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More lip service

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Governor Bruce Rauner has issued a proclamation declaring that Illinois will observe National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) joins Governor Rauner, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to build awareness about the hazards of lead poisoning during the week of October 25 – 31, 2015.

Lead poisoning occurs most often from exposure to lead-contaminated dust created by deteriorating lead-based paint. Lead-containing products can also lead to exposure and result in life-long negative effects.

“Given the many health and development problems that can occur in children exposed to lead, it is imperative that we build awareness and take the appropriate precautions,” says IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D.

* From Emily Miller at Voices for Illinois Children…

Just like other state services, lead poisoning prevention is funded from many different revenue sources, including fees, general revenue fund dollars, and federal Medicaid match dollars. But $1.4 million of the $1.9 million of last year’s lead poisoning prevention funding came from GRF spending and corresponding federal match dollars—equaling over two-thirds of total funding for these efforts. This year there is no GRF spending and, therefore, no federal match for these dollars. The result is that the majority of funding for lead poisoning prevention and screening is compromised.

Just as was the case during both Infant Mortality Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Governor has expressed support for the cause of preventing lead poisoning, but has not acted to fund the efforts.

It’s worth noting that without revenue to back it up, any spending plan is not even worth the paper it’s printed on. The Governor is not wholly to blame for the lack of GRF funding- it’s not like lawmakers have stepped up with a plan to fully fund state services for a full fiscal year. But it is a little like rubbing salt in the wound when the Governor continues to issue proclamations supporting the human services he refuses to even consider funding unless he gets sign off on his policy agenda.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:28 pm

Comments

They could do a lot more to stop lead poisoning simply by requiring landlords to do some testing for lead, not letting them get away with simply disclosing knowledge of a lead problem, and closing a terrible loophole that lets landlords claim ignorance (and thus not disclose) lead problems in an entire building once it’s found in a unit, even though the odds are strong that if there’s lead in one unit, there’s lead elsewhere in the building.

Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:33 pm
===But it is a little like rubbing salt in the wound when the Governor continues to issue proclamations supporting the human services he refuses to even consider funding unless he gets sign off on his policy agenda.===

Ball game.

Rauner knows, these are HIS agencies, right? These agencies make up HIS administration.

This is why Governors Own. This is why the rank hypocrisy and lip service is alarming, painful, purposeful, and it all lacks professionalism and compassion.

Professionalism and compassion, that should be what governors should strive to have, not wgat he hope to find by looking harder.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:34 pm
Lead poisoning might play a role in CHicago’s violence: http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/01/lead-crime-link-gasoline

Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:34 pm
Some programs with Federal matching funds, you can lose it if you don’t use it. Does anyone know if we would lose the Federal match in the future on this?

Comment by burbanite Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:35 pm
My apologies;

“Professionalism and compassion, that should be what governors should strive to have, not what we hope to find by looking harder at our governor.”

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:38 pm
(Actually I answered my own question: it’s not as rank as Rauner - it’s a lesser level of rankness, but still rank…)

Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:41 pm
It’s like what Adlai II said of Nixon; he’d chop down a redwood, then stand on the stump to give a speech on conservation.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:48 pm
Raunner Distilled: Public SE grins & hypocritical proclamations.

Comment by sal-says Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:55 pm
National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
***

But, it’s NATIONAL not STATE Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. We’re just supportin’ the NATIONAL effort, you see. /s

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:00 pm
==- lake county democrat - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:33 pm:==

And where is the enforcement going to come from? The magic money hill?

Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:01 pm
Unfortunately, state government can no longer afford to meet the federal match of this worthy effort, thanks to Democrats who put the interests of the Springfield political class ahead of everything else.

Comment by Muscular Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:08 pm
Says to me that the IDPH dept head he installed is just a lock-step follower. Totally agree with Muscular

Comment by Gmma Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:12 pm
- Muscular -

Governors own. They always do.

