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* Senate President John Cullerton actually used the “B-word”…
Lawmakers also take issue with his style, complaining that Rauner treats them like “middle management.” They say his aides have taken a position that the budget is their problem, and unless they agree to the governor’s wishes, he’ll keep cutting services.
“He must think we’re going to come to him and say: ‘We’ll do whatever you want, just let us pass a tax increase because we need it so much,’ ” says Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago.
“As if the state budget is our problem and, whether we have a state budget or not, it’s not a big deal for him.”
Cullerton says Rauner is mistaken if he thinks his hand is strengthened after the May 31 deadline passes when legislators must present a balanced budget. He argues that if the Legislature goes into overtime, the areas the governor wants to cut will instead automatically get funded by law — including Medicaid.
“What would be shortchanged would be what he cares about — education,” Cullerton says. “He doesn’t have the leverage he thinks he has. Obviously, you can be elected governor and know nothing about the office. [Ex-Gov. Rod] Blagojevich did it twice. It wasn’t just Rauner.”
Ouch.
* But the governor doesn’t seem worried…
Gov. Bruce Rauner said Saturday that he is not worried about passing a budget, even after House Democrats struck down a portion of his proposal.
The Republican governor made the remarks before giving his commencement address to 320 graduates at Lincoln College. House Democrats brought the human services portion Rauner’s proposed budget to the floor Thursday, where it received zero “yes” votes. Republicans, who voted “present” in protest, called it a blatantly partisan attack at a time when bipartisanism is woefully necessary.
“I’m not too concerned about anything going on right now in the legislature because in difficult negotiations there tends to be some political theater, I’ll call it,” Rauner said.
He said the budget working groups and chiefs of staff from his office and the legislative leaders are working well together, and he expects progress before the spring legislative session ends May 31. The state is facing a $6 billion budget gap for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and Rauner has proposed closing it without any new revenue.
* More…
“Government negotiations often involve a certain amount of political theater,” Rauner said. “That’s fine. It’s not very relevant. It’s all part of the process. It’s fine. No big issue.”
In fact, he said that while he hasn’t spoken to Madigan “in a number of days,” top officials in his administration met with senior staff of the four legislative leaders for four hours on Thursday.
“They’re working through what our (legislative and administration) working groups have done this week,” he said. “I’m cautiously optimistic things are going well. We’re getting some progress.”
He said he wasn’t disheartened by the setbacks of the last week.
“That’s why I wanted the job. I knew it was going to be hard. That’s what we’ve got to do, we’ve got to take this stuff on,” Rauner said.
Subscribers know a bit more about that meeting last week.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:00 pm
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===“I’m not too concerned about anything going on right now in the legislature because in difficult negotiations there tends to be some political theater, I’ll call it,”…===
Kevin Bacon, “Animal House”
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:03 pm
“It was basically an up day…”
Comment by Anonymiss Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:03 pm
Dang, I just missed being first with the “up day” reference.
Comment by Joe Biden Was Here Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:08 pm
The Jack Franks quote was the best.
Comment by Juvenal Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:15 pm
The no nothing governor, I would agree
Comment by BlameBruceRauner Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:16 pm
The GOP is complaining about partisan activity on budget issues. Pot meet kettle….
Comment by Ghost Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:25 pm
=”What would be shortchanged would be what he cares about–education”, Cullerton says.=
I don’t think Rauner cares much about education, except for-profit charter schools.
Comment by DuPage Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:26 pm
Dear H&SGOP,
I’ve been very hard on both Caucuses, but I don’t apologize for that. This note isn’t an apology, or even meant in a negative way;
President Cullerton’s quote…
“Obviously, you can be elected governor and know nothing about the office. [Ex-Gov. Rod] Blagojevich did it twice. It wasn’t just Rauner.”
Only autonomous Caucuses can aid the Governor to learn the processes of governing with Co-Equal branches. Walking a fine line of being in lock-step and being your own group right now is failing miserably. The Dems in the GA see you all as green lights. How do I know? The Cullerton quote after meeting with his counterparts and the governor. Cullerton talked pass you both, you caucuses, and told Rauner to bring his votes.
