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The people of Illinois sent me to Springfield to end the era of unbalanced budgets and runaway debt. The road back to fiscal sanity starts today with my veto of a budget that is nearly $4 billion out of balance and includes no reform. We cannot accept the status quo of throwing more taxpayer money into a broke and broken system.
Rather than repeating the mistakes of the past — just kicking the can and raising taxes without real reform — now is our chance to transform Illinois to make it more competitive and compassionate.
The Rauner administration is proposing reforms that are reasonable and balanced, where many of the elements have been adopted by other states as well as the federal government. If Republicans and Democrats commit to working together, we can reach a bipartisan, common-sense agreement to reverse economic Illinois’ decline and set the stage for a bright future. In fact, we have the opportunity now not only to turn around Illinois but also put Chicago and its school system on a sustainable path. […]
At the request of Senate President John Cullerton, we are prepared to reform Illinois’ school funding formula as part of our tax freeze package. A commission charged with rewriting the formula would report back by the end of 2016, with the current funding formula expiring six months later. As part of the compromise, we would allow the state to pay normal costs for Chicago teacher pensions, as it does for all other Illinois school districts, in exchange for sun-setting Chicago’s special block grants. [Emphasis added.]
Go read the whole thing. This’ll get buried under today’s Obamacare news, so it may be even better than a Friday dump.
…Adding… I skipped over this in my initial reading…
We can deliver comprehensive pension reform by taking elements of Senate President Cullerton’s model, along with revised portions of my administration’s plan, to encourage more government employees to move into tier 2 or tier 3 programs. In the compromise, we are willing to support Cook County’s pension reform plan and allow Chicago and downstate communities to implement longer, slower pension payment schedules.
Pension reform is not a prerequisite to signing the budget, but it should be completed this year. I’m committed to it, and I ask for the legislative leaders to be equally committed.
…Adding… The veto message language…
Today I veto House Bill 4146 from the 99th General Assembly in order to protect Illinois taxpayers from an unbalanced and therefore unconstitutional budget.
The Speaker of the House and President of the Senate have admitted that the General Assembly’s budget is unbalanced. The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget concurs, calculating that this budget is nearly $4 billion out of balance.
For too long, the State of Illinois has made spending promises that exceed available revenues, relied on accounting gimmicks to make budgets appear balanced, used borrowing and cost deferral strategies to push costs into the future, and delayed payments to vendors.
This has generated significant backlogs of unpaid bills and a crushing debt burden of well over $100 billion. Because of past fiscal mismanagement, Illinois is experiencing the worst fiscal crisis in America, highlighted by Illinois being assigned the worst credit rating of any state.
The State of Illinois will be forced to pay more than $6 billion in debt payments in Fiscal Year 2016 due to years of fiscal neglect and overspending. A balanced budget is the only way to responsibly protect taxpayers and put the State on a path to once again using its resources for important public services rather than interest and debt service.
A balanced budget is not just good practice, it is a constitutional requirement: “Appropriations for a fiscal year shall not exceed funds estimated by the General Assembly to be available during that year.” Ill. Const. art. VIII, sec. 2(b). Although the General Assembly has chosen to disregard its constitutional obligation, as Governor I cannot approve a budget that violates this fundamental principle.
We must be partners in enacting a balanced budget that meets critical public needs within the resources available. The surest way to do that is by enacting structural reforms inside government and economic reforms that stimulate our economy and bring new jobs to Illinois.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 4146, entitled “AN ACT making appropriations”, with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:00 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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- Norseman -
‘Nember when you asked me if I felt a total veto would ease the GOP solons?
‘Nember my “yes” and “no” criterias?
This is why I’d be “no”
Yikes. Not one thing learned.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:03 pm
Moderation! Reform! Extreme! Sham!
It seems like Illinois politics is 90% buzzword battles and 10% doing what they’ve been elected to do.
Comment by CharlieKratos Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:05 pm
And they have the votes to cut special ed programs and funding for the poorest students in Chicago?
On the flip side, those downstate districts shouldn’t assume that a change in the formula to account for student need wouldn’t actually direct more money to Chicago.
Comment by sss Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:06 pm
===Term limits and redistricting reform: We are willing to compromise on timing by asking legislative leaders to publicly commit to giving term limits and redistricting reform a vote on the floors of both chambers sometime in the next 10 months, in time to get them on the 2016 ballot.===
Kidnappers always have a time frame, don’t they?
What exactly is publicly?
Ole Slip and Sue thinks newspapers and the way of the Dodo Bird. Maybe town criers, like - Wordslinger - brought up..
“…publicly… “, what does that mean?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:08 pm
Using a newspaper column to announce a veto?
Is there any precedent for this?
I don’t think I’ve heard of anybody doing this before. It sure makes the Trib look like an official spokesman for the Gov.
If I’m missing something, please correct me but this seem strange.
Comment by Gooner Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:10 pm
===Is there any precedent for this?===
Even better, the Trib put it behind their pay wall.
lol
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:11 pm
Willy, you tried. Now we sit back and watch the mess.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:11 pm
Don’t see how even Rauner’s plan can get done without a lot of revenue… not sure how much has changed if we’re continuing this game of chicken on revenue.
Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:12 pm
“At noon, Speaker Madigan, President Cullerton will stand in the Blue Room. They will read from a sheet of paper, prepared by me, stating that Term Limits and Redistricting will happen by a date, some 10 months after this required public statement.
They will wear Carhartt coats, no ties, and will not utter a ‘G’ at the end of ‘ing’ words. The will say that I, the governor, an the leader they are glad to work with, and will walk out by 12:10, with President Cullerton first to exit, followed by Speaker Madigan.
These are my demands…”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:13 pm
For years supporters of political reformer on Capitol Fax have been told by the fans of Speaker Madigan to “go win an election.” Ironically, I didn’t vote for Rauner, but he did win an election and now he ties two reforms that have overwhelming public support to the budget (term limits, for example, enjoy 60-15% support in a Paul Simon Institute poll).