Republican Governors Edgar and Thompson know it, if you don’t know it, it’s easier to blame what you want to blame instead of seeing what is actually occurring.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:16 pm
I will not, I will not, I will not feed trolls! But boy is it hard to read the rants over and over again. Just repeating yourself, does not make the problem magically go away. If there are Federal dollars available, especially for match pluses, there should not be children held hostage just because!

We, as a State, made a pact, an obligation to our children in 1987. I suggest reading beginning at 6.2. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1523&ChapterID=35

Maybe the legislators can use the Print Shop to put their names on some of the lead brochures and booklets./s

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:16 pm
Yep Muscular. The Democrats are totally to blame. Bruce Rauner is totally absolved of any blame in any of this.

The sad part is that your hyperpartisan brain actually believes that garbage and you totally lack the ability to analyze the situation honestly, which is that all of them - the Governor and the General Assembly - are responsible for what is going on right now.

You really need to grow up.

Comment by Demoralized Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:18 pm
Muscular, again Blauner is the one who asked for the tax rates to expire.

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:18 pm
===“Professionalism and compassion, that should be what governors should strive to have, not what we hope to find by looking harder at our governor.”===

I absolutely agree with you, OW — unfortunately we get what we vote for. Or at least in this case, we get what we didn’t show up to vote for, or even more accurately, voters were asked to show up and support a turkey — not just any turkey, a turkey with a poorly run campaign and the results to show for it.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:40 pm
Why don’t the reporters question the governor on these - and SHOW them questioning him and his responses on the news? They have to start showing him as part (not saying all) of the problem or they’re not doing their job. They’re just echoing disinformation.

Comment by Bluegrass Boy Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:48 pm
==== the Governor has expressed support for the cause of preventing lead poisoning, but has not acted to fund the efforts.====

===the Governor continues to issue proclamations supporting the human services he refuses to even consider funding unless he gets sign off on his policy agenda.===

When did the Governor gain authority to pass appropriations and raise taxes?

On my last reading it still said:

“The General Assembly has the exclusive power to raise revenue by law except as limited or otherwise provided in this Constitution. The power of taxation shall not be surrendered, suspended, or contracted away.”

And:

“The General Assembly by law shall make
appropriations for all expenditures of public funds by the State. Appropriations for a fiscal year shall not exceed funds estimated by the General Assembly to be available during that year.”

Comment by Political Animal Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:51 pm
Afternoon Rich,

In commemoration of National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Gov Bruce “Workin’ Hard at Not Workin’” Rauner has commissioned 50,000 lead pacifiers to be distributed immediately to area day care centers and preschools to be given to each child to use.

Best,
ck!

Comment by How Ironic Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:53 pm
- Political Animal -,

You do know the agency that would look into these matters… are under the Rauner Administration…

You do know how government works, right? You know that these agencies tasked with public health, or specific to lead poisoning, or any regulatory mission described legislatively is under the “Bruce Rauner, Governor” letterhead… Right?

If you want the General Assembly to take over state agencies too, please, just say so.

This isn’t a dorm room where the game is to absolve Rauner from his agencies and his entire branch of governmental responsibilities.

Those kids who did that last night are still in class, just hang out in the lounge, they’ll be back.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:57 pm
- Anon -

Yep. That’s why elections have consequences.

Some good, some bad, some unforeseen.

Also, obviously, we learn more about those when they start holding the office than when they were running for the office.

We’re learning a lot from Rauner, but sadly, some things were telegraphed.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 2:22 pm
They are his agencies, but the Legislature passes the appropriations. The budget address is the “ask.” The legislature is responsible for the “give.” Legislatures always have the power of the purse, that’s true in every Western democracy I know of.

You understand separation of powers, yes? Governor Executes (spends) but the legislature creates law (appropriation/authority to spend.) The GA comes first and they haven’t done their job.

