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* Convicted liar Rod Blagojevich went on WLS Radio this morning to criticize the General Assembly for passing a tax hike. Then he said this…
Blagojevich refused to take responsibility that the tax hike was in part due to decisions made during his administration. He said although he did invest funds in health care and education, he didn’t do it on the back of taxpayers, and says he stood up to House Speaker Michael Madigan and other legislative leaders who wanted the tax increase.
How completely clueless can one man be?
Seriously, the mind boggles.
He did nothing to prepare the state for the steep “ramp” in future pension payments. Instead, he did a pension bond program and then “drew down” many of the longterm savings right away. That was just one example of his countless one-off revenue “fixes,” which, when added to his numerous unfunded program expansions, fatally wounded Illinois’ budget as the economy began to dive into the ditch.
He proposed the single largest tax increase in the history of the state - actually, in the history of any state. He claimed this wasn’t a tax hike on “people,” but the Gross Receipts Tax would’ve hit business incredibly hard. If you think corporations are upset with this current tax hike, imagine what they would’ve done if the GA had passed Blagojevich’s. We’d be empty by now.
And he “stood up” to Madigan by engaging in a needless, endless war which stopped all progress on literally everything while the national economy nosedived.
Yeah. He was “Mr. Responsible” alright.
What a freaking crock.
* Mayor Daley has also refused to make any really tough choices about his own budget, which is why he’s leaving city finances in such incredibly sorry shape as he slinks into the history books…
Mayor Richard Daley today predicted the increase in the corporate income tax rate passed by state lawmakers overnight will prompt a quiet exodus of jobs to neighboring states.
“Businesses don’t have press conferences like this and announce they’re moving 50 people out, 60 people out, 70 people,” Daley said.
Daley doesn’t like tax hikes, and I agree with him. There will definitely be some upset corporations in this state and undoubtedly millions of unhappy residents.
But what Daley prefers instead is one-time revenue pops like selling off assets, including parking meters, and then spending all the money right away. He, like Rod Blagojevich, is leaving his successor with a truly gigantic budgetary mess, which will require deep cuts and almost assuredly some new taxes that Daley refused to raise.
*** UPDATE *** From a Carol Moseley Braun press release…
Illinois lawmakers are set to raise the income tax rates from 3% to 5%; the first income tax hike in two decades is set to take effect immediately. In a desperate early morning attempt to fix the state’s budget crisis during a lame-duck session, lawmakers agreed to a 66% income tax increase. The increase means an Illinois resident who now owes $1,000 in state income taxes will pay $1,666 at the new rate. Chicagoans stand to pay for the increase, but are not guaranteed to see that money come back to the city as a “local share” provision was not implemented in the bill. Under the current tax structure, municipalities receive a share of income tax revenue. Today, mayoral candidate Carol Moseley Braun came out against the income tax increase because it will have an especially adverse effect on Chicago’s working class families without allocating additional money to Chicago.
The current tax structure guarantees that 10% of income tax revenue will go to municipalities to help defray operating costs. 10% of the 2% increase is not guaranteed to return to municipalities. All of the revenue from the tax increase will go to the state’s general fund because the proposal fails to include a “local share” provision for cities. The provision would have provided Chicago with an additional $280 million from 2011 to 2015, $140 million from 2016-2025, and $70 million from 2025-onward.
“While I understand the state has a structural deficit, Chicagoans are being forced to pay this extra income tax, and we have never gotten our fair share of state revenues. This bill is extremely flawed. It takes from Chicago without giving back. It offers no property tax relief, no additional revenue for public safety or Chicago schools. Chicagoans deserve to have their income taxes support their city, their public schools, their police officers and firefighters.” said Moseley Braun, “As Mayor Washington’s floor leader, I ensured that money from Chicago got back to Chicago. As mayor, I will make sure that we no longer send our money to Springfield and get nothing in return.”
It’s understandable that local governments are not happy with being cut out of the pie. But a bigger tax hike to get them a “fair share” would’ve been very, very tough, if not impossible. And if the tax hike didn’t pass, they would’ve been in danger of losing some, most or maybe even all of their current revenue share cash. The Tribune editorial board has repeatedly demanded that current revenue sharing be cut in half.
The locals will now be paid in a more timely matter. That chronic lateness was causing a lot of hardships. They should feel fortunate to get what they’re getting, frankly.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 2:33 pm
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He is in fact not clueless, Rich, but rather (as you said) a convicted liar who enjoys telling lies at every opportunity.
Quinn has had the courage to face fiscal realities that Blago not only would not face, but helped create. Anyone who says all politicians are the same is not looking closely.
