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No surprise, Trib is fully on board

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House Speaker Michael Madigan joined the Illinois legislature 44 years and four months ago. Senate President John Cullerton arrived 36 years and four months ago. During their nearly 81 years, the Chicago Democrats engineered, sponsored and voted for pension giveaways, chronic overspending and tax laws that broke Illinois

No argument there, except maybe for how the tax laws “broke” Illinois and the general tone.

* Continuing…

And Gov. Bruce Rauner, the guy Madigan and Cullerton are always vilifying? He got to Springfield just four months ago. Having played no role in creating the devastated Illinois of Madigan and Cullerton, Rauner has had to trim spending to correct the diabolically unbalanced budget that Madigan and Cullerton passed last spring for the fiscal year that ends June 30. Headline writers keep using the phrase “Rauner budget cuts” not because it tells the story, but because it’s more economical than: “Budget cuts you can blame on Mike Madigan and John Cullerton, who tried to placate angry voters before the 2014 election by appropriating gazillions of tax dollars that they knew Illinois never, ever, would collect.”

Those dollars would’ve been appropriated had Pat Quinn been reelected, but again, they’re mostly right about Rauner, except he demanded that the GA not pass a bill extending the tax hike, which would’ve avoided almost all the FY 15 problem. And he made $26 million in cuts that didn’t have to be made and which were quickly rescinded. Those are on him.

* Onward…

The Democrats’ evident strategy [for Fiscal Year 2016] is to hand Rauner a massively unbalanced budget, force him to make billions in unpopular spending cuts and coerce him to accept a big tax increase.

It’s not so much the cuts, it’s what’ll happen if they don’t get a budget deal and the government falls apart and lots of schools don’t re-open. But, whatevs.

* Downward…

Huh? We know voters aren’t dumb enough to be misled about budget slash 2.0 precisely because those voters weren’t dumb enough to be misled by budget slash 1.0. This isn’t some low-information yesteryear that Madigan and Cullerton fondly recall; Illinoisans understand that they have a financial crisis and a $100 billion-plus unfunded pension liability because their politicians played this game of trying to spend nonexistent money.

Um, didn’t they just say that the spending cuts would be “unpopular”?

* In conclusion, the editorial board notes approvingly that Rauner’s $34 million campaign warchest (ten times larger than the money Madigan and Cullerton have on hand) will help him explain these problems to the voters.

I’m assuming they wouldn’t be so thrilled if such a giant pile of cash was spent on the other side, however.

But, hey, to each his own.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:35 am

Comments

Another victim heard from.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:38 am
Nice to have a newspaper as a wholly owned subsidiary …

/s

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:39 am
Actually, tax laws did “break” Illinois

By keeping state taxes artificially low for many years, the state now has considerable accumulated debt, including the actuarial costs of public pensions.

But I don’t think that is what the Tribune means.

Comment by Bill White Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:42 am
Lol. They seem assume the so called low info crowd isn’t on their side. How adorable? As if they weren’t constantly misleading he same folks on behalf of Rauner

Comment by me too Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:42 am
So much money to spend! Print ads anyone?

Comment by walker Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:43 am
Trib got it right. And they’re not so close to the sun that they get blinded by the light.

Comment by William Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:48 am
===Headline writers keep using the phrase “Rauner budget cuts” not because it tells the story, but because it’s more economical than: “Budget cuts you can blame on Mike Madigan and John Cullerton, who tried to placate angry voters before the 2014 election by appropriating gazillions of tax dollars that they knew Illinois never, ever, would collect.”===

Remember ole @StatehouseChick also was adamant that these aren’t the “Rauner Cuts”? Yeah, me too.

The co-opting of the Tribune, and the Owl-Like hooting of @StatehouseChick will now include explaining why every single governor since forever, and every governor after Rauber is gone should own thier decisions but Rauner gets a pass.

The irony isn’t list on me when I would “tweet” @FakeStatehouseChick, because she is fake now.

