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* UPDATED x1 * Dems to Rauner: You do the cutting

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* Vinicky looks at the Democrats’ upcoming budget proposal…

Insiders, including legislators, say the Democratic version is shaping up to contain cuts too, but drastically smaller ones. Rep. Ken Dunkin, D-Chicago, who chairs the House Higher Education Appropriations committee, says universities will see cuts of less than ten-percent.

“This is where our talent gets trained and educated, and for us to dismiss them in a such a way — or to write them off … is not the right message that we need to send,” Dunkin said.

What appears to be missing from the equation, so far at least, is a way to pay for that spending, given that it’ll be the first full budget year with the new, lower tax rates. Democrats could be content to send Gov. Rauner a budget that dares him to make the drastic cuts he’d outlined.

While there’s been no action on revenue enhancers like a higher income tax rate, retirement tax, adding a sales tax to services (as Gov. Rauner had promoted during his campaign), there are revenue options.

Gambling is a possibility — a legislator involved with those negotiations say a proposal with five casinos (in Chicago, Lake County, the south suburbs, Rockford and Danville) is shaping up. The House Speaker, Michael Madigan, is also keeping alive a “millionaires’ tax”; a constitutional amendment that could lead to the surcharge on income over a million dollars advanced out of a House committee. It’s opposed by Gov. Rauner and his business allies.

* And…

While Democrats say a revenue hike is needed, they insist they won’t do it without the GOP.

That sets up a scenarios where Democrats send Rauner a budget without deep cuts or any tax increase. Basically, leaving it to Rauner to sign — or slash (that could put both parties in a political pickle. Democrats may look like the out-of-control spenders their critics paint them to be; Rauner could look like the cutthroat, out-of-touch millionaire. Will it be that Democrats throw the governor a hot potato, or will they play into his hands, making it easy on Rauner to throw the gauntlet?).

“What I think will happen with the budget is … we’ll pass one,” Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, D- said. “And people need to realize that we just give directive to the governor on .. how to spend the money. It’s up to him to write the checks. And he can take our advice or he can ignore us.

“That’ll leave things “in a big mess,” Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno says.”The fact of the matter is, if they do that, the governor will manage it and that will hurt the very constituents they’re talking about wanting to help. So it’s very incongruous. I think it’s very cynical. They need to get to the table and have a very serious discussion about reforms.” And then, she says, Republicans will have a serious discussion about raising taxes that could stave off cuts.

But that’s only after Rauner’s pro-business, anti-union agenda advances.

Thoughts?

*** UPDATE *** Erickson…

While Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s budget blueprint called for a 31 percent cut to universities in the fiscal year beginning July 1, the Democratic proposal would pare the reduction to 6.5 percent, the Herald & Review Springfield Bureau has learned.

The potentially positive change for higher education is among a number of alterations Democrats are expected to highlight when they begin debating their spending plan in the closing days of the spring legislative session.

Republicans said university officials should remain wary of the Democratic budget since Rauner could veto all or parts of the plan if it is unbalanced.

“That’s a facade budget. That’s not going to be the budget at the end of the day because the governor is not going to sign that budget,” said Republican state Rep. Dan Brady of Bloomington, who represents Illinois State University.

* Flannery…

Sources also told FOX 32 News that the Democrats may call for spending up to $37 billion. Gov. Rauner said the state has only about $32 billion for next year.

So if that budget passes, the Governor could sign it. He has the power to spend only for the services he thinks the state can afford.

Or, Option 2: Rauner could veto it outright.

Democrats would then need a supermajority to override his veto. But that would leave the governor with the Democrats budget and he again would spend only on the services he thinks the state could afford.

Or, Option 3: He could go line by line vetoing the parts of the budget he doesn’t like, which the Democrats would have to override line by line.

* Related…

* CTU to rally against Rauner turnaround plan: The Chicago Teachers Union is sending a delegation to Springfield this morning to lobby state lawmakers for more money, more benefits, cheaper housing and child care for union members, and higher taxes to pay for it all.

* Our Crazy Treatment of the Mentally Ill - Prison cells have replaced mental institutions.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:18 am

Comments

Will the adults in the room please stand up?

Comment by ChrisB Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:28 am
The budget is going to end up as a massive Rauner train wreck.

Comment by DuPage Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:29 am
would the Democrats really have the “testicular virility” to send a budge to Rauner with deep spending cuts? Frankly I think Rauner would call their bluff and sign it.

