S&P also lowers Illinois’ ratings
Thursday, Jun 9, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Oy…
S&P Global Ratings downgraded Illinois’s ratings a notch, citing the state’s weakened financial management and budget position, while rival Fitch Ratings placed the state’s ratings under review for a potential downgrade.
S&P lowered the ratings on Illinois’s general-obligation bonds to triple-B-plus from double-A-minus. The new rating is three levels above junk territory and carries a negative outlook.
S&P said that the state’s continuing lack of a budget plan has left Illinois “with unmanaged spending under a de facto budget, potentially for a second year, and that is adding to the state’s sizable liabilities.”
Fitch, meanwhile, also placed the state’s $550 million bond issue that is expected to sell June 16 on ratings watch negative and rated it at triple-B-plus, or three notches above junk territory. Fitch says it expects to make a decision on the rating with six months, based on the progress of the state’s budget process.
I’m hoping nobody feels the need to revise their numerous press releases from the Moody’s downgrade. My brother and my niece are coming over soon.
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“Not an oppo dump”
Thursday, Jun 9, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a pal in the Kirk campaign…
I’m not sending this to you as an oppo dump, just providing background context. Duckworth continues to double down on the Trump stuff…saying we were silent too long, yadda yadda…but she never once denounced Blagojevich. In fact, she endorsed him while he was under investigation and then defended him after he hired her.
* My reply…
Ten years ago?
* His response…
When has she ever broken from her party? Nearly every Dem dumped on Rod…but not her. Yet they keep dumping on us for SCOTUS and now Trump.
Good point. Kirk has broken with his national party twice in recent weeks.
* So, here’s the “not an oppo dump,” um, dump…
In June 2006, US Attorney’s Office Announced An Investigation Into Blagojevich’s Administration For Hiring Fraud
In 2006 It Was Revealed US Attorney’s Office Was Investigating The Blagojevich Administration For “Endemic Hiring Fraud.” “The inspector general’s findings take on added significance after Friday’s disclosure that U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald is looking into allegations of “endemic hiring fraud” within Blagojevich’s administration.” (Ray Long, Rick Pearson And John Chase, “Watchdog rips state hiring,” Chicago Tribune, 7/2/06)
An IG Report Released In July 2006 Found The Blagojevich Administration Was Subverting Veterans Preference Hiring Laws
Blagojevich’s Patronage Office “Played A Key Role” In “Subverting State Laws That Give Veterans A Preference.” The report said Blagojevich’s patronage office–known formally as the governor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs–played a key role with compliant agency officials in subverting state laws that give veterans a preference in getting state employment and ban political considerations in hiring for most state jobs. (Ray Long, Rick Pearson And John Chase, “Watchdog rips state hiring,” Chicago Tribune, 7/2/06)
The Report Revealed “A Concerted Effort To Subvert The Laws Including Veterans’ Preference.” “Evidence shows non-compliance with state hiring laws,” the inspector general wrote. “In fact, it reveals a concerted effort to subvert the laws including veterans’ preference and the hiring process” for jobs protected under a 1990 U.S. Supreme Court ruling known as the Rutan decision. (Ray Long, Rick Pearson And John Chase, “Watchdog rips state hiring,” Chicago Tribune, 7/2/06)
In August 2006, Duckworth Said She Would Support Blagojevich’s Re-Election
In An August 2006 Letter To Then-Opponent Peter Roskam, Duckworth Said She Would Support Blagojevich’s Reelection Campaign. In a letter back to Roskam, Duckworth says she supports Blagojevich’s re-election. “But that does not mean that I give him, or anyone else, a pass on ethical behavior,” she said in the letter. “Should he or his administration be proven to have engaged in illegal or unethical actions, they should suffer the consequences.” (John Patterson, “Roskam asks Duckworth if she backs Blagojevich,” Chicago Daily Herald,” 8/4/06)
In November 2006, Blagojevich Appointed Duckworth As Director Of The IDVA
November 21, 2006 – Governor Rod Blagojevich Appointed Duckworth To Run The Illinois Department Of VeteransAffairs. (Lynn Sweet, “Gov Picks Duckworth For Veterans Affairs,” Chicago Sun-Times, 11/21/06)
As IDVA Director, Duckworth Touted Blagojevich’s Commitment To Hiring Veterans
On One Of Her First Days On The Job, Duckworth Said “Governor Blagojevich Is Committed To Ensuring That Veterans Can Put Their Many Skills To Use Serving The Citizens Of Illinois…” “‘Governor Blagojevich is committed to ensuring that veterans can put their many skills to use serving the citizens of Illinois, and I applaud IDOT for making this extra effort to reach out to find qualified veterans to fill these very demanding and important jobs,’ said IDVA Acting Director Tammy Duckworth. ‘There are many great career opportunities for veterans in state government, and this is one that many veterans are extremely well-suited for.’” (Illinois Department Of Transportation, “State Seeks Veterans To Fill Illinois Department Of Transportation Highway, Emergency Traffic Patrol Posts In Cook County,”Press Release, 1/2/07)
Infractions Doubled at IDVA Under Duckworth’s Tenure
The Auditor General Reported Twice As Many Findings For The Audit Ending In June 2008 Than The Previous Audit. (Illinois Auditor General, “Compliance Examination: State Of Illinois Department Of Veterans’ Affairs,” For The Two Years Ended June 30, 2008, p.4)
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan Is Representing Duckworth. “Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office is representing Duckworth, and has filed to have the case dismissed.” (Monique Garcia and Duaa Eldeib, “Walsh, Duckworth Skirmish Over Lawsuit,” Chicago Tribune, 10/11/12)
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
While Exelon’s $2.6 BILLION nuke bailout “reeks” as the Quad City Times editorialized, perhaps even more outrageous is that ComEd/Exelon’s so-called “Next Generation Energy Plan” GUARANTEES more than $1 billion in profits on program spending of just $2.4 billion for the first 10 years.
Instead of passing-through expenses with no mark-up for programs like energy efficiency, which has been done for years, NGEP forces ratepayers to borrow from ComEd and then pay guaranteed profits with no risk. It’s like a massive statewide predatory lending scheme.
- Energy Efficiency: ComEd earns $804 million in guaranteed profits over ten years (NGEP presentation p12).
- Solar Rebate: ComEd earns $113 million in guaranteed profits over ten years (NGEP presentation p17). If a person or business invests their own money in solar panels, ComEd receives guaranteed profits on part of that investment.
- Microgrids: ComEd earns $106 million in guaranteed profits over ten years (applied rate of return from other programs to Microgrid spending).
In total, ComEd/Exelon’s bailout bill is a $7.74 BILLION RATE HIKE over ten years.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
JUST SAY NO TO THE COMED/EXELON BAILOUT.
BEST Coalition is a 501C4 nonprofit group of dozens of business, consumer and government groups, as well as large and small businesses. Visit www.noexelonbailout.com.
