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* UPDATED x5 * Rauner reverses course, issues new rules on child care eligibility

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* Subscribers know the back story on this press release…

Governor’s office spokesman Lance Trover released the following statement regarding Senate Bill 570:

“As a result of bipartisan discussions with legislators concerning the future of the Child Care Assistance Program, the Rauner administration today plans to amend the emergency rule it filed at the beginning of the fiscal year. Under the amended rule, income eligibility will rise to 162% of the federal poverty level while current co-pays will remain intact. Other eligibility and restrictions will also be lifted pending further review and legislative consultation. Additionally, the governor’s office will establish a bipartisan, bicameral task force aimed at ensuring the long-term stability of the program.

“The governor’s office thanks the serious, good-faith negotiations by members of the legislature who made today’s announcement a reality. This bipartisan agreement will allow us to avoid the unintended consequences and costs that SB 570 would have brought. By working together, we will be able to bring financial stability to an important program valued by members of both parties.”

*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release…

State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D – Chicago Heights) released the following statement before her tour of the YWCA Kankakee Child Care Center to bring attention to the lack of child care funding:

“Every month that goes by without a budget hurts working families and children in ways that are immeasurable. Investing in child care is the responsible thing to do no matter which way you look at it, no matter which political party you belong to. I have been fighting for months to get more children into classrooms as soon as possible and give providers the stability they desperately need to make it through this crisis.

If Senate Bill 570 comes back to the Senate for a vote, I have agreed to hold it only as long as a the temporary rule is actually passed in the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on Nov. 17, giving thousands of providers and kids immediate relief. It’s past time for us to work together in every way we can every time we can. Our children deserve nothing less.”

*** UPDATE 2 *** SEIU Healthcare Illinois President Keith Kelleher…

“Now, at the 11th hour and ONLY AFTER bipartisan public outcry across Illinois over the pain and suffering caused by cuts that have kicked 70,000 kids off child care, Bruce Rauner comes to the table. His arbitrary actions, which should never have happened in the first place, show just why, deal or no deal, we still need Senate Bill 570 to pass tomorrow, to remove the ability for a governor, Democrat or Republican, to use unchecked executive power to destroy by rule those programs created by statute.

Since the governor apparently now realizes the needless pain caused by his actions, we call on him to expedite the rules returning children to the program instead of figuring out ways to use them as political pawns.”

*** UPDATE 3 *** From sponsoring Rep. Jehan Gordon…

Thousands of vulnerable children, parents and childcare centers have been affected by the devastating emergency rule that was enacted on July 1st. They all desperately need stability and certainly in these tumultuous times. It is my full intent to run SB 570 tomorrow afternoon in the House of Representatives. This legislation brings long term stability back to the Child Care Assistance Program. My primary focus and concern is that of children, families and childcare centers that need access to this vital work program now. We must pass SB 570 to statutorily make certain that our children are never put in this kind of limbo ever again.

*** UPDATE 4 *** Press release…

We applaud Governor Rauner’s decision today to suspend damaging emergency rule changes made to the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) on July 1, 2015. We also applaud our legislative champions in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly who refused to let children and families be anything but the highest priority in our state. Of course, we would also like to acknowledge the thousands of families and advocates statewide who continue to make sure the Governor and the General Assembly know just how important this issue is.

Key changes announced by the Governor today include:

• Increasing eligibility to 162 percent of Federal Poverty Level from 50 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Suspending child support requirements instituted on July 1, 2015.
• Suspending restrictive background checks for relative caregivers.

While this agreement is a good start, we recognize that there is significant work to be done in order to end the chaos that has been created in lieu of a state budget. We look forward to working with the Governor and the General Assembly on a state budget solution that includes sufficient revenue to fully fund all programs that low-income, hard-working families rely on.

Fight Crime: Invest In Kids Illinois
Illinois Action for Children
Latino Policy Forum
Ounce of Prevention Fund
ReadyNation Illinois
Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law
Voices for Illinois Children

*** UPDATE 5 *** From our pal Emily Miller…

Dear Rich,

The voices of children, families, and providers regarding the devastating impact of the Governor Rauner’s July 1st decision to cut child care in Illinois have been heard. Today, the governor and lawmakers announced a deal to immediately restore access to affordable child care to all families at or below 162% of the federal poverty level and to eliminate additional barriers put in place earlier this year.

