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Madigan lashes out: “Time will tell if Governor Rauner has further intentions of destroying our state institutions”

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* From Speaker Madigan’s office…

“Governor Rauner has said that crisis creates opportunity and leverage, and that government may have to be shut down for a while. Now, he has forced a situation where some universities are on the verge of closing. The plan the House passed delivers emergency relief for the state’s colleges, universities and students as we continue pushing for a more comprehensive budget and full fiscal year funding.

“While the governor has said he would approve this small portion of funding for higher education, it’s unfortunate he was unwilling to approve any further funding for human services. If he continues his unwillingness to assist our human service providers, he will be successful in destroying the safety net for those most in need and for critical state services, including services for women who need breast cancer screenings, victims of child abuse and victims of sexual assault.

“I am hopeful the governor sees the funding in this higher education package not as a solution, but as emergency assistance to those most in need. Time will tell if Governor Rauner has further intentions of destroying our state institutions and human service providers, or if he will begin working with us to craft a full-year budget that is not contingent on passage of his demands that will destroy the middle class.”

Um, wow, he doesn’t sound too happy. As one person just said to me, “That sounds like a guy who lost.”

* By contrast, here’s Treasurer Michael Frerichs on today’s passage of the higher education approp bill…

“We took two very important steps today. We took a step closer to fulfilling our promise of helping families pay for college. Equally important, we also saw men and women from both parties work together to find common ground.”

Exactly right.

This war needs to end. Today was a small step. Legislators desperately needed to rediscover the fact that they could work together and trust each other and get something done.

When this thing unexpectedly went off the rails last night, people actually cried. One legislator looked like he was going to be physically ill. Another looked like he couldn’t catch his breath. Others were angrier than I’d ever seen them.

* Rank and file members forced this issue forward (too many names to mention here, but there were a lot of them, including Rep. Rita Mayfield, who pushed hard for Chicago State University and kept her focus throughout the day). The governor temporarily dumped his Turnaround Agenda not just to prevent a caucus revolt, but to keep the doors open at universities and colleges throughout the state. The House Speaker was accused of playing games yesterday, but he came around enough to let the bill move forward (although he’s clearly not yet sharing in the joy). The Senate President was patiently firm and didn’t panic when the bill didn’t move last night. He had said all along that he was prepared to keep the Senate in town until they could get a resolution, and he did that by canceling today’s scheduled adjournment. The Senate Republican Leader also kept her cool and worked cooperatively with Cullerton. Top Democrats figured there was no way House Republican Leader Jim Durkin could keep all of his folks in line, but he defied their expectations. Maybe that’s part of the reason why MJM is so upset.

And kudos to Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) and Sen. Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) for coming up with the outline of a plan to fund some higher education needs that was adopted by both chambers today.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:14 pm

Comments

===This war needs to end. Today was a small step. Legislators desperately needed to rediscover the fact that they could work together and trust each other and get something done.===

Great point.

If Legislators can’t trust Rauner, trust each other.

This needs to end, we need a budget, we need responsible government, and we need to cut out those who refuse to be a trusting partner.

It’s 71 and 36 until a trusting partner can be found.

ILGA, trust your colleagues, do the doable. Save Illinois.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:27 pm
I recall some suggestions which required all lawmakers to be locked in the Capitol until they collectively come to agreements and a passed budget. Legislating by press release is getting old. Attempts aimed at stirring up the districts are over played. That’s happened. Spend more time working toward solutions and less time complaining about the problems. Solutions, not problems. Collectively, Illinois residents are steamed. But it would go a long way for some bipartisan solutions to come to fruition. Just sayin.

Comment by Westward Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:28 pm
Keep. It. Coming. Please!

Comment by Archiesmom Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:28 pm
–When this thing unexpectedly went off the rails last night, people actually cried. One legislator looked like he was going to be physically ill. Another looked like he couldn’t catch his breath. Others were angrier than I’d ever seen them.–

Good.

You’ve got it coming.

Now, revolt against whomever you think you need to revolt against, and DO YOUR JOB.

You weren’t born Mushrooms or Ducklings. You don’t have to sit on your tukkus and wait to be told what to do, out of FEAR.

For crying out loud, what do you really think about the last year? Feel good about your role in it?

Take this anger and do something with it. You all can count. You know what needs to be done. You can’t be pushed around by “leaders” unless you allow it.

