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* Mark Brown…
“This entire situation has been caused by the failure of the Governor and the Legislature to enact a budget,” [Attorney General Lisa Madigan] said in a written statement that emphasized she “absolutely” wants state employees to be paid.
She’s absolutely correct about that, although it’s hard to believably play the role of the neutral third party when your father is the leader of the party Rauner says is responsible for Springfield’s dysfunction.
It is somewhat curious Madigan took a different position in 2007 when a full house of Democratic officials was responsible for that year’s budget standoff, with the attorney general agreeing to allow then-comptroller Dan Hynes to keep paying state employees.
Madigan’s lawyers argued the difference is that all parties were very close to a budget agreement that year, while there’s no deal in sight this time. Hmmm, usually close doesn’t count.
* WUIS…
Republican Rep. Raymond Poe, whose district covers Springfield, the seat of state government, says he’s wary of the Cook County judge’s decision. Poe goes back to 2007, when Illinois had a Democratic governor and Illinois was without a budget. A court then allowed all state employees to be paid.
“Seems like we got a different governor, so seems like we don’t want to do that for him,” Poe says. “I hate to say it, but almost sounds like politics, doesn’t it?”
* She did, indeed, take a different position in 2007. But the judge told her that his order did not set a precedent and warned her never to come back again.
So, in 2009 when unions filed a lawsuit to force payment of their wages during yet another protracted budget battle, AG Madigan opposed them with pretty much the very same arguments she’s using now.
And then in 2012, when AFSCME sued because the General Assembly didn’t appropriate enough money to fund payroll, AG Madigan again used the same arguments that she’s using now.
There will always be grand conspiracy notions when it comes to the Madigan family business. But, in this case, the simplest explanation seems to be the most fitting. After having been rebuked by that county judge in 2007, she’s been pretty consistent.
…Adding… Here’s an edited version of something I posted in comments that may help explain this more fully…
In 2007, Speaker Madigan was in an overtime battle to the death with Rod Blagojevich. AG Madigan sided with the governor on a one-time, one-off deal because the state didn’t have its act together on the Fair Labor Standards Act requirements. It would’ve taken months to get that paperwork done, and with a budget agreement in sight, a one-off dealio seemed appropriate.
In 2009, CMS and the comptroller still didn’t have their acts together on FLSA and she said that’s your problem now and opposed paying state workers.
In 2015, CMS and the comptroller still don’t have their act together on FLSA and are making the very same arguments about how it’ll just take too long.
Remove your tinfoil hats.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:36 am
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Not only consistent … but following the law as dictated by the IL Constitution and interpreted (so far) by the courts.
She’s going to get whacked whatever she does, but she is following the law … which is more than can be said for some of the other players in this comedy of errors.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:40 am
2007 - Blago
2009 - Quinn
Solved it.
Comment by Phenomynous Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:41 am
Most conspiracy theories lack merit. They are usually floated out there by people who refuse to accept reality or take things at face value. In this case, the law is very clear and Lisa is just doing her job. She’s not lying to people just the save face in the court of public opinion, which is the way our beloved Governor chooses to play this game.
Comment by ihpsdm Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:41 am
Rauner “owns” the crisis, while the Madigans are just following the constitution. Not sure this political spin will sell.
In the world outside of Illinois government, Lisa Madigan would have a conflict of interest. In the world inside Illinois government, she is bravely representing the people of the State of Illinois.
Comment by ABC Lawyer Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:45 am
The conspiracy I want to hear about is forcing employees to work without pay. Someone tell me why we have to be here? Isn’t this illegal to force us to work without pay? Why aren’t we shutting down?
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:46 am
===Not sure this political spin will sell.===
This ain’t an election year.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:48 am
Hard to keep track of all the alleged ulterior motives in play here.
Based on previous theories, shouldn’t a Dem like Madigan be carrying the water for the union bosses in court, while Rauner opposes them?
It’s a good idea to get a Constitutional ruling on what a governor can spend on absent a signed approp.
We don’t want any governor just dictating where the money goes without legal authority, do we?
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:49 am
Sad to see Mark Brown, who is capable of providing a thoughtful approach, offer “information” to his readers that’s misleading, wrong and leaves them knowing less than they did before they read his column. He’s done them and reasonable public discourse a disservice (which he’s unlikely to acknowledge or apologize for). Being a columnist, as opposed to a beat reporter, is a cushier life and looking at Chicago’s columnist assemblage, aside from Miller, Hinz, and Cahill, and the editorial boards, who are just anonymous columnists, it’s hard to not feel they are rather lazy and certainly self-satisfied.