All that “experience” she allegedly got covering Illinous politics and history of governor’s owning decisions flies directly in the face of protecting Rauner from the decisions Rauner, because the @FakeStatehouseChick thinks her integrity is less than protecting Rauner at all costs.

Some people learn, some people regress, some people… they conform and fall into line for thank you notes twice a month to buy groceries.

They are, will be, Rauner Cuts. Nothing is sinister, underhanded, or even overstated that governors own their decisions… unless you, yourself are owned to think against what you spent a career pretending to learn.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:50 am
Let’s put things in perspective. Madigan and Cullerton are trying to do their job and pass a budget by May 31. Rauner has given them a faulty blueprint with red ink, so they are trying to pass a budget and extend an olive branch to Rauner for more revenues.
And Rauner, the Trib and the GOP want to vilify Madigan?

If you were a news editor and a reporter turned in a faulty story as deadline loomed, would you not go to press? Of course you’d go to press. You’d try to fix the story and go to press on time.
Madigan and Cullerton are trying to pass a budget on time…GOP howls and derision notwithstanding.

Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:52 am
The Trib is right. Madigan Cullerton and the Chicago machine own this fiscal mess and I’m also OK with Rauner reminding everyone of that.

Comment by Tequila Mockingbird Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:52 am
I guess attacking someone’s professional integrity is fair game here these days. Classy.

Comment by William Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:53 am
Can we stop double counting time? 44 years overlapping with 36 years is not 80 years in actual time, it’s 44 years. I feel like I’m taking crazy pills. 44 years is a long time, no need to make it sound like Madigan and Cullerton have been ruling Illinois with an Iron fist since King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) of Siam abdicated the throne.

Comment by Biker Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:53 am
Rauner, Trib, Durkin and Radogno all REALLY don’t want this budget put on Rauner’s desk. Man I’d love to see how ticked off Rauner gets behind closed doors…

Comment by chi Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:54 am
If Illinois had a version of the Doomsday Clock we would be about 1 minute away.

This isn’t about politics any longer. It’s personal. And when it becomes personal all rational thought goes out the window.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:56 am
What Madigan is doing gives Rauner license to act brazenly. The folks back home whose kids are moving elsewhere due to our dysfunctionality will not be horrified when the budget and labor meltdowns occur this summer. Their choice is either to let Madigan and Cullerton lead them into a decade of bankruptcy-like circumstances — or allow Rauner to come up with something different — they will think almost anything is better that what they now have. I get the criticism that Rauner’s moves seem unthoughtful and blunt, but the public doesn’t care about the niceties of our process and tradition around here. Madigan leaves Rauner with little other than to veto the entire package and take the ax to AFSCME, the universities and the other perceived government high-rollers of the salary and pension worlds. His challenge will be to force change by levering the union negotiations and his media cash. I think he can do it.

Comment by Chad Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:57 am
Typical OW tripe. Put the blame on the guy who just came in, and give a pass to those most responsible for the mess. Rauner gave something close to a balanced budget. Madigan and Cullerton pushed it farther out of balance, and refuse to act responsibly and fund their priorities in their budget. They just continue failed approaches of the past that made Illinois one of the worst fiscal basket cases in the nation.

Rauner’s working for a solution that doesn’t just feed the state pig by picking the pockets of Illinoisans. Not a word from OW on that.

Rauner DOES own the cuts he proposed, but he’s not married to them. I’m sure that he’d be agreeable to any $32 billion spending plan that M&C come up with. That’s statesmanship and good policy and politics. OW wants to nail the only adult in the room, while letting the real villains here pass. That’s bad thinking and unproductive, and totally OW.

Comment by Arizona Bob Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:01 am
We were a long time delayed in increasing our state tax rate. The long line of governors and legislators that allowed pension money to be used to fund other programs in the state are also to blame for our terrible situation. But Rauner seems to want to cut back everything all at once. That should be a gradual series of cuts over a period of years, couples with a return to a state income tax rate of 5 percent. He will own the drastic cuts that he is proposing. The cuts don’t have to be so drastic, but he wants to act like the Boss. If that’s the case, then he HAS to accept the consequences. They are HIS cuts.

