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Question of the day

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Let me be very clear about what would have happened without a deal in place — what would have happened had the House or Senate passed SB 570. Child care income-eligibility would have stayed at 50 percent of the federal poverty level for at least another 60 days as we waited for the governor to veto the bill.

Countless working moms and dads would have quit their jobs and dropped out of school.

Countless child care providers would have gone out of business — leaving parents without child care options even if the legislature eventually overrode the governor’s veto in January. Letting that happen would mean breaking my promise to my constituents.

To be clear: a vote for SB 570, after the deal was struck, was a vote to slash child care and deny access to tens of thousands of families.

* He’s right.

And that’s part of why so many Democrats are so extremely upset about this process.

The governor would have protected his rulemaking ability on the Child Care Assistance Program by slow-walking a veto for 60 days while providers went out of business and parents had to choose between work and welfare.

That’s pretty darned heartless, if you ask me.

* But Dunkin’s also right that this was a decent compromise. Sen. Toi Hutchinson and Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth got a good deal out of Rauner.

Will the governor renege? Time will tell, but people have to start learning to trust each other or nothing will get done for the next three years, or seven if Rauner is reelected.

* The most infuriating aspect to this story for many is the involvement of Rep. Dunkin, who has a better reputation for his taste in clothes than his legislative abilities. I get it. Totally.

But take Dunkin out of the equation for a moment. What if a respected state legislator was saying things like this?…

“What’s wrong with negotiating with each other whether you’re Republican or Democrat? It makes no difference. People want to see functionable government,”

Or this?…

“They should be talking, and that’s part of the problem. That’s the real issue here,” Dunkin said. “Leaders are not talking with each other. They haven’t talked since May, as I understand it. That’s insane. And so they want to vilify me, for what?”

Is he self-serving? Yep. Disingenuous? I’m pretty sure he is.

But is he really that wrong? I mean, most people say those very same things right here in comments every single day.

* The deal cut with Rauner was the governor would agree to roll back most of the cuts in exchange for the childcare bill not moving. That sort of deal happens all the freaking time. The difference is that Speaker Madigan is the one who always signs off on those deals. This time he didn’t. Lots of people don’t like that.

But times have changed. And even if Dunkin loses his Democratic primary next March he’ll still be in office until January of 2017. Are y’all really willing to wait that long for a resolution to this mess or are you finally willing to move ahead and find a way to end this insanity?

That last sentence will serve as today’s question.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 12:56 pm

Comments

Dunkin stands alone as the Reasonable Man. Good for him and God help us.

Comment by old pol Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:01 pm
===Are y’all really willing to wait that long for a resolution to this mess or are you finally willing to move ahead and find a way to end this insanity?

That last sentence will serve as today’s question.===

Frankly Rich, asking us this question is irrelevant regardless of which side people come down on.

But I’ve got your back when you ask it to the governor and legislators.

Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:02 pm
Do the doable.

Structured roll calls, based on trust, agreeing to vote totals, the governor not vetoing or AVing the agreed bills, signing the bills, and spending at the agreed levels.

Enough.

Do the doable, move off the impossible.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:04 pm
===“What’s wrong with negotiating with each other whether you’re Republican or Democrat? It makes no difference. People want to see functionable government,”===

Just because the moral high ground wasn’t being occupied by anyone else, doesn’t mean Dunkin’s attempt to seize it is genuine or sincere.

It’s good spin though. In this case, try as I might, I can’t separate the message from the messenger. I know him too well to try that.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:06 pm
Thank you Rich. Agree 100%.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:06 pm
I personally disagree with this premise. Rep. Dunkin’s actions this week are not a step forward in finding a way to end this insanity.

Comment by slow down Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:07 pm
“Are y’all really willing to wait that long for a resolution to this mess or are you finally willing to move ahead and find a way to end this insanity?”

I think I’ve always been willing to move ahead & find a way to end this insanity. (But I would think that, wouldn’t I?)