Comment by Libertarian in Bement Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:32 am
==only after Rauner’s pro-business, anti-union agenda advance==

There’s no snow predicted in Hyades, just continued unbearably hot temperatures for the foreseeable future.

Comment by AC Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:32 am
===would the Democrats really have the “testicular virility” to send a budge to Rauner with deep spending cuts?===

Obviously not.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:36 am
Veto the entire thing. Message is that lawmakers failed their constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget.
Dems can choose to send a budget with the needed cuts and take the accompanying heat, or they can come to the table and actually do their job to work out a compromise.

Comment by mcb Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:37 am
Glad to see Rep. Chapa La Via talking, and not in “half” measures too…

Chapa La Via isn’t “half” wrong about this, but might be only “half” heartedly advancing this.

My guess is Chapa La Via wants “half” the work done by Democrats, “half” the work done by the Governor.

I could see it work, but mine might be a minority opinion, not quite the “full” one Chapa La Via looks for.

To the Post,

The goal is blatantly obvious, and not unexpected; Rauner will own the cuts. But, all governors do, so trying to insulate Rauner, while noble, won’t work.

There will be cuts, Rauner will own them, so get on with it.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:38 am
“Those who claim for themselves to judge the truth are bound to possess a criterion of truth. This criterion, then, either is without a judge’s approval or has been approved. But if it is without approval, whence comes it that it is truthworthy? For no matter of dispute is to be trusted without judging. And, if it has been approved, that which approves it, in turn, either has been approved or has not been approved, and so on ad infinitum.” (Sextus Empiricus. Against the Logicians trans. R.G. Bury (Loeb edn) (London: W. Heinemann, 1935) p. 179)

Or, always be campaignin…

Comment by SextusEmpiricus Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:39 am
This is dysfunctional Illinois government as usual. I am still waiting for Springfield to be shaken up.

Comment by Muscular Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:43 am
If Linda’s doing the talking for the Dems, they’re clearly not serious yet.

Rep Dunkin is a picture of compassion, isn’t he?

Gamesmanship has not yet yielded to seriousness. Hard to imagine it’s not obvious to everyone.

Comment by A guy Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:47 am
==”The fact of the matter is, if they do that, the governor will manage it and that will hurt the very constituents they’re talking about wanting to help.==

Having the governor manage the budget will hurt constituents, Sen Rodogno?

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:48 am
This only ends well when Rauner realizes that a reasonable compromise does not include gutting organized labor in this state. He can’t and won’t win on right to work and the sooner he gets this, the better.

Comment by slow down Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:49 am
==Christine Radogno says.”The fact of the matter is, if they do that, the governor will manage it and that will hurt the very constituents they’re talking about wanting to help.==

That doesn’t sound like a very good endorsement of the Governor - and that is coming from a Republican leader!

Comment by Joe M Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:50 am
A service tax and gaming expansion take time to implement and generate significant revenue. These aren’t realistic revenue solutions for a fiscal year 2016 that starts in 6 weeks.

Comment by Philo Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 9:54 am
IMHO the Gov. Will veto the Dem. budget and rightfully so. The only question is when. He can sit on it for 60 days or veto right away. He may want to use the 60 days to gin up the public to put pressure on the legislature to pass a real budget with real reforms. Madigan currently has the option of either putting 13 votes on a grand bargain now or 24 votes after May 31. There is only one working group that really counts and that is the 4 tops and the Gov.

Comment by Joe Blow Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:02 am
Illinois governors are blessed - or perhaps cursed, in this situation, — with reduction, line-item and amendatory veto powers.

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:10 am
Option 4, he holds on to it for 59 days to keep state govt. in crisis while he goes on a PR tear ripping the irresponsible Dems. Day 60 decision depends on who blinks first.

If the Dems do the budget, they better be prepared to use their strength to override. Otherwise, they take the heat for passing a bad budget, while the state still remains shut down for which Rauner will blame them because of the much maligned bad budget.

If they override, then the Gov is going to wear a very heavy collar. He’ll win the editorial page, but lose the news story war with all the “hurt by cuts” stories.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:11 am
Rauner has shown the intestinal fortitude to cut budget items. Democrats have not. Rauner has dared to propose changes in state government. Democrats have not.

Any new sham budget enacted in a last rush with little or no GOP input should be vetoed.

