stand today not able to support this package because it is incomplete. We need a comprehensive solution for this state. We’ve negotiated in good faith, but I regret to say, that we have not come to a conclusion on that solution.

“We still need to address the high property taxes in Illinois, and the burden on they place on people and job creators in this state. We still need to address workplace reforms that will bring jobs to and keep jobs in Illinois. We need to address government consolidation and education funding reform. I regret that I cannot support a comprehensive package today, but I hope, and trust, that we will be able to come together and complete our work soon.”

  47 Comments      


Rauner files veto messages

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Keep in mind, these are official, for the permanent historical record veto messages…

Veto Message for SB 6
To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

100th General Assembly:

Today I veto Senate Bill 6 from the 100th General Assembly, which is part of Speaker Michael Madigan’s 32% permanent income tax increase forced upon the hard working people of Illinois.

The package of legislation fails to address Illinois’ fiscal and economic crisis – and in fact, makes it worse in the long run. It does not balance the budget. It does not make nearly sufficient spending reductions, does not pay down our debt, and holds schools hostage to force a Chicago bailout.

This budget package does not provide property tax relief to struggling families and employers. It does not provide regulatory relief to businesses to create jobs and grow the economy. It does not include real term limits on state elected officials to fix our broken political system.

Even with the Madigan permanent 32% income tax increase, this budget remains $2 billion out of balance for fiscal year 2018. This budget will require even more tax hikes to balance the budget and pay down the bill backlog. This budget puts Illinois on track for major future tax increases and will lead us to become the highest taxed state in America in the coming years.

Moreover, this budget package holds K-12 school funding across Illinois hostage to force a bailout of Chicago Public Schools. Hidden in this budget are terms that withhold school funding unless the school funding formula is rewritten to shift money from suburban and downstate school districts to CPS.

Budgets in Illinois will not be balanced or stay balanced unless our economy grows faster than our government spending. We have been ignoring that truth for 35 years. This budget package includes no changes to create jobs and grow our economy. It will push more families and businesses out of our state.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 6, entitled “AN ACT concerning appropriations”, with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

Veto Message for SB 9
To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

100th General Assembly:

Today I veto Senate Bill 9 from the 100th General Assembly, which is part of Speaker Michael Madigan’s 32% permanent income tax increase forced upon the hard working people of Illinois.

The package of legislation fails to address Illinois’ fiscal and economic crisis – and in fact, makes it worse in the long run. It does not balance the budget. It does not make nearly sufficient spending reductions, does not pay down our debt, and holds schools hostage to force a Chicago bailout.

This budget package does not provide property tax relief to struggling families and employers. It does not provide regulatory relief to businesses to create jobs and grow the economy. It does not include real term limits on state elected officials to fix our broken political system.

Even with the Madigan permanent 32% income tax increase, this budget remains $2 billion out of balance for fiscal year 2018. This budget will require even more tax hikes to balance the budget and pay down the bill backlog. This budget puts Illinois on track for major future tax increases and will lead us to become the highest taxed state in America in the coming years.

Moreover, this budget package holds K-12 school funding across Illinois hostage to force a bailout of Chicago Public Schools. Hidden in this budget are terms that withhold school funding unless the school funding formula is rewritten to shift money from suburban and downstate school districts to CPS.

Budgets in Illinois will not be balanced or stay balanced unless our economy grows faster than our government spending. We have been ignoring that truth for 35 years. This budget package includes no changes to create jobs and grow our economy. It will push more families and businesses out of our state.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 9, entitled “AN ACT concerning appropriations”, with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

Veto Message for SB 42
To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

100th General Assembly:

Today I veto Senate Bill 42 from the 100th General Assembly, which is part of Speaker Michael Madigan’s 32% permanent income tax increase forced upon the hard working people of Illinois.

The package of legislation fails to address Illinois’ fiscal and economic crisis – and in fact, makes it worse in the long run. It does not balance the budget. It does not make nearly sufficient spending reductions, does not pay down our debt, and holds schools hostage to force a Chicago bailout.

