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* LIVE COVERAGE * Gov. Rauner Chicago speech

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* OK, we’re coming a bit late to this, but I was at my cardio workout. Follow along with ScribbleLive…

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 12:42 pm

Comments

As expected, nothing new. Waste of time.

Comment by illinoised Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 12:44 pm
I have the most extraordinary feeling of deja vu.

Comment by Flynn's mom Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 12:46 pm
Rauner is technically correct that the General Assembly has a constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget. But he always neglects to mention the GOVERNOR first has constitutional duty to PRESENT a balanced budget, and Rauner has never done so.

What is wrong with the media in this state?

Comment by too obvious Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 12:48 pm
You’re right governor - it is outrageous. So where’s your balanced budget?????

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 12:48 pm
Lewis Carroll would be so proud, “follow me down the rabbit hole”.

Comment by beenthereseenthat Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 12:48 pm
I get an incredible feeling of nostalgia listening to this. It is Blagojevichian.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 12:51 pm
So, Rauner is feeble?

Ok, if the man who is Governor of the 5th largest state in America, and that Office of the Governor is considered to be one of the strongest constitutionally created Executives of all state governors, and that governor says he’s feeble, who am I to say he’s not?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 12:51 pm
And behind curtain number 3 is . . . , well, nothing, but it’s all the fault of Speaker Madison and the legislators he controls.

Comment by Anon. Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 12:52 pm
C’mon dems, raise that state income tax to 5-6%. Everything will be fine if you do that!

Comment by anon Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 12:56 pm
Yada, yada, yada. Wake me when he says something different and helpful.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 12:56 pm
I’m here today to say it’s time to move forward and come together.

Let’s start by doing everything I want.

Comment by siriusly Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 12:56 pm
HE needs to present a budget and one that is balanced. The section of the Illinois Constitution first states that is the Governor’s responsibility - before it even mentions anything about the General Assembly.

Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:00 pm
Gov. Helpless Victim runnin’ the same old grift.

Can you imagine Big Jim, Edgar, Ryan or Quinn constantly whinin’ about how impotent they are to do anythin’? Whatever you might say about any of them, they weren’t scared of the job.

This governor ducks all responsibility and plays the Madigan boogeyman like Blago.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:00 pm
Einstein’s definition of insanity is on full display.

Comment by AC Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:01 pm
===Governor Rauner plans to increase pressure on Democrats over budget===

How can he do that exactly? He said he wasn’t going to work on the budget. So how is saying he’ll put pressure on democrats going to do anything? Democrats passed a budget. Governor vetoed, and said no budget until I get carte blanche. Am I wrong here, dude?

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:01 pm
===C’mon dems, raise that state income tax to 5-6%. Everything will be fine if you do that!===

I will agree 100%, no snark. Absolutely.

Now, I’ll only agree if you stipulate that Rauner can not handle the office of Governor and Democrats are to decide the monetary values of all Rauner’s agencies and programs, and… Rauner will not Veto the Democrats running the Executive monetary priorities.

I mean, if Rauner can’t decifer what he wants in a budget, if Rauner admits he can’t do it, I’m all in with you..,

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:01 pm
I agree with Ducky… it’s governing by press conference. If he wants a budget, he can propose one and then he can visit legislators and lobby for it… without requiring non-budget issues to be surrendered to him first. Also, down-staters do not care if Chicago gets a casino. Nor do the collar counties, as they have casinos readily available to them. I am so ashamed of being a Republican right now, but I want to be able to vote in Republican primaries.

Comment by thoughts matter Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:02 pm
How many times now have state GOP lawmakers followed Rauner’s orders and voted “present” and failed to support a property tax freeze? At least a dozen times this year?

How does this guy get away with this stuff? Oh right, weak reporters.

Comment by too obvious Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:05 pm
- thoughts matter -

Rauner isn’t a Republican.

Hijacking a party is just that, hijacking. Rauner is a Raunerite, I don’t blame him for that, I blame him for selling his Raunerite ideals as Republican thru the hijacked GOP GA

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:05 pm
What supermajority is he talking about? Did Dunkin resign?