So now that Rauner has followed their advice, have they said “Mike, you should give the people what they want on those points in exchange for protecting workers from the rest of the turnaround agenda?” No - they’ve pointed the gun at the puppy again and said political reform is off the table. It’s not “go win an election” anymore, it’s “go win every election - we’re only negotiating program cuts and tax hikes.”
Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:15 pm
Taking on Chicago school pensions? Is that for real?
Woof, going to have to see the numbers crunched on that.
Tne governor’s finally engaged substantively. That’s a good thing.
I think it might have dawned on him that he has the gig for another 3.5 years. The buck stops with him.
Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:16 pm
from the full article: “We can deliver comprehensive pension reform by taking elements of Senate President Cullerton’s model, along with revised portions of my administration’s plan, to encourage more government employees to move into tier 2 or tier 3 programs.”
I wonder what the Governor means by “to encourage”? I’m guessing another one of those choices of do I shoot myself in the left foot or do I shoot myself in the right foot.
Comment by Joe M Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:16 pm
===we would allow the state to pay normal costs for Chicago teacher pensions, as it does for all other Illinois school districts, in exchange for sun-setting Chicago’s special block grants.===
What’s the net on this exchange?
Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:16 pm
@ Bruce Rauner and Crew
“For too long, the State of Illinois has made spending promises that exceed available revenues, relied on accounting gimmicks to make budgets appear balanced, used borrowing and cost deferral strategies to push costs into the future, and delayed payments to vendors.”
Should read:
For too long (since I took office), the State of Illinois has made spending promises that exceed available revenues (because I insisted the tax increase be rolled back, reducing available revenue), relied on accounting gimmicks to make budgets appear balanced (like when I built in phony, sham pension savings into my unbalanced budget), used borrowing and cost deferral strategies (like when I stole 1.3B out of special funds), and delayed payments to vendors (see above where I personally lobbied to have the GA not extend the extra revenue).
Fixed it for you Bruce.
Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:17 pm
===Even better, the Trib put it behind their pay wall.===
Is that like a cash bar at his victory parties?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:17 pm
What am I missing? Am I correct in that by vetoing HB 4146, the Governor is only vetoing 397,073,100 for Illinois Student Assistance grants?
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/99/HB/PDF/09900HB4146lv.pdf
However, the Gov’s words make it sound like he is vetoing the rest of the budget that was submitted to him?
Comment by Joe M Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:21 pm
Plenty of Vetoes have been handled via press conference. An Op-ed provides an opportunity for and unfiltered explanation if people want to read it. I’ll be interested in the reaction to this. As he has been doing, he’s taking his message directly to the people; the only force capable of changing the way business is handled in the GA. Might be futile, might be ingenious. We’ll see.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:21 pm
==an unbalanced and therefore unconstitutional budget==
That’s not wrong.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:22 pm
- lake county democrat -,
Yep. Elections have consequences. Couldn’t agree more.
Of course, I also subscribe to 60/30, which is now 71/36, so, while, behind a newspaper pay wall, Rauner gives the terms of the release of the hostages, I keep teetering then tottering…
Elections have consequences, then 71 and 36…
Boy, governin’ is difficult.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:23 pm
So, OW, what’s YOUR solution to keep this farce from going on?
Raise taxes dramatically and keep the dysfunctional spending practices keep on going and growing?
Keep all programs going whether they’re prudent, well managed or not, especially if they have anything to do with the sick, handicapped, or “poor”?
Come up with OTHER cuts to get the 10% of excess spending off the budget? (I’d love to see what YOU’D cut)
And while we’re at it, what’s YOUR favorite “turnaround agenda” to attract jobs to Illinois? Even got one?
I’d just like, for once, to read a post of yours that’s more productive than the “POSTER OF NO” and “YOU OWN IT”.
Comment by Arizona Bob Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:23 pm
@ A Guy
“As he has been doing, he’s taking his message directly to the people…”
Should read “As he has been doing, he’s taking his message directly to the people that pay for the Tribune’s (Rauners official mouthpiece) service online. “
Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:24 pm
A guy- if he op-ed is behind the trib’s pay firewall, he is just preaching to his fellow true belivers, not the general public. And you say unfiltered, others might say no pesky reporters questioning his motives. Tomato, tomahto
Comment by Roadiepig Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:26 pm
I thought it was a very good op-ed. Certainly doesnt fit in to Madigan’s narrative of Rauner being ‘extreme’.
I second “a guy” in that I’ll be interested to see the reaction to this from the real public and not this message board.
Comment by Nony Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:27 pm
- Arizona Bob -,
Use the search key, if you’d read, I’ve dtated if many times.
First and foremost…
I woulda kept the income tax as if was, dropping it incrimentally over the next 3 years, giving breathing room.
Use the google, search, but that should be enough to get ya started on that.
- A Guy -,
How delicious, all you say, the op-ed is behind a pay wall.
Classic!
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:27 pm
==because I insisted the tax increase be rolled back==
The tax increase that rolled back in 2015, just as it was drafted, passed and signed into law by the ILGA, Mr Cullerton, Mr Madigan and Mr Quinn?
Mr Rauner might have had some help on that.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:28 pm
Just like you AB, can’t wait for the response.
Comment by anon Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:28 pm
Pension stuff is real interesting in a number of ways.
- Highlighting agreeing with Cullerton — take that Mike.
- Reverse the previously discussed plan of the state sending costs to districts — stick that in your ear Mike.
- School funding committee to discuss reform — Mike you shouldn’t have had Brownie smack me about signing the Ed Approp.
- Working on solving Rahm’s problems, how about you Mike.
Will this move the FY ‘16 budget ball forward?
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:28 pm
Also, are you sure its behind a pay wall? I don’t subscribe and I could read the whole thing…
Even if it is behind a pay wall I’m sure the Governor’s peeps will be disseminating its core message and excerpts through other means
Comment by Nony Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:30 pm
@FKA
It was allowed to roll back as designed at the behest of then Gov Elect Bruce Rauner. He insisted the GA NOT consider any actions to extend the tax increase.
Let’s not let the details go to waste here. Rauner publicly requested the tax hike expire, and no discussion of an extension occur.
