Campaigns react to Rauner address
Tuesday, Jun 20, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Chris Kennedy campaign…
“Governor Rauner promised a grand, unifying speech. Instead, all we got was a few minutes of empty remarks in an empty room. The only unifying thing Bruce Rauner is doing is bringing voters together to support radical change in Illinois. We have state leadership that has completely and utterly failed us. It doesn’t have to be this way. Compromise - real compromise - like the kind that happens before the session ends when lawmakers are debating the merits of their proposals, is not surrender.
“This speech is indicative of Rauner’s views on “unity”. He goes around our lawmakers, operates outside our legislative process, and talks into a camera in an empty room instead of bringing us a balanced budget.
“As he’s said before, if Chris Kennedy is elected as the next governor and he doesn’t balance the budget, he won’t run again. That’s the level of accountability and honesty that’s sorely missing in Springfield.”
* Sen. Daniel Biss…
“Illinoisans were just subjected to the worst infomercial in our state’s fiscal history—advertising more of the same hypocrisy out of Governor Rauner that we’ve seen over his entire term. While saying “failure to act is not an option” with regards to passing a budget, he doubles down on the very fecklessness that’s gotten us here in the first place.
I’ll remind the governor that he has chosen not to act for the last two years, putting himself, his wealthy friends, and his campaign first. It’s time he and Speaker Madigan sit down, take action, and end this pain.”
* JB Pritzker…
For nearly three years, Illinois families have seen and felt the impact of Governor Rauner’s disastrous and divisive leadership. Parents are struggling to pay the bills, schools are finding it harder to stay open, and vital social service agencies aren’t getting the funding they need.
The budget crisis has crippled our state while Bruce Rauner sat by and did nothing. Now today, on day 720 of the crisis he created, Rauner has decided he wants to make people think that he’d like to work together to get something done. But I don’t believe a word of it:
Click here to view video
Bruce Rauner calls his proposal a compromise budget, but that could not be further from the truth. There’s nothing about it that’s a compromise. There’s no unity in his call for unity. It’s a sham.
Our schools need funding. Our mental health facilities and our shelters need funding. Our social safety net needs rebuilding.
We need somebody who is going to stand up for Illinoisans. That’s not what Bruce Rauner is trying to do. What he’s proposing is a sham and I won’t stand for it.
Thank you –
JB
* Ameya Pawar…
“Gov. Rauner is a liar, a fraud and a flake. In his brief televised address tonight, he said he wants to work with all members of the General Assembly to pass a balanced budget during the special session, but he’s attacking Democrats with TV ads, mailers and flyers. He said he supports equitable funding for public education, but he has threatened to veto a bill which would increase funding to 270 school districts in our state, including Chicago’s. When he was campaigning for governor he said he was pro-choice, but now he’s against a bill that would expand health care coverage for women that would provide more access to abortion care.”
“This has gone on too long. The governor has been exploiting the divisions between Chicago and the rest of the state and using coded language to play off people’s fears. He would rather see our state divided to put more money in the pockets of his donors than do his job and improve the lives of people across all communities.”
“Illinoisans deserve a governor who will stay true to his word and lead our state out of financial crisis. It’s not enough to talk a good game–we have big challenges as a state and we need a governor who understands how to cut through the politics as usual and get things done that actually improve people’s lives. That’s what I’ve done as alderman, by securing funding for neighborhood schools and passing several pieces of progressive legislation that directly benefit working families. And that’s the kind of leadership I’ll bring to the governor’s office if I am elected.”
* DGA…
“Tonight, Bruce Rauner tried to reset his failing tenure as Governor of Illinois by offering nothing new in terms of policy or message. Instead, he pretended he played no part in creating and exacerbating the state’s fiscal crisis. Bruce Rauner purposefully drove the state off the rails, leading to nation’s longest budget impasse in history, skyrocketing debt, a crippling blow to our higher education system, and a ruined social safety net. That is not the record of someone interested in unity or governing, but someone who is willing to sacrifice Illinois’ future for political points. Illinois, under Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership, is moving backwards.”