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* Press release…
Madigan: Credit Downgrade Caused by Rauner’s Desire to Cause Crisis
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Speaker Michael J. Madigan issued the following statement after Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Illinois’ credit rating Wednesday:
“Governor Rauner has created the crisis he so publicly sought. The crisis he wanted when, shortly after taking office, he said ‘Crisis creates opportunity. Crisis creates leverage … and we’ve got to use that leverage of the crisis…’
“It’s an outrage that we have gone nearly a year without a state budget. This downgrade is directly attributable to Governor Rauner’s reckless decision to hold the state hostage for more than a year and to create the crisis he desired. The governor’s own proposed budgets are billions of dollars out of balance, and, for almost a month, a bipartisan plan to provide emergency funding for human services providers and our most vulnerable has languished on Governor Rauner’s desk. He refuses to sign that bill because he continues seeking a state of crisis in Illinois.
“We are committed to continuing our negotiations with the governor on his agenda, but we won’t support an agenda that benefits the wealthy and corporations at the expense of middle-class families. The governor needs to work with legislators to pass a budget that ensures we continue to fund education, health care for the frail elderly and persons with disabilities, and other basic services that Illinois families rely on, rather than refusing to allow government to function in order to continue his manufactured crisis.”
Yes, it most certainly is an outrage that we still don’t have a budget. But, like Rauner, Madigan is no innocent bystander. Ain’t nobody’s hands clean here.
* And Madigan knows that Rauner wants some changes to that human services stopgap approp bill, but Madigan has so far not negotiated a trailer bill. Why? Because Rauner wants operating money and Madigan doesn’t want to approve any operations cash. Why? The only reason would be is that he wants to hasten a meltdown to bring Rauner crawling to the table.
This is why the governor says Madigan is trying to create a crisis and then wants to use that crisis to leverage a tax hike. But Madigan is simply doing what Rauner has been doing for over a year - using a budget crisis to leverage economic and other reforms. Heck, even the Illinois Chamber is no longer willing to wait for that Rauner game to play itself out.
* We have two powerful guys trying to leverage each other with crises. And that’s wreaking real havoc on real people.
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It’s Munger’s turn to take a hit over Trump
Thursday, Jun 9, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tina Sfondeles…
Illinois Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger — one of the state’s highest-ranking Republicans — isn’t attending the Republican National Convention in July, citing her duties in dealing with the state’s budget mess.
Munger confirmed on Thursday that the Cleveland convention isn’t on her schedule. And she wouldn’t comment on whether she supports Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.
* React from Munger’s Democratic opponent, Susana Mendoza…
“Donald Trump’s comments were racist, sexist and un-American. If Leslie Munger won’t stand up to Trump, then her silence is a betrayal of our American values. Fact is if Munger won’t speak truth to Donald Trump, she won’t speak truth to those in power in Springfield who continue the mess that is state government.” -Susana Mendoza
I’m assuming Munger said what she said to avoid stepping on her fiscal message, but, man, that Trump sucks all the oxygen out of just about anything that goes near him.
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Yep, just keep talking us up like that
Thursday, Jun 9, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The governor had this to say the other day about the now-shuttered Mitsubishi manufacturing plant…
“Our administration has worked hard to find a buyer, another manufacturing firm that would come and take over that plant because they could virtually get it for free and there’s already trained people to work in it,” Rauner said. “Nobody is interested because of our regulations.”
* But…
Mike O’Grady, Vice President with the McLean County Economic Development Center, said not so fast.
“We are cautiously optimistic,” O’Grady said. “Is it tomorrow? No. They are private, these are quiet conversations. These things don’t happen overnight.”
O’Grady told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin the EDC gets multiple calls every week from interested parties and in some cases, there have been follow up conversations.
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Question of the day
Thursday, Jun 9, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the twitters…
Bond debts are paid via continuing appropriations.
…Adding… From the comptroller’s spokesman…
Hi Rich,
The Comptroller’s statement that Paris tweeted was in the context of how irresponsible it is to be entering a second fiscal year without a budget. But to be clear, when she was asked point blank if she could see any scenario under which the state would default on a bond payment, she unequivocally said “no” – bond payments are a top priority and will always be made on time.
Thanks,
Rich Carter
* Treasurer Michael Frerichs…
Illinois’ General Obligation debt remains a sound investment because the state’s constitution ensures that bond holders will be repaid. However, repeated downgrades weigh heavily on how individuals and investors perceive Illinois’ economic and political climate. Negative perceptions never are beneficial nor productive.
* The Question: Would you buy an Illinois bond? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
survey tool
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Gonna be a while
Thursday, Jun 9, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Riopell…
State lawmakers and top elected officials have missed their last two paychecks as the Illinois budget war continues, and they might not get their April payment until July.
April was when Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger decided to put legislative paychecks into the same long line for payment that everyone else waiting for payment in the state is standing in. […]
On Monday, Carter said Munger’s office had 53,752 vouchers awaiting payment in their office. The state pays them as it gets more money in.
By Wednesday, that number had risen to 74,852, and Illinois was on track to pay bills about 48 working days late, he said.
And if no real budget passes, then that wait’s gonna be a lot longer.
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Not our biggest problem
Thursday, Jun 9, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Tribune on yesterday’s Rauner presser…
And as for the tone, the governor said all involved in the impasse “are adults” and “should be able to move it aside” and work toward a compromise.
“And anybody who says ‘Well, we can’t work together because you were mean to me yesterday,’ Oh, come on,” Rauner said. […]
Nodding to the November election that’s dominated most of the action in Springfield, Rauner said the sides can sling political barbs but still work toward a solution.
“We’re in election mode now,” Rauner said. “But we can chew gum and walk at the same time.”
As I’ve said before, too many Democrats act like delicate little flowers whenever Rauner runs his mouth.
* Would it help if he toned it down? Sure it would. He acts like public bullying will get people to the negotiating table. It’s like the Chicago Tribune editorial board is suddenly our governor. It drives me nuts whenever he goes on one of his patented rants. He most definitely does not appear gubernatorial when he rages like that. It’s unseemly.
And he can be thin-skinned himself. When Mayor Emanuel compared him to Donald Trump he compared Emanuel to Karen Lewis and said the mayor wasn’t being “helpful.” Yeah? Well calling the Senate President “corrupt” ain’t all that “helpful” either, dude. Live by the sword, and all that.
But, really, it’s not like the Democrats don’t do much of the same. Remember that big AFSCME rally when Senate President Cullerton said something along the lines of Rauner thinks you make too much money? Remember last year when Speaker Madigan compared Rauner to Blagojevich? How many House and Senate floor speeches have we heard excoriating the governor? And then there was Emanuel comparing him to Trump and saying it’s no wonder that his wife sued him. Lots of Dems cheered every time they heard those comments then cried in horror when Rauner made his own.
C’mon.
* So, it would be great if everyone would sheathe their swords for a while, but I don’t see that happening. Professionals work through problems even when under fire. They’re just gonna have to concentrate on doing that.
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No longer worth the wait?
Thursday, Jun 9, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From an op-ed written by Illinois Chamber President Todd Maisch last October entitled “Illinois needs Rauner to hang tough,” with emphasis added…
The real question is whether the status quo in Illinois is acceptable. To a large majority of our members—the people whom Illinoisans expect to create jobs and prosperity—the answer is an emphatic “No!”
The chamber recognizes that the current budget stalemate is causing real pain across our state. I’ve spoken with many businesses that are waiting on the state to pay them millions of dollars for goods and services already provided. Local governments are awaiting vital infrastructure funding; university students wonder if tuition grants are coming.
