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* For years while the legislative Republicans sat on their hands except to vote “No,” Democrats demanded that they produce their own plan. Whatever the topic of the day was, the GOP was way too often content to just sit back and lob rhetorical grenades.

And that brings us to today’s Eric Zorn column…

Illinois Democrats don’t seem to have a plan or a vision for the state that goes much beyond thwarting Rauner and preserving the dismal status quo. […]

But at least Rauner has a plan — a list of aspirational bullet points that he calls the “turnaround agenda,” and that others have taken to calling the “runaground agenda.”

What’s on a similar list for the Democrats, who control both chambers of the General Assembly? What are their bold counterproposals for getting the state budget and pension problems squared away and boosting the economy?

* Spokesmen for Cullerton and Madigan basically said they’re just trying to solve problems…

State Senate Democrats “try to be more collaborative than combative,” said John Patterson, spokesman for Senate President John Cullerton. He ticked off a list of Democratic priorities and accomplishments — including marriage equality, the abolition of the death penalty and child care for working families — and noted that Cullerton and his caucus are “focused on trying to find lasting, practical solutions to real-world problems rather than coming up with catch slogans.”

“We don’t have a big, glossy title for what we want to do,” said Steve Brown, spokesman for Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. “We’re trying get a budget, work on a plan to pay down the bills and come up with a pension fix that complies with court rulings. To do that we hope to work co-operatively and professionally with this governor.”

* The Question: Should the Democrats produce their own version of the Turnaround Agenda? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please, including what you think the Democrats should do, if anything.

online surveys

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 12:44 pm

Comments

No thanks! Pass a state budget first. There should be no more distractions such as an alternate turnaround agenda.

Comment by Enviro Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 12:50 pm
I was critical of the Republicans of doing nothing even when they had no voice or power. For the super majority party who can pass legislation (including a budget) and over-ride the Governor’s veto to do absolutely nothing is insane.

All they can do is say they passed a budget with a $4 billion shortfall. If it’s that great pass it again and over-ride the veto. Otherwise get to work on some solutions.

Cullerton and Rauner could probably come to a deal (even with the Governor screwing it up) but Madigan has to get off his rear. Outside of the Blago years, Madigan has been a poison to Illinois.

Comment by Ahoy! Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 12:51 pm
No. This would just add more refuse to the bonfire. Best thing right now is to focus on budget.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 12:52 pm
The problem with agendas is you have to prioritize them when negotiating. And not everyone on your side may have the same priorities. Your negotiating team throws out or significantly changes agenda item F and that might be priority number one to a bunch of your members. Now you just ticked off your own supporters.

Comment by Been There Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 12:53 pm
Yep, having an agenda and being able enunciate its benefits puts clear chouces to the public beyond just rhetoric

Comment by The Way I See It Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 12:55 pm
The governor is trying to goat him into his turnaround agenda no

Comment by Rabid Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 12:55 pm
Voted no. I’ve never understood the argument that because the other party does not have a plan on an issue that makes whatever plan that is offered acceptable and should become law. Policies rise and fall on their own merits.

Comment by Jay Dee Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 12:56 pm
That Eric Zorn, lol,

Must be hanging out with Hurricane Kristen too much these days…

Haven’t decided how I’ll vote yet, but golly what’s next;

“Democrats can ram anythingbtgey want!” - Ugh.

Rauner ran and wanted to BE governor. So, Governor… be governor.

Rauner has no 60, has no 30, and that’s the Democrats fault. I’m sorry “the corrupt Chicago-owned Democrats”… that ain’t getting 60 or 30.

So, Rauner refuses to get a budget for his agencies, puts a to-union poison pills at every turn in an agenda Rauner can’t pass, and now the calls for Democrats to have an “agenda” starry because Rauner is inept?

Hey, I said many times, admit Rauner is inept, I’ll be the first to tell the GA Dems “Please save us from Rauner”

Just say Rauner can’t do the job, then I’ll call on the Democrats to have a ridiculously inane package wrapped up nicely for those in ivory towers.

