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* Tribune editorial…
We understand that many of Rauner’s critics want to energize their loyalists; others demonize him to raise donations. No problem, free country, all fair.
What we don’t understand is the Rauner critics’ willingness to see services shrink and institutions close. Their reluctance to get in Michael Madigan’s face, just as they get in Bruce Rauner’s.
* Let’s walk down memory lane, starting with the SJ-R…
“I think we can drive a wedge issue in the Democratic Party on that topic and bring the folks who say, ‘You know what, for our tax dollars, I’d rather help the disadvantaged, the handicapped, the elderly, the children in poverty,’ ” Rauner said, instead of directing tax dollars to the Service Employees International Union or “AF-Scammy,”
* A Tribune news report on a Tribune editorial board appearance last year…
“Crisis creates opportunity. Crisis creates leverage to change … and we’ve got to use that leverage of the crisis to force structural change,” said Rauner […]
One such moment came when Rauner railed against public worker unions that donate heavily to further their political aims. Asked how he intended to get a ban on union campaign contributions through a legislature that is heavily backed by organized labor, Rauner pointed to the binders his staff had prepared.
“Read it,” he said. “Change the law … that’s what our proposal is.”
Pressed to explain, Rauner simply said: “Crisis. Crisis creates leverage.”
So, can you see why most legislators who aren’t in the governor’s party are so reluctant to do a deal with him? He said he would create a crisis and he did it. If they give in, he’ll probably just do it all over again.
* Let me be abundantly clear here that I have been pushing for and demanding a resolution to this impasse for a very long time. I believe that the governor makes extremely good points about the state of our economy and about the unfairness of our property tax system.
But, at the same time, it’s really not too difficult to understand why the other side doesn’t want to cave.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Chicago Rep. Will Guzzardi is not at all what you would ever call an “organization Democrat.” He defeated an organization Dem on his second try. His response to the Trib’s editorial on his Facebook page…
Here’s the thing about this article. It operates on the same faulty premise that I think the Governor has: fear of Speaker Madigan is the only thing keeping us from being full-throated advocates of the Turnaround Agenda.
That’s just wrong. You could have another Speaker tomorrow and you’d still be miles away from 60 votes on right to work, ending prevailing wage, gutting workers comp, capping remedies in civil court, or any of the rest of Rauner’s “reforms.”
I’m opposed to those things, and it’s certainly not because I’m under the thumb of Madigan. Most of my colleagues are opposed to them too. It’s because we actually believe in the merits of those programs.
Anyone who wants this thing to end needs to realize that, irrespective of Madigan, there is *no way* that the Turnaround Agenda will pass the House. Insisting on it as a precondition of a budget deal is the same thing as saying “I do not want a budget deal.” That’s why we blame Rauner.
You may disagree with his ideology, but you can’t argue the merits of his argument here. Very, very good points. [Hat tip: 47th Ward in comments]
*** UPDATE 2 *** Good points by a commenter…
The Democrats undeniably did the following things:
1) They passed a tax increase with a sunset provision, then for 4 years and total control of Congress and Gov’s office they took no action to either get expenses in line to prepare for the drop off in income tax, OR to renew the tax rates before they hit sunset. They could have taken that action as a party at any point from 2011 to 2015. They could have extended the tax sunset in the lame duck session of 2014 but they did not do that.
2) Democrats passed an unbalanced budget twice, once in 2014 when there was a Democratic governor and again in 2015 with Rauner.
Yep. Very true. Blame for the past, even the recent past, is very easy here. Going forward, however, I don’t see how it makes much of a difference.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:28 am
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Crisis doesn’t create leverage when its self-engineered.
Why? Because its not a crisis if one person can make the crisis go away. And that, my friends is called ransom.
Comment by Abe the Babe Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:34 am
Rauner’s most remarkable contribution so far has been to improve Madigan’s public image, if only by comparison.
Comment by Independent retired lawyer, journalist Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:34 am
Rich said not to make any personal comments about Tribune editorial board. Trying really hard . . . . It’s so hard . . . . Will hold it in . . . .
Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:37 am
The hostages that have turned out to be the “culling of the herd” in social services with Ron Sandack telling us all short term pain frustrates him, but, “oh well”, makes Bruce Rauner difficult to see as a fair and honest bargaining partner…
… then… throw in that “Crisis creates leverage”, and Diana Rauner’s complete silence on the social services safety net being decimated, the Tribune Editorial Board, that has a member longing for destruction, decimation, ruin, how can “Non-Raunerites” not see Rauner for anything else than what he appears to be?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:37 am
We understand that many of Rauner’s supporters want to energize their loyalists; they also demonize his opponents to raise donations. No problem, free country, all fair. But it’s destroying the state.
Comment by IllinoisBoi Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:38 am
=== I believe that the governor makes extremely good points about the state of our economy and about the unfairness of our property tax system. ===
Wake me when he proposes an actual solution to either.
It’s like Trump suggesting that the way to reduce crime in this country is to build a wall around this nation to keep out immigrants:
1) Not going to happen
2) Won’t actually make us safer.
Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:38 am
Rauner has a hard time looking in the mirror. He says there is a conflict of interest or calls individuals or groups of people corrupt who disagree with him, when at the same time he pushes more and more money in a system that creates another conflict of interest.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:39 am
He doesn’t have the votes for any of his proposals. I doubt he has all GOP votes for the Turnaround agenda. Just more hostage taking.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:43 am
Good job Keyrock! You may also want to write out your thoughts on a piece of scrap paper and then through it out with the trash - which is all the Trib editorials are good for.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:44 am
=Rauner’s most remarkable contribution so far has been to improve Madigan’s public image, if only by comparison.=
Only here. Read the Tribune comments. Don’t live in a bubble.
Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:45 am
Also, what is the Trib proposing the Dem Rep are going to get in Madigan’s face about? The Dem Reps don’t support Rauner’s proposals. I’m sure that many of them would be open to moderate proposals for Workers Comp or property tax relief, but that’s not what Rauner wants - or he’d have it already.
Comment by Century Club Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:46 am
How about. “GOP Rep.” askin’ the governor to stop with the poison pills?
Lots of daylight in WC even Property Tax relief… less the Union Decimation.
Pate’s Gorillas… They made governors earn support.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:49 am
Shorter Trib editorial: Why isn’t this Stockholm Syndrome kicking in yet?
Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:51 am
Yeah, we’re the ones living in a bubble… I know who is getting angry and who is getting blamed. The commenters on the Trib are the same folks they were a year and a half ago. Wingers through and through. In fact, most comment boards are dominated by right leaning individuals. Why, well they are more angry and therefore more likely to comment. Look at the actual vote totals in this country, there’s a less loud majority, and it isn’t your side Rob.
Comment by Me too Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:52 am
If you were the governor, and a $6.2 billion FY16 deficit and zeroing out social services and higher education were unacceptable to you, you’d do something about it.
The fact that Gov. Rauner doesn’t take any action to mitigate that damage makes it clear it was the plan all along.
Sen. Radogno clued us in on the “squeezing the beast” strategy to advance a needed “shakout.”
http://www.sj-r.com/article/20160130/OPINION/160139976
Rauner didn’t veto all those budget bills because they were $4 billion short; he vetoed them because they didn’t produce a larger deficit, and they funded social services and higher ed.
This kind of chaos doesn’t happen by accident.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:52 am
I’ve never met him, but Will Guzzardi wrote a fantastic response to this latest Tribune screed. He basically said, even if Madigan wasn’t Speaker, there wouldn’t be 60 votes in the House on ” right to work, ending prevailing wage, gutting workers comp, capping remedies in civil court, or any of the rest of Rauner’s “reforms.”
And it’s because Democrats believe in these programs, not because Madigan has them under his thumb. Guzzardi closes with the main point that the Tribune simply refuses to understand:
“Anyone who wants this thing to end needs to realize that, irrespective of Madigan, there is *no way* that the Turnaround Agenda will pass the House. Insisting on it as a precondition of a budget deal is the same thing as saying “I do not want a budget deal.” That’s why we blame Rauner.”
Sorry to have lifted so much of his post, but I felt it was worth sharing.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:52 am
At some point comments like this start to become truly offensive. I’m most certain they crossed that line long ago. I feel it’s really time for Republicans to break off from the Raunerites. Make the break now! Don’t wait another second. Look at what happened to the national Republicans being hijacked by the Tea Party and angry white men. It’s why we have Trump. Don’t let that happen in Illinois. Don’t let the Raunerites co-opt the Republican party. The reasonable changes that Rich alludes too can only be pushed by Republicans not Raunerites. Break away now before it’s too late. The deal at the crossroads can be negated. It’s been a disaster for Republicans and will be come November. If only because “Governors Own” break away now. It won’t matter what the trib says or how much money you’ve got. You can’t cover up the magnitude of disaster. You can’t say the dam is there when you have lost everything to the dam break and flood. It only makes people more angry. Rauner’s harnessing of the anger will backfire. It will backfire because eventually the angry will be effected by the loss of the safety net.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:53 am
But, at the same time, it’s really not too difficult to understand why the other side doesn’t want to cave.
Follow the money. The Democrats are funded by unions and plaintiff’s lawyers. If they cave no more money.
Comment by 13th ward Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:58 am
>I believe that the governor makes extremely good points about the state of our economy and about the unfairness of our property tax system.
Another case of words versus actions. He could actually have gotten some things done this year and not done the horrendous damage to those he chose to sacrifice on the altar of collective bargaining. He could also avoided digging the budget hole deeper. I think we didn’t change our thinking from “hostages” to “sacrifices” because it’s just too hard to believe someone could do such a thing on a state-wise scale.
Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:58 am
So, we seem to have one camp willing to hold the process hostage by defunding programming for the poor, the hurt, the handicapped and the disadvantaged, while another camp seemingly is willing to overspend the budget each year for lots of items beyond the social safety net and essential services. Neither seems willing to admit a structural debt. And now, for nearly a year, each camp seems to be “fiddling while Rome is burning.” I’d say, “a pox on each house” but they’ve already infected the entire neighborhood/state. Our state is a punchline in this nation.
Comment by Diogenes in DuPage Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:58 am
Rauner is simply out of touch with reality. Rauner has reaped the benefits of tax cuts for the wealthy that doesn’t get spent as the GDP increased while at the same time the median income level dropped 11%.
With 11% less income Rauner expects these same workers to pay more in taxes and receive even less from the State.
Rauner’s only solution is his myopic Turnaround Agenda which ultimately benefits no one and punishes people who have to work for a living.
Rauner needs to focus on increasing the median incomes, which will increase spending and tax revenue.
But that isn’t in the ALEC playbook is it?
Comment by Chicago 20 Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:58 am
“One such moment came when Rauner railed against public worker unions that donate heavily to further their political aims. Asked how he intended to get a ban on union campaign contributions through a legislature that is heavily backed by organized labor, Rauner pointed to the binders his staff had prepared.”
