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A few tiny cracks appear

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Illinois

* Regarding the Illinois State Museum’s pending closure…

On Wednesday, three Republican members of COGFA voted to keep the facilities open: Rep. Raymond Poe of Springfield, Rep. Don Moffitt of Gilson, and Rep. Mike Unes of East Peoria.

Poe said after the hearing that lawmakers should consider putting more teeth into the state’s law covering facility closures so that the COGFA decisions are binding. […]

Moffitt said Rauner should use the COGFA vote as an opportunity to look for new approaches to keep the facility open.

“I think the idea would be he would postpone any actions (to close it). Back off, take a look, how can they bring more revenue to the state?” Moffitt said.

There are three House Republicans on COGFA and all three voted to keep the museum open.

* Over in the Senate, GOP Sen. Sam McCann, who represents Springfield, voted “Yes” on Sen. Andy Manar’s bill to keep the museum open.

* Also, yesterday, 9 Senate Republicans voted “Present” on a bill that would overturn the governor’s emergency rules that will slash childcare assistance admissions by 90 percent, including all three SGOP members of JCAR. One of those Republicans told me today he knew the bill was going to pass and didn’t want to be listed as voting against childcare, especially considering that Gov. Rauner may very well do yet another u-turn.

Smallish defections, for sure, but still somewhat notable.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:28 am

Comments

=== Smallish defections, for sure, but still somewhat notable. ===

Yes. The real test will be if any vote to override the Union arbitration bill.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:31 am
Can’t blame politicians for jumping from a sinking ship.

Lifeboats for sale …twice the normal price …while they last?…for politicians who want to last past this Governor’s single term?

Comment by Anonymous Redux Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:37 am
Raymond Poe seems to believe that state government should be run well - not run poorly, and then shut down destructively.

Good.

Rauner wants to run one of the largest US states like a Dollar Store manager.

Rauner’s slogan for Illinois:
“Illinois - Always Low Wages - Always!”

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:40 am
Seems to me like Rep. Moffitt is offering Rauner a way out — i.e. put the ISM closure on hold, appoint some kind of blue-ribbon committee to study private-public partnerships, etc., and for once “own” a public policy issue that will enhance his favorable rating.

Comment by olddog Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:42 am
Now time for Republicans to stand up for the state LIHEAP program, which is not even GRF!!

Comment by GA Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:46 am
Defections…. ba ba baby, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

Comment by Nick Danger Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:46 am
Most dam breaks start out as small cracks.

In this case, all it takes are a few to show some leadership backbone and vote for the good of Illinois instead of ideology.

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:49 am
I think this is more about 2016, than just a break from the Gov. He still is the leader of their party, and he will still carry a big whip, but, some R’s in the House are nervous about all the bad votes he put them on.. its a learning process

Comment by Not Rich Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:55 am
The choice to use the museum as a budgetary p.r. stunt was strange.

The money is oogats and all you’re doing is putting your own peeps on the hot seat.

Plus, shuttering a building on the Capitol complex, an institution that has remained open through much tougher times, is a brutally visible personal failure for the governor.

In a GRF of $32B, you don’t have the superstar management skills to come up with $4.8 million? That’s absurd. That’s not even pocket change.

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:55 am
Maybe some of their constituents have reminded them who they’re supposed to represent. I wouldn’t accept any more checks from Rauner, either.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:58 am
Let’s see if Gov Rauner listens to COGFA’s recommendation, unlike the stubborn Quinn during the last round of closures.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:58 am
GA Republicans are in a terrible spot. Tne governor is putting them on bad votes (with more to come), but he can bury them with money in primaries if they step out of line.

You’re going to have Republicans running next year who voted “no” — to higher funding for K-12, but will soon vote “yes” for a tax increase.

That’s a nightmare.

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:02 am
Pain without a purpose. Not smart. We have a $4-$6 billion deficit, and the superstars destroy a museum to net a piddling $4 million. Shameful. Until rauner, we kept the museum going for 138 years, thru wars, depression, recession. There is no plan, just a war of attrition, interspersed with snark.

Comment by Langhorne Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:02 am
Unes seems to be a good guy. Had the guts to vote against the illegal pension and health insurance
take a way grabs. A Republican , yes, but that is more than I can say about a lot of supposed liberal, for the working peson, and socially conscious Democrats in the GA.

Comment by Federalist Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:03 am
===One of those Republicans told me today he knew the bill was going to pass and didn’t want to be listed as voting against childcare, especially considering that Gov. Rauner may very well do yet another u-turn.==

Interesting. Indeed seem to be defections then, rather than Rauner/legislators discussing ahead of time and his allowing some votes on the other side for the longer term political chances of his yes-men.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:04 am
(not that he has allowed this, but I figured there was a chance he had climbed the learning curve more).

Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:05 am
==I think this is more about 2016, than just a break from the Gov.==

Possibly. iirc, most Dems on COGFA voted ==no== on Quinn’s closures and loudly opposed them as well. Those were bad closures as well, imho.

