Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Rauner shifts blame to legislators

Posted in:

Illinois

* Riopell reports on a particularly critical $5.3 million state budget shortfall…

A budget shortfall in the program that helps juvenile offenders re-enter the community is the latest addition to Illinois’ list of urgent financial troubles.

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office says the money the state needs to run the Department of Juvenile Justice’s Aftercare program will run out at the end of March. The program helps youth find jobs and housing after being released from a facility.

The agency’s spokeswoman, Veronica Vera, says layoffs at youth centers including the ones in St. Charles and Warrenville aren’t in the works and Rauner’s administration hopes to shift money around to avoid an interruption in the program. […]

Rauner and top Democrats are working on a plan that would let the new governor move money around to try to plug some of those holes. A spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan said a vote could come [this] week, but nothing is finalized.

It’s possible that we’ll see a vote this week. Subscribers know more about the why and the what.

* The governor explained the delay on the FY15 fix…

Rauner says lawmakers are talking about sweeping funds from some programs into more “essential” ones.

“But they’re arguing among themselves what’s non-essential.”

Rauner has said for weeks that he’s close to resolving the issue with legislative leaders.

“Democracy is a horrible system except compared to the alternatives. It’s just, it’s a process.”

* More…

Rauner said he is frustrated by how slowly Springfield is moving to address the deficit.

“I went to the legislature and said we better reallocate immediately money from non-essential buckets into essential buckets like court reporting and day care,” Rauner said. “The legislature agreed with me but the process has taken five or six weeks.” […]

“What I’m saying is, ‘Guys, let’s get it done,’” Rauner said. “If we sat in a room, we would have had it done in a few days. But I think they are close, they are in their caucuses arguing it through, and I am pushing them to get it done as fast as they can.”

* His spokesperson was a bit more blunt…

“Many state programs are running out of money because majority party legislators knowingly voted for a budget that intentionally left our state with a $1.6 billion hole. The child care assistance program is already out of state money and state prisons soon won’t have funds to make payroll,” the statement said.

“As a result, the governor’s budget office is taking actions necessary to address the fiscal crisis that the governor inherited. GOMB (Governor’s Office of Management and Budget) has asked all affected communities to hold on construction and stop incurring costs if construction has started.”

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:38 am

Comments

—
“Democracy is a horrible system except compared to the alternatives. It’s just, it’s a process.”
—

What? Rauner said that? What kind of American politician goes on the record with a sentence starting with “Democracy is a horrible process …”

I’m confused.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:40 am
He’s channeling his inner Churchill

Comment by doofusguy Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:43 am
“If we sat in a room, we would have had it done in a few days.” But I was busy going around the state giving speeches, instead.

But seriously, it underscores how business is different than government.

Comment by Demise Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:49 am
Welp, this is a great way to get to 30 and 60…

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:50 am
Is rauner planning to spend tens of millions of his own money constantly bashing the dem legislators as obstructing the will of the people or something. Because if not where does he think he gets a public mandate to win a fight like this? He didn’t run for office on ideas so his policy proposals have no public mandate and there isn’t some strong affection for him as a person amongst the Illinois electorate either. So just how does he win this fight without flooding the airwaves with ads?

Comment by hisgirlfriday Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:53 am
==majority party legislators knowingly voted for a budget that intentionally left our state with a $1.6 billion hole==

And then, in December, they did not close the hole because the Governor-elect asked them not to.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:53 am
–If we sat in a room, we would have had it done in a few days.–

Huh? So do that.

You’re the governor, for crying out loud, not a powerless victim.

You’ve got the gig. Get to work.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:56 am
“If we sat in a room, we would have had it done in a few days.”

You are the governor…so get everyone in a room. Takes longer, tho, when there is no trust.

Comment by Langhorne Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:59 am
“Rauner says lawmakers are talking about sweeping funds from some programs into more “essential” ones.”

Funny how the State is complaining about an “emergency financial situation” to try to reduce promised pensions but we still have money in “non-essential” funds. I think there is plenty of money hidden around!!!

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:04 am
Well, declaring “I’m an impotent and incompetent leader” is one way to shift responsibility to legislators. (I’m not sure it’s the one I’d have chosen, but I’m not getting paid the big bucks…)

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:12 am
I’m not sure the Governor gets that budget chaos is almost universally the Executive’s burden.

Comment by Arsenal Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:16 am
Sit in a room. Where? Rauner’s busy flying around the state spewing his anti-worker, anti-union hatred.
When he did sit in a room with those Dem Senators, his anti-unionism took priority over the budget.
How can the legislature negotiate with him. He’s either not there or not on point when he is

Comment by Truthteller Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:16 am
What happened to the “I’ll take the arrows” meme?

Already played out, Bruce? Tired?

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:18 am
What if he tried bipartisan governing instead of partisan blaming? He has dug himself in so deep and has so little credibility now, I don’t see things turning around for him in the next year of so.

The longer he diddles and finger points, the more damaged he becomes. This administration has taken a bad situation and worsened it.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:19 am
This on the job training is getting old, listening to folks on the transition team would help make this process less painful.