I find this Rauner position hypocritical.
How does this comment reconcile to his actions of giving Dunkin $500,000?
Is there a difference that I just don’t understand?
Comment by cdog Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:59 am
This is why my husband even canceled our digital subscription.
Comment by Politix Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:59 am
Reposting part of what I wrote on the “Federal judge orders …” thread:
What is happening is the courts (instead of the Governor and the GA) are picking which programs are “worthy” of being funded strictly on a legal basis as opposed to a moral or compassionate basis. Kind of like what happens in a bankruptcy; there a judge decides who gets paid based on the legal strength of their claim.
You know, I may be on to something … Rauner HAS figured out how to take the State through bankruptcy without the State being allowed to go bankrupt under federal law. He is shedding some programs because they aren’t being funded, and those programs may not ever come back. The only difference is he can’t shed the existing debt. He is just deferring it; it will still have to be paid at some point.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:00 pm
To the end of the post:
So make that a condition of the negotiations: no repeats the rest of Rauner’s term (i.e., only budget issues to be negotiated). You can even have a default tax/sequester thing if no budget in future years is reached.
If the best argument to “we agree we need some non-budget reforms to improve the state” is “but we’re afraid of a slippery slope,” do something to address the fear rather than hurt the state.
Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:01 pm
- 13th ward -
So Democrats, and some Republicans aren’t pro-Union?
You make zero sense. People believe in Unions, how difficult is that for you?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:01 pm
== while another camp seemingly is willing to overspend the budget each year for lots of items beyond the social safety net and essential services. ==
And there is the disconnect … funding just the above takes more revenue than the tax system generates.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:03 pm
- Honeybear -
All you suggest won’t happen until November, maybe, if ever.
The ILGOP is gone now. It’s over. Losses in November and even in March just highlight that Rauner doesn’t care about legislators or the ILGOP or GOP GA members, and that’s really it until the voters speak.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:04 pm
When I’m hoping for compromise between to individuals, one of whom is extorting me, I don’t look to the other and say, “What’s your offer?”
Comment by Jocko Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:05 pm
== With 11% less income Rauner expects these same workers to pay more in taxes and receive even less from the State. ==
He also expects them, with less money in hand, to spend more in the consumer economy to increase state & local tax revenues. Yet another disconnect.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:05 pm
=== Follow the money. The Democrats are funded by unions and plaintiff’s lawyers. If they cave no more money. ===
Don’t you think that is the reason that you can’t order a sandwich in Springfield without Rauner trying to insert some language into it that attacks a core Democratic constituency?
Rauner doesn’t want to fund social services, he wants to destroy the social contract, which is why he is inserting poison pills into everything.
I don’t doubt that there are probably fifty good ideas that Democrats and Republicans in the legislature can agree upon to improve our economy.
Any other Governor would have declared victory if Democrats agreed to essentially privatize an entire state agency, but Rauner says a tiny sunset provision is a dealbreaker?
C’mon. He wants gridlock. It’s a feature, not a bug.
Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:07 pm
Guzzardi’s right. If anything, Madigan might be one of the Dems more sympathetic to curbing union power.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:07 pm
To the update;
It’s 60, it’s 30.
It always comes back to the switches.
Rauner doesn’t have them. Rauner wants Democratic Raunerites like Ken Dunkin to give up their switches to the Executive. You let a stranger in your house, the Democrats will face the same fate as the party formally known as the ILGOP.
Vote acvordingly. Beware of Raunerites. March primaries, both sides, give voters a chance to tell Raunerites “No”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:08 pm
=But, at the same time, it’s really not too difficult to understand why the other side doesn’t want to cave.
Follow the money. The Democrats are funded by unions and plaintiff’s lawyers. If they cave no more money.=
I think most of them believe these principles and that’s why they run as Democrats and not Republicans. It’s a philosophical thing. However, even if what you say is true, it changes absolutely nothing of the essence of the problem. Without Madigan, the votes still don’t exist.
Comment by Carhartt Representative Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:09 pm
>All you suggest won’t happen until November, maybe, if ever.
Very sad and very true, unless the involved parties chosoe not to pass K-12 for FY17 until there is some kind of agreement.
Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:10 pm
“Bartertown learned. Now, when men get to fighting, it happens here! And it finishes here! Two men enter; one man leaves.”
The Governor built this thunderdome, brick by brick, over the last 13 months. Maybe he doesn’t care, maybe he wildly underestimated the Speaker, maybe he wins in the end. But let’s be clear - this was his choice. Nobody else’s.
Comment by Sam Weinberg Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:10 pm
As I was saying, as Guzzardi just said.
Let me add: either the Tribune editorial board is part of Rauner’s efforts to mislead the public, or they are the biggest fools in the room.
Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:11 pm
===Read the Tribune comments.===
Ok, this is neither to defend Madigan’s image nor denigrate it, rather simply to address that narrow point. The Trib comment section is no more a slice of Americana than the Star Wars Cantina.
Comment by Bill F. Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:13 pm
Will’s post mirrors my comment from yesterday on the rationale for IllinoisGO, it’s a fundamental misunderstanding of who the Democrats are and what they stand for.
Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:14 pm
Donald J. Rauner and Bruce Trump…what a team…what a time what a town! Are we going to build a wall to keep Indiana out…and make them pay for it?
Comment by Ab Surd Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:15 pm
Points to Guzzardi for proper use of the word “irrespective.”
Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:16 pm
Lee News writes these kinds of editorials all the time. They like to blame Madigan too.