No problem.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 12:56 pm
While a Democratic Party plan should not be too heavy on budget specifics, they do need a plan.

To a degree, Rauner’s complaints that “we got here because of their plan” has merit. Democrats had control most of recent past, and look where it got us?

The problem for Rauner of course is that his “solution” would make matters worse, but until the Democrats come up with a plan, I don’t see any scenario in which I really care about and House or Senate race.

Comment by Gooner Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 12:56 pm
“I don’t belong to an organized political party. I’m a Democrat.”

Will Rogers’ famous joke is funny because it’s often true. Democrats are a coalition of interests bound by a few unifying principles. That makes it hard for us to come up with catchy policy proposals like the Contract with America or the Turnaround Agenda.

Despite that, and knowing that Zorn knows this as well as anyone, I think the Democrats in Springfield can get behind a label of Opportunity and Fairness. Into that bucket goes most of the Democratic wish list: investment in life long learning and education, economic development and investments in infrastructure, criminal justice reform, tax fairness, addressing economic inequality, etc.

The policy stuff is all there. What’s missing is the catchy phrase and marketing techniques to sell it. I voted yes because apparently no one is paying attention and we need to market our policy positions in a simple, obvious way so Eric Zorn can easily grasp the complex policy ideas Democrats have been pushing in Springfield for generations.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 12:58 pm
Agreeing with - Norseman -

===No. This would just add more refuse to the bonfire. Best thing right now is to focus on budget.===

Voted “No”

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 12:59 pm
===I voted yes because apparently no one is paying attention and we need to market our policy positions in a simple, obvious way so Eric Zorn can easily grasp the complex policy ideas Democrats have been pushing in Springfield for generations.===

- 47 Ward -, hilarious.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:02 pm
Budget, budget, budget. The last thing the Dems need to do right now is succumb to ADHD or COPD behaviors.

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:02 pm
Voted yes. Not that there needs to be a new one though, I think if they just compile the existing dem budget priorities they can tout a plan whenever they’re criticized in this way going forward.

Comment by Blue Demon Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:03 pm
No. Why give the gov’s agenda any credence. Lets just do the real work, pass a budget and take care of the state and our very vulnerable citizens.

Comment by Flynn's mom Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:04 pm
Voted no. Instead, the Democratic Legislators should sit down behind closed doors with their Republican counterparts and present a bipartisan agenda with sufficient support to override a veto. Then move forward and if not, I can’t wait to listen to the rhetoric. I’m sick of the blame game rhetoric from both sides.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:05 pm
Cool stuff. For years the Dems said give us your plan, and the Republicans said no thanks. Now each thinks the other was right all along.

Comment by Junior Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:05 pm
I think the previous 3-4 years of state government pre-Rauner demonstrate a pretty clear, and worthwhile, Democratic agenda in action: make hard decisions to rein in state spending, raise revenue to start closing the budget gap, make pension payments, pay down backlog of bills. Coupled with the social advancements mentioned above, it makes a pretty great agenda.

I do however believe that the party is terrible at actually selling, campaigning on, or otherwise communicating that agenda, or any other agenda they may have. It’s one of the biggest weaknesses of the Democratic Party overall, and especially here, while the Rauner GOP has been in permanent campaign mode. The Democratic party is putting nothing out there as a clear, well-messaged counter to the GOP narrative. In that sense Zorn is completely correct - the party may as well not have any agenda whatsoever as far as the average citizen can tell.

Comment by Agenda Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:06 pm
No, get the budget(s) done. How they turn out will say more than any Agenda(s). Honor the State’s contracts with the social programs, schools, and vendors would be a good start.