The deal made by lawmakers and the governor means that, effective immediately, a single mom of two children entering the work force can access child care assistance in Illinois if she makes less than 162% of the federal poverty level, or $2,713 per month (roughly $15.50 per hour 40 hours per week.)

In addition, Governor Rauner has agreed that once a budget passes, eligibility for the child care program will return to the pre-cut level of 185% of the federal poverty level. That means a single mom of two who earns up to 185% of the federal poverty level, or $3,098 per month, will once again have access to child care assistance.

After 5 months of devastating cuts to child care, families and advocates are understandably wary of deals that might compromise Illinois’ commitment to ensuring families can remain self-sufficient by working.

That’s why, in addition to the changes announced today, Voices for Illinois Children believes it’s still important for lawmakers to take stand by voting yes on Senate Bill 570—a move that gives lawmakers and their constituents a means to ensure all parties to this deal remain accountable. A bipartisan ‘yes’ vote on SB570, and its passage in the House, will provide the much-needed and lasting proof that access to quality, affordable child care is a priority in this state.

If the governor and lawmakers continue to operate in good faith, as they have throughout the negotiation, the deal will move forward as planned. If they do not, the bill will be in a position to be placed on the Governor’s desk to eliminate the cuts for good.

Overall, the ability of governor and lawmakers to work alongside each other is encouraging in the context of the larger budget fight. Voices hopes this negotiation can serve as the framework for making further progress on the many issues impacting Illinois’ children and families.

We look forward to working with the governor and lawmakers to pass a budget with the revenue needed to fully fund vital programs for children and families.

Thanks for your hard work, and we’ll be in touch soon.

Emily Miller

Policy & Advocacy Director

Voices for Illinois Children

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:11 am

Comments

Holy COW!!!! I am impressed and somewhat hopeful!

Comment by cdog Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:14 am
Please get this in writing. Not sure if anyone should trust this bunch.

Comment by cdog Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:15 am
I don’t think it’s particularly helpful for Trover to take a dump on the fiscal impact of SB 570 at the same time they announce plans to voluntarily implement about 90% of SB 570. That’s the type of thing that contributes to “trust” issues

Comment by ILPundit Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:17 am
Well Hallelujah! At least there is some sanity (or smarter political calculation) on something.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:17 am
Good news, this is a strange and unfamiliar feeling. Good work to all involved.

Comment by The Captain Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:17 am
Was a no-brainer in the first place.

Rauner’s a slow-mover when it comes to shifting even a small bit on his position. Maybe he’s really not a detail guy at all.

Wait to see what G.Harris says about whether this is sufficient.

Comment by walker Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:17 am
Ah, nothing like making people suffer for no good reason and backing off when about to be politically nudered. Great work, Bruce!

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:18 am
While encouraging I’m afraid it’s too little too late for many who lost funding. They’ve long since had to quit their jobs and now will be back to square one. Perhaps next time Rauner could consult with a few informed folks BEFORE taking unilateral action.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:19 am
I would like to thank doctor Rauner

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:20 am
The Gov taketh away and the Gov giveth.

Comment by Rufus Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:20 am
It is as if he is a reasonable, concerned person willing to meet other reasonable people halfway. Heads of some commenters here are about to explode.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:23 am
Not sure if Doctor Rauner had much to do with it. A good Doctor Rauner would have ensured it never happened in the first place. Doctor Rauner’s husband speaks only one language, the language of leverage. And SB 570 apparently spoke loud and clear to him.

Comment by Henry Francis Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:23 am
“Other eligibility and restrictions will also be lifted pending further review and legislative consultation.”

anybody know more about this?

Comment by cdog Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:23 am
Question: ‘unintended consequences and costs’ =
1. Stuff we didn’t know would happen because we’re new at this and didn’t bother to ask people who would have known.
2. Stuff that turns out to be way more unpopular than we thought it would be.

No snark here (well, not much): I’m interested in the answer. (Are there other possibilities?)

Comment by UIC Guy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:25 am
Took way too long for the Legislature to get around to passing this and took way too long for Gov. Rauner readjust the eligibility level. But still, good news.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:26 am
Looks like Rauner did not like taking the heat, did not like owning this at all.