Hooray for the courageous Rep. Gizzardi.
And thanks Rich for the post.
Comment by Crane Potato Chips Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:17 pm
Amen Rep. Guzzardi
Comment by chi Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:17 pm
Rep. Guzzardi is probably right.
I still don’t get why Madigan refuses to call more of these matters for a vote.
I think some of the reps like hiding in the shadows.
Comment by Jake From Elwood Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:19 pm
Arsenal, you would be correct about the past. It wasn’t that long ago that AFSCME, IFT and the IEA were all boycotting MJM’s campaign fund. A Rauner-backed group (Stand for Children) came in and filled the void.
But now? Nope. Not at the moment anyway.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:20 pm
Adding to Guzzardi’s point, how many GOP votes are there in the House for Rauner’s agenda? They’ve yet to cast a “yes” vote on those items.
Rauner’s not a dumb guy. He knows there never will be 60 votes in the House for his agenda.
But he can hide behind a hostage strategy to fulfill the real plan, which is to go full-Darwin on social services and higher ed.
After the “shakeout,” start over at a much lower baseline of funding.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:27 pm
Rich - I love your stuff man. I support the governor and understand you have your own views on the state and the rest. But I have to disagree with your view written that “Rauner created this crisis” on his own. The Democrats undeniably did the following things:
1) They passed a tax increase with a sunset provision, then for 4 years and total control of Congress and Gov’s office they took no action to either get expenses in line to prepare for the drop off in income tax, OR to renew the tax rates before they hit sunset. They could have taken that action as a party at any point from 2011 to 2015. They could have extended the tax sunset in the lame duck session of 2014 but they did not do that.
2) Democrats passed an unbalanced budget twice, once in 2014 when there was a Democratic governor and again in 2015 with Rauner.
3) Democrats often remind people that even though Rauner won governors seat, the State of Illinois still elected a supermajority of Democrats and that has to counterbalance the demands of the newly elected governor. And yet - Democrats have yet to use their supermajorities to override rauner’s veto and fund the government properly.
God bless you Rich, but if you can with a straight face tell your readers that Rauner created this crisis ALL ON HIS OWN, that’s very hard for me to take seriously. There has been a great deal of crisis manufacturing from the Democrats as well.
Comment by Gerry Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:35 pm
Gerry, points 1 and 2 are spot on. Point 3 is a bit weak since reality says otherwise in the House.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:36 pm
YES - thank you, Rep. Guzzardi!
==- Independent retired lawyer, journalist - Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:34 am:
Rauner’s most remarkable contribution so far has been to improve Madigan’s public image, if only by comparison.===
Indeed. Two years ago I would have named MJM as one of this state’s biggest obstacles to progress.
Now I may send him a valentine.
It’s deeply uncomfortable.
Thanks, Rauner!
Comment by crazybleedingheart Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:38 pm
===But he can hide behind a hostage strategy to fulfill the real plan, which is to go full-Darwin on social services and higher ed.
After the “shakeout,” start over at a much lower baseline of funding.===
I’m so late to this because I never would’ve imagined someone spending $23 million of their own money to destroy a state purposefully. I honestly couldn’t have imagined it until the reality has hit me, and even after I ignired that truth this long.
The price to destruct Illinois was $63 million. The cost is billions and growing by $33 million… a day.
You can’t love your state and gut it of higher education and social services within one year. Can’t.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:39 pm
On Point 3 then - I know that without Dunkin (and likely others frankly) they can’t override the governor’s majority, but it has not stopped many democrats in their talking points from saying “hey - the state elected a supermajority for a reason”. Well obviously that supermajority does not all agree to the point where they can get anything done, so perhaps a good indication that we should start considering the possibility of actually compromising.
Comment by Gerry Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:46 pm
===They could have extended the tax sunset in the lame duck session of 2014 but they did not do that.===
Governor Rauner asked the lame duck GA not to. Rookie mistake. Rauner could’ve blamed the GA on this, as you try, but Rauner wears as much of the jacket as the GA
===2) Democrats passed an unbalanced budget twice, once in 2014 when there was a Democratic governor and again in 2015 with Rauner.===
Rauner Vetoed it, and never submitted a budget that was balanced, there’s that too. Had Rauner submitted a balanced budget, he’d habe ground to walk on. Rauner didn’t. So there’s that problem too.
=== And yet - Democrats have yet to use their supermajorities to override rauner’s veto and fund the government properly.===
Dunkin, Drury, Franks and 60+ failed overrides says something quite different.
With respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:47 pm
Find it fascinating that Governor Rauner employs tactics to keep the GOP and Rep Dunkin in line as he accuses Speaker Madigan of using. Didn’t he suggest in his SOS that the old partisan ways be put aside?
Comment by GA Watcher Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:49 pm
I’ll stipulate that Gerry’s first two points are excellent and true.
But Rauner was elected Governor, and since he’s been sworn in, he and the Democrats approved sweeping special funds to balance the 2015 budget, but he also proposed an unbalanced budget for 2016 too. He hasn’t offered a detailed plan to cut spending to match revenue, and only obliquely referred to some potential new revenue after his Turnaround Agenda is passed.
He also could have used the line-item veto power to “fix” the Democrats’ budget. That is an enormously powerful tool that many other governors as well as the President, covet.
So Gerry, I acknowledge the Democrats have passed two unbalanced and really bad budgets in a row. But Governor Rauner isn’t a victim. He has tools to allow him to curb the excesses of a General Assembly he disagrees with. For reasons only he can answer, he has chosen not to do his job.
