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* Gov. Bruce Rauner on his “Turnaround Agenda” and the possibility of an overtime session…
One item that’s not on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s so-called “turnaround agenda” is a special session of the legislature if the agenda is not passed by the end of this month. At least not yet, as Rauner says he’s “cautiously optimistic” that state lawmakers can pass bills on workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and local “right-to-work” zones, along with the state budget, all by the scheduled adjournment date of May 31. […]
“If we need more time for some reason, I’ll work closely with Speaker Madigan, President Cullerton, and Leader Durkin and Radogno, to work out how that process should unfold, but again, I’m cautiously optimistic we can get things done by May 31st,” the governor said.
Rauner says he doesn’t have any particular philosophy on special sessions, but prefers to get things done on time, pointing to how he didn’t ask for extra time to deliver his State of the State and budget addresses.
* House GOP Leader Jim Durkin on the same topic…
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) invoked the name of former Gov. Jim Edgar, who said the most important thing a governor can do is “get his arms around the budget.” Afterward, a reporter pointed out how Rauner is prioritizing his right-to-work–leaning “Turnaround Agenda” over everything else.
“We can walk and chew gum at the same time,” Durkin retorted. “The (legislative) working groups are working through every one of these issues. The fact is: we can do all that in a short amount of time.”
Short in that the session is scheduled to end May 31; Durkin says lawmakers can hit that mark if they are so inclined.
…Adding… I should’ve also posted this one from Leader Durkin. Emphasis added…
“Spending within our means will be the only way we get out of this mess. It;s going to take some time, we didn’t get here over night, but hang in there folks. We’ve got to stick with our Governor but the fact of the matter is our budget right now is under scrutiny and that is a major focus. That is what’s driving everything in that building right now,” said Minority Leader Jim Durkin.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 10:05 am
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So, Rauner and Durkin are confident that in three weeks lawmakers will fold and approve the “turnaround” agenda to, in large part, pit neighbor against neighbor in an effort to take worker rights protections back to pre-1930s levels. Remain calm? This grotesque agenda, the Governor’s aggressive rhetoric and his disregard for his limits of power as only one branch of government is all about fanning the flames of chaos, but we should “remain calm.” Pathetic.
Comment by Carhartt Union Negotiating Team Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 10:15 am
=== Rauner says he’s “cautiously optimistic” that state lawmakers can pass bills on workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and local “right-to-work” zones ===
As Meat Loaf would sing two out of three ain’t bad.
This is the most encouraging comment from Rauner in a long time. I think some compromise on zworkers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. Hopefully, like Meat Loaf, that will be good enough to get us out in a reasonable time.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 10:16 am
Is anyone falling for this rhetoric? Where is Durkin and Rauner going to find the votes to pass any of these bills? Rauner’s agenda is being rejected up and down the state, his approval ratings are in the toilet, and oh yeah, the General Asembly still is majority Democratic.
This is what happens when you read your own press releases, worse still when your press releases are written by neophytes.
Comment by Hullaballo Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 10:19 am
It’s 60 and 30 fellas.
You can get out of town when the structured roll call gets to 39 and 60.
Yesterday, that was “zero”, not 60.
Governor, your 60 votes short.
Autonomous Chambers require compromise. Until Rauner can count to 60 with Durkin, and 30 with Radogno, I am cautiously waiting, but not really optimistic.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 10:20 am
Didn’t Rauner Team just say yesterday that there were eight items on his Turnaround Agenda, that should be dealt with before he will discuss balancing the budget
Now he’s down to three items that actually could be done before the budget is due, while assuming a later date for the others. That’s progress in his dealing. That’s at least something straightforward to negotiate now.
Comment by walker Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 10:22 am
To “…Adding …”
I’m still with Durkin. My trust is with him.
My hope is that he can explain to Rauner this very important point;
“There. I’m with you, publicly. Now work with me to help you get what you can get, and get the best budget deal to claim your victory.”