It’s May, and now the HGOP has had to vote “present” as a whole caucus to the Speaker’s *cough* Rauner’s *cough* first test bill. Why? The theatre is brought upon because lacking autonomy makes Owls like Sandack easy targets for votes difficult to take without structured roll calls.
Publicly, Leader Durkin stated the GOP needs to, and will hang with the Republican governor. Ok, “where you going?” The man holding both caucuses hostage lacks the fundamentals to governing, and thinks the theatre of governing is part and parcel, a “given”.
You all know better. You do. Rod as governor proved it to be so.
Autonomy for you both will help the governor. It will lead to compromises, because you both will not be a “given” in leverage used by the Governor and the Democratic leaders.
The three of them are ensurung the price of Rauner’s wants… are you. That’s real. How you 67 end up is the price Rauner will pay, and the currency accepted by the Speaker and President. There it is, and it’s more apparent as we all get closer to May 31st.
So, show that there aren’t 67 Owls, but 67 men and women working, collectively, not to be bargained, but to be the 67 needed to get compromise, while also educating the governor too.
You all know the process needs the two branches to be seen by the other as equal, when you surrender to the governor as easily as you are.
Speak out, teach, give verbal signals that you both recognize the governor is Green, before you all will just be green lights for the next 18 months. Helping teach isn’t disloyalty, it’s moving the ball forward, with keverage of your own.
Good luck GOP Caucuses. I’m the way I am with you because I know how desperate these years have been, but are you all willing to walk away from being factors in helping Rauner succeed, and being seen as a partner, at the price of giving Rauner your autonomy, and the comparisons to Rod?
The GOP Caucuses could broker these deals, not just be chips in the outcomes.
Choose wisely, I wish you both well. Honest.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:29 pm
I’m sure that Rauner’s superstar staff, with their world class problem solving skills, will have it all worked out in no time flat.
Until they don’t.
Comment by Aldyth Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:29 pm
I think Rauner will find out soon enough who wears the jacket for tax and spending decisions in Illinois.
You don’t get to pick and choose what you’re responsible for in his job.
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:30 pm
If Jack Fanks is dinging you on governing by press release then you took a wrong turn at Albuquerque.
Oof…
Comment by Abe the Babe Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:37 pm
Reminds me of a big game of Chicken. I’m pretty sure Rauner is going to lose this round. He is playing like a rookie.
Comment by Stones Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:44 pm
===* Senate President John Cullerton actually used the “B-word”…===
…and didn’t advance the cause at all. Might be walking this one back with the encouragement of people other than Rauner. Really, really silly.
Comment by A guy Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:45 pm
“Senator (Cullerton), you can have my answer now if you like…”
Comment by Snucka Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:46 pm
What a pompous A-word.
Comment by ??? Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:48 pm
- Might be walking this one back with the encouragement of people other than Rauner. Really, really silly. -
You ever get sick of making predictions that never materialize?
Comment by Anonymous Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:55 pm
“No problem. They’ll come around to my way of thinking.”
Comment by walker Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:57 pm
When does Rauner start walking back the ridiculous insults and characterizations he’s been making since taking office?
Comment by Wensicia Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:58 pm
Hey gov, that high pitched whistling sound is shots across the bow. In public.
Comment by Langhorne Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:58 pm
We will see how upbeat he is come Thursday.
Comment by A Jack Monday, May 11, 15 @ 1:58 pm
A big game of chicken indeed…problem is…Rauner has nothing to lose and he knows it.
Illinoisans have already been losing for years under the “leadership” of Blago, Quinn, Cullerton, and Madigan.
Does anybody think the voters believe the problems were caused by Rauner?
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:06 pm
Rauner wants to force the Democrats to raise taxes to solve the budget shortfall…not to hard to understand.
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:10 pm
Raunerbot -
No argument that Democrats bear a large portion of the blame for underfunded pensions. That being said, the Governor doesn’t control the votes he needs to pass a budget going forward thus he will need to compromise. Just not seeing that so far out of Rauner.
Comment by Stones Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:13 pm
Unfortunately, the “B-word” analogy fits.
Comment by Norseman Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:14 pm
===Rauner wants to force the Democrats to raise taxes to solve the budget shortfall…not to hard to understand.===
Cullerton & MJM understand 30 and 60.