He got what he asked for.
Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:30 pm
===sure its behind a pay wall? I don’t subscribe and I could read===
Yes, because I used a special linkie-link.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:31 pm
4146 is a stand alone budget bill for MAP.
Well, the kids can go to K-12, good luck after that.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:33 pm
== Roadiepig - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:26 pm:
A guy- if he op-ed is behind the trib’s pay firewall, he is just preaching to his fellow true belivers, not the general public. And you say unfiltered, others might say no pesky reporters questioning his motives. Tomato, tomahto===
Rp and HI, If the Tribune, Bruce Dold, K McQ or anyone else there shares it on social media, the pay wall goes away. You still have to endure ads, but you’ll get to read it.
So will everyone with a paper copy of it. Needless to say, people will in fact see it.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:33 pm
Add Mr. Miller to those with “linkie-links” that blow through the pay wall.
Linkie links are the greatest tools since Lincoln logs.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:35 pm
So…
“Who” is going to be the first to say this isn’t the “Rauner Veto”, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:36 pm
Taxes have to be raised whether the Turnaround Agenda is passed or not, and whether Rauner feels like acknowledging that now or not (he evidently doesn’t).
Comment by Tournaround Agenda Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:36 pm
==I woulda kept the income tax as if was, dropping it incrimentally over the next 3 years, giving breathing room.==
OW- Rauner wasn’t even Governor when the Democrats decided not to keep the income tax the way it was. Again, the nonsense that the Democrats were just doing what Rauner wanted is a farce. Again, if that is the case, why don’t they just enact everything the Governor wants. The Democrats were playing a game with the income tax increase, and anyone but the most Rauner-deranged victims can see it.
Comment by phocion Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:36 pm
- Nony - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:27 pm:
It is extreme with his unconstitutional attack on tier 1 employees.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:37 pm
=== Even better, the Trib put it behind their pay wall. ===
Hilarious that the Trib’s homepage includes the guv’s op-ed but no mention of news coverage. It’s as if the op-ed is all that’s necessary!
Comment by Louis Capricious Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:38 pm
@ A Guy,
I see, so as long as someone knows a ‘workaround’ to post the Gov’s non-transparent releases from his Official Mouthpiece ™ the Tribune, than all is good?
I’m just surprised he didn’t wait until 4:58pm tomorrow to do it, like he normally dumps on the public.
Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:38 pm
Joe M @ 1:16pm:
“from the full article: “We can deliver comprehensive pension reform by taking elements of Senate President Cullerton’s model, along with revised portions of my administration’s plan, to encourage more government employees to move into tier 2 or tier 3 programs.”
I thought the ISC ruled that state employees’ pension can not in any way be diminished.
Rich: what say you?
Comment by Capitol Fax Follower Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:40 pm
===OW- Rauner wasn’t even Governor when the Democrats decided not to keep the income tax the way it was. Again, the nonsense that the Democrats were just doing what Rauner wanted is a farce.===
Yikes.
Rauner asked it be sunset and not put back, but that is not his fault?
So deferring to Rauner, because as Governor-Elect he asked the lame duck GA to abide by his wishes, Rauner is absolved from the “ask”, and not only absolved, it’s the Democrats fault for deferring?
Rauner owns the Veto, you do accept that? lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:41 pm
Apparently the governor wants more litigation on pension “reform”. Anybody think the Cullerton plan is slam dunk doable through the court?
Comment by JackD Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:42 pm
‘Dale to HP Comment ” Don’t see how even Rauner’s plan can get done without a lot of revenue… not sure how much has changed if we’re continuing this game of chicken on revenue.”
Spot on. I just don’t get why the DEMS and the print media are not harping on this point more and pinning down Rauner for just how much more revenue he thinks we need if he were to get his reforms…which BTW are not all in the interest of better government or job creation but that is for another day.
In the meantime, I still say let Rauner make/own the cuts. The DEMS have held committee of the wholes on GOP/Rauner issues and the GOP GA refuses to buck up and vote…If they want reforms then they need to vote for them!
If the DEMS can get their messaging together I think they have a decent argument…Of course they don’t have unlimited funds like Rauner to carry the message as far and wide as may be needed to combat Rauner’s attacks.
Game of chicken it is!!!
Comment by Just saying... Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:43 pm
For 2013-2014, the employer normal cost for CPS was $130 million. The contribution they are supposed to make by year’s end is 634 million.
Comment by Salty Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:45 pm
A free link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-rauner-budget-veto-perspec-20150625-story.html
Comment by OldIllini Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:46 pm
I apologize for my display of ignorance. However, can the legislature override the Governor’s veto?
Comment by Scamp640 Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:48 pm
If the G.A. passed the budget Rauner proposed, then he would have to veto that too for being unbalanced.
Comment by nona Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:48 pm
OW-
The tax sunset as it was intended to….Rauner only insisted the legislature keep it’s word. The original term of the tax increase was to provide the “breathing room” you now advocate for the next 3 years. If the breathing room wasn’t enough before, what is different it would be now? Absent structural changes, how do you expect any different result? Without cuts and meaningful changes, you’ll be wanting more “breathing room” to dig out of an ever deepening hole.
Comment by The Whole Truth Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:48 pm
Yes, Scamp. The General Assembly can override the veto. But they won’t.
Comment by phocion Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:49 pm
Great point Joe M. Didn’t the courts say the pensions cannot be amended after they are hired? Rauner seems to have a preference for making declarations instead of a normal press conference with question and answers. So he is offering to pay Chicago Teacher pensions as part of his Income tax freeze? where does that money come from? A lot of talking points -but no actual plan on how he could do this.
Comment by chiagr Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:50 pm
Attention GOP GA;
You are pawns again, until you decide not to be.
Until you ALL decide that you are autonomous Caucuses, your required votes, no matter how you get run over by the owner of your keys, will be required.
All of you. All 67.
After an op-ed like this, 67 “green” for enhanced revenue for a deal.