The adults in Springfield have been pushed to the side. This isn’t Game of Thrones, it is Illinois.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:13 am
Rauner can enact all of the cuts he wants to balance the budget without the legislature? Did I read that right? Then he can hold revenue increases hostage for the rest of his agenda and legitimately claim he single handedly balanced the budget? And the only downside is that groups opposed to his cuts will dislike him more than they already do? Seems like Rauner wins whether the legislature decides to participate or not. What am I missing here?

Comment by Careful what you wish for... Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:13 am
I pity Tim if the Gov decides to line item.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:14 am
== Rauner has dared to propose changes in state government. ==

Where’s the bills?

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:15 am
@Louis

He has proposed nothing. No bills, no budget, nothing. But he sure has talked a lot, like salesmen do.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:16 am
===No bills, no budget, nothing.===

He’s produced a budget. Where were you when he did it?

He’s also had some bills introduced, like the local bankruptcy bill.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:17 am
===Rauner has shown the intestinal fortitude to cut budget items.===

Like the $26 million done, when MJM thought he had a deal, and done on Good Friday, and cutting Autism funding on their day…

… only to fund the $26 million later?

LOL.

Please don’t say Rauner has governed yet over the Fiscal; Rauner’s own deal is tainted with trust issue going forward, and a lack of any courage when confronted with a tough decison made.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:18 am
Careful is spot on… If the D’s pass a budget… He will either line item…or more than likely Veto the whole thing… Hope is all but gone… Why would Rauner raise taxes to fund cuts? This is going to be ugly…

Comment by Walter Mitty Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:19 am
Willy if Governor Rauner cuts an approved Democtat budget by using evasively written EOs and hiding the cuts he may not have to own much. It all depends on how the agencies implement any cuts and how much transparency the GA can force on the agencies. The tactic of not vetoing a Dam budget is a smart one.

Comment by Rod Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:19 am
The Chicago Teachers Union is sending a delegation to Springfield this morning to lobby state lawmakers for more money, more benefits, cheaper housing and child care for union members, and higher taxes to pay for it all.

But not a property tax increase in Chicago… You guys pay my property tax rates (municipal and school) and a lot of Chicago’s financial problems get better…

Comment by OneMan Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:20 am
Louis if you think the Dems have not cut anything, please review the budgets for DHS since FY 12 then get back with us.

Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:20 am
If he has proposed nothing guys, then what is all the painful howling about?

The super majorities in the House and Senate may get something they never anticipated if they force Rauner to cut.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:21 am
What exactly is “Rauner’s pro-business” plan?
1. No unions
2. No taxes
3. No laws that affect business (clean air/water)
4. What am I missing here?

Comment by Mama Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:22 am
OW 9:38:

You are clever, by “half”!

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:23 am
===Sources also told FOX 32 News that the Democrats may call for spending up to $37 billion. Gov. Rauner said the state has only about $32 billion for next year.===

So they’re only $5 billion apart now? I’d call that progress. The Democrats just gave Rauner $1 billion in cuts and now all Rauner has to do is find $5 billion in new revenue (or cuts) and we can all go home on May 31.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:23 am
The Governor is as he said he was… Not interested in re-election… IF he veto’s the whole thing for a responsible budget… And then spends ton’s of money placing blame on the GA for not being responsible… Who do you think wins that nightmare? Rauner no matter what… He can make his mortgage payment… And may be more electable for cleaning up the mess if he wants to run or not later on… There is no “past practice” to go on for these legislators.. New game.. His rules…. The general public knows we are in a mess…

Comment by Walter Mitty Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:23 am
To add to Mr. Miller - The municipal bankruptcy bill, the DCEO P3 conversion, and version of the property tax freeze bill have all been released.

Comment by TotesMcGoats Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:24 am
=== He’s also had some bills introduced, like the local bankruptcy bill. ===

Did he introduce it or did he adopt the Owl’s bill? There is also a CA to repeal the pension protection clause, but we can’t count that in Rauner’s agenda because his PowerPoint talks about a more nuanced amendment to deal with accrued versus future benefits.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:25 am
- Rod -,

I might be “half” wrong, Rauner might cut “half” of what Chapa La Via might seem ok, and Chapa La Via might not accept “half” as acceptable, so there’s that too. If Rauner’s cuts are accepted as “whole” by Chapa La Via, then those cuts “count”.

Sometimes, - Rod -, My message might be different than what I’m saying. This might be one of those times.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:26 am
This is the essence of political science. Dems can draft a balanced budget and decide where to make cuts, or pass an illegal one and see if Rauner can flip the field on them. Well, we know democrats and particularly Madigan lack the ability to balance a budget so that was never going to happen.

