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* Your reaction to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s budget address?
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:05 pm
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He seemed angry
Comment by 360 Degree Turnaround Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:07 pm
It’s going to be fun to see what happens when the state has neither a FY 16 nor a FY 17 budget.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:08 pm
Toned down a lot but still going nowhere
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:09 pm
Not much discussion of the actual budget. I thought it was a bit combative. He went directly after the Democrats. Once again talked about the Turnaround Agenda. The meat of the message didn’t change from the message he has been giving. We’re in for more of the same. Don’t plan on a budget anytime soon.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:09 pm
petulant bordering on desperate.
Comment by State Engineer Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:10 pm
He says he wants this year to turn out differently, but he keeps doing things the same way.
Governor, if you don’t want a budget that spends more than $32.5 billion, then submit a spending plan with no new revenue and demand an up or down vote.
But if you do want a budget that spends $36.5 billion, stop calling it the Democrats’ tax increase.
Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:10 pm
A bit distracted from the muffled chanting coming from the angry mob outside, the lackluster applause, and the half-hidden snorting coming from those listening in person.
Comment by Grimm Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:10 pm
Rauner is a complete disappointment as Governor.
Comment by Joe Biden Was Here Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:10 pm
Unfortunately the democrats in this state do not want reform. They just want to hold onto power. So whatever the governor says is actually pointless until the voters fix the problem. Which…they won’t.
Comment by Beeker Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:11 pm
I’m confused…what are my choices again?
Comment by Dozer Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:12 pm
it’s so weird to me how he has now sort of shifted his rhetoric on the Turnaround Agenda to where all the union killing stuff is kind of an afterthought. It’s like he doesn’t want people to know those are the bits holding this thing up.
Also, I don’t catch a lot of these addresses, but the Republicans sure didn’t seem to be very enthusiastic about any of it
Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:12 pm
Correlation does not equal causation. Also, I want that 3 billion dollars explained. If he’s taking 3 billion dollars out of State employees pockets, well that isn’t exactly a fair contract. Also, he said they were negotiatin’ a contract too. Did he forget he filed an ULP over AFSCME’s refusal to declare an impasse when he did? Did he forget he’s arguing to impose his final offer? That doesn’t sound like he’s negotiating.
Also, “we don’t have to pass every item in my turnaround agenda this year… In their current forms…” By that logic, we’ll end up seeing even less than his 1.4% gain. I still don’t see how that gets us back to even.
Comment by Me Too Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:13 pm
The Governor’s Proposed Budget for FY2017:
http://www.illinois.gov/gov/budget/Pages/default.aspx
Good luck in finding the detailed budget.
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:13 pm
Where’s the Governor’s budget?
Comment by 332bill Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:14 pm
A budget address where the point is that the budget is not the point.
Brilliant misdirection.
Unfortunately, it ignores the reality that Illinois needs a budget.
BTW — assuming he vetoes the MAP grants — why not attach the MAP grants to his K-12 request? I mean, he says ‘no games’ — but I think he misses the point where he games every single piece of legislation he introduces.
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:15 pm
Do as I say, not as I do.
Comment by Anonymiss Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:15 pm
As Cullterton said- “Deja vu.”
Rauner’s focus on the stand alone (yet to be seen) K-12 appropriation bill seems to be a “gift” to his wife’s program of work. Otherwise, very, very poor. Abdication of his constitutional duties. For the details he conveniently left out- http://www.illinois.gov/gov/budget/Pages/default.aspx . Best bet for viewing is the Excel spreadsheet. The pdfs aren’t downloading very well. The spreadsheet can be enabled for editing and sorted to see what has been lined out.
Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:16 pm
More of the same. He claims he’s willing to compromise with Dems but then demands the exact education funding bill be passed as introduced by Radogno/Durkin. And does anyone actually believe he will support Cullerton’s (still likely unconstitutional) pension bill with “whatever legislative language President Cullerton wants to use.”?
Comment by Pek Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:16 pm
I’m very discouraged. For the second year in a row, he’d abdicated his responsibility to present a balanced budget. He’s flipping off the constitution and the citizens of this state. If he didn’t want to do the job, why did he pay $60 million to buy it?