Comment by Solid Dwight Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:26 am
Cubs is right. The damage is done already. People lost their jobs. Even though he reversed course he’ll still be known for the “Good Friday Massacre” and the “Sack of Child Care”. Unfortunately all Republicans are going to be associated with these. Unions alone won’t let folks forget it. Only McCann shall be saved.

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:26 am
As with the school funding vote this summer, Rauner puts his GOP legislators on a bad vote, then cuts the deal himself.

Comment by Century Club Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:26 am
Good thing the “shaking” stopped; it doesn’t go well with child care. /s

(I could go on with this but I get zapped by Mr. Miller when I do.

Comment by cdog Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:27 am
“Other eligibility and restrictions will also be lifted pending further review and legislative consultation. ”

So, basically, the Governor maintains the complete and full ability to make further changes to the program in the future - whether that is in 3 months or 12 months.

SB570 was, in part, an effort to restore eligibility back to 185% of FPL, but it was also done to protect the program against whatever Rauner will want to do in the future.

So Rauner gets to save face, for now, and commit to being nice, for now, but there is ZERO long-term commitment that he won’t hurt the program, again.

Comment by AlabamaShake Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:33 am
It’s Amateur Hour starring Bruce and his madcap tyros…

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:33 am
UIC

- unintended consequences-

Actually referes to the SB570 which would have reversed Rauners original cuts. They are disparaging the bill not their actions in destroying low income working parents jobs.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:36 am
I’m with Walk on the wait and see.

But I suspect this might be a case among GOP legislators where fear of their constitutents surpassed fear of the governor’s money.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:38 am
===Other eligibility and restrictions will also be lifted pending further review and legislative consultation.===

No one is out of the woods yet.

It’s almost like showing a hostage for good faith, but then asking for pizzas because other hostages still exist, and their status as a hostage still isn’t making anyone “free”

For me?

Hopefully the Rauner change isn’t going to be too unique, and it becomes more of a movement. A good movement all the same.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:44 am
How do 162% of Federal Poverty Level and “current copays” compare with pre-Rauner? Was SB570 simply a return to the former levels? Someone mentions 185% of FPL. Was that the previous level?

Comment by some doofus Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:44 am
“Long-term stability” of the program is going to involve raising taxes. And that’s the catch. How much more are we willing to pay in state taxes for the program at various levels of income eligibility. Because it sure doesn’t look like we can count on the feds paying a higher proportion of these costs in the future.

There would be less need for this kind of income supplementation if the business community paid higher wages. We haven’t heard much talk about that, either, in a state whose politicians, many of them wealthy (not just the guv) claim to be for the little guy, These same politicians show a deep, bipartisan reluctance to, say, close any tax loopholes at all.

Comment by Cassandra Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:46 am
Paraphrasing:
‘One small step for sanity, one giant leap for some IL citizens.’

Comment by sal-says Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:47 am
Back to the World War I analogy–Illinois with Rauner as Governor is the front line between national Republican policies and those of the blue Democrats who are otherwise strongly in control here. In effect, Illinois is northwest France from 1914-18. If this were Kansas (which can be analogized to Germany proper way behind the lines), the child care cuts would not have been reversed. But in Illinois, frontal assaults against the strongly entrenched blue power structure simply will not work. A Rauner victory will require other, more ingenious tactics.

Comment by Quiet Sage Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:49 am
===185% of FPL. Was that the previous level? ===

Yes.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:49 am
Is this another example of “Winning?”

Comment by Norseman Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:49 am
I meant northeast France.

Comment by Quiet Sage Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:51 am
Does == …the serious, good-faith negotiations by members of the legislature… ==
actually mean: ‘getting hammered by his own caucus’? If not, what did Raunner get in return in the ‘negtiations’?

Comment by sal-says Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:51 am
And does anyone trust the Governor not to restrict the program again, next time he doesn’t get his way!! I know I don’t…

Comment by Miss(ing) Summer Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:58 am
Translation: I knew I was going to be overridden, so I decided to make lemonade out of lemons.

Comment by Tommydanger Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:05 am
I believe Rich mentioned this, but is it possible that there were going to be several GOP votes on SB 570, as some GOP legislators begin to peel off after pressure from their districts? It seems this “deal” would have been a way to save face for the Governor, while not throwing GOP members under the bus yet again with a horrible vote against Child Care.

Comment by Xavier Woods Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:06 am
Thanks, Thoughts Matter. I read it too fast. Still, I do wonder why BVR backed down (to the extent that he did). Thought the bill might pass with enough votes to override a veto?

