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I’m beat. It’s my own fault, but I’ll try to post more later. What do you think of the budget deal? Specifics, please.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 5, 06 @ 5:54 am
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“It’s unfair to ask a man to come to work every day and then not get a pay raise,” said Meeks.
One more time -
The bosses get a fat raise and the employees get shafted. It must be nice to be able to give yourself a raise. Of course, the spineless Rev/Sen Meeks (you are not alone Rev/Sen) can say he didn’t vote for the raise.
Yessirree, those Dems are all about the little guy.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 5, 06 @ 6:27 am
Today’s paper gives an accounting why the Senate did not vote against the proposed pay raises for legislators, etc.during the budget debates. One of the legislators interviewd said in effect that if you show up and do a good job every day, you deserve a raise. I wonder why they don’t feel that way about merit comp. employees of the state, many of whom are doing 3 peoples’ work and haven’t seen a COLA for almost 5 years. The 4% given recently just paid back the 4% taken away two years ago. But then, the general concensus from this administration is that state employees are lazy, over-paid and unethical. Funny, they seem to keep the state running, with reduced funding and lack of staff and support. It’s easy to see the state is run by politicians and not statesmen.
Comment by Disgusted Friday, May 5, 06 @ 6:28 am
“I know what I’m going to do. I should probably tell my wife first, but I’m going to give my pay raise away,” said Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Well why not? He is giving away the entire state treasury to friends and family. What’s another 12 grand?
Thanks for caring about your employees, Rod. And don’t totally insult us by pretending you may not sign the bill.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 5, 06 @ 6:31 am
“This is a budget that helps people,” Gov. Rod Blagojevich said.
Yep, Illinois State Senators and Illinois State Representatives mostly.
I’d love to add more but I have to go my second job. I don’t get a 10% raise.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 5, 06 @ 6:36 am
At least Meeks gave the Gov. till Nov. 7 to come up with a plan.What a phony.What is Meeks going to do be the last one to vote on Nov.7.This universal pre-school is once again a Blago headline it will only cover certain kids and will be voluntary and is a 2 year deal so it is a basic re- election gimmick.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, May 5, 06 @ 6:37 am
Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork Pork
That’s the budget in a nutshell. Crying shame.
Comment by Porkman Friday, May 5, 06 @ 6:38 am
That’s not to blame the Latinos though. It’s a systemic problem, and they might as well get a piece of the pie if everyone else is.
Comment by Porkman Friday, May 5, 06 @ 6:42 am
more pet projects that can’t really be paid for and incur more debt when next year {and the year after}they’ll have to figure out how {or where to borrow it} it’s far from balanced & real issues of debt control & management & payment to vendors on time kind of went out the window to name a couple, and NO pay raises to merit comp employees most haven’t had an adjustment in 3 1/2 to 4 years depending on when they were reviewed {not all as some would figure are “apponitees” but people who worked hard for advancement} ,hey ! he’s reeling in “old ascfme” for support with 250 job prison allottments to hope for support in the fall . all in all “he didn’t raise taxes” but borrowed us into who knows when ??? No tough choices … the easy way out ! It isn’t a “budget” it’s a listing who gets paid first & who doesn’t & all the pet projects are in place !!!
Comment by anon Friday, May 5, 06 @ 6:42 am
I assume Meek’s voted for the budget? If his main reason for running for Governor is funding for education and he voted for this budget doesn’t that mean he is now satisfied with that issues. If he is sincere about that issue being his reason for running (not his ego) and he is still unhappy enough with Rod to run for Governor he should not have voted for the budget.
Comment by wndycty Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:00 am
It is hard to believe, but I think it is safe to say the FY 07 budget replaces the Magna Carta as the greatest document in recorded history.
Simply stated:
Another hoemrun for GRod
Jones/Madigan most gifted team in legislative history
Meeks convinces zip, zero, nadda no one to follow him
AccordiOnGal persists with her breathtaking Judy Bore Topinka 7 Days of Sunshine Initiative…Look for Phase II ….Blow you Nose, Tie Your Shoes, etc. Maybe she should let BrickHead The Executioner out of the Time Out Room. I am sure he will have a plan.
Anybody hear VandaliaFrank or TomCross&TheSockPuppets? Guess their mikes are “off”
Comment by Reddbyrd Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:09 am
I’m trying to figure out why we need to give Cicero 1.5 million to make a plan.