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:08 pm
Voted No. We lived a turnaround agenda for five and a half years of Quinn. Do you remember the unconstitutional pension theft (that everyone can’t seem to grasp and continues pushing for)? How about Worker’s Comp reform? Did that. How many times have democrats voted for the property tax freeze that the governor has proposed but won’t accept without union poison pills? Seriously? A democratic turnaround agenda? Democrats don’t need to tell you what they are going to do. They have been doing it. They would still be doing it if it weren’t for an incompetent governor. What a waste of everything. Sheesh.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:10 pm
Voted no, I think it would be a sideshow. Disappointed that Zorn thinks the tidy packaging really merits attention. The turnaround worldview also seems to depend on the belief that the state’s progress toward fiscal stability circa 2011-14 was just the worst thing ever, which simply isn’t true. What I do thinks is worthwhile is articulating a thorough, coherent public case against Raunerism.

Comment by Toffee Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:12 pm
“I think that Mr. Kaczynski should be opposed because his goals are wrong-headed and his methods are dangerous.”
“But he has a manifesto. Do YOU have a manifesto? How can you say Kaczynski’s goals and methods are wrong when you don’t even have a manifesto?”
“…”

I voted “No”.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:14 pm
No. Why should Mr. Madigan give 1.4% anything that could be taken out of context and used against him.

Comment by Huh? Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:17 pm
Voted Yes. One would be the budget - Madigan’s stated priority one , two a (revised?) pension ramp, and so on

Comment by Qui Tam Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:17 pm
For all those that say “no, pass a budget” then I say the Dems should have a plan that is a BALANCED budget. Passing budgets that are $4 billion out of whack doesn’t count.

Nearly every Dem talks about wanting to “create jobs” but then they offer ZERO.

Comment by 4 percent Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:17 pm
The Dems should do this, but that’s not their style. And, it would certainly be considered an admission that something other than the status quo (something they seem intent on preserving) is warranted.

Comment by Anon Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:19 pm
The Governor’s Turnaround agenda is hot air and he has caused every voter more suffering. He has not solved anything.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:19 pm
What 47 said.

Having said that, the inability of Madigan to muster a veto-proof majority to combat the governor’s misanthropic, reactionary agenda keeps the Democrats fighting a rear-guard action.

Gee, I thought Madigan was the Generalissimo. Brainiacs like Kass and Tribbie Katrina told me so.

Waiting for a few good House Republicans to come to the aid of the people and end this scatter-brained, juvenile vandalism.

Jesus H Christ Almighty, when you’re taking food off the table of Meals on Wheels little old ladies, in the service of you know-not-what, you don’t sober up?

What’s the matter with you?

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:21 pm
Voted No. Why ruin a good thing? Gov. Rauner cannot take his foot out of his mouth; I have no interest in helping him. I think coming up with the “Turnaround Agenda” and giving it a label was a huge mistake. I don’t think he completely understood his audience. (or maybe he didn’t care to understand) It also gave the Democrats a focus, something to be against.

The Republicans in the U.S. Congress have won elections based on being the party of No, why can’t it work for the state Democrats in Illinois?

I also totally agree with 47th Ward about the policy ideas that Democrats have had for generations. Democrats, both statewide and nationally, have had a problem for a long time with the catchy phrase thing. Also have had a problem, for reasons I cannot understand, with effectively marketing their policy ideas to the general public. I don’t understand how people can be against investment in life long learning and education, economic development and investments in infrastructure, criminal justice reform, tax fairness, addressing economic inequality, etc. There is a group of people that don’t want these things????

Comment by L.A. Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:21 pm
No. The turnaround agenda falls on the shoulders of one man. In order for the entire Democratic party to agree on their own agenda would take up an entire legislative session. Not to mention copying the Governors’ playbook only gives it more credence.

Comment by A Parent Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:21 pm
Just as appropriations and substantive legislation must not be merged into one legislative proposal, so should the budget process be separate from the business / political agenda of the governor or anyone else.
Horse trading is fine, and there are aspects of the governor’[s agenda where compromises might be reached - such as has been shown by Charlie Wheeler.