Four months is a long time to go without a budget. But it pales in comparison to a 12-year wait for state government to return to fiscal sanity, basic competency and a partnership with business that allows both to prosper. Those things are more than important. They are vital. They are also hard and worth the wait.
Hang in there, Governor.
* Well, it’s apparently no longer “worth the wait.” Maisch and others held a press conference today to warn about the consequences of not having a state budget…
Illinois is at risk of losing the 2016 road and infrastructure construction season due to the state’s budget impasse. That will result in an immediate loss of 25,000 middle class jobs and cost taxpayers an additional $3 million a day to keep motorists safe around closed construction sites, according to the Transportation for Illinois Coalition.
But, those costs simply scratch the surface. An absence of appropriations to maintain the 2016 construction season will carry consequences far into the future and impact programs well beyond the state’s transportation infrastructure.
Members of the Coalition, along with others concerned about the future of the state’s transportation infrastructure, are calling attention to the risk Illinois is facing, in the hopes of spurring both temporary and long-term solutions.
“Businesses want to choose Illinois in order to take advantage of our location, freight infrastructure, and transportation infrastructure. If Illinois continues to allow its infrastructure to decline it threatens every company shipping goods into or out of Illinois,” said Todd Maisch, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and co-chairman of the Transportation for Illinois Coalition.
Um, OK. I concur. Businesses do want to take advantage of our location and infrastructure. But you’d never know that if you followed this Turnaround Agenda fight.
They focused today on the very real need for a temporary budget in order to keep the dollars flowing to projects. I happen to agree with them… now.
Hang in there, Todd.
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* Reuters…
Moody’s Investors Service cut Illinois’ credit rating by one notch to Baa2 with a negative outlook on Wednesday, citing a political stalemate that has prevented the state from addressing its budget imbalance and big unfunded pension liability.
The downgrade to just two steps above the “junk” level affects about $26 billion of Illinois’ general obligation debt, as well as $2.75 billion of sales tax revenue bonds. […]
“The state’s structural budget gap equals at least 15 percent of general fund expenditures, if the state’s underfunding of pension contributions is included,” Moody’s said in a statement.
It added that without a budget plan to offset a revenue loss from 2015’s rollback of income tax rates, Illinois’ chronic backlog of unpaid bills could reach prior peak levels of about $10 billion in the coming months.
* From Moody’s…
Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded the State of Illinois’ general obligation (GO) rating to Baa2 from Baa1, affecting approximately $26 billion of debt. In connection with this action, we have also downgraded the rating on bonds connected to the state’s GO credit. Build Illinois sales tax revenue bonds, of which $2.75 billion are outstanding, were also downgraded one notch to Baa2. Subject-to-appropriation bonds, primarily convention center expansion bonds sold by the state’s Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority ($2.7 billion outstanding), were downgraded to Baa3 from Baa2. We have assigned a Baa2 to the state’s planned issuance of $550 million of General Obligation Bonds, Series of June 2016, which are scheduled for a competitive sale on June 16. The outlook associated with all of these ratings remains negative.
The rating downgrade reflects continuing budget imbalance due to political gridlock that for more than a year has kept Illinois from addressing revenue lost due to income tax cuts that took effect in January 2015. The state’s structural budget gap equals at least 15% of general fund expenditures, if the state’s underfunding of pension contributions is included. If this gap continues into a significant portion of the coming fiscal year, it will put pressure on operating fund liquidity and add to an already sizable bill backlog. We project that the backlog will surpass prior peak levels (about $10 billion) in coming months, in the absence of a consensus on a budget that offsets the loss of revenue from the 2015 tax cuts. The potential for economic underperformance or unplanned liquidity demands heightens the risk of further financial weakening. Illinois benefits from a large and diverse economic base, legal provisions that ensure continued payment on debt even with no enacted budget, and powers common to US states, such as freedom to increase revenues or constrain spending. However, the long-running partisan standoff is impeding Illinois’ ability to exercise these powers or to make progress addressing unfunded retiree benefit liabilities that far exceed those of other states.
Rating Outlook
A negative outlook is consistent with the potential for additional credit weakening after an extended impasse that has left the state increasingly vulnerable to adverse revenue trends, unplanned liquidity demands, and increasingly underfunded retiree benefit plans.
Factors that Could Lead to an Upgrade
Implementation of a realistic plan to provide long-term funding for pension obligations
Progress in reducing payment backlog and adoption of legal framework to prevent renewed build-up of unpaid bills
Enactment of recurring fiscal measures that support expectation of sustainable, structural balance
Factors that Could Lead to a Downgrade
Persistent and growing structural imbalance that leads to reduced liquidity and continuing growth in payment backlog
Failure to enact legislation providing for payment on subject-to-appropriation obligations
Continued increases in unfunded pension liabilities and indications of unwillingness to allocate sufficient resources to retiree benefits
*** UPDATE 1 *** Rauner administration…
“When the General Assembly adjourned without passing a balanced budget, the Administration warned the super majority in the legislature there would be consequences. This report underscores the need for real structural changes to repair the years of unbalanced budgets and deficit spending by the majority party on Illinois’ finances. Every rank-and-file Democrat who blindly followed the Speaker down this path is directly responsible for the downgrade.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** From the Illinois Republican Party…
“Mike Madigan caused this credit downgrade. He has been driving Illinois into a financial ditch for three decades and just led the charge to increase Illinois’ debt by another $7 billion. Governor Rauner has been pushing for reforms that would grow our economy, balance the budget, and save the pension system since Day One, but Mike Madigan has used every tool available to him to block financial reforms that will help this state. Mike Madigan owns this credit downgrade.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe
*** UPDATE 3 *** Press release…
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today released the following statement after Moody’s decision to lower Illinois’ credit rating for the second time since the budget impasse.
“This credit downgrade is disappointing because it is avoidable,” said Frerichs. “Illinois remains a good investment, but the focus on non-budgetary items is driving up the cost of government. Higher interest rates when we borrow money mean fewer dollars for teachers, child care workers, and others who serve our most vulnerable.”
“I continue to urge Governor Rauner and the Illinois General Assembly to put their differences aside and get a budget in place before more people are hurt.”
Bonds are a tool the state uses to borrow money. The Treasurer’s Office receives and invests the proceeds of the bond sale. The lower a state’s credit rating, the higher the interest rate on the loan. Interest payments will easily exceed current investment yields.
Illinois’ General Obligation debt remains a sound investment because the state’s constitution ensures that bond holders will be repaid. However, repeated downgrades weigh heavily on how individuals and investors perceive Illinois’ economic and political climate. Negative perceptions never are beneficial nor productive.
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Sandack gets blunt
Thursday, Jun 9, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Bernie Schoenburg asked Gov. Bruce Rauner yesterday about former Gov. Jim Edgar’s comments that the problem with the stalemate is that Rauner won’t agree to a budget without Turnaround Agenda reforms.
Rauner dodged and weaved and refused to answer the question. Bernie persisted and finally Rep. Ron Sandack stepped in over Bernie’s objections and answered the question himself…
“I respect Gov. Edgar a lot. I was part of the Edgar Fellows. But, to be fair, his tenure and stance is distinctly different than the f**d up position we find ourselves in right now.”
Ouch.
But he’s not wrong on that point. Things are a heckuva lot worse now than they were back then.