The Governor cannot pass appropriations. The Governor cannot pass tax increases. He can ONLY ask for things from the GA. He’s done that and they are not willing to take up either of their options:

1) Give him his ask
2) Pursue their own plan without him

Option 1 of course comes with compromise and negotiation, which he’s offered.

But, those are their only two options. They need to pick, now.

Comment by Political Animal Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 2:33 pm
==- Muscular - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:08 pm:==

Is it the Springfield political class or the Chicago machine? Which worthless buzzword are we supposed to use today? Does it vary by time of day?

Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 2:47 pm
PA, what a dazzling civics lesson. I’m sure the group learned a lot.

You forgot the part about an Illinois’ governor range of veto powers to re-craft appropriation bills short of flat-out vetoes.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 2:48 pm
=== The GA comes first and they haven’t done their job.===

lol, are you willfully ignorant or blissfully unaware.

Illinois Constitution, Section VIII, Part 2…

(a) before (b)… You’re welcome.

===But, those are their only two options. They need to pick, now===

Nope.

As - Wordslinger - obliterated your “only 2″ options, please, whomever you allegedly learned about Illinois government, do yourself a solid and get a refund.

What GA is going to pass a budget to be voted on at least twice because of a Veto to fund a governor’s agencies.

That’s right, NO General Assembly would do that.

You’re borderline “Troll”, but you already knew that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 2:54 pm
Willy and Word - thank you for sparing with Political Animal today. I did it last week, and will stay out of the discussion today.

Comment by illini Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 2:58 pm
Line item vetoes aren’t enough because they can’t change law. There’s simply not enough discretion there for the Governor to make meaningful changes without hurting services that most everyone agrees are important. Big ticket items are protected by statute.

OW,

Budgets don’t only fund agencies. They fund all of state spending including things like MAP Grants, schools, LDF transfers, constitutional officers, and other things that have nothing to do with agencies. More over, the GA has always taken responsibility for creating and defining the criteria of programs. To the extent that this is about “the Governor’s agencies” it’s only the operating budgets of those agencies that are wholly “his.” That’s a tiny portion of a portion of the budget.

Go ahead, keep insulting my knowledge, my intentions, whatever you’d like. I’ll stick to the facts and the issues, not personalities and insults.

Comment by Political Animal Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 3:33 pm
===More over, the GA has always taken responsibility for creating and defining the criteria of programs.===

Example?

“Always”? How does that pesky veto fit into that, lol.

===To the extent that this is about “the Governor’s agencies” it’s only the operating budgets of those agencies that are wholly “his.” That’s a tiny portion of a portion of the budget.===

What is the percentage of that. Make sure you include state employees in that. K?

===Go ahead, keep insulting my knowledge…===

It’s not your knowledge I’m mocking, it’s your overwhelming lack of knowledge that’s comical and sophomoric, but you play a victim…

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 3:37 pm
PA, so you admit that more revenues are needed? Rauner’s own budget needed more revenues. But Rauner said he won;t agree to more revenues until unions are busted, etc… So here we all sit. And that’s the GA’s sole fault?

Comment by Concerned Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 3:39 pm
===Make sure you include state employees in that. K?===

Personal services for the entire state is $2.2 bil. The entire state budget, all items not just discretionary, is $91.5 billion.

So it’s about 2.5%.

The rest of the operating budget is about $1.1 bil.

So we’re talking a total of 3.6% of the budget.

Comment by Political Animal Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 3:48 pm
Break it down, - Political Animal -, really delve deep, I want the breakdown of the monies…

Then explain that to Jim Edgar, a former governor, who worked on 8 budgets, an “Edgar Ramp” school funding, and many programs outside agencies, including construction projects, and ran on those priorities…

As - 47th Ward said Thursday, I believe, to paraphrase;

Do I believe you, an nameless commenter or a former governor, elected and re-elected as to Governors owning.