* Team Rauner…
Governor Rauner addressed the people of Illinois tonight from the Old State Capitol in Springfield on the eve of the legislators’ 10-day special session, stressing the need for unity and compromise.
This special session provides the opportunity for legislators to make lasting change for our state. We need a balanced budget with spending caps, long-lasting property tax relief, term limits, and reforms to grow jobs.
You can watch the Governor’s full address here, or read the quick recap below:
QUICK RECAP
Gov. Bruce Rauner on compromise:
“We’ve asked the General Assembly to come together in a special session for the next 10 days – not as Democrats and Republicans – but as leaders who share bipartisan concern for our state’s future.”
“To do what those who came before us did that changed the course of history: have the courage to dare to do what is right … to act for the people.”
Gov. Bruce Rauner on a balanced budget:
“Last week, we reviewed a compromise budget plan that I can sign… It is truly balanced. It funds schools, higher education, and human services. It provides a real path to property tax reduction.”
“We must agree on a balanced budget plan, and get it to my desk before the end of the state’s fiscal year – one week from Friday.”
Gov. Bruce Rauner on real reform:
“The plan also stands tall for fundamentals. Spending reductions. Limits on expenses. Debt reduction. And term limits on legislative leaders and statewide officeholders, including the Governor.”
“Failure to act is not an option. Failure to act may cause permanent damage to our state that will take years to overcome.”
The text of the address is here.
…Adding… Not a campaign release, but this is Rep. Greg Harris, who spoke for the House Democrats…
“Democrats are returning to Springfield in hopes that the governor is finally ready to compromise on a budget. But, even now, the governor is talking out of both sides of his mouth: As he holds a campaign speech ostensibly calling for unity, he’s also bankrolling negative attack ads and mailers against House Democrats and the very people he is calling on to work with.
“House Democrats have said for two years that we believe a resolution to Governor Rauner’s manufactured budget crisis must be our top priority. We have continually looked for ways to compromise with the governor without hurting middle-class families, and have worked to find common ground so the governor will finally focus on a budget.
“At the governor’s request, House Democrats have voted to cut property taxes, reform workers’ compensation, improve the business climate, sell the Thompson Center and reform the state procurement code. With each attempt to meet Governor Rauner half way, we urged him to return to the table to negotiate a budget. Sadly, the governor refused each time.
“The budget supported by Governor Rauner and legislative Republicans is not balanced. It’s not the honest budget Illinois taxpayers deserve. It’s clear that real negotiations and real compromise are needed.
“Despite the repeated campaign attacks against House Democrats, we have continued to prioritize a balanced budget. In the weeks since the spring session adjourned, we’ve held a series of budget hearings where we’ve heard directly from the victims of Governor Rauner’s budget crisis. From the parents of children with developmental disabilities, to survivors of sexual assault, the men and women speaking out are in agreement: the governor needs to put aside his extreme agenda and compromise. The governor dismissed these people as ‘props’ instead of recognizing who they are – victims of his budget crisis.
“Governor Rauner, your actions speak louder than your rhetoric. After more than 700 days of blocking compromise, it’s up to you to prove that you are finally ready to put the needs of Illinois families ahead of political games and start working in good faith on a budget.”
* And one more…
“Unity doesn’t come from a speech and it certainly doesn’t come from campaign attack ads aimed at your negotiating partners,” Cullerton said in a statement Tuesday. “It comes from a willingness for practical compromise with others and exerting the effort to round up the votes needed to make that compromise law. To date, we haven’t seen that from Gov. Rauner. I hope this signifies is a step in a new direction.”
26 Comments  
|
* The governor will speak live tonight from the Old State Capitol starting at around 6:03 pm. The address is scheduled to last three or four minutes (apparently it’s designed to fit into local TV news broadcasts). I’ll post a ScribbleLive thingy before then and we’ll also use that for reactions. Background on the speech is here.
