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Could be an interesting Governor’s Day

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* So, when I first heard him say this, I was a little puzzled, but thought it was a good sign that the Senate President didn’t force yet another confrontation with the governor this week…

Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said Tuesday he wants to study the legislation before bringing it up for a vote.

“I’m trying to learn as much as I can about the positions that have been taken so far on that,” Cullerton said. “I met with AFSCME yesterday. I’m going to meet with some labor lawyers to see if I can understand what the significance is of that bill.”

Under the legislation, the measure would bar employees from going on strike or Rauner from imposing a lockout. It would allow an independent arbitrator to be appointed to resolve the talks in the event of an impasse.

Rauner vetoed the measure. He said it is unconstitutional and would put the fate of the contract talks in the hands of someone who does not have to answer to voters.

Wait.

He didn’t understand the bill when it first passed?

I kinda find that hard to believe. But, again, avoiding another confrontation this week could be a good sign, no matter where you are on that particular bill.

* I may have been wrong, however…

House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Chicago Democrat, said his party has enough support to override Rauner.

The Senate could try Aug. 19, the same day as Republicans’ day at the Illinois State Fair.

Oof.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:13 pm

Comments

Michael J. Madigan is no “Vote Countula”. I have to believe the Speaker isn’t threatening, idly, that’s the Governor’s schtick, right before the inevitable U-Turn.

The timetable of the state Senate overriding on Governor’s Day? How completely delicious to serve that dish… cold.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:17 pm
Rauner admits they’re stuck. He said so.

So short of declaring an official impasse — then why not send the issue to arbitrators?

Rauner doesn’t have anyone’s interests except his own in mind. State workers shouldn’t be held hostage the way everything is else being held hostage.

A strike would cost the state millions. The same millions Rauner refuses to pay workers. Override the bill. Or at least use it as leverage to get something from Rauner.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:25 pm
One of Rauner’s assumptions is that the arbitration process in Illinois, due to its usual participants, tends to be a pro-labor set up. If researching anything, Cullerton ought to try get a clear picture on that issue. Also on the likelihood of going to arbitration given certain scenarios.

Don’t see Constitutional issues to discuss here, but practical ones.

Comment by walker Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:28 pm
The bill is probably not constitutional.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:30 pm
I’m sure the GA simply forgot what day that was. Pure coincidence.

Well Gov. you spent how long belittling them? You might want to reassign the Superstar who told you this would work. Maybe Putin can find a spot in Siberia that needs il input.

Comment by Mason born Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:30 pm
What a nice State Fair present to AFSCME.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:30 pm
Your being too critical Rich. Sounds to me he is listening to Rauner’s objections and will address them. Suddenly Rauner is concerned about the constitution but he has no constitutional right to bargain. His power in this is bestowed by legislation. Rauner wants it all to die a slow death so he can impose his will and the last thing he wants is negotiations to become public.\

Comment by Liberty Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:31 pm
Great, state workers get to be “leverage” again. They can add that to their resumes, right after “pension piggy bank” and “disrespected professionals”.

Comment by CharlieKratos Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:31 pm
I remember Governor Quinn’s face when he was serenaded by a few green shirted folks at the fair while trying to eat (I think) a porkchop. Wonder what will happen this year…

Overriding the bill is by far AFSCME’s best chance…

Comment by Mouthy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:32 pm
==- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:30 pm:==

Why? Please provide relevant citations, statutes, constitutional clauses, case law, etc.

Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:33 pm
==The bill is probably not constitutional.==

Because you said so?

Federal or State? Which Article or established principle?

Comment by walker Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:33 pm
If they are at an impasse then how else could this possibly end without a work stoppage? The negotiations are so bad that they haven’t even gotten to the economic language of the contract. I truly hope the Democrats have the votes to override the veto, otherwise this isn’t going to end well.

Comment by ihpsdm Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:34 pm
Will the real “Anonymous” please stand up?