I guess we just have to wait until the lame duck session so the Democrats can jam through another tax increase. By then, who knows how many more people will be collateral damage to this man’s partisan political agenda?
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:16 pm
Tuuurible
Comment by Trolling Troll Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:16 pm
He tried to tamp it down, but he already defined himself in his first year. No going back. Even if he tries to appear as a genuine broker, people see right through it.
Comment by Corporate Thug Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:16 pm
A video of Rauner’s budget address:
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20160217/follow-live-gov-rauners-budget-address?rssfeed=true
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:17 pm
So where’s the link to click on so the citizens of Illnois can review the Governor’ s proposed state budget for 2017 that he was presenting today? Didn’t we just hire a guy for the Office of Technology and Innoculation or something? What’s he doing? I should have a link to click on.
Comment by Team Warwick Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:17 pm
A governor who failed to submit a budget and who’s done nothing to engender trust now wants to be trusted with lump-sum budget authority?
The darkest of political comedies.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:17 pm
Increase spending on K-12, I see a lot of charters springing up, privatize our unis too, count on pension savings from a law that will be struck down, We’re going to spend a lot on popular stuff, somehow save the same amount as laying off nearly the entire workforce with the terms of a “fair” contract, and have balanced budgets and ponies too.
Comment by Me too Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:18 pm
I felt there was a frustration, and a sense that he, the Governor, needs the Legislature, (no surprise), and this doubling-down and then askin’ for authority that normal governors could wield with a strong commitment to working together and a veto.
Rauner lacks. He does.
When a governor comes at this looking helpless, then tries to be authoritative, requesting more power, with words dripping in frustration, the structure of a budget, and priorites of a governor are the second thoughts of a governor that lacks.
If you listened, this speech was more about the wielding of power to change the structures of government then a budgetary address and the inter workings of co-equal branches starting their duties for Illinois.
But, we all already knew that, and the governor’s “Jerry McGuire” stylings of “help me, help you”, “my word is my bond” and “show me the money” failings wrapped around the desperate attempt to get a deal Rauner has no leverage in securing.
The rest? That’s the easiest to see. Rauner is unable to give figures, figurin’ the wants he has will allow a budget to work out in the wash, instead of framing a budget, a roadmap, a document weighing and measuring priorites.
That was not this speech, even thought it should have been.
The protesters, yelling, chanting, booing….?
Governors own, they always… do.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:19 pm
A clean bill only applies to the political cleavages — everything else needs to be tied to a reform.
Comment by ash Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:20 pm
Insanity: “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” - Albert Einstein
Comment by burbanite Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:20 pm
to the man who’s never failed: this is it. this is what failure looks like. don’t get mad, it happens to all of us, but this is YOUR failure bruce. cope however you need to but don’t take the rest of us down with you.
Comment by Homer J. Quinn Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:23 pm
Several applause lines that were met with uncomfortable silence. Seemed like he gave an inch or two on the Turnaround Agenda but probably not enough to matter. No indication that he has learned anything about how state government works and clearly thinks he knows better. Because…Master of the Universe. The G dropping is insufferable. We need a shrink to explain that odd tic.
Comment by And I Approved This Message Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:23 pm
I have a question rather than a comment.
1)So if there is no FY 2016 budget, (which it appears there is not going to be), will the State still be required to pay those of us that is owed for FY 2016.
2)Also will the court payment mandates sunset come June 30, 2016
Comment by Digity Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:24 pm
He was like a stand up comic waiting for laughter that never came.
Comment by 360 Degree Turnaround Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:25 pm
No mention of me. Guess he doesn’t care if all the universities die and thousands of students flee the state or do not get four year degrees. So disappointing.
Comment by Higher Ed Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:26 pm
Beeker, 1:11:
===Unfortunately the democrats in this state do not want reform. They just want to hold onto power.”===
But those two aren’t mutually exclusive, unless of course you’re willing to admit that our own Li’l Scott Walker is only trying to break the unions to make it harder for Democrats to win…
Comment by Nope, Nope, Nope Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:28 pm
I can tell you, the last thing agency directors and their budget and legislative directors want is a lump sum budget.
Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:29 pm
Anon221 @ 1:16 pm - Thanks
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:29 pm
Who was the female Democratic legislator that Rauner alluded to but did not name?
Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:29 pm
Desperate. I think he expected total victory by now. I suspect his yes men told him that he would be presiding over a broken GA with his fully functioning turnaround agenda and the dems willing vote for a tax hike. I think he expected to have AFSCME crushed and be able to crow.
He’s desperate because he’s left himself no other course. He needed those strong man moves to succeed before the primaries so he could use his cash to smear bems for raisin taxes.
Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:32 pm
Posted extensive thoughts under the Live Coverage thread but here’s my summary:
Re-reading it and thinking it over, the speech essentially boiled down to:
You (implied GA and former executives) all created this mess but trust me with enough power and I’ll fix it.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:32 pm
Governor’s balanced budget proposal. Where is it?
Comment by Moby Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:33 pm
Let’s be very, very, very clear… crystal clear.
You don’t ask that one very specific hostage be released if you have no intention of holding hostages at all.
Asking for K-12, means there will be hostages, oh, there will be hostages.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:34 pm
ZZZZZZZZZZ
Comment by Buzzie Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:35 pm
Willy -
What I found remarkable on a macro level was that last year he failed/refused/opted against using his executive authority to reduce line items to bring spending levels down to his liking, and this year he seems to be asking for legislative power (to rewrite statutes) to do exactly what he was able but unwilling to do last year.
Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:36 pm
It was so-so. And yet here is Mike Madigan spewing talking points during his talking points.
We will not have a budget until after the election - or maybe even until after Christmas.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:37 pm
My first reaction from my “on the fly” thoughts during the speech:
Summary: Short on detail. YET ANOTHER CAMPAIGN SPEECH; Rauner sounds reasonable but he probably doesn’t think the words mean the same as a normal person would
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:37 pm
- Like a cat on a hot tin roof, throwing rocks he picked up after putting himself between a rock and a hard place during his first year.
- Neglects to say he introduced an unbalanced budget in year one.
- Blows off Cullerton’s education reform.
- Throws Cullerton under the bus on pension reform.
- Throws Thompson and Edgar under the bus.
- Willing to sacrifice human services.
Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:37 pm
Every time I hear Mike Madigan say “extreme” I think about the late 80s/early 90s rock group featuring Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:37 pm
Hard to believe he continues to get a pass on increases to one program that his wife supports….he seemed sincere, a bit angry and mostly frustrated but he will find $75M for ECE?
Comment by Yo Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:37 pm
And my summary on the proposed pension changes:
Bottom line:
Rauner’s “go it alone” approach will do a bit of cost shifting for some TRS / SURS pension contributions and will tweak the pension contribution formula to, probably, reduce the amount of “required” contribution each year.
Rauner is also betting on the Cullerton “consideration” proposal to generate 2018 savings but that may be a long shot.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:39 pm
Consistent–no real numbers and structural reform is what’s needed.
I thought I saw him look over to the Republican side on his “being tough with AFSCME and getting value for the taxpayers” line, as though he thought he would get some applause. That spoke loudly to me–many Republicans used to support the rights of unions before they gave away their voting buttons. Just think how much could be accomplished if he could let that one thing go and lead us towards some effective reforms.
A minor quibble: if education of our children must be a priority, don’t leave out those age 0-5. That is an absolutely critical timeframe where a lack of gains will never be made up, even with the greatest of K-12 programs.
Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:39 pm
=== You don’t ask that one very specific hostage be released if you have no intention of holding hostages at all. ===
Good point.
Cullerton made it clear to the Governor that if he wants his pension deal, he has to be willing to fix CPS funding. Rauner is effectively killing his own pension reform.
Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:39 pm
Was there anything new in there? I think he summarized his position nicely, but it’s not really a FY2017 budget at all.
Comment by the Other Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:39 pm
When will action match the rhetoric?