Comment by Willie Stark Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:51 am
While I hope it doesn’t come to this, when will Rauner be forced to lockout employees and “take a shutdown”?
Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:51 am
Occam’s Razor vs. conspiracy theory.
Comment by thunderspirit Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:53 am
“There will always be grand conspiracy notions when it comes to the Madigan family business.”
I don’t see a conspiracy here either, given the consistency of the arguments since 2007 in similar situations. That said, we never seem to understand or care about the importance of “appearance of impropriety” in this state. If we would vote against politicians based on appearances of impropriety, as opposed to requiring actual proof of impropriety among politicians who routinely work hard to hide such improprieties from public view, we would be a lot better off in Illinois. The fact that the most powerful Dem in the state is the father of the state attorney general is a big problem to me, no matter how you slice it or how many Chinese walls you put up. Your election as a public representative should mean that your family and close friends are off limits for seeking political office or state business. You don’t like it, or if you have family and close friends who already get state business, don’t run for office. I don’t care if this knocks out 1 million people from the possibility of holding office - there’s 11 or 12 million more people to choose from.
Comment by Kodachrome Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:54 am
Honeybear. Don’t whine. It makes state employees look childish. Yes, it’s a lousy situation, yes it’s unfair, and we’ll get paid when this is settled.
Comment by Monday morning Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:55 am
I think many people don’t understand that the reason state workers are at work right now is because they expect to eventually get paid for the time worked. if you don’t show up and are not being forced out, then it is considered basically being awol and can cause the employees some problems. Showing up for work is the right thing for them to do, with the concept that their pay is being ‘delayed’ - not withheld forever.
Comment by Tired Of It Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:56 am
Look, before we start lionizing Lisa Madigan, again, let’s look at 2007. She did go into court asking the judge to ignore the constitution and pay employees despite the lack of a budget. She got her way, but also got her hands slapped and didn’t do it again. This hardly makes her a heroine.
Comment by phocion Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:56 am
===we never seem to understand or care about the importance of “appearance of impropriety”===
The problem with that viewpoint is which view matters? It might not look bad at all to some people and horribly hinky to others. So, every time somebody has a beef it ought to be taken seriously? And what if attitudes change? The bar moves constantly with that theory of governance.
I’d rather we focus on actual impropriety. We have plenty of those.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:57 am
===She got her way, but also got her hands slapped and didn’t do it again.===
Yep, and throw in that pesky constitution, it’s difficult to see dots going beyond those parameters
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:58 am
===Yes, it’s a lousy situation, yes it’s unfair, and we’ll get paid when this is settled.===
I’m sure that’ll work with the lenders who hold title to your car, and the deed to your house…
She has legitimate concerns. You should have them too pal.
Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:58 am
==If we would vote against politicians based on appearances of impropriety, as opposed to requiring actual proof of impropriety among politicians who routinely work hard to hide such improprieties from public view, we would be a lot better off in Illinois.==
We take action on “appearances” rather than “proof” quite a bit already, and it’s disastrous. We would be a lot worse off if we did it more.
==Your election as a public representative should mean that your family and close friends are off limits for seeking political office==
No, you shouldn’t be punished for the sins of your father…or, in this case, the successes.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 9:59 am
For the Attorney General to say it was different back then is laughable. From a legal perspective there is no difference: there is no state budget. Nobody can predict (neither then nor now) how long it will take to develop a budget. She is supposed to develop a legal opinion based on the legal facts of the situation and her position is clearly a political one.
Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:01 am
“The conspiracy I want to hear about is forcing employees to work without pay”
State employees are not, literally, being “forced to work without pay” at this point. They WILL be paid for the work they are doing now WHEN an FY16 budget is enacted. The only issue is how long they will have to wait to receive that pay — a couple of days? A week? Two weeks? A month? That delay is a serious concern for many (including myself) who count on having regular paydays and who have bills due on a regular basis. It is not, however, the same as never being paid at all.