* The exchange begins at the 21:40 mark of this BlueRoomStream.com video…
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*** UPDATE 1 *** WGN’s live stream is here.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Press release…
Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger on Thursday warned that hardship caused by the state’s ongoing budget impasse will grow significantly if Illinois enters a new fiscal year on July 1 without further action in Springfield.
While court orders, consent decrees and statutory authorization of some payments will continue, Munger noted that $23 billion in existing spending for schools, 911 call centers, domestic violence shelters, federally-funded social and human services and higher education will stop next month without new legislation. In addition, businesses and organizations that have signed contracts and provided services to the state this year face the very real possibility of having to go to Court to be paid in the absence of a stopgap budget.
“Our social service network is being torn apart, our most vulnerable residents are losing critical services, our colleges and universities are on the verge of collapse, and businesses and organizations are being forced into mass layoffs that are leaving families with no way to meet their financial obligations,” Munger said. “All of this is happening because of the state’s failure to pass a budget. It’s unconscionable, it’s irresponsible and frankly, it violates our Constitution.”
Munger highlighted four budget bills that were passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor that will sunset in the new fiscal year. The legislation authorized spending that included:
$13.7 billion for K-12 education
$3.1 billion that funded local governments, 911 call centers, domestic violence shelters, lottery winners and other programs and services
$5.4 billion in federal spending including the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, child nutrition programs, HIV prevention and home-delivered meals for seniors
$600 million for colleges, universities and MAP grants
Compounding Illinois’ challenges, Munger noted businesses that have provided goods and services to the state in good faith in the current fiscal year will continue to go unpaid without legislation in Springfield. Typically, unpaid vendors would go before the Court of Claims to compel payment, but without an appropriation that Court is not an option. As a result, the state faces the possibility of a wave of costly lawsuits.
“The best thing Springfield can do is pass a balanced budget that addresses the holes in this year’s budget and allows for those who rely on government to plan for the year ahead, as is required by the State Constitution,” Munger said. “And at the very least, our state owes it to its taxpayers to pass funding that allows our schools to open, ensures vendors are paid for services already provided and keeps critical state government operations running.”
[ *** End Of Updates *** ]
* I’ll try to do a live feed if we get video or audio [ADDING: I have yet to find a live feed, but Munger is live-tweeting the presser, so click here]…
MUNGER TO DETAIL CONSEQUENCES OF CONTINUED IMPASSE
Comptroller to detail ramifications of further Springfield inaction
CHICAGO - Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger will hold a news conference Thursday to discuss the ramifications of entering another fiscal year on July 1, 2016, without a budget. Munger will discuss potential payment changes in the new fiscal year and challenges involved in paying for services completed in the current year before taking questions from media at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph St.
SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016:
WHO: Illinois State Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger
WHAT: News Conference on State Budget Impasse
WHEN: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 9
WHERE: Blue Room, 15th Floor
James R. Thompson Center
Predictions?
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* Press release…
North Side legislators, educators to Rauner: Come see our neighborhood schools for reality check
Legislators invite Rauner to tour local elementary school, say his “crumbling prisons” comment, anti-Chicago rhetoric lay bare his disconnection from communities
WHO: North Side legislators Rep. Will Guzzardi, Rep. Ann Williams, Rep. Jaime Andrade and Rep. Rob Martwick, Brentano Math and Science Academy Principal Seth Lavin, local parents and community members
WHERE: Brentano Math and Science Academy, 2723 N Fairfield Ave Chicago, IL 60647
WHEN: TODAY, Thursday, June 9, 2016, 9:30AM
WHAT: North Side legislators, educators and public school parents will hold a press conference on Thursday morning to invite Gov. Bruce Rauner to tour Brentano Math and Science Academy, a highly regarded elementary school in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. The group will underscore to the Governor the high quality of Chicago’s neighborhood schools and the detrimental impact of his divisive anti-Chicago rhetoric on the children and families he represents. The invitation comes days after Gov. Rauner made comments comparing Chicago public schools to “crumbling prisons.”
Members of the media will tour the facilities at Brentano, observing high-quality instruction and engaging programming in a school that serves predominantly low-income Latino families. Of note will be the contrast to the Governor’s description of schools that “have metal on the windows” and “police officers and security officers everywhere.”
* From the Illinois Republican Party…
Reality Check: North Side Democrats Fake Concern Over Lack of Education Funding
Choose school tour stunt over making sure our schools actually open on time
“For those that claim to care about giving every child a quality education, it is stunningly hypocritical that Democratic State Reps. Will Guzzardi, Ann Williams, Jaime Andrade and Rob Martwick would spend this morning playing politics, rather than working in Springfield to pass a clean education bill. This is nothing but a political stunt to distract from the fact that House Democrats have failed to even vote on legislation to ensure that schools open on time in the fall. Instead of spending their morning conducting a politicized school tour, these representatives should get down to Springfield immediately and work across the aisle to pass a balanced, paid-for education bill.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe
Last month, Democratic State Reps. Will Guzzardi, Ann Williams, Jaime Andrade and Rob Martwick chose to bury education funding in a budget that was $7 billion out of balance. In doing so, they decided it was okay to hold our children hostage in order to force a massive tax hike on the people of Illinois.
Since, Mike Madigan and the Democrats in Springfield have completely ignored Republican legislation that would ensure that schools open on time in the fall.
This morning, these representatives will send a clear signal that they would rather spend their time engaging in political stunts than doing their jobs.
Yeah, Gov. Rauner always scrupulously avoids political stunts.
Right.
* Here’s the issue for me. Yesterday, Gov. Rauner was asked point blank by a reporter to name a single Chicago school to support his assertion that some are “crumbling prisons.” After all, he said he’d been to “dozens” of CPS schools. He even said he cried when he saw those horrid conditions, so they obviously made a lasting impression on him. How about a name?
It was a totally fair question. But Rauner completely dodged it.
So, yeah, that tour today may be a stunt, but if Rauner is going to make claims like that, he needs to name some names so CPS is pressured to fix these problems. Those legislators have a right to do what they’re doing.
*** UPDATE *** Turns out, the water at Brentano Math and Science Academy just tested positive for lead…
Twelve Chicago Public Schools have found elevated levels of lead in their water since testing began district-wide last month — one in every five of schools tested so far.
And test results haven’t come back yet for hundreds more schools. […]
The remaining 11 schools include: Beidler Elementary; Brentano Math and Science Academy; Budlong Elementary; Harvard Elementary; Esmond Elementary; Fernwood Elementary; Lasalle II Language Academy; Josephine Locke Elementary; Peirce School Of International Studies; Perez Elementary and Tanner Elementary.
So far, 58 schools have received results of the lead testing, which has included 15,853 samples of water sources as of June 7. Of the 3,044 samples with results so far, 70 have shown actionable levels of lead, roughly 2 percent.
Oops.
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Locusts!!!
Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Gov. Rauner was asked today about these quotes from just before the impasse started…
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner kicked off a campaign-style statewide tour Monday by indicating he’ll try to “leverage” the state’s money woes into securing a series of pro-business changes from a General Assembly controlled by Democrats likely to fiercely oppose them. […]
“Crisis creates opportunity. Crisis creates leverage to change … and we’ve got to use that leverage of the crisis to force structural change,” said Rauner […]
Pressed to explain, Rauner simply said: “Crisis. Crisis creates leverage.”