Comment by Bill Baar Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:10 am
“It isn’t a “budget†it’s a listing who gets paid first & who doesn’t …”
Best. Quote. Ever.
Comment by Leroy Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:12 am
Reddbyrd, you forgot the biggest winner to list in SPI — Mr. D and George the YankeeMan. They picked the LasVegas guys pockets for 64 Large over 2 years. Talk about a Member Initiative!
Now Mr. D gets to reopen the license to steal at the Arlington Park and claim his stock bonus for increasing the value of the track
Jesse James and Al Capone were in the wrong biz
Great work guys.
Comment by ChurchHillDowns Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:15 am
JBT won’t have to do any negative campaigning on Blago this budget will do it for her.Especally when all the special interest groups get the bill on the special interest funds he raided.O.K. all together now GOVERNOR JUDY TOPINKA.Only a fiscal irresponsibile idiot like Blago would say this is a good budget.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:17 am
First glimpse of the budget, pretty reasonable. Priorities are mainstream, and they seem to be right on target; major priorities are aimed at kids, seniors, and education. Anything less is unacceptable. I believe the “budget” is as sound as it can be at this time. Republicans will complain no matter what the budget is; gotta remember, these folks (right-wingers) screw up every budget they have their fingers on. Look how deep the Federal Budget is in the “red.” Oh my! Can you believe it? The Conservatives (right-wingers) have destroyed the Federal Budget. The Republicans do not allow Democrats to be a part of their budget negotiating or planning process in Congress. When Democrats controlled Congress, not one single Republican voted for President Clinton’s 1993 Deficit Reduction Plan either. Not one, zero. The Republicans “aint” got nothing comin’. Conservatives are so out of the mainstream, in some conservative counties, there are not any County Health Departments.
Comment by TrueBlueandThankful Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:25 am
Great Budget!
Rod will have to explain why he didn’t support Judy’s gas plan, PLEASE!
Comment by B Hicks Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:32 am
I think now that the Hispanics have started systematically pressuring the guv as an ethnic group (a la Meeks and the African American community) state funds will be pouring into Cicero without cease. Meanwhile, next door, Oak Park, which has actually tried, however unsuccessfully, to develop a diverse community, gets nothing, even though nearly all Oak Parkers vote Democratic.
This is not a diversity governor. This is a pit ethnic groups against each other for my benefit governor.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:36 am
I think the 32 Million in extra casino tax for the horse tracks is a nice touch. Nothing like getting the state to tax your competition and give you the money to help your business.
Comment by OneMan Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:44 am
Hopefully this is the last we hear of the Rev James “I love attention” Meeks.
All in all though, this budget shows just how much trouble Rod is in. Think about it, all of these groups knew Rod needed them more than they needed him, and he had to deal to get what he wanted.
Comment by Enuff Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:44 am
Taking an outsde look at this tax on casinos for horse tracks I would think that the casino people will take it to court.If so that means another legal bill for the taxpayers to pay.Hey how about the state teachers getting shafted on their pension while the Chicago teachers got the funding they wanted.Way to go state teachers union back old Blago some more.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:53 am
Rich –
Budget “deal”???? Democratic Party splitting the swag, you mean. The Repubs could only sit on the sidelines and watch the express train shoot by. Taxpayers pay the price of power.
I hear that the Dems borrowed some pernsion contribution money. Izzat true?
Not to worry, as every year, the revenue projections are set artifically low in order that the revenue is there for the specials.
Comment by Truthful James Friday, May 5, 06 @ 7:58 am
what a joke. What ever happened to the concept of a public servant. One was quoted as saying how do they expect to attract qualified candidates to run for office and they equate that with having to get a pay raise. What about priorities and principles, oh yeah and serving your community!!
Comment by disgusted Friday, May 5, 06 @ 8:08 am
More of the same, big ideas and no way to pay for it. It ensures the next governor, no matter whether Judy, Lisa, or Bill Brady WILL raise taxes.
Let’s get one thing straight, the budget under this governor is a sham anyway, it is a simple written compliance with constitutional requirement. He will take the money and spread it around as he sees fit anyway.
You could mark all 56 bil to build a yellow brick road from Chicago to Springfield to help the Gov find his way down, it makes no difference.
Comment by the Patriot Friday, May 5, 06 @ 8:12 am
This is a balanced budget? I want to max my credit cards to get what I want then max out more cards and say I have taken care of my debt.
