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Activist calls out Illinois media, says governor “absurd and dishonest”

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Gov. Rauner said he doesn’t expect any resolution to the budget impasse until January and doesn’t expect any agreement will come out of a planned meeting with Democratic leaders in the legislature next month. He accused Democrats of attempting to increase pressure on him by allowing the budget impasse to continue.

“They want the pressure of no scholarships for kids, they want the pressure of no childcare as a way to push the process, that’s the only explanation I can give,” Gov. Rauner said.

* From Emily Miller at Voices for Illinois Children…

There is exactly one man ultimately responsible for the destruction of the child care system in Illinois, and that man is Governor Rauner.

When it comes to the lack of appropriation authority across other budget line items ranging from higher education to local governments, no one has clean hands.

But for the Governor to suggest that anyone else is responsible for the pain working families are feeling as the direct result of his decision to cut child care is absurd and dishonest.

His decision to eliminate safe, affordable childcare as an option for many low and middle-income working families predates the budget impasse. I hope the timeline of his opposition to this vital program is pointed out to him by a reporter sometime soon.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:15 am

Comments

The silence from Ounce of Prevention is deafening.

Comment by Dee Lay Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:18 am
Callin out the perfidy! YESSSS!

Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:22 am
Let’s give the Ounce a little time. It’s complicated

Comment by Joe Biden Was Here Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:22 am
=no scholarships for kids=

At the rate Rauner is going, there won’t be enough left of the state universities or some of the community colleges to get the desired classes, kids will go out state.

Comment by DuPage Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:24 am
How do you sleep?

Comment by Keyrock Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:24 am
“Emily Miller is a tool of the union bosses and politically corrupt intent on maintaining the status quo for the benefit of the political class. Under Governor Rauner, children are dancing in the streets in anticipation of their freedom from future Illinois debt and property taxes.” ck

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:26 am
‘Lest we forget, Emily Miller is being compensated as an “activist”.’

The word “activist” was in the headline of this post.

Please try to be a better victim.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:27 am
More of this, please.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:27 am
Governor owns this decision. Appearently, ChildCare centers are not true ‘businesses’ and should move out of the state so that Rauner can attract ‘real’ businesses.

Comment by Rufus Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:29 am
Activist? Lol.

Comment by Georg Sande Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:29 am
Sameasiteverwas,

Did you just throw that baby out with the bath water?

Comment by cdog Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:29 am
You go Emily! She speaks in the voice of a true child advocate. Diana Rauner is another matter altogether. As the head of the Ounce of Prevention, Diana Rauner is suppose to be the chief advocate for the underserved families of young children in Illinois. According to their website, “The Ounce works to ensure that public policies and adequate funding are in place to give vulnerable children access to voluntary, high-quality early childhood programs”. Clearly, Diana Rauner is not doing the job she is ethically bound (as a psychologist) to do and she needs to resign.

Comment by Former Hoosier Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:29 am
ALL IL Legislators need to ask themselves a simple question-

Is the fear (because that is what it is) of the $20 million war chest worth valuing each Illinoisan at $1.55 (you can do the math, I have faith)? Because that is all Rauner appears to feel our People are worth.

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:30 am
Thank you Emily! Finally someone who says it like it really is. More like this please.

Comment by Way South of I-80 Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:30 am
Sadly, this will fall on deaf ears.

The editorial boards are there to completely rebuff any thoughtful coverage on Rauner.

The very last thing any reporter at the Sun-Times, Tribune, and other news outlets facing financial perils is to be “that” reporter, and be “McKinneyed” and have Rauner force the hand of the paper to silence you.

Also, you have Mary Ann Ahern tweeting a picture of a “car” of Rauner in it, not taking questions. I’m not saying Ms. Ahern is lazy or not engaged, that’s for others to figure out, but if that tweet of a picture is SO important to have that she can’t get a question asked, is that really all Ms. Ahern thinks she is capable of doing, to find a picture to make an excuse for herself? I’d call tis instance an obvious example of laziness, but trying to find a way to show you can’t do a job, I guess, isn’t being lazy, but resigned that she can’t do a job and get a story out? I dunno…

Ms. Miller, good luck. The real Springfield Press Corps is a real good and talented bunch, but their own outlets, thought Editorials or “higher ups” just won’t cross Rauner. History says so.