The governor’s campaign Twitter account tweeted about the speech this afternoon and he posted a notice on his campaign’s Facebook page. The tweet and Facebook post directed folks to a page on Rauner’s campaign site where people can sign up for an e-mail “recap” of the address after it’s over So, he appears to be using his address tonight to beef up his campaign e-mailing list, which is often used for fundraising. There’s also a “donate” button on that campaign page. That’s the same campaign, by the way, which is currently running ads sharply critical of Speaker Madigan and his “puppets” for blocking a budget when he, himself repeatedly blocked a Senate budget.
Anyway, check back around 6 o’clock. You can watch the speech on the governor’s Facebook page (click here) or his campaign site (click here). Also, check your local TV stations because some will be carrying it live via a special satellite feed.
* And away we go…
75 Comments
|
* Press release…
Today, Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Daniel Biss unveiled his HOME plan for property tax fairness and relief, a comprehensive approach to fix Illinois’ broken property tax valuation, assessment, and appeals system.
“Our property tax system is completely broken, but perfectly reflects the fundamental problem with Illinois right now – the middle class pays more than they should, and we still can’t meet our obligations or fund our priorities because the very rich game the system to pay less than their fair share,” said Biss.
The Biss HOME plan will make property tax valuation in Illinois fairer, end the property tax appeals racket that lines the pockets of attorneys and politicians at the expense of ordinary homeowners, and ultimately provide property tax relief for working and middle-class families.
“For too long the millionaires and machine politicians have been able to manipulate the corrupt property tax system to benefit themselves, leaving ordinary homeowners to pay more. It’s time for a property tax system that’s fair to the rest of us,” Biss added as he laid out his plan before the Melrose Park home of Barbara Garner. Mrs. Garner was recently featured in the Tribune’s bombshell report exposing how the valuation system set up by the Cook County Assessor’s office “harmed the poor and helped the rich.”
“You’ll hear a lot in this campaign decrying our broken property tax system. What you won’t hear are admissions from millionaires and billionaires that they used their wealth and connections to secure six-figure pay days from a system they now decry as candidates. What you also won’t hear are solutions. We need to be honest about our problems. But, the people of Illinois know what’s wrong with Illinois. What they also deserve are honest solutions.”
Biss also announced that he will introduce the Honesty, Openness, Modernization, and Ethics (HOME) in Assessments Act in the state senate along with Sen. Jacqueline Collins later this week.
The Biss HOME Property Tax Fairness and Relief Plan includes:
Honesty and Openness
End the secret and confusing valuation process by requiring county assessors to make it clear to homeowners how they determine our tax bills and prevent assessors from keeping their actions secret.
• Require assessors to publicly disclose the models they use to estimate and validate the value of homes and business.
• Require state oversight and reporting on local officials, conduct audits, provide data, and remove authority from officials who repeatedly fail to do their jobs.
Modernization
• Require assessors to modernize their broken valuation systems, which unfairly make low and middle-income homeowners pay more and rich ones pay less, and fairly value our homes.
• Require detailed statistical analysis by the Department of Revenue to reveal whether properties are being assessed properly, uniformly, and equitably. With modern and fair valuation methods, wealthier residents will pay their fair share, and our over-reliance on property tax appeals to provide relief for low and middle-income homeowners will be reduced.
Ethics
End the racket that lines the pockets of machine politicians and property tax lawyers at the expense of ordinary homeowners.
• Subject property tax lawyers to pay-for-play rules that curb conflicts of interest. Limit contributions from property tax lawyers to assessors, candidates for assessor, and others involved in processing appeals to $750 a year. Any contributions above that cap would result in prohibiting the violating property tax attorney from practicing law.
Nothing too over the top radical there, which is one reason why Chris Kennedy is currently dominating this particular lane with his own “radical” proposals.
* Biss also went after JB Pritzker this week on a different issue, closing the carried interest loophole. Click here for the video. A related story is here.
*** UPDATE 1 *** From the Chris Kennedy campaign…
We’re pleased to see that Chris Kennedy’s push to reform our broken property tax system is gaining interest. All the other Democratic primary candidates should take this issue further by letting voters know if they would embrace the reforms that Chris Kennedy laid out weeks back. We need a leader who is going to restore voters’ faith in our government and our property tax system.
