Madigan on Pritzker and the Republicans
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Yeah, I know. Lots of Madigan posts. But he rarely talks to reporters these days, so it’s kinda big when he does. Last one I think. From the SJ-R…
Something that isn’t contentious, according to the speaker, is his relationship with Pritzker, unlike the one Madigan had with the governor’s predecessor.
Madigan says he has been supportive of the governor’s programs “from the very beginning,” such as raising the compensation level for “key people in the government” and raising the minimum wage.
“So far, so good,” Madigan said. “My goal is to work with the governor and other people in the legislature to have a productive session.”
Define “productive,” Mr. Speaker and maybe everyone can breathe a little easier.
* And…
Of Republican lawmakers who have complained they are not being included in the legislative process, Madigan said they have a “pretty clear record of non-participation,” especially regarding the budget in recent years, but that he is “willing to work with them.”
Some of that cooperation could come on a comprehensive capital bill, to which House Republican Leader Jim Durkin has offered to lend some of his party’s votes, according to Madigan.
“I’d be interested to know what he thinks should be in the capital bill before he puts votes on it,” Madigan said.
Shouldn’t they be talking by now?
- A guy - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:17 am:
==Madigan said they have a “pretty clear record of non-participation,” especially regarding the budget in recent years,==
There can be agreement that there has been contention, but;
the budget impasse (whether anyone agrees or not) was very much solved with their participation.
- Illinois Resident - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:19 am:
Kind of hard to work with republicans when they have no interest in passing election promises by Governor Pritzker. Regarding Madigan, how about getting 100% on board with cannabis legalization as presented.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:20 am:
===the budget impasse (whether anyone agrees or not) was very much solved with their participation.===
… that found those “participating” either primaried, demoted, ostracized, and/or forced out by Raunerites.
But… you already know that.
- A guy - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:25 am:
==But… you already know that.==
I do indeed. It still doesn’t change the history of what occurred.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:26 am:
===Of Republican lawmakers who have complained they are not being included in the legislative process, Madigan said they have a “pretty clear record of non-participation,” especially regarding the budget in recent years, but that he is “willing to work with them.”===
Minimum wage? Progressive income tax? Cannibis?
As caucuses, the members formerly known as Raunerites, have continued to be the “No” group, with downstate House members even promoting a 51st state thought, as “She-Caw-Go” doesn’t represent their… “values”
The alleged GOP that is existing better find a way to get some wins too. Otherwise 2020 will/could be worse than is speculated.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:28 am:
===I do indeed. It still doesn’t change the history of what occurred.===
“I’m frustrated too but taking steps to reform Illinois is more important than a short term budget stalemate”… lasting a whole General Assembly?
Yep, it doesn’t change that.
- Occam - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:30 am:
What does Madigan care about what republicans think? He doesn’t need a single republican vote to do anything.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:36 am:
===He doesn’t need a single republican vote to do anything===
You must’ve missed the last 20 years. MJM almost always prefers having some GOP votes for political cover.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:36 am:
–Shouldn’t they be talking by now?–
Probably.
But Durkin needs to tread carefully, as he obviously has a number of members in his caucus who are anxious to shiv him in the back to please the Uiehlein money.
There’s a significant faction in that crew who will never take a tough vote on anything; they just hang around and collect their checks to build their social media brand from the safety of their super-GOP gerrymandered districts.
- Jibba - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:43 am:
==the budget impasse (whether anyone agrees or not) was very much solved with their participation.===
10 of them, anyway, and against party wishes. Rs have been the party of no for many years.
- Anyone Remember - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 11:17 am:
=You must’ve missed the last 20 years. MJM almost always prefers having some GOP votes for political cover.=
MJM also did it for budget votes in the 1980s, in part to provide his vulnerable incumbents with cover (”The House GOP leader voted for that budget!”).
- Nick Name - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 11:33 am:
===…a “pretty clear record of non-participation,”…===
Rauner is gone, Republicans, and he’s no longer holding his millions over your heads. There’s always a seat at the table if you want to participate, and if you want to maybe gain a few seats in 2020. Up to you.