Comment by Steve Downstate Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 2:36 pm
Can we do anything to speed up his trial…or Throw him in Jail NOW so we don’t have to deal with him anymore? PLEASE!!
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 2:38 pm
Special thanks to WLS for being the fool’s microphone.
Comment by JN Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 2:38 pm
he did plug a pizza place however. Perhaps a new employer?
Comment by shore Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 2:38 pm
Ironic, since it was his zeal for higher office that prevented him from getting an income tax hike passed when he first won election. He could have gotten it through the legislature, fixed a lot of the school funding problem and some of the budget problems, well before we got into the sorry “state”that we’re in now. He was more worried about his fantasy of being the next Clinton than he was concerned about the fiscal health of our state. He could have been easily reelected governor even if he passed the tax hike then, because the Republican party was in complete disarray in the wake of Ryan’s indictment. It’s a waste of energy to even type this, but Rod’s better off keeping his mouth shut.
Comment by chiatty Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 2:39 pm
Yes, he just increased programs by EO without dedicating any funding sources for them….well done Blago. Isn’t he in jail yet?
Comment by Seriously??? Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 2:40 pm
“I’m gonna tell my tale and the world will finally listen — when the warden puts my talk show on the air.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy5V6co3KSA
Comment by Blue State Cowboys Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 2:42 pm
I stopeed listening to WLDS when they first gave him a bully pulpit after being ousted from office. His 15 minutes are almost over!
Comment by Fed-Up Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 2:45 pm
I just hope for the next trial they mount an offense for what he can definitely go away on, get this nitwit 10 years without parole(which to this egomaniac will seem like a lifetime) and be done with him.
Comment by Jim Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 2:46 pm
And yet we keep all of his programs (some of which were specifically mentioned in his Articles of Impeachment) and say “there is no where to cut”.
And yet we keep a good number of people who were Rod-appointed cronies, if not purchases their board appointments or jobs outright, and say “we’ve got the lowest number of per capita state employees”.
You’ll pardon me if I don’t buy the faux outrage.
Comment by John Bambenek Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 2:50 pm
Bambenek: there’s no phoney outrage on this blog…not even yours…
Comment by Loop Lady Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 2:56 pm
–when I saw his father in law Dick Mell at the inaugural–
In 1980, just after graduating law school, Pat Quinn filed a “citizen’s ordinance” to Chicago City Council proposing binding local initiative and referendum to pass ordinances. It later died in committee. After filing, Quinn and I walked up to the fifth floor of City Hall to deliver a courtesy copy to Mayor Jane Byrne. Dick Mell, whom I had never met before, but was well acquainted with Quinn, boomed out a hearty greeting. He then looked at me, pointed to Pat Quinn, and said: “you know, some day this guy is going to be Governor of Illinois.”
Comment by James Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:01 pm
BTW thank you again for fabulous coverage of the last session’s events. Also a big thank you to all of the informed posters who filled in the blanks and gave different aspects on the issues.
Comment by Irish Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:14 pm
Add Gery Chico to the list of the clueless. At the 48th Ward Dems endorsement session he went on and on about how he opposed this “whopper” of a tax increase. I am sure he figured it was good politics, but it is this kind of irresponsibilty that, among many other things, that will make it a cold day in hell before I support him for mayor.
Comment by Lakefront Liberal Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:14 pm
Well, the elected officers continue to behave in a fiscally irresponsible way - BUT WE CONTINUE TO REELECT THEM! That is really all we need to know about why things are as they are.
Comment by titan Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:18 pm
Without hyperbole or snark, I can say that I believe Blago is a narcissistic sociopath, so his comments are those of a sick mind and meaningless.
By the same token, Daley is a stone-cold hypocrite. I don’t know why he chooses to go out this way. Some weird sense of legacy-building, perhaps?
Taxes? How about that corporate head tax you promised to eliminate during your first run in 1983? How about that muni state income tax you get the lion’s share of? How about those sweet TIF district slush funds that rob from the schools?
He’s had his hand out at the state and federal levels for years while keeping Chicago property taxes ridiculously low. All that with a downtown business base that’s the wonder of the world.
And meanwhile, Mr. Hand-On Mayor is chronically clueless when it’s discovered his cronies have been robbing the city through Hired Truck, affirmative action and other scams, or his family members are getting sweet deals to invest city pensions or are investors in city contractors.
I’m not naive. Big cities like Chicago might be impossible to govern totally on the legit. Too many sharp interests involved. But spare us the lectures.
Instead, lay it down like it really is on your way out the door.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:23 pm
Gotta go with John Bambenek on this one.
