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The human cost of the impasse

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Illinois

* AP…

After the Mississippi River flooded four years ago, more than 100 Illinois families agreed – some reluctantly – to sell their homes to the government for demolition so they could move to higher ground.

With the paperwork finally coming together last spring on a partial state match for the buyouts of 111 properties, many owners signed contracts on new homes and started packing boxes. Then Illinois lawmakers hit an impasse on a state budget, which may not get solved until next year, leaving the transactions in limbo.

“We want to move on and get out of this mess, and we can’t do anything,” said Vella Friedman, 68, of Olive Branch, a tiny community that was among the hardest hit. […]

The program is just one of many caught up in the fight between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democrats who run the General Assembly over the budget and the new governor’s pro-business agenda. While the standoff continues, state agencies do not have full authority to spend money. […]

Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly pinned blame on Democrats, saying the state can’t make the payments “because the majority party failed to pass a balanced budget.”

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:11 am

Comments

===“because the majority party failed to pass a balanced budget.”===

Are you saying that if Ken Dunkin hadn’t defected to the Rauner caucus, the democrats would have solved your mess already?

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:17 am
Imagine what could be accomplished if all the politicians stopped using their time, talents and resources on different ways to blame the other guy.

Comment by Cable Line Beer Gardener Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:18 am
== “because the majority party failed to pass a balanced budget.” ==

Governor Rauner’s proposed budget wasn’t balanced either; Ms. Kelly seems to have a difficult time grasping that, which blunts any impact her blame game might have.

But yeah, a lot less finger-pointing and a lot more action would be nice…from both sides.

Comment by thunderspirit Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:21 am
Those Olive Branch folks need to call Rep. Ken Dunkin’. He is the only elected official who can get to Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Comment by Austin Blvd Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:21 am
ck- appreciate the updated Word Scramble. It makes no more sense than the old one, but it’s nice to see the variety.

Comment by Keyrock Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:24 am
Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly pinned blame on Democrats, saying the state can’t make the payments “because the majority party failed to pass a balanced budget.”

The Eskimos may have 100 words for “snow”, but Ms. Kelly definitely has more than 100 ways to say “because Madigan!”

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:26 am
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/30450574/state-buyouts-of-flood-damaged-property-stall

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:27 am
This is a business the state should never have gotten involved in. The Friedmans from Olive Branch are bent out of shape because they don’t have their money yet SO THEY CAN MOVE TO MISSOURI!

Comment by Collinsville Kevin Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 11:23 am
Most of this will be FEMA money to move people out of this floodplain so taxpayers are not picking up the tab ever again. It’s been done in communities across the country for years. If they want to move to Missouri, let them be.

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/10/20/357611987/map-femas-buying-out-flood-prone-homes-but-not-where-you-might-expect

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 11:37 am
Perhaps someone could ask ck why this item did not appear on the various lists the SuperStars have been passin’ around.

Comment by Anonin' Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 11:48 am
Want to know if you are in a FEMA floodplain area?

http://www.illinoisfloodmaps.org/

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 11:49 am
Why is the state involved on this?

Comment by The Way I See It Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 11:55 am
By law, those Federal programs pass through the states on the way to local jurisdictions. They also require a 25% non-Federal cost share, which is often provided by the states.

Comment by Threepwood Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 12:06 pm
The compassion on this page is astounding. People lost their homes for Gods sake. We should try to help them.

Comment by Mokenavince Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 12:59 pm
Well it’s not like anyone important lost there house. Why don’t these little people go away and let the good people like Bruce & Rahm enjoy their tuna steak & wine in peace? After all, they worked SO hard for everything they have.

Comment by James Knell Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:16 pm
Rauner failed to submit a balanced budget as well…. and he coumd line item veto as well to reduce amounts and have kept it in place… so the gov is the reason catherine

Comment by Ghost Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:21 pm
A Trib story is up about the Illinois Finance Authority freeing up some funds — and another triumphant photo of Rauner.

Comment by Keyrock Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:16 pm
This program is an excellent example of what government does right.

For a long time, we have spent tons of money trying (typically in vain) to save people and property from flooding. If we fail, government and insurance spend tons of money helping the people recover. They repair and rebuild. But unfortunately, too often they flood over and over, costing money and risking lives.

This program purchases properties at a fair price on a voluntary basis. People can then afford to move to a location out of the flood plain. The land can then be used for parks and open space which won’t be hurt by flooding. Plus the open land absorbs flood water and reduces the impact elsewhere.

Comment by Chicago Guy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:22 pm
When this program works nothing happens. We had records floods on the lower Illinois River this year and there wasn’t a Federally Declared Disaster. The reason is that the most flood-prone homes had been bought out and the damages were limited.

Comment by Hatless Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:48 pm
Hi, ck-

At some point, a thoughtful response from the Press Shop would be nice to read.

I’d like to think a better work-product would be encouraged. I guess not(?)

Thanks,
ow

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 4:06 pm
Unbelievable–don’t attempt to specifically address an issue–just blame the Democrats for everything! Well, I guess the Democrats were to blame for the flood as well. Real lives are being impacted here and the Administration’s response is to automatically throw the blame on someone else. This is exactly why there are a whole lot of people out here who are extremely displeased with the Governor.

Comment by kenny16 Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:20 pm