Meeks: Spineless is a generous description. Close the Good Book and go home.
Latinos: Virility personified. Do not know them, but give them credit for sticking together for what they wanted through the entire process and when the free for all money grab started.
Repubs: We got beat out so we will sit here quietly. Why aren’t all of you screaming idiots? The free PR started weeks ago when it was clear you were not being included.
Dems: Representatives of the people? What’s in it for me seems more like it. Debt? What debt. I don’t see no sticking debt.
Gov: Alfred E Neuman. Thanks for the professional way you have changed the political system.
Public: Please remember who voted for what.
Comment by zatoichi Friday, May 5, 06 @ 8:31 am
Mr. B. Hicks:
GRod did not go for AccordiOnGal tax giveaway because he believes Oil profits are high enough and there is no way to force marketers/refiners to lower prices.
Thanks for asking!
Comment by Reddbyrd Friday, May 5, 06 @ 8:35 am
Makes one get a little more interested in moving out of Illinois (thankfully, I live in the QC and can jump across the river).
Big problem…the budget’s a mess, the state political climate is a mess, and there is no one around to clean it up - and the voters, let’s be honest, really do not care, or do not feel empowered to make a differnce.
Our ‘great country’ is starting to slip away. Seriously, how can we get the trend reversed?
Comment by yougotta-be-kidding-me Friday, May 5, 06 @ 8:38 am
I agree with yougotta-be-kidding-me. The state is in a sorry state of affairs.
Comment by It's 5 O'clock somewhere Friday, May 5, 06 @ 8:47 am
I am politically agnostic, but it seems to me that since the Democrats basically shat on the good people of Illinois, perhaps we should do the same to them come Election Day.
Comment by Jack Blades Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:01 am
This is a great state! Having a good heart for my good brothers and sisters in this state, I just want the conservatives to know that we Democrats “Feel Your Pain.” It is your right to complain about policies you do not agree with. Nevertheless, I would “hope” that you all on the “right” would respect the wishes of the “majority” and that is policies that advocate for the “poor, elderly, and children.” If some others benefit as well, so be it. I cannot for the life of me understand how folks who support Big Business and compainies like Exxon (who earned over 8 Billion dollars worth of profit in 3 months) can complain about this great state of Illinos, who is trying to make a better tommorrow by investing in people today. “It is an investment!” It may not be the best, but it is the best alternative that is available at this point, especially since the Federal Government has given all the “Revenues” from the “Treasury” to Billionairs. The money that used to come to the “States” from the Federal Government now goes to “Oil Companies, and the top 10% of the Population.” Oil Companies got hundreds of Billions in Tax give aways from “W” and so did Million and Billionairs (roughly $900 Billion over 10 years). Well, guess what, If that money had gone to the states instead of Billionairs, all states in the union would be doing “well.” Can’t tell “right-wingers” that because this fits into their plan of “things withering on the vine.” Remove all $$$$ from the coffers, ie. Tax Breaks for the Rich; then, states, who run most social programs, cannot help those who need help the most because, guess what, there is no money. Just the way “Right-Wingers” want it! It’s not only “Embarrasing, It is WRONG!” Thank God that we are doing “something” to try and “DO” good.
Comment by TrueBlueandThankful Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:08 am
At some point the citizens of our nation and state need to wake up and realize that neither the Democrats nor the Republicans are acting in our best interest. What goes on in Washington and Springfield, as evidenced by the sea of red ink in DC and this sham “budget” in Springpatch (both loaded with tons of BS “earmarks”), is proof that if the people don’t stand up soon then our economy and our American way of life is doomed.
Enough of this Democrat/Republican nonsense.
Comment by Bluefish Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:09 am
Reddbyrd- I was being sarcastic. Her gas plan would save about 50-cents per fill-up.
Comment by B Hicks Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:11 am
Tre Blue and thankful…what a bunch of liberal tripe! Come on, Exxon and the rest of the oil industry made profitds of 10% on sales. This is far less than Starbucks, Wal-Mart and many other companies - let’s get into their pockets as well.
Major Oil makes $ .09 per gallon.
The Federal Government gets twice this, and
The State of Illinois almost $ .30
Let’s get our facts straight before spouting our socialist mantra.
As for tax breaks, come on. The richest 5% of the country pays nearly 80% of the income taxes. Where does your liberal/ socialistic propoganda stand on this?