The ==present== votes on childcare admissions may be worth a look though.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:11 am
I hope these guys remember who their constituents are when it comes time to override the veto on SB 1229.

Comment by ihpsdm Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:12 am
Can someone explain this:

Rich posted a budget graphic from the Senate. ~$32 billion of spending is currently in progress, which is roughly equivalent to current projected revenues. The same document lists another ~$7.8 billion in projected expenditures (Higher Ed, State Employee Insurance, etc) that have not begun yet.

This adds up to ~$40 billion, about $4 billion more than projected revenues had the income tax not begun to roll back.

Does this $40 billion figure include the accumulated deficit?

Comment by Mittuns Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:19 am
Legislators are going to have to take a good look in the mirror and decide if they are a Republican (or Democrat) out of Conviction or out of Convenience. Your votes are being watched. Your quotes are being dismantled. “Who” do you stand up for? “Who” are you willing to call out when you know something (or some people) are simply being turned into pawns. When Rauner is done with Illinois, will Illunois be done with you?

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:33 am
Illinois, not Illunois! typing on the phone!

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:34 am
Good for Poe (my representative), Moffit and Unes. While I don’t know the others personally, I do know Poe wants the State to function.

Also good for McCann (my senator), who I also know slightly. I’ll be supporting both Poe and McCann come 2016.

Now we’ll see if Rauner can figure out he was thrown a lifeline. If Rauner is politically astute, he will grab it and give the suggestions a try first before proceeding with the State Museum closure.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:45 am
The museum was busted leverage, anyway. It didn’t put the expected pressure on the GA, it just put pressure on the Governor. This could be a sign that Rauner recognizes that as much as it could be a sign of defiance.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:45 am
The RaunerWorld emergency rules for the child care program (CCAP)are already in effect, as of July 1. August 11 is some review in JCAR regarding same.

There are essentially no new CCAP applicants being approved. Any newly employed or new parent, that are above 50% FPL, are having their sketchy neighbor watching their kids. /s mix.

@ 9:46 “Defections…. ba ba baby, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”
In my daydream, the GOP stage a coup to reclaim their party, sans the $20m elephant. That coup could include a vote to activate that one section of the IL Const that has the “r-word.” I know, I’m dreamin’.

So if the ISM is destined to be a Zombie Wasteland, can we like put up barb wire with plywood and graffiti, and give Hollywood a tax break to film some stuff there? Be kind of cool. /s

It could be a skate park too; there are some ridiculous ramps around there. /s

Comment by cdog Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:51 am
Could Poe be the statesman we’ve been looking for to negotiate an agreement between the Speaker and the Governor? He’s got the skills. I wish he’d try.

Comment by Casual Observer Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 11:00 am
…Red Rover, send some Weenie Caucus members on over.

Comment by Red Rover Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 11:00 am
To the Post,

As a very big fan of the idea of autonomous GOP Caucuses, this is a “good” sign that understanding the priorities needed to be a good legislator don’t necessarily need to be in lock step with the Executive.

I also see this as a clear line being drawn by the legislative GOP, albeit a very small number;

“Governor, your executive decisions and choices are yours and yours alone. If you choose to shut down a museum, layoff workers, unfund programs, Governor, my constituents and I see things different.”

A healthy separation of the Executive and the Legislative, in intraparty separation, is going to make Governor Rauner a better governor.

I’m encouraged, but how much independence will Rauner… allow …for the next 3 plus years.

Rauner absolutely feels legislators, be they democratic or republican, are completely and entirely… disposable.

How do I know? Rauner told the GOP GA they are, and parked that $20 million. Rauner also set up ILGO, a front to pick off democratic legislators, to make a Raunerite legislature.

That’s not speculation, that’s happening.

When the “Cowardly 7″ walk away on another Union vote, maybe they should ask themselves, “Am I a warm body in a chair?” According to Governor Rauner, you are, as you walk away from your seat.

I’m with Durkin and Radogno, but I’m behind those GOP members that understand a Raunerite Agenda isn’t a party platform, but a blueprint to execute Raunerite Policy, at the cost of both GOP legislative caucuses.

Well done you GOP members. Being bad feels pretty good?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 11:28 am
Good on Unes. I don’t agree with my rep on many things, but the guy’s got class.

Comment by Tournaround Agenda Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 11:36 am
“especially considering that Gov. Rauner may very well do yet another u-turn.”

When your own party members can’t figure out what you’re going to do next, you’ve got a problem.

Comment by JoanP Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 11:37 am
Some of the GOP “Walkouts” and “Presents” on these votes are very secure in their own districts. Their actions were based more on principled disagreement with Rauner’s tactics than on reelection politics.

Comment by walker Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 11:41 am
“If the House and Senate override my Veto, can I ‘Double Veto’ or something, or fire or layoff legislators too” - Fake Governor Rauner.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 11:54 am
OW, how about a double secret veto?