Comment by nobody Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:40 pm
It was like hearing Bernie Madoff asking us for our credit card numbers.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:41 pm
Yawnnnnnn…..
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:43 pm
I was going to take orders for “I Survived Bruce Rauner” t-shirts to be delivered in January 2019, but by then I don’t think anyone could afford to buy one.
Comment by CharlieKratos Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:44 pm
Public budgeting is very simple. Figure out what you you want to provide and them develop the revenue to provide it. Rauner needs to figure that simple fact out.
Comment by Red Dig Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:44 pm
remember, Rauner’s pension deal actually is cullerton’s pension deal. looks like Cullerton is killing his own bill, which shows he was never serious in the first place. Just window dressing to complicate the politics of the situation.
Comment by jim Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:44 pm
Where’s the beef?
Comment by IL Pork Producer Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:45 pm
There are lots of details in the actual budget document. Since it was embargoed until noon, it will take people time to dig through it.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:45 pm
The sign language interpreters were certainly highly animated and energetic.
Rauner on the other hand was just more of the same. He wants authority to cut anywhere he wants, including skipping pension contributions. No way, governor!
Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:46 pm
== I was going to take orders for “I Survived Bruce Rauner” t-shirts to be delivered in January 2019, but by then I don’t think anyone could afford to buy one. ==
Maybe get people to pre-pay?
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:46 pm
Strangest speech I’ve seen in 20some years of watching them. There was little Republican enthusiasm and Rauner stared down Democrats. The rhetoric about cooperation didn’t match his tone. Really his proposals didn’t scream compromise either. I’ll cooperate, but… I’ll only sign k-12 education funding if it’s exactly as I write the bill, no compromise there. You either pass my union busting agenda or give me complete authority to decide every area of state funding by myself. Wow, that’s really extendin that hand of cooperation, Bruce!
I won’t reduce funding lines through veto even though I can.
I think it’s the first budget speech that really didn’t talk about any areas of the budget except for K-12.
Comment by budGet Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:47 pm
@Higher Ed I was disappointed that the Governor highlighted a high school student that most likely will choose to go to college out of state due to the lack of higher ed support in IL. Frustrated that there was mention of higher ed and absolutely no support.
Comment by Invest in higher ed Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:47 pm
== including skipping pension contributions. ==
Actually, when you dig into the details on his pension proposals, it’s selective cost-shift and tweaking the employer contribution formula so the State has reduced payments.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:48 pm
“Please clap.”
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:48 pm
Your reaction to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s budget address?
I was very disappointed. He made it very clear that he only cares about K-12 education and nothing else.
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:48 pm
I think Bruce was fibbin’ about the value of the last tax increase. Bills were bein’ paid down, pension payments were bein’ made and the state had a better credit rating.
Welcome to Bruce’s World: higher spendin’ via court orders, lower financial ratings, and businesses in the highly regarded IN leaving for Mexico.
The guy just can’t catch a break.
Dang Democrats.
Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:49 pm
It wasn’t a great speech, but it served the purpose of making him look better by contrast. The speech offered more options and compromise than the obstructionist GA.
The Madigan mantra still looks to be “No compromise, no ideas, no changes, no surrender.” As a result, this speech improves Rauner’s standing in most public eyes.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:49 pm
Here’s another take-away I had from the speech:
Don’t have to have every TA item IN THEIR CURRENT FORM THIS YEAR (key weasel words there).
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:49 pm
- Juvenal -
To your point, I think after watching himself look ineot at the process and “asking” the GA to go alone, the 180 Degree turn is…
“That didn’t work, so I’ll put pressure on that the GA won’t let me wield the power I thought I could have… when I was a candidate, so.., I’ll just ask for it, I guess”
Now the helpless Rauner, arguably holding one of the strongest executive offices, constitutionally in the United States, mind you, will go out and pleas a case that he, Rauber, lacks power.
It’s breathtaking, ain’t it?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:50 pm
already forgotten.
Comment by Saluki Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:51 pm
You know I really really hate to say this, but no funding for k-12, its all or nothing now, or we will have nothing.
Comment by burbanite Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:52 pm
I ain’t buyin’ it.