Why can’t we just start from the point of view that we are all on the same team? We all want to help those that need help - BUT THAT WE HAVE TO PUT A DEGREE OF EXPECTATIONS ON PEOPLE, or everyone will just stand in line to get the handout - and there will be no one left to pay the bill. (This should be an reasonable concept).
Comment by yougotta-be-kidding-me Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:19 am
Bluefish,
Any ideas on what to do next. I agree, neither party has the solution - they are indeed politicians (trying to secure the next reelection) when we need statesmen that do what is right for the Country.
The system is broken and it appears as though the only people that can fix the system are the people that gain value for it being broken!
Houston, we have a problem!
Comment by Jim Mowen Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:21 am
Just like a Democrat that has something to hide change to talking about about big oil.Well o.k. so let’s see now. Big oil knows how to make money and the Democrats know how to borrow and spend and put this state closer to bankrurpcy.This budget is perfect according to the gov. perfect that is in helping him get re-elected.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:29 am
“For those whom much is Given, much more is expected from them.” Ponder over who might have made that statement! “Ever heard of the Lord of Hosts?” It excites am makes me happy (Not)to know that there are “defenders” for the helpless Bagoogleainairs out there who are fighting against working people. With the “Decider” in Chief on your side, you have a good advocate because he decides things. Scary, scary, scary.
Comment by TrueBlueandThankful Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:29 am
Not a big suprise that the budget passed. Trueblueandthankful, there is one thing I agree with you on: the GOP has destroyed the federal budget. Despite popular belief, George Bush is liberal, very liberal. He acused John Kerry of being a “tax and spend liberal.” Well… Bush is a “spend and spend liberal.” The fact is, destroyed budgets are a side-effect of one party dominance, in both Illinois and DC. The problem is, government isn’t forced to run like a business. I hope that a Republican governor or a republican house in Illinois would change this. I think if Judy is truely a fiscal conservative, things will get better. We just need to get Blago out.
Comment by Lovie's Leather Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:33 am
Bluefish is right. Illinoisans are being scre%&! by the admin in Washington and the admin in Chicago (NOT Springfield).
Also, I’m surprised the usual state employee bashers (you know who you are)aren’t bashing the legisltors for taking raises.
Comment by Shallow Pharnyx Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:34 am
True Blue -
What about the reality of the statements made at 9:19? You make a few inflamatory, but unsubstantiated, comments, but when the facts come forth - you just hide behind more jibberish.
Please, you apparently have a heart for people, please try to think logically and try to help find a solution as to how we can help people, the people that truely need, challenge those who are scamming the system and not just live in your ’soak the rich’ world.
Our common issues require a little more than socialism - which has proven not to work.
Comment by yougotta-be kidding me Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:49 am
who cares about the budget–lets get on with the campaigns.
Comment by Poltical Hack Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:51 am
I am greatful to those in the Legislature who supported the “Veterans” of this great country. There are a lot of military men and women who need help, unfortunately the “state’s” have to provide their needed help because of the lack of support from Washington. Nevertheless, thanks to all the supporters of veterans who “Voted” to help them in the “current budget.” With well over 17,000 wounded and “maimed” marines and soldiers as a result of the Iraq war, they deserve our support; it is unfortunate that “No” Republicans put their party loyalty on the back-porch, and walk out the front door, with the screen door wide open to our Veterans. 17,000 maimed! That is not including the more than 2,000 killed. http://icasualties.org/oif/
Comment by TrueBlueandThankful Friday, May 5, 06 @ 9:55 am
Yougottabekidding-my points are valid; I hope I am not making anyone mad. I am just expressing my oppinion. Rich said to be specific about what we think about the budget, so I did; in addition to the state budget, I showed how the Federal Govt. has made it difficult for states to survive in this time period. Also, fact or fiction is in the eye of the beholder. One example, Bush and Rumsfeld lied, yet “right-wingers” say they did not lie. You get the point I hope.
Comment by TrueBlueandThankful Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:04 am
I can’t wait to find out what we’ll be getting for the extra $13 billion that was added since the budget was first proposed in February. For those keeping score at home, that’s a 30% increase; or about $1000 per resident of the state; or about roughly the size of the entire state budget of Maryland.
Wouldn’t it be great if our budget was finalized behind closed doors in negotiations between the Governor and the two chairmen of his re-election campaign?
Comment by grand old partisan Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:06 am
Oh, wait…..it is.