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:07 pm
Of course he’s self-serving and disingenuous; those words are synonymous with Ken Dunkin (and a fair number of other politicians, for that matter).

But no, that doesn’t make him wrong. If he legitimately made this deal for the reasons stated, good on him for it. I suspect otherwise, but that will come out in the wash eventually.

As to the question of the day: I would love to see an end to the insanity, from both sides.

Comment by thunderspirit Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:09 pm
Willing to move ahead and find a way to end this insanity, but hoping that Dunkin’s constituents recognize his actions for what they are and not what he’s trying to portray them to be.

Unfortunately, these days an informed voter is as rare as a three-legged unicorn.

Comment by CharlieKratos Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:12 pm
Dunkin was one of several Co-Sponsors to the original bills, and he signed on after several others had already. IMO, he disrespected the original Sponsors, and continues to do so by saying it was all ME in the media. Rauner can promise all he wants, but until I see him actually follow through, I will remain deeply skeptical. So, it may take a while longer (into January 2016), but it sure as ____ shouldn’t take until next March by all parties involved!

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:13 pm
So wait, Rauner releases one of the hostages he took in the first place — only when faced with a veto — yet somehow in this premise *Madigan* is the one playing politics?

“Because, Madigan” indeed I guess.

Comment by ChicagoVinny Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:14 pm
So Dunkin was suggesting that the Governor would slow walk his veto, harming child care providers and the families they serve, for what? Spite?

Sounds like a lot of post facto attempt to justify what otherwise appears to have been personal opportunism for him. Maybe Rauner finds him corrupt but willing to be corrupt for Rauner’s agenda?

Sorry that doesn’t address the QOTD, but I had to ask those rhetorical questions.

Comment by Concerned Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:17 pm
This is what’s fascinating about politics. While sources of problems are usually well known and telegraphed (if not acknowledged), SOLUTIONS often come from the unlikeliest of sources, and often gain originally unintended momentum.

Let’s hope, for the sake of Illinois, that this is one of those cases….

Comment by Arizona Bob Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:18 pm
===the Governor would slow walk his veto, harming child care providers and the families they serve, for what? Spite?===

Leverage in the negotiations. Distasteful in the extreme, but it got the task done.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:19 pm
==are you finally willing to move ahead and find a way to end this insanity?==

Sure. But Dunkin is part of that insanity. He blew off the original child care bill, while another representative left her deathbed to make sure her vote counted. This selfish maneuvering has to end by all parties involved.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:22 pm
===Distasteful in the extreme,===

Lol. Madigan prefers to be moderately distasteful.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:22 pm
LOL - sorry I don’t believe Dunkin. I think Dunkin is for Dunkin and the reality is Rauner has been holding this entire process hostage on the backs of kids and seniors for months. Now some of you are actually upset about it? Don’t make me laugh. We have yet to see what Dunkin has got in return for his partnership with Rauner.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:22 pm
And Dunkin may be in office until 2017, but he may be “limping and quacking” during that period. Or, Rauner may reward him with an Agency position between now and then. Someone may replace Madigan, but I don’t think it will be Dunkin in the long run.

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:23 pm
As much as the Raunerites are working overtime to try to save Mr. Dunkin - it is very clear a deal was cut and that he isn’t Mr. Ken “I care about the people” Dunkin.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:24 pm
Maybe I’m wrong, but I thought Rich has acknowledged two instances already where Rauner has already compromised. Has Madigan done the same, in any way?

Comment by Downstate Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:24 pm
===the Governor would slow walk his veto, harming child care providers and the families they serve, for what? Spite?===

“Bruce has no social agenda” - Diana Rauner.

The President of Ounce of Prevention’s silence is deafening…

… but the President of Ounce made it clear who she was supporting.

Thank goodness Ken Dunkin was there.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:25 pm
===harming child care providers and the families they serve===

And which side decided these would be their human shields?

Enough distaste to go around for everyone.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:25 pm
Slow Down @ 1:07 is part of the problem.