The relevance of that is Rauner has always known he will get a budget he gets to slash or veto. Madigan’s inability to balance has made one of the most elusive political figures of our time, very predictable to a worthy opponent.

Veto and tell the legislators to do their job, or gut it and spend set up the 16 season with the, if don’t like my cuts elect a legislator that will do their job, motto. I’ll take the later.

Madigan has not passed a Constitutional budget in 10 years. He won’t by June, and he won’t by August. The only point in doing that is to ramp up the game.

You have Madigan, but the hardest part of catching a rattlesnake is letting it go without getting bit. If Madigan gives you the power, don’t give it right back to him.

Comment by the Patriot Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:31 am
===Did he introduce it===

Governor’s can’t introduce bills, only legislators can. But he backs the Sandack bill.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:31 am
Please keep in mind Rauner’s public claim that he has the right to spend as little as he wants in any area, regardless of what the legislature budgets. That the budget, and associated approp bills only set maximums for spending.

That position might go the way of his EO on holding back “fair share” fees.

Comment by walker Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:32 am
There is also the very real fear that Rauner will just not find things.

It’s one thing to say something will get $million, but if the follow through to actual doling out the monies happens, will Rauner guarantee to spend money earmarked?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:35 am
It’s only May 21st. What all the hullabaloo about. We see this year, after year. Cuts will be made and some taxes will be increased. Some of my friends will be happy and some of my friends will by unhappy. I am with my friends on this.

Comment by Apocalypse Now Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:37 am
Don’t forget, while the the democrats, republicans, legislature, and governor are all playing hot potato and blaming each other, the state employee contract expires at the end of June.

I recall Rauner said something to the effect of “I hope they do (state employees) strike.” From the sounds of negotiations it doesn’t seem like the gov has put anything that sounds agreeable.

This is shaping up to be a nasty summer in Illinois.

Comment by BMAN Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:40 am
===Gambling is a possibility — a legislator involved with those negotiations say a proposal with five casinos (in Chicago, Lake County, the south suburbs, Rockford and Danville) is shaping up.===

Gambling in Illinois, as I see it, is definitely become a mature industry. There has been a sharp drop in betting activity at the riverboats since 2005 for the state as a whole. The only bright spot appears to be the Rivers Casino in Des Planes. Rivers Casino, however, appears to have received most of its income at the expense of other casinos, for example the Grand Victoria, and not from new gamblers. I forecast little new revenue for the state if more casinos are built.

Comment by Hit or Miss Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:40 am
==The municipal bankruptcy bill, the DCEO P3 conversion, and version of the property tax freeze bill have all been released.==

Sorry. I missed the Rauner version of the property tax freeze bill. (Not Jack Frank’s)

Bill #?

Comment by walker Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:49 am
Kamikaze governance only works when the intended victims don’t believe they can escape the attack. Rauner is in a distinct minority against a veto-proof political opponent holding every political office except his and his latest appointee, Munger. Rauner’s arithmetic doesn’t add up in his proposed budget, or in the General Assembly.

So, threaten all he likes, Governor Rauner isn’t the deciding factor. Instead, he has become an nuisance. His call to arms across the parts of Illinois he had easily won six months ago - has failed. He is weakened because he obviously overvalued his electoral mandate.

His GA supporters wisely held off embracing their new governor completely. The field reports as Rauner’s RTW campaign fail, are being read. Bruce has nothing left but true believers and party loyalists. GOP, in the minority, is wary of going down with this guy.

Go slow. Go carefully. His bark and his bank is worst than his bite.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:59 am
Legislators take an oath to uphold the Constitution, and that includes passing a balanced budget. To me, knowingly voting for a budget they know is unbalanced is an impeachable offense almost.

Comment by Not it Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:02 am
Where were all these Democrats comajnjng about Quinn not being engaged in the process and simply issuing press releases instead of real bills?

Comment by Not it Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:07 am
===Where were all these Democrats comajnjng about Quinn not being engaged in the process and simply issuing press releases instead of real bills? ===

Did you just move here?

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:11 am
I’m confused, why don’t the republicans put together a $32B budget?

Comment by RetiredStateEmployee Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:13 am
30+ years of fiscal mismanagement by both the executive and legislative branches of the gov’t of Illinois. And it all comes down to this:

“It’s Rauners fault”.

MJM will likely win. A pyrrhic victory. you get the gov’t you deserve. smh

Comment by dupage dan Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:13 am
NI, you can’t be serious.