Perhaps the answer is a series of special sessions, or dedicated session days, with one topic a session. Let the budget be the second or third, or the one topic shared with another one — revenues. We need to update our outdated revenue system based on being a 1960s manufacturing and sales economy. And revenues shifts usually go along with appropriations spending, so pair them together.

But all the business sector and labor issues, and a good public airing of the options and impacts, would be best addressed as a focused session or timeframe topic.

Comment by Capitol View Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:21 pm
Yes. On the principle that both sides should always do so. Not encouraged about what this particular agenda would include. But going forward, yes. Both sides should always have a plan plain out in the open for all to inspect.

Comment by A guy Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:25 pm
A Democratic “agenda” can not only include the budget, it should be the centerpiece of the agenda. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Having a “plan” on anything gives voters confidence that an official/candidate has a clue about how to move forward. And it polls well.

It’s political and public relations malpractice by Democrats to refuse to have their own marketable agenda to appeal to voters.

Comment by King Louis XVI Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:27 pm
Yes.

Good leadership is defined by vision and a plan to achieve that vision.

Democrats should LOUDLY pound the drums of SOLVENCY,
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY,
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY,
FAIRNESS AND ACCESS FOR THE LEAST,
ECONOMIC STIMULUS THROUGH PROGRESSIVE PROGRAMS,
etc.

The Democratic Party needs to show the electorate how to have a healthy balance between “idealism and destructive self-indulgence.”

(Krugman. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/22/opinion/how-change-happens.html?_r=0)

Comment by cdog Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:28 pm
Absolutely. 47 nailed it above. Dems have utterly failed on messaging against Rauner. I’ve been singing off this song sheet all year but it’s like beating my head against a wall. Time to step up to the plate.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:28 pm
–I think the previous 3-4 years of state government pre-Rauner demonstrate a pretty clear, and worthwhile, Democratic agenda in action: make hard decisions to rein in state spending, raise revenue to start closing the budget gap, make pension payments, pay down backlog of bills.–

Looks like Pat Quinn is now a commenter on here and actually believes he was doing something good.

Comment by Ahoy! Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:29 pm
No. Last thing we need is another list of ultimatums.

Comment by illinoised Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:34 pm
Beyond their usual platitudes, both parties should stand for something. If there are problems, both parties should offer solutions. Otherwise, what good are they.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:37 pm
MrJM +1

Just because the other side has a shiny plan that doesn’t do anything to solve the budget mess, it doesn’t mean Democrats should introduce their own pie-in-the-sky distraction.

It’s apples-to-oranges comparing the previous Republican party of No Plans to what Democrats are doing now. Those Republicans had no interest in governing or offering BUDGET alternatives. These Democrats are interested in solving the budget to help real people and have no interest in offering NON-BUDGET “turnaround” plans.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:38 pm
I’m also a “no.” Budget first and budget only — including adequate revenue to pay for it and a mechanism to address unfunded pension liability. Then, and only then, can non-budget items be meaningfully addressed, one at a time, in the context of whether they fit with available fiscal resources.

Comment by South of Sherman Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:38 pm
Excuse please, the last post was me.

Comment by Keyser Soze Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:38 pm
Why add one more thing that will just be used as a checkoff, comparison, scorecard. Bills already exist that show what the various legislators want. There are plenty of bookshelves and file cabinets filled with lists and agendas collecting dust. Do something…like pass a budget.

Comment by zatoichi Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:39 pm
I voted yes because like Zorn seems to imply, at least Rauner is trying to do something to improve the financial state of our state. The dems just keep crying about it and don’t seem to be presenting any alternatives other than keeping the status quo, which has led us to be the absolute worst state in the country for pretty much any meaningful financial metric you can think of. I honestly can’t imagine why anyone wants that to be the case unless you are personally benefiting from the financial mismanagement of the state/schools/etc.