*** UPDATE 2 *** From Abby Witt on Sen. Daniel Biss’ campaign…
“Decrying how broken our property tax system is for ordinary people after landing a six-figure payday for yourself with the help of Mike Madigan isn’t radical, it’s ridiculous. Daniel is doing what other politicians aren’t doing: stating the problem, clearly defining a real, immediate solution that addresses the actual problem, and advocating for the passage of bills to help everyday Illinoisans. If the last two and a half years have taught us anything, it’s that the ultra-wealthy think government service is about hearing themselves talk rather than rolling up their sleeves to get the job done.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** From Jacob Kaplan of the Joe Berrios campaign committee…
“Assessor Berrios strictly follows all campaign finance laws; indeed, all laws. Were a law or laws to change, he would follow any new regulations.”
*** UPDATE 4 *** From the assessor’s office…
The Cook County Assessor’s Office stands by its previous statements that it assesses property fairly and accurately.
We remind Candidate Biss of this basic fact: an Assessor does not set property tax rates or levies. School districts, municipalities and other taxing bodies do that. The Assessor does not decide the dollar amount of property tax bills.
Property assessment is completely separate from local revenue determinations made to meet local budgets. In fact, budgets for schools, police, fire protection and other community needs are forecast a year in advance and are set long before properties are even assessed.
There is equity in assessment in Cook County because Assessor Joseph Berrios and his staff long ago adapted -and always adhere to- the high Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). These USPAP standards are practiced across the nation. We are no different.
Part of Candidate Biss’ proposal would usurp the rightful authority of every county assessor in the state. This makes no sense and reflects his lack of knowledge of how property assessment works.
Because this office does not engage in political discussions, we referred your inquiry’s facet about political contributions to the Cook County Democratic Party.
25 Comments
|
* From a new Illinois Economic Policy Institute publication called “IDOT Shut-Down: Understanding the Economic and Transportation Consequences”…
This report utilizes the industry standard IMPLAN economic analysis software to identify the potential impact of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) recent announcement that it will be unable to continue paying its contractors and will cease all construction work throughout the state on June 30, 2017. While this is expected to impact all IDOT projects, including transit and rail, this report focuses on the $2.2 billion in planned road and bridge improvements in fiscal year (FY) 2018. Assuming a shutdown lasting the entire year, we forecast the following impacts:
* A Shrinking Economy: The loss of $2.2 billion in state infrastructure investment would reduce overall economic activity in the state by $1.77 billion in FY 2018.
* Job Losses: A protracted IDOT shutdown will cause a loss of 23,000 jobs. While middle class construction employment will be most affected, the losses will extend beyond construction related industries and will touch all economic sectors.
* Added Strain on Public Budgets: The loss of jobs and economic activity would reduce state and local tax revenues by $115 million, while increasing demand for taxpayer-funded unemployment insurance by as much as $155 million.
* More Congestion and Transportation Safety Problems: With infrastructure projects designed to alleviate congestion, address safety issues, and complete important maintenance needs, the IDOT shutdown would likely lead to increased travel times and could subject the public to unsafe travel conditions.
Because IDOT projects are fully funded by federal aid, fuel taxes, vehicle fees, and local sources— funding that is protected by a state constitutional amendment passed by Illinois voters in 2016— there is no reason for IDOT funding to be held hostage as part of the ongoing state budget stalemate. An IDOT shutdown is easily prevented through appropriation of already available funds, as was done for FY 2017.
True, but the Rauner administration staunchly opposed legislation during the spring session that would’ve appropriated existing funds sitting idle in state bank accounts for higher education and social services. That money is still accumulating and collecting dust, by the way. But the GA shouldn’t appropriate that idle cash, the governor and Republicans argued, because it would take “pressure” off of legislators to end the impasse.
Unlike higher ed and social services, however, IDOT is threatening a total shutdown. Those transportation folks know how to play the bureaucratic game.
* From the SJ-R…
Even the threat of a statewide transportation-construction shutdown on July 1 — including Illinois’ $1.9 billion high-speed rail program — has begun to cost jobs and put projects behind schedule, according to the industry.