Comment by grand old partisan Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:07 am
Come on, lied about what? Please don’t make me be an apologist for the Bush Administration, this is a role that I do not want. However, (1) there were weapons of mass destruction, we know this because Saddam used them, (2) the UN, in their sanctions, stated that there were WMD, (3) the international intelligence community stated, repeatedly, that there were WMD, and (4) D’s and R’s in Congress, having 98% of the intelligence that the President had, concluded and voted an the fact that he had WMD - please get off this lame ‘he lied’ garbage. It is insulting to any intelligent person and clearly labels the one who states this as a left-wing ideologue that is irrelevant because they cannot deal with truth and facts.
Comment by Jim Mowen Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:11 am
This budget, built as it is on financial house of cards, makes me ashamed of being a Democrat.
The only good news about this is that Rod is history come November 7. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about Mike Madigan and Emil Jones.
Comment by Randall Sherman Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:13 am
See, I told you so. It’s easy to get right wingers all geeked up. Gotcha! Have a great weekend everybody.
Comment by TrueBlueandThankful Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:16 am
For TB&T
Trying out issues for November, are we? Blame everybody else. Wrap yourself in a flag with the veterans. Spend everybody else’s money and then spend our Illinois taxpayers money.
You are trult a smudge pot for the Democratic organization
Comment by Truthful James Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:17 am
As is usual, I stand with the rest of you, outraged by the behavior of this goverment that seized power in the middle of the night in a lightning coup! Jesus, folks, read Pogo.
Comment by steve schnorf Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:19 am
I do not know what a truly smudge pot is, but I can tell you I a “veteran” of the US Military. F/A 18’s baby, and done a lot of time at sea on one of the greatest Aircraft Carriers in human history. Gives me goose-bumps reflecting on those good ole’ days. God Bless the Military and all His people!
Comment by TrueBlueandThankful Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:21 am
TrueBlue,
Again, don’t hide behind, ’see, I told you so. It’s so easy to get right-wingers…’
You made some uneducated, lazy arguments and now when faced with having to back them up, or admit that you had lazy, irrelevant arguments, you run and hide. You made a lazy, incorrect statements - now either back them up, or have the integrity to say, ‘ok, I was wrong.’
A ultra-left position, you want to expect everything from everybody, but can’t even deal with something as simple as a little integrity from yourself.
Comment by yougotta-be kidding me Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:23 am
I agree with Bluefish. Even though I am a life long republican, I am increasingly disenchanted with both parties. Voters need elected officials who are statesmen; not politicians. The budget decisions that continue to be made are a joke. Saddle future generations with insumountable bills that only fall due long after current headline grabbers are gone. Political spin has been, and continues to be, more important than substance in regard to the election process.
Comment by one of the 35 Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:24 am
From what I’ve read on Rev. Meek’s and the Hispanic politicians’ actions on the budget, it affirms Illinois as the “What’s in it for me” State.
Comment by Walking Wounded Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:24 am
I’m tired of all of this whining about how the Republicans got shut out of the budget process. Boo-hoo.
The Republicans weren’t shut out, they chose to sit-it out. They decided to be obstructionists and saboteurs, and you don’t negotiate with political terrorists.
The GOP could have offered up their own plan as an amendment to any GOP approp bill, but did they? No. Why? Because they don’t have a plan, other than trying to circumvent majority rule by delaying the budget until June 1. It didn’t work last year and it wasn’t going to work this year. Great plan, thanks for playing.
Furthermore, any single GOP member could have approached the Governor, the Senate President, the House Speaker, and offered to be a constructive part of the process; Madigan, for sure, would have included them as part of his caucus negotiations, if it meant a “yes” vote. Instead, they followed their partisan leaders like sheep.
Cry me a river.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:31 am
It is amusing that TrueBlueandThankful thinks only government can help the poor, the elderly and children.
Comment by Cal Skinner Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:32 am
YDD, I’m with you; can they cry me a river too.
Comment by TrueBlueandThankful Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:34 am
GOP,
You are confusing me. Maryland’s proposed budget for FY07 includes expenditures of $29.63
Where do you get $13B?