And that’s where are, in February with no budget. That’s on him.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:50 pm
===but it has not stopped many democrats in their talking points from saying “hey - the state elected a supermajority for a reason”. ===
There is a significant difference in electing a Super Majority avd having a functional and working Super Majority.
That’s the rub, that’s the difference.
The voters elected 71 Democrats. A Super Majority.
The voters didn’t elect a functional and working Super Majority
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:51 pm
-You can’t love your state and gut it of higher education and social services within one year. Can’t.-
OW I think Rauners hubris led him to believe that the Dems would fold easily and then he would allow the GA to restore a bit of funding at reduced levels. But that didn’t happen and I think he blames Dems and Madigan for the disaster because they haven’t folded at planned. Now again his hubris will not let him admit the apocalyptic error and destruction of our state. Like a compulsive gambler he believes that they will fold and he will win if he does x. It’s hubris that I think is the causative agent.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:55 pm
Dear Bruce Rauner, if you want to be Scott Walker, why don’t you try following in his footsteps and actually win control of the legislature first?
That’s the way this used to work, in olden days.
That’s incidentally why the -only- demand Rauner’s made that I’m semi-sympathetic with (I don’t know if it would really make much difference, I think it’s vastly oversold as a remedy) would be some kind of gerrymandering / redistricting reform. If his argument is “I can’t win the legislature because it’s not a democratic fair fight …” All right, we could hash that one out. Heck, Guzzardi might get on board with that one.
But I’m getting the sense redistricting reform is near the bottom of Rauner’s actual priorities, on his Turnaround Agenda.
Comment by ZC Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 12:59 pm
Gerry All of your points are valid except the last one. There is no compromising with the Turnaround Agenda. It is only capitulation. That is exactly the point that Guzzardi made. Rauner’s compromise is to require the democrats to turn their backs on their constituents and in return, Rauner will permit them to raise taxes so that he can use that tax increase to demagogue them in the next election. Nice compromise.
Comment by tominchicago Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 1:01 pm
==1) They passed a tax increase with a sunset provision, then for 4 years and total control of Congress and Gov’s office they took no action to either get expenses in line to prepare for the drop off in income tax, OR to renew the tax rates before they hit sunset. They could have taken that action as a party at any point from 2011 to 2015. They could have extended the tax sunset in the lame duck session of 2014 but they did not do that.==
Actually, I seem to recall a certain Governor-elect in November of 2014 demanding that the General Assembly not address the reauthorization of the tax increase and allow it to sunset and promised to negotiate in good faith in return. A promise which he swiftly broke during his first budget address when he made it absolutely clear that he would be holding the state’s social safety-net hostage in return for turning Illinois into Kansas.
By pulling that card the Governor turned a difficult but not impossible situation into a hellscape for social services. So excuse me if I put a little bit more blame on the Governor than the Speaker.
Comment by SweetLou86 Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 1:01 pm
-OW_
You missed the point that Rauner could have AV’d the D budget to meet his priorities within the available revenues but chose not to.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 1:04 pm
== Like a compulsive gambler he believes that they will fold and he will win if he does x. ==
So instead, Rauner keeps doubling down …
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 1:08 pm
I wish someone would deliver a final blow to the “supermajority” nonsense.
Comment by skeptical Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 1:09 pm
“The Democrats undeniably did the following things:
1) They passed a tax increase with a sunset provision, then for 4 years and total control of Congress and Gov’s office they took no action to either get expenses in line to prepare for the drop off in income tax, OR to renew the tax rates before they hit sunset. They could have taken that action as a party at any point from 2011 to 2015. They could have extended the tax sunset in the lame duck session of 2014 but they did not do that.
2) Democrats passed an unbalanced budget twice, once in 2014 when there was a Democratic governor and again in 2015 with Rauner.”
No arguments here. But, again, the point isn’t how we got here. It’s what we’re going to do differently going forward. For Rauner to continuously insert poison pills into legislation that he KNOWS he doesn’t have the votes for is a dereliction of duty. He’s intentionally exacerbating the existing problems. That helps no one. As many commenters here have said repeatedly….do the doable.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 1:10 pm
Last February, the governor proposed a budget with a $3.1 billion deficit.
Last May, the General Assembly passed a series of budget bills with a $4 billion deficit. The governor signed the K-12 approp., and later signed non-GRF approps. under pressure from some House Republicans.
Currently, the comptroller estimates that FY16 GRF spending is $6.2 billion out of whack, even with zero funding for social services, higher ed., and group health insurance.
Of the following numbers, which is largest?
A. 3.1 billion
B. 4 billion
C. 6.2 billion
D. Hang in there
The idea that the governor vetoed must of the GRF budget for issues of “fiscal responsibility” is simply absurd, on its face.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 1:37 pm
I’m watching people lose jobs over this today. It would be nice if these folks would just do what they were elected to do. It doesn’t seem that hard to me.
It’s too bad it’s not easier to recall a governor. He’d already be gone.
Comment by Chucktownian Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 1:38 pm
- Honeybear -
It’s going to be up to those leaders, Republicans, to move forward. With no humility, just raw fact, I’m not one of thode leaders, nor do I hold sway. It’s up to those in the Republican Party today that have that gift of power, given to them by voters, to propel the beliefs I know aren’t gone, but are dimmed today by those running the party with ideals and requirements and musts that go against even Republican core beliefs. I can only speak for me, and I try to do that. But my voice is is mine, it’s up to the leadership or others that can institute the changing philosophy to stand, don’t know who I will follow. With respect.