Comment by Big Joe Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:07 am
As in a lot of negotiations, it’s often about what’s not on the table - what Rauner and the Trib are in denial about.

IL needs a progressive tax structure. Some kind of surtax on millionaires or top-income Illinoisans. Those are the only people whose income in this state is growing right now. And no, it’s not just due to their own personal virtue. It’s happening everywhere in the world just about.

If Illinois is going to pay its bills in the 21st century, it’s going to have to adapt to these changing economic realities. We don’t have an underground ocean of oil to fall back on, nor millions of retirees flooding the state with the Social Security and Medicare checks. And we’re still years away from where the rest of the United States will want to pay us for our water. It’s time to scrap the flat tax.

Comment by ZC Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:07 am
I’m still not seeing the wisdom of letting Rauner veto the whole budget. Don’t Dems just end up looking exactly like Rauner paints them?

Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:10 am
- Arizona Bob -,

Rauner, himself, blamed Quinn for his budget decisions, even with a lump sum budget.

That’s all I need to say.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:12 am
If the Democrats and their followers want more taxes, then pass an increase in taxes or new taxes/fees and put it on Rauner’s desk.

Comment by Apocalypse Now Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:13 am
Big Joe: I think we are at the end of the rope. We do need drastic, and now. Unfortunate and of bipartisan cause, but necessary.

Comment by Chad Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:14 am
==Rauner gave something close to a balanced budget.==

Wow. You have an odd definition of “close.” The Governor’s budget had about a $3 billion hole in it.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:14 am
===If the Democrats and their followers want more taxes, then pass an increase in taxes or new taxes/fees and put it on Rauner’s desk.===

Rauner vetoes it, because it’s not structured in an approved roll call, so now what?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:14 am
Could someone please fetch Soccermom her smelling salts?

Is this the same Chicago Tribune that in 2002 endorsed Rod “I won’t increase sales or income taxes, but I will expand state services” Blagojevich?

In 2018, I fully expect the Trib to endorse Magic J. Beans….

Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:15 am
===Wow. You have an odd definition of “close.” The Governor’s budget had about a $3 billion hole in it.===

“Forget it, he’s rolling…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:15 am
Biker, math and finance have never been a Tribbie strong suit, in their coverage or business operations.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:15 am
Insofar as Governor Rauner has the ability to line item veto (or simply not spend appropriated dollars) why all the yelling?

Comment by Bill White Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:16 am
And Arizona Bob —

It’s a principle as old as the Bible: Blame your predecessor.

Nehemiah 5:15

Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:17 am
Let’s all hold hands and say this together: the income tax must be raised back to 5%.

No thinking person, including those wacky Tribune editorial writers, wants to witness the impact of $3-4 billion in budget cuts. So let’s just agree that cuts of that magnitude are off the table. All that’s left in the short term is returning to the 5% tax rate.

Long term, let’s see what kind of manager Rauner really is and let him go to work by streamlining his agencies and bringing his business know-how to state government. If he really wants structural reforms, he ought to take an incremental approach and understand the political realities here. He has three more years to try to change minds among the public and in the General Assembly. He need not give up on any of his pro-business ideas, or that his management ability will allow the state to eventually reduce the income tax over time, as Rauner campaigned on doing.

We know this is the reality. Rauner, Madigan and Cullerton know this. The Tribune knows this. Anyone with a basic understanding of math and state government operations knows this. The rest of this exercise is simply gamesmanship and pundits picking winners and losers.

The final budget will include lots of cuts and lots of new revenue. Everything else is foreplay.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:17 am
I feel like the Illinois voter is smart enough and emotionally stable enough to hear an adult say that we need reasonable tax increases and reasonable cuts to services in order to balance our budget. I don’t believe they follow this stuff enough, nor care about the horse race aspects of this enough for the optics of passing an unbalanced budget to outweigh whatever advantages accrue as a result of all this political maneuvering

Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:19 am
From Article IV, Section 9 of the IL Constitution:

(d) The Governor may reduce or veto any item of appropriations in a bill presented to him.