Comment by Shallow Pharnyx Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:34 am
I absolutly do not think the government is the only source of help for people. However, If the private sector and religious denominations are asleep at the wheel, someone “must” stand up for those who do not have a voice. I am a firm believer in roughly 60-40. Meaning 60% Capitalism and 40% Socialism. That is a fair shake of the stick. Socialism cosisting of Education (like the GI Bill, pre-school/Headstart, you know, school in general) and Health Care, WIC,etc. Capitalism consisting of the Free Market, ie. Tax Cuts for Businesses that reinvest in their Companies in the US (the basic stuff like JFK) not tax give aways. It’s a pretty basic idea (that works). Similiar to President Clinton’s approach. It works! Glad to be a F.O.B.
Comment by TrueBlueandThankful Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:41 am
Again, kudos to the Speaker and, to a lesser extent, President Jones, for being the winners this session. There’s a chance they might have to split this pie a year from now with a GOP governor. That may not be likely, but certainly possible. So they grab for the gusto. They give their members pretty much anything they want, knowing that next year they’ll either force a GOP governor to make some hard choices in a budget, or push through a tax increase to cover pensions, borrowing, capital needs, etc. in the 5th year of a Blago administration, which will require some GOP support and cost some share of the goodies.
Either way, next year could be a lot leaner for Dem projects. So buy your members’ love and devotion now.
And we know from history that the Velvet Hammer deals just as well with a GOP governor as with a Dem.
The Speaker, sitting pretty, as always.
Comment by illrino Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:45 am
If Illinois government had to operate under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that was passed after the Enron failure, they would be room mates of Ryan.
Comment by It's 5 O'clock somewhere Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:52 am
Rich, will you ponder over the idea of a question to add on your blog sometime. That is, after the budget stuff, like what can Illinois do to become an “ethanol tycoon.” Galva Illinois is building an ethanol plant that will employ approx. 1600 employees, give or take. What will it take to build those facilities around the state, especially around major interstates and rail lines. I think that is the “future” for entreprenuers. Thanks.
Comment by TrueBlueandThankful Friday, May 5, 06 @ 10:56 am
Political terrorists? YDD, I’ve lost all respect for you…well, what little I had left.
Now, here come the insults that I’m part of the far right….
Comment by Excuse me?? Friday, May 5, 06 @ 11:04 am
Shallow Pharnyx, you are right….I meant to say Kansas, which has a state budget of $11.7 billion. My apologies for the mistake.
Comment by grand old partisan Friday, May 5, 06 @ 11:06 am
TB&T
Spent twenty years USN myself. You must not have been a West Coast sailor or you would have seen the smudge pots which the Orange ranchers used when temps got dangerous — heavy black smoke to cover everything and raise the temps.
If I were a conspiracy theorist I’d suggest that the Party wants Topinka to win and with the ugly situation force her to fo an Ogilvie. In the meantime, businesss move across State lines instead of expanding in sstate, and if we are lucky Macy’s will set up a Frango mint kitchen on State Street.
Comment by Truthful James Friday, May 5, 06 @ 11:14 am
6th Fleet Brother James (Naufick,VA.), Carrier Air Group (CAG) 7 (NAS Cecil Field, JAX, FL.); “Club- MED.” Closest I got to Orange groves was in Sicily (Blood-oranges) from near the air base at Sigonella, round Mt. Etna.
Comment by TrueBlueandThankful Friday, May 5, 06 @ 11:21 am
Medicaid payments will get significantly worse and the pension bill rises by $1.6 billion next year. Remember, this was suppose to be the easy year.
There better be a huge bailout plan in the coming months, because the budget this year was a walk in the park compared to what’s to come next year. Remember, one Bond Rating Agency has already issued a warning and the others are likely to follow.
Comment by Budget Watcher Friday, May 5, 06 @ 11:21 am
What is this that on the state website Blago is stating that Illinois is the only state for this pre-school.Oklahoma has had universal pre-school for 25 years.Georgia has had it since the 1990s.The illinois plan is very limited and is only good for 2 years.Sounds like just another one of Blago’s ideas that fell apart.Well at least he gets a headline out of it.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, May 5, 06 @ 11:53 am
I am going to go out on a limb here, but it is probably highly likely. In “07″ the Governor will move “fast” with 1.idea to make Illinois “fuel independent” via ethanol (very, very doable, not unrealistic to have 20-30 ethanol plants “net jobs approx. 48,000) and continuing with clean coal technology. 2. Tax increase to solve pension concerns (has to be done eventually anyway and is very sell-able). Way out on a limb: revamp public education funding system at the state level. 3. Capital Investment project to pave the way for a better infrastructure (gotta move that new-gas efficiently). 4. “Targeted Tax breaks” for companies that reinvest in their companies in Illinois and provide “basic” benefits” (like, if you work, you get health insur.). It’s basic, simple, and reflects Illinois’ values: work pays.