Gov. Rauner, “Mike, John, they’ll all be green, they know better. Remember that Ed Approp? I own them, you just get me 40 Dem votes…”
… It’s up to you, GOP Caucuses, to be relevant.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:50 pm
So what, exactly, does Rauner do now if he gets what he wants? He can’t take back his vetoes. Or is the battle plan that if he DOESN’T get what he wants, he will pull off enough GOP votes to prevent an override?
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:55 pm
Not sure what no budget means. Schools will open, right? In our house, no budget means the same old spending, but without a plan.
Comment by AJ_yooper Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:55 pm
- The Whole Truth -,
There never would’ve been a need for the FY2015 “fix” and double-cross, and reinstatement, and FY2016 successes would allow for legislative cooperation with the Executive to make the much needed cuts, owned by the governor, after working with all 4 leaders in a thoughtful way.
You do know how governing within Caucus politics and co-equal branches work, right?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:56 pm
These are Rauner’s big ideas, writing self congratulatory op-eds constantly? What a genius.
Probably could have gotten the Tribbies to publish these without the expense of buying the governorship, if that’s all he wanted to do anyway.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:58 pm
=== Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:36 pm:
So…
“Who” is going to be the first to say this isn’t the “Rauner Veto”, lol====
Haha. Absolutely no one. He’s more on the record than ever taking responsibility for this action.
Didn’t take him very long to do it, did it?
Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:00 pm
He said it himself during the primary, he wants to “shut it down for awhile.” A shutdown is not a consequence of failed leadership, it is the intention. It is getting harder and harder to fathom a way for the gov to save face.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:01 pm
Welp, - A Guy -,
This overall veto, you even say Rauner owns, will be the reason the state shuts down.
Governors own. Rauner owns the veto, these are Rauner’s agencies that will be silent.
So, owning the veto, Rauner owns the shut down.
You’re welcome.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:02 pm
==- A guy - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 1:21 pm:==
==An Op-ed provides an opportunity for and unfiltered explanation if people want to read it.==
An op-ed is inherently a filtered explanation.
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:04 pm
==I thought the ISC ruled that state employees’ pension can not in any way be diminished.==
The Gov thinks that the ISC ruling only protects pensions already earned, and thus he can reduce future pensions of existing employees. However the ISC has ruled a number of times that the state pension system one enters upon day of hire is the system they stay in.
I look for the Gov to give choices for current workers - or no pay raises or both - if you want to stay in Tier 1. Coerced consideration though, is not what I think is meant by the term “consideration” in two parties agreeing to change the term of a contract because a positive has been exchanged for a negative. A choice of two negatives in not consideration. Nor is it consideration if one doesn’t have the option to keep what they already have. If the Gov tries that, it could end up in court.
I think the Gov is willing to take over the Chicago Public School pension as a state pension because in his mind, he is going to drastically reduce all of the state pensions, and thinks trading CPC block grants for CPC’s pension obligations - he thinks he will come out ahead.
Comment by Joe M Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:06 pm
I’m aware of how state government is supposed to operate. Avoidance of a response to the 1:48 comment doesn’t answer the questions posed. You seem to advocate doing the same thing over and over while somehow expecting a different result. Einstein’s definition of insanity comes to mind. At some point, meaningful, painful cuts have to be made, and will continue for some time without structural change. I have to echo AB…are any cuts really palatable to you, or is increasing taxes the only answer? If increased taxes are the only answer, what are we doing so differently from most other states who have lower overall taxes with much lower debt and deficits?
Comment by The Whole Truth Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:07 pm
I meant to say, I look for the Gov to give choices for current workers - NO HEALTH INSURANCE or no pay raises or both
Comment by Joe M Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:07 pm
==The Rauner administration is proposing reforms that are reasonable and balanced, where many of the elements have been adopted by other states as well as the federal government.==
Progressive income tax structure?
Comment by Joe M Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:09 pm
If the breathing room wasn’t enough before, what is different it would be now?
The national economy, silly! No one expected it to still stink by 2015. If they knew it would, it wouldn’t have been for three years - it would have been for seven or ten.
You don’t seem to get it. Our budget woes have a lot to do with our rotten US economy. Our rotten line of convicts as governors. Our flat-out bad luck, during the worse economic downturn in three generations.
The Great Depression went a decade - this Great Recession/No Recovery is seven years old, and could go on a whole lot longer until the end of the Boomer Retirement Era, in 2020.
When the GA passed the temporary income tax increase, NO ONE predicted our national economy would still be in a coma at .00000001% growth rate.
You can’t blame EVERYTHING on the man who isn’t the governor!
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:10 pm
@How Ironic
The tax increase did precisely what it was designed to do. Dumping the decision not to extend it beyond January 1 only on Quinn, Cullerton, Madigan or Rauner is a fallacy. They all had a part in this, including those in office when it expired.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:11 pm
===You seem to advocate doing the same thing over and over while somehow expecting a different result. Einstein’s definition of insanity comes to mind. At some point, meaningful, painful cuts have to be made, and will continue for some time without structural change. ===
Um, - The Whole Truth -,
Yeah, deciding to sunset 3 years after taking the oath, incrimentally, that ain’t diing the same thing, lol.
Use the search, start with the income tax, I go to what I’d do, and if you have specific questions without hijacking a post, have at it.
===If increased taxes are the only answer, what are we doing so differently from most other states who have lower overall taxes with much lower debt and deficits?===
Can. You. Read? Seriously.
You can’t even digest a three year step reduction in income tax, after leaving FY2015 & FY2016 at that current level before the sunset.
If you can’t read, I can’t help you.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:12 pm
-A guy- you too can join the insiders with “linkie-links”. Just type the name of the article you want to read in Google. Clink the link to the Tribune.
Comment by CapnCrunch Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:14 pm
@ Arizona Bob. Don’t waste your time on OW. Sonny, Crew, LOL, Own it.
Cute phrases! If OW was as smart as he thinks he is the powers to be would be searching him out and paying him for his advice. OW will be keeping his day job for a long time.
Comment by Apocalypse Now Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:22 pm
- Apocalpse Now -,
Remind me again how Rauner doesn’t own his own cuts and decisions while citing the Quinn Pension mess…
That was enlightening.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:24 pm
OW-
I read fine, thanks.