That fly-by was not typical of the evidence-based arguments we associate with that moniker.

Comment by walker Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:37 pm
There so many things going on in this State that are “unconstitutional” depending on your point of view that why not add another one. I wonder how the Attorney General would come down on this one, she is still looking for an appropriation to pay state employees.

Comment by CB Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:38 pm
If I recalled from the Gov’s message, they tried to make the ridiculous argument that the bill violates the contract clause because the contract contained an expiration date.

If it’s signed, we’ll see another court challenge. Which brings up the prospect of a supplemental to help the courts cover the expense of hearing all the Rauner lawsuits. Also, how about adding a loser pays expense of the opponent for all of Rauner’s actions.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:39 pm
Arbitration doesn’t create leverage, crisis does.

Comment by pundent Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:40 pm
Support for an override and an override are two different things. If they override,go to binding arbitration and AFSCME gets more than the teamsters, anyone that supported this bill will look bad. Does Madigan want to take that gamble?

Comment by The Colossus of Roads Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:47 pm
We elected the Governor to negotiate with the unions, not an arbitrator. If the veto is overturned look for a lot of lazy overpaid state workers to be laid off (but not locked out).

Comment by DonaldTrump Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:48 pm
To all of the disingenuous posts about the fairness of an arbitrator, consider this. The General Assembly overrides the veto. The emboldened unions force an impasse with unreasonable economic and work rule demands. The union-friendly arbitrator awards this over the Governor’s fiscally responsible proposal. The public backlash will be nothing short of devastating for any goodwill that public sector unions hope to have. Vulnerable Democrats in the General Assembly will have a very tough time explaining this away to their constituents, and Rauner will make sure the voters remember it in 2016. Pyrrhic victory. Lap it up.

Comment by phocion Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:48 pm
=== The public backlash will be nothing short of devastating===

Wishful thinking.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:50 pm
Just look at the lack of success the General Assembly is having in bargaining a budget with Rauner. If Rauner won’t bargain with the GA, then I doubt if he will bargain with AFSCME either. All the more reason for the GA to override the Gov’s veto on this bill, when the GA looks at how well their negotiations with Rauner are going.

Comment by Joe M Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:51 pm
If Madigan wants to force his caucus to try overriding a very popular veto, a veto that already has several editorials in favor and popular support, on a party line vote that is his choice. The caucus may not appreciate that choice in November, but if Madigan says jump the caucus will probably ask how high.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:51 pm
“Overriding the bill is by far AFSCME’s best chance…”

I think it will be great for the state if some Republicans who have many union members in their districts vote in the House with Democrats to override the veto. It would show at least some independence from the ownership by a multimillionaire and two billionaires.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:52 pm
“The public backlash will be nothing short of devastating for any goodwill that public sector unions hope to have.”

Sorry for posting again so fast, but it’s the opposite, in my opinion. AFSCME is showing the public good will by not risking an extreme situation and harm to state services, such as would happen with a strike.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:56 pm
==over the Governor’s fiscally responsible proposal==

So you’re presumably ok with the 500% increase in healthcare costs for employees? The union is being absolutely unreasonable in not accepting this! I’m assuming that’s what you think given your rah-rah for the Governor’s “responsible” proposal.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:57 pm
It would be interesting to hear an analysis from the AG about the constitutionality of this. I think The Lisa would have to decide to pursue via courts after an override, correct?

She’s smart and well schooled in the arts of war. The head lawyer might not see it the way the executive does.

Comment by cdog Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:57 pm
Boy, the Govs staff appears to be commenting on here like crazy today.
I don’t think the public could care less about this bill except the part that prevents state workers from striking.

Comment by Call Me Crazy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:58 pm
=He didn’t understand the bill when it first passed?= That appears to be the norm for most legislators at all levels of government. It’s a big part of the problem. Not carrying enough to try to take the time to ask questions and try to understand. Lazy would be the operative word.