The General Assembly passes a budget and the Governor strikes out what he does not like.

I see no need for all this drama.

Comment by Bill White Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:20 am
9:50 a.m.:
– The irony isn’t list on me when I would “tweet” @FakeStatehouseChick, because she is fake now. All that “experience” she allegedly got covering Illinois politics and history of governor’s owning decisions flies directly in the face of protecting Rauner from the decisions Rauner, because the @FakeStatehouseChick thinks her integrity is less than protecting Rauner at all costs. –

How many days have passed since this blog collected pieties from commenters pledging to end their vicious personal attacks? Wasn’t this 9:50 a.m. commenter, who knows all about all and evidently considers his every attack adorable, among the most pious of the penitents?

From the note to commenters above this box:
Inappropriate or excessively rabid comments, gratuitous insults and “rumors” will be deleted or held for moderation.

Comment by Fight Fair Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:21 am
Both the Rauner and Madigan budgets are short about $3 billion on the revenue side.

Rauner has reportedly already said that he’s open to up to $3.5 billion in new revenue.(Gov. Businessman flipped that card way too soon).

In the non-hysterical world, that’s the makings of a deal, when they feel like dealing.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:22 am
Note to Arizona Bob who suggests Rauner is the only adult in the room. That is funny.
Rauner is like the kid who builds the biggest snow fort and makes up hundreds of snowballs and hides behind the fort and dares anyone to come close, lest they get pelted.
Griffin, Kochs, Zell, IPI and the Trib are making the snowballs, and Rauner is controlling the launcher. These are the adults in the room.

Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:23 am
HEY! politicians want to be re-elected. Until voters change what’s important to them, expect this crap to continue.

Comment by Tom Joad Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:23 am
“I know you were lookin’ for somethin’ new to do, ck. Why don’t you start workin’ on some op-eds for the Trib? They’ve got a real superstar editorial board.”

Comment by Anon Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:24 am
Poor old Trib. It was always partisan, but it was a great newspaper once. Now, under Zell’s rule, it’s little better than birdcage liner for the 1 percent. (Ugh. Can’t say anything more about Zell without violating the house rules.) Sigh. Joseph Medill must be rolling in his grave. …

Re “Rauner gave something close to a balanced budget”–brings to mind that old saying about “horse shoes and hand-grenades.”

Comment by Crispy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:27 am
The Trib uses the “some low information” phrase - Wow using Rush Limbaugh phraseology to describe voters in this state. Real nice and be sure to tune in daily, Trib Ed board members for some “mega dittos” and “feminazis” discussion.

Comment by Obamas Puppy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:27 am
Soccermom 10:15 a.m.:
Might want to try Brain Bright™ Memory Support supplement instead. Tribune endorsed Paul Vallas in 2002 Dem primary, Jim Ryan in general.
No endorsement in 2006 primary, Judy Baar Topinka in general.

Comment by Fight Fair Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:32 am
This is typical Tribune screaming on the headlines about the budget and taxes while the front page screams about the State not doing enough for kids and other services. It always leaves me wondering if the editorial board reads it’s own paper.

Comment by Demise Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:35 am
That should have been screaming on the editorial page about the budget…

Comment by Demise Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:37 am
- Fair Fight -,

The Tribune and @StatehouseChick buy ink by the barrel, have a website, @StatehouseChick is on the radio, on TV, and specifically to my comment, had a by-line with her name, and claiming, with her touted experience and credibility on the Edit Board that Rauner, unlike any other governor, doesn’t own his cuts.

That makes no sense.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:40 am
“We were a long time delayed in increasing our state tax rate.”

Yes we were. State income taxpayers were coddled for a long time. We used state services at low prices for decades. Looking at the polls, most don’t want to pay higher taxes. At the same time, most don’t want to see cuts to social services (unless their taxes are raised). And so the cycle continues–people using state funded services but not wanting to pay a reasonable price for them.

With the 2011 temporary income tax increase we gained far more than we lost, such as:

*we were paying our pensions
*we substantially paid down our bill backlog
*we provided vital funding for public services
*our credit rating improved
*our unemployment rate dropped substantially, meaning the tax increase had no substantial negative impact
*etc.