The point is the tax was originally agreed and written to sunset, and represented that way to the taxpayers when it was enacted. The supposed purpose was to give “breathing room”. Then, as the sunset date neared, the chorus for extending it grew louder, and a rather cynical budget was passed that assumed it would be extended. Hardly a surprise in Illinois, but a disappointment never the less. Yet somehow a new governor expecting the legislature keep it’s word makes it all his fault.
I submit that one of the first structural changes that should be made in Illinois is that the legislature be held accountable to it’s promises and statements, and be honest about the intent of it’s actions. And yes, it takes a governor to do that. Simple, common sense, and a paradigm shift certainly, but at least it doesn’t fit Einstein’s definition of insanity.
We can start with a balanced budget as required by law. Had the legislature and governor simply complied with that a couple years ago, today’s conversation would be much different.
Comment by The Whole Truth Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:33 pm
“This overall veto, you even say Rauner owns, will be the reason the state shuts down.
Governors own. Rauner owns the veto, these are Rauner’s agencies that will be silent.
So, owning the veto, Rauner owns the shut down.
You’re welcome.”
And the citizens will be applauding. A lot of ostrich around here.
Comment by Tone Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:33 pm
This is theatre, of course. What we taxpayers should be asking is “how much?” If the budget is $4 billion in the hole, how much of a(temporary, please-the economy is improving, even w/out the turnaround agenda)income tax increase do we have to endure? How about 4.75 or 4.50. Is it written somewhere that you have to restore all of Pat Quinn’s tax increase.
Those liberal Democrats who would much prefer to hit us up for 6, 7, 8 percent should think carefully, though. Politically speaking, could be a while before you get another withdrawal from the Taxpayer ATM.
Comment by Cassandra Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:34 pm
The state worker layoffs can’t start soon enough.
Comment by Tone Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:34 pm
Pay. The. Bill.
That would be real “Pension Reform.”
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:34 pm
Tone, from what I gather there will be no layoffs. Employees will be expected to come to work.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:36 pm
How Ironic –
The irony is you are blaming a guy for a tax rollback that happened before he came into office.
So, the tax rollback is totally his fault? Passing a budget that didn’t have revenues that matched expenditures is his fault as well? Who knew a governor elect had such power. Heck I am surprised they didn’t just pass right to work since he wanted it before he ever took office…
Now that’s ironic.
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:36 pm
===And yes, it takes a governor to do that. Simple, common sense, and a paradigm shift certainly, but at least it doesn’t fit Einstein’s definition of insanity.===
Welp, when Rauner has all 67 GOP GA members vote for more revenue, what will you say?
See, by having the revenue already instituted, then cutting during a term, that’s wise governing.
Creating a revenue crisis for opportunities, that’s holding hostage a budget you already knew needed revenue, to create leverage, with little regards to those hurt, and to GOP members and their voting records and district.
I can NOT wait when Rauner signs that revenue increase. What will you say then?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:39 pm
@lakecountydemocrat stated it on point. Gov. Rauner won the election. Sen President Cullerton has a small opening to prove leadership here, in spite of Speaker Madigan’s decision to whine, and not act as a — dare I state it — statesman.
Comment by Stock73 Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:40 pm
===And the citizens will be applauding. A lot of ostrich around here.===
- Tone -,
If governors thought lockouts would make them popular, they’d do ‘em.
Notice they don’t do ‘em?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:41 pm
The Chicago Tribune should change its name to “Rauner’s Rag”.
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:42 pm
Creating a revenue crisis?
Again did I miss how the governor set up the sunset on the tax increase?
So let see if I get this right, you want him to bring back the full tax increase and then and only then if the Democrats deem him worthy, they might talk about the other stuff he wants to do?
Is that about it?
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:43 pm
@Cassandra - I think we’re heading towards 4.5% with additional services taxed.
Comment by nixit71 Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:44 pm
OneMan, for most here, that would be a yes.
Comment by anon Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:49 pm
==- Apocalypse Now - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:22 pm:==
So will you superstar.
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:49 pm
Rich Miller - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:36 pm:
Tone, from what I gather there will be no layoffs. Employees will be expected to come to work.
Rich: I hope you ar right about that. Is it from a reliable source?
Comment by Capitol Fax Follower Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:50 pm
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:36 pm:
Tone, from what I gather there will be no layoffs. Employees will be expected to come to work.
Rich, how will they get paid?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:50 pm
===So let see if I get this right, you want him to bring back the full tax increase and then and only then if the Democrats deem him worthy, they might talk about the other stuff he wants to do?===
Nope.
You handcuff yourself to leverage others?
See the last 6 months.
You set up a smooth FY2015 and a smooth transition to FY2016, gain trust, earn respect, work the budget staffs, and use the “un-crisised” time for FY2017 with bipartisan support based on trust and respect.
Rauner isn’t trusted, now by all 4 caucuses, has hung out people for an agenda, while running ads to ding a negotiating partner and wants to be cheered for decisions, but not the results of the aftermath.
Geez Louise how is that “governin’?”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:50 pm
==how will they get paid?==
This has happened before. In all prior cases courts have ordered that employees be paid, whether there is a budget or not. I wouldn’t expect this to be any different.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:51 pm
OneMan, don’t bother trying to use logic, reason or facts with OW. His mind is made up and he doesn’t need any of those. The “revenue crisis” or “revenue problem” cited is code for let’s impose a massive new income tax rate. Or amend the constitution to institute a progressive income tax that would let the utterly irresponsible legislature willy-nilly sock it to taxpayers rather than govern responsibly.
Comment by phocion Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:52 pm
That’s the right formula, Nixit. What will be sooo interesting is to watch the governor throw all his GOP senators and reps under the bus when they have to press the green button on the “second biggest tax hike in Illinois history.”
Yes, elections have consequences as my Republican legislators will learn in a month or two or three. Can’t wait to see who Durkin and Radogno force to swallow the income tax hike.
Comment by Mister Whipple Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:52 pm
I miss RNUG. No offense Rich.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:52 pm
- phocion -,
Walk me through 71 and 36.
