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* I fully expect the GA to come back later this month…
A local state senator said there’s a chance the governor could veto a court-mandated concealed carry bill that was passed by lawmakers last week.
The state this week was given a 30 day extension on its June 9th deadline to enact concealed carry. That gives Governor Pat Quinn more time to review the plan, although an appellate court said the state will not be given another extension.
But Democratic Senator Mike Frerichs of Champaign said lawmakers have been told to prepare for a possible veto of the concealed carry bill, which received bipartisan support.
It’ll either be over guns or pensions or maybe both. Also, lots of rumors in the air about the concealed carry override. Stay tuned.
*** UPDATE *** From the Senate Republicans…
Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno on news of Governor Quinn’s intent to call for a special session:
“The Governor did call today to tell me his intentions to call a special session. I appreciate the call — but I’m not sure what dynamics have changed in this pension reform discussion. Clearly there is a rift amongst Democrat leaders. Despite their super majority status, they missed a prime opportunity to enact comprehensive pension reform. We hope that opportunity will still be there now that it will take a supermajority vote in each chamber to pass.
Senate Republicans remain wiling to work on advancing a pension reform plan that substantially solves the problem.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Gov. Quinn’s statement…
“Here we go again.
“Will two downgrades in one week be enough to convince the General Assembly that our pension crisis can’t be ignored anymore?
“Time and time again over the past two years, I have proposed, asked and pushed members of the General Assembly to send me a comprehensive pension reform bill.
“Time and time again, failure to act by deadlines has resulted in the bond rating agencies lowering our credit rating, which hurts our economy, wastes taxpayer money and shortchanges the education of our children.
“Illinois taxpayers are paying a price of $17 million a day for the General Assembly’s lack of action on comprehensive pension reform.
“In its downgrade statement, Moody’s said this: ‘An A3 rating, while very low for a U.S. state, is consistent with the General Assembly’s inability to steer the state from a path to fiscal distress.’
“Legislators and their leaders know what they need to do to return Illinois to sound financial footing.
“I’ve been in touch with the Senate President, the Speaker’s office, and both Republican leaders today about this emergency.
“I am calling the General Assembly back to Springfield on June 19th to finish their job for the people of Illinois.” [Emphasis added]
*** UPDATE 3 *** From House GOP Leader Tom Cross…
“Our pension crisis is so severe that Illinois’ credit rating has been downgraded twice in one week. Inaction is costing Illinois taxpayers $17 million a day. The sooner the Illinois General Assembly returns to Springfield to get the job done on pension reform the better.”
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 12:07 pm
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I think a veto of CCW is a near certainty, almost as certain as how quickly it will be overridden.
I don’t see that much has changed on pensions though unfortunately. But if the Speaker wants to call Cullerton’s bill, he won’t have any trouble getting the necessary supermajority vote to pass it. The votes are there, all that’s missing is the Speaker’s acquiesence.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 12:23 pm
The smart money says that Governor Quinn will call a special session later this month for at least one of the three issues: concealed carry (definite), pension reform, and/or possibly marriage equality.
Comment by Justin Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 12:34 pm
Great to see that Quinn believes that his job starts after stuff gets to his desk.
It would be great to have a Gov. willing to do the work to make sure quality stuff got to his desk in the first place.
Comment by HenryVK Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 12:43 pm
June 19th. Pension.
Comment by Both Sides Now Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 12:45 pm
Hope they come heavy: http://youtu.be/S5puAN1PGQw
Comment by Zevon's proxy Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 12:48 pm
Illinois has had a special session on fixing the pension problem. The result was that no bill was passed.
There was then five months more to refine and then pass a bill. There was no agreement on a bill between the two chambers.
Another special session on pensions will require a super majority if held within the next few months. I have seen no movement toward single bill that would pass with just a simple majority and certainly would not pass with a super majority.
As of today, I see little possibility finding a political solution to the pension issue. The only certain thing that I see is the mathematical certainty the unfunded liability will continue to increase by $17M per day.
Comment by Small Town Taxpayer Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 12:49 pm
If Quinn wants there to be any chance he could win a primary he has to veto, right? He has to try and position himself as the most Democratic Democrat. Guns are so unpopular in Illinois it seems like free political cheese.
Comment by Johnny Q. Suburban Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 12:50 pm
Quinn will veto.
Then he’ll tell the A.G. to appeal.
He may also instruct her to ask the higher court (not the 7th) for a stay while under appeal.
Hopefully that gets him through the primary and gets him enough votes out of Cook County.