Have noticed some of the ‘bots in cent days claiming Quinn and Blago got a pass. Just bizarre.

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:16 am
DD, I’m glad you picked up on the phrase for the day.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:17 am
===I’m confused, why don’t the republicans put together a $32B budget?===

Rauner wants the praise, not the responsibility.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:18 am
== I’m confused, why don’t the republicans put together a $32B budget? ==

Because then they would own it and have to run against the ads made from it in 2016.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:19 am
They let MJM say it.

Comment by markg8 Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:20 am
==Where were all these Democrats comajnjng about Quinn not being engaged in the process and simply issuing press releases instead of real bills?==

@Not it: That’s a very fair question, with just criticism. Obviously there’s more contention now, and more dramatic differences in positions.

But the immediate trigger is when Republican leaders in the legislature complain that Madigan’s, (or Franks’) version of a Rauner proposal are not the “real bill.” It just begs the question.

Comment by walker Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:23 am
I’d let Rauner come up with a list of programs to cut too seeing as he proved himself heartless and then gutless with the Good Friday cuts. Illinois not only needs to see just what his priorities are but what he’s made of too.

Comment by markg8 Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:24 am
Do we vote for the Democrats’ lesser cuts or wait for Bruce’s deeper cuts?
Help, tell us In the GOP how to vote. Oh what to do, what to do.
Maybe we’ll just take a walk.

Comment by Weenie Caucus Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:27 am
What about the capital bill, any reports on that front?

Comment by Joe Blow Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:30 am
Joe Blow:

Good one!

Comment by Juvenal Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:33 am
So the Republicans will sit on their hands, as usual, and let the Democrats and Rauner fight it out?

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:34 am
Truly, Rauner did present a budget in February, remember? It was a joke. It was out of balance by at least $2.2 billion.
The Democrats I’ve talked to will not pass that charade of a budget, even though it would put Rauner between a rock and a hard place.
They will pass a much more responsible budget than the GOP has put forth.
But that won’t make the GOP stop whining.

Comment by Snopes Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:34 am
I love “The Crazy Treatment of the Mentally Ill” headline following the description of the CTU’s agenda.

Illinois lawmakers need to start thinking like cable TV executives and focus instead on reality-based programming.

Comment by Downstate Illinois Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:38 am
First of all Not It, what do tell is the GA’s responsibility on passing a balanced budget, because the answer may surprise you? And when the Governor introduced a budget with $6 billion in cuts with half of them being completely phony and unrealistic, he lost the upper hand.

Comment by Juice Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:46 am
== Truly, Rauner did present a budget in February, remember? It was a joke. It was out of balance by at least $2.2 billion. ==

More like $6B+ short.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:53 am
Each side needs to present their budget in open daylight and go forth from there. So much political posturing it is sickening.

The comment that Rauners budget would cut public universities by only 10% is based upon much higher tuition rates that will negatively affect middle class families. Yea, the cut is still really 31% but that is his gimmick and no one is supposed to expose it. Certainly the University Presidents won’t as they have good high paying jobs and want to keep them.

Do not know about the 6.5% cut proposed by Democrats. It is also some of the same smoke and mirrors routine of Rauner but just not as big of cuts. If anyone knows, please post.

It is obvious that public universities are the real scapegoat in this fiscal debacle. So far I know of no other large department/agency that is being proposed for such REAL cuts.

If there are some out there then are budget will soon be balanced!

Comment by Federalist Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:57 am
@Downstate Illinois
That’s why it’s called public programming, not pay-per-view like you suggest.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 12:03 pm
DD, thanks for that insight in pointing out that Rauner hasnt been governor for the past 30 years.

But you are aware that he is the governor now and has a major role to play in the unique set of revenue and spending challenges to FY16?

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 12:03 pm
Federalist, the GOP in the House and Senate WILL NOT EVER introduce their own budget.
They will revert back to their old ways of criticizing the Dems.
They will shout and say things like “It’s a travesty! ” and “it’s an outrage!” All the while getting the backing of editorial writers and publishers throughout Illinois who cite Illinois Policy Institute.
And all the public ever hears is Blah, blah, blah.