Comment by illinoised Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:55 pm
–As a result, this speech improves Rauner’s standing in most public eyes.–
That assumes most of the public watched or listened. Most don’t care what he says — they just feel pain and want action.
Comment by ash Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:55 pm
Or just go the CPS route and have folks finance the purchase of the shirts at 8.5 percent over 28 years.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:55 pm
In exchange for doing what he wants, he will allow you to do what he wants.
Comment by In 630 Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:57 pm
–As a result, this speech improves Rauner’s standing in most public eyes.–
If you were to just sit back and read it without any pre-conceptions or knowing the back story, the public would probably agree with most of the speech.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:57 pm
“If Illinois were just average at job creation, we’d have revenue surpluses without a tax increase” In other news, if a frog had wings, it wouldn’t bump its %@* a hoppin’.
Comment by SAP Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:58 pm
The Floggings will continue until Moral improves!
Comment by Mix_It_Up Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:58 pm
p 91 versus 193 - the numbers for CMS make no sense at all. Huge increase on p 91, no explanation on 193.. Classic place for hiding patronage employees, or what is going on here?
Comment by Capitol View Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:02 pm
Republicans: “Great speech, stand your ground, Governor”
Democrats: “Horrible speech. Worst Governor ever”
Most people: “There was a speech today?”
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:03 pm
For those who missed it, here is the text of Gov. Rauner’s Budget Address:
http://wuis.org/post/text-gov-rauners-budget-address-0
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:04 pm
Blago left the day to day business to John Harris. Rauner’s corrupt mind has influenced day-to-day operations. Durkin has penalized independent thought, hence where we are today.
Comment by Red Dig Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:06 pm
++- RNUG - Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:57 pm:
–As a result, this speech improves Rauner’s standing in most public eyes.–
If you were to just sit back and read it without any pre-conceptions or knowing the back story, the public would probably agree with most of the speech. ++
This is sad but true.
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:06 pm
=== RNUG - Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 1:57 pm:
–As a result, this speech improves Rauner’s standing in most public eyes.–
If you were to just sit back and read it without any pre-conceptions or knowing the back story, the public would probably agree with most of the speech.====
I would soundly agree with RNUG on this statement. It would be instructive to put it to the test.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:09 pm
If it’s true that what the Speaker most cares about is remaining Speaker, is there a better guarantee than handing Rauner lump-sum authority and then watching as about 100 Dems are elected to the General Assembly in November in a rebuke to Rauner’s cuts?
Comment by chi Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:09 pm
I found myself not listening, but instead wondering what an alternative universe would look like if Dillard won the Republican primary and had beaten PQ? WWDD?
Comment by Reformed Public Servant Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:12 pm
Why does he assume people who work for the State do not pay taxes?
Comment by Cable Line Beer Gardener Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:17 pm
Is no one going to call Rauner out for his “clean - no games” comments? Gov. Poison Pill wants no hidden agenda in legislation. He’s the poster boy for hypocrites.
Comment by cailleach Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:17 pm
RNUG & A Guy - that is exactly what he will do (via proxies) during the primary and general elections.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:19 pm
== Why does he assume people who work for the State do not pay taxes? ==
Because State employees are being paid with tax dollars. He doesn’t seem to consider that real earned money. I think his logic goes something like all they are doing is handing back part of the taxes money the State already collected in taxes.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:20 pm
Let this be a lesson to those who falsely believe that government can be run like a business. Two different animals.
Comment by Stones Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:22 pm
Rauner just keeps digging the hole deeper while he continues on his divinely inspired mission of union busting. You see, he’s RIGHT and GOOD and COURAGEOUS and those in the way are not just WRONG but actually EVIL. The longer this goes on, the more he’s convinced of the utter righteousness of his cause.
Unless Rauner has a revelation, this is not going to end until the GOP takes a drubbing in November.
The Democrats aren’t going to help him at this point. In the meantime, the State of Illinois is circling the bowl.