No one is stopping you. Go ahead…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:54 pm
@ Arizona Bob
What’s YOUR solution to this even though you do not work nor pay income taxes here? Let me guess, cut taxes so much that the sick, handicapped, or “poor” end up in the streets? You would probably like to bring back the soup kitchens and work camps back from the 1930’s already. Sounds to me like your living still in the horse and buggy era. Heed your own advice and come back to reality already.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:55 pm
=== You set up a smooth FY2015 and a smooth transition to FY2016 ==
By what owning making the income tax increase that the legislature didn’t make permanent (gee I wonder why they didn’t do that), permanent. Because we all just know the legislature wouldn’t make him wear the jacket for that at all, right?
Then before an election you try and get something done. Because we know our legislature is a really into cost saving ideas that are constitutional…
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:57 pm
Anonymous
I am ok with my taxes being raised. But you know what I want some other changes that in fact make Illinois a little for business friendly and make it easier for the state to deal with it’s own labor force.
I’ll give you one additional think I want, all other retirement systems get their full payment before the legislative retirement system gets a dime.
So anonymous you cool with a state employee wage freeze then?
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:59 pm
Also, Raunerites, explain how having FY2015 and FY2016 revenue issues off the table is bad?
You only allow crisis to leverage.
I agreed with the Comproller Topinka thoughts on the income tax sunset. Use the search on it.
I’m telling you, all 67 GOP “green” for revenue is going to happen, including all those in the GOP GA “who” will “never” vote for a tax increase.
Rep. Franks will be in full belly laugh mode as he watches all 67 GOP turn green.
Elections have consequences, so I guess the GOP GA need to be taught that. Again.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:00 pm
==Those liberal Democrats who would much prefer to hit us up for 6, 7, 8 percent should think carefully==
We probably need close to 5% just to balance the budget and make annual pension payments. If we are ever going to pay down the $100 billion pension debt that the 3% rate we had for 20 years gave us - then we probably will need 6, 7 or 8% rates
Comment by Joe M Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:01 pm
So now that the legislature forced Governor Rauner’s hand concerning the budget, either making him look bad by agreeing to an unconstitutional budget unbalanced by nearly $4 billion, or making him look bad by vetoing that same unconstitutional budget, what comes next?
In my humble opinion, this is the moment for Senate President Cullerton to prove he is a true leader equal to Madigan, and not some second in command.
Cullerton should now seize the moment and take the lead in settling this matter with the Governor. Madigan had his opportunities and instead of leadership, tanked the CPS matter and has played games with sham votes and hearings.
Step up President Cullerton!
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:01 pm
Tone: You do realize that if you laid off EVERY SINGLE State employee (yes, that includes State Police, prison guards, doctors and nurses) it would barely fill the hole that Rauner’s budget has. Are you up for that? You think you can just lay off employees to get out of this mess? Think again. It’s the Pension Debt payments.
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:02 pm
- OneMan -,
Trust works both ways. Rauner is proving untrustworthy.
Rauner did that on his own. Ask the GOP GA about trust and Rauner after yesterday, with a call about signing that Ed Approp less than an hour before.
It was the prudent thing to get FY2015 and FY2016 out of the way.
The only way you don’t, as a governor? Leverage.
Welp, Rauner owns a veto, no budget, and a possible state shutdown, and waiting, eventually a revenue increase with every GOP member “green”
“You go Bruce!”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:05 pm
@ Louis G Atsaves,
“Madigan had his opportunities and instead of leadership, tanked the CPS matter and has played games with sham votes and hearings.”
When did Lance Trover take the name Louis? “Shamwow”
Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:05 pm
Skeptic, you forgot to include the entitlements.
Comment by anon Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:11 pm
“Taxes have to be raised whether the Turnaround Agenda is passed or not, and whether Rauner feels like acknowledging that now or not (he evidently doesn’t).”
I agree but maybe he is saying as much in the following(italics added):
“Rather than repeating the mistakes of the past — just kicking the can and raising taxes without real reform — now is our chance to transform Illinois to make it more competitive and compassionate.”
Which seems to say that taxes will be raised after “real reform”.
Comment by CapnCrunch Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:12 pm
Why do you folks think massive tax increases will solve the problem? People are leaving IL now! Massive tax increases will make our problem worse.
Cuts are necessary, very deep cuts.
Comment by Tone Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:21 pm
@ OneMan - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:36 pm:
“The irony is you are blaming a guy for a tax rollback that happened before he came into office.”
No, I’m not blaming anyone. The fact is that Rauner ran on letting the tax increase expire, because he felt we didn’t need the revenue. (http://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/7/71/213823/will-your-income-tax-go-up-next-year-rauner-says-no-and-maybe) Rauners words “… “As I’ve said, we want to roll the income tax hike all the way back down to where it was in 2010. We’ll work that over time, and right now the law is 3.75, and that’s what we’re going to manage with.”
“So, the tax rollback is totally his fault?”
The fact that he campaigned against extending the tax increase, and allowing to sunset is on him yes. He could have asked that it be delayed, but instead embraced it, stating that the revenue was unnecessary.
“Passing a budget that didn’t have revenues that matched expenditures is his fault as well?”
I’m sorry, did you just join the party? Rauner proposed a budget that was 3 BILLION out of whack, basing a majority of cost savings from pension reform. That isn’t going to happen. So yes, he proposed a budget that revenues didn’t match expenditures. That is his fault as well.
Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:21 pm
== If we are ever going to pay down the $100 billion pension debt that the 3% rate we had for 20 years gave us - then we probably will need 6, 7 or 8% rates==
Or tax retirement income.
Comment by nixit71 Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:22 pm
=What’s the net on this exchange?=
CPS is the only district in the state allowed to levy directly for their teacher pensions. So Rauner is taking on the payment (or willing to) but still allowing them to levy for it. Interesting approach.
And, it depends on what he means by “block grants”. Just their PTELL adjustment is $300 million. That is $300 million they get because the voters wanted a rate freeze.
The pension (sigh) is not the issue. It is the debt. That is the state budget stalking horse.