Comment by UIC Guy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:10 am
Your headline: Rauner Reverses Course.

Upcoming Trib editorial?:
Madigan surrenders, Rauner winning.

Comment by Keyrock Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:12 am
B.. B.. But the Dems have a Supermajority!

snark

Comment by walker Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:13 am
So much for the Gov being unwilling to compromise. Will it be seen that way by MJM, or will he mistakenly think he’s winning?

Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:15 am
Fire, ready, aim

Cut, inflict pain, negotiate

Most likely, aside from the public outcry, rauner couldnt afford the precedent of repubs voting w the dems. Some hostages become too expensive to hang onto.

Comment by Langhorne Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:16 am
What does this do for the Republicans who voted NO on SB 570?

Comment by nona Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:17 am
- Lincoln Lad -,

If anything, it’s Rauner stepping out of the way of being overridden, and Raunerite Caucus members “hanging in there” to have a bad vote hung on them.

This isn’t even in the ball park of a compromise move, as much as its a saving face move, if a choice needs to be made.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:22 am
The Tribbies told Rauner to ignore the Surrender Illinois Caucus, but they’ll praise him (as a hero) for saving poor children from Madigan’s intransigence. Wait for it.

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:25 am
LL, it’s not really a compromise when you’re about to get beat.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:27 am
Is Mom taking over Dad’s Home State (at least for an episode)?

Comment by Keyrock Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:27 am
I’m still trying to figure out the subtext here. Rauner says this comes out of ‘bipartisan discussion’, but not that there was any special bipartisan agreement on these terms.

When Hutchison says she’ll hold her bill only if there is “immediate relief”, do Rauner’s terms meet her definition of immediate relief? That might mean Rauner’s compromise is a tentative bipartisan agreement.

If not, his ‘compromise’ may be aimed merely at giving wavering Republican legislators a better platform to resist the terms of the Hutchison bill.

Does anyone know the difference in numbers of eligible families and in fiscal impact between the Rauner terms and the SB570 terms?

Comment by some doofus Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:28 am
===Is Mom taking over Dad’s Home State (at least for an episode)?===

I’m sure there are producers working with writers on an episode with Diana besting Bruce, but getting those waivers sign for that episode is going to be very tricky.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:32 am
This is precisely the course of action that someone who is willing to take the arrows would take. /s

Comment by Juice Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:34 am
I’m hope I’m wrong, but something smells funny about this deal.

Comment by Mama Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:36 am
Reminds me of a Don Rickles story:

Frank Sinatra saved my life once. These two big goons were just beatin’ the hell out me in a Vegas parking. Then Frank said, “Okay, boys — he’s had enough.”

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:36 am
-OW-
Without a doubt it’s in anticipation of an override. But the voting public will see it as an effort at compromise. If that is used (and it already looks like it will be), as a ploy to try and now push the override, the override will be seen by many members of the collar county public as gamesmanship by the Speaker. The target date of the 2016 district races is the bigger game here. It’s a chess match, and like the legislative raises, the Speaker is late to act. The ads are likely being planned already.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:36 am
MrJM

+1

Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:38 am
Just speculating, but it seems that by not letting the GOP vote on SB570, they are still going to have to live with the image that they’re all in on those original cuts. Bipartisan usually entails work between parties, not just one side. Whatever good it might have done the GOP ’shrooms, it ain’t gonna fit in a 30 sec ad buy.

Comment by Not quite a majority Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:38 am
===But the voting public will see it as an effort at compromise. If that is used (and it already looks like it will be), as a ploy to try and now push the override, the override will be seen by many members of the collar county public as gamesmanship by the Speaker.===

Nah.

Republican legislators were… crying.

Understand?

People already know Rauner owns this. Your moving parts scenario is a bunch of wishful thinking. The crying GOP legislators say it’s so.

Rauner was going to get run over, hanging Raunerite members out.

As for the Ads,

Macro versus micro, and Rauner’s own choices can’t be explained away.

Rauner wears the collar, the “compromise” was to save face. Today.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:42 am
On the governin’ — “Additionally, the governor’s office will establish a bipartisan, bicameral task force aimed at ensuring the long-term stability of the program.”

Let’s hope there is a Superstar in there that is an expert on the Child Care Dev Block Grant. It seems that besides the hostage needing triage, the Administration was swimming in some dark water (Feds).

