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Time for an intervention

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* Gov. Rauner was reminded today of comments he made almost exactly one year ago to the Chicago Tribune…

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner kicked off a campaign-style statewide tour Monday by indicating he’ll try to “leverage” the state’s money woes into securing a series of pro-business changes from a General Assembly controlled by Democrats likely to fiercely oppose them. […]

“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, borrowing from a political philosophy famously coined by his friend Rahm Emanuel that “you never want a serious crisis to go to waste.”

* The governor was then asked if he was using the current crisis to leverage results. His response…

“This crisis is horrible. I didn’t create it. I don’t want it. And I am furious that this is occurring. There is no reason that we should go this long without a state budget.”

Um, OK. I think it’s time to address the governor as one human being to another.

* Dearest Bruce,

I know - heck, we all know - that you cannot possibly be blamed for Illinois’ many years of unbalanced budgets. You cannot be blamed for grossly underfunding the pension systems for decades. You cannot be blamed for eons of neglect of a host of other issues.

And everybody knows that you, alone, are not fully to blame here. Actually, I’d be willing to bet that more people side with you than with the other actors on the Illinois stage.

But, dude. Seriously, man. You vetoed all but one appropriations bill last year. That means, at the very least, you had a hand in creating the current crisis.

And framing this battle a year ago by saying you’d “leverage” a “crisis” to “force” change certainly shows intent. This was no one-off remark, either. Remember this from September 18, 2012?…

“In Illinois there’s been a long-time history of what I would call social service, social justice, a bigger role for government in the safety net than in many other states,” Rauner said at a tax policy conference sponsored by the George W. Bush Institute. “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. I’d rather have my tax dollars going to that than the SEIU or Af-scammy, who are out there for their own interests.’”

I gotta say man that it looks to quite a few people that this crisis you say you don’t want and are angry about has been your real plan all along.

But, hey, I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt as long as you please, pretty please, stop denying the obvious. It’s truly weirding me out.

Love,

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:27 pm

Comments

I saw that article yesterday and thought it was current. It might as well be given the governor’s shameful conduct. I even heard a conservative commentators on the radio yesterday who has always defended the gov finally take it to him for his utter failure of leadership. This is bad and it’s getting worse. He is responsible for that.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:30 pm
Many on this blog have recently said rauner is a failure or months ago said he will be a failure. But now the general public are saying it out loud. I hope the GOP can find cover from this mans failure in our state.

Comment by Magic carpet ride Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:38 pm
Telling the truth is not a strength of our governor.

Comment by Ole' Nelson Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:41 pm
There is no reason we should go this long without a balanced budget, or any sort of meaningful reform.

Signing every one of those appropriation bills the General Assembly passed last year would have added billions to our debt - much as their mutual failure to pass a balanced budget is doing now.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:44 pm
Governor: ” There is no reason that we should go this long without a state budget.”

Governor, If drop your union busting poison pills & maybe a couple other poison pills the Dems will hand you a state budget. All you have to do is sign or amend the budget the Dems pass in the House and the Senate.

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:45 pm
==But, dude. Seriously, man. You vetoed all but one appropriations bill last year. That means, at the very least, you had a hand in creating the current crisis.==

Perhaps it would be helpful for you to watch the 3/9/16 Senate Exec hearing.

1:17:30

Comment by Lomez Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:47 pm
Though he should admit that he has a role to play in this impasse, just as his counterpart the General Assembly does.

There are no angels in this impasse.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:47 pm
Apparently, there is no one rauner believes and has faith in, who can speak the truth to him.

Rauner will lose the vast majority of the electorate permanently, and many members w univs, if several
universities close. Close universities, but enact term limits, and corporations by the dozen…….bunk.

Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:48 pm
Well, Bruce, you failed in your leadership and failed to leverage this crisis in which you have had a hand. The truth hurts, Bruce, but then, so do all the people whom you have caused to suffer needlessly.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:49 pm
This is what you get when a Republican Gov. tries to push non budget items that are at the heart of a supermajority of democrats in the house and senate. Do the math Rauner and get a budget.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:49 pm
===“This crisis is horrible. I didn’t create it. I don’t want it. And I am furious that this is occurring. There is no reason that we should go this long without a state budget.”===

He forgot to add that he is too weak and powerless to stop this outrage. Governors are just helpless by-standers after all. Not much he could do, even if he wanted to help.