The Trib can keep going with the hysterics and pushing their flawed narratives, but we need responsible and courageous leaders who will raise state revenue.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:40 am
OW, I would expect nothing less from the publication in which their endorsement of BVR criticized PQ for both not cutting the budget, and cutting too much, in the same freaking paragraph.

Comment by Juice Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:45 am
Crispy, Zell’s been out of the picture since Tribune Co. emerged from its long bankruptcy. He did just fine in bankruptcy, by the way.

Tribune Publishing, the new company formed when Tribune Co. cut off the dead weight of its newspaper holdings, is still controlled by Oaktree Capital Management. The largest investors in its funds are public employee pension funds.

But the Trib remains for sale. Make an offer. I’m sure they’d be happy to hear from someone.

Anyone.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:52 am
I think revenue will increase, one way or another. It’s a matter of who blinks first.

Comment by Tournaround Agenda Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:52 am
Madigan is the most popular man in Illinois since Pullman built a utopia for his laborers.

Comment by Under Further Review Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 10:57 am
“It’s a matter of who blinks first.” I respectfully disagree. It’s a matter of when Rauner decides that “My way or the highway” won’t work.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:01 am
Don’t belive overly simplistic conclusions from newspapers…says newspaper known for over simplistic conclusions.

Comment by Diamond Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:11 am
==44 years and four months ago== ==36 years and four months ago==

How can we miss you if you won’t go away?

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:11 am
FightFair — Sorry, I did a quick google check and misread. You’re right. And thanks for the lovely compliment.

Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:13 am
How is this a Madigan and Cullerton problem?

This is and always will be a Jim Edgar and Jim Reilly problem from 1995.

Until the State pays back that loan and its ever increasing payments we will never be able to balance any budget.

Comment by Chicago 20 Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:14 am
==It’s a matter of when Rauner decides that “My way or the highway” won’t work.==

It will take both parties to compromise. Refusing to budge is a traditional Madigan move, and it often works for him. Now he is faced with his own tactics on the opposite front.

Neither will give in, so both must compromise.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:14 am
Decisions may become a matter of outside powers, such as the bond buyers.

“Think what you do when you run in debt; you give to another power over your liberty.”

Chicago is pricing replacement bonds for variable rate issues at present, according to Reuters and Bloomberg. A tranche maturing in 2042 is priced at 6% which is pretty good, considering.

Still, any further forbearance probably depends on how the gamesmanship in the GA and governor’s office resolves. Time is of the essence.

“At first you go bankrupt slowly, then all at once.” Mark Twain (maybe)

Comment by Cook County Commoner Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:15 am
But the Trib remains for sale. Make an offer. I’m sure they’d be happy to hear from someone. Anyone.

Except, apparently, Bruce Rauner.

After all, if they wanted him to buy the Tribune cow, they wouldn’t breathlessly give their milk away for free.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:19 am
81 years of Madigan and Cullerton put us where we are today?

The drama queens at the Tribune continue to falsely inflate the problem.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:30 am
===But the Trib remains for sale. Make an offer.===

I thought it was part of the package when the Illinois Republican Party was purchased by Rauner. You’re saying the Tribune wasn’t included in the deal? It’s so hard to tell given their news coverage.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:32 am
As some of you say, makings for a deal are already there, with cuts and revenue. I’m hoping that in the very near future, this deal can be reached.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:32 am
Yikes bet the Tribbies got a good yellin’ this a.m. for mentionin’ Cullerton. He is not part of SpeedTypist message of love and compromise.
They must not have been readin’
BTW wonder if the Tribbies remember it was Big im and BLinky Jim who SKIPPED PENSION PAYMENTS AND SIGNED BENEFIT HIKES and events like the Cheney Bush Depression that vaporized pension fund assets. It is very simple (and mindless) to blame 2 legislators for all the woes.
A good history lesson is to see who told Tribbies “no” to the blank check for lites at and the $100 million tax break at Wrigley
Just like folks who don’t get their way react very poorly — sometimes threatenin’ physical violence

Comment by Anonin' Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:32 am
The only solution to dealing with the Trib did ingenuity issue is for everyone who disagree with them to drop their subscriptions and drop their advertising. This is the Rauner way.

Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:32 am
Formerly Known As: Pitching strikes this morning. 1,2,3 K.

Comment by walker Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:32 am
=
===If the Democrats and their followers want more taxes, then pass an increase in taxes or new taxes/fees and put it on Rauner’s desk.===

Rauner vetoes it, because it’s not structured in an approved roll call, so now what? =
Amendatory Veto!

Comment by Apocalypse Now Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:36 am
I thought the Tribune should mention that from 1977-2003, the governor of Illinois was a Republican - all of whom were endorsed by the Tribune. But they had nothing to do with creating the mess we are in today.

Comment by Martin Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:37 am
Word: Thanks for setting me straight; between you and Google, I’m now up to date. Still can’t find good things to say about Zell, though, and still miss the old Trib, flaws and all.

As far as this: “Make an offer. I’m sure they’d be happy to hear from someone”–I’ll start saving my quarters.

Comment by Crispy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:37 am
AN, you’re not making any sense.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:42 am
Democrats in the GA don’t believe we need any reforms to attract more investment by businesses in this State which would lower unemployment, which would then lower social services. They believe the only solution is more Government spending, even though our recovery is lagging other states.

At some point the proof is in the pudding that their way could use a few reforms. Can anyone name a single change they have proposed since the Quinn era? It is like the election never happened.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:42 am
===Amendatory Veto!===

An AV also means accepting all cuts, (Hey @StatehouseChick!) and also accepting the budget premise is workable and able to BE balanced with a Governor making decisions to make the budget so.

The AV is extremely powerful, and solely at the discretion of the Governor, right - Fight Fair -?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:43 am
Trib’s solution to Illinois’ debt problem: More debt.

Trib’s solution to Chicago’s debt problem: More debt.

Trib’s solution to CPS’ debt problem: Mussolini

I think that says it all right there.

Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:47 am
- Martin -,

Yesterday, the ILGOP released a statement blaming MJM for all things bad since 1983.

1983? Thompson, Edgar, Geo. Ryan… Was the ILGOP blaming all those governors too?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:47 am
11:32: — A good history lesson is to see who told Tribbies “no” to the blank check for lites at and the $100 million tax break at Wrigley –

You’re referring to Rod Blagojevich’s FBI-recorded threat to block a $100 million to $150 million state finance guarantee UNLESS Sam Zell would silence, and fire, the Tribune Editorial Board that wouldn’t “give us some editorial support.”

What’s the “good history lesson”?

Comment by Fight Fair Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:58 am
Strike!

At this point I do not see how it can be avoided.
Rauner wants it and the unions will feel the necessity.

No prediction as to how this turns out.

Comment by Federalist Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 12:19 pm
Blame Blago.

Comment by Keyser Soze Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 12:33 pm
@Walker - muchas gracias. Coming from one who so often throws complete game shutouts, perhaps we can score my contributions as an inning of relief lol.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 12:34 pm
Maybe Quinn left the “Three Envelopes” with the Tribune and not with Rauner?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 12:35 pm
CCC - Hemingway, in Sun Also Rises.

“How did you go bankrupt? Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.”

Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 12:36 pm
First, Willy is right. The Tribune’s claim that Rauner was “forced” to make the cuts evaporated when he rescinded the cuts.

I am willing to accept that she was duped by Rauner’s folks into believing the cuts were unavoidable. She apparently is unwilling to admit it, and to co-opt a phrase is “doubling down” on fraudulent talking points.

Bill White is also spot-on. Rauner can line-item veto. Rauner can totally veto. What is the crisis?

The line item vetoes will probably not be over-ridden, or if they are overridden, only with GOP votes.

A total veto means that Rauner will have to come up with a budget that makes 18 more Democrats happy, but we were never going to pass a budget with 60-30 at this point in the game any way. So nothing is really changed on that front.