That’s what’s at play here; green lights.
Rauner doesn’t have them, Cullerton and Madigan can deliver more…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:15 pm
Raunerbot: Well if he knows that they know, then what’s the point? If I know that you know that I want you to take the last cookie, chances are I shouldn’t be counting on you taking the last cookie.
Comment by Skeptic Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:16 pm
– Rauner has nothing to lose and he knows it —
Whislting past the graveyard.
Can you provide an example of a governor who was not held accountable for taxes and spending during his administration?
Rauner certainly felt the heat when he flipped on those $26 million in social service cuts. You think he stand up to billions in cuts to education? That’s a ridiculous bluff.
Sad to near a fan of the new GOP governor already resorting to the “I’m not responsible” line?
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:16 pm
===The Democrats have the votes to pass whatever budget they want…what is sopping them?===
Political smarts, that you seem to lack…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:23 pm
“Rauner upbeat despite attacks”
Reminds me of the salesman who fell off the skyscraper. As he plunged past each floor, people could hear him say, “So far so good… So far so good… So far so good…”
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:23 pm
@Raunerbot,
Welcome to Illinois. I hope your stay is pleasant, and enjoyable.
The GOP is now ‘in charge’ with Rauner as Gov. As such, it’s the GOP’s responsibility to provide budget bills, and be an majority voter for such proposal.
The Democratic party, although a strong majority party has no desire to support such a budget unless the GOP is doing the heavy lifting.
Stick around, and read this blog, you might learn a thing or two about IL politics.
Comment by How Ironic Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:26 pm
Political smarts? LOL…Illinoisans have really benefitted from their political smarts.
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:32 pm
Goodbye - Raunerbot -, no more feeding from me.
Dope.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:34 pm
==The Democrats have the votes to pass whatever budget they want…what is sopping them?== The Dems might pass their own budget in late May, but the budget only grants spending authority to the Governor, it does not require him to spend all of the appropriated money. I think Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton still hold out some slim home of reaching a compromise (or maybe they just want to look statesmanesque). Way too early in the game to try jamming a budget down the Governor’s throat, especially when he can hold it hostage for 60 days, veto it, and force the GA back to Springfield in late July.
Comment by SAP Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:35 pm
“…and didn’t advance the cause at all. Might be walking this one back with the encouragement of people other than Rauner. Really, really silly.”
I coulda set my clock by this, I swear.
“Does anybody think the voters believe the problems were caused by Rauner?”
No, but after 2010, 2012, and 2014, anyone who thinks Cullerton and Madigan are going to pay the ultimate price for these problems is kidding themselves.
And that leaves us with this: eventually, voters will punish you for failing to fix the problems.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:35 pm
“Can you provide an example of a governor who was not held accountable..” GHWBush comes to mind as a great example. “Read My Lips, No. New. Taxes.” But reality kicked in and taxes had to be raised. And the new taxes (reached as a compromise with the Democratically controlled Congress) likely cost him re-election.
Comment by Skeptic Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:35 pm
The only thing I learn from this blog is how not to do things…and how to perpetuate the status-quo of continued suffering. Our state leads the nation for those wanting to move out for a reason. It was voted the most incompetent and corrupt state in the nation for a reason. Comments here are mostly for amusement…it will take a couple of elections to correct the problems caused by Democrats, and Republicans, but that will happen. There are enough FED-UP Illinoisans who are willing to work to make that happen.
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:37 pm
“Have fun stormin’ the castle…”
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:39 pm
Have a nice day/week Oswego Willie…you are obviously the most knowledgeable and politically astute poster here. LOL.
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:40 pm
==The Democrats have the votes to pass whatever budget they want…what is sopping them?==
The fact that it’s a false dichotomy to suggest that they must either accept the Governor completely, without criticism, or ignore him completely. That’s what’s stopping them.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:40 pm
“The only thing I learn from this blog is how not to do things…and how to perpetuate the status-quo of continued suffering.”
Yup, Rich’s coverage of the Rauner Administration really is top-notch.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:42 pm
Hey dems, don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better. You guys and gals created this crapfest, some or most of the solution is going to be painful.