* The governor’s response…
“I didn’t create this crisis. I did not create this crisis. This was created by Speaker Madigan’s supermajority. They created it in the past under taxing and spending bills. They’re creating it now. I’m trying to find a solution to the crisis.”
Kind of ignores those approp vetoes from last year and everything that has gone on since.
* I can’t help but be reminded me of this classic Blues Brothers quote…
No, I didn’t. Honest… I ran out of gas. I… I had a flat tire. I didn’t have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn’t come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake. A terrible flood. Locusts! IT WASN’T MY FAULT, I SWEAR TO GOD!
Not to say that this is all Rauner’s fault. It ain’t. But it’s just ridiculous that he won’t own even a tiny bit of it in the face of that very direct, very clear April, 2015 quote.
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* It just boggles my mind that the state wasn’t funding this sort of thing…
Faced with uncertainty about the future of its ability to stay open and serve women in Illinois, the Pediatric AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative (PACPI) has recently received payment for outstanding invoices for work performed under a contract with the state. This federal funding has been released through the Illinois Department of Public Health. In response, PACPI has withdrawn from the May 4 lawsuit by Pay Now Illinois against the State. This funding, for the period of July 2015 - June 2016, will support PACPI’s critical services for vulnerable women across Illinois who are living with HIV and who are pregnant or recently delivered.
PACPI was slated to receive state funding, but IDPH identified federal funds to fill the gap in the absence of a state budget. Without this infusion of funding, PACPI could have been forced to close its doors in October 2016.
“PACPI is incredibly grateful to the state for its advocacy and support in prioritizing this life-saving program. However, we remain committed in the fight with our partner agencies to repair the crumbling social service infrastructure and push for a responsible state budget that focuses on revenue,” says Anne Statton, Executive Director of PACPI. “We call upon the state’s leaders to put aside politics and agendas and resolve this fiscal impasse with a responsible budget that includes the necessary revenue to support critical services all Illinoisans need.”
Although PACPI will now be able to continue providing direct case management services to pregnant women living with HIV and their newborns, these women and their families may still need assistance with housing, child care, vocational training, counseling services — services provided by partner agencies that have not been paid by the state and whose viability is seriously threatened. Families simply cannot escape the cycle of poverty if they cannot access these critical social services.
“While the state’s action to release this federal funding is a positive step, it is a short-term solution,” said Statton. “Illinois leaders must continue to do their jobs.”
Because of the safety net and supportive services PACPI provides, there were zero reported transmissions of HIV among babies born in 2015 in all of Illinois.
Pregnant women with HIV. Think about that.
Ugh.
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* If you watched the coverage of Senate President Cullerton’s press conference, you know that Cullerton claimed Gov. Rauner’s highly negative press conference “distracted” working group members who were negotiating the budget while Rauner was talking to reporters…
…Adding… From Rep. Greg Harris’ Facebook page…
Sigh. Sitting in budget negotiations with my House and Senate colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, trying to find good bipartisan solutions while the Governor holds a press conference down the hall trashing us.
* The Question: Are you at all confident that legislators and the governor can work out any sort of budget deal, temporary or permanent, partial or full, this year? Explain.
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Today’s quotable
Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Heh…
To state Rep. Reginald “Reggie” Phillips (R-District 110), House Bill 580 “was a disastrous bill.”
The bill was a second attempt to steer contract negotiations between the state and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) to binding arbitration – a move Republicans said sought to strip Gov. Bruce Rauner of his authority to negotiate on behalf of voters who elected him. […]
“I’ve sat on the Labor and Commerce Board and said, ‘Hey, what is in your bill. How much are you actually asking for?’” Phillips said. “When you say the governor is not reasonable, what are you asking for? Give us an outline.’”
Instead, a union official who came to the floor instructed Phillips to read about the bill on Capitol Fax, which didn’t sit well with Phillips.
“I said, ‘I don’t want to read it on Capitol Fax. Sir, don’t you know what you are asking for? Can’t you send a letter to all of us Republicans so we can see (why) the governor is unreasonable?’ He said, ‘I’ll get it to you representative.’ Never sent me a thing,” Phillips said. “So what does that tell you? He knew what they were asking for was unreasonable.”
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Another hostage on the ropes
Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* WICS…
Helping Hands says the lack of a state budget could force them to shut down their shelter and release about 50 homeless people onto the streets of Springfield.
State money made up a quarter of the organization’s budget last year, and the organization says they are struggling to make ends meet without it. […]
Helping Hands says there is a bill on the governor’s desk that would provide some funding to many social service agencies including theirs. They say if that passes it would be a huge help, but still wouldn’t cover all of the state’s debt.
Gov. Rauner told reporters today that he doesn’t like that stopgap bill because it failed to include money for critical state operations.
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Yeah, but it probably goes both ways
Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Mayor Rahm Emanuel thinks Gov. Bruce Rauner is obsessed with House Speaker Michael Madigan, and he suggested that his Republican sparring partner in Springfield read America’s greatest tale on the dangers of obsession to focus himself instead on dealing with Illinois’ many serious problems.
Appearing on “Chicago Tonight” on WTTW-Ch. 11 on Tuesday evening, Emanuel said Rauner should tackle “Moby Dick” at the beach this year. The mayor cast the veteran politician Madigan as the mythic white whale, with Rauner as Ahab and the residents of Illinois playing the crew of the Pequod being dragged into life-threatening danger as their captain pursues the beast with no thought of their safety.
“My recommendation to the governor for his summer reading list is Herman Melville’s ‘Moby Dick,’ because Capt. Ahab in his obsession to get Moby Dick takes the Pequod over, and it doesn’t really end well,” Emanuel told reporter Paris Schutz. “And there’s an analogy there for him, and I would suggest that he step back from the personal insults.”
Asked why he thinks Rauner is obsessed with Madigan, Emanuel demurred. “I think you should ask the governor that question, because it’s his obsession,” Emanuel said. “But I can observe what it’s doing to the state.”
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Madigan responds to Rauner press conference
Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From Speaker Madigan’s office…
Rauner Chooses Office Supplies over Life-Saving Services in Temporary Budget
House Democrats committed to compromise, but question Rauner’s refusal to fund vital needs
While Governor Rauner continues his campaign-style tour, laden with personal attacks against those with whom he says he wants to work cooperatively, we remain committed to finding a solution to the state budget crisis, including a temporary budget to ensure schools open on time.
There are very real concerns within our caucus about the governor’s proposal that need to be answered. By not funding many critical programs and services, the governor is putting office supplies ahead of cancer prevention. He refuses to fund grants for college students in financial need, which would kick many students out of school. In his plan, the governor refuses to fund life-saving breast cancer screenings for women and programs for domestic violence and sexual assault victims. The governor’s plan fails to fund programs that provide care to frail elderly residents.
The governor wants to fund many operations of state government, including the state’s vehicle fleet and office supplies instead of providing life-saving services for Illinoisans. We, and the people of Illinois that we serve, have very serious concerns with the governor refusing to fund these programs in his proposal. We are committed to negotiating with the governor to fund these programs within the temporary budget, but many questions remain.
Discuss.
…Adding… Senate President Cullerton is having a press conference today at 2. I’ll probably have a live coverage post, but click here for a live video stream.