Comment by Secret Square Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:02 am
=== Look, before we start lionizing Lisa Madigan, again, let’s look at 2007. She did go into court asking the judge to ignore the constitution and pay employees despite the lack of a budget. She got her way, but also got her hands slapped and didn’t do it again. This hardly makes her a heroine. ===
I don’t think anyone here is trying to make AG Madigan into a heroine. She’s shown that she’s able/willing to learn from her mistakes, though. Which is worth noting, particularly in politics.
Comment by thunderspirit Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:02 am
She has a track record of following the law and the constitution when it would have been better politically to look the other way (Rosemont, JRTC sale, etc). This totally aligns with her approach to the office.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:03 am
The laws are very clear, but of course never appear to be fair to the losing party.
The union lucked out in 2007. But if they want to avoid this in the future, they have to get Illinois laws changed to allow payment of employees without a valid appropriation.
I personally think that is a bad idea, even though I am a state employee. These fiscal controls are in place to ensure an adequate balance of power. If the fiscal controls are lost, the GA loses a lot of leverage.
Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:03 am
OW, I believe the constitution was in effect in 2007. She marched into court then anyway. So, she didn’t think the constitution applied in 2007, but got schooled by the judge that it did. Nice try on your part, though.
Comment by phocion Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:04 am
Appearance: Gov. Rauner is fighting like Mother Jones in court to get state employees paid, although there is no legal approp to do so.
Reality: Gov. Rauner vetoed the approp. that would get state employees paid.
Reality is much more instructive and revealing.
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:04 am
“I’m sure that’ll work with the lenders who hold title to your car, and the deed to your house…”
If said lenders are located in Illinois and are not living under a rock, they are probably aware of the situation and should be willing to work with State employees facing a payment delay to defer any payments you have due at this time. If your mortgage holder, lender, etc. is located out of state, call NOW, explain your situation, point them to news stories about it if need be, and see if they can’t work something out.
Comment by Secret Square Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:06 am
There are concrete differences between 2007, 2009 and 2015. Any good lawyer looks at the specific facts and argues the best case they can. I think she’s doing that.
Side note - why must every article mention she is the Speaker’s daughter? When it comes to her job, she is first and foremost an elected official. Why the need to constantly try to make a connection between every action she takes and the Speaker. It’s getting ridiculous.
Comment by wowsers Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:07 am
- phocion -,
So by learning a lesson, that’s… bad?
That makes no sense.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:08 am
That “pesky constitution” pretty much takes into account the possibility that, a potential decision by elected officials is to appropriate NO money.
Not to mention that pesky video of Bruce Rauner saying he did not mind a government shutdown if it helped him achieve his goals.
Then, he vetoes the budget to help him achieve those goals.
To then ask for the courts to give him a loophole around the constitution is quite disingenuous.
And some want to criticize Lisa Madigan?!
Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:15 am
OW, if the “pesky constitution” is something she didn’t know about in 2007, I would question her motives then. Good that she isn’t making the same arguments now. But again, not a reason to praise her. And whoever brought up Rosemont as Lisa’s bona fides for good government, are you serious? As a result of Lisa’s politically popular stunt smearing Rosemont, the casino moved a block away and the obscene profits were handed to Neil Bluhm, rather than shared with municipalities as was the Rosemont proposal. Mr. Bluhm incidentally was a significant contributor to L. Madigan’s campaign in 2002.
Comment by phocion Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:16 am
Did anybody really think a “corrupt” judicial system would send this Governor a bone? You can’t throw the other two equal branches of government under the bus and expect cooperation.
Comment by Miffed Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:17 am
ABC Lawyer if you truly are a lawyer, you know Lisa Madigan does not have a legal conflict of interest. And with respect to taking a position different than in 07, of course she is, she was told her position in 07 was wrong, to go in on the same position once a court said it was wrong could potentially be sanctionable.
Comment by burbanite Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:19 am
Sorry that didn’t come out right. There are seven blanks after my post there should have been a space after the fourth letter. I wanted Monday Morning to fill in the blanks in a game of hang man.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:20 am
“After having been rebuked by that county judge in 2007, she’s been pretty consistent.”
Too bad she wasted everybody’s time and money after she was strongly rebuked by a Sangamon County judge regarding SB10 and the pension matters.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:20 am
===OW, if the “pesky constitution” is something she didn’t know about in 2007, I would question her motives then. Good that she isn’t making the same arguments now. But again, not a reason to praise her.===
I’m not praising her, I am acknowledging that the Attorney General isn’t using the same logic and/or creativity as in 2007, but instead is following that pesky constitution and the Attorney General learned a great deal in the process.