This budget package does not provide property tax relief to struggling families and employers. It does not provide regulatory relief to businesses to create jobs and grow the economy. It does not include real term limits on state elected officials to fix our broken political system.

Even with the Madigan permanent 32% income tax increase, this budget remains $2 billion out of balance for fiscal year 2018. This budget will require even more tax hikes to balance the budget and pay down the bill backlog. This budget puts Illinois on track for major future tax increases and will lead us to become the highest taxed state in America in the coming years.

Moreover, this budget package holds K-12 school funding across Illinois hostage to force a bailout of Chicago Public Schools. Hidden in this budget are terms that withhold school funding unless the school funding formula is rewritten to shift money from suburban and downstate school districts to CPS.

Budgets in Illinois will not be balanced or stay balanced unless our economy grows faster than our government spending. We have been ignoring that truth for 35 years. This budget package includes no changes to create jobs and grow our economy. It will push more families and businesses out of our state.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 42, entitled “AN ACT concerning appropriations”, with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

  78 Comments      


*** UPDATED x4 - Approp, BIMP, tax vetoes overridden - Override motions filed *** Rauner announces veto on Twitter

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Here we go…


He has reportedly vetoed the entire budget package.

*** UPDATE 1 *** It won’t be long now…


*** UPDATE 2 *** The veto of SB 9 has been overridden on the same roll call as earlier today.

*** UPDATE 3 *** The BIMP veto has also been overridden.

*** UPDATE 4 *** The veto of SB 6, the approp bill, has been overridden.

  95 Comments      


“The fierce urgency of now”

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* I quoted a bit earlier today from Sen. Toi Hutchinson’s closing remarks on SB 9, the revenue bill. Here’s a video…


  6 Comments      


Some anti-tax hike react

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Nothing yet from the governor, and no ILGOP press release, but…


* Illinois Policy Institute’s Facebook page

Ah, the joys of message synergy. Madigan, Madigan, Madigan. This will most definitely continue indefinitely.

* The Institute has also posted a cartoon shaming Republicans for bipartisanship

* Press release…

State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) released the following statement after Senate Democrats passed an unbalanced budget: “It’s extremely disappointing that after all the progress we have made in negotiations, Democrats would simply ram through an unbalanced budget that doesn’t offer any fixes or reforms for the systemic issues that continue to plague Illinois. This budget does little to nothing to pay down the massive bill backlog nor will it stop the constant exodus of people and jobs from our state. We need bipartisan solutions, not more of the same failed ideas and policies that got us here.”

The Tribune reports today that the package would allow the state to generate $8 billion, mainly from federal matches, to pay down the backlog. The rest is gonna be the governor’s problem unless another deal is cut, I suppose.

* And another…

State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) releases the below statement following the House and Senate passing a budget plan, which includes a major tax increase:

“To say I am disappointed would be an understatement. Raising taxes and failing to address any of the fundamental issues that plague our state is detrimental to taxpayers. We’ve seen this before and it doesn’t work. This is the exact same failed approach the state took in 2011—increase taxes without addressing the underlying issues hurting our state. Continuing the mistakes of the past will not bring us a brighter future.

“This budget plan is bad for businesses and especially bad for families, and it certainly isn’t attracting people and businesses to Illinois. We had a real opportunity to come together and find bipartisan compromise. Unfortunately, today was a missed opportunity.

“Although I am saddened by the votes today, I remain committed to working to make Illinois competitive and a state that people can be proud to call home.”

  26 Comments      


Sen. Haine: “This is bigger than me”

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* I told subscribers that Sen. Haine was coming back to town for today’s vote, even though doing so could imperil his health. Here’s his statement…


  35 Comments      


*** UPDATED x1 - Bills sent *** No House override vote today - Attendance issues

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Keep in mind that these are Senate bills, so the Senate has to go first, and as of 12:01, the bills aren’t on the governor’s desk according to LIS, but Cullerton’s spokesman said a short while ago that he believed they had been delivered. The Senate Democrats told me they would send them to Rauner as soon as possible.