By the time the appeal runs its course, we’ll be looking at the general election at which time he will gladly sign a bill allowing concealed carry.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 12:53 pm
Both Sides….is that a guess or do you have good sources?
Comment by Because I said so... Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 12:54 pm
@Because I said so - I see it on the twitter feed now, being reported by a few sources.
June 19th on pensions.
Perhaps more to follow.
Too bad Speaker Madigan didn’t just call Cullerton’s bill on the last day of session like Cullerton called his.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 1:01 pm
Perhaps they will dub this the “pick up your ball and go home” session.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 1:03 pm
Quinn rewrites the CCW bill July 5th. Blames GA for pushing state over “cliff” while simultaneously saying the whole mess is LM’s fault.
Comment by Mason born Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 1:04 pm
Well I hope this isn’t an exercise in futility. If he doesn’t have a deal, and he doesn’t now, why drag everyone back. Let’s start to govern Governor!
Comment by Because I said so... Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 1:05 pm
Seems it is June 19.
http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=11254
Comment by phocion Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 1:09 pm
The Governor and the General Assembly have significantly improved the stature of making sausage compared to making laws.
Comment by Motambe Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 1:20 pm
“I’ve contacted the Senate President, the Speaker’s office, and both Republican leaders today about this emergency.”
“President”…”office”….and “Republican leaders” - I wonder if MJM still won’t return Quinn’s phone call?
Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 1:23 pm
Quinn will amendatory veto CCW to get them back, and call the special session to keep them back.
The real question is: will they keep talking about the symptom (pension funding) or the problem (lack of permanent revenue)?
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 1:27 pm
Motambe
==The Governor and the General Assembly have significantly improved the stature of making sausage compared to making laws. ==
that is priceless.
Comment by Mason born Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 1:29 pm
A few weeks back I dared Quinn to veto any CC bill that passed both houses. He may just take me up on it. There will most likely be a special session to deal with this issue, pension reform and possibly unfinished business regarding state employee back pay. That being said I am so relieved we have a puppy lemon law. “Pick out the easy meat with your eyes closed”, “Dogs” by Pink Floyd.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 1:36 pm
—
The only certain thing that I see is the mathematical certainty the unfunded liability will continue to increase by $17M per day.
—
THIS.
Comment by RonOglesby Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 1:58 pm
RonOglesby @ 1:58 pm:
Not that it really matters in the overall scheme, but I think someone the other day proved that daily number is more like $5.8M.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:00 pm
Let’s call special session and spend another 20K plus per day?! Where was GOV when the pension train was publicly falling off the tracks in the last week of session?
If this is all some ill conceived political chess match - shame on him. Standing up as a leader when our state is a breath away from junk bond status would win respect . . . and votes. This all seems to be a day late and a dollar short to me. Say what you want about George, but he’d never governed like a worthless Monday morning quarterback.
Comment by Centennial Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:01 pm
RNUG
Hell, I’ll take less!!! 5.8M is better, as long as they dont borrow to pay off the 5.8 which just makes that number a fake… Like borrowing 20 bucks to pay back someone that I borrowed 15 from, but the new lender wants 25 when his note is due.
Comment by RonOglesby Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:02 pm
I’ve got a bad feeling about the special session. the only thing that can come out of that confab will be a bad deal for Illinois citizens as it is almost certain nothing substantial can get accomplished on pension reform, and accomplishing something unsubstantial may even be worse than doing nothing. this smells like the French quarter the morning after mardi gras.
Comment by biased observer Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:11 pm
Just when you thought Quinn couldn’t do anything else to make him look more irrelevant. Issue a veto that you know will be overridden. I suppose he could keep saying: “I’m the Governor.” He should focus a bit more on the “Govern” part of that title.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:18 pm
No mention of concealed carry or marriage equality in the press release. What kind of a politician would ignore the opportunity to use these issues as well to justify a special session. Especially after the botched meeting on Monday? He obviously has no idea just how ineffectual he appears to the general public. Never mind those who work with him all the time. By addressing and stressing all three issues he at least has some chance of success as well as justifying the expense. I’m no fan of PQ but this is just plain painful to watch!
BTW It is generally agreed that the real number is $5.83 and not $17. PQ has repeatedly demonstrated an alarming inability to understand and master numbers…..remember the teacher pension example?
Comment by Old and In The Way Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:18 pm
Old would it surprise you if he calls one for each of them ? and loses on all of them….