How much effort did the GA spend debating Rod’s big ticket items? All Kids was debated for, what…6 hours before the passed it in 2006?
Aahh..for the days when money was limitless. Well, I guess we will be back there as soon as we can bond the tax increase away…
Comment by U-Haul Ho! Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:25 pm
To Blagojevich: Here’s your hat, whats your hurry!
To Daley: Good grief man! Move quietly out of the picture and folks might turn a blind eye….maybe.
Comment by Justice Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:31 pm
On the day of Rod’s first inaurguration in 2003 he lamented the disastrous $5 billion deficit his predecessor left behind. Then he went on to more than double that deficit, behind everyone’s back (even the backs of his fellow constitutional officers).
If I remember correctly, no one knew for certain just how bad the deficit had become until Quinn took office, because Blago’s budget people wouldn’t tell anyone.
I still think one of the reasons Blago didn’t want to be governor anymore and was frantically searching for another job during the Obama Senate seat debacle was because he knew he couldn’t sweep the deficit under the rug much longer and he wanted to bail out before that happened. Mr. Responsible indeed.
Comment by Secret Square Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:43 pm
Remember, Blagojevich didn’t do all that stuff by himself. He had help from his Democratic friends in the legislature to do the things you rightfully criticize him for.
Including help from the Hero Madigan.
Comment by Old Milwaukee Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:43 pm
OM, that is most certainly true. He also had help from Republican friends in the GA. But he decided to make it about himself today, so that’s the focus here.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:48 pm
For Rod it is always about Rod.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:52 pm
If Blago was against the hike it must be the right thing to do. Like the Seinfeld episode where George did everthing the opposite of his normal inclinations.
Comment by Ex State Employee Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:55 pm
Blago stepped on the accelerator of this train wreck and had plenty of help along the way.
Of course he’d see this as an opportunity to paint himself in a positive light (never raises taxes, etc.)
Makes me sick.
Comment by S Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 3:58 pm
John B-
I share your sentiments.
I agree that Blago’s panderings made it harder for his successor.
Pat Quinn is right to point the finger of blame at Blago. When he does so he should not ignore the four fingers still pointing in his direction. Let’s see if PQ signs the senior transit bill for starters. Litmus test?
Comment by Jake From Elwood Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 4:02 pm
I’m sure Blago can convince himself of just about anything, including his lack of responsibility for the fiscal crisis. Narcissists are like that.
Comment by Aldyth Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 4:02 pm
Don’t forget about Daley rolling over for the Public Safety Unions. That Fire contract coming this month will cost the City tens of millions.
Comment by jacketpotato Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 4:09 pm
Well CMB does understand what happens when your revenue is down and you start having to take on more and more debt to keep the lights on
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 4:10 pm
Can Rod take CMB with him?
Comment by Obamarama Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 4:12 pm
What is CMB talking about when she says “send our money to Springfield and get nothing in return”? Where does she think the money sent to Springfield goes? Doctors and hospitals in Chicago, Community Based providers in Chicago, Welfare recipients in Chicago, the Chicago Public School District, the substantial State government workforce in Chicago, etc. The only one not getting extra is the City of Chicago government and why should they? - if the Mayor of Chicago wants more money for city government expenses, he or she should raise it themselves, and not expect the General Assembly to do it.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 4:58 pm
The odd thing to me is that anyone would bother to publish a CMB press release. Must be a slow news day or one in need of comic relief.
Comment by Skirmisher Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 5:37 pm
It’s the latter.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 5:40 pm
OMG Blago was just interviewed by Cavuto on Fox Business. This is not fair nor balanced. Very umblanced (snark intented).
Comment by waitress practicing politics. . Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 6:00 pm
I thought suburban Cook and the collars were Illinois’ tax donors, sending more to the state than they receive. CMB might want to do a fact-check before she sends out another release.
Comment by i defer to schnorf, but Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 6:09 pm
Anonymous 4:58, the last study done here showed that Chicago basically broke even on the tax money it sent to Springfield, vs. the money it got back. Downstate was the only region to come out ahead. Suburbs were net donors, as the above commenter rightly notes.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 6:19 pm
Daley’s beef seems to be with the corporate tax increase….not the income tax increase. This seems consistent with his record in office and not so extraordinary. I disagree but am not outraged by his comments.
Comment by thomas paine Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 6:21 pm
Blago also was on the Cavuto show today, running his mouth much the same way as he did on WLS.
Comment by Newsclown Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 6:25 pm
Last night and today in the republican spin, from WLS to FNC, this is the quote that encapsulates republican reaction to the tax hike:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3ZOKDmorj0
Comment by Newsclown Wednesday, Jan 12, 11 @ 6:31 pm