Poor guy. Almost makes me feel sorry for him.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:50 pm
==Signing every one of those appropriation bills the General Assembly passed last year would have added billions to our debt==

My friend, Amendatory Veto called, says he feels sad and neglected, wants to know if Bruce forgot he was still around.

Comment by AC Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:50 pm
That was very nicely stated, and very powerful.

Intervention? Amen.

The Illinois GOP sure has their hands full. smh.

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:51 pm
If you are working hard but not getting results, your plan is NOT working. As Rich says, no one is winning. Everyone needs to park their egos outside of the capitol doors, & start working on what is best for the people in Illinois.

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:51 pm
Well Governor, you got what YOU wanted. You didn’t create this big mess but you are sure making it a heck of a lot worse. Your actions, or lack of interest in governing have resulted in damage that will never be repaired. Social service agencies have shuttered their doors. Universities are on life support. Esteemed faculty won’t even think about coming to Illinois and many are leaving. College students are fleeing Illinois for nearby states.
This is on you governor. Stop campaigning and start governing!

Comment by Higher Ed Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:54 pm
Do you think he wonders why it is that no one trusts him?

Comment by The Way I See It Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:56 pm
Dear Governor,

Let’s remember a few things…

Governors are not passive bystanders.

Governors actions that are theirs and theirs alone can’t be sold as non-factors.

Your words, when you are a governor, people remember them. You’re quoted, recorded, and your actions are then held against your actions. That’s the job.

When you veto a budget, an out of balance budget, and don’t have a budget yourself that’s in balsnce, you honestly can’t claim the high ground.

Governors that claim “dozens”, “many”, “billions” or any descriptive word have the facts and figures to back up measurements. Again, it’s part of the job.

Governors don’t claim bipartisan support, governors go in front of mics and cameras WITH the bipartisan support.

Successful governors trade in their trust and word. In 14 months, how many people can claim you made good on either?

Governors admit mistakes, accept exits and outs to save face, and governors know the legislative nose-counting better than anyone on their agendas. Do you?

Not having a budget shows me you refuse to weigh and measure your policies and agendas. A budget is the sole document created to measure your Administration’s commitment. Refusing to do so, what are you saying to me?

I remember on your inauguration day I asked 3 things of you in year one…

FY2015 - Fix

Labor Peace

FY2016 Budget

That’s three things. Only three, and 2 are required of any governor, not just you.

Well, where are you on this list?

The Good Friday Massacre Cuts are still haunting you, governor, you just don’t realize it, or worse, you see that failure not as a chance to learn, but a blown opportunity to “leverage”.

People are hurting, Gov. Rauner.

People are hurting because of your choices too. Now. Today, FY2016.

Vetoes are dangerous when no plan exists to make it right.

When your Press and Legislative Shops move away from the blantent rhetoric that’s easily refuted, then I’ll know you want a better Illinois.

Governors put their names ON buildings, they don’t tear down buildings to leverage an agenda.

You have your name on YMCAs, Libraries, Dorms… can that man see what this governor is doing?

Today, I’d say, “no”.

Govern, Governor. Be the man who makes Illinois better, that’s a greater legacy than even you can imagine.

Oswego Willy

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:57 pm
Maybe I should change my screen name to “Discontented”.

I’m a dedicated Republican… I used to be a dedicated Republican… I refused to vote for several of the candidates on the Republican primary ballot this time and I absolutely won’t this next election either.

I also refuse to vote for a Democrat at the state level due to Madigan’s shenanigans for either not allowing votes on legislation that would pass or bottling them up in committee, for supporting gun control and for some other stuff.

There are many of “me” out here and many of “us” are dedicated democrats.

Any good third party candidates out there?

Comment by logic not emotion Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:58 pm
- “All you have to do is sign or amend the budget the Dems pass in the House and the Senate.”

First the Governor has to present a balanced budget to the general assembly. That hasn’t happened for the last two years now.

Comment by Chicago 20 Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 3:59 pm
===Signing every one of those appropriation bills the General Assembly passed last year would have added billions to our debt===

Have you looked at the overdue bill list lately? C’mon.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:01 pm
Nothing but more lies. Does Bruce even know the difference anymore?