My logic then tells me, given those parameters, a conspiracy, this ain’t.
I’ll let you know when I “praise” her, k?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:21 am
Secret Square, that’s worth a shot, and is good advice, but remember that these same lenders didn’t work with homeowners when the value of their house plummeted when the housing bubble burt, it was actually more financially rewarding to foreclose, and they forged papers to do so. While working with state employees is a possibility, there is no guarantee that they will, and if they do, it won’t last for long.
Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:21 am
Sorry I’m hot. I apologize. Mr. Miller please delete my last post. It was uncalled for.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:22 am
i find it hard to believe that one county judge’s opinion/comment, given nearly eight years ago, and outside the merits of the court’s official ruling approving the agreement, would be controlling on any future litigation or positions of any parties. No county judge is the final authority on what is constitutional for all future proceedings, particularly for a different case.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:29 am
=No county judge is the final authority on what is constitutional for all future proceedings, particularly for a different case.=
Agreed but the facts and circumstances are substantially similar here as they were in 2009. If the AG continued to make the same arguments that she made in 2007 she would be rightfully lambasted.
You can’t have it both ways.
Comment by pundent Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:32 am
Secret Square, if I refuse to come to work I will be fired. Is that not being forced to work?
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:32 am
===i find it hard to believe===
Ok, perhaps you can wrap your mind around this, then.
In 2007, Speaker Madigan was in an overtime battle to the death with Rod Blagojevich. She sided with the governor on a one-time, one-off deal because the state didn’t have its act together on FLSA.
In 2009, CMS still didn’t have its act together on FLSA and she said that’s your problem now.
In 2015, CMS still doesn’t have its act together on FLSA and is making the very same arguments about how it’ll just take too long.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:35 am
Unfortunately those commentators who least understand the law are those most likely to try to use it as a political tool and treat it as just another item to spin. The AG’s conduct is governed by law; Brucie’s is ungoverned.
Comment by D.P.Gumby Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:40 am
Nice to see the AG follow the law this time. I wish she would have been this concerned when it came to pensions. The rule of law is the key hear. There is remedy for state workers….we need a budget or a continuing resolution etc. You constitutionally need appropriations.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:42 am
==CMS still doesn’t have its act together on FLSA==
Until the state invests in a new payroll system they will never have their act together.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:43 am
Should of asked the court in Madison County.
Comment by Hickory Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:43 am
Why was this filed in Cook County? Shouldn’t it have been in Sangamon County, where the Capitol is located?
Comment by DownstateDolly Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:50 am
I thought the conspiracy theories would end after the very public dust up between the AG and speaker regarding the 2014 governor’s race.
She said she wanted to run for governor, but couldn’t as long as her father was speaker. He said too bad, I’m not hanging it up to further your ambitions.
How does that episode fit into the never-ending conspiracy?
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:50 am
This is one crappy day. Mr. Miller the post I asked to have deleted was the one at 10:20 not the one where I explained having to cancel my kids trip to their grandparents. The post I wished to cancel was the one that explained the dashes. If you could bring back the other post I think it is important to see that not being paid is having effects right now. I know you’re super busy and I do apologize for not being more specific. I’m struggling to keep composed when people are callous.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:55 am
Tired of It at 9:56 am: Pay for State employees will not merely be delayed, it will be cut. Many State workers live paycheck to paycheck. Some will have to take out loans during the time they are not be paid, and they will be liable for the interest on those loans. Also, they will not be able to pay credit card bills, telephone bills, utility bills, etc. on time, and will owe hefty late charges. It seems to me there’s a constitutional argument of impairment of contract here.
Comment by Quiet Sage Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 10:56 am
If there were a conspiracy- and I don’t believe there is- it’s an institutional one within the whole Democratic party. Concluding that, it philosophical in part and really about the distribution of power, not the separation of powers.
It’s been built to be that way over a very long time. It’s simply people acting in a predictable manner.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:01 am
John Q. Sixpack sees Rauner and AFSCME/SEIU are standing on one side of this saying pay now for work now, and the Madigans are together on the other side saying no.
Sixpack does not understand or care about real and valid differences from past actions.