Comment by AC Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:05 pm
Notice how he flew out of there before any arrows could be withdrawn from their quivers.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:10 pm
===After his speech, @GovRauner quickly slips out the back and into SUV convoy avoiding any Chicago media questions===

Maybe now the mainstream media will get out the hammer? Won’t hold my breath….

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:10 pm
==When asked why Rauner mentions supermajority passing tax hike when 2 Dems won’t vote for it, Durkin said “not the governor’s problem.”==

And the clear majority that is against Rauner’s anti-worker fanfic isn’t Madigan’s problem, either.

But the difference is, Democrats aren’t refusing to discuss the budget until a tax hike is passed.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:11 pm
Is there a way to turn the sound off by default on the Scribbed Live widget? I know you can click on the gear-looking icon in the top right and mute the sound but any time you refresh the page it comes back on. Also, there is this stream in this post plus there are a few Scribbed streams if you scroll down the sidebar and you have to turn the sound off on all each time you refresh the home page. It would be helpful if by default we could be free of that constant tick, tick, tick sound. Thanks.

Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:11 pm
=== MikeFlanneryFOX32 ‏@PoliticalEditor 30m30 minutes ago
.@govrauner: Dems have doubled down on status quo… ===

So we now have a status quo of the status quo? Kinda on the order of super secret probation.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:11 pm
Uh, Radogno, Rauner is on the record supporting a tax increase.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:11 pm
He’d have to come up with actual answers, if cornered by the media. He can’t handle that. He much prefers to cut and run, mumbling something about Madigan on the way out.

Comment by Aldyth Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:14 pm
==Democrats have to compromise if we are to avoid their tax hike.==

I’d love to see the math supporting that!

Comment by AC Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:15 pm
Can I just point out how tasteless it is for Rauner to challenge Dems to pass a veto proof budget when they currently don’t have veto proof majorities due to the death of Rep. Golar?

It will likely be November before she is officially replaced. Which means the Governor’s challenge is just a cute way of doing nothing for another month. Not sure he needed to make a speech to accomplish that.

Comment by ILPundit Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:17 pm
What the Governor seems to fail to realize is that the GA does not need a budget and will continue to operate without one.

However, the budget is there for the benefit of the executive branch. Not the Governor’s problem, indeed! Durkin is apparently on Mars drinking the newly found water.

Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:17 pm
===Sen. Radogno: Gov. Rauner offered two things today - reforms & compromise. Democrats have to compromise if we are to avoid their tax hike.===

Ramblings of a madwoman. 1)the only people talking about tax hikes are republicans like yourself 2)compromise is a two-way street. Do you recall the votes on the senate floor for the property tax freeze? Or how about worker’s comp reform? 3)Could you please explain how a tax hike could be avoided? Have a few details.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:18 pm
=== When asked why Rauner mentions supermajority passing tax hike when 2 Dems won’t vote for it, Durkin said “not the governor’s problem.” ===

Is that like saying the GOP should pass Rauner’s reforms when they don’t have a majority to vote for it? Repeat after to me, “that’s not Madigan’s problem.”

I’ve lost all respect for Durkin. He’s simply a legislative supervisor for Rauner. He’s not a leader.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:19 pm
I don’t blame Rauner for cuttin’ and runnin’. That’s why he has the GOP GA Leaders on the line for his $20 million.

I also don’t blame Rauner for cuttin’ and runnin’ because all Mary Ann Ahern can do is tweet a picture of a car. It’s not like Ahern has asked anything of substance of Rauner or is carrying Rauner’s water, so why talk to her? You don’t.

Rauner isn’t afraid of media backlash, and the media that’s willing to engage makes sure not to go too deep into things because if Rauner’s own lack of availability.

Great tweet Mary Ann, you’re on that “front line”…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:20 pm
Someone please explain again- term limits, redistricting, right to work = thriving economy?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:21 pm
Repeat after to me, “that’s not Madigan’s problem.”

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:21 pm
The media consistently gives Rauner a pass. Newspaper headline today: “Rauner increasing pressure on Democrats for budget deal.” Right.