Comment by Buster Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:24 pm
==Rauner just keeps digging the hole deeper while he continues on his divinely inspired mission of union busting. ==
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKZSqd5Y8nA
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:29 pm
Oops …just realized a banned word is on the youtube page, so you may not want to link to it from work
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:30 pm
Let this also be a lesson to those who falsely believe government can be run like a bar patron running up a tab. Eventually the bar closes and the tab must be paid.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:32 pm
–If you were to just sit back and read it without any pre-conceptions or knowing the back story, the public would probably agree with most of the speech.====
Well, it’s great to have the support of those who aren’t paying attention and have no interest in the subject at hand.
President Lincoln referred to them as “some of the people all of the time.”
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:34 pm
In quoting the $3 billion cost figure attached to the arbitration bill, I find it interesting (but not surprising) that he just assumes an impartial arbitrator would rule against his contract proposal given that it is such a fair deal and all…
Comment by Decaff Coffee Party Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:35 pm
Rauner’s target audience is people who pay little attention to day-to-day politics, but who do pay attention to the deceptive political ads ad speeches just before they cast their vote.
Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:36 pm
Speech itself was fine. Some tones of compromise which I thought were helpful. But the eerie silence at designated applause lines was obvious and the contrast to last week’s speaker was apparent also.
I was surprised to see Cullerton go after him so hard in the post-game interview.
Comment by siriusly Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:36 pm
“Ads and speeches”
Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:37 pm
Rauner doesn’t seem to need anything…except a guarantee that K-12 will be funded. He exposed that as his weakness. He wants to lock that down right away. He cannot afford to have parents who aren’t paying attention today to take notice when schools don’t open on time. Everything else is something he wants, but does not need. As long as the school appropriation is funded, I expect him to go back to the long game–holding hostages, try to provoke an AFSCME strike, go without a budget and try to pick up some seats.
Comment by James Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:38 pm
K-12 is his weakness, you are right. Use it against him the way he’s using poison pills against you Mr. Madigan.
Comment by Me too Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:48 pm
By that, I mean attach it to literally every bill you send him appropriations wise. I guess single subject would prohibit attaching it to the arbitration bill, but then again, how can union busting get attached to every bill he proposes? Is it all “an act relating to State finance”?
Comment by Me too Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:51 pm
Take a lesson out of the Rauner playbook; add the binding arbitration language to the “clean” K-12 funding bill.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:52 pm
For those keeping score, Rauner dropped 51% of his g’s today, down from 62 percent during the State of the State. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/ct-style-points-gov-rauner-hangs-onto-nearly-as-many-g-s-as-he-drops-in-budget-address-20160217-story.html
Comment by Eric Zorn Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 2:56 pm
On the speech itself…nearly a 50:50 split on words actually ending with …ing and those ending with…in’.
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 3:13 pm
And that was Eric Zorn, Rush chairman, and he was damn glad to meet you.
Ask Bruce if you can give your Tribune readers some deeper analysis on the budget. I’m sure they could use the info. If you have any.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 3:16 pm
RNUG, Nice job on the pension proposal. i left some thoughts over on the other thread.
I was,somewhat amazed that a guy could sound arrogant and defeated at the same time.
I did laugh at the moment early in the speech where he talked about not paying the pensions was “just like borrowing at 8 percent..like junk bonds.” At least he didn’t go all the way and say “you know like Rahm and CPS.”
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 3:17 pm
So our choice is:
1) give him all the money and he’ll shoot some but not all of the hostages - just the ones he wants.
Or
2) give some of the money and he’ll shoot some but not all of the hostages - just the ones he wants.
Doesn’t seem like much of a choice.
Oh, and where’s the budget?
Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 3:29 pm
Disappointed that not once did Ken Dunkin jump up and yell “Heck yeah!”
Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 3:39 pm
==Let this be a lesson to those who falsely believe that government can be run like a business. Two different animals.==
Absolutely!!!!!
Comment by Twice Baked Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 3:46 pm
It looks like Illinois will have another painful year like last year with no budget!
The General Assembly should not approve education spending for K-12 without a full state budget plus the needed tax increases.
Comment by Enviro Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 3:47 pm
Wondering where the Dems will find a revenue stream for the increase in the K-12 budget? /s
Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 3:49 pm
-AA_,
Thanks.