Are we back in Blago land now? It keeps me going to imagine how Gov Rauner is going to top this and somehow I think he will
Comment by RNUG Fan Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:24 pm
Old and In the Way: can a special session address more than one issue? I honestly don’t know the answer.
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:33 pm
-Guns are so unpopular in Illinois it seems like free political cheese.-
I guess that’s why they’ve had so much luck passing an AWB and mag ban…
Comment by countyline Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:35 pm
=== a rift amongst Democrat leaders===
Yes, we’re going to go ahead and deduct a point for poor grammar. Thanks for the insult Leader Radogno. You stay classy San Diego!
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:49 pm
My understanding is that the session may only address those issues specifically named by the governor with addition of only confirmation and appointments. I am paraphrasing from my memory on this so please correct me if I am wrong. As I understand and recall several issues may be addressed but the must be specifically indentified in the order calling the special session. Anyone have more info?
Comment by Old and In The Way Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:49 pm
Did Quinn leave a message with Mrs. Madigan to tell her hubby to be in town on the 19th?
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:50 pm
Old and In The Way: That is my recollection also re: subject matter of a special session.
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:52 pm
The first downgrade happened last week during session…and the Senate has done its work
Comment by RNUG Fan Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:55 pm
RNUG
I am far too old to be surprised by much of anything that happens in Illinois politics but Quinn comes close! Does he have anyone on staff who has any political experience?
Comment by Old and In The Way Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:55 pm
Once they have a quorum present they can adjourn the Special Session and reconvene to consider anything they want. It’s a two-step process around the subject matter limit but hardly an obstacle.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:55 pm
Perhaps Quinn’s aversion to concealed carry is the result of all of his self inflicted wounds!
Comment by Old and In The Way Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:57 pm
I’m sure this has been covered before but I’m going to ask because I don’t remember.
What happens if the state just pays off the bonded pension debt and forgets they owe themselves the rest of the unfunded liability money. Then start actually funding the pension system and just make sure no one misses a check while they do what should have been done all along and fund the system to a level that it can be self supporting. Self supporting meaning the returns on investments are enough to pay annual pension benefits without using general funds money.
Can someone tell me why financially & legally this wouldn’t be a workable option. If the legislature then thinks they need to change retirement plans for new hires (yet again) then they could without fear of it being drug through the court system ad nauseum.
Comment by Kevin Highland Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:58 pm
47th Ward
Thanks. I believe you are correct.
Comment by Old and In The Way Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:00 pm
Well isn’t that special….
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:04 pm
- Kevin Highland - Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:58 pm:
Perhaps AA (Arthur Anderson) could answer you on this one. It’s beyond my expertise but I’m sure there are those on this blog who can address it.
Comment by Old and In The Way Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:06 pm
Would veto this legislation at the last possible second with tge straightforward reasoning that it is a basket case bill that is unconstitutional on so many fronts that it would end up costing more to try to defend than is wasted on lack of pension reform.
He should blame the tomfoolery created by micheal madigan and thus make madagin the namesake of the entire debacle.
When the ILGA convenes to override - every republican (along with supposedly gun rights friendly downstate democrats) should turn their backs on the madigan force fed garbage bill and make madigans eat their power play. Madigan EPIC FAIL!!
Better yet, Forby could just refuse to bring the bill up forcing Quinn’s veto to stand. Quinn then proves he can beat madigan clan and he gets to wash his hands of carry claiming he kept his canpaign promise to never sign carry legislation.
Folks try to claim the madigan a are unbeatable and that Quinn holds no cards. But alas, Quinn holds all the cards at this point and he can utterly destroy the madigans power structure with one timely veto. Upstate democrats will be torqued at the madigan clan for forcing them to vote for carry only to see it fail anyway and Quinn gets to say “I told you so”. This as he sails to easy reelection….
Quinn you reall are a fool if you sign this bill. Likewise you are a fool if you veto it with time given to madigans to play more games. Signing it gives Lisa the governors slot. Signing it too early gives it to her too. A last minute veto is your out. You pull in the chips to count with a last minute veto and you only have to play that card to win. Folks know it too, so if you fold the winning hand you have only yourself to blame.
Comment by A real governor Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:10 pm
Did Radogno’s press release actually say that the Senate Republicans were “wiling” or is that your typo, Rich?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:16 pm
Unless he knows there is an agreement, this would qualify as a stupid decision. This would be appropriate since this is the blog’s day to point out “stupid” actions.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:17 pm
P.S. If you need me I will either be at the Sox Game or in my Chicago Office.