I hope…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 10:25 am
I see some cracks in jim durkins crystal ball
Comment by foster brooks Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 10:31 am
===We’ve got to stick with our Governor===
On term limits.
On worker’s comp reform.
On right to work.
Yep, you better hang together with the Governor or surely you’ll hang separately after voting for this garbage.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 10:33 am
We’ve got to stick with our Governor (or we’ll have a #$*%ing problem in 2016).
Comment by Tournaround Agenda Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 10:39 am
My guess is that Durkin would not like to see RTW come to the floor. Some of the most pro-union legislators are in his caucus.
Comment by walker Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 10:39 am
Walk, I think you’re seeing some things that some just aren’t willing to see. I know they’ve got skin in the game and some resentment built up (much even justifiably). But, the refusal to see that an Executive has taken his rightful place in government as a co-equal just demonstrates how long it’s been since a Governor even mattered here. You use whatever leverage you have to get things done.
I’m not seeing anyone ding the Speaker or the Senate President for their harder positions. I’m still watching them very carefully. It still looks to me like Madigan and Rauner set the parameters and Cullerton does what he must to come along. He’s got a tougher caucus to deal with.
If we don’t commit to managing revenue, there just isn’t going to be any more coming. Rauner has made that clear. He’s not afraid of the consequences of doing what he needs to do. Desperate times call for measures not considered before. There’s got to be movement.
Like you Walk, I’m seeing some movement. The Majority party isn’t used to the Minority party pushing back. The adjustments are slow and painful, but it appears some version of them is underway.
Comment by A guy Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 10:59 am
Rauner’s delusional if he believes everyone will cede to his demands. He hasn’t learned anything from failed attempts to weaken the unions, strip the pensions and force right-to-work on local communities. Republicans will hurt themselves if they “stick” with his foolhardy plans.
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 11:02 am
A Guy: Was just thinking this morning that the Dem Leaders have some real strong opposition to deal with. Perhaps equal in political savvy.
I see some movement, and generally agree that Rauner has a tougher row to hoe, and must forcefully use whatever levers he has. However, to say that MJM has taken tougher positions isn’t accurate. Madigan has been reluctant to say much of anything, and hasn’t publicly drawn the lines in the sand that Rauner has. Even his show on Workers’ Comp looked like a set up for some compromise there.
Comment by walker Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 11:11 am
=== It’s 60 and 30 fellas. ===
Rauner should be so lucky.
Durkin clearly understands what 71 means.
Comment by Juvenal Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 11:21 am
“We’ve got to stick with our Governor”
In other words, “We’re stuck with this Governor.”
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 11:21 am
Walk, agreed. Until yesterday, MJM has gone out of his way to demonstrate a willingness to listen to everything. I’m still not sure why we saw what we saw yesterday, but it must be more strategic than meets the eye. I don’t think it’s just about campaign mail; that sword has two edges always. The fact no one broke ranks renders it less useful anyway.
For this to get done (something of substance) by May 31 means some real estate will have to be given up at the bargaining table and an agreement will have to be paced a lot quicker than what we’re used to.
It will land somewhere between 2 points. The middle is being re calibrated.
To your point, Madigan has definitely been more reserved and less involved in drawing lines. His field position is better from the start. Still, I’m more encouraged by his position- even after yesterday. We’re seeing something here.
Comment by A guy Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 11:24 am
It’s May 7th.
When Rauner talks about his turnaround agenda, which is all the time, it’s in generalities. When will bills with specific language materialize?
It’s May 7th.
Comment by Sir Reel Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 12:02 pm
It’s almost a shame Illinois has the single subject matter clause, because I bet Durkin would love to pile all of this UTurnAgenda stuff into one large monstrosity so his pro-union members would only have to screw over their voters once, instead of repeatedly.
For some HGOPs, voting for RTW is the same as voting for term limits anyway. Their terms will be very limited after that.