He is all wet on pension reduction. New employees go into Tier 2 and have since 2011. He cannot change anything about Tier 1.
I also note that he does not mention his phony (-baloney) sham (a lama ding dong) budget shortfall? What gives?
BTW- I believe there was a recent story in Crains about Illinois being one of the top states (#2) in creating new businesses. I guess we are pretty competitive. So there is that….
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:23 pm
I’m familiar with “Tier 1″ and “Tier 2″ but when did we get a “Tier 3″ and what is it? Is that a new name for a 401(k)? Or does it just mean you get nothing and like it?
Comment by girllawyer Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:24 pm
“Cuts are necessary, very deep cuts. ”
That approach has not worked so well for Kansas and Wisconsin.
Other ideas?
I would suggest the ILGA meet every two years and require a two-year budget.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:25 pm
@ Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:52 pm:
“I miss RNUG. No offense Rich.”
What happened to RNUG?
Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:25 pm
Tone:
You can shout until you lose your voice. Anybody that has any mathematical and political abilities will tell you that it is both mathematically and politically impossible to cut our way out of this situation. Without both cuts and revenues the problem doesn’t get fixed.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:26 pm
===then we probably will need 6, 7 or 8% rates===
No, we don’t.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:26 pm
==That approach has not worked so well for Kansas==
They were the geniuses that cut revenue. They’ve since changed their mind after they put their budget in a tailspin by doing so.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:27 pm
BTW- I believe there was a recent story in Crains about Illinois being one of the top states (#2) in creating new businesses. I guess we are pretty competitive. So there is that….
Did you read the actual article, it was for one quarter in 2014. Illinois is in the bottom for economic and job growth. We are at the top for population loss though!
Comment by Tone Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:31 pm
Just for the record, the Trib has posted the Op-Ed all over social media. No pay wall. Have at it.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:35 pm
Demoralized, I have never said there doesn’t need to be a tax increase. But CUTTING is key before a single tax is increased. Laying offs are a must. Programs need to be eliminated. Reamortize the pension payments on a fiscally sound straight line instead, then look at taxes. I do think expanding the sales tax is the best idea. Also, school districts should have to fund their own worker pensions.
Comment by Tone Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:35 pm
=Did you read the actual article, it was for one quarter in 2014. Illinois is in the bottom for economic and job growth. We are at the top for population loss though! =
Oy. Stay classy. I read relatively well. Our governor, his republicans, and the rauneristas…not so much. I see he/they missed reading a recent ILSC decision.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:38 pm
Always hopeful. Then continually slapped back into reality.
A very short-term shutdown is to Rauner’s political advantage, while pushing for long term structural changes. Rauner could have made these exact offers weeks ago. There was no serious effort to offer and support bills that were consistent with parts of his agenda until yesterday. Therefore one might suspect that a shutdown was his preferred path all along — but let’s give him the benefit of the doubt.
It had better not last more than two weeks, or it will sour dramatically. For the first time Rauner also seems to publicly acknowledge that some of his Turnaround demands would not impact this budget in any way, and could not be practically implemented this fiscal year in any case. Previously they just glossed over those points with generalities. To set out 10-month objectives for first steps on a couple of them, in exchange for immediate fiscal agreements, is beginning to deal realistically.
Comment by walker Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:39 pm
So the Governor wants to put term limits and redistricting in play. I’d think there’s room there for a progressive income tax too.
Comment by Original Rambler Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:39 pm
== now that the legislature forced Governor Rauner’s hand concerning the budget==
The governor had the option of not signing or not vetoing the bills. That possibility comes from a thing called the Illinois Constitution.
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:40 pm
The argument over responsibility for not extending the tax increase is irrelevant. The Governor has already signaled a willingness to increase taxes rather than making spending cuts. He has refused to even propose any viable way to balance the budget by making cuts. A revenue increase is coming. The Governor will sign it.
However, all enemies must be punished first.
Comment by Reformed Optimist Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:42 pm
“We are at the top for population loss though!”
[citation needed], since all the data I’ve seen shows Illinois losing population at a much SLOWER rate than other Midwestern and Great Plains states, and even gaining some years.
Comment by Educated in the Suburbs Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:44 pm
===However, all enemies must be punished first.===
Yep.
The GOP GA will lead the totals on that revenue, but let’s make sure all are proportionally punished, then hit the revenue increase.
“You go Bruce!”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:49 pm
J.s. Mills 3:23 p.m.
No he can’t change anything about tier 1 but ge can get you to agree to go to tier 2 voluntarily. Why else place all state employees into an aca bronze healthplan with skyhigh dependent costs. See AFSCME negotiations.
Can’t offer raises only to tier 2 increases liability and may not get enough takers. Now “negotiate” a crap healthcare benefit during contract talks and offer the old better option In exchange for going to tier 2 or 3. Then you get a constitutional change with a voluntary exchange of benefits.
Comment by Mason born Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:52 pm
- How Ironic - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:25 pm:
@ Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 2:52 pm:
“I miss RNUG. No offense Rich.”
What happened to RNUG?
He is on Vacation.
Comment by Carol Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:52 pm
@ Carol,
Whew…I thought maybe he had used a banned word and was in timeout!
Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:54 pm
If you thought that, you weren’t really thinking.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 4:44 pm
How Ironic @1:17pm wins!
Comment by RunAground Agenda Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:00 pm
=but ge can get you to agree to go to tier 2 voluntarily.=
Umm….no he cannot. He might be able to do it to state employees but University and school employees are out of his reach.
I am in Tier 1. I read the ISLC decision. I will not be negotiating with someone that has nothing to offer me unless he wants to increase my benefits. He does have that as leverage.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:10 pm
- A guy - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 4:44 pm:
If you thought that, you weren’t really thinking.
Come on a guy get a sense of humor. How Ironic– made a great joke.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:12 pm
- Mason born - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 3:52 pm:
You would just love to mess with a State Workers
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:13 pm
Tone, you were the classroom snitch, weren’t you.
