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*** UPDATED x1 *** Cullerton: “Workers’ comp is not an economic development tool”

Wednesday, Jun 17, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Senate President John Cullerton is making the rounds this week. Here he is with Greg Hinz…

On workers’ comp, Cullerton said Rauner “needs to understand what we’ve already done.” Changes ordered a few years ago are just now showing up in reduced rates, he said.

“We’re always willing to work on fraud and savings,” he added. “But you don’t blow up the system. . . .If you say, ‘Employers don’t want to pay any premiums, we’ll abolish workers’ comp,’ I guarantee you, they’ll scream.” Why? Because, he reasoned, without workers’ comp, all sides will have to wage expensive court fights on tens of thousands of workplace injuries a year.

What Democrats won’t agree to is “a race to the bottom,” Cullerton said. “Workers’ comp is not an economic development tool.”

It’s not? Tell that to the governor and some business owners…

[Rauner] got a boost, in part, from the president of Tennant Truck Lines, the Colona firm he visited.

Aaron Tennant, the chief executive of the company, introduced Rauner while noting his company would save $450,000 in workers’ compensation costs if it moved to Iowa.

“I can go nine miles across the river and save a heck of a lot of money,” he said.

This situation cannot be ignored.

*** UPDATE *** Along the same lines…

Things got heated during Tuesday’s debate [of the House Committee of the Whole on DCEO restructuring] when the issue of public jobs versus private jobs was addressed. In a line of questioning between Democratic Representative Will Davis and DCEO’s Director, Davis expressed concerns about a loss of jobs for DCEO if there were to be the creation of a private-public partnership to spur on economic development. Schultz responded with what he believes is his role.

“So those individuals will not be working for DCEO,” Davis said. “Which means the workforce of DCEO will decline.”

“I didn’t come here to create jobs for DCEO,” Schultz fired back. “I didn’t come here to create jobs just for the State of Illinois. I came to create jobs for every citizen in the state of Illinois, all 12.9 million citizens. In the end I care about net jobs, not about a particular agency.”

The two sides are from different worlds and are speaking different languages.

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*** UPDATED x1 - Rauner responds *** “That is a problem he would own”

Wednesday, Jun 17, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The Senate Democrats plan to start sending the governor their appropriations bills next week, and they’re getting in some advance spin..

“The budget has been a public document since we passed it, so the administration has had time to review and analyze it,” said Rikeesha Phelon, spokeswoman to Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago. “It’s our intention to start sending him the actual bills for action next week….He has options. If he doesn’t want to sign it, if he would rather force a shutdown, then that is a problem that he would own.” […]

“He has options that include reducing spending lines to a level he feels appropriate and manageable for the administration,” Phelon said. “The other options include having conversations with the legislative leaders about how to generate income to bridge the gap by the revenue hole…We hope he will consider taking a balanced approach to budgeting just like a family would do … look at both sides of the ledger.”

Phelon said if Rauner outright vetoes the bills then a shutdown is “all but a certainty.”

“There are options, leaders like Cullerton are willing to find a way to work it out,” she said. “And there’s still time to do that.”

No comment yet from the Rauner administration. I’ll let you know.

*** UPDATE *** From the governor’s office…

Hi, Rich –

The governor has made clear for weeks that the budget passed by Speaker Madigan and the legislators he controls is unbalanced and unacceptable. The governor remains committed to working with legislators to enact reforms that protect the middle class, free up resources for the most vulnerable, grow jobs throughout the state and help produce a responsible, balanced budget. While the governor has compromised repeatedly, it’s disturbing that majority party legislators continue to reject reasonable reforms and a balanced budget. If they have any interest in real reform and a responsible budget, there is no reason a deal can’t be reached before July 1.

Thanks,
ck

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This just in… Auditor General to retire

Wednesday, Jun 17, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Auditor General Bill Holland just sent a letter to the four legislative leaders announcing that he will retire at the end of this year. The letter is here…

It has always been my intent to leave my position while I still enjoy my work. After nearly twenty three years, I think that time has come.

Holland has been an excellent auditor general. I just cannot say enough good things about his tenure. Bill is honest, trustworthy and clean and he professionalized the operation when he took over.

Good luck, Bill.

…Adding… The full letter…

Dear Leaders:

I have been honored to be Illinois’ Auditor General since August 1, 1992. My work here has been challenging and rewarding, both professionally and personally. Your confidence in me and respect for the Office has allowed us to fulfill a constitutional duty and provide an essential public service that, I am confident, has been valuable to the General Assembly and the citizens of Illinois.

It has always been my intent to leave my position while I still enjoy the work. After nearly twenty-three years, I think that time has come. I will be retiring from my position as Auditor General effective December 31, 2015.

I hope this timeframe is sufficient to provide an effective transition to a new Auditor General. Please be assured that I and my staff will be available to assist in that regards. Until that time, I will continue to perform my duties in the manner you have come to expect.

I cannot thank each of you enough for the support you have provided the Office of the Auditor General over the years. Your support has been the foundation for all the successes the Office has enjoyed and, undoubtedly, will enjoy many years into the future.

Yours truly,

WILLIAM G. HOLLAND
Auditor General

* And from the press room…

Auditor General Holland will hold a press conference today (6-17) at 1:00 p.m. in briefing room 010. He will be here to announce his retirement.

…Adding Still More… The press conference will be here. From Leader Radogno…

“Despite coming from a partisan background, Bill Holland’s tenure as Auditor General has proven his loyalties lie with the people of Illinois. He’s a class act and true gentleman. The taxpayers of Illinois have been well served. “

* Gov. Rauner…

“Auditor General William Holland is a true statesman having served the people of Illinois as Auditor General for more than 20 years with the utmost integrity, honor and respect. His appointment to a third term was unprecedented and well-deserved, and it underscores his professionalism and ability to do the job fairly and exceptionally well. The State of Illinois is better because of his service, and I thank him for all the work he has done on behalf of the citizens of Illinois.”

* House GOP Leader Durkin…

“Bill Holland has done a fantastic job as Auditor General. I personally will miss him when he retires at the end of the year. He is highly respected by members of both parties for being professional and fair. The citizens of Illinois are better off because of Bill Holland’s ability to root out waste and mismanagement in government.”

* Senate President Cullerton…

“Bill Holland has dedicated his life’s work to improving public policy outcomes and government services for the people of the state of Illinois. His knowledge, expertise and eye for excellence have been invaluable to all of those who have had the pleasure of working and serving with him. His contributions will not be forgotten. I wish Bill the best of luck in future endeavors.”

* Speaker Madigan…

“Bill Holland has made many important contributions to work of state government during his tenure as Auditor General. He has handled every challenge with skill and professionalism. He maintained the highest standards during several very dark periods in this state’s history. Illinois is a better place because of him.”

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