Comment by anon Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:44 pm
===Hey dems, don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better. You guys and gals created this crapfest, some or most of the solution is going to be painful.===
… Called the Rauner Cuts and the Rauner Budget…
Governors own choices, governors own budgets.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:45 pm
@Raunerbot…
How is $6 billion in cuts a bargaining chip if Bruce wears the jacket? In fact that’s almost a political gift since dems will pass a fully funded budget and then Rauner takes an ax to it and they run around their districts blaming the governor for every single cut.
What’s more dispicable than the political stupidity is that he’s actually holding the most vulnerable citizens hostage in order to gain some non-existent leverage to further whittle away middle class protections.
Political ineptness I can forgive. Outright disdain for the poorest among us I cannot. Nor should anyone.
You guys bought this farm. Now stop blaming the old landlord and make the tough decisions to clean it up.
Comment by Abe the Babe Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:49 pm
“Governors own choices, governors own budgets.”
Not in Illinois. The Democrats and unions in the Chicago area “own” everything right now. But that can be fixed in a few years, but it won’t be easy.
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:49 pm
Raunerbot”The only thing I learn from this blog is how not to do things…and how to perpetuate the status-quo of continued suffering. Our state leads the nation for those wanting to move out for a reason. It was voted the most incompetent and corrupt state in the nation for a reason. Comments here are mostly for amusement…it will take a couple of elections to correct the problems caused by Democrats, and Republicans, but that will happen. There are enough FED-UP Illinoisans who are willing to work to make that happen.”
I disagree with your statement. Governor Rauner has not offered any clear solutions to Illinois problems. He has focused on RTW ideology and has displayed scorn for the disadvantaged. He does things behind closed does and as far as I know, has yet to submit a bill with a clear path to address specific issues. Illinois does have its problems but will work these out based eventually on pragmatic leadership that addresses the need to move state revenues into the 21st century.
Comment by JerryG Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:49 pm
The troll has been fed.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:51 pm
“Illinois does have its problems but will work these out based eventually on pragmatic leadership that addresses the need to move state revenues into the 21st century.”
NOT when continued Democrat controlled, political power takes priority. Let us not kid ourselves.
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:52 pm
Thank you Willie.
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:53 pm
“Not in Illinois.”
Yes, in Illinois, right here in Illinois. Look at the 2014 election results: the last budget before the election was an absolute disaster, and it was the Governor who was sent home for it. The legislative leaders didn’t even lose their supermajorities.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:56 pm
Do. Not. Feed. Trolls.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 11, 15 @ 2:58 pm
==Do. Not. Feed. Trolls.==
But I’m bored.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, May 11, 15 @ 3:00 pm
===But I’m bored.===
lol, it’s Rich’s shop, I’m suggesting, like the pirate code, it’s more of a guideline actually…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 11, 15 @ 3:02 pm
2016 elections will shape the future of our state…no more super majorities.
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 3:02 pm
===Obviously, you can be elected governor and know nothing about the office.===
Mr. President, you have been around for a looong time and obviously your vast knowledge is why Illinois is in such great financial shape. I don’t know, but a new (naive) set of eyes might be what is needed.
Comment by Gramps Monday, May 11, 15 @ 3:03 pm
Campaign literature will be distributed everywhere against those Democrat incumbents who voted to raise taxes…along with any Republican.
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 3:04 pm
Have a nice day everyone…nothing personal.
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 3:06 pm
@Stones 1:44 =Reminds me of a big game of chicken. I’m pretty sure Rauner is going to lose this round. He is playing like a rookie.=
Rauner driving his junk van, vs. Madigan/Cullerton in the cement-mixer truck.
Comment by DuPage Monday, May 11, 15 @ 3:08 pm
Rauner doesn’t have time to be concerned. He’s too busy campaigning … er, giving important speeches.
Comment by Sir Reel Monday, May 11, 15 @ 3:17 pm
==Rauner driving his junk van, vs. Madigan/Cullerton in the cement-mixer truck.==
They were driving the same cement truck last year, won the game of chicken vs Quinn….and kept driving til the drove off a cliff. So…..yay for Illinois?