But, man this could be cutting it close because the markets and the ratings agencies re-open tomorrow morning…


#FacePalm.

*** UPDATE ***  They’ve been officially transmitted…


  38 Comments      


Caption contest!

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Heh…


  35 Comments      


Madigan “disappointed” that Durkin skips another leaders’ meeting

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Speaker Michael J. Madigan issued the following statement Tuesday:

“I’m disappointed that Leader Durkin has chosen not to attend our leaders meeting for the second day in a row. Democrats are committed to working with Republicans to find common ground on the remaining non-budget issues that have long been prioritized by the other side of the aisle, but we can only do so if Republicans are willing to negotiate with us. It is my hope that Leader Durkin will return to the table to discuss the issues that he and Governor Rauner have insisted by considered alongside the state budget.”

Senate GOP Leader Brady has indicated that if Durkin doesn’t go to the meetings then he won’t go, either.

  34 Comments      


Candidate reaction begins to roll in to budget votes

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

JB Pritzker released the following statement following the passage of a bipartisan state budget by the Illinois General Assembly:

“For nearly three years, Bruce Rauner has driven our state into crisis and inflicted pain on tens of thousands of Illinoisans,” said JB Pritzker. “Now, as Republicans and Democrats come together to declare enough is enough and finally pass a budget, for Bruce Rauner, not even the threat of a complete meltdown can get him to do his job.

“Bruce Rauner has no intention of letting this crisis end. As he has for 734 days, Rauner will continue using school children, college students, seniors and people with disabilities as pawns in his game to drive this state to bankruptcy and junk status. Rauner is a one track mind with a single goal of ramming through a special interest agenda that leaves most Illinoisans behind.

“Democrats and Republicans in the General Assembly did their job. And while the damage caused by Bruce Rauner can never be undone, for the sake of our children and families, I hope Governor Rauner will step up and sign the bipartisan budget plan that’s being delivered to his desk.”

So, Pritzker is openly willing to own support for a tax hike. Interesting.

* Biss campaign…

Daniel Biss released the following statement as the House and Senate reached agreement on a budget.

“The House and Senate have agreed on a budget, and sent it to Governor Rauner’s desk. This budget has support from Democrats and Republicans—it’s far from perfect, but it will open schools in the fall, fund vital social services, pay public sector employees, and put our state within the realm of financial solvency. Governor Rauner has committed to veto it.

“Rauner’s obstructionism is nothing new to Senate Democrats, or to the people of Illinois. What is new, however, is that he is losing control of his own party. In response pressure from their constituents, many of my Republican colleagues, including members of both houses, voted in favor of the budget and in defiance of Rauner. This isn’t about political parties or ideological commitments, it’s about doing what is necessary to save our state — and we will be prepared when it becomes necessary to override the Governor’s veto.”

…Adding… Press release…

Ameya Pawar, 47th Ward alderman and Democratic candidate for Illinois governor today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s decision to veto a bipartisan and balanced budget bill that passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly:

“Republicans and Democrats in both houses came together this week to pass a responsible budget that protects middle class families and finally puts our state on a steady fiscal path. With his veto, the governor made very clear that he doesn’t care about the future of our state and the hard-working families that make it great.”

“Instead, he is holding our future hostage to achieve two selfish and dangerous goals: to destroy organized labor and the fundamental protections they have won for workers, and to use Chicago schools as a scapegoat now that he’s done paying to clout his own child into the public school of his choice. Today’s actions make it clear that only one person stands between a bankrupt state and a bright future. It’s time for Bruce Rauner to go.”

  10 Comments      


*** UPDATED x2 - Righter comments - Raw audio *** One reason for Sen. Righter’s vote for the tax hike

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

*** UPDATE 1***  Raw audio of Sen. Righter’s media availability thanks to our very good buddy Dave Dahl

*** UPDATE 2*** Righter said he’s had several conversations over the past several day which helped him come to the conclusion that a “Yes” vote was the right vote…

“This state has to start balancing its budgets. That is the first and most important thing. Every dollar that we throw on to the backlog of bills is a dollar that the next generation has to pay for even though we got to spend it. That’s simply wrong.” […]

“Obviously, I am elected and work for the people of the 55th Senate District and that’s who made the call today.” […]

Righter said the impasse has been “very harmful” for EIU and the “university system as a whole.”