In the meantime, the budget gap has narrowed from $6.2 billion to $3-$4 billion in one day under Madigan’s leadership, which is a lot more progress than we have seen under Rauner’s leadership over the past 130 days.

Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 12:56 pm
Madigan deficit is 3-4 billion out of balance

Rauner’s deficit was 2.2 billion in pension savings that won’t happen.

Nice progress in the wrong direction Mr. Speaker! You can take the rest of the afternoon off!

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 1:07 pm
Late to the game today. Only had a chance to scan responses here. The Trib is not off base at all in this one. I agree that we should look at the leadership “sentences” being served concurrently. In approximately 45 years there have been multiple iterations and makeups of the Trib Editorial Board.

They’re not well liked here, but that doesn’t make the facts go away. Today’s editorial essay is factual.

As for the other side spending a ton of money too; no one in media is ever disappointed by that.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 1:07 pm
===Rauner’s deficit was 2.2 billion ===

More like $3 billion.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 1:09 pm
Um, - A Guy -,

===They’re not well liked here, but that doesn’t make the facts go away. Today’s editorial essay is factual.===

What specifically is factual? lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 1:19 pm
Willy, just humor him. Because the Trib actually counted the number of years Madigan and Cullerton have been legislators, everything else has to be factual to him.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 1:28 pm
–They’re not well liked here, but that doesnt make the facts go away.–

“Well liked?” This aint high school, dude, the Tribbies level of discourse notwithstanding.

And “facts,” really? Is that what they are all about?

Down the rabbit hole we go….

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 1:28 pm
Guy, did you just “scan” the editorial too? It’s about as factual as the National Enquirer.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 1:30 pm
Man, I don’t want to pile on, but I’m not sure what you read A guy. I’m not sure “factual” is an appropriate description. Maybe they have a couple of points under all of their hyper-partisan hyperbole but the fact that they engaged in that hyperbole diminishes any point they were trying to make.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 1:41 pm
=Today’s editorial essay is factual.=

=“Budget cuts you can blame on Mike Madigan and John Cullerton, who tried to placate angry voters before the 2014 election by appropriating gazillions of tax dollars that they knew Illinois never, ever, would collect.”=

“gazillions”? That is factual? Sounds like a teenager to me.

I would grant that there are some facts in the op ed, but there is also hyperbole and exaggeration. The piece also leaves out a factual analysis of the governor’s budget proposal.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 1:42 pm
- Norseman -,

You’re right. He’s rolling, by the gazillions.

My bad.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 1:46 pm
For all the talk about the Rauner war chest, can anyone point to two Sen. Dems who are truly vulnerable in ‘16? The war chest means little if Rauner can’t pick up seats with it, just more of the status quo.

Comment by AmericanPie Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 1:53 pm
So back on the facts for a second, and Madigan and Cullerton “appropriating gazillions,” this is 100% completely, totally absolutely false.

What Madigan and Cullerton did was under-appropriate the budget in areas like Child Care, Corrections, pre-funding Medicaid so that on paper, the budget would balance, knowing full well that the State would not be able to meet it’s obligations for the full fiscal year.

That’s why the Governor signed a supplemental appropriations bill to go along with the $1.3 billion revenue/sweep solution.

It is absolutely fair game to criticize the leadership over what they did, but they should be able to do it based off of actual facts instead of consistently hurling childish insults that belittle the intelligence of the “World’s Greatest Newspaper”.

Comment by Juice Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 2:06 pm
Madigan (D) rule: 44 years +
Cullerton (D) rule: 36 years +
Democrat super-majority legislature = USA’S largest pension and debt.

Not exactly a huge surprise. But… whom do they blame? Republicans.

Uhhhh huhhhh!

Comment by just a citizen Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 2:07 pm
Thanks - Juvenal -.

I know she’s a nice person and all, and I’m sure the Trib appreciates her.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 2:08 pm
just a citizen:

If you are simply going to play the victim then go away. Offer something of substance instead of this drive by whining.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 2:10 pm
Demoralized:

I did…. it’s called light-hearted (not to mention insightful) humor!