Comment by illinoised Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:22 pm
Pay attention to what they do, not what they say. Specifically, pay attention to Team Rauner hyping the speech then hustling him out of there with no questions.

Really? 99 days without a budget and he can’t answer a few questions? Pathetic.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:23 pm
I still say Rauner overpayed for the GOP GA.

The responses I’m hearing are $9-11 million dollar responses. The $20 million I guess is so they stay co-opted, but for $10 million, Rauner could’ve gotten the same talking points.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:24 pm
That dog don’t hunt.

Comment by Liberty Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:33 pm
Radogno has no idea what she’s talking about. Apparently, she didn’t get the secret memo. Or, more likely, got it but didn’t read it.

The tax hike is not “the dems tax hike.” It’s the tax hike. It’s the one Rauner — her boss — supports.

What, you want to avoid the “dems tax hike” and then hike it yourself?

Go ahead, Rodogno. Do whatever. But before you start tweeting all the partisan rah-rah blather, at least get your facts straight.

And read the secret memos from your boss.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:34 pm
Sure OW, give the checkbook to the dems, they’ve done wonderful things with money the past…………

Never mind

Comment by anon Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:34 pm
It’s really starting to sound like, “I know my term paper was due last semester, but see…see all the notecards I’ve written!”.

I am looking forward to the news article/show that outlines the role the Gov was supposed to have had at the start of the budget “impasse”. Let’s start there.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:37 pm
When the GOP GA is all “green” on that “tax increase”, and Governor Rauner signs that tax increase, The Rauner Tax will be Bruce’s and GOP members will be held accountable for it too.

Because, the cost of the Rauner Budget passing will be the Rauner Tax passing, and the GOP GA paying the freight with all that green on the boards.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:37 pm
Could someone do the math for me/us in the House. Currently (with Rep. Golar’s death) there are 70 House Democrats elected to the chamber. How does that equal enough votes to pass a tax increase? Does anyone ask this of him?

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:38 pm
=== Sen. Radogno: Gov. Rauner offered two things today - reforms and compromise. Democrats have to compromise if we are to avoid their tax hike. ===

These “quotes” have to be false. Surely Radogno wouldn’t say something this silly. Dems have to compromise to avoid their tax hike? She should say the Dems have to compromise to get the Rauner/Durkin/Radogno tax hike!

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:39 pm
OW: Yes, the GOP may have been hijacked, but most members of the GA have 2 feet and a spine, with which they can climb off the runaway bus to nowhere and get back to work. I know-I know–there would be consequences. $$$

Heaven forbid they should think of the citizens of Illinois first. Maybe I’m just too independent-minded. Left any party affiliation long ago.

Comment by South Central Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:39 pm
===Sure OW, give the checkbook to the dems, they’ve done wonderful things with money the past…………===

So, you think Rauner should come up with a budget and a structured roll call to pass it?

Yeah, me too.

===C’mon dems, raise that state income tax to 5-6%. Everything will be fine if you do that!===

I guess to you, your comment looks really silly now…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:40 pm
To Team Rauner and the Sham wows: When you have to issue a statement after your candidate/governor speaks, to clarify what he meant/should have said - the event didn’t go well.

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:41 pm
anon, Care to explain how we can operate without a tax increase when the state is only spending what has been ordered by the courts and is expected to run out of money in the spring? Have you seen the Comptroller projection of a 2 billion dollar increase by the end of this year compared with last in our bill backlog?

Comment by AC Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:41 pm
anon: Unless the D’s have enough votes to override a veto (and we’ve seen how that works out) any tax hike will have Rauner’s signature on it.

“By modernizing the [DFPR] system, we are reducing process time by 50% and can save millions of dollars as a result.”

Right, I’m sure a project that large was initiated, designed, built, tested and implemented in 9 months.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:42 pm
“Just last month we saved taxpayers $22 million by ending a bad deal with the Lottery and have now put a new, competitive Lottery contract out to bid.”
How can you know how much you’ve saved until you’ve signed a new contract? This is the kind of thing that makes me distrust everything that team says.