- RNUG -
I didn’t “forget” per se, but I remember Rauner often saying words to the effect, “They (Democrats) sent me budgets, expectin’ me to cut or pick and choose. No. No, I’m not doin’ that. I work with then to raise taxes, if… “, or words close to that.
Rauner won’t choose, that’s the “sin”, not that he refused his constitutional duty, because a veto is part of the job, but the “sin” is ignoring Section VII, Section 2, (a). With respect as always.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 1:39 pm
Section VIII, my apologies, my phone.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 1:39 pm
“Article VIII, Section 2, (a)”
Geez on me!
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 1:41 pm
==Blame for the past, even the recent past, is very easy here. Going forward, however, I don’t see how it makes much of a difference.==
Yep. I’ve been saying that for a while now. I don’t know what anybody thinks they are gaining by re-hashing the past. That doesn’t solve anything except to satisfy somebody’s political argument. The fact is that the present is all that matters right now and in the present we have two primary people - the Governor and Speaker Madigan - who are absolutely refusing to discuss any sort of compromise. So, we can all sit around lamenting about what happened in the past but it’s really not helpful nor does it even matter anymore.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:04 pm
“Whatever the RAUNER TAX increase will be, we’ll take it under consideration, of course.” (CAPS to emphasize snarkiness)
John Cullerton laughing it up with Eriz Zorn in a Trib column that appeared after Rauner’s electon in Nov 2014.
For the posters here who argue that the Dems only complied with Rauner’s request not to extend the tax increase during the Lame Duck and he somehow tricked them - well in the words of the great Mike Ditka ” Who Are You Crappin?”
Dems have been dying to hang the mantle for the tax increase on Rauner and the Repubs and that’s why they chose not to extend the tax increase in Dec 2014. And in doing so they handed a damaging sword to their adversary.
And for all those saying let’s ignore the past 4/ 8/ 10 years of how Dems have acted while in power of the State - Great let’s do something now. Tell MJM to start negotiating with Rauner - use the basis for agreement that Rich has laid out on this blog over the last year (Causation in WC, Limits on Prevailing Wage applicability, Redistricting, highway construction). These are not radically conservative causes and they will certainly not devastate the middle class.
No more of this we have to look at the budget in a vacuum BS. People are hurting so step up and address the problems.
Comment by Gerry Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:22 pm
RNUG+1
He has figured out a way to bankrupt the state. How hard is it to set up an agency from scratch? Build a museum? Build a tollway? Manage foster kids? Build a school system?
The hostile takeover of Illinois started 13 months ago and the architect has everyone pointing fingers and blaming the past.
Comment by Trolling Troll Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:28 pm
As noted here by Rich several weeks ago in a well-reasoned anslysis, there will be no tax increase. So let’s stop beating that horse as well.
Comment by My New Handle Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:33 pm
===No more of this we have to look at the budget in a vacuum BS. People are hurting so step up and address the problems.===
In 2014 everybody, including Bruce Rauner, knew that whoever won the election was going to have to raise taxes. Rauner is simply trying to get a radical agenda put through in exchange for doing what everyone knew he had to do.
Why on earth should the Democrats allow him to put a pre-condition on doing his job? If he didn’t want to be Governor, he should have stayed in business. If he plans to finish his term, I suggest he begins to, you know, govern.
If he doesn’t want to raise taxes, then he needs to identify the cuts. He’s abdicated his responsibility, and that is why people are hurting in Illinois today.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:34 pm
Representative Guzzardi knows as well as anyone that the Governor has never made passing his entire Turnaround Agenda a precondition for a budget. They’re just running and hiding behind that because they don’t want to wear the jacket for the massive tax hike needed to fund their budget.
Again and again somebody here will say “I agree we need reforms,” or “do the doable,” or whatever the Oswego Willy buzz phrase of the day is, “but, but, but.” But what? How about laying some of your own proposals on the table for us? That or just admit that you just want to raise taxes, and shut up and get it over with.
Comment by Jack Kemp Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:43 pm
- Jack Kemp -
I’m not the governor, and use the search. Thanks. Ask from what you found.
===For the posters here who argue that the Dems only complied with Rauner’s request not to extend the tax increase during the Lame Duck and he somehow tricked them - well in the words of the great Mike Ditka ” Who Are You Crappin?”===
Rauner’s rookie mistake now means Rauber owns the sun setting of the tax increase. Had he just kept silent, Rauner would own none of it.
Governors own, they own their words too. Opening his mouth did Rauner no good. That’s on Rauner, no one is crappin’ no one. (Ugh)
Rauner wanted it to sunset, said so, the Dems happily obliged, tying Rauner to it. K? K.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:01 pm
==That or just admit that you just want to raise taxes, and shut up and get it over with.==
Another absolutist. “If you don’t agree with the Governor then all you want is a tax hike!” That’s just asinine.
==do the doable==
Yeah, we certainly wouldn’t want to talk about things that can actually get done.
==How about laying some of your own proposals on the table for us==
I’m neither the Governor nor the Speaker. And, many of us have discussed what we would do. But that doesn’t really matter now does it?
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:09 pm
Guzzardi is missing the point. Rauner won’t sign a tax increase unless he gets something in return. If the Democrats will not compromise, then they need to pass a balanced budget and massive tax increase ASAP and override the governor’s veto without a single Republican vote. Which they can do, numerically at least.
If prevailing wage et al are so untouchable, put up or shut up.