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:18 pm
- A real governor - Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:10 pm:
You may want to reread some of the posts here re special session rules. Either that or breathe heavily into a paper bag lest you hyperventilate. Calm down it will be OK.
Comment by Old and In The Way Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:25 pm
Has anyone ever seen Quinn and Obama in the same room at the same time…?
Comment by Josh in Champaign Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:34 pm
Does Cross get out downgrades work?
No Tom, it has not been downgraded twice within a week. Two ratings have been lowered once.
That’s a pretty big distinction.
Comment by HenryVK Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:34 pm
I don’t understand the hurry. Moody’s and Fitch can downgrade three more times and IL debt will still be invesment grade, although bottom of the barrel. (Assumimg further downgrades don’t leapfrog a few grades at a time).
What the ratings agencies should do is advise that the situation will be reviewed every 90 days, with a likely downgrade unless reform is passed and implemented. That will place IL debt right at the door of junk when the GA goes into its Jan 2014 session.
Comment by Cook County Commoner Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:37 pm
This downgrade business is such foolishness. Same as US credit downgrade was. No way a state defaults on its debt. Always the power to tax. I would invest in the state debt. An interest rate gold mine. Political and financial theater.
Comment by pensioner Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:49 pm
Does Cross get out downgrades work?
No and he cant count his own caucus. It voted SB 1 down and his stupidity almost lead to the cost shift
Comment by RNUG Fan Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:53 pm
Despite what he claims in his statement, Quinn has never “proposed” a pension reform plan…He’s merely promised to sign anything of substance that hits his desk.
The question now is will he actually propose a compromise — either behind closed doors with Madigan and Cullerton, or publicly? That’s what a leader would do. But it comes with some real political risks…he won’t be able to blame anyone else if it fails.
Comment by Tom Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 3:57 pm
Kevin,
The state doesn’t owe the unfunded liability to itself, it owes it to teachers, state employees, etc. What you are describing is what SB proposes to do. It’s a great solution… unless you are a teacher, public employee, or someone who believes the state actually has an obligation to pay its debts.
Comment by Pelon Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 4:04 pm
Old and In The Way @ 2:55 pm:,
Like you, I’m beginning to wonder if anyone still in the Gov’s office has a clue about how to wield the levers of government.
I’m too lazy right now to go find my exact post, but the other day I suggested Quinn forget about pension “reform” and try to achieve revenue reform like proposed by Martire. I listened to him speak last week at the RSEA meeting (actually have a copy of his presentation here on my desk) and, while I don’t necessarily agree with all Martire’s priorities (think there could be some more spending cuts in certain areas), he builds a good case that holds together mathematically. And his scenario where about 90% of all IL taxpayers either pay the same or less under a graduated income tax is certainly sellable to the voters. A real statesman could sell it by going directly to the public.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 4:31 pm
RNUG
A real statesman could sell it by going directly to the public.
I totally agree. And their lies the problem….we need a real statesman who actually understands the problem and can articulate it rather than speaking in cliches. It’s revenue and fairness Governor Quinn and if you can’t sell that you will be Mr. Quinn again in short order.
Comment by Old and In The Way Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 4:52 pm
Am I mistaken but didn’t Gov Quinn in just the last few days say he wanted the legislative leadership to reach some type of compromise on pensions before a special session took place? No such deal is at hand and calling the session may not force such a deal to become reality.
Comment by Rod Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 4:57 pm
I can’t read all these stories and not help but think about Governor LaPatamane from Blazing Saddles — “we gotta protect our phoney baloney jobs”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTmfwklFM-M. Hurumph- hurumph!
Comment by Woodchuck Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 5:07 pm
I assumed the credit downgrades were part of someone’s strategy to prolong the crisis closer to the tipping point where the constitutional pension guarantee cannot be honored. Hasn’t that been the Civic Committee’s position since November last year?
Comment by Budget Watcher Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 6:06 pm
Given that our Governor is a governor in title only…maybe we should just pull a recall on him…and then Squeezy can finish the job!
Comment by DoubleD Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 7:15 pm
Expext a combination of HB1154/HB1165/HB1166 to be discussed in special session. No compromise between SB1 and SB 2404.
Comment by J. Nolan Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 8:15 pm
@Pelon
Read my premise again, at no time do any of the people owed money miss a check.
Comment by Kevin Highland Friday, Jun 7, 13 @ 6:55 am
kevin,
people who are owed money who miss checks: schools, non profit hospitals, program for disabled citizens, vendors.
Comment by biased observer Friday, Jun 7, 13 @ 7:36 am