We need compromise. We need solutions. We need to get our state functioning again. I don’t care who leads, even if it’s Ken Dunkin or Jack Franks or Avery Bourne or John Cabello. Somebody. Anybody.

Comment by Anon2U Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:26 pm
I get the distaste for Rep. Dunkin, but Rich’s post is very well put. Let’s remember something else that’s a very key component in all of this. The Illinois House and the U.S. House are very similar in operations. They’re both very tightly-run and often times top heavy. What happens with that set up?! Over time, power is so concentrated in the hands of one or a handful of people that it doesn’t matter if there’s an uprising. It doesn’t matter if a maverick group of 15 Dems and 10 Republicans get together - which of course happened in late summer and early fall - and hammer out feasible policy agreements. Speaker Gingrich was a lot more open to ideas and initiatives than Speaker Hastert and Majority Leader DeLay - and it showed.

Speaker Madigan gets a lot carte blanche on this site, and again that’s deserved. But most everyone on this site takes him at his word in reference to the Election Night call debacle and the Governor’s claim that calls for meetings have gone unanswered. Why?! Why isn’t it possible that there’s plenty of blame to go around? Who’s truly at fault for meetings not happening? It’s hard to believe it’s Cullerton, and I’m sure both Durkin and Radogno would jump at the chance for leader meetings.

Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:28 pm
IMHO, the insanity will end only when the Governor and the four legislative leaders accept equal ownership of and responsibility for the need to raise taxes and cut spending.

Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:29 pm
Yes I want the insanity to end. Am I wrong in thinking that if Dunkin showed up instead of his New York trip that the insanity might have already ended? I take umbrage at the fact that this guy totally skipped out on his duties while furthering the chaos and now can be the face of diligence. Give me a break.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:29 pm
I almost threw something at my television last night when Dunkin told Carol Marin the “the governor worked it out with myself and a Senate sponsor”. I know that Senator, and know how hard that person worked to do a deal, and the amazing allies he/she had to get the deal done. Ken Dunkin was not a player of any substance. I’m livid because he’s trying to grab the credit for making this happen. Nothing humble about Ken. As the phrase goes, never get between Ken and a camera.

That said, the real dealmakers did a hell of a job. There are other deals to be made, but it will take some specific people allowing months of vitriol and rancor be put aside. Easier said than done. But it is possible.

Comment by Archiesmom Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:33 pm
As a teen, not a good one, if I knew I was in deep trouble, I would just stay away from home until, my thinking, my parent would just be happy to know I was alive rather than upset at my bad actions. When the question is whether we should wait until January 2017, when this might be resolved by Dem majority, or deal now on terms that favor one side or the other, I don’t believe we should be applauding or forgetting the bad behavior that led us here. Threatening and harming vulnerable citizens, and businesses, to gain leverage over the other side in disputes is repugnant behavior. To say let bygones be bygones and just move forward, for the sake of an agreement which has not been defined or articulated, is looking past deplorable actions. I trust that Rich and many others here know of or are related to someone who has been adversely affected by the changes in child care and elderly care programs, as I know I am. If this is the sort of politics that happens all the time, then we need to change the politics and certainly stop talking like it is strategy in a game. These people are not game pieces, their lives are not just collateral damage to leaders egos and interests. It’s all damn sickening. I cannot applaud or endorse the recent “movement” toward a budget because we still have no idea what that budget looks like and how many more citizens will be harmed or rewarded when our elected officials decide to do the job we elected them, and pay them, to perform.

Comment by not so simple Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:41 pm
With combined vote of from black caucus and GOP?

Comment by Speaker Dunkin,...? Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:44 pm
= With combined vote of from black caucus and GOP?=

Please tell me that was a joke.

Comment by Archiesmom Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:50 pm
not so simple- very well said!

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:50 pm
- Leverage in the negotiations. Distasteful in the extreme, but it got the task done. -

Got what task done? Rauner reversed himself, and now we’re back where we started with fewer hostages.