Comment by TrueBlueandThankful Friday, May 5, 06 @ 11:56 am
She might.
Comment by Budget Watcher Friday, May 5, 06 @ 12:02 pm
To try to recall something I was told once when I said “if” about something; and IF frogs had wings they wouldn’t get their asses wet going through mud puddles.
Comment by steve schnorf Friday, May 5, 06 @ 12:50 pm
Same Song Different Day.
Throw ALL the bums out!!
This is the best case for term limits!
Comment by BIG R.PH Friday, May 5, 06 @ 12:53 pm
TrueBlue and Yelllow Dog–Turn off your computer for the day, we all know your right wing retoric crap and have heard it before many times. I quote from the movie The Outlaw Josie Wales, “Don’t pxxx down my back and try to tell me its raining.” Have a nice day!
Comment by WARDOG Friday, May 5, 06 @ 1:02 pm
Steve Schnorf–That “if” is about as good as “If the dog hadn’t stopped to take a crap, he would have caught the rabbit.” By the way, Steve, you were a hellava lot better budget director than John Filan ever thought about being, you had some faults but at least all parties got to paticipate in deciding the budget.
Comment by WARDOG Friday, May 5, 06 @ 1:10 pm
TB&T
Let’s go a bit further. Funding will not solve the education quality problem. Paying the same teachers more (more than 2/3 of the school budget is salaries.) will not get better results.
The only way is through Full Competitive Choice, with the State (and local recources) funding through the District each student directly. Any school, public, private, even home schooling can get accredited by the State. Once done — with teacher testing for subject matter as part of it, parents can select schools for children. If the alternative cost is lower than the cost of the public classroom, that money can be used by the District to upgrade the public classroom.
To do this we will have to reform the ISBE as well.
Of course it will not happen as long as legislators prefer canpaign contributions to education reform.
Comment by Truthful James Friday, May 5, 06 @ 1:39 pm
For the record. Republicans love children, elderly and work hard to get services to those in need. We just don’t don’t get our kid’s Credit card out and max it out to pay for today’s needs and hope our children will make enough to pay it off.
Comment by frustrated GOP Friday, May 5, 06 @ 1:41 pm
Truthful James, you’ve got it right. If the GA weren’t both shilling for AFCSME, the IEA and IFT, there wouldn’t be a pension problem OR an education funding problem from state sources.
“End of career” raises that create teacher pensions greater than most college graduates salaries, “automatic” 3% pension raises each year, and generous health inswurance plans for retirees that are better than most private sector plans are cheating the children and the taxpayers.
By the way, remember that 6% “cap” on end of career raises the GA passed last year? It’s due to go into effect on June 30, and the skids have already been greased to pass a “modification” bill which has such huge loopholes that the 6% cap legislation will be meaningless.
Money talks, and suckers walk. I guess we’re all suckers for electing these clowns.
Comment by PalosParkBob Friday, May 5, 06 @ 1:57 pm
Did anyone else see the irony of the General Assembly passing legislation requiring the CTA to fully fund their pension plan?
Comment by Budget Watcher Friday, May 5, 06 @ 2:05 pm
DO as we say, not as we do.
On the pension side, had Springifield funded what they were supposed to in earlier years, or had the pension system had decent ROI we wouldn’t be in this mess.
Comment by frustrated GOP Friday, May 5, 06 @ 2:25 pm
I rate this thread 6/10
Comment by Crackhead Obama Friday, May 5, 06 @ 2:31 pm
Cancenl the milk cartoon…Stu Umholtz just a press conference to announce …ta da ….the need for legislation to have more open meeting laws.
Great timing ….GA was around for five months and you were MIA…I know the GOPs have been beefing about his campaignm but this is embarrasing.
Anyone head from Rich roday… he needs to get on this hot story.
Comment by Reddbyrd Friday, May 5, 06 @ 2:47 pm
Palos Park, do some homework. The bill they just passed only provides exemptions for things like teaching summer school and other legitimate work. Try reading the bill.
Also, actuarial studies show that the state would actually have to pay more if they eliminated the pension sysytem and had to pay Social Security. The financial problems are solely caused by the legislature skiping required payments for the past couple of decades. This is all well documented by TRS. You must have really hated your teachers in school. It’s no wonder most teachers quit in the first couple of years.