Comment by AC Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:20 am
Is the sweep of funds from the Motor Fuel Tax fund still in the non-essential bucket? That would be dumb.

Comment by Parnell Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:27 am
C’mon, guys, Are you saying the most powerful people in Illinois government, MJM and Cullerton, and incapable of creating legislation to shift significant but not overwhelming funds from “non-essential” to “essential” buckets when there seems to be leadership consensus on what needs to be done? Are you implying that these two are incapable of getting this done with their caucuses, and the GOP caucuses with Rauner directions, without Rauner babysitting them? This is important, but easily resolved. There are bigger budget and policy issues that NEED direct gubernatorial action to get resolved.

MJM and Cullerton have been cashing in on their leadership perks for quite some time now. Perhaps its time that they do their job and get something done for the people of Illinois.

Comment by Arizona Bob Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:34 am
Remember the Governor grandstanding about not extending the 5% tax rate? He owns it now. Congrats Governor - time to do your job. Quit flying around the state, stay in Springfield, and get this done.

Comment by Runbikeswim1 Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:47 am
Regarding the lead . . .

Governor Rauner, Recognize that “shifting blame” is not the same as “assigning responsibility”.

Comment by Out Here In The Middle Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:50 am
Fixing the 2015 budget together was a chance to develop trust and frame the 2016 budget. Things began well, only ==days away== from a deal, until wrenches stuck in the gears.

The gorilla in the room is that as soon as the 2015 budget fix is done, Rauner gives up some leverage on the 2016 budget. Dems will be unrestrained in hitting Rauner on the 2016 budget, while the 2015 budget bomb disappears from the news. Both parties know this.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:50 am
@ AB

Do you even know what you’re talking about? Governor Rauner is the Governor, he should rightfully get some input into this process. I know the whole “Party of Personal Responsibility” thing was a lie, but the Governor will only be a victim here if he volunteers to be one.

Comment by Arsenal Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:53 am
“There are bigger budget and policy issues that NEED direct gubernatorial action to get resolved.”

The campaign stops at the Saint Patty’s parade and Sawing & Shearing?

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:06 am
Perhaps its time that they do their job and get something done for the people of Illinois.

We have a new governor. He has been exposing himself as someone who will say one thing while campaigning, then expose what he said as a candidate as a big lie, once he was inaugurated. He presented a budget that was not ready for reality, even though he was given opportunities to do a budget presentation later this year. Instead of showing a deliberate attempt to find consensus with the General Assembly, he begins wrecking consensus.

The new governor has exposed himself as a rabid extremist, not a commonsense Republican. He set up a $25 million political fund and ensured people wondering what it was for, to be a tool to buy votes.

The new governor has immediately dug himself into a political hole deeper than his union hatred. He is self destructing.

Consequently, he is toxic politically. The only thing Madigan and Cullerton needs to do is let him keep hanging himself with his own tongue.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:14 am
@AB: When you have a basic understanding of the system of Government in the United States of America, and specifically how the 3 branches of Givernment work….then please feel free to comment.

Comment by Jack Stephens Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:15 am
FKA: Agree that the 2015 funding gap should already have been resolved. It is mostly on the Dems, and they should have worked past Rauner’s initial overreaching asks, and done a narrowly- defined deal, without 2016 implications or power shifts.

But the leverage works the other way. Most of the public will blame Rauner for 2015 shortfalls, regardless of what he says and what the insiders know. The longer the Dems stretch it out, the more the blame fades from them, and the more they will try to leverage it against 2016 budget needs.

Unfair, IMO, but real.

Comment by walker Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:23 am
Arizona Bob I do not think you understand the prior sweeps that were granted to Governors. The scope of what can be removed from existing funds is defined by the legislature. Coming to an agreement is not so simple as just happily agreeing to things behind closed doors.

When fund balances are transferred that will be needed for expected obligations, this is a form of short-term borrowing for general operations. There are several different types of special to General Fund transfers in Illinois. “Chargebacks” are transfers from special funds to general operations at the discretion of the chief executive. From FY 2004 until FY 2007 (when the General Assembly took away the power to do so), Governor Blagojevich authorized chargebacks totaling over $700 million. “Fund sweeps,” legislative authorization for specific transfers in a given year, totaled $1.2 billion from FY 2003 to 2010. Several other types of transfers bring the total for the FY 2003 to FY 2010 period to $2.2 billion.

There has been considerable resistance to the fund sweeps and chargebacks, including lawsuits by interest groups associated with particular funds, but in October 2011 the Illinois Supreme Court acknowledged the state’s power to make such transfers (see http://www.state.il.us/court/Opinions/SupremeCourt/2011/October/110611.pdf)

After a decade of sweeps, any obviously “excess” fund balances had been transferred — making further sweeps a form of short-term borrowing. Recognizing this, in FY 2011 the General Assembly authorized inter-fund borrowing to be paid back within 18 months, but no open-ended sweeps.

Comment by Rod Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:28 am
Actually what BVR is sayin’ is that “hey I wanted a four year blank check, but no one wanted to play along, then I wanted 18 months, no dice and now I am tryin’ to get 3 months — well I think it is 4 months …now the pols want specifics in a bill and we have no one who ever drafted a real bill. But we should be done in a matter of days.”