The Illinois Department of Transportation advised contractors last week to prepare for the shutdown if lawmakers are unable to approve a budget by the end of the state fiscal year on June 30. More than a dozen road projects totaling $284 million in the Springfield area alone would be affected, including four partly funded by the city of Springfield. Work on the Third Street rail corridor in Springfield also is part of the high-speed rail project between St. Louis and Chicago.
[I need more coffee, apparently. This was an IEPI publication, not an IDOT publication. Changes have been made.]
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
Democratic Chairmen’s Association Statement Regarding Potential Road Construction Shutdown
Rauner’s inability to compromise will create a public safety crisis and will
affect 23,000 Middle Class jobs
Springfield, IL – Last week the Illinois Department of Transportation issued a dire statement that the agency plans to suspend all construction projects on June 30th if a State Budget is not enacted. With the release of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute’s study on this suspension, Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association President Doug House issued the following statement:
“Every citizen in our state will be affected by the suspension of these projects and it sickens me that Governor Rauner doesn’t care about the job losses and public safety challenges this stalemate guarantees. Whether it is improvements to decade’s old bridges, state highways that are crumbling or the ongoing improvements to our rail corridors, repairing our infrastructure is crucial keeping people safe and keeping our economy growing.”
House also added:
“Social service agencies and higher education institutions have already been burned by Bruce Rauner’s refusal to compromise. We cannot let public safety and our transportation efforts be the next victim.”
22 Comments
|
[Bumped up to Tuesday for visibility.]
* Press release…
Governor Delivers Live Address
On eve of special session, speech to highlight need for unity on compromise balanced budget plan
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rauner will deliver a live address to the people of Illinois tomorrow night from the Old State Capitol in Springfield. The address will focus on unity and passing a balanced budget to put Illinois on a path to a brighter future.
“Illinois deserves real change, and the time to act has never been more urgent,” Rauner spokeswoman Eleni Demertzis said. “As we approach one of the most important legislative sessions in Illinois history, the Governor wants to reiterate his desire to work with all members of the General Assembly to improve the quality of life for the people of Illinois. Governor Rauner supports the compromise budget proposal lawmakers introduced last week, which delivers a truly balanced budget, spending caps, real property tax relief, term limits and other job-creating changes to the system.”
Last week, Governor Rauner announced he was calling lawmakers back to Springfield for a 10-day special session from Wednesday, June 21 to Friday, June 30, which is the fiscal year deadline. In calling the special session, the Governor encouraged the General Assembly to consider legislation that will reach a balanced budget and implement other structural changes. The Governor will cancel any remaining special session days if the General Assembly enacts the compromise balanced budget plan prior to June 30th.
Logistics:
Hit time: 6:03:00 p.m.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Pritzker campaign…
JB Pritzker Statement on Bruce Rauner’s Sham “Unity” Address
Chicago, IL — In response to Bruce Rauner’s sham “unity” address scheduled for tomorrow evening, JB Pritzker released the following statement:
“720 days into a manufactured budget crisis of his own creating, Bruce Rauner either doesn’t have the slightest clue what unity is or just doesn’t care,” said JB Pritzker. “Unity is not introducing a ‘compromise’ budget produced in secret by Republicans and entirely lacking in any actual compromise. Unity is not Bruce Rauner planning to veto school funding reform legislation that he 90% agrees with. Unity and leadership are more than words. Bruce Rauner can’t just say the word ‘unity’ when every single action he has taken as governor has only served his own self-interest and devastated Illinois families along the way. Leadership is having the courage and ability to bring people together, compromise and negotiate, and get results. Rauner has proven time and again that he is not a leader and tomorrow’s speech will do nothing to change that.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Greg Hinz…
Indeed, even before word of the speech officially was released, Madigan spokesman Steve Brown was deriding it in so many words as a political stunt.
“Is he counter-programming the attack ads, mail, door-to-door (flyers), fake news radio?” Brown asked in an email, referring to a new round of attacks on Democrats that Rauner’s campaign committee has launched in recent days. “Apparently taxpayers foot (the) bill for this part of the campaign.” […]
Rauner’s speech tonight is effective theater in one sense, though: It tightens the screws a bit more on Madigan to finally put his own spending plan on the table.