Comment by gopower Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:10 pm
== Tell MJM to start negotiating with Rauner ==
I’d be happy to. Now tell the Governor to drop his anti-union stuff and maybe we’ll get somewhere.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:10 pm
==Which they can do==
No, they can’t, and saying they can ignores reality.
==If the Democrats will not compromise==
I swear if I hear “if such and such won’t compromise” again I’m going to scream. Enough. NEITHER seem to be willing to compromise. NEITHER! Spell it with me N E I T H E R.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:13 pm
====Ok, this is neither to defend Madigan’s image nor denigrate it, rather simply to address that narrow point. The Trib comment section is no more a slice of Americana than the Star Wars Cantina.
Wrong. The cantina was tolerant of diversity.
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:23 pm
==that the Governor has never made passing his entire Turnaround Agenda a precondition for a budget==
Rauner has done exactly this. If this was true then we would have reached a budget deal by now.
Sad to see so many stick up for a guy that is so wrong.
Comment by Abe the Babe Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:46 pm
==Wrong. The cantina was tolerant of diversity.==
Not necessarily
“i dont like you…my friend doesnt like you either”
Comment by Abe the Babe Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:48 pm
==How about laying some of your own proposals on the table for us==
Meaning that the real problem is that the Superstars have exhausted the entire playbook?
Just when you think they couldn’t possibly fumble again…
Comment by crazybleedingheart Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:55 pm
===“i dont like you…my friend doesnt like you either”
That wasn’t on diversity reasons.
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:56 pm
Not to sound Sandackian, but who specifically will sponsor any income tax increase bill and who specifically will vote aye on it? Serious question.
Comment by My New Handle Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:56 pm
It’s not absolutism. It’s calling a spade, a spade. The Democratic caucus and the Speaker’s utter intransigence to so much as even consider or negotiate on any of the Governor’s proposals, and their refusal to offer any reasonable counters of their own, is coupled with their insistence upon the “budget first,” mantra. That the budget they’re so insisting upon would require a tax hike is a matter of simple fact. The budget should not be tied to non-budgetary items, remember? All together, what does that spell? Raise taxes. Pass the budget. End the discussion.
Comment by Jack Kemp Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:57 pm
Madigan hasn’t been Speaker for over 30 years (-2) because he told his Members what to do. He might twist arms when he needs to, but you stay in power in a position like that by knowing your Members and where they are.
Unfortunately, Rauner thinks one guy runs the show.
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:58 pm
Such a clever, cruel, and wholly destructive trick it was to dream up the strategy of forcing your political opponent to GIVE you something in return for doing the job you were elected to do.
As a taxpayer, it isn’t a compromise in my mind to GIVE the governor a policy that will cut my wage so that I get the PRIVILEGE of seeing my taxes go up.
We either need a tax increase or we don’t. Balancing the budget is the job he was elected to do. Do the job. Do it in good faith. Do it well. Earn trust. Earn political capital. And then let’s see how we can help you accomplish all these goals you didn’t bother mentioning in your general election campaign. After I’m convinced you aren’t trying to bankrupt my state
Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:00 pm
To be sure, it’s fine if that’s your position. But it’s telling that there is always such protest when it’s pointed out that that is the position of the Democrats in the General Assembly. It’s probably because, hey just like I said, they don’t want to wear the jacket for a tax hike because they know it’s wrong. It’s just that, ya know, when they refuse to offer any counter proposals it sends a pretty obvious message to those who are really paying attention.
Comment by Jack Kemp Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:02 pm
===It’s not absolutism. It’s calling a spade, a spade. The Democratic caucus and the Speaker’s utter intransigence to so much as even consider or negotiate on any of the Governor’s proposal
1) They are willing to negotiate on several of the issues with workers comp being one of them.
2) Regardless of what “reforms” are passed, a budget hike is needed. Remember, his own math suggests he can increase revenues by $510 million. Doesn’t cut it and his math is dubious at even doing that.
3) They’ve considered much of his agenda and they disagree with it.
4) The basic idea is to pass a budget and run the government. Then have discussions on other issues. Rauner was elected to govern within a system of checks and balances. Just because he doesn’t like that he doesn’t have the votes doesn’t mean he gets to run the car off a cliff.
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:04 pm
===That the budget they’re so insisting upon would require a tax hike is a matter of simple fact.===
LOL, So did Rauner’s, and that… is a simple fact, lol
===All together, what does that spell? Raise taxes. Pass the budget. End the discussion.===
There will be no tax increase. Please learn. Not happening, so don’t worry, #TaxHikeMike quashed that for good.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:06 pm
Guzzardi is being disingenuous: it’s one thing to be “miles away” from passing the turnaround agenda en masse - OF COURSE that’s not going to happen and if Rauner demanded it even some GOP legislators would flip. Madigan’s position is that it’s anathema to include ANY of the turnaround agenda items as part of the budget negotiations. What voters want is a compromise - probably far more on the Dem side than Rauners save the political reforms.
Oh, and Mr. Guzzardi, if you are miles away from ANY of Rauner’s other reforms, then you’re opposing President Obama on redistricting as well as anyone who gives a flip about small-d democracy. But good to know.
Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:06 pm
Didn’t the GA pass a property tax bill that contained all of Rauner’s language except for the poison pill excerpts. He vetoed it and his mouthpiece called it a “sham” bill. Yet the bill could have given Rauner a victory with just what he wanted regarding property tax. That sounds like a legislative compromise that was snubbed. Doesn’t take too many snubs to make you not want to bother with trying.