Comment by Apocalypse Now Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:00 pm
I work for the state and I work most all lunch hours and breaks, very rarely do I take a lunch and a break. My hours are 7:00-3:00 with half hour lunch. Most days I get here at the latest by 6:00 and I start working at 6:30. I wouldn’t say that’s being lazy. Also, i have worked for the state for 40 years and make $6,000.00 a month. Yes that is good money but there are people here that have worked 10 and 20 years and make $7,000.00 and $8,000.00 a month depending on who they know. So not all of us workers are lazy and overpaid.

Comment by Stateworker Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:06 pm
=== The public backlash will be nothing short of devastating===

I agree and there will be multiple seats won by Republicans enough to at least break any super majority. Remember the people of the state voted Governor Rauner in to make these changes. And this help the GOP … So I saw sure why not, lets Veto and move it along and wait for the next election and see who is still standing.

Comment by Allen D Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:08 pm
Willy

A question now that we are seeing some cracks in the Rauner caucus what are the odds that once MJM hits 71 the R’s pile on? I’m sure this is a you must vote with me issue for Bruce but once he has lost do you still go on record as no.

Comment by Mason born Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:09 pm
== He didn’t understand the bill when it first passed? ==

I’m sure he (or his staff) understood it. For now, Cullerton is being diplomatic and, I think, trying to position himself as being moderate. We’ll see …

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:09 pm
== what are the odds that once MJM hits 71 the R’s pile on? ==

My guess is a few R yes votes, mostly central Illinois, and the rest “present” as opposed to no.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:11 pm
==Remember the people of the state voted Governor Rauner in to make these changes.==

Those same people also voted in a solidly Democratic General Assembly. Where do some of you come up with the logic that “the Governor won so we need to do what he says because the people voted for him.”

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:13 pm
I believe Rich or one of his colleagues asked Madigan yesterday if he asked the Senate to wait on an override to make sure he has his head count (Mautino)in the House to override. Bingo. The simplest observation usually leads to discovery.

Madigan said no but likely, it’s already been discussed and he really didn’t have to ask. Probably a simple stall tactic by Cullerton to ensure the House is full.

Comment by CrazyHorse Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:17 pm
- Mason born -

===A question now that we are seeing some cracks in the Rauner caucus what are the odds that once MJM hits 71 the R’s pile on?===

In a normal, rational, General Assmbly, I’d totally agree, but a total, rational, Governor wouldn’t be in a position where a Veto Override, on it’s premise, puts him at odds with his Caucus, and so much so, that a Governor would need $20 million for discipline.

The “over/under” will be “1 1/2″ and that line will get even play from both sides. Today.

- RNUG - has a good gauge on this.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:17 pm
RNUG

Oh to be a fly on the wall when he learns of the bipartisan override. Going to be a _______ problem.

Of course 13 days is an eternity to work a deal. At this rate he will have spent more in lawyer fees the first year than Blago.

Comment by Mason born Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:18 pm
Plenty of down state republicans just won’t vote on the measure like they have been on the property tax/local control amendments in the House. I am just waiting for all these non-votes to be picked up by the media.

Comment by Button is broke... Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:20 pm
August 19th 2015 will be the eighteenth year that the Illinois State Fair Governor’s Day occurred without Illinois having a functioning governor!

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:20 pm
…but Madigan will be there to be accuse of running our state!

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:21 pm
Willy

I almost almost feel sorry for Poe and company. Work with Rauner you prevent a well funded primary challenge while having to court the vote of constituents you betrayed in the general. Please you constituents and Bruce drops an overpaid primary oponent on you. To me if your danged either way might as well be your own man but I’m no ppolitician.

Comment by Mason born Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:25 pm
The public backlash will be nothing short of devastating

It will be an Irwin Allen EXTRAVAGANZA!

“The Towering Infernal of Public Backlash!”
“A Backlash of Poseidon Adventure Proportions!”
“A Twister of Public Backlash!”
“The Day After Tomorrow - A Public Backlash!”