Comment by cdog Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:43 am
==But the voting public will see it as an effort at compromise.==

The voting public probably won’t “see” it at all. Like the legislative raises you mentioned, now that the issue is passed and the public got the outcome it “wanted”, it’s not going to pay much attention to how that sausage was made.

Comment by Arsenal Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:50 am
Think about it - Targeted Dems will have their races next November defined through ads linking them to the Speaker. Personally political, self serving, business as usual in Springfield as the Speaker’s pawn. Legislative raises? Sure, until the Gov stepped in. Override? Only after the Gov offered a compromise giving in. All political, self serving, and business as usual. Join the Gov and elect people committed to change. 364 days till Election Day. If you don’t think a candidate can be demonized through a well funded ad campaign, irrespective of truth… Well then “what was she thinking?”

Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:04 pm
“it’s not going to pay much attention to how that sausage was made. ”

Unless the sausage plant continues to take dangerous cost saving short cuts, hidden from the few remaining inspectors, and people get sick and die from salmonella, staph, e. coli, listeria, etc. /s

Comment by cdog Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:05 pm
===Think about it===

I have. Republican legislators cried.

===Targeted Dems will have their races next November defined through ads linking them to the Speaker.===

I’ve seen that movie. “Fire Madigan 2.0″, even with a million dollars, macro versus micro is a losing proposal.

===Well then “what was she thinking?”===

What was she thinking was about the candidate

Connecting a candidate to Madigan is NOT even close to “what’s she thinking”

You think attaching themselves to Rauner is good? Polling seems to say otherwise to Rauner’s own popularity.

Rauner got beat today. Rauner’s making lemonade. If I’m Rauner’s Crew, hearing about crying “Raunerites” they thought they “owned”, that’s the thought process.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:11 pm
“I have agreed to hold it only as long as a the temporary rule is actually passed in the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on Nov. 17,”

Corresponding permanent rules are already on the Nov. 17 JCAR meeting agenda. Does Sen. Hutchinson mean she will hold off voting on SB 570 if JCAR and DHS agree to include the same changes/concessions in the permanent rule?

Comment by Secret Square Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:13 pm
Show of hands who is thinkin’ this is a “deal”
Yup not even Toi.

Comment by Anonin' Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:15 pm
- some doofus - Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:28 am:

“I’m still trying to figure out the subtext here. Rauner says this comes out of ‘bipartisan discussion’, but not that there was any special bipartisan agreement on these terms.”

*****

Bipartisan, hmmm, initials DMR???

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:16 pm
Anon221,
>Bipartisan, hmmm, initials DMR?

(Isn’t BVR? but anyway.)

Hutchison says she has agreed to hold her bill only if …

That implies she has agreed to hold it.

So the question isn’t whether there is an agreement. The question is whether that agreement is with Rauner, or with some group of legislators, perhaps Republicans with some sort of blessing from Rauner; and how close what Rauner did relates to what the agreement stipulated.

Comment by some doofus Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:26 pm
== Legislative raises? Sure, until the Gov stepped in.==

Nah, they’re still legislative races. You don’t get too many miles out of asking people to vote against someone who isn’t actually on their ballot.

Comment by Arsenal Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:31 pm
some doofus-

My reply was a bit of snark- DMR is his wife Diana (Democrat).

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:31 pm
It would be better if the Senate voted on the bill, and then filed a motion to reconsider.

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:32 pm
BTW these thoughts from the SPOX are scarin’ lots of workers and families…”Other eligibility and restrictions will also be lifted pending further review and legislative consultation. Additionally, the governor’s office will establish a bipartisan, bicameral task force aimed at ensuring the long-term stability of the program.”… lifted pending further review which means we can whack ya again….and a commission run by who Slip&Sue, Wingman? No thanks

Comment by Anonin' Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:34 pm
So many people hurt by this in the meanwhile.

Comment by Albany Park Patriot Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:35 pm
I wonder if this maneuver is to pave the way for something else which would not be seen well in contrast to the Child care rules? I wouldn’t be surpised to see an EDGE grant or some corporate welfare biggie coming out shortly. This would clear the way for it morally. The public attention is very short. Just wondering. Think there is any validity to it?