I’ll wait for Ms. Ahern’s next tweet “excuse”… A picture of an empty Portillo’s Strawberry Shake cup with the caption…

@FakeMaryAnnAhern - Governor Rauner was here. Yep, it was Strawberry #ExcusingMyOwnLacklusterWork

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:32 am
Rich, the example of your blog points out the woeful failures of the corporate media better than any abstract argument about corporate consolidation of the press into the hands of the few. We should be very thankful for the service you provide the citizens of this state. The comments, needless to say, are icing on the proverbial cake. It can’t be said enough.

Comment by scholar athlete Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:34 am
I wonder how much this damages D. Rauner’s credibility over the next several years.

She should be front and center about this — and working toward an immediate fix. Instead, she’s defending a $130K annual luncheon.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:35 am
==I hope the timeline of his opposition to this vital program is pointed out to him by a reporter sometime soon.==

Emily,

In the words of Adrian Belew, “Don’t hold your breath cause it’ll just make you blue”.

Comment by Gruntled University Employee Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:35 am
It’s also time that someon3e called out Diana Rauner. She looked the voters in the eye in countless TV commercials and told us that Bruce had no social agenda. The decision to “eliminate safe, affordable childcare as an option for many low and middle-income working families” as described by Ms. Miller is very much the product of the Gov’s social agenda and it’s disgraceful.

Comment by slow down Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:45 am
Hi Rich,

Here is our statement on Emily Miller.

Thanks
CK

“Emily Miller is a special interest, Voices for Illinois Children, looking to keep the status quo. Governor Rauner believes in old fashioned values, where children are seen and their voices are not heard. Under the Governor’s plan, children will gain independence from their parents. When mom and dad are working two jobs, who wins - the kids.”

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:46 am
===There is exactly one man ultimately responsible for the destruction of the child care system in Illinois, and that man is Governor Rauner.===

Governors Own.

Governors own the good too, but Rauner and his Press Shop already know that.

HBO - “Dad’s Home State” - Season 1, Episode 84

Bruce edits agendas to get just the right one. Diana spends the morning at work deleting angry voicemails. Diana’s state employee sends a gift basket to Susan Garrett, signed “From Anonymous”. Lance tweets pictures of IDOC trucks, “ck” writes upcoming proclamations. Comedy, 61 minutes.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:47 am
Dad’s Home State” - Season 1, Episode 84. Looks like a good one, I’ve got to Tivo it.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:49 am
All is well, don’t worry folks. I’ve been reassured by the Trib & Sandack that it’ll all be worth it when local governments will be able to eliminate prevailing wage and when teachers can no longer bargain for their salary/health insurance. Once that happens all the kids can go back to daycare.

Comment by Get a Job!! Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:51 am
I’m concerned that the battles being fought are for media attention, so that winning what is being presented as news is a goal. It places too high an emphasis upon the media, as a result.

What we’ve been witnessing over the years is a lessening of whatever hold the media had upon citizens. While our politicians hired spinners, liars and con artists to misrepresent their “facts”, they aren’t focusing on doing their jobs.

We have a governor more interested in media, than he is in governing. This is one of his many problems, and consequently, many of ours. His bought-media pumps out his team’s talking points, and this makes him think he is winning the favor of Illinoisans.

He isn’t. The battle which needs to be fought isn’t in a newspaper, a website, or a radio show. The battle which needs to be fought is under the capitol dome. Citizens want results. They aren’t getting any. So - no one is winning. Polls show that both sides aren’t winning. Each side counters this argument by selecting polls showing that while they might not be winning over citizens with their lack of results, their political opponent’s numbers are lower than theirs, as though it matters.

Rauner is losing because he is an unproductive governor failing to meet the promises he made during his campaign. It doesn’t really matter who is winning the news cycle - let him play that game.

What matter is results, and Rauner doesn’t have any. Voters will not reelect a governor so devoid of accomplishments.

Spin, spin, spin - doesn’t mean win, win, win. If you believe that, you aren’t listening to Illinoisans.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:52 am
Excellent job by Ms. Miller.

Former Hoosier@9:29am is spot-on.

== Diana spends the morning at work deleting angry voicemails.==
Haha!

Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:53 am
@360:

What are the children doing with their idle time? I’m guessing they are writing the “gotcha” questions for the CNBC debate!

Comment by Jack Stephens Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:55 am
@360:

What are the children doing with their idle time?