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:29 pm
- Mason born -,

My own personal sympathy and empathy is with the GOP GA Caucuses. I say it constantly. You understand the dynamic, you see the dilemma. I also believe an autonomous GOP GA would help this Governor be more pragmatic and have much more success, but “owning” the Caucuses is far more important than working with them toove things to signage.

Must respect as always.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:29 pm
I’m amazed that arbitration…an invention of business to take disputes out of courts that business thought was too risky and time consuming…should not be viewed by Governor Brucie Vulture Capitalist Businessman as too risky to trust as a resolution for a labor dispute!!!

Comment by D.P.Gumby Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:35 pm
*** === The public backlash will be nothing short of devastating===

I agree and there will be multiple seats won by Republicans enough to at least break any super majority. ***

Stick to your complaints about the union. They sound more credible than this. The people who care about this are already in the Madigan haters club. Any minor impact will be more than offset by the union families that will demonstrate their appreciation.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:46 pm
Any Republican that votes to override might as well switch parties.

Comment by Chicagonk Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:47 pm
===Any Republican that votes to override might as well switch parties.===

Why? Use your words…

And… This idea there will be public backlash? If the Unions, Organized Labor make one message “Rauner wants to destroy collective bargaining” actually stick, that will be far more impactful than this override.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 1:52 pm
Mock away, haters, about the backlash. Rich, I think you and others might be engaging in some wishful thinking of your own. Unions ain’t much more popular than rich folks, people, so get over yourselves. An override is going to bite you in the butt. Just sayin’.

Oh, and demoralized, one more time, the General Assembly has a Democratic supermajority because they gerrymandered the districts. The vote totals for all races was 51-49 Democratic lean. Hardly a super-majority and less of a margin that Rauner got over the guy he beat.

Comment by phocion Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:00 pm
The GA will try to override during Governor’s Day at the State Fair? Really?

So a whole flock of Republican protesters who will just happen to be at the State Fair that day can then converge upon the Capitol Building and make enough of a racket to garner substantial news coverage?

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:00 pm
Considering who the Leader of the Illinois Republican Party is, I think it is in all of Republican Legislators best interest to switch parties or become Independents.

Comment by Triple fat Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:00 pm
Rauner, the billionaire who prides himself on never losing and being the baddest enemy anyone can have, needs a reboot!

Comment by Anon Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:02 pm
===Mock away, haters, about the backlash===

Just because you hate something doesn’t mean everybody does.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:03 pm
===So a whole flock of Republican protesters who will just happen to be at the State Fair that day can then converge upon the Capitol Building and make enough of a racket to garner substantial news coverage?===

Sooooo…

The image for Governor’s Day you see gaming out is not a coming together of the GOP, but protesters, signs, chanting, not on the Director’s Lawn, but doing all that around and in the Capitol?

Yikes.

Plus, “who” wants to spend a day protesting when the whole idea was to rally around successes?

If it were me, I’d stay very far away from the Dome, especially if the override happens.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:05 pm
=== So a whole flock of Republican protesters who will just happen to be at the State Fair that day can then converge upon the Capitol Building and make enough of a racket to garner substantial news coverage? ===

You mean, the minimum wage temps who have been hired by Rauner to make it appear that people really care. The GOP will be enjoying lunch on the Director’s lawn and listening to more rhetoric.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:05 pm
Louis,
Are you aware that on Governor’s day, many of the AFSME protesters wearing green shirts are also registered Republican voters? I guess we all could meet at the Capitol and see which group drowns out the other. Thanks for the heads up.

Comment by Triple fat Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:07 pm
Atsaves: “So a whole flock of Republican protesters who will just happen to be at the State Fair that day can then converge upon the Capitol Building and make enough of a racket to garner substantial news coverage?”

How can they carry protest signs if they have a corndog in one hand and a beer in the other?