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:39 pm
–It would be better if the Senate voted on the bill, and then filed a motion to reconsider–

Absolutely. You have the votes, the Gov is in full retreat. Get a better deal when you have the affirmed vote hanging over his head. Direct force appears to be the only thing to which he will respond.

Comment by unspun Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:48 pm
To the “Update x 3″

===It is my full intent to run SB 570 tomorrow afternoon in the House of Representatives. This legislation brings long term stability back to the Child Care Assistance Program.===

Lots of “Crying Republicans” tomorrow, or dutiful Owls refusing to help people because of the $20 million hammer?

Let’s ask The Owl; People? Governor Rauner?

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

“What does ‘The Owl’ say?”

This vote tomorrow, all about the plain fact, after the Good Friday Massacre, no one trusts Bruce Rauner…

… except the Owls. They don’t cry, they hoot.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:49 pm
===“What does ‘The Owl’ say?”===

Figuring they’ll all vote Present.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:52 pm
“Owls Molt To Pressure; Become Chickens”

The bulbs on those yellow lights might need replacing soon.

===Figuring they’ll all vote Present.===

Yep. That’s the call.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:55 pm
OK - I think it is time to have Janet Reno send the tanks into Rauner’s compound so save the children.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 1:02 pm
OW-

Don’t they need some more lights for the Capitol Dome??? Yellow is so pretty against the snow:) That way the GA still has their green and red buttons for Xmas.

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 1:07 pm
- Anon221 -,

In this case, it’s amusing at times to see Owls hoot and hoot and when the bell rings, the press “Yellow”.

It’s the little things, really.

Will there be enough to override? I’ll be here tomorrow to find out… and all the details too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 1:11 pm
So, this legislation absolutely couldn’t pass because it would force an increase in taxes. But this change will bring financial responsibility. Got it. I guess there’s different math for different situations.

Comment by Demoralized Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 1:20 pm
For those that do choose to vote Present, here is their new theme song. After all, it’s all about them, and not the People they chose to serve.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAAKPJEq1Ew

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 1:25 pm
=== “Figuring they’ll all vote present.” ===

Awkward conversation with the legislative team:

“The governor is still in the process of sawing the branch of the tree, so we need you to stay out on the limb a little longer.

Also, milk and cookies before nap time have been replaced with water and saltines.”

Comment by Juvenal Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 1:46 pm
“Yellow is so pretty against the snow:)” Well….that depends on the context, now doesn’t it?

Comment by Skeptic Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 1:48 pm
Skeptic- You had to go there, didn’t you:) (And, I know, I know, not a good post in this case either!)

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 1:55 pm
Anon221: A little Frank Zappa reference on a Monday afternoon can’t be a bad thing, can it?

Comment by Skeptic Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 2:07 pm
Nope;)

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 2:08 pm
So, he reversed the eligibility requirements…but is the program funded to pay for this reversal or is it still only funded with the federal portion?

Comment by PVB Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 2:21 pm
Wait a minute. Isn’t this rule change one the things we paid Donna Arduin $165,000 for? And we are just throwing it away after just a few months? There’s some disappointing ROI on that deal . . .

Comment by Henry Francis Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 2:44 pm
Emily Miller is the goods.

Splendid behavior.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 2:50 pm
The Rauner Press Shop could learn a great deal from that one Emily Miller email.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 3:15 pm
If there’s sudden cooperation, I fear someone (*cough* AFSCME *cough*) has been sold out.

Comment by CharlieKratos Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 4:03 pm
You said it Charlie!

Comment by present Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 7:07 pm
HF, Rauner is the boss, Arduin was the hired help.

What I find curious is that with all the money shelled out to her, she didn’t leave behind an “economic analysis” of all the wondermagical benefits of the “Turnaround Agenda.”

That’s what the snake-oil purveyors of Arduin, Laffer and Moore (aka Dewey, Cheatham and Howe) do. That’s their bread and butter. Give them a number and they’ll hit it, for a price.

The fact that they didn’t leave a parting gift for
Rauner in the form of a b-s “analysis” is shocking,

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 8:04 pm
– Figuring they’ll all vote present.–

And trot out Rep. Ives, again, to give the intellectual argument for abandoning the most important GOP domestic initiative of the past 30 years?

For crying out loud, this was welfare reform! You want to drive these folks from their low-paying jobs back on the dole? Do the math!

Vote present? Present?

Cry me a river, you cowardly hacks.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 8:52 pm