I am guessing they are writing the “gotcha” questions for the CNBC debate!

Comment by Jack Stephens Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:55 am
Sorry for duplicate posts. Got the message I’d posted already.

Comment by Jack Stephens Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:56 am
Jack Stephens,

If it wasn’t for those darn kids, we would have gotten away with it! (Who doesn’t love a good scooby doo reference).

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:01 am
The First Lady’s silence on this matter is deafening. I don’t understand how she can keep her job at Ounce. Obviously all the cuts and partial shutdown of the government won’t hurt BVR and his clan personally. But what if the pursuit of this agenda and taking of hostages cost Diana her job and her professional reputation? Then BVR presumably would feel some pain. Could that move him to back off a bit? (Just looking for a wedge issue - I hear they can be effective)

Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:06 am
– they want the pressure of no scholarships for kids, they want the pressure of no childcare as a way to push the process…–

The fact that the governor attempts to transfer his own publicly stated strategy of “wedges” on to others just reveals that he understands its base immorality.

That’s a start, I guess.

How’s about you just knock it off now and start cleaning up tne incredible mess you’ve made in just a few short months?

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:07 am
Dropping IL to last place in the nation for childcare sure is a magnet that makes people want to create jobs here.

Comment by Union Man Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:07 am
Look…I get the dislike of Diana, but ya’ll who are saying that Ounce has been silent just haven’t been paying attention. Others have taken a lead role on Child Care (because child care is not Ounce’s primary focus), but they’ve played an active role in the lobbying efforts against the Child Care cuts.

Comment by AlabamaShake Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:08 am
Politically, Rauner is winning because everyday Illinoisans believe it’s Madigan’s fault.
Little do these Illinoisans know they are the losers.

Comment by Austin Blvd Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:18 am
- AlabamaShake -

With respect.

Diana Rauner went in front of cameras with prepared words about her husband, how Bruce Rauner has no social agenda (Yep, I now know what that means, my bad) and Bruce Rauner, himself, traded off the credibility of Diana Rauner to blunt off criticism(s) he himself faced.

Diana Rauner kept her own “payless” job, while taking on a state employee (know beef really, it’s just bad optics in this instance) and her own organization, let alone the Rauner Family Y, is facing hardship right now, or at least those services by “Ounce” very well may be facing additional hardships for the decisions, the choices the man Diana Rauner vouched for at a seven-figure media clip.

It has to be embarrasing for Diana. It has to be. It’s her husband she vouched for, not some overreaching venture capitalist wanting to decimate unions and Illinois’ social services… Right?

Exactly right.

(Cut to Bruce and Diana laughing on the couch, Bruce in his “ugly shirt” prop shirt… fade from color shot to black and white filter, to slow-mo, to black)

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:19 am
===Developing personal, ongoing relationships with elected officials is the most effective way to secure lawmakers’ support on children’s issues.===
—Ounce of Prevention’s Advocacy Guide, page 11. http://greatstartforkids.org/sites/default/files/file/2011%20Great%20Start%20Conference/Ounce%20of%20Prevention%20advocacy%20toolkit.pdf

Ounce would seem to have a personal relationship; are they using it?

Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:24 am
Negatives best delivered by third party. Start the drum beat.

Comment by Lane Tech Lenny Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:30 am
Willy, there you go again

AA Tweeted the Truck picture before Lance ever thought of it.

To the Post, whether or not Emily is paid doesn’t take away from the truth of her statement.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:36 am
Ounce of Prevention should hire Shirley Madigan on contract as their spokesperson.

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:40 am
AlabamaShake- although it is true that the Ounce does not directly provide childcare (they do provide early childhood education), it is also true that the provision of high quality childcare is one of their concerns. As taken from the Ounce website:” The priorities that guide our work in Illinois include Comprehensive Early Childhood Systems; Early Education and Care…”. Further, although the Ounce has signed statements (which were also signed by other childcare advocates), they have not publicly taken a forceful stance against the governor’s cuts which effect children. On a side note, they have been happy to accept a $10million donation by the Zell’s.

Comment by Former Hoosier Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:51 am
- AA -, my sincere apologies, I saw the tweet, and thought…

@FakeLTrover - this one’s gone. #RollingAway

@FakeLTrover - this one’s gone too. #Magic

@FakeLTrover - this one we can’t get rid of! #RepoHumor

Your royalty check will be in the mail, with fresh Cannoli. No intended slight, bud.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:51 am
Diana Rauner should be asked to resign by her board. She is not being helpful and is obviously damaging this organization.