Comment by kimocat Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:02 pm
===“This crisis is horrible. I didn’t create it. I don’t want it. And I am furious that this is occurring. There is no reason that we should go this long without a state budget.”===

Governor, you created everything that happened since January, 2015. The state financial problems have more than doubled since you became the governor. You own the current budget impasse due to your Turn Around Agenda that is not a structural reform. Your own figures prove your TA will not help the state financial problems.

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:03 pm
=== Apparently, there is no one Rauner believes and has faith in, who can speak the truth to him. ===

Unfortunately, she passed away. Then again, Rauner probably would have turned on her when the going got rough.

We’ve see how he’s treated others who’ve tried to counsel him. Remember the glee he took in defeating a candidate backed by Edgar.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:06 pm
===Signing every one of those appropriation bills the General Assembly passed last year [with various line items individually vetoed by the Governor] would have added [only what the Governor chose to add] to our debt===

Comment by Bill White Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:06 pm
So. If I was a Republican pol in IL, the thing I’d be most worried about right now is that if this keeps up, the GOP is even in worse shape than before Rauner was elected.

Even worse shape.

And it was already the most awfully beaten GOP of any state in the country.

Good luck after 2018.

Comment by Blue Bayou Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:10 pm
Dearest all, (staying with the talking softly mood here, waiting for the intervention to start…..:)

Please don’t forget that Bruce requested the income tax surcharge be allowed to expire, but 60 days later came out with an FY16 budget that was mathematically impossible.

And, please don’t forget that Bruce has chosen to repeatedly fire direct character shots at the people he has to work with to keep our state safe, especially Madigan and Cullerton. (Remember 60/30?)

Reality is such a strange concept for some.

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:13 pm
Rich Miller @ 4:01 pm + 1

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:14 pm
“Govern, Governor. Be the man who makes Illinois better, that’s a greater legacy than even you can imagine.”

Oswego Willy, is it to late to make IL greater?

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:14 pm
I’m not convinced it’s worth wasting the typing on him. I see no evidenced that he is receptive to outside input beyond Republicans threatening to vote their districts or their conscience.

So, Ill pass on writing “Dear Bruce, your addiction to union-destruction has hurt me in the following ways” and setting my bottom line.

Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:15 pm
- Mama -

Daylight is burning, so are so many programs, institutions, and resources too.

Structured roll calls, clean signatures, that’s what this is going to boil down to.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:17 pm
= It’s truly weirding me out.

Love,

RM =

That is priceless, Pulitzer quality my friend. This is what keeps me coming back and why I subscribe.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:19 pm
Rich,

Thanks for your note and this Post.

I hope, if anyone can, you can help, then get the Democrats to govern with their Co-Equal partner.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:20 pm
There will be no budget.

Bruce’s Plan A is to leverage the budget for union busting reform.

Plan B is to target specific public and non-profit institutions with the lack of budget for a bust out so his friends can pick up the pieces.

Plan C is to tank the Illinois and Chicago economies to the point where he can attempt to get laws passed for bankruptcy.

Sure he’d really like A but he’s willing to settle for B and/or C.

A budget without A means he can’t get B or C. Which means he loses. (And remember he never loses.)

There will be no budget until there can consistently be 71 votes for one.

Buckle in for a long almost 3 more years.

Comment by steward Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:24 pm
To use House Leader Durkin’s words from just a day ago: Man up, Governor.

Comment by GA Watcher Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:27 pm
The Scene: The Bat-Cave, far below stately Wayne Manor.

Batman: “There’s a crisis, Robin! And only the World’s Greatest Detective can figure out who’s behind it!”

Robin: “Holy huge hints, Batman! Maybe it was caused by the guy who said, ‘Crisis creates opportunity.’”

Batman: “I’m as puzzled as you are, Boy Wonder…”

Robin: “He also said, ‘Crisis creates leverage to change… and we’ve got to use that leverage of the crisis to force structural change.’”

Batman: “Don’t feel bad, friend — this mystery has stymied even the Bat-computer! If only there were some clue as to who might benefit from squeezing the disadvantaged, the handicapped, the elderly and children in poverty!”

Robin: “Holy hostages, Batman! Do you think it might be the fellow who explicitly said that social services could be used to drive a wedge into his enemies? Do you think maybe it may have been him?”