Comment by Tourés Latte Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:02 am
In times of Budget cuts, OMB would never approve to fund a back office function like FLSA coverage . It has now come back to bite the current administration.
Comment by Red Dog Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:04 am
== It seems to me there’s a constitutional argument of impairment of contract here. ==
Technically, to date there has been no impairment re state employees getting paid, so there is a question of standing. Sometimes you can file preemptively, sometimes not. Today, no one can predict with 100% certainty whether the state will have a budget by close of business July 15th. If paychecks are missed July 16th, that’s a different story.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:06 am
Thankfully I never got married and had kids. As a result, I have enough money in my savings account to cover 4 years worth of expenses if I had no income. I do feel bad for my coworkers who do live paycheck to paycheck, however. They have done nothing wrong and are simply being used as pawns in this political game.
Comment by ihpsdm Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:07 am
++The conspiracy I want to hear about is forcing employees to work without pay. Someone tell me why we have to be here? Isn’t this illegal to force us to work without pay? Why aren’t we shutting down? ++
I’ve been in your shoes before, many years ago. Keep working and you will be fine. The “Credit Union 1″ will give you an interest- free loan in exchange for your check when you get your back-pay. You will get NO money if there is a lock-out. You may not even get your job back when the budget is finalized if there is a lock-out or a strike. Be careful what you wish for.
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:08 am
Quiet Sage: I’m not sure what you mean by the pay getting cut? It’s not a question of if we’ll get paid, but when. The WHEN part is scary to think about, but the paychecks will eventually come.
Comment by ihpsdm Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:11 am
So many people are getting lost in the weeds.
This thing is simple. Tell Rauner to comply with the Illinois Constitution, Article VIII, Section 2(a) which clearly puts the duty on the governor to prepare and present a balanced budget to the General Assembly. That is step one. Rauner has still not complied, not even close, even as he points fingers at everyone else.
Good thing Rauner didn’t take a state salary. Since he’s not doing his job under our Constitution he doesn’t deserve one.
Comment by GOPGal Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:12 am
Mama: The Credit Union only covers those who have been members since April 30, 3015. If you are not a member, you can only apply for a conventional loan for which you will have to pay interest. The state can legally delay payments for 90 days before being required to pay interest, according to the Illinois Pay Act.
Comment by ihpsdm Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:16 am
If Madigan hadn’t acted and asked the court for clarification on workers’ pay, I’m sure the Rauner crew would have attacked her silence.
What’s inappropriate here is Rauner continues to believe he can side-step the law and courts whenever he wants something. He continues to blame everyone else instead of taking responsibility when the courts slap him down. His efforts to politically spin this mess is making his “Superstar” team dizzy in trying to keep up.
He owns this train wreak, he needs to fix it.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:16 am
I think July 15th is the first pay period for the new fiscal year. If that is still the case, no one was lost a paycheck yet.
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:18 am
It is fine for some commenters on here to say that those state employees should contact their creditors and explain the situation, perhaps get a loan, that the payment for work is not cancelled only delayed. Delayed at a substantial cost!!! Interest will be added to the house payment, the car payment, late fees, etc. I totally understand where Honeybear is coming from on this. The two Madigans, Cullerton, and Rauner all need to get their act together and get this solved . . . sooner rather than later.
Comment by East Central Illinois Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:19 am
Mama, the credit union will only give an interest free loan if you joined the credit union on or before May 1 of this year! So how does that help the vast majority of state workers?
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:21 am
I bet in 2007 the union contract was not up like it is July 15 maybe the state will get something done then.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:25 am
Say what you want about consistency of the AG, but the underlying fact why the 2007 Judge ordered the payroll for all still remains the same. Sure CMS and other agencies should have been better prepared by now. Shame on them. But, the fact is they are not and a FSLA minimum wage only payroll may miss those covered under FLSA so all should get paid until the Comptroller can guarantee and the state that a FSLA min wage only payroll can be processed without harming covered employees and remain in compliance with the federal law. The St. Clair Co judge should allow at least a month payroll reprieve as a result.
Comment by Just Saying .... Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:26 am
Honeybear- It doesn’t. There are only 6,000 state workers who are members that qualify for the interest free loans. Even if they do qualify, the interest free loan only covers 50% of the gross pay. If you are not eligible for an interest free loan, you are subject to a 9.9% APR within 30 days of the loan.