Comment by IllinoisBoi Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:08 pm
The debate about the no strike/no lockout bill is revealing. In the past, a bill to prohibit strikes and require arbitration would have been viewed as anti-labor, as it takes away one of their most powerful tools, and makes it harder for them to make ridiculous demands. The no lockout provision would have been viewed as a throwaway, because in the public sector, what leader in their right mind would shut down government on purpose?

Now that it is management that is being ridiculous in its demands (with the so-called ‘outrageous’ union proposals being mostly, leave us with what we have on the non-economic items), this bill is viewed as anti-management.

Fascinating. I find it hard to believe that a no-strike bill will be portray-able in any upcoming election as anti-taxpayer. That is truly wishful thinking on somebody’s part.

Comment by Rasselas Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:08 pm
===Considering who the Leader of the Illinois Republican Party is, I think it is in all of Republican Legislators best interest to switch parties or become Independents.===

This isn’t Sophmore year in the dorm room…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:10 pm
==Unions ain’t much more popular than rich folks, people, so get over yourselves.==

Then “I voted for the law that stops public unions from striking” ought to be an easy message to sell.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:10 pm
==a bill to prohibit strikes and require arbitration would have been viewed as anti-labor==

Yeah, I think some people are overlooking how big a concession that is, because, y’know, if the unions do it, it must be bad for Illinois.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:12 pm
You could have two times the supporters of “The Backlash” as there was for Rauner’s RTW debacle, and still fit them into Bruce’s “Garbage Van”.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:14 pm
Phocion

I wish most of the state payed attention to half as much attention to politics as you think. Is this backlash from the folks suppose to push their city council into the turnaround agenda? How did that work?

Before the ‘16 election your beloved Rauner will sign a tax increase. A tax increase pretty close to those terrible no good Quinn rates Bruce said we didn’t need. A tax hike supported by EVERY Republican legislator. Now I am sure Bruce will say it’s AFSCME’s fault etc. after all taking responsibility for your own actions is verboten.

Comment by Mason born Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:15 pm
ow, witnessing the GOP tactics of hostage taking whenever they have any sort of power has me scratching my head as to why anyone would admit to being a Republican. No snark was intended by that comment. You have a Republican Governor using the same tactics as Congress, saying give into my demands or I’ll ruin the Government. I for one would never want to be associated with that type of behavior.
Respectfully,
Triple fat

Comment by Triple fat Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:26 pm
Arsenal

Could you imagine any employer turning down a no strike agreement from the uaw?

If the gov. really intends to not lockout why not take a strike off the table as well. What’s to lose?

Comment by Mason born Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:28 pm
== I almost almost feel sorry for Poe and company. ==

== Any Republican that votes to override might as well switch parties. ==

I can’t speak to the others, but Poe is in a pretty safe district … and he’s well respected.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:29 pm
Well the big news of the day is that Madigan says he has the votes for an override of SB21229. It will be interesting to see what happens on Governor’s Day! Someone previously mentioned the fallout for the Democrats if they override happens. What will more likely happen is that the Union will turn out for the Democrats in droves in the 2016 midterm.

Comment by The Dude Abides Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:30 pm
=== Unions ain’t much more popular than rich folks ===
Just about everyone has a union member in their circle of family and friends. Not everyone has a billionaire in said circle.

Comment by Bluefish Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:30 pm
VanillaMan - you forgot the obvious: Public Backlashnado!!!

Comment by Name Withheld Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:31 pm
==Could you imagine any employer turning down a no strike agreement from the uaw?==

No, but then, this is a public employer who’s running a permanent campaign. He *wants* a strike, ’cause he wants the unions to be even more unpopular.

==If the gov. really intends to not lockout why not take a strike off the table as well. What’s to lose?==

Well, it’s the arbitrator, who probably won’t give the Governor everything he wants.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:35 pm
The beauty is in the Bills sunset.