“In the end you vote your district, and my district told me to vote for this package.”

Asked what people should cut from their household budgets to pay for the tax hike, Righter said, “Everyone’s gotta balance their budget at home.”

Righter said he spoke to the governor’s office and Leader Brady and “both were very respectful” of how he was planning to vote.

“Today, I represented my district,” he said at the end.

[ *** End Of Update *** ]

* So, why did Republican Sen. Dale Righter break with the governor and vote for a tax hike, budget and BIMP bills? His local Eastern Illinois University president worked him…


  17 Comments      


*** UPDATED x2 - BIMP passes - Spending bill passes with 4 GOP votes *** After brief debate, Senate narrowly approves tax hike bill with one Republican vote

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The Senate approved SB 9, the revenue bill, on a vote of 36-18.

Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady asked for more time to negotiate. But the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Toi Hutchinson, replied “We don’t have any more time. We know we don’t.”

“We are faced with the fierce urgency of now,” Hutchinson said. “We don’t have any more time.”

Hutchinson claimed the package before the Senate was the result of two years of bipartisan talks and a “lot of give and take.”

“It is time to be the independent legislature the framers demanded,” Hutchinson said, urging her colleagues to show they are members of a “co-equal branch,” which was a clear dig at Gov. Rauner.

…Adding… Sen. Dale Righter, a Republican, voted for the bill. Democratic Sens. Tom Cullerton and Julie Morrison voted against the tax hike.

…Adding More… Roll call…


*** UPDATE 1 ***  The Senate has approved SB 6, the omnibus appropriations bill with 39 votes. It should’ve had 40, but Sen. Martinez said her button wasn’t working. Roll call…

Republican Sens. Anderson, Fowler, McCann and Righter voted for the bill.

*** UPDATE 2 *** The budget implementation bill passed 36-17 without any debate at all.

…Adding… The Tribune’s headline writer strikes again…

* Illinois Senate approves major income tax hike despite Rauner veto threat

  60 Comments      


Rep. Davidsmeyer: “I’ve had threats of hanging from a tree”

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The SJ-R interviewed local legislators about their votes on the tax hike and budget bills

* Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, voted in favor of both bills. “I was concerned about the downgrade. I was concerned about the backlog of bills growing from $15 billion to $25 billion. At the end of the day, we ended up with a 4.95 (percent) income tax, as opposed to next year, where it would probably be a 5.55 income tax. I was trying to decrease the impact on my constituents.

“I’ve talked to a lot of my constituents, and after I explain, they understand. There’s a lot of people from outside of my district that are upset. I’ve had threats of hanging from a tree and things like that … just words, on Facebook.

“At the end of the day I think we can be civil and have a discussion, but I think it’s fiscally conservative to lower the amount that we’re spending currently today. We’re spending $39 billion. We’re taking it down to $36.5 billion. I think that’s a fiscally responsible thing to do.”

* Meanwhile, from the Daily Herald

Their inboxes and social media feeds are jamming with hate mail, but three suburban Republicans say they wouldn’t change their votes on a state income tax increase, given what’s at stake. […]

[Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago), a former mayor, said the $36.5 billion budget proposal was less than the nearly $39 billion spent last year and included reforms such as a government consolidation bill.

“Increasing the income tax has never been my preferred option,” Fortner said. But “my balance point was reached. This was a real balanced budget, there were real reductions in spending levels, and sufficient reforms to move forward.”

  15 Comments      


Some legislators called out on budget votes

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* We talked yesterday about the 10 House Democrats and 1 Republican who voted against the tax hike and for the budget. Here’s Marni Pyke at the Daily Herald

Suburban Democrats who voted for the budget bill but against raising taxes included Marty Moylan of Des Plaines, Michelle Mussman of Schaumburg, and Sam Yingling of Grayslake.