Comment by Anonymous Monday, May 11, 15 @ 3:22 pm
Abe the Babe, the guy is trying to clean up this huge crapfest, and you are whining non-stop. It would be like Theo trying to clean up the Cubs 6 months into the job and all the fans asking why the Cubbies aren’t winning 90 games yet.
Comment by anon Monday, May 11, 15 @ 3:46 pm
Where is the evidence that Rauner is trying to “clean up” anything?
His FY16 proposal is a complete mess on its own, billions out of whack.
Or is Rauner not responsible for his own proposals, too?
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, May 11, 15 @ 3:52 pm
anon-3;46. The crap fest is the BS pouring out of the Know-nothing Gov. And BTW the cub comparison is terrible since they have suffered in futility for over 100 years. Illinois has only been futile for the last decade or so.
Comment by BlameBruceRauner Monday, May 11, 15 @ 3:59 pm
Hello… Are there any adults in the room? This is way more than a dollars and cents “budget”. We are talking about changing peoples lives (jobs, health, education, etc.). Does anyone at the capitol care?
Comment by Mama Monday, May 11, 15 @ 4:03 pm
Back in the day, I was a fairly close observer of our former and now incarcerated governor. And truthfully, I see a lot of his “strategy” in Rauner’s actions.
Comment by Soccermom Monday, May 11, 15 @ 4:04 pm
Blame, the last 10 years(actually more) have been under dem control. Give the guy a chance, and clearly you didn’t come close to understanding the analogy.
Comment by anon Monday, May 11, 15 @ 4:43 pm
- anon -,
Don’t be a victim here.
Many of our problems (pensions, for one) go back to Edgar and Geo. Ryan.
Thanks!
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 11, 15 @ 4:46 pm
Kamikaze Governor
Comment by Kathryn Monday, May 11, 15 @ 4:46 pm
Brucie is a great example of what the results of a term limit amendment would result in…a bunch of know nothings filling government offices based upon their money and rhetoric and nothing else.
Comment by DPGumby Monday, May 11, 15 @ 5:21 pm
Thanks Raunerbot: You made me laugh out loud more than once, in an otherwise grim day.
Comment by walker Monday, May 11, 15 @ 7:36 pm
The “Gov” knows allot about political theater because that’s all he does instead of actually governing!
Comment by XDNR Monday, May 11, 15 @ 10:24 pm
bingo
=======- DPGumby - Monday, May 11, 15 @ 5:21 pm:
Brucie is a great example of what the results of a term limit amendment would result in…a bunch of know nothings filling government offices based upon their money and rhetoric and nothing else.========
Comment by zonz Monday, May 11, 15 @ 10:40 pm
“…a bunch of know nothings filling government offices based upon their money and rhetoric and nothing else.”
This is exactly what Illinoisans have in government officials right now…it took their incompetence and corruption to put this state in the miserable condition that it is in right now.
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 11:39 pm
I’m sure many of them post here.
Comment by Raunerbot Monday, May 11, 15 @ 11:40 pm
This gov.doesn’t care about the budget, the GA, the people or this State. He is here merely for personal gain, and Koch kudos…for which he will destroy everything Illinois was built upon. Thank God for checks & balances…and MJM!
Comment by Property of IDOC Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 1:16 am
Cullerton and Madigan should feel lucky that they are treated like “middle management” because in the real world if they ran a real company the way they have ran this state during their tenure they would be lucky if they could keep a job cleaning toilets.
Comment by Short Bus Rider Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 5:00 am
Willy, never a victim bro. Just being realistic, and yes, I realize it goes back more than 12 years or so. But, severe damage done in the Blago/Quinn era.
Comment by anon Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 7:16 am
- anon -,
Quinn made all the pension payments. That’s not “realistic”, that’s a fact.
If you believe the past 10 years has been worse, given that full payments were made, you’re glossing over why making full payments still isn’t “enough”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 7:21 am
Quinn didn’t make all the pension payments Willy. Why would you think that? The payments he made were on the backs of taxpayers who experienced a 67% increase on their state income taxes. For every $50K we earned, $1000 went to the state coffers instead of propelling the economy.
And, when all was said and done, there was still a huge backlog of bills to pay and a sluggish economy.
Comment by anon Tuesday, May 12, 15 @ 9:18 am