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* The CPS spokesperson saw my earlier post on Gov. Rauner and Chicago school funding and sent this…
Rich:
Attached is a chart showing how every district in Illinois fares under the various proposals. You’ll see that CPS is not at the top of the list - in fact, we’re #52. And the only reason we rank so high is because we receive so much less than our fair share of funding under the existing system.
Governor Rauner’s bridge to nowhere leaves these districts high and dry, while both the House and Senate passed bills giving the students in greatest need an additional $700 million in funding.
And to your point about CPS needing to be part of the solution, CPS has significant skin in the game – in just the past few months alone. In January, CPS laid off or closed more than 400 administrative positions. CPS made unprecedented mid-year cuts to schools that will save the district $85 million this year and $125 million next year. All employees have been furloughed this school year, saving the district another $30 million. And those are just off the top of my head.
Emily
As mentioned above, the attachment (click here) shows that CPS ranks 52nd out of 922 school districts with the House Democrats’ funding bill. That’s still in the upper quadrant, but other schools clearly fare better.
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* As we noted yesterday, Democratic U.S. House candidate CJ Baricevic called on GOP Congressman Mike Bost to denounce Donald Trump. He got his answer…
“Maybe I should ask my opponent if he wants to support a socialist or a person who wants to close every coal mine in Illinois,” Bost said, referring to Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton.
“If my opponent wants to play guilt by association, then he should take responsibility for Hillary Clinton’s promise to put Southern Illinois coal miners out of work,” Bost added.
* Baricevic shot back via press release today…
“Racism is not a policy issue. This is unbelievable that a sitting Congressman equates racism with differences in energy policy. While I disagree with Hillary Clinton’s position on coal and strongly support Illinois’ coal mining industry- these differences are to be discussed. There can be no discussion with regards to racism. The people of this district deserve better from their Congressman; Bost is truly lost.”
* You’d think Baricevic would lay off the Trump card because it’s a Downstate district with lots of rural turf. However, his campaign has some recent polling…
Voters prefer Clinton over Trump by 47%-43% and prefer a Democrat over a Republican in Congress 47%-41%. 52% of voters have negative feelings towards GOP leaders in Congress; while Republican Governor Bruce Rauner has a 70% negative job rating. […]
For almost seventy years, the district has voted Democrat at the presidential and congressional level. In presidential years, the district has had a strong Democratic registration advantage. In 2012–when Democratic Congressman Bill Enyart beat Republican Jason Plummer by 52%- 43%–100,000 more voters were cast than in 2014. In 2014, with Republicans sweeping nationwide, including the Illinois governor candidate winning the district by 20 points, Bost won election to Congress beating Democratic Congressman Bill Enyart.
With a hotly contested U.S. Senate race, and with major races to protect Democratic majorities in the Illinois House and Senate, the 12th CD will be a battleground district in 2016. […]
[Congressman Bost has] voted for bad trade legislation, including fast-track authority for the Trans Pacific Partnership; voted to give tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas; voted against increasing college tuition assistance for middle- class families; opposes the Affordable Care Act; supports turning Medicare into a voucher system; has repeatedly voted against collective bargaining, and has opposed raising the minimum wage and equal pay legislation.
The polling and Baricevic’s fairly impressive first quarter fundraising have reportedly impressed the DCCC, which tried and failed to find a candidate to run against Baricevic during the primary.
* I’ve seen the entire Garin Hart Yang poll and it appears legit. They threw some very, very tough shots at their own candidate (including the issues that scared off the DCCC - mainly his criminal defense law practice) and still switched the results from the initial 50-37 Bost lead in the initial trial heat (without leaners of 2 points each) to Baricevic leading 48-40 after all the push questions. The poll was taken May 20-22 of 400 likely voters.
Don’t get me wrong here. I’m not saying that Baricevic is gonna win this. He has a long way to go and will need to raise a giant pile of money to get on St. Louis TV. Bost is also one heck of a campaigner, he’s been a responsive congressman and is always underestimated.
But the national and state trends may not be Bost’s good friends like they were two years ago. So, it’s worth keeping an eye on.
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BlackRock rages against Illinois
Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* So far, anyway, they’re just spitting into the wind…
“We as municipal market participants should really be penalizing in some way, by almost not giving them any access to the market,” Peter Hayes, who oversees $119 billion as head of munis at BlackRock, said in New York on Wednesday. “Think about it — they’re a state without a budget, they refuse to pass a budget, they have the lowest funded ratio on their pension of any state, and yet they’re going to come to market and borrow money.” […]
“You wonder if maybe a market that continues to trade at lower yields has not made things as urgent,” said Sean Carney, BlackRock’s head of municipal strategy. “If you don’t have a budget, how do you come to the market and issue bonds?”
OK, good points, but the much hoped-for “bond vigilantes” never materialized, even after Detroit’s bankruptcy, the Bloomberg News article rightly notes.
* Also, this…
With tax-exempt interest rates near five-decade lows, that yield on Illinois bonds due in a decade is just 3.42 percent. When Illinois issued 10-year general obligations in May 2012, with credit ratings two steps higher than its current rank, the debt priced to yield 3.62 percent.
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* Jim Edgar via the Sun-Times…
Former Gov. Jim Edgar — one of the state’s most popular Republican governors — said Tuesday that Illinois is in its worst shape in 50 years, and warned that Gov. Bruce Rauner must tone down his “rhetoric” and abandon his “Turnaround Agenda” to get a complete budget done. […]
Edgar said budgets were accomplished in the ‘90s, despite many hardships, “because we compromised.” He called negotiations with Madigan during his tenure as governor during a budget impasse tense, but civil in the end because “we both tried to watch our rhetoric.” […]
“You can’t get things done if you’re not willing to meet your adversary halfway, and again we’ve gotten away from that,” Edgar said, noting the state must try something different.
“It’s obvious what we’ve done the last year hasn’t worked,” Edgar said.
* Tribune…
“It’s critical that in public arenas that we treat our adversaries with civility because one of the things I also learned (in politics is that) today’s adversary is tomorrow’s ally because issues change. But if you just call somebody stupid or a crook, it’s going to be a little harder the next day for you to meet them as allies,” he said. […]
While Edgar opposes a short-term budget deal for the state, he said he saw one good sign in that Rauner had dropped his requirement that lawmakers approve the governor’s turnaround agenda as part of a stopgap spending deal.
“The good thing the governor said was he was going to set aside his turnaround agenda. Now I think the next good thing he ought to do is just set aside the turnaround agenda until they get a real budget bill,” Edgar said.
Rauner “kind of took the first step. I hope he’ll take another step, and I hope the Democrats will meet him halfway and maybe even figure out some things they can give to him,” Edgar said.
* WSIL…
Edgar, who served as Illinois’ governor during the 1990’s, predicted programs will have to be cut and taxes will have to be raised, painful votes for both parties, he noted. He said he wishes he could say he sees a “light at the end of the tunnel.” But doesn’t.
“I’m afraid we’re going to end-up with a makeshift — what they call a temporary budget. And we still aren’t going to solve a lot of the problems out there,” Edgar said. “And it’s just going to dig the hole deeper.”
* WLS AM...
“The essence of democracy is compromise. Particularly in a state like Illinois, with the diversity this state represents. You have to be willing not only to listen to the other point of view but you’re gonna have to find common ground.”