That’s what bugs me most of all about Rauner’s fantasy of turning Illinois into the Bangladesh of the Midwest. There are plenty of Republicans who don’t support it. Where does he think his mandate comes from? Ken Griffin? Beating Pat Quinn hardly qualifies as a mandate to eliminate collective bargaining.
Here’s a tip Governor: try an incremental approach and see if you can persuade the voters to follow you. Baby steps, Bruce. Baby steps.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 12:05 pm
=eight items on the turnaround agenda that must be dealt with before Rauner will discuss revenue=
I wish the democrats would deal with it, hold a veto-proof vote on it.
Item 1) NO!
Item 2) NO!
Item 3) NO!
Item 4) NO!
Item 5) NO!
Item 6) NO!
Item 7) NO!
Item
NO!
Comment by DuPage Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 12:07 pm
Governor Rauner should have caught the Dirty Harry marathon on AMC last Saturday. From the second film, Magnum Force, I quote, “A man’s got to know his limitations.”
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 12:08 pm
===That’s what bugs me most of all about Rauner’s fantasy of turning Illinois into the Bangladesh of the Midwest. There are plenty of Republicans who don’t support it.===
It’s like you’re reading my mind.
So very well said - 47th Ward -.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 12:14 pm
The end game is going to involve revenue enhancements. Either you already believed that, or you now believe that after yesterday or I just can’t help you.
Before you can pass and sign a budget with revenue enhancements the Republican governor who campaigned for expiring the temporary income tax increase and who promised the budget could be fixed without new revenue will have to attempt and fail to pass a budget with no revenue enhancements.
Before any of that can happen the Governor’s Turnaround Agenda has to get resolved in some manner, as he has made this a prerequisite for dealing with the budget and other budget-relevant items (like gaming). It’s unlikely to pass as-is so some combination of attempting and failing to pass as-is and/or attempting to pass a watered down version and/or the Gov just accepting defeat on some of his Turnaround Agenda or global thermonuclear war has to happen.
And before any of that happens the [cough]secret working groups[cough] have to produce the Turnaround Agenda in bill form and start that legislative process.
Not much of the above can happen concurrently and you have to allow enough time for showboating and grandstanding (by both/all sides) between stages. Can’t be done in three weeks.
Comment by The Captain Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 12:19 pm
=== My guess is that Durkin would not like to see RTW come to the floor. Some of the most pro-union legislators are in his caucus. ===
Have you been to Durkin’s district, been to one of his events, knocked on doors there?
There are a ton of building trades members in La Grange, Lemont, Burr Ridge and Darien.
Heck, I think the Laborer’s HQ might be in his district, and Operating Engineers are right next door.
Jim Durkin doesn’t want to vote on right-to-work or workers comp, I am sure.
Comment by Juvenal Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 12:20 pm
Durkin is remarkably confident on that walk and chew gum thing, considering his peeps said yesterday they don’t know what’s in the budget that was introduced nearly three months ago.
Seriously, you guys havent been in the ball game for many years, Might not want to assume you can turn it on in the fourth quarter.
Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 1:25 pm
Great burden you’re carrying around there Sling. “everyone is dumb but you”.
Comment by A guy Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 1:32 pm
Guy, I didn’t write that. Quotation marks signify use of a direct statement.
A smart guy like you should know that.
I’d appreciate it if you’d stop making false claims as to what I write. It’s dishonest.
Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 1:44 pm
- A guy - Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 1:32 pm:
Great burden you’re carrying around there Sling. -everyone is dumb but you.
Honored your request. Sentiment remains the same.
Comment by A guy Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 1:52 pm
– sentiment is the same–
But at least its attributed truthfully.
That’s a breakthrough for you, build on it.
Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 2:08 pm
Showing your soft side, eh?
Comment by A guy Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 3:02 pm
Unlike some commenters, Wordslinger doesn’t cover his “soft side” with a hat.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 3:19 pm
He’s bragging that he had his speeches ready on time? The ones where he fell on his face and got laughed at?
Comment by Ex-Rutan-exempt Thursday, May 7, 15 @ 8:16 pm