Comment by BigDoggie Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:40 pm
===Rauner is trying to do something to improve the financial state of our state.===

That’s a $510 million “Big gain” or 1.4% increase in revenue…

… to decimate collective bargaining and prevailing wage.

Just so you know…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:43 pm
Yes. The days of gamesmanship in Illinois where there was a growing pie to split up and the maneuvering by opposing politicians was entertaining appear to be over. Real pain is going to be dealt out because there isn’t enough to go around. So something at least in bullet points from the Dems who in their view is going to get and who is going to pay would be helpful.

Comment by Cook County Commoner Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:44 pm
Voted yes after giving the subject a rigorous goose-gander analysis.

Comment by SAP Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:47 pm
“We agree with business leaders across the state who have said that the most important thing we can do to move the state’s economy forward is to pass a balanced budget, stabilizing our ship of state through a combination of spending cuts and new revenue.”

Comment by Juvenal Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:48 pm
Yes. I think ethics and conflict of interest reform would be a good place to start. But who am I kidding.

Comment by Chicagonk Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:48 pm
“The number one issue facing Illinois today - is the budget [decifiet]” - Speaker Madigan.

I tend to agree with him. That should be the agenda

Comment by Joe M Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:50 pm
–Both sides should always have a plan plain out in the open for all to inspect.–

What did you think about the governor’s economic and fiscal analytics on the Turnaround Agenda that he released to Rich last week?

Get your knees-a-knockin’, the return on the investment, for all this willful sabotage, as outlined by the governor?

From experience, I know it’s very tough for any reporter to get a “numbers” story in a newspaper. Editors looovvvvveeee personality conflicts, like “Bruce and Mike are fighting.”

Simple and simple-minded. Like “Keeping up with the Kardashians” or “Duck Dynasty.”

Like Barbie said, math is hard. But numbers are what it’s all about.

The rationales for the Turnaround Agenda that Rich got last week revealed the insanity of the governor’s agenda, as revealed by the governor, himself.

That’s a big story. It was the smoking gun.

And the only place you read about it, as far as I can tell, was here.

Talk about burying the lede. Epic failure by Illinois media.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:50 pm
Voted ‘yes’. If everyone here agrees that state government needs to be fixed, how would the Democrats go about it? If you say keep or expand all programs and agencies and just raise taxes to fund it, you have just walked into the lion’s den.

Comment by Bogey Golfer Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 1:57 pm
Voted “yes”.

Because…47 states it perfectly.

If this is what it takes to get some balance (people need a slogan or “Manifesto” to get behind) then all the better.

Comment by JS Mill Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:03 pm
Call me Ken Dunkin, but I’m not voting on this. How can democrats come up with their own plan when Rauner insists on his turnaround agenda be passed first? Every time I have heard legislators talk about their meetings with the governor - he insists on passing the turnaround agenda FIRST, and THEN he will CONSIDER other items. So, why would someone come up with a plan when facing that?

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:05 pm
I think the GA passed FY16 budget is their turnaround agenda.

Democrats do need to propose a new pension plan (or fully endorse Cullerton’s), but so does Rauner.

Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:05 pm
360 Degree, that’s a good point. Rauner’s made it clear he won’t listen to anything the Democrats say, so does it matter if they say anything?

Usually the politician will say “my plan would”. But Rauner is out there saying “my plan or else”.

Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:08 pm
Tax pension payments - obviates the constitutional issues, plugs the budget hole. Many other states already do this. Done and done.

Comment by JPM Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:11 pm
The agenda should be a functioning state government.

Comment by IllinoisBoi Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:18 pm
Yes.

Kudos to Eric. He nails this. One of the most basic reasons ==Yet the strategy allows Republicans to counter with the charge that Illinois Democrats want only to preserve the dismal status quo — the charge that national Democrats leveled, plausibly, at national Republicans when Democrats were trying to expand health care coverage to the millions of uninsured.==

Fight back with ==nothing== and you will lose much more often than you win. Some of us have been pointing this out for months, though Mr Zorn says it better.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:28 pm
No

There’s already enough ideology in politics. Has any of it worked?