* And the Raunerites at the Illinois Policy Institute chimed in…
Oh, please.
The ramp was a bipartisan, politically do-able plan. It wasn’t the optimal solution. But it was made far worse by efforts to get around the ramp by skipping and skimping on payments and by borrowing to make the payments.
Instead of addressing what Edgar actually said, they issued their usual ankle-biting attack. Why? Because Edgar, even to this day, is far more popular than Rauner. So they attempt to undermine him.
* But Edgar is absolutely right that the actions of the past year haven’t worked. Anybody with half a brain can see that.
And, by the way, everybody in power shares blame in this, from the governor down to the most recently appointed state legislators. Everybody.
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Good for the goose…
Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Emanuel, who is famously protective of his family’s privacy, also took exception during the interview to [WTTW’s Paris Schutz] mentioning that the mayor was headed to Soldier Field on Tuesday night to see a soccer game between the U.S. and Costa Rica with his daughter “and from what I understand your daughter’s boyfriend.”
“My daughter’s friend,” Emanuel responded. “OK, Paris. That is now the last interview we will do. That’s the last interview we’ll do.”
OK, that’s fine. Family ought to be off limits. Yet he still hasn’t actually apologized for dragging the governor’s spouse into the political debate. She’s obviously not a complete bystander here, but that was still inappropriate.
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[UPDATE: CPS has responded to this post. Click here to read it.]
* From yesterday’s coverage of Gov. Rauner’s Bloomington press conference…
Asked about the suburban and Downstate superintendents who yesterday criticized the governor for wanting to put “more money into this worst-in-the-nation K-12 funding system in the same way,” Rauner said, “The vast bulk of the money that they’re advocating for goes to Chicago, not to school districts around the state.”
When asked, specifically, why superintendents in Peoria and other districts are pushing a different funding plan, Rauner said, “Because they get a little bit more. Chicago gets a lot more, unfairly more. Peoria gets a little bit more.”
* From CPS’ spokesperson…
All:
For those of you who have asked for our insight into the Republican education measure that Governor Rauner’s administration pushed today, here you go:
Below, please find a statement from CPS CEO Forrest Claypool addressing the Republicans’ bill.
Attached, please find a chart showing how the school districts that Governor Rauner has visited since May 31 would fare under HB6583.
Statement (Claypool)
“The ongoing display of disdain by this governor toward the poorest students in Illinois is baffling. The Senate and House have both put forward funding proposals that would help students living in poverty across Illinois and increase funding for all districts in the state. Unfortunately, Gov. Rauner seems content to allow Illinois to remain last in the country for education funding by doubling down on a broken funding formula that punishes the poorest students. His budget would even force Chicago schools to make draconian and deeply harmful cuts of 26 percent on average in the fall. Districts throughout the state – including districts on the governor’s recent whistlestop tour – would get significantly less under his plan than under the House proposal, so it’s no wonder that it’s facing so much opposition.”
* Here’s the attached chart. Click the pic for a much larger image…
As you can see, CPS would get $821 more per student with the House Democratic plan. That’s more than any other district on this chart, and it’s much more than most.
* Meanwhile, let’s get back to our discussion of Gale Elementary in Rogers Park. Remember the photo I posted yesterday of the peeling hallway ceiling? CPS sent this e-mail in response…
Rich: like I mentioned last night, CPS is well aware that we have significant maintenance issues in our schools: we have 660 schools and more than $3 billion in deferred maintenance, including at Gale (where we have spent $1.6 million in the past five years).
But the photo that’s up is another case of an issue that is not current. That issue was remedied. Here is the current photo.
Best,
Emily
* The pic…
*** UPDATE *** From Kyle Hillman…
When I spoke to the principal yesterday to confirm she told me it hasn’t been remediated (sealed). I should have asked has it been touched. Regardless, it isn’t fixed - neither are the hundreds of other places throughout the school. But we are getting quite a lot of attention to fix those now.
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Here we go again…
Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The governor’s public schedule was sent out last night as usual. There were no listed opportunities for reporters to ask questions. But this just arrived…
***Updated***
Daily Public Schedule: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
What: Governor Holds Media Availability on Canceled Session
Where: State Capitol - Governor’s Office
Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Time: 12:00 p.m.
I’ll probably do a live coverage post.
In the meantime, your guesses for what he’ll say? I’m kinda doubting right now that it’s about calling a special session. His people didn’t seem all that open to the idea yesterday. We’ll see.
…Adding… Press releases like these have been landing in my in-box all morning…
Dave Severin Calls on John Bradley to Return to Springfield and Do His Job – Pass a Balanced Budget
Yesterday, Mike Madigan announced that the House will not meet today as scheduled. Dave Severin, candidate for State Representative in the 117th House District, issued the following statement:
“Every day that Illinois goes without a balanced budget and pro-growth reforms, the future looks less and less bright for the families of southern Illinois. It is infuriating that less than a week after Democrats failed to pass a balanced budget, Mike Madigan would cancel tomorrow’s planned session. I ask John Bradley, on behalf of suffering southern Illinoisans, to pick up the phone, call his boss, Mike Madigan, and demand that legislators come back to Springfield and finally end this crisis.”
And…
Jason Kasiar Calls on Brandon Phelps to Return to Springfield and Do His Job – Pass a Balanced Budget
Yesterday, Mike Madigan announced that the House will not meet today as scheduled. Jason Kasiar, candidate for State Representative in the 118th House District, issued the following statement:
“Mike Madigan canceling session tomorrow gives a new meaning to the title “part-time legislators.” Politicians in Springfield have one constitutionally-mandated job – pass a balanced budget. They’ve failed to pass a balanced budget for over a decade, but over the past two years, they failed to pass any budget whatsoever. That’s disgraceful. Brandon Phelps should give his boss, Mike Madigan, a call and demand that legislators return to Springfield. Illinois can wait no longer – we need a balanced budget.”
And…
Mike Babcock Calls on Dan Beiser to Return to Springfield and Do His Job – Pass a Balanced Budget
Yesterday, Mike Madigan announced that the House will not meet today as scheduled. Mike Babcock, candidate for State Representative in the 111th House District, issued the following statement:
“It’s a shame that Mike Madigan decided to cancel session tomorrow. Illinois hasn’t had a balanced budget for years, our unpaid bill backlog is exploding, as is our unfunded pension liability, and Mike Madigan thought it was ok for legislators to stay in their districts? We expect the politicians in Springfield to act as we do – live within their means. I’m calling upon Dan Beiser to stand up to his boss, Mike Madigan, and demand that legislators return to Springfield and finally pass a balanced budget. It’s now or never for Illinois.”
Keep in mind those releases were written as if they were being sent yesterday, but I didn’t get them until this morning.
…Adding… One more…
Lindsay Parkhurst Calls on Kate Cloonen to Return to Springfield and Do Her Job – Pass a Balanced Budget
Yesterday, Mike Madigan announced that the House will not meet today as scheduled. Lindsay Parkhurst, candidate for State Representative in the 79th House District, issued the following statement:
“Just when you think politicians in Springfield could not work any less, they somehow manage to do so. Illinois hasn’t had a balanced budget for years, social service organizations are being shuttered, and schools are at risk of not opening on time. It’s despicable that legislators aren’t working around the clock to pass a balanced budget.