I get that the House GOPers got to take one less vote that would hurt them, but I fail to see where Rauner accomplished anything.

I’m fine with everyone moving on, but don’t see any increase in leverage for the Governor that should force Democrats to abandon their principles to appease him.

Comment by Daniel Plainview Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:51 pm
Illinois being Illinois, it may be too much to ask to expect an end to the insanity. After all, how long have we had “insanity” in state government?

Shakin’ up Springfield seemed a good campaign slogan, and the status quo got us into this mess in the first place, but the impasse goes past Shakin’ up Springfield to an even worse insanity.

If it’s for CapFax readers, the Question of the Day is directed to the wrong people. Only the governor and Four Tops can end the insanity.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:57 pm
I could not care less about the 2016 election. Any way to let the governor retreat from his destructive strategy is ok by me.

Personally, I think some House GOP members are driving the retreat, and Dunkin is a front to allow the governor to save face.

But that’s ok, too.

Still a long way to go before the heavy lifting.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:58 pm
In his own mind, Dunkin’ is right. But the reality is that Dunkin’ got played by Rauner and the frat boys. He was used.
Sorry Ken.

Comment by Austin Blvd Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:01 pm
@Rich +10000000

Says it all.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:08 pm
===the Question of the Day is directed to the wrong people===

100 percent wrong.

Do you think this site functions in a vacuum?

The Democrats ain’t gonna stop being angry and accept the new reality without some education and lots of civil nudging.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:11 pm
===The Democrats ain’t gonna stop being angry and accept the new reality without some education and lots of civil nudging.===

Amen to that.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:19 pm
If anything can be accomplished Nov. 18th, I’d like to see the 5 in the room look at where things they can agree on and agree to move on those budgetary items as a first “good faith” move that they agree “these” budgetary items can not only move, put pass, and hold each other accountable to those opening “cards” being played.

Trust must be the order of the day.

It’s too late to “build it”, it’s now time to own your words, all 5 of you, and show each other, trust.

Do the doable. Begin.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:22 pm
If Dunkin is grabbing credit he doesn’t completely deserve (true), he’s also being demonized far more than he deserves despite the good that came through the Gov changing his position. Ken played some part, if only as the guy who became important by missing the votes on override. The Speaker scapegoated him, the Gov is now talking to him, and something positive has happened. That is a good thing all in all for childcare in Illinois.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:30 pm
Yes. Move on. Compromise on a few things on turnaround agenda (ideally workers comp + fairmaps, or workers comp + something else) in exchange for greater good of a budget.

Comment by Go Huskies Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:31 pm
The Turnaround agenda. Poison Pills. Nothing has changed.

Comment by tobor Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:36 pm
I think the most important change the past week is the messaging from Rauner’s office. It’s adult, serious and what I’d expect from the governor of this state. He’s doing his job now. Let’s hope this continues.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:37 pm
Here is the deal to be struck. The Democrats will vote for work comp reform, UI reform, and tort reform. The Republicans in return can vote for legislation authorizing late term abortions, gun restrictions and higher taxes. Everyone cuts off their funding and voting base! Then we can do the budget.

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:42 pm
No matter who says it, “functionable” isn’t a word.

Comment by X-prof Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:44 pm
The end justifies the means broadcast who’s more insane for all to behold.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:49 pm
Pivot and move forward.
Speaker Madigan, could you propose language moving more positions out of the union? You gave Quinn more than he took. What about mandatory arbitration in school disputes? It was Ok for state workers and few people want a CPS strike.

All, could we go back to 3 person Representative districts? Maybe 120 Reps with 60 Senators. The State needs DuPage Democrats and Chicago Republicans.

Can we find a common enemy in the illegal trade in recreational drugs? That drives much of the street violence in Chicago and 633 heroin overdoses statewide.