Assists from the 15 Republicans gave Democrats in volatile districts leeway to defect. But Moylan and Yingling said any legislation without property tax reforms was a nonstarter.

If a property tax freeze had been included, “maybe it would have made a difference,” said Moylan, a former Des Plaines mayor. “I don’t want to raise taxes on the middle class and working class. This could hurt job creation.”

Yingling is concerned about the state’s bond rating tanking but hoped negotiations will continue between Rauner and party leaders for a resolution.

“Regressive property taxes are forcing people out of their homes,” Yingling said. “As long as they stay in place they’ll continue to struggle.”

The lone Republican to do the same thing, Rep. Dave Severin, was not asked about his votes by local media. Instead, they focused solely on his “No” vote on the tax hike.

* Without endorsing either the tax hike or the budget, the Tribune editorial board railed against all 11 members

Voters, take note: The 10 Democrats and one Republican who voted against the tax hike but in favor of spending have to be held accountable to their own endless rhetoric about the need to pass honest budgets.

Remember, Democrats control this process in both houses. They have been the party insisting for years the budget could not be balanced through spending reductions alone. Higher taxes had to be part of the equation: Illinois can’t possibly cut its way out of this mess … Until Sunday, that is, when 10 of them slithered away from their party’s long-held position.

They’re hoping you won’t notice their double talk. We hope you will. It’s called hypocrisy.

  24 Comments      


Madigan accused of breaking deal

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Tina Sfondeles at the Sun-Times

Madigan told reporters that Republican leaders skipped out on a leaders meeting on Monday afternoon but said he will continue to work with Republican leaders about changes to workers’ compensation and a property tax freeze.

While he described Republican support for the income tax as a show of resistance against Rauner, Republican leaders believe Democrats abandoned the negotiating process by moving forward with the votes. Illinois Republican Leader Jim Durkin’s office confirmed he wouldn’t attend a leaders meeting on Tuesday.

At issue are some of the requests made during negotiations. Durkin’s office contends Democrats asked for a “good faith” vote from Republicans on the spending plan, which they came through with last week, and an assurance they would help to override the governor’s veto of a bill which, in part, authorizes phone carriers to pay out 911 centers.

Both of those happened, yet Madigan — despite ongoing negotiations on reforms — moved forward with votes.

Good points. But 15 of Durkin’s own members broke ranks to support the tax hike. They clearly saw different writing on the Statehouse walls.

…Adding… From comments…

Also, the day before, when Madigan announced his plans to not hold votes on Saturday and Sunday, Durkin went to the floor to excoriate Madigan for not getting a budget package to the floor that very day. And then the House GOP applauded Durkin wildly, and one GOP member even heckled the Speaker.

So Madigan called his bluff.

Don’t gamble unless you are willing to have your bet called. Durkin has no leg to stand on here.

* Meanwhile, the Republican leaders have stopped talking

“We worked with Republicans today on those issues; we’ll continue to work with the Republicans on those issues until they’re resolved,” Madigan said.

Republicans appear unconvinced. Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said the speaker is “clearly trying to distract from his 32 percent permanent tax hike.” Spokeswomen for Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin would not say why the two men didn’t attend Monday’s meeting, but Durkin’s office said he would not attend Tuesday. Brady’s spokeswoman indicated without all leaders attending, Brady won’t either.

The absences raised questions in Cullerton’s mind about where negotiations, particularly on the tangential Rauner demands, stand.

“We have to do something,” Cullerton said. “The House has acted but we’d prefer to do it in agreement with Republicans.”