Batman: “If only there were a clue, old chum…”

Robin: “…”

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:30 pm
Rich, thanks. I hope the governor and his advisers take your message to heart.

Rauner’s diagnosis of the reality of the Illinois economy and government spending was the reality as he wanted to see it. As he thought he could control and steer it by the leverage of applying scarcity in the right places. Not being able to do so has left him with a sense of having no control. The resulting frustration and anxiety as expressed in his comments lead to his continuing denial of the reality that he has now worsened. Denial is obviously the path to failure which an accomplished business executive such as himself would not continue to follow lest he destroy his business or be ousted by his board.

Comment by vole Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:31 pm
Rich, it is time to brush off the dust of Bruce Rauner’s campaign speech wherein candidate Bruce said “we may have to shut down the state.” Say what you will, but it will be one campaign promise kept.

Comment by Shut Down Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:31 pm
==I’m not convinced it’s worth wasting the typing on him.==
+1

== I see no evidence that he is receptive to outside input beyond Republicans threatening to vote their districts or their conscience.==

Rauner used millions of his own dollars to attack and “primary” Republicans who vote their districts or their conscience against him. He rejected Gov. Edgar’s advice. So I would write, “I see no evidence that he is receptive to outside input.” Based on this, the only paths to resolution I see are veto overrides by either a working Dem. supermajority or a bi-partison alliance. Those are the only interventions likely to succeed IMO.

Comment by X-prof Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:42 pm
“But, hey, I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt as long as you please, pretty please, stop denying the obvious. It’s truly weirding me out. ”
Huh
Benefit of the doubt? As they say on ESPN come on man. These people are accumulating more wreckage than a demolition derby at a good sized county fair. And it is only the first year.
Let’s concur the BigBrains are Clueless. The $uper$tars don’t care that much and The Gov. plows ahead because he has no ideas.

Comment by Annonn'' Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:42 pm
Framing this as Rauner vs. Madigan is my biggest frustration about the media narrative surrounding the budget impasse. As Guzzardi said, even if Madigan died tomorrow Democrats would STILL not vote to bust unions and harm workers. You may as well ask a conservative Republican to support universal healthcare. It’s not in their DNA- and not because the Dems are in the pockets of big labor or the trial lawyers or any other supposed demon that Rauner can conjure. It’s because THE PEOPLE OF ILLINOIS DON’T WANT IT.

This was apparent in the primaries, in last years Turnaround Agenda Resolution fiasco, in the inability of Rauner allies to even propose their own legislation. Hell, it was even apparent in the 2014 election when, despite Rauner’s bluster about “a new day” the people of Illinois returned a super majoprity of Dems to the GA, reelected Durbin in a landslide, flipped the Treasurer from Repub to Dem and overwhelmingly passed two advisory referendums that are directly opposed to Rauner’s economic dogma.

Do we really have to wait till 2018 to prove this point? Are our public institutions and most desperate citizens really worth sacrficing to the temple of austerity?

Comment by Hullaballo Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:43 pm
“But, hey, I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt as long as you please, pretty please, stop denying the obvious. It’s truly weirding me out.”
Huh?
Benefit of the doubt?
These people have created more wrecake than a 3 day demolition derby at a good sized county fair.
They don’t know or care or seek to learn.
The GOPies are about the crack. They want a solution but everyone knows the BigBrains have zero ability to carry out an agreement.
Truly amazin’

Comment by Annonn'' Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:53 pm
==This crisis is horrible. I didn’t create it. I don’t want it.==

But, you did want it. You said you needed the crises to force, leverage change. You’re using it to force your agenda, not agree to a budget. Your only stated disappointment has been when the courts overruled your denial of funding by veto. Own it, Rauner. You could stop this thing if you really cared, put Illinois before your agenda. You’re the governor, get to work.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:56 pm
==This crisis is horrible. I didn’t create it. I don’t want it.==

Governor, the students who had a sit-in at your mansion disagree…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:58 pm
The only demonstration that will register with Rauner is if the entire HGOP and SGOP, excepting the two leaders, sign their names to a recall petition.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 5:13 pm
“I gotta say man that it looks to quite a few people that this crisis you say you don’t want and are angry about has been your real plan all along.But, hey, I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt as long as you please, pretty please, stop denying the obvious. It’s truly weirding me out.” Always love the truth!