And find us about $6 billion per year in revenue. That is a hard ask. But I would dig deep to pay my share.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:49 pm
This was completely avoidable.
The reason it happened was because of Mr. “hit ‘em hard and hit ‘em fast”, his continued campaigning after the inauguration, his double crossing of his own political party during negotiations, and his inability to find a moment of humble servitude as a governor.

He has been like a big bad wolf that huffed, puffed, scare everyone into ground, then mistakenly showed that he had no teeth. Rauner overplayed a weak hand, doubled down repeatedly, and burned every bridge to prove some kind of point.

Completely avoidable.

Stop electing rich outsiders with nothing but disgust and disrespect towards government services and expecting miracles based upon “business-type reforms”.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:56 pm
I’m inclined to agree that the deal Dunkin claims credit for made a purse (though not a silk one) out of a sow’s ear, and may even show some glimmer of diplomacy here.

However, Dunkin has also said that he would have supported the override of the “no strike” veto had he been in town. His failure to do so may have opened the door to Rauner, but put that back on the board (I’ve already identified one vehicle here) and let’s see what he does.

Comment by David Starrett Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:56 pm
even a broken clock is right twice a day…..

Comment by Ghost Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:02 pm
Dunkin has an advanced case of Stockholm Syndrome. How can we take that out of the equation?

Comment by Dome Gnome Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:17 pm
== But is he really that wrong? I mean, most people say those very same things right here in comments every single day. ==

Maybe; but waitin’ to hear this from some Repub GA members. Hearin’ silence?

Comment by sal-says Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:19 pm
The fact that he did it on his own accord is suspect…share the victory withevthevleaders and/or the caucus…

Comment by Loop Lady Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:30 pm
Typing stuck in traffic is never a good idea…

Comment by Loop Lady Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:31 pm
As I said yesterday, this issue probably ended up where it should have.

Though it’s hard to gauge how much Rauner actually was driven by retaining his rulemaking powers, versus holding the funding as leverage.

The problem is that there could not be a worse person in the GA to be the go-to for Rauner. As 47th said, I know him too well to separate the message from the messenger.

As to the comment that this blog is the wrong place to ask what to do — Some commenters here do in fact influence thinking on issues by legislators and staff in the Executive. As one who uses his own name, I get a some direct feedback confirming that. Some of the commonly used communications memes appeared here first (e.g. OW, Word). Might as well use the accumulated knowledge and experience of regular CapFax commenters.

Comment by walker Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:37 pm
Rich, I guess I kinda reject the premise of the question, maybe because I don’t see how Representative Dunkin’s actions moved the ball forward. But I guess I will say no, don’t want to see it go that long, just not seeing a path forward that will work. From what I can tell, there are three paths forward.

1. Grand bargain. Which is probably, but maybe not, the preferred Sen. President path. This would include passing work comp reform that does not include a causation standard, but could include real savings on the medical and/or indemnity side. Some minor changes on tort reform, and maybe something on property taxes (without collective bargaining changes) since PTELL governments would barely be impacted anyways in exchange for a balanced budget. But I don’t know if the Governor is willing to accept reforms that save money but avoid his ideological must haves. I also don’t think the Speaker is in a place where he even sees the value of putting these other things on the table at this point, since every other attempt he has made to go part of the way (certainly not half) has been met with it being called a sham.

2. Breaking down of the House GOP caucus. This is clearly the direction the Speaker wants to go. And he was close to beginning to place that wedge in, until the Governor released some of the hostages. If this is how the insanity ends, it has only been further delayed by what has happened this week.

3. Breaking off House Dem members. This has obviously been the plan since day 1. Right now the Governor has won over one member. And that member is not someone that his colleagues are itching to follow. And the pushback on this has probably unified Dems behind Madigan more, further delaying any movement that would precipitate this outcome. The Governor also didn’t particularly play his cards all that well since the members most likely to break with Madigan are probably more progressively minded, and the anti-Union stuff just pushed them to fall in line. I mean when your folks are holding up Guzzardi as one of the key people who are blindly following Madigan, it’s pretty clear you’re not exactly paying attention to reality or history. Maybe his team have never even heard of Toni Berrios, I don’t know.