Comment by anonin' Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:21 pm
@MJM

=The campaign stops at the Saint Patty’s parade and Sawing & Shearing?=

Yep. That’s a mandatory political activity for anyone looking for votes in Chicagah!

Comment by Arizona Bob Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:21 pm
@ Rod

=Arizona Bob I do not think you understand the prior sweeps that were granted to Governors. The scope of what can be removed from existing funds is defined by the legislature. Coming to an agreement is not so simple as just happily agreeing to things behind closed doors.=

I do indeed understand this, Rod, and this practice was scandalously abused, IMHO. It’s a “last resort” that needs to be used sparingly for funding essential activities, and, with time and better management of Illinois government spending, eliminated al together.

Three months into the Rauner years, it appears that he’s trying to wok towards that. Unfortunately some extreme measures need to be taken this year due to the grossly irresponsible actions of Quinn, MJM and Cullerton not making proper spending adjustment to previous budgets for transition to this years right sizing of the tax rates which have been known for years.

There’s an old saying, “Failure to plan on your part does not constitute and emergency on my part.”

While most would agree that Rauner could certainly claim that, I think we’re all glad that he’s being as proactive as he is to make spending adjustments to the disastrous situation that MJM, Cullerton and Quinn created.

The problem is that MJM and Cullerton have only criticized without proposing solutions, the cowards approach, contrasted with Rauners tough and unpleasant attempt to move forward with fixing the Dem mess.

He was elected to do that, and perhaps he’s doing it as well as anyone has in 20 years.

Comment by Arizona Bob Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:43 pm
He should blame them. They and the past few governors over spend every year! Their the ones who put Illinois in this financial black hole!!

Comment by Union Man Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:48 pm
@Jack Stephens

=@AB: When you have a basic understanding of the system of Government in the United States of America, and specifically how the 3 branches of Givernment work….then please feel free to comment.=

I guess you’re usurping Rich’s job now? You’ve become the sole arbiter of the first amendment in the blogosphere? If you’ve got a counter argument or well thought out criticism, let it fly. Fill this chat room with your intelligence!

If all you can do is post an ignorant, pointless attack, excuse me if I put in in my “trash”!

Comment by Arizona Bob Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:50 pm
You know, Bob, eventually you’ll have to stop playing the victim and get out of your hyper-partisan mindset and actually recognize the reality of the situation.

Just some friendly advice.

Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:54 pm
Bob the issue isn’t limited to funding for essential services it is also related to the scope of funds swept and what is non-essential in those pots. Steans’ SB 2 proposed 26 funds to be swept but that I believe generated only around $580 million which fell short of what the Governor wanted.

So it is not like the Democrats have proposed nothing. There are serious disagreements here on the scope and totality of the sweeps and the number will without question be lower than team Rauner wants.

Comment by Rod Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 1:11 pm
Court reporters were informed Friday they have to start taking two furlough days a week until further notice.

Comment by Earnest Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 1:58 pm
@ Earnest:
“Court reporters were informed Friday they have to start taking two furlough days a week until further notice.”

A week? That’s a 40% paycut right there on a 5 day workweek.

Ouch.

Comment by How Ironic Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 2:09 pm
Also, at that rate (if correct) they might be in line for unemployment assistance. Which will cost the state money.

Comment by How Ironic Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 2:10 pm
@walker - started a comment last week on the general quality of your posts, but comments closed while typing it. You had a streak of comments that can only be called ==insightful==, which is routine when reading a walker comment. Always smart, balanced and a keen view of the big picture, without snark or insults. Grazie and mil gracias, senor - senorita.

imho, every 2015 shortfall that emerges re-focuses attention on the Dems budget bomb and undercuts any attacks on Rauner’s 2016 proposals. It also supports the language Rauner used to get elected, even if not accurate: Springfield is broken. Just look at the mess Dems made all by themselves with the 2015 budget, before I was even around. You elected me to clean up their mess, but now they are fighting me and want business as usual, bla bla bla. The longer the Dems stretch it out, the easier it is for Rauner to pin the ILGA as obstructionist, Illinois’ own version of Washington.

That said, your take could well be the way things play out. If Rauner is not careful, he could cement himself as the stone cold businessman from Quinn’s campaign commercials and cripple the rest of his term.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 3:23 pm
“imho, every 2015 shortfall that emerges re-focuses attention on the Dems budget bomb and undercuts any attacks on Rauner’s 2016 proposals.”

That’s not irrational, but I think history shows that budget chaos redounds to the legislature’s benefit. After all, the FY15 budget came out last year, and it was the Executive who was sent home. Moreover, extended budget chaos may well show that “Springfield is broken”…but it may also show that Governor Rauner is unable to fix it.

Comment by Arsenal Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 3:31 pm
The Gov. should pick a specific issue and call a special session and press, press, press then we will see if he even shows up or just keeps singing in the wind as he 0ontinues on victory laps. Have to get to it sometime Gov.

Comment by Roscoe Tom Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 3:37 pm