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 5:19 pm
RNUG, you’d only need maybe 8 or 10 HGOPs to get a budget and end this nightmare. Recall wouldn’t be necessary because, at that point, Rauner would probably just quit.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 5:21 pm
If Durkin wants to meet with Democratic leaders, he should stop publicly calling them “Democrat” leaders as he did on Chicago Tonight last night. That is GOP teaparty code for “no respect”. It doesn’t help advance an agreement if you publicly disrespect people with whom you want to negotiate. Did they learn that technique from Rauner during the last year, or is it just part of their DNA?

I believe Durkin and Radogno remain firmly controlled by Rauner, but would prefer to hide this. If a movement among GOP legislators develops where some are willing to act independently of Rauner, I don’t expect these two leaders will ever be part of that movement.

Comment by James Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 5:39 pm
Rich - great post along with your following comments.
Willy - could not have framed the discussion any better.
When will HE ever LEARN OR REALIZE the impact of his actions?

Comment by illini Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 5:42 pm
I am truly amazed how the guy that claimed he was going to “take the arrows” so adamantly denies any responsibility in the budget impasse.

I guess he’s going with the ‘deny, deny, deny’ strategy.

Comment by anon Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 5:44 pm
(Tips cap to - illini -)

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 5:50 pm
Forty Years Ago +/- , on the Senate Side you had The “Crazy Eight” ( sometimes 13 or so )

Comment by x ace Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 5:53 pm
Wondering hownlong the GOP GA will stand idly by watching Rauner single handedly destroy their party.

Comment by South Illinoisian Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 5:55 pm
Yeah, he’s been doing a bit from the get-go. I knew he was full of stuff during the campaign, but I thought he might get-all sincere in office.

Fool me once…

If you can’t see that, you must think Rauner’s some scatter-brained goof who has to take off his shoes to count to 20 and pull down his pants to count to 21.

There is no rational relationship between his words and his actions.

Gov. Fiscal Responsibility is a fiscal trainwreck, Gov. Business is a hopeless deadbeat, and Gov. Education is putting the wood to public universities and community colleges.

–This crisis is horrible. I didn’t create it. I don’t want it. And I am furious that this is occurring. There is no reason that we should go this long without a state budget.”

–”What can I do? I’m only the governor. Not like that Lloyd Braun, I mean Mike Madigan. Mom always liked Lloyd, I mean Mike, more than me. I don’t even know how the can opener works.–

– I’m busy. I’m traveling the nation every day lining up dozens of corporations who are ready to come to Illinois after something- something happens, I can’t even remember what.–

–. All across the nation, I’m traveling. Dozens of corporations. As in multiples of twelve. They’re all lined up.–

–Don’t you believe me?–

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 5:58 pm
“Framing this as Rauner vs. Madigan is my biggest frustration about the media narrative surrounding the budget impasse.”

Rauner has framed it like this.

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 6:00 pm
Something else we’re losing sight of here — it used to be said, with some evidence to support it, that the legislative process worked best in Illinois when we had Republicans in the governor’s office and Democratic majorities in the legislature. We still have the same legislative majorities, but now we have a rookie Republican governor who insists on destroying that legacy of bipartisanship along with higher ed and the not-for-profit sector.

Comment by olddog Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 6:11 pm
Crisis is the plan and has been the plan all along. Crash the business and sell off the pieces. He said it explicitly in the 2012 quote as well as last April.

His seemingly easy-going nature belies the seriousness of his aims. He’s not out to shake up state government, he’s out to destroy it.

On a related note: Mr. Governor, we non-union state employees are still waiting for those performance bonuses you promised last year. We’re not holding our breath on that one, believe me.

Comment by DuPage Dave Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 6:18 pm
Sorry olddog, but blue dog has to disagree. It was the old ” bipartisan” legislative process that got us in the rears by $111 bil.The hypocrite we have in office is digging us a bigger hole. He is not a fiscal conservative, but an elitist who thinks he is smarter than those he serves.

Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 7:08 pm
Nearly 60 comments and nothing from Lance or CK? I guess the Governor said, “If I’ve lost Miller, I’ve lost Peoria…”

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 7:21 pm
If we only had Judy Barr to call Bruce out——as we dream on

Comment by Roscoe Tom Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 8:53 pm
Spoken like a true vulture capitalist.