Trickle down economics? The war on poverty?

What we need are pragmatic politicians to solve problems. Not politicians who try to solve every problem with their preferred ideology.

Comment by Sir Reel Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:30 pm
JB13,

Nobody says it would be “fine” if we only could be rid of Rauner.

Nearly everybody (except maybe those of us who thought it couldn’t get worse than Blago) thinks it would be better if we could only get rid of Rauner.

Comment by Gooner Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:31 pm
It is also valid as a result of Democratic criticism and comments over the years. They risk looking hypocritical.

Just as I agreed with those who said Republicans should produce their own plans during the Quinn years, the Democrats should do the same.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:34 pm
I’m not sure that Eric Zorn nails this. Here are the approp bills (i.e. “Democrats plan”) alone that Rauner issued a total veto on:

HB 4146
HB 4147
HB 4148
HB 4151
HB 4153
HB 4154
HB 4158
HB 4159
HB 4160
HB 4165
SB 2029
SB 2030
SB 2031
SB 2032
SB 2033
SB 2034
SB 2035
SB 2036
SB 2037
SB 2040

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:35 pm
Yes. Positive messaging would be very helpful.

Comment by Century Club Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:36 pm
Pass a balanced budget and I’ll be a believer!

Comment by Rollo Tamasi Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:39 pm
May 2014

==Democrats, however, say Republicans only want to criticize, and haven’t put forth a plan of their own.

Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) says he searched for the Republican budget everywhere. He even asked his dog.

“And I said, ‘Willie, did you eat the Republicans’ plan?’ But he wouldn’t do that to you, he’s a good dog, he would never eat your plan,” he said. “You know what your plan is? Your plan is to not have a plan.”==

Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:40 pm
Said yes because it’s the right thing to do… BUT no because all it will do is just deepen “The War” and we won’t get a budget until 2018.

Comment by The Muse Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:40 pm
Voted ‘yes’. Everybody needs some kind of plan. I’m thinking the Dems agenda is to simply wait out this 4 years-then back to “normal”.

Comment by justacitizen Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 2:59 pm
Budget. B. U. D. G. E. T. Highlight all the figures in the approp bills that were veto, explain how THAT is the ‘turnaround’ we need and have needed since last May. The minute you play the ‘turnaround agenda’ game, BVR gets the mic back.

Comment by Not quite a majority Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 3:12 pm
I read Zorn’s column this morning and the bigger, more important issue isn’t the lack of an agenda or plan but the lack of a leader to carry push the plan once its developed. Who wants to step up and carry the torch for the Ds so voters really have a choice between two competing visions for our state. L. Madigan, P. Quinn, T.Dart, K.Dunkin, M. Frerichs, K. Raoul, who else and do any theses folks actually want the job. All do respect to Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton, people are ready for both problem solving and a vision for the state beyond the next election. The biggest issues facing Ds is a void in leadership.

Comment by Dozer Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 3:23 pm
Status quo before Rauner > Rauner plan. But that old status quo is still bad, so I voted yes.

The real money on budget is of course a personal income tax increase, but the D agenda needn’t admit to that (just as Rauner doesn’t admit it). But it could include more budget items than the Rauner agenda.

Cancel existing, not just new, Edge Tax credits, but allow for some real job growth exceptions.

Find a few pork projects in the capital budget that don’t get federal funding…especially in R districts. Propose to cut/suspend them.

Legalize weed and tax it.

Legalize sports gambling and fantasy sports and tax it.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 3:27 pm
So Zorn’s attention level is now the litmus test for agenda success.
God help us all.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 3:40 pm
NO. We see what happens e.g. when the Speaker mentioned in passing the tax rate, the Repub/Brucie turned it into an instant political attack rather than any policy discussion.

Comment by D.P.Gumby Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 3:44 pm
No.