  27 Comments      


*** UPDATED x1 *** Tax eaters eerily silent about tax hike

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From The Southern

Southern Illinois University System President Randy Dunn, according to a spokesman, called the vote by Bryant and the other 14 Republicans a “heroic stand” in the midst of a historic political standoff. Bryant said she’s also received words of encouragement and thanks from regional school superintendents, health care providers and others. […]

Southern Illinois’ economy is more vulnerable to the effects of the ongoing impasse than other regions because large percentages of people are employed by the state — at prisons, mental health facilities, and public aid, driver services and other government offices — or by entities that are directly supported by state funding, including hospitals, social service agencies, universities and community colleges and K-12 schools, she said. […]

Bryant and the others who supported the bill, “stood up not just for SIU, but the entire Southern Illinois region,” Charles added.

Dunn also thanked Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, who joined with the majority of Democrats voting in favor of Senate Bill 9. The bill would raise the personal income tax from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent, and the corporate income tax from 5.25 percent to 7 percent.

It’s about time that a university president finally stepped up on this. Their institutions are on the verge of death. They need to speak out.

Also, where’s AFSCME been? Where’s SEIU? Where are the trade unions that rely on road construction work?

The groups that are against a tax hike have ginned up an intense social media firestorm. But the groups which rely on government have stayed mostly mum.

* Both of the teachers’ unions have announced support for the tax hike, however. This is from the Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery…

“Last night, we breathed a sigh of relief as a bipartisan supermajority of lawmakers found a way out of our state’s two-year budget crisis. As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July, it finally felt like we had gained independence from Governor Rauner’s political threats and radical agenda that lowers taxes on the wealthy while working families struggle.

Of course, it didn’t last long.

The Governor’s pledge to veto this strong, bipartisan agreement and worsen the damage is deplorable. Five universities have reached junk bond status. The state owes more than $1 billion to our K-12 schools and $15 billion to businesses who have provided goods and services expecting to be paid. Social services are shuttered.

But Governor Rauner couldn’t care less, because he’s never wanted resolution.

He said he would happily shut down government and create a crisis for leverage to enact his agenda. And while claiming to negotiate in good faith, he spent millions of dollars on political ads attacking those with whom he was supposed to be working.

On behalf of more than 100,000 educators, staff, and public employees across Illinois, we want to thank lawmakers for doing the right thing, particularly the fifteen House Republicans who courageously stood up to Bruce Rauner who would rather see Illinois crumble than prosper.

We urge the Senate to follow the example of their House colleagues and vote for this bipartisan revenue and spending plan, and when approved, we urge Governor Rauner to end this madness and sign the bills immediately.”

* I had to go to the IEA’s website to find this blog post generically titled “Illinois House moves forward on budget plan”

Tonight, the Illinois House of Representatives took a major step toward stabilizing the financial crisis Illinois has been in for more than two budget-less years.

We thank the members of the House for taking this step to vote on a full and balanced budget – especially those Republicans who saw the dire circumstances our education systems in this state were facing – and stepped up to support them.

We urge the Senate to concur with this budget plan and we strongly urge Gov. Bruce Rauner to sign it.

“From the preschool student learning to write his name and add his numbers to the university student planning her future career, this budget bill gives our state hope,” said IEA President Cinda Klickna.

“Education and the state of Illinois are too important to be allowed to crash and burn. Thank you for finding common ground for the good of us all.”

But there is no “action alert” about this issue on the union’s website.

*** UPDATE *** Shortly after the Senate’s votes today, the U of I sent this to legislators…

We are grateful to the legislators who voted to support the budget that provides funding for the second half of FY17 and for the full year of FY18. This financial support is crucial to ensure the continued excellence of the University of Illinois System, which enrolls more than 81,000 students and plays a key role as an engine of progress for our state. We hope the lessons learned during this long and difficult impasse will help to restore long-term stability and provide predictable funding year after year so we can plan our future and expand our impact on the public good. We urge the governor to sign the legislation.

Thank you!

Jennifer M. Creasey
Director State Relations
Office of Government Relations

* Related…

* Loss of Accreditation Could Cost Colleges Billions

* State Budget Crisis Eliminates Funding For Holiday Traffic Enforcement

* Layoffs begin as state road construction shuts down

  65 Comments      


*** LIVE *** Overtime session coverage

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Watch it happen in real time with ScribbleLive


  6 Comments      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)

Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

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