So, give the breakouts, I’m excited, thrilled even. If it makes you think you are participating while haplessly ignoring relevance, have at it!

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 3:58 pm
You can get the excel file yourself from the GOMB website and play with the numbers all you want. You gave a specific request, I complied.

Fact is, Rauner could not have balanced the Dem budget via line item. It simply wasn’t possible in a realistic way.

I happen to think we don’t need a tax increase at all. We could impose something like the federal sequestration: an accross the board cut of say 10% to everything but education and pensions would balance the budget. Let agencies and programs figure out on their own how to manage the specifics of what get’s less money. They’re the experts anyway.

I think the Gov agreeing to revenue is actually a big give in negotiations which shows he understands compromise. Rich says the Dems aren’t giddy about voting for a tax hike, but they and their constituencies do like the excessive spending and the programs it brings.

So Rauner is giving them the option to essentially maintain current social services spending in return for a growing economy.

Comment by Political Animal Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 4:02 pm
==Fact is, Rauner could not have balanced the Dem budget via line item.==

The Governor couldn’t balance his own budget - so it’s probably a bit much to expect him to balance someone else’s budget.

Comment by Name Withheld Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 4:10 pm
It is not a compromise to agree to more revenues when your own d@mn budget proposal needs more revenues. Sheesh.

Comment by Concerned Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 4:11 pm
===Fact is, Rauner could not have balanced the Dem budget via line item. It simply wasn’t possible in a realistic way.===

Then Rauner should have, as the Constitution requires, submit a votable budget, and get it passed. If you’re saying Rauner is inept, and lacks, and can’t fulfill his constitutional duties, then we agree.

===I happen to think we don’t need a tax increase at all. We could impose something like the federal sequestration: an accross the board cut of say 10% to everything but education and pensions would balance the budget. ===

Show your work. Also, find me 60 and 30 to pass that legislative answer. Sophomore solutions don’t help.

=== Let agencies and programs figure out on their own how to manage the specifics of what get’s less money. They’re the experts anyway.===

Those agencies are headed by Rauner Appointees. You do realize the governor’s officecwill dictate cuts, and have the final say, so why not have Rauner do his constitutional obligation and just submit a budget?

===I think the Gov agreeing to revenue is actually a big give in negotiations which shows he understands compromise.===

Nope. Rauner’s own budget needs a tax increase. This is a phony “give” on that.

===So Rauner is giving them the option to essentially maintain current social services spending in return for a growing economy.===

Hostages, even though Rauner couldn’t make his own budget work. Dorm Room at the OK Corral.

To your beginning,

What are the percentages, I mean you brought it up, make the case as to what is or isn’t something a governor can or is responsible for…

… given a Governor signs budgets, lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 4:13 pm
===Fact is, Rauner could not have balanced the Dem budget via line item. It simply wasn’t possible in a realistic way.===

Stipulated. The fact that he didn’t even try is telling, however.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 4:24 pm
The scenario playing out right now is exactly what Rauner wants to be happening.

Comment by Cheryl44 Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 5:09 pm
@Political Animal

You lost me forever at ” We could impose something like the federal sequestration: an accross the board cut of say 10% to everything”

Go back to your frat house ‘budget’ discussions. Real life isn’t solved with ‘across the board’ cuts. Ever.

You say no? How ’bout this Einstein. Try it with your home budget. A little short this month? Call your mortgage holder, and let them know about your ‘across the board 10% budget cut’ and how you’re only going to be sending in 90% of your payment going forward.

Same for your car, and anything else. And don’t forget if you have kids in college, to let them know you’ve given yourself the 10% scholarship waiver. The’ll understand.

And you’re kids schools, I’m sure they would be ok with you stiffing them 10% on fees.

“Across the board cuts” disqualify you to run a lemonade stand, let alone a serious discussion on budgeting.

Comment by How Ironic Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 5:15 pm
Seems like way too much reacting to anonymous posters lately.

Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 7:59 pm