The speaker has not indicated when, or if, that will occur.
*** UPDATE 3 *** ILGOP…
Pritzker and Madigan Sync Up Talking Points
Attack Governor Rauner for Detailing Budget Plan
In a shocking display of partisanship amid crisis, Billionaire J.B. Pritzker and his political patron Mike Madigan synced up their talking points this week – attacking Governor Rauner for detailing a compromise budget plan.
Last week, Governor Rauner and Republicans in both the House and Senate laid out a compromise plan to balance the budget, grow jobs, and reform state government. The plan incorporated ideas from Democrats as well as concessions Republicans had already discussed with the other side.
But Madigan’s office wasted no time criticizing compromise. As the News-Gazette Editorial Board notes, “the words were hardly out of the governor’s mouth before” Madigan started “casting aspersions” on a compromise budget and reform deal.
And just yesterday, J.B. Pritzker issued a press release criticizing a speech he had yet to even listen to, attacking Governor Rauner.
Here’s the funny thing about J.B. Pritker’s attempt to criticize a detailed Republican plan to end the budget impasse, balance the budget, grow jobs, and reform state government – Pritzker has yet to propose any meaningful ideas of his own except a massive tax increase.
Just take a look at Pritzker’s “vision” website full of vague spending increases.
What’s missing? Term limits, a property tax freeze, pension reform, spending caps, fair maps, or a plan to balance the budget.
That’s because Pritzker is already on record opposing reforms, just like Mike Madigan.
Until J.B. Pritzker proposes a plan to fix Illinois, and until Mike Madigan’s House passes a balanced budget, neither politician has any leg to stand on.
“In a shocking display of partisanship amid crisis”? Hilarious.
*** UPDATE 4 *** JB Pritzker’s Communications Director Galia Slayen…
“In a shocking display of partisanship amid the crisis Bruce Rauner created, the Illinois GOP is once again spewing their tired talking points. While thousands of people suffer, Bruce Rauner and the GOP refuse to let go of their special interest agenda that has nothing to do with passing a budget. 720 days into this crisis Bruce Rauner finally decides he wants to call for unity, but it’s clear he has never stopped campaigning. The Illinois GOP should focus on helping their failed governor clean up his mess, but they’re too busy attacking JB because they know he’s the best candidate to take on their failed leader.”
*** UPDATE 5 *** ILGOP…
“Billionaire Pritzker wants massive tax hikes but thinks term limits, fair maps, a property tax freeze, pension reform, spending caps, and job growth is a special interest agenda? Governor Rauner’s interest is the people of Illinois. J.B. Pritzker’s interest is Mike Madigan.”
*** UPDATE 6 *** JB Pritzker’s Communications Director Galia Slayen…
“Governor Rauner’s interest is the people of Illinois? How about the Illinois children, families, seniors, people with disabilities, domestic and sexual violence survivors and public school teachers who are little more than pawns in his crusade to strip working families of the tools they need to build better lives? This is a sham unity speech from a sham governor who has failed our state.”
*** UPDATE 7 *** Tribune…
“I find it tragically comedic that a governor who has done more to divide this state than probably any other governor in history is going to give a unity address,” said Rep. Christian Mitchell, D-Chicago.
*** UPDATE 8 *** Mayor Emanuel…
“Tonight we’ll hear yet another speech about a state budget from the Governor, the fourth like it he’s given. Since he’s taken office all he’s done is give speeches and run TV ads — and he’s passed zero budgets. Under Governor Rauner today Illinois is dead last in education funding, Illinois has the worst credit rating of any state in the history of the country, and for three years running Illinois is the only state without a budget. Talk is cheap. Actions matter.”
90 Comments
|
|
Support CapitolFax.com
Visit our advertisers...
 
...............
...............
...............
...............
...............
...............
...............
|
   
|
Hosted by MCS |
SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax |
Advertise Here |
Mobile Version |
Contact Rich Miller
|