Rauner needs to present the constitutionally required balanced budget to the general assembly that pays all of the bills, without abusing those who are dependent on State services.

Either stop the drama and start doing to job or just quit already.

Comment by Chicago 20 Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 4:09 pm
Interesting comment thread. Maybe it would have helped if I’d put the question as I put it to several of the people I interviewed prior to typing: What would Mike Madigan do if he were governor and had unified, lock-step supermajorities in both chambers? Maybe I’m not paying sufficient attention, as some of you imply, but I don’t know the answer to this question and I don’t think the public knows the answer either. I’ll now hang up and listen for my answer.

Comment by Eric Zorn Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 4:22 pm
Yes. The Ds generally do a good job of looking out for the vulnerable in our society, and organized labor.That frequently involves spending more money than the Rs wish. However, simply raising taxes when the treasury begins to get a little bare isn’t a sufficient plan. The Ds should pay attention to and offer proposals to strengthen the state’s economy, which would raise more money for the state without raising taxes.

Comment by steve schnorf Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 4:26 pm
I’ll bite Mr. Zorn.

Madigan’s pension solution would be to shift costs to local school districts and universities. He would not have allowed the 5% income tax to sunset. He’s most likely have found a way, with the savings from the pension cost shift, to reform the school funding formula. Then my guess is, assuming he followed past practice, he’d find other savings where he could and would pay down the state’s backlog of unpaid bills. Probably would pass another capital construction bill to, just to top it off.

Then he’d have an apple for lunch and look forward to what he’d do on his second day as Governor.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 4:31 pm
I voted yes - the Dems should show the Reps what they need including dollars and cents. Steve, they have to raise taxes. Even Rauner acknowledged taxes need to be raised. There is not much fat in state government to cut as some people would like for you to believe. Causing people harm is never ok.

Comment by Mama Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 4:44 pm
I think a catchy theme for the Dems should be, “First, Do No Harm”.

Comment by Mama Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 4:48 pm
I voted YES. Why shouldn’t Democrats make a proposal? If you aren’t satisfied with current conditions, what are you going to change?

Simple question.

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 4:48 pm
–What would Mike Madigan do if he were governor and had unified, lock-step supermajorities in both chambers?–

I don’t know. But if my aunt had balls, she’d be my uncle.

Do you have a point?

Maybe a smart guy like you, with your forum, could do some real-world Jethro Bodine ciphering on the actual costs of the governor’s strategy, to real people, rather than diddling yourself on academic questions.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 4:49 pm
Pardon, 4:49 was me. My gadget is uppity sometimes.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 4:51 pm
LOL! I knew that was you. Hilarious and spot-on. Hopefully he was able to get all of the lint of his navel and maybe tomorrow he can share with us what else he used to wonder about back in the dorms.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 4:53 pm
===Maybe I’m not paying sufficient attention, as some of you imply…===

You’re not.

You’re welcome. Ugh.

- Wordslinger - wins, LOL

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 4:57 pm
==Maybe a smart guy like you, with your forum, could do some real-world Jethro Bodine ciphering on the actual costs of the governor’s strategy, to real people, rather than diddling yourself on academic questions.==

Ouch! Maybe Zorn IS hanging around with McQueary too much.

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 5:00 pm
47, Brownie is the only columnist in the Chicago papers with the goods these days.

I’m surprised that punk Ferro hasn’t whacked him yet, like he did McKinney.

Pearson and Monique have been awesome on the news pages. Just solid journalists.

Not like Big Brain Bruce, Kass, or Katrina ever read their stuff, or could process it. Not possible, given their “insight.”

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 5:09 pm
–I think a catchy theme for the Dems should be, “First, Do No Harm”.–

I’ve thought the same thing myself. Realistically, after this Rauner bender, that’s where we need to start.

Geez, the sabotage in one year.

It’s going to be a heavy lift.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 22, 16 @ 5:13 pm