Comment by just a citizen Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 2:15 pm
Norse, play nice or I’m going to have a *&%$#@ problem with you! lol.
I didn’t let them get away with adding the two tenures together. They were concurrent. Begrudgingly or not, the facts are there. Gazillion is unneeded hyperbole too, but I figured you could get around it.

BTW, thanks for tolerating me. It really means a lot. lol

Comment by A guy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 2:20 pm
just a citizen, you succeeded at humor - your total misrepresentation of information (what extremely little there was) was hilarious, but failed on insight.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 2:24 pm
=An AV also means accepting all cuts, (Hey @StatehouseChick!) and also accepting the budget premise is workable and able to BE balanced with a Governor making decisions to make the budget so.=
Amendatory works by vetoing selective line items. The legislators can then vote to override the amended line items. Most likely they would prefer not to be on record for supporting the increase of specific line items in the budget. That’s how the line item veto works.

Comment by Apocalypse Now Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 2:37 pm
- Apocalypse Now -,

===Amendatory works by vetoing selective line items. The legislators can then vote to override the amended line items. Most likely they would prefer not to be on record for supporting the increase of specific line items in the budget. That’s how the line item veto works.===

The GA won’t override, they will let the Rauner cuts stand.

Rauner will own it. All governors do.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 2:54 pm
I’m sure Kristen isn’t losing any sleep over a nameless serial commentor belittling her journalism skills.

Comment by William Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 3:17 pm
I dunno what’s more comical;

- William - thinking his comment is saying anything, or that - William - is also a nameless commenter, lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 3:25 pm
So the Trib is fully on board holding the budget hostage to term limits and other proposals that have nothing to do with balancing the budget. If and when there is a State shutdown, I am confident the Trib will blame the Democrats who refused to rubberstamp the Rauner non-budgetary agenda. Editors will not blame themselves for supporting this Rauner approach to getting a budget done.

Comment by nona Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 3:29 pm
=== Rauner gave something close to a balanced budget. ===

His budget was short by at least $2.2 billion. Is that “close”? If so, then the Madigan budget is “almost close” to balanced.

Comment by nona Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 3:32 pm
Best comments of the day:

=== The final budget will include lots of cuts and lots of new revenue. Everything else is foreplay.===

=== In the meantime, the budget gap has narrowed from $6.2 billion to $3-$4 billion in one day under Madigan’s leadership, which is a lot more progress than we have seen under Rauner’s leadership over the past 130 days. ===

Comment by nona Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 3:50 pm
You’re right, you wouldn’t know.

Comment by William Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 4:08 pm
- William -,

If it made you feel better, I feel better for you.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 4:19 pm
So - when the Tribune filed bankruptcy, were they speaking financially, integrity, or both?

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 4:20 pm
Don’t worry about me OW. I’m not the one filling a void in my life here like some.

Comment by William Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 4:58 pm
== …the Chicago Democrats engineered, sponsored and voted for pension giveaways, chronic overspending and tax laws that broke Illinois. ==

The reality is that the Republicans and Democrats voted for pension holidays, chronic overspending, and tax laws that broke Illinois.

Fixed it!

Comment by Enviro Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 5:29 pm
Rauner’s proposed budget included $2.2 billion in pension cuts (not legal), $1.5 billion in Medicaid cuts (would need Federal approval), and $.7 billion in employee health care cuts (a 25% reduction in cost) which has to be negotiated with unions.

So - about $4.4 billion of cuts he needed were outside the control of the State - or simply are illegal per the ISC.

I call it a wash for how far unbalanced his budget is compared to the GA budget proposal.

Neither is realistic without a revenue source of $3B to $4B.

Comment by archimedes Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 5:42 pm
- William -, it will all be fine. Honest.

I bet @StatehouseChick isn’t even reading what I write…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 9:51 pm
@47th Ward: The final budget will include lots of cuts and lots of new revenue. Everything else is foreplay.

Good one!

Comment by Lynn S, Wednesday, May 27, 15 @ 11:01 pm