The dissonance in her brain must be deafening.

Comment by cdog Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:40 am
“Rich, the example of your blog points out the woeful failures of the corporate media better than any abstract argument about corporate consolidation of the press into the hands of the few. We should be very thankful for the service you provide the citizens of this state. The comments, needless to say, are icing on the proverbial cake. It can’t be said enough.” ==
I too want to thank Mr. Miller for his service to Illinois workers/retirees. We need more writers like Rich Miller in more news outlets in our state & country. Thank you.

Comment by Mama Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:44 am
VanillaMan, I have a sunny-side disagreement with your comment “What we’ve been witnessing over the years is a lessening of whatever hold the media had upon citizens.”

I know many many millennials that are so well read about many current issues, aka news junkies, due to their easy access to good journalism, their great critical thinking educations, and their outstanding moral compasses. They are tired, and suspicious of Big Media, Big Pharma, Big Money, etc. This is a smart bunch; be hopeful for that generation.

Also, Wordslinger is absolutely correct that BVR’s projection of his own immoral actions onto others, is revealing in many ways.

Comment by cdog Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:49 am
Rock on Emily! You’ve found your calling.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:01 pm
=== Diana Rauner should be asked to resign by her board. She is not being helpful and is obviously damaging this organization. ===

Let’s get real. They can’t get rid of Diana. They’re suffering now. Just think of retribution they’d suffer from Bruce if they did so. Remember the ruin her episode with one of his employees.

They are between the rock and a hard place. They can only hope that the balance sheet works out in the end - of Rauner’s tenure in office.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:55 pm
Well said Norseman!

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 1:18 pm
- Norseman -,

Isn’t this the textbook…

“Diana Rauner Celebrated, Made President Emeritus of Ounce”

Give her a way to be “celebrated”, still “part of the team” but her “First Lady duties are starting to increase, so… the day to day Presidency…”

Not leaving, moving up, but away, and Ounce can actually have a sense of direction?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 1:39 pm
OW- that would be a great way for everyone to save face. I wish it would happen….soon rather than later. The board is never going to ask her to leave (although I think they should).

Comment by Former Hoosier Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 1:55 pm
Ounce of Prevention isn’t quiet on their Twitter feed… in blaming both the legislature and the governor. Although they seem to focus more on the legislature: “Urge your representative to reinstate #childcare!”

I don’t think their silence is deafening. I think their message is loud and clear.

Comment by Stuff Happens Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 1:56 pm
- Former Hoosier -,

Thanks. I had hoped 9 months ago it wouldn’t come to that, but how can Diana not be embarrassed. Governors own, Ounce knows that, now are they helping Bruce to appease Diana… or visa-versa?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 2:01 pm
Willy, sounds like a plan.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 2:12 pm
@OW,

Another steller episode of Dad’s Home State. It saddens me that SAG wouldn’t allow me a small walk on part. I had hoped to be in one of Lance’s ’shots’ as we towed away the IDOT trucks.

Maybe next episode.

Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:05 pm
- How Ironic -

Bud, we just need to get you a SAG card, a walk-on, no line is easier, lol.

Don’t give up hope yet!

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:11 pm
How Ironic, those trucks were maintained about as well as the Thompson Center. We may not be losing much be letting them get the hook.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:36 pm
Wake update clog, the Rauner money owns the Board of Ounce of Prvention! Just another acquisition!

Comment by Barrystreet Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:37 pm
@Oswego Willy: Perhaps you should actually read the newspapers before painting with such a broad brush –

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/ct-prevailing-wage-debate-zorn-perspec-1028-jm-20151027-column.html
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/ct-rauner-budget-illinois-edgar-madigan-zorn-perspec-1021-20151020-column.html
…just to give you two recent examples.
– I’ll also stick up for the members of our political team, who are not beholden to or influenced by the Tribune’s editorial positions and have done a fine job covering this mess.
If Rich allowed for profanity I can think of a crisp, one-word assessment of your media criticism. Alas.

Comment by Eric Zorn Friday, Oct 30, 15 @ 7:01 am
Mr. Zorn,

My response and postscript;

https://capitolfax.com/2015/10/30/the-ounce-responds/

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 30, 15 @ 7:47 am