Comment by Juice Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:39 pm
While thinkin’Dunkin’ really had much to with the outcome is amusing we know no one includin’The SuperStar #1 really knows what they are doing from one to the next. So to predict the governor would hold the bill 60 days is silly….he was folding to GOPie pressure.
Just remember how many UPturns have been made already. Sorry Capt Fax the explanation does wash

Comment by Anonin' Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:42 pm
Rich, what is the “compromise on labor issues, this year? so then he can “turnaround and do the same thing next year on education or whatever ALEC agenda he feels will help him. You cannot be that naïve.

Comment by Obamas Puppy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:49 pm
Sure, as soon as you logically explain what seems to be illogical to those who cannot comprehend.

Comment by Chicago 20 Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:58 pm
This story is an example of why compromise is so rare in Springfield. Both sides are only partially satisfied when a compromise is reached. Dunkin makes a compromise and now he has SEIU/welfare complex with pitchforks at his office. Way overblown.

Comment by NixonHead Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 4:16 pm
The notion that Dunkin has the stature and clout to negotiate a deal with the governor that no one else could strains credulity. Let’s get real. It was a pending revolt in the GOP ranks and the governor’s need to save face that drove this. Without that, Dunkin would deliver nada. Without that, the governor would remain unwilling to negotiate with anyone until the core of his T-agenda was granted. It’s not yet clear that this week’s developments signal a new willingness on Rauner’s part to negotiate his core agenda. We’ll see.

Although launched from the executive branch, rather than the legislature, the governor’s strategy is similar to what the Freedom Caucus in the US House attempts to do. That is, to abuse levers in our imperfect government structures to impose a radical, minority agenda when the necessary votes for democratic change are not there (not even close). I understand this sort of thing goes on all the time, but rarely has it been so extreme and so callous.

The outsized role of the personal wealth of just a few people –– in the governor’s election and in the war chest he now uses to intimidate the GA GOP –– is also a new and profoundly undemocratic development. This is how all the unnecessary, avoidable pain and damage wrought by Rauner (see V-man’s post) came to be.

It’s sad and frustrating that so much energy has been wasted on problems that didn’t exist prior to January while there has been no progress on the long-term structural problems that the state must face up to. The core structural problems can be found in Moody’s reports. The legitimate goals listed in the T-agenda (there are some) are of second-order importance at best. The rest are just the governor’s personal bugaboos; some seem likely to further damage the people and economy of Illinois.

None of this is an endorsement of the Democratic leadership. They have yet to step up and propose concrete solutions to the state’s problems. I don’t know where the initiative will come from. Maybe an alliance between moderate GOP and Dem legislators? IDK, but I certainly don’t see Dunkin as a leader moving anything forward.

Comment by X-prof Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 4:40 pm
Here’s the central flaw in Rep. Dunkin’s argument.

Yes, he’s right that the gov could slow walk a veto for 60 days and that would result in more child care businesses closing and children losing access to professional care.

But, Rep. Dunkin forgets that he was in New York in early September (approximately 60 days ago) when this first came up for a vote.

Had he been at the Capitol and voted for SB570 back in early September, the Rauner 60-day slow walk and veto would have ended … right about now and the House and Senate would have been voting this week to override the veto and IMMEDIATELY restore eligibility.

In light of that, the Representative’s sudden concern for the children seems a bit contrived.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 6:05 pm
wow, Brave Sir Robin, indeed…

Comment by morty Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 7:29 pm
X-prof @ 4:40 pm: “Maybe an alliance between moderate GOP and Dem legislators?”

A GOP and Dem alliance is the likely path to move forward and resolve the budget impasse.

Comment by Enviro Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:02 pm
When someone writes an paragraph he/she keeps the idea
of a user in his/her brain that how a user can be aware of it.

So that’s why this post is outstdanding. Thanks!

Comment by carbon fiber gear Wednesday, Nov 18, 15 @ 8:06 pm