Comment by UIC Guy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:54 pm
Can’t the superstars get the governor one of those crying baby dolls to carry around so he’d have an excuse to constantly duck questions?

The real thing worked for the the other guy who spent his days hiding in the bunker.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:57 pm
MJM and Cullerton need to give a few things and in return, a state income tax increase up to about 4.5% will probably be implemented.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 1:59 pm
I was there and his campaign speech ruined my lunch. This guy just won’t budge. He said he needs our help. “Talk to your legislators, Dems and Republicans.” And tell them what Governor? That you refuse to compromise one inch and are holding the state hostage until you get everything you want? And they you don’t seem to care that you are doing an enormous amount of damage; that families are suffering?
You are the Governor. Start governing!

Comment by Annoyed Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:04 pm
Two reactions:

The governor’s staff points out the many times in the past Democrats have reached bi-partisan agreement, or done things one would associate with Republicans. Does that make the Gov look good or inept right now?

We spend a lot of time noticing the things that are going very badly in state government right now. No doubt there have been some smart changes made, and money appropriately saved, by the new management team. Crises can push some fixes on the small stage. Good reminder to brag on those. They are completely overshadowed, and they don’t count for much in today’s overall context.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:05 pm
Perhaps MJM and Cullerton can “give a few things” like Rauner does. They’ve compromised just like Rauner, didn’t extend the tax increase at Rauner’s request. The House didn’t pass anti-business legislation this year, that is a concession. The House let Rauner give budget AND state of the state speech in the chamber - CONCESSION!

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:05 pm
A lot of whining on here. And nobody seems to be looking out for the citizens of Illinois except the Governor.

Comment by DonaldTrump Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:07 pm
UIC Guy, the governor missed a trick on the lottery.

He should have touted the revenues for continuing to sell tickets for jackpots the state knows it cannot legally pay.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:09 pm
===And nobody seems to be looking out for the citizens of Illinois except the Governor.===

Ugh.

@RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate.

Rauner is causing the stalemate. Ron Sandack says its so. The stalemate is hurting Illinois. On purpose.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:10 pm
==MJM and Cullerton need to give a few things and in return, a state income tax increase up to about 4.5% will probably be implemented.==

“Hey Dems, if you vote for these things you HATE, I’ll LET you vote for these things that will get you fired,” said the worst deal-maker in history.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:18 pm
caught the car and still doesn’t know what to do w/ it.

Comment by D.P.Gumby Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:18 pm
Perhaps it’s time for the GA to resurrect Rauner’s original budget word for word, deficits and all, pass it, and force him to have to veto his own out of balance budget. Maybe that will put the pressure back on the executive branch to craft a balanced budget for the GA to debate.

Comment by Gruntled University Employee Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:21 pm
Serious question: is it even mathematically possible for the Governor to introduce a balanced budget at this point? If not, what becomes of his Constitutional duty to introduce one?

Comment by Really?Yikes Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:22 pm
====MJM and Cullerton need to give a few things and in return, a state income tax increase up to about 4.5% will probably be implemented.===

If you are clueless as to how the General Assembly works, or how a structured roll call with the guarantee of no Veto works to get a budget deal done…

I can’t believe how far the art and science of governing, and caucus politics and governing, has regressed.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:22 pm
Classic Rauner: bolt before you have to explain yourself to those that deserve to know.

The sad thing is, this works well for him. Let’s go back to the Republican primary debate at the Springfield Hoogland Center on Feb. 18. At the conclusion, Rauner bolted out the back door, refusing to speak with media; in my estimation, 80% of the reporters followed him. Maybe 10% wanted to talk with Dillard. A few spoke with Rutherford and Brady for a few seconds, leaving those two guys standing there trying not to look awkward.

If Rauner stopped to give reporters full details about what he had in mind, we would have Governor Dillard now and he would be working with the Dem’s to avoid what we have now.

But Rauner full well knew it.

Campaigning and governing by soundbyte and hype is disingenuous at best, deceitful and fraudulent at worst.