I added some thoughts there on the items you raised.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 3:52 pm
Could the 2014 Republican primary be rerun so that we can have Dillard?
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 3:58 pm
Hillary Clinton’s attack on Rauner’s plan for Illinois is pretty strong.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-hillary-clinton-chicago-visit-met-0218-20160217-story.html
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 3:59 pm
My take away was which arm do you want cut off?
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 4:00 pm
The GA could send him one bill that includes ALL of education, P-higher ed. That would be an interesting scenario.
Comment by My New Handle Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 4:46 pm
Blargh. Nothing but blargh.
Comment by State Worker THX 1138 Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 4:50 pm
Sounded like he wouldn’t know what’s in the budget if you asked him.
Comment by jt Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 5:14 pm
Perhaps one day Bruce will have an epiphany and realize that all of these students, seniors, state employees and union members ( and their families) are his constituents too.
Perhaps one day he will wake up and think, “Hey, they are my constituents too.”
Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 5:16 pm
Anon221 I believe he was referencing Nekritz.
Comment by burbanite Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 5:36 pm
If he is truly a pro- education governor, why throw college age kids under the bus?
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 6:06 pm
==why throw college age kids under the bus?==
Collateral damage. It’s the union supported public colleges and universities Rauner wants to cripple, like every other union supported entity in this state.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 6:17 pm
Thanks Austin:)
Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 6:41 pm
Sorry, meant to type burbanite!
Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 6:43 pm
Another campaign speech with no substance. I would suggest that the governor enroll in a college and take Governorship 101, get off his despotic pedestal, and start playing nicely in the sandbox to come up with a budget.
Comment by mitzien Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 7:09 pm
It’s going to be incredibly long 3 more years. But their is light at the end of that tunnel.
Comment by Elementary Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 7:14 pm
Unfortunately the light at the end of the tunnel is a train coming at us. The train is the Cannonball Express and will run us over when everything shuts down because of 1.4% insistence on his TA.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 7:25 pm
Hoover, Nixon, Rauner; three men extremely effective at turning Republicans into Democrats.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 7:34 pm
Rauner has proven to be incapable of filling the job of governor. But what’s sad (kind of) is that he could have accomplished a great deal of his agenda if he had approached the G.A. with good will during his honeymoon period. Instead it was hostility and sarcasm from Day 1, with nothing accomplished at all.
Examples: Further improvements in workers comp reform, building on the 2011 changes; reasonable changes to state employee health insurance (i.e., small premium increases, slightly higher co-pays, etc.); low-ball increases in state employee wages; limits on step increases; carving out exceptions to the prevailing wage law for smaller communities or smaller projects; and so on.
But as we are learning now, the work needed to reach those compromises is called real governing, and that’s something Rauner cannot seem to comprehend.
Comment by DuPage Dave Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 7:42 pm
Hugh? -
The light I was referring to was actually a different Governor not a train.
But you are right, it is not going to be pretty, maybe outright ugly and extremely damaging until then.
It would be my hope that Gov. Rauner and the Legislature could work together to make Illinois better for everybody.
I am not foolish enough to think that cooperation would happen overnight nor recognize the fact that cooperation might never happen in the next 3 years.
But one can only hope.
Comment by Elementary Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 7:53 pm
Pretty relieved to know new taxes on raisins are off the table.
Comment by Jimmy0 Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 8:58 pm
I think I have to agree with the poster that said to start attaching poison pills to every bill that the governor wants - MAP grants to K12 funding, arbitration to capital budget funding, etc, etc. When he complains, point out he’s done the same in the past.
At this rate, we will have a budget Feb 2019. Hope it helps hire back laid off employees.
Comment by thoughts matter Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 9:00 pm
After sleepin on the question, I realized that, despite his claims to the contrary, this Sounded like a governor who knows he is not winnin.
Comment by Austin Blvd Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 7:49 am
Fighting to keep the status quo taxes for his peers
Comment by Rabid Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 8:10 am
Job creators massing at the borders waiting for structural reform to happen
Comment by Rabid Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 8:17 am