Comment by Eric L. Peters Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 8:54 pm
On Chicago Tonight, 28 Sep 2015:

Cullerton: ..” is on the process of shutting down the government in order to get leverage for these things - it’s disproportionate”

Radogno: “Otherwise how does it get done ?”

Denial is weird.

Comment by peon Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 9:03 pm
ck, please email this intervention letter to BVR. oh…right…

Comment by cardsmama Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 10:14 pm
@ blue dog dem 7:08pm — sounds like at least we agree on Rauner. That’s a good start.

Comment by olddog Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 10:36 pm
Rich, It took six readings to finally understand this sentence, “I gotta say man that it looks to quite a few people that this crisis you say you don’t want and are angry about has been your real plan all along.”

How about this instead, “I gotta say, man, more than a few people believe this crisis - the one you angrily say you don’t want - was your real plan all along.”

No charge for the assist!

Comment by Jeff Ward Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 7:22 am
It’s time to face the reality that the governor isn’t going to produce a budget. Can this be done without the governor? In other words, can a committee be formed that comes up with a potential budget and submits it? Presuming it is balanced now it puts the governor on the spot. He cant veto it due to it being unbalanced so now he would have to accept it, particularly with all the chaos caused by lack of a budget. Is this a possible scenario?

Comment by Maximus Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 8:44 am
Radogno: “Otherwise how does it get done ?”

He does not get it done with super majorities of dems in the house and senate. elections matter, and not just for gov.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 8:48 am
@ Maximus - Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 8:44 am:

The dems already did that and the Gov. vetoed their budget and then introduced one of his own that was out of balance. I think this comes down to the fact that the dems are not going to establish a precedent, that in order to get a budget they have to agree to non budget items. The Gov. is going to eventually be forced to negotiate on a budget and drop his non budget items. I believe this will happen when the GOP finally makes the walk over to the gov. office and says enough is enough.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 8:54 am
@ Facts are Stubborn Things:
The budget the dems submitted was just as out of balance as the one the Gov. submitted. If the dems submitted a new budget that was balanced now it would go through and nobody is going to care if the Governors non-budget items are attached.

Comment by Maximus Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:10 am
There are red flags a-plenty when Rauner keeps stickin’ to union proposals after Democrats have repeatedly shown they won’t be pried away from public unions.

That’s where Plan B apparently kicks in–let parts of the state crash and try to force change on the backs of the most vulnerable.

Rauner has to be too smart to be inept or incompetent, but arrogance can ruin intelligence, which can make us “clever by half,” aka dumber than dumb–blinded by our delusions of superiority.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:20 am
Maximus - Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:10 am:

The dems are not going to pass a balanced budget that does not have tax increases (to lean) and they are not going to pass a budget, on their own, with tax increases and get have the republicans blame them for increasing taxes.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:26 am
to get a budget, the gov. is going to have to drop his non budget items and set down and hammer out a budget that has both cuts and tax increases. In addition to that, the republicans are going to have to put votes on the table.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:28 am
Facts are Stubborn:
Understood. So the impasse will continue since nobody wants to actually show that taxes and cuts are required to make the budget balanced. At this point nobody should be surprised by that and just the creation of a balanced budget would be a miracle. This is why I was hoping a committee of both dems and gop could get together and then both sides take responsibility for it.

Comment by Maximus Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:30 am
MJM has everyday given the path forward. Understand that the number one problem facing Illinois is the budget and that it must be passed with a combination of cuts and revenue. Non budget items are in the extreme and problems are solved in moderation. Name calling is not helpful.

Translation: Drop the non budget items and stop the name calling. Set down and we will hammer out a budget that has significant tax increases and some cuts to fix this structural deficit in a way that both parties have cover.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:31 am
Maximus - Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:30 am:

both sides have admitted that a tax increase will be needed. The difference is that the Gov. wants the dems to agree to his non budget items (hit at the core of the dems) so that the dems can carry the water on passing a tax increase. Dems if you will gut your core constituency, the Gov. will allow you to raise taxes.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:34 am
The republicans are not ready to abandon Rauner…he has lots of money and will go after them. Who wants to go first and get hammered.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:36 am
== Rauner has to be too smart to be inept or incompetent, ==

Have seen NO evidence that that is actually true. Just an assumption because he’s $rich$.

Comment by sal-says Thursday, Apr 7, 16 @ 9:32 am