Comment by Gumby Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:25 pm
I’m reluctant to give the Governor any credit for finding several million in operational savings at various agencies when he was the one who demanded that the temporary tax increase lapse resulting in a loss of $5 billion annually. He’s stood in the way of any negotiations or progress toward a budget solution and his own administration’s actions have been a net negative, even counting these agency savings.

Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:25 pm
Oswego Willy, “Rauner isn’t a Republican” is an example of the “no true Scotsman” fallacy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_true_Scotsman. He ran as a Republican, got elected as a Republican, and serves as a Republican. He’s a Republican.

Comment by Really?Yikes Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:27 pm
Amazing that we have a Gov. that is refusing to negotiate a state budget! He indicates that the Democrats need to first gut their core constituency and then he will allow them as majority party in both houses to pass a politically difficult vote on taxes. That would be a good trick if you could do it. Rauner is asking for the impossible and he knows it.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:29 pm
Some crack work by the superstar scheduling and p.r. staff, as the governor will own the news cycle.

Absolutely nothing going on today. On West Madison. Or in Pittsburgh.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:30 pm
Beginning to think Rauner is very nice unclear on the concept of what motivates Democrats.

Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:36 pm
- Really?Yikes -,

Hmm. You got me.

Except, IllinoisGO and the Turnaround Agenda PACs seem to have similar goals. No, not seem, do have similar goals.

IllinoisGO is to elect Democrats that support the Rauner Agenda. And, with the Turnaround Agenda PAC designed to, you guessed it, support the Turnaround Agenda, it appears Rauner is Agenda-Driven, like Rod Blagojevich, who also advocated a PAC with a Spicy Name that, you guessed it was Agenda-Driven.

Now this Agenda-Driven ideal, you back it with over $29 million to be given… wait for it… to Democrats and Republicans as rewards or Disipline, that’s creating what Rod Blagojevich wanted; a Governor’s Caucus, rooted to the governor’s needs and wants, not to a party’s linkage.

Rauner wants and is politically running the Blagojevich dream.

Rauner is not a Republican, Rauner hijacked the weaker, easier vehicle to make a Raunerite Agenda real.

If you have anything other than Wiki to refute these specific aspects, that would be helpful.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:38 pm
Begunning to think Rauner is very unclear on the concept of what motivates Democrats.

Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:38 pm
==Additionally, the unbalanced budget passed by the legislature in May assumed $750 million in savings in group health.==

Um, governor your own proposed budget had those same savings.

Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:40 pm
Oswego Willy, feel free to research the no true Scotsman fallacy on whatever sources you please. Rauner is certainly agenda-driven. But he is, incontrovertibly, a Republican, and no amount of you saying “he’s not realllly a Republican” will change that.

Comment by Really?Yikes Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:41 pm
Ugh.

I’ll stop feeding the Troll. My bad thinking -Really?Yikes - is worth responding to.

My bad.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:44 pm
Gah - Madigan’s talking points are as tired as the governor’s.

Comment by Politix Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:49 pm
You being frustrated doesn’t make me a troll, Oswego Willy. My comment was substantive and not intended to throw the discussion off track. You set forth a logical fallacy and I noted it. It’s not debatable that Rauner was elected as a Republican. Even aside from the facts that Rauner identifies as a Republican and was elected as one, Rauner’s reign has been hyper-partisan.

Comment by Really?Yikes Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 2:57 pm
So, is Radogno signalling that she and the Dems have a tax increase figure in mind and hers is lower than theirs? If so, let’s hear it from both sides. Why such a secret? How much?

Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:00 pm
===You set forth a logical fallacy and I noted it.===

Actually, you didn’t.

===Even aside from the facts…===

lol.

===Rauner’s reign has been hyper-partisan.===

A Raunerite Partisan at that.

It’s been discussed here, not only by me, but by many, including our Host;

Rauner hijacked the ILGOP because it was there to be hijacked, wrapping himself around the purchased ILGOP brand, and knowing the impossibility of running as an Indie wasn’t an option, used the ILGOP as the vehicle to begin Raunerite governing, including Ken Dunkin and IllinoisGO to make 60 and 30 Raunerite GA members possible.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:04 pm
Bruce,

Where is YOUR Constitutionally Mandated Balanced Budget?