Comment by ihpsdm Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:26 am
Mr. Miller deleted the right post Honeybear. He deleted the embarrassingly irrational one. Since you brought it up though-I’m confused. So-you knew of a trip to Iowa? for the first week in August back in May, but haven’t purchased the airline tickets as of the first week in July? You do realize that airline ticket prices increase as the travel date approaches - right? This logic explains your panicked posts. You aren’t a whiner. You are overly dramatic and under prepared. For the record, we get it. Possibly no paycheck the second payday in July-and until at least a temporary budget is in place. There will be options though should the worst case scenario occur-there were last time. Zero percent or low interest loans, negotiating with mortgage and loan companies, who knows-maybe Rauner will pay our salaries himself…(joking on the last one-but seriously-he should offer…). And yeah, there might be interest, but you will live. Point is, you can’t really react until we have actually been told we aren’t receiving a paycheck. Even then, you should act cautiously and appropriately. Your reaction is like jumping out of a high rise window after being told there *might* be a fire. In two weeks. A bit of advice on the tickets - if you haven’t purchased them yet, you should totally cancel the trip because it would be ridiculously expensive to purchase them now. Tell your kids THAT instead of blaming the government. And stop acting like not receiving a check means that you are working for free. And that you’ll never, ever be paid. Ever. You aren’t and you will. Concern is appropriate. Panic isn’t. Get a grip. As for the aftermath, we will see, says the Zen Master…
Comment by Zen Master Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:31 am
ihpsdm @ 11:11 am. State employees will have less money available because of the additional interest charges and late payment fees they will incur. These added charges will be forced on the workers. This is a de facto pay cut.
Comment by Quiet Sage Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:36 am
There is a great lesson to be learned about Credit Union membership benefits. Join one so your better prepared when our elected officials decide to play this game again next year. And the year after that, and the year after that. And then go Vote.
Comment by Tony Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:40 am
Honeybear, you can always use and get double your back pay plus atty fees… That’ll cover your interest for years
Comment by Me too Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:40 am
Sue not use ugh
Comment by Me too Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:41 am
East Central Illinois - You are spot on. This delay will hurt state workers who live paycheck to paycheck. Most aren’t eligible for interest free loans and who knows if they will even be approved for conventional loans. I will not miss any payments, since I have enough in savings to cover 4 years worth of living expenses, assuming I have 0 income. However, this will cost most state workers money when they have done nothing wrong here.
Zenmaster is correct about not needing to panic, however. This is all based on fear and speculation. There very well could be no delays in the issuance of paychecks. Preparation for the worst is the best course of action right now.
Comment by ihpsdm Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:43 am
Quiet Sage- I understand your point now. This will cost state workers who were not prepared for this, through interest and late payments on bills.
Comment by ihpsdm Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:45 am
Memo to State Employees:
I could have introduced a balanced budget, but didn’t.
I could have negotiated to find new cuts and new revenues, but I didn’t.
I could have amendatorily vetoed the budget sent to me by the legislature, but I didn’t. (But I did approve the education budget).
I could support a temporary budget to ensure you get paid in compliance with the constitution, but I won’t.
Despite all of this, I still want you to come to work and I will fight to get your paycheck to you, despite what the constitution says.
Trust me. ;/
BVR.
Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:47 am
Madigan wants to push Rauner’s face in the doo-doo and make him support the tax increase he wants to keep the patronage gravy train running.
Rauner wants to put the state on a financially sustainable path, with some economic growth added in.
The problem here is that Rauner didn’t propose a balanced budget, and not line itemed the unconstitutional one presented to him by Madigan and Cullerton to balance it.
Madigan’s goal is clearly not to do what’s in the best interests of the state and its people. Maintaining the state power of the purse that keeps him in power is his only goal. He won’t loosen the reigns.
Solomon once ruled that two mothers, each claiming rights to a child, would have to have the child bisected so that each could take their “half”. The mother who cared the most for the child then offered to give up the child to let it live. Solomon then granted custody of the child to her.
I’m sure that Rauner cares more about the well being of the state than Madigan, so I think he’ll eventually fold here, and Madigan won’t make it easy.
Too bad there’s no “Solomon” in Illinois to take the power from the selfish and greedy Madigan and give it Rauner after he “gives up the child”..