Comment by efudd Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:16 pm
It seems irresponsible to veto all appropriations outright. No money for the IL National Guard. I suppose no one cares if all this rain results in massive flooding and there is no money to mobilize the Guard. Not only for pay, but no money for fuel, food, sand, etc. If we have a disaster in the next week, the Governor may not get the press coverage he was wanting.
Comment by A Jack Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:20 pm
- A Jack - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:20 pm:
Thank you A Jack
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:26 pm
Can’t offer raises only to tier 2 increases liability and may not get enough takers. Now “negotiate” a crap healthcare benefit during contract talks and offer the old better option In exchange for going to tier 2 or 3. Then you get a constitutional change with a voluntary exchange of benefits.
Nice try. As Rauner’s team would say it’s a sham and would just have us in court once again.
Comment by CrazyHorse Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:33 pm
Most of all these comments fail to recognize that Rauner was elected to best attempt to resurrect Illinois after years of Democratic overspending and mismanagement.. Rauner has nothing to lose in attempting to break the Democrats control in Springfield and end the giveaways to the public sector along with trying to control spending on social,services. Worse that happens is he is a one term governor. For everyone demanding more money where should it come from. Both the State and City of Chicago are virtually insolvent. Most taxpayers who don’t directly benefit from the State’s largesse are sick of paying more for less services since during the last Several years when the income tax was 5 percentage- the additional revenue went into servicing the pensions. Rauner is doing what he was elected to do and obviously there is going to be pain felt in many places if he succeeds but perhaps That is what is needed if Illinois is going to resolve its fiscal problems
Comment by Sue Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:35 pm
- CrazyHorse - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:33 pm:
Thank you CrazyHorse
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:37 pm
- Sue -,
Very thoughtful. So then you agree since Rauner is choosing to do all you said, it’s Rauner shutting down the state, and the Rauner veto is stopping needed funding.
Rauner owns it, according to you.
Thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:42 pm
- Sue - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:35 pm:
Maybe we need to lower Sue’’s salary 50% and make her pay 500 dollars more per pay period for health care premiums and only pay 2% of any cost and the rest come out of her pocket and make her have no vacation and charge her 99% tax on her retirement accounts and that is just the beginning.
Maybe Sue is really “ck”. The hostility for State Workers is there.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:42 pm
Crazy horse
What would employees suit be based on? Healthcare is open to negotiations for current employees and trading different healthcare for tier 2 would appear to be compensation for accepting the change.
Now retirees could sue of course since they are locked In but I don’t see how employees would have an out.
Comment by Mason born Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:45 pm
- Mason born - Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:45 pm:
The ISC said that tier 1 can not be changed. You are very hostile to State Workers.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:47 pm
Thank you
OW
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:48 pm
For all those saying “cut first” you missed 2 things: 1) take a look at State government operational spending over the last few years and 2) the budget passed by the General Assembly contained both cuts and room for increased revenue. There’s a reason its only about $4 billion short.
That being said, I’m unsure the Democrats should have passed this budget and sent it to the Governor. The Governors budget was just as unbalanced as the one passed, he just had no way of making it balanced. However all people hear about is the Democrats unbalanced budget and that seems to be a PR losing battle.
Comment by MyTwoCents Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 5:57 pm
- MyTwoCents -
The Rauner Veto negates all that.
It’s Rauner’s now, the veto made it so.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 6:04 pm
What, pray tell, is tier 3? Tier 2 is already one of the most skinflint programs in the country, a reservoir of net contributors to the system that ought to be encouraging more hiring, fewer cuts and less outsourcing, just to bail the system out. I shudder to think what tier 3 is. Some kind of finder’s fee for a self-help program?
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 6:05 pm
girlawyer, “Tier 3″ is Rauner’s proposed, unenacted, hybrid plan.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 6:08 pm
==However all people hear about is the Democrats unbalanced budget and that seems to be a PR losing battle.==
To be fair, it is the Democrats SECOND unbalanced budget in a row.
They sent one to Quinn, which he signed, and now one to Rauner.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 6:18 pm
Tier 3. Sounds like all new hires will be stuck with that. Does he want Tier 1 workers to retire and stick all new hires with Tier 3? If he makes the pension plan unattractive enough combined with the low starting salary who would go to work for the state?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 6:20 pm
“Tier 3″ is not a pension, it is a 401k
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 6:29 pm
Sue 5:35-
You have articulated the situation very well….especially the last sentence.
Comment by The Whole Truth Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 6:36 pm
Mr./ms. Can’t pick a name.
Please look over some of RNUG’s analysis of that decision. You can find it on this site. Tier 1 cannot be involuntarily changed not the same. If you and the gov. agree you can change to tier 2 as long as it is voluntary.
As for being hostile I have family and some very close friends employed by the state. I wan’t them treated fairly as I do their coworkers. Btw. I used to be employed by idoc back in blago days before I earned my degree.
Comment by Mason born Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 6:43 pm
Sue, you know the governor is going to raise taxes, don’t you? Can you possibly have missed the very broad hints of the last five months? That’s all he and his peeps talk about.
For crying out loud, he proposed today that the state fund the Chicago school pensions. Even with changes in the school aid formula, do you really think that’s going to be a push in the initial years? That’s absurd.
Your ramblings have no relationship to reality.
Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 7:22 pm
WS:
Sue’s 5:35 comments look to sum up reality pretty well….what part of the post is fantasy? I don’t see where she has said additional taxes are not a possibility…are you referring to some other post?
Comment by The Whole Truth Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 7:34 pm
Remember friends, Rauner has to get “Tier 3″ passed before he can start shoving people into it. Good luck with that.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 8:00 pm
The governors’s op-ed does illustrate the biggest difference between him and Gov. Quinn in governing style.
Rauner works “day and night.” Quinn worked “night and day.”
Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 8:54 pm
Interesting story in the Trib on the Gov’s pension offer. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-bruce-rauner-budget-veto-20150625-story.html#page=1
It’s a no go for the City folks. Seems to be a net loser for CPS.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 9:33 pm
Norse, if the Trib story is right, the pension offer isn’t even smoke and mirrors. But we’ll see.
Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 9:56 pm