If you have no intention of fulfilling the duties of the office….

…..then resign.

Best,
Jack

Comment by Jack Stephens Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:07 pm
Willy, in no way do I agree with the troll, but, as a Democrat that took immeasurable amounts of grief from Republicans over Blagojevich… If the shoe fits…

Comment by Gruntled University Employee Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:14 pm
Democrats’ only ’solution’ is more tax and spend!

Comment by Formerpol Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:21 pm
- GUE -,

I sympathize, lol.

The only difference is Rauner living in Chicago, voting in a Democratic primary, supporting Forrest Claypool, and no GOP electoral GOP pedigree as an elevated GOP official.

Rod was a Democratic state Rep., Congressman and then evolved with his own Queeg-Like processes to think his own Caucuses would help him, even guide him to the White House.

Rauner wants those he can own or buy, to leverage.

I hear ya - GUE -, Rauner got here thru flying false colors, then co-opting the ruins. Rod tried from breaking off, and trying to build from scratch.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:28 pm
No givey by the dems, a complete stalemate. OW, you and your fellow dems OWN this baby!!

Comment by anon Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:30 pm
Really?Yikes: If Ford bought all GM’s cars, took the GM labels off and replaced them with Ford, does that make them Fords? OW’s point of view (which I share) is that the answer is “no.” They’re GM’s with another name on it.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:32 pm
…which has nothing to do with a logical fallacy.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:32 pm
- anon -,

Weren’t you dismissed once on this Post already? lol.

Governors own, they always do, way before Rauner, way after Rauner, it’s true, was true, will be true. Even Candidate Rauner knew. “Pat Quinn failed”…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:34 pm
==Democrats’ only ’solution’ is more tax and spend!==

Isn’t Rauner’s plan to bust unions first, and then tax and spend nearly the same as the Democrats?

Comment by AC Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:36 pm
Rauner’s still at it with limiting collective bargaining. No surprise there.

Rauner mentions limitations on collective bargaining for federal employees. That doesn’t seem to have worked out so well (duh!), as our national debt is $18 trillion. Limiting collective bargaining did not offset spending billions (and trillions in the long run) on the Iraq War and any other expenditures by politicians of both parties. The CBO estimated that the Bush tax cuts added substantially to the debt.

Rauner goes on to cite examples of limited limitations on bargaining, not the sweeping changes he’s proposing.

As some have asked, let’s see some numbers on what limiting collective bargaining will bring as far as savings, revenue and economic growth. Rauner does not provide these numbers. What happens if severely curtailing bargaining rights results in sluggish economic/revenue growth?

There is another way to limit spending that preserves collective bargaining–tough contract negotiations. Rauner ironically is involved in negotiations as he wants to strip away collective bargaining rights. Why doesn’t he support politicians proving their mettle at the negotiation table in a way that preserves the democratic choices made by voters and union members?

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:39 pm
===Democrats’ only ’solution’ is more tax and spend!===

Yep. That’s what governments do. They tax so they can spend. The republican solutions are; more spend and spend, or do nothing.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:49 pm
== · As you know, we have entered an unprecedented fourth month without a balanced budget. ==

Couldn’t possibly be because IL’s GOP Non-Governor STILL hasn’t submitted his balanced budget to the IL GA yet, after about, oh, 7 months. Stroke

Comment by sal-says Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:55 pm
I love the fact he spoke at a tourism bureau that hasn’t received any state funding since July 1.

So in other words, he used a victim’s podium to drop G’s and claim victimhood.

Lovely.

Comment by Dee Lay Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:55 pm
The obvious solution is to -

-take away union health insurance completely and throw them on the healthcare exchange with subsidies because they would qualify (family of 4, 400% poverty is $97,000. Probably a $10,000 deductible though /s),

-increase union work hours 37.5 to 45.

-cut union payscale, and NO step raises. (only raises if the administration likes you or is related to you.)