Comment by Snopes Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 12:07 pm
I have two words about the BRU-CREW:
“epistemic closure”
aka the closed information loop.

see, e.g.,
Oct. 2013 - How Tea Party Spin May Set Up the Next Shut Down http://billmoyers.com/2013/10/18/the-rights-closed-information-loop-may-set-up-the-next-shut-down/

Jan. 2011 - THE DANGERS OF EPISTEMIC CLOSURE www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027553.php

Apr. 2010 - The Great Epistemic Closure Debate www.newrepublic.com/blog/jonathan-chait/the-great-epistemic-closure-debate

Comment by zonz Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 12:34 pm
@Snopes,

Hope you are wrong, but you are probably right.

Whom ever does not submit a real budget that they sincerely believe it and do it for public view should be exposed vigorously by the other side.

But Illinois politics is well…..??

Comment by Federalist Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 12:48 pm
Joe Blow: The Governor said the other day he would like to do a capital bill after his turnaround agenda and the 2016 budget have been acted on.

Comment by GA Watcher Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 1:36 pm
Darned corrupt legislators & unions again
_________
States, Not Just Feds, Struggle to Keep Gas Tax Revenue Flowing
http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-gas-tax-revenue-states-inflation.html
According to a Governing analysis, two-thirds of states’ fuel taxes have failed to keep up with inflation, forcing lawmakers to revisit the politically fraught issue of raising taxes.
…
GOVERNING is the nation’s leading media platform covering politics, policy and management for state and local government leaders. Recognized as the most credible and authoritative voice in its field, GOVERNING provides nonpartisan news, insight and analysis on such issues as public finance, transportation, economic development, health, energy, the environment and technology.

GOVERNING magazine began publication in 1987 and has a circulation of approximately 85,000.

Comment by zonz Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 1:36 pm
um, Rich, I don’t think a fantasy budget “counts”
………………..
Civic Federation rejects Rauner’s budget as ‘unachievable’
05/07/2015, 12:00am | Natasha Korecki
http://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/7/71/582897/civic-federation-rejects-rauner-budget-proposal
_______________________
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:17 am:

===No bills, no budget, nothing.===

He’s produced a budget. Where were you when he did it?

He’s also had some bills introduced, like the local bankruptcy bill.

Comment by zonz Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 1:46 pm
===I don’t think a fantasy budget “counts”===

I didn’t say it was a sound budget. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 1:46 pm
and that 78 page report by the Civic Fed was BEFORE the ILL Sup Court on May 8 crushed Rauner’s budget even further into dust

Comment by zonz Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 1:49 pm
Will a Democratic budget be less foul than the fowl budgets Rauner is known for?

Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 2:46 pm
===I don’t think a fantasy budget “counts”===

And yet historically they have. Funny, isn’t it?

Comment by A guy Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 3:03 pm
If you’re in the majority party in Illinois, it’s a lot more painful to vote for cuts than it is to vote for higher taxes. Odd, but true.

Comment by A guy Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 3:29 pm
A Guy, the most recent fantasy budgets that were enacted were for FY 2009, 2010 and 2012. You know what they all had in common? GOP support.

Comment by Juice Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 4:35 pm
(Besides the mess of FY 2015 of course)

Comment by Juice Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 4:36 pm
Juice, a fantasy budget is a fantasy budget. No matter who creates it or who supports it. It just is.

A contributor here said:
===I don’t think a fantasy budget “counts”===

That’s what I responded to. I would also suggest we had more fantasy budgets than those you highlighted.

Comment by A guy Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 5:14 pm
A 6.5%cut to higher ed is still a massive cut especially since public universities have been cut by 30% since 2000

Comment by Anon Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 5:55 pm
- O’Boy -,

Rauner is not going to be recalled.

Wake up. You may not like the politics, but he won, he’ll face the voters in 3.5 years, and he’s done nothing to be recalled but make you angry.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:03 pm
Just heard on the 10 PM news that Rauner is supposed to have his Turnaround Agenda bills introduced tomorrow(Friday).

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:19 pm
- RNUG -,

Wonder what is going to happen when these bills fail?

Sandack will be “Whoing” all over the place..

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 10:20 pm
I saw Sandack on Illinois Lawmakers last week. Took everything I had to keep from turning it off. Very annoying person!

Comment by Finally Out (and now very glad to be) Thursday, May 21, 15 @ 11:13 pm
- OW -

== Wonder what is going to happen when these bills fail? ==

If your game plan already calls for a scorched earth policy, how much more can you burn?

Comment by RNUG Friday, May 22, 15 @ 12:04 am
===If your game plan already calls for a scorched earth policy, how much more can you burn?===

“I love the smell of Nepalm in the morning”…(?)

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 22, 15 @ 12:11 am