“Mike Madigan canceling session is shameful and symbolic of the stranglehold he has on state government. I ask Kate Cloonen to take a break from Candy Crush and give her boss, Mike Madigan, a call. It is imperative that all legislators return to Springfield and end this crisis once and for all. We need to put Illinois first and stop playing politics with our future.”
Ouch.
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Union leader says “We are better than that”
Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Illinois Valley Building Trades Council’s Facebook page…
On Monday, many union members gathered at City Hall in Ottawa to convey their extreme discontentment with Governor Rauner’s Turn-Around Agenda. To remain silent or to let his visit pass without response would be a false communication of acceptance of his agenda.
Union members, like most Illinoisans, want a budget. What we cannot accept is a budget compromise that takes away workers’ right to bargain collectively, be paid a decent wage, or work in a safe environment. These rights were gained from real struggles throughout history, often at great sacrifice. These sacrifices have created many of the rights and working conditions that all workers, regardless of union membership, enjoy. We cannot remain silent as these working conditions and rights are eroded through political agendas.
On Monday, it was our intention to communicate to Governor Rauner that we cannot and will not accept compromise or a political agenda that will in essence result in a steady regression back to the working conditions of the sweatshops and coal mines.
That being said, the profanity-laced personal insults that were directed at the Governor and State Senator Sue Rezin as they left the courthouse were unfortunate and unnecessary. We are better than that. I understand the frustration with this Governor’s political and economic philosophies, but there is a better, more effective means of communicating that frustration. We, as Americans, have enjoyed and celebrated our Constitutional right to free speech throughout history. It is exactly this right that has enabled all citizens the opportunity to be heard, resulting in social and political change. However, this right to free speech does not suggest that personal insults are an effective means of communicating that dissatisfaction.
It is my hope that all Illinoisans can agree to address political agendas or actions while remaining focused on the issues at hand, instead of allowing frustrations to prevail, resulting in personal attacks, which will surely result in only further unruliness and the prevention of an equitable solution.
Steven Conrad
President, Illinois Valley Building Trades Council
Agreed. Some of the commenters here yesterday who registered support of that disgusting behavior were just flat-out wrong. It was uncalled for and there’s no excusing it away. Conrad was right to speak out.
* I asked Mike Phillips if anybody knew who that guy was in the lime green shirt who appeared to be the most loudly obscene and even physical at the protest…
No. I am a member of the local labor council (AFL-CIO). We do not know if he is a member of one of our locals. However, because we (labor council & building trades council) organized the rally it was important to make a statement regarding the unfortunate and unnecessary actions of some of those present.
The press coverage by the local paper did include important statements from some of those present. It is our hope that those statements will get some traction. The Republicans would prefer the focus be on the few who were rude.
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Pro-life critique rebutted
Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From National Right to Life News…
Abortion is a serious issue. For those of us in the pro-life camp, the thought of promoting abortion—in any form—would be a violation of conscience.
Unfortunately, the Illinois legislature has passed a bill—SB 1564—that would force all medical facilities and physicians in the state who conscientiously object to involvement in abortions to adopt policies that provide women who ask for abortions with a list of providers “they reasonably believe may offer” them. In other words, the government is trying to compel the speech of pro-life providers—in the form of abortion referrals.
What the Illinois government fails to realize (or care about since we’ve brought it to their attention before) is that referring someone for an abortion goes against everything that pro-life doctors and pregnancy care centers believe about the sanctity of human life.
* I’ve seen this argument against the bill in other places. So, I decided to reach out to the Senate sponsor, Daniel Biss. I asked him if I was a solidly pro-life doctor would I then be legally obligated to give out information on where to find an abortion provider. His e-mailed response…
The choices you’d have are:
1. Make a referral;
2. Transfer the patient; or
3. Give info about places that you’d “reasonably believe may offer” the practice.
This language was negotiated with the Catholic Conference. The idea is that you don’t have to do research about who’s willing to provide an abortion and you’re not committing to the patient that a given provider would. You just have to give a list of providers — and note the “may” in that line. (So for instance you could hand out a sheet from the Yellow Pages — but one thing you couldn’t do is deliberately research a list of places that WOULDN’T perform an abortion and hand that out.)
Additionally, you could work with your employer to make sure that someone else gives the list.
The policy question on the opposite side here is about what rights the patient has — the bill protects the patient’s right to complete information about medical ramifications of legally available services, together with a smidge of information about where one might go to get them.
Discuss.
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8 crucial points to remember about the impasse
Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Voices for Illinois Children…
The legislative session is over, and Illinois is about to enter its second year without a budget. Where does all of this leave the state?
Voices for Illinois Children’s Fiscal Policy Center offers eight takeaways to put matters in perspective and lead the way to a solution that gets Illinois back to making the public investments needed for the state to flourish.
1) Illinois is Dismantling the Foundations of a Prosperous, Compassionate State. As the Fiscal Policy Center has chronicled, the lack of a fully-funded state budget is causing our higher education system to fall apart, service providers to shut down, and our safety net to collapse.
2) Public Safety is Jeopardized. At a time when Illinois needs a coordinated, public health-centered approach to violence that plagues many communities, we are going in the opposite direction, cutting mental health and substance abuse treatment, after-school opportunities for youth, and programs like Redeploy that rehabilitate youth in their communities.
3) Lack of Resources Drives This Crisis. The real problem is Illinois doesn’t have the money it takes to meet public needs. After last year’s 25-percent tax cut, Illinois needs more than $7 billion in new revenue a year to return to the level of services of the 2015 fiscal year — the last year with a full budget.
4) Delay In Raising Revenue Means More Debt. Illinois is racking up debt even with deep cuts in spending, because the state must still pay for a variety of things mandated under state and federal law. Every day lawmakers and Governor Rauner fail to agree on raising critically needed revenue, Illinois’ finances worsen.
5) Debt = Less Investment in Future. Increasing the state’s backlog of unpaid bills not only means unfair payment delays to people providing goods and services. It also restricts what Illinois can do in the future. Debt must be repaid using future revenue, taking resources away from schools, transportation, public safety, and other building blocks of broad prosperity.
6) Without More Revenue, Increases to Public School Funding Crowds Out Other Investments. Without new revenue, the large proposed increases to public school funding mean that Illinois will further increase its debt and be forced to cut a range of services for children and families that support children’s healthy growth and development. We cannot continue to pit education against human services — children and families need both to succeed.
7) Short-Term “Emergency” Budget is Not a Solution. At best, a six-month emergency budget to get elected officials past the November elections only slows the deterioration of our higher education system and our social safety net. Much of any emergency six-month budget would likely just fill existing holes and would not sustain critical services into next fiscal year.
8) Governor Rauner Has Bill on His Desk that is Part of His Desired Six-Month Budget. The legislature passed by large bipartisan majorities Senate Bill 2038 to provide urgently needed funds to service providers owed $700 million by the state. The money sits in state accounts, unable to be spent until Governor Rauner signs the legislation he received nearly three weeks ago. More than 220 organizations, including Voices, have urged him to sign this bill.
To avoid further damage to our state, lawmakers and Governor Rauner must come together to enact a fully funded budget that raises billions of dollars in new revenue to support critical services and public investment in Illinois’ future. Anything else falls far short of strengthening our state.
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