-make sure union employees only get $5 if they become disabled at work, and a box of donuts. (No need for worker’s comp at all, cap payouts at $5 and medical covered by healthcare exchange.)

-and lastly, be sure to increase all union member’s retirement contributions and their property taxes.

Gov Rauner, of course it is reasonable to do all this in one year. How did we ever get along without you?

Comment by cdog Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 3:56 pm
Formerpol -

What Rauner proposed was “borrow and spend”, at 7.5% interest per year.

What we are currently doing is borrowing and spending at 12% interest per year.

If Republicans had a plan that did not involve spending, we would have seen it by now.

So, essentially your choices are:

1. Pay as you go (Democratic proposal)
2. Borrow at 7.5% per year (proposed Rauner budget)
3. Borrow at 12% per year (Rauner stonewall).

In case you were not listening carefully, Democrats are not flinching, twitching, inching, creeping, etc. They do not care if Rauner is “winning” the public relations battle.

Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:22 pm
Oh, Rauner owns this. He bought it.

Comment by Gumby Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 4:31 pm
I agree with all those who blame only Rauner. He should ignore the legislature and impose his own budget on the state! He then can appoint Oswego Willy to command the National Guard to impose martial law! I am a certified member of such silliness!

Everyone needs to sit down and start talking. Including the two “what’s the use of talking” twins.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:00 pm
Is it time for a Writ of Mandamus to the Illinois Supreme Court which would demand that the governor do his required presentation of a balanced budget as required by the Illinois constitution? Word is he hasn’t bought the Il Supreme Court yet.

Comment by Roscoe Tom Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:07 pm
- Louis G Atsaves -

“Pat Quinn failed…”

Remeber? I do.

I actually hope the National Guard doesn’t occupy Illinois Government… Nothing to cheer about there, but Rauner will own that too. “Why?” Governors are Commander in Chiefs, can’t blame MJM on that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:07 pm
It’s hard to describe the situation as symmetrical when only one person is refusing to negotiate a budget.

Comment by AC Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:22 pm
Louis, Bruce Rauner does not have the courage to impose his own budget on the state. He does not have the courage to call legislative leaders together for a meeting. Rauner does not even have the courage to answer questions from the media.
No, your hero is a feckless leader.
We could use Willy here.

Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:40 pm
Louis likes to pretend the FY16 fiscal meltdown and sabotage of core responsibilities was not the plan.

Tnis is the “leverage” Louis. This is the political plan, the hostage-taking, in action.

Did you not understand that word “leverage” has real-world consequences, as opposed to rne governor’s “reforms” undefined benefits?

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:45 pm
Where is Tom Cross? Wasn’t he wanting to file lawsuits when G.A. and Governor failed to pass a balanced budget. I suggest now that the Gov and G.A. have a better idea of how much is needed for FY16, that they tally what is owed and what is planned for the next 9 months and compare that to estimated revenues. The answer should be clear.

Comment by Omay Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 5:50 pm
Dems need to call a budget summit and invite the republican leadership and Gov. Rauner to negotiate a budget. If they refuse to come they need a presser showing the empty seats and the damage those empty seats are causing.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 6:18 pm
- Austin Blvd -, thanks for your kind words today, OW

To the Post,

The FY2016 budget, labor peace.

I know I didn’t ask too much, but I asked for the possible, I asked what is expected.

“Bruce Rauner failed… ”

Two things I asked. Two.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 6:35 pm
== Isn’t Rauner’s plan to bust unions first, and then tax and spend nearly the same as the Democrats? ==

Given all the court orders, the drop in revenue from all the social service workers being laid off, and the eventual need for lots of contractors to fix all the crises / problems he has created, Rauner will probably end up spending more than the Democrats proposed.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Oct 7, 15 @ 10:49 pm
Given all of Rauner’s comments yesterday about unions and labor negotiations and health insurance, how can anyone keep a straight face and claim Rauner will bargain in good faith on the AFSCME contract - and health insurance for state and state university employees?

Comment by Joe M Thursday, Oct 8, 15 @ 7:29 am