Comment by Triple fat Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:39 pm
Is there a single editorial board that supports the bill?
Arbitration is widely viewed as basically two votes for AFSCME and one for Rauner.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 2:45 pm
====Oswego Willy How completely delicious to serve that dish… cold.===

Well said

Comment by Roolo Tamasi Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 3:32 pm
Anon - “Arbitration is widely viewed as basically two votes for AFSCME and one for Rauner.”

The way an arbitration panel works is that the union picks a member and the Governor picks a member. If they can’t agree on a third member, then the Illinois Labor Relations Board picks the chairman (third member).

Governor Rauner has placed 3 of the 5 members on that board and has the majority vote. That board gets to pick the third member, I’m not sure how that leads to 2 votes for the union.

Arbitration is set up this way so that it is a balanced process.

Comment by john Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 3:36 pm
Some more background on the history and statutes of Interest Arbitration for police and firefighters in Illinois - with some additional SB1229 info, at:
http://www.franczek.com/frontcenter-ILSenateBill1229.html

Comment by Joe M Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 3:43 pm
Just imagine, only a day or so ago, so many of our friends here were against even having a fair.

Now, they’re going to flock to it. Convince me that this isn’t a positive economic step. lol.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 3:45 pm
=== Just imagine, only a day or so ago, so many of our friends here were against even having a fair. ===

A guy, that was before we learned that something more interesting could be stuck on that barbecue spit.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 3:47 pm
Norse, don’t count your chickens or your votes before….

lol

Comment by A guy Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 4:13 pm
==Oh, and demoralized, one more time, the General Assembly has a Democratic supermajority because they gerrymandered the districts. The vote totals for all races was 51-49 Democratic lean. Hardly a super-majority and less of a margin that Rauner got over the guy he beat.==

Do you have a point somewhere there? That negates the fact that the Democrats have a super-majority how? You can whine about the process but it doesn’t help you one iota with the reality. I suggest that you spend a little less twisting logic to make yourself feel better and more dealing with the reality of the situation.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 4:30 pm
==Hardly a super-majority ==

Oh, and you can’t count very well can you? Go count the Democrats in the General Assembly and then get back to me. They may be “fake” numbers in your head but for the rest of us living in the real world those numbers are the only numbers that matter.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 4:32 pm
The wages, pension and benefits of state workers are all good and fair because they earned those through negotiation and bargaining. Of course, when someone finally negotiates on behalf of the taxpayers you simply have your union write and lobby for a bill that strips away negotiation and goes to labor friendly arbitration.

The many of you on here claiming this is a win for the state and a concession for AFSCME are kidding yourselves or delusional.

Comment by Robert the 1st Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 5:14 pm
I think Rauner is shocked the union is not already on strike. I also think Rauner is surprised Madigan is supporting the unions.

Comment by Mama Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 5:38 pm
Might be a little warm under the Turnaround Tent(tm)!

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 6:19 pm
@Robert, do you really think that Rauner has had the Unions in his crosshairs since day one because he is fighting for the average Joe taxpayer?

Comment by The Dude Abides Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 7:47 pm
From CapFax yesterday:

Pantagraph: Veto of arbitration bill should stand: The arbitration process is stacked in favor of the union. The state and the union both pick an arbitrator, which would cancel each other. So, the decision would be made primarily by the third arbitrator, which the law says must be selected from the “Public Employees Labor Mediation and Arbitration Roster.” The Rauner administration general counsel, Jason Barclay, says the names on the list are well known as arbitrators that favor labor unions.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 8:20 pm
The Dude Abides- What I know is that when AFSCME chanted “raise the taxes” and lobbied for the tax hike it hurt every tax payer in IL. Their members weren’t as concerned having just received “the best deal in the nation” contract.

Comment by Robert the 1st Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:13 pm
Robert, I didn’t realize 2007 was just received. You aren’t very good a revisionist history.

Comment by Jorge Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 10:47 pm