Comment by 332bill Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:08 pm
===OW, how about a double secret veto?===

… that even a FOIA can’t find? Sure. Rauner is making a lot of this as he goes along anyway…

They call the “yellow” button the coward button for a reason, and walking away is really symbolic as the “Cowardly 7″ walk way from those “who” supported them before Rauner bought their voting keys.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:11 pm
If my new Senator is voting NV all the time, does that mean he is not in Springfield or is he abstaining? How do i find out?

Comment by Mongo Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:12 pm
Little Birdie News Service: Little Birdie reports on an emergency Rauner staff meeting to discuss a recent Capitol Fax Blogger Comment. Commenter, 332bill, asked long-time contributor, Oswego Willy, about the Governor doing “a double secret veto?” Giddy at the prospect, almost in unison the frat boys asked Indy if they could do that. Indy stated that they didn’t have it in Indiana, but he would investigate Illinois precedence.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:16 pm
Not exactly the Caine Mutiny yet, but Rauner needs a big jolt of realization to keep himself from going off any deeper into fumbling the steel balls.

Comment by vole Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:16 pm
Unes listens to his constituents, and listens thoughtfully, even when he disagrees. I disagree with him on a lot of stuff, but I respect him because I’ve always seen him really listen and really try to hear what constituents are saying and respond thoughtfully to them. I’ve never seen him just “talking point” a democratic constituent away when they want to seriously talk to him about issues. (I mean, sure, at press events he talking-points, but that’s what they’re for.)

Comment by Educated in the Suburbs Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:18 pm
An easy financial fix for state employees is:
1. Stop drinking alcohol
2. Stop using illegal drugs.
3. Stop using cigarettes.
4. Stop wasting your money on non-essential items.
5. Stop having too many children

Comment by St Ambrose Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:31 pm
@St Ambrose - Huh?

Comment by ryan Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:40 pm
Thus spake St. Ambrose

“An easy financial fix for state employees is:
1. Stop drinking alcohol
2. Stop using illegal drugs.
3. Stop using cigarettes.
4. Stop wasting your money on non-essential items.
5. Stop having too many children”

7. Stop driving a car.
8. Stop living in a house: live in a tent.
9. Stop eating.
10. Stop breathing.

Comment by IllinoisBoi Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:43 pm
@Mongo: Call your Senator and ask.

Comment by walker Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:46 pm
Every item is a vice not a necessity. Wise up.

Comment by St Ambrose Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:47 pm
2 million incarcerated in America. Why?
Drugs, alcohol, thievy, greed, disrespect and on and on.
Show me da bread.

Comment by St Ambrose Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:53 pm
Do not feed Trolls.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:55 pm
Thanks, Willy. I thought he/she might be responding to a comment I missed. Waiting on Rich to hit the delete button.

Comment by ryan Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:03 pm
And tell those kids to get off my lawn too, St. Ambrose.

Comment by Tournaround Agenda Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:08 pm
I also see this as a clear line being drawn by the legislative GOP, albeit a very small number;
Oswego Willy

I know you know this quote…but…possibly… someone else may not?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Time and pressure…move mountains.

Comment by Anonymous Redux Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 3:16 pm
All those “present” and “no” votes for a few thousand dollars each. I have to believe the Governor is a bit surprised on how cheap it was/is to secure votes from his disciples.

Comment by Buzzie Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 3:34 pm
A governor who publically sand-bags his fellow party members and holds secret meetings called “Vegas” and not inviting his fellow party members AND refers to them as “my party” - well, that governor isn’t someone interested in building his party.

Worse, that kind of governor is the kind that won’t listen to good ideas, let alone anything bipartisan, since he doesn’t include his fellow party members into gubernatorial policy discussions.

A governor who believes he bought his fellow party members - should not be followed. A governor who thinks he owns the right to not listen to his fellow party members - should not be followed.

A governor who has fallen so far in the polls, it is quite possible that he won’t even win his party’s nomination, even after spending millions of his own dollars - isn’t a governor to follow.

Bruce Rauner has to EARN his right to be the GOP leader. He became its nominal leader upon election, but he has clearly and repeatedly demonstrated that he isn’t a good leader. He doesn’t possess good leadership skills necessary for governing.

He might rule the boardroom. He might have figured out how to buy something, strip and sell its parts for profit, and make himself a lot of money - but those skills obviously don’t make for a good governor.

A man who cannot build anything but a pot of gold for himself and then turns around and buys everything he wants out of that pot - still doesn’t know how to build. That man cannot be a good governor. Governors build. They use everything that the citizens can bring. Governors don’t dismiss half the population because of a disagreement. Governors build.

Bruce Rauner is failing.
Don’t let him take you down too.

Get a backbone. Don’t let Rauner push you around with his money. He didn’t earn that stuff.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 7:11 am