Comment by My New Handle Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:06 pm
===hen they refuse to offer any counter proposals it sends a pretty obvious message to those who are really paying attention
What counter proposal do you want?
Let’s end collective bargaining for public employees! Let’s negotiate by you all giving in to my proposal.
The Lege considered the idea and didn’t like it.
Worker’s comp–there’s been plenty of negotiating and offering alternatives.
Pension–there are several ideas out there and the Lege passed a bill to deal with it. It was just unconstitutional–just like Rauner’s plan.
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:07 pm
===…s it sends a pretty obvious message to those who are really paying attention.===
The protesters during the State of the State weren’t saying “Fire Madigan!”, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:08 pm
=== OF COURSE that’s not going to happen and if Rauner demanded it even some GOP legislators would flip. Madigan’s position is that it’s anathema to include ANY of the turnaround agenda items as part of the budget negotiations.
Except they have negotiated on several items
1) Workers Comp
2) Property Taxes
3) Pensions
A Governor doesn’t automatically get his way. Never has and never will. If he wants to build a coalition and gain a majority, he’s welcome to implement his entire agenda, Until then, he needs to actually do his job and run the state.
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:12 pm
=== … they don’t want to wear the jacket for a tax hike because they know it’s wrong. ===
You’ve now entered troll land. C’mon man you know that fear of political retribution from voters is the reason a tax increase won’t be on the agenda this year. Not some meeting of the minds that a tax is wrong. No more feeding of this troll for me.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:13 pm
Oswego Willy, oh, you don’t say? And I suppose all of those people shouting in the chamber are these elusive Republicans who are totally super never ever voting for Rauner again no way nuh huh? Right?
The people who elected Rauner, mock it all you want, tired of the status quo in Springfield. The Governor repeats that so often because it’s on message, and he’s right. The Democratic Caucus can pretend all they like that they know better than us simple folk, but pretending is exactly what it is.
They had plenty of time to pass a budget all their own. Hey, there’s still time. They won’t do it. That’s telling. “That’s the ball game.”
Comment by Jack Kemp Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:17 pm
===The people who elected Rauner, mock it all you want, tired of the status quo in Springfield.===
What does that mean after a year?
Closed museums, Social Services decimated… The new status quo is ruining lives.
===The Democratic Caucus can pretend all they like that they know better than us simple folk, but pretending is exactly what it is.===
Raunerites want to destroy the state, that’s pretty simple, and pretty obvious. That’s all on Rauner. Why? You wavy a new status quo.
=== The Governor repeats that so often because it’s on message, and he’s right.===
He’s destroying social services because of it. What “it” is, you don’t even know, lol
===They had plenty of time to pass a budget all their own. Hey, there’s still time.===
If you admit Rauner is inept, can’t propose a budget, be governor, and can’t do Article VIII, Section 2, (a)…
So you admit Rauner can’t do the job, how can I help you? We agree.
===And I suppose all of those people shouting in the chamber are these elusive Republicans who are totally super never ever voting for Rauner again no way nuh huh? Right?===
This is jibberish, troll-like.
The protesters were calling out the governor, governors own.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:49 pm
Oh yeah, yeah. You’re right, I’m wrong. You’re smart, I’m dumb. Everything I say you’ll just have some sniveling comeback - just proud as peaches that you can get me on some chicken**** non-point when you’re completely out to lunch on the substance.
You’re pretty good at obstructing conversations and obfuscating half truths. Maybe they should hire you over there in the Speaker’s office, Mr. Republican.
Comment by Jack Kemp Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:52 pm
==The people who elected Rauner, mock it all you want, tired of the status quo in Springfield. The Governor repeats that so often because it’s on message, and he’s right.==
The people also elected a majority Democratic legislature. You act as if the gubernatorial election occurred in a vacuum. When you want to live in reality land with the rest of us let us know.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:55 pm
- Jack Kemp -
No one is stopping you from refuting my points.
No one.
If you decide to be petulant, I guess you can’t discuss things?
Hey, we both agree, Rauner is inept, can’t formulate a budget, how should we work around Rauner?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:56 pm
==Oh yeah, yeah. You’re right, I’m wrong. You’re smart, I’m dumb. ==
Oh for pete’s sake. Stop playing the victim. Grow the heck up.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:56 pm
The difference it makes is that it demonstrates a simple, but fundamental, point.
Democrats were unwilling to act responsibly when they were in full control, and they remain unwilling to act responsibly with a governor now from another party.
The budget impasse is the only chance to implement any sort of meaningful and necessary changes for improving the state of the state.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 6:06 pm
” - Anonymous - ” (Ugh)
===The budget impasse is the only chance to implement any sort of meaningful and necessary changes for improving the state of the state.===
“@RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate.”
Rauner is choosing the hurt, the stalemate, the decimation. The governor wants pain for long term minuscule gain. Pathetic.
You “hang in there” ” - Anonymous - “
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 6:23 pm
@Gerry, it’s not a case of the Democrats wanting Rauner to own the tax increase, it’s a case of the Democrat’s wanting the GOP to share responsibility for increasing the income tax. The rank and file GOP, as well as the Democrats, know that we need more revenue. What the GOP is hoping is that the Democrats, with their majority, push through the tax increase on their own. That would immediately help the GOP in two ways, it would relieve the pressure they are under to solve the budget crisis, and also give them a great weapon to use in the fall election, that the Democrats on their own raised your taxes. Madigan isn’t going to hand them that weapon.
Comment by The Dude Abides Thursday, Feb 11, 16 @ 9:12 am