Comment by Arizona Bob Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:53 am
Look no matter which way the finger points there are always 4 pointing at yourself. The blame game is so tiresome, they need to work together and worry about the workers. The legislative aren’t worried due to the fact they are covered to receive their pay, but the actual working people who don’t have a right to worry not all financial institutions care about are pay being held up as long as they get their money. But not all employees have a safety net to lean on and those are the ones who will suffer the greatest. I know I have a small cushion but the person who holds my loan don’t care and I was told that he will throw me and my family to the curb. So yeah everyone has the right to be worried, upset & scared. Everyone who deals with this budget should be sent in a room and begin reviewing and discussing how to balance this budget and get it completed and until they do they should stay in a specified facility until done so period. Stop the drama and figure it out.
Comment by Babygirl Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 12:01 pm
Honeybear: Please take a break from the blogs. You don’t, personally, need to worry about the ‘vast majority of state workers.’ Take care of yourself and your family. Start by stepping away from social media and by not panicing. Take one breath at a time, one hour at a time, one day at a time. It’s pretty clear this blog (no disrespect, Mr. Miller) is not helpful to your state of mind at the present juncture. Come back and check on things here in a few weeks…a sometimes contentious political blog is not a good place to spend time when you are feeling stressed. I work for the state too. We are all concerned, but as others have stated, this is not a time to panic. Stay the course, do things that make sense and talk to others you trust. Logoff and take care of you.
Comment by once a Rev. Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 12:40 pm
When people are faced with unpleasant realities, there will always be a market for comforting fictions.
Don’t feed the trolls.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 12:53 pm
Flying saucers warehoused in Dayton, armed militia behind grassy knolls, nah. I’m not much on conspiracy theories but the thought has occurred on this one. Except that it just doesn’t make sense. There is little doubt that the respective Madigan camps communicate with one another. How could they not. But, how on earth does a Democrat benefit by arguing against paying union members? And, set the law aside. As history has shown, it can be twisted, turned, and beaten until maleable. Don’t forget, one of Lisa M’s options was to do nothing. Public opinion didn’t compel her to act. She could have looked the other way, rolled over and taken a nap. Is the long range goal to seek a strike? A lockout? Who would benefit? I’m just going to stay tuned. This one is way too deep.
Comment by Keyser Soze Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 12:59 pm
The fact is that Lisa Madigan did not have to get involved at all by going to court. The parties aggrieved should have been permitted to hash it out - by negotiations or in court. Her move is pure partisan politics, in my opinion. More reasons that the state will be far better off after the Madigans move on. State employees should realize the she caused you to miss your paychecks. Lisa’s reputation in the legal community is spotty at best. And has anyone looked up the background of the Cook County Judge? Nobody gets on that bench without the blessings of the party leaders. That is part of the same problem that plagues Illinois financially.
Comment by Let'sMovetoTexas Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 1:11 pm
Let’s Move to Texas: Go already! You’re just spinning around perfectly good Prairie dust.
Comment by Anoneeemusss Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 1:17 pm
“More reasons that the state will be far better off after the Madigans move on. State employees should realize the she caused you to miss your paychecks.” Substitute “Rauner” and “he” in the appropriate places and your sentence is equally (if not more) valid.
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 1:36 pm
Hah! Instead of just hurling insults, tell me why I am wrong about the Madigans.
Comment by Let'sMovetoTexas Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 2:01 pm
===Hah! Instead of just hurling insults, tell me why I am wrong about the Madigans.===
Ugh…
Rich Miller’s update;
===In 2007, Speaker Madigan was in an overtime battle to the death with Rod Blagojevich. AG Madigan sided with the governor on a one-time, one-off deal because the state didn’t have its act together on the Fair Labor Standards Act requirements. It would’ve taken months to get that paperwork done, and with a budget agreement in sight, a one-off dealio seemed appropriate.
In 2009, CMS and the comptroller still didn’t have their acts together on FLSA and she said that’s your problem now and opposed paying state workers.
In 2015, CMS and the comptroller still don’t have their act together on FLSA and are making the very same arguments about how it’ll just take too long.===
There’s your paycheck blame. Rauner’s.
The rest, I’ll send ya a “Fire Madigan” gift catalog, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 2:05 pm
I don’t see any rebuttal there. I have to get back to work. In the private sector you can’t just blog all day to support personal financial interests.
Comment by Let'sMovetoTexas Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:01 pm