Comment by ridiculous Friday, May 5, 06 @ 2:58 pm
I’ll second ridiculous’ comments. PeePee Bob is without clue 1 on the whole post.
1)The average TRS pension is about $2800 per month.
2) Those “huge loopholes” in the salary exemption bill are quite modest, if one reads the bill.
3) Multiple and indepndent actuarial studies have shown over 80% of TRS% unfunded liability was caused by being shortchanged by the State.
4) TRS earned 15.6% on the teachers’ money for the last year. That’s over $5 billion in round numbers. Anybody here do any better?
Comment by NumbersGuy Friday, May 5, 06 @ 3:13 pm
This is getting boring. Can we discuss a more interesting budget related topic? How about JBT’s quote from yesterdays Herald News? On the subject of the way the budget is passed, Topinka said of Blagojevich, “He just shoves it into you and sneaks it in and it’s wrong.” This is one of the best quotes of the year. Does she have more of these substantive zingers up her sleve to unload during the televised debates? I can imagine how quotes like this make the whole “whats she thinking” tag line resonate with the undecideds.
She better get some discipline.
Comment by anonymous Friday, May 5, 06 @ 3:32 pm
NumbersGuy… lets see if the 1.2 billion in pension were paid into the fund with 15.6% return that would have put an additional 18.7 million into the fund. But now the taxpayer owes 1.2 billiob plus interes for last year and for this year. Where is the balanced budget?
Comment by It's 5 O'clock somewhere Friday, May 5, 06 @ 3:35 pm
Geez True Blue, so much blogging, you must not have anything to do all day long… 0r you just don’t do your job. Wait… are you the governor?….
Comment by Lovie's Leather Friday, May 5, 06 @ 3:48 pm
Mike Flannery declared the GOP pork whine DOA
Don’t think you could fairly call most of what I looked at as pork by any means. Those projects are largelyl infrastructure, universities and educational improvements.” Check out the story on the WBBM-TV web site
Comment by Reddbyrd Friday, May 5, 06 @ 3:49 pm
Love people like Reddbyrd..when democrats pass it, they’re worthy projects…thanks Man for keeping me laughing this afternoon.
Comment by Sbuc Friday, May 5, 06 @ 3:51 pm
Wow it has become rather goofy in here today. Let’s see what’s new. Tony Rezko isn’t repaying a loan and is getting sued by the bank. TrueBlueandThankful flew his F-18 into Mt. Etna and they have just recently began letting him use the internet at the *home*. BTW. It was probably due to that “right wing” nut job Reagan who increased the defense budget so TrueBlueandThankful could have an opportunity to fly into mountains, and… THE STATE OF ILLINOIS’ BUDGET IS NOT BALANCED. How can it be balanced when you just delay payments for a couple of years. Try that with your own bills and see how understanding your creditors will be.
Comment by Papa Legba Friday, May 5, 06 @ 4:02 pm
WARDOG - I’ve been accused of alot of things, but you’re the first person to ever accuse me of being a right-winger.
Excuse me?? - Terrorism is the weapon of the weak. Terrorists launch RPG’s. Political terrorists launch demagoguing press releases into the netherworld and hope something happens. They hope if they rant and rave and jump up and down enough, someone will actually pay attention to them. They know how to tear down, but they don’t really know how to build, and they have no real plan of their own. Instead, they are defined by their opposition, and they position themselves as the permanent minority party, hoping for the day the majority screws up badly enough to put them in charge by default.
Sound alot like Springfield Republicans and Washington Democrats?
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, May 5, 06 @ 4:29 pm
Reddbyrd — I am fully convinced that you must work for the Blago campaign. You remind me a lot of Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf, the former Iraq Information Officer.
Comment by Long Time Reader; First Time Poster Saturday, May 6, 06 @ 2:05 am
This is the poorest example of leadership by example that I have seen. Put 3 Chicago democrats in a room and hammer out a budget for the entire state of Illinois and put the state (taxpayers)in hoc up to it’s ears for many years to come with the increased social spending and other give aways. If this isn’t a good enough reason for term limits I don’t know what is! Just keep buying votes and pander to special interests and the hell with the hard working taxpayers. Yep, great leadership!!
Comment by Downstater Saturday, May 6, 06 @ 11:48 am