And they can’t be your “leaders,” unless you acquiesce.

Show them what “shaking up Springfield” really looks like.

DO. YOUR. JOB.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:30 pm
Hostages given just enough to be barely alive so they can be shot another day.

Comment by Chucktownian Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:31 pm
If I am caught up, it sounds like Madigan needs to get SB2047 to Rauner.

“That sounds like a guy who lost.” I respectfully disagree.

It sounds like the papa who hears the blacksheep of the family will attend the family bbq but hopes the blacksheep of the family will act right when he gets there. (I cleaned that up… /s

Comment by cdog Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:31 pm
==Time will tell if Governor Rauner has further intentions of destroying our state institutions and human service providers, or if he will begin working with us to craft a full-year budget that is not contingent on passage of his demands that will destroy the middle class==

Perhaps it shouldn’t have been said, but it is consistent with what quite a few people are thinking.

Comment by AC Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:33 pm
Yes, the war needs to end. But let’s not forget that the Lege put forward several budgets that Rauner could have signed for the last 10 months.

The only reason legislators were crying last night is because they were glad they’d finally get these people off their phones for a while.

Madigan, in a sense, did lose this one. The entire state of Illinois lost this one. As one person pointed out, the governor has effectively shaved 75 percent off the 2016 budgets of many of these universities AND depleted their reserves with nothing in return.

Comment by Bryan Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:34 pm
- Chucktownian - Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:31 pm:

“Hostages given just enough to be barely alive so they can be shot another day.”

Sigh. I wish I could dispute that assessment, but I can’t.

Comment by IllinoisBoi Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:34 pm
Tantrum; noted.
Progress; noted.

Comment by A guy Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:34 pm
Like someone who lost? No, it sounds like someone who understands this isn’t about appropriations, it’s about revenue, and until the revenue question is settled, all roads lead back to the impasse.

Comment by Elo Kiddies Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:35 pm
If I am keeping up, it sounds like Madigan needs to get SB2047 to Rauner.

“That sounds like a guy who lost.”

I disagree. Sounds more like the papa who hears the black sheep of the family is coming to the family bbq and hopes the black sheep acts right when he gets there and doesn’t ruin the event.

(no double post intended, not sure if I got caught in filters, or forgot to put nickname in field)

Comment by cdog Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:36 pm
The endorsement of the Governor’s selective releasing of hostages is more likely to extend the impasse, not shorten in.

In this instance, he is being authorized to spend $600 million of general fund dollars so that a crisis at the universities doesn’t blow up in his face. It’s not a balanced approach, and allows everyone to go forward without accepting the reality. But again, whatever let’s the governor sleep at night I suppose.

Comment by Juice Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:37 pm
Governor lights state on fire, watches it burn for awhile, finally asks Madigan to poor a little bucket of water on fire. I would be annoyed too if I were Madigan

Comment by Longsummer Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:40 pm
Maybe I’m just a pessimist, but this is not good news for schools like EIU and WIU. Just take the EIU example.

They were due about 40 mil in appropriation and another 8 mil in MAP. This gives them 13 mil in appropriation and 4 mil in MAP. So they are now short about 31 million dollars. Enrollment numbers are looking very badly. I’ve read that freshman are tracking down by 25%. If those numbers don’t track back up EIU could see another 5+ million in lost tuition revenue.

All this means that if the GA doesn’t pony up the remaining 30 million that EIU will be on fumes in six months with absolutely no reserves to tap. So, the immediate crisis has been abated. Only to delay this for six months.

Comment by CrossTabs Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:40 pm
so Madigan could have just said burn the witch….

Comment by Ghost Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:43 pm
This is all part of Bruce’s Master Plan!

You create jobs by closing businesses. For instance if NIU closes, all of those small businesses (i.e., pizza parlors, sub shoppes, etc).

But this creates Jobs in some fictional world.

Comment by Jack Stephens Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:44 pm
Everyone lost. This isn’t a win for anyone no matter who tries to spin it as such. Colleges buy a little time but not much, providers are still in the lurch and cracks between the House and Senate were exposed. Triage is not progress.

Comment by Signal and Noise Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:44 pm
So what is Madigan’s only solution? Raise taxes and give me more money again (so he can immediately spend it). Not a solution at all, given his past record at fiscal irresponsibility.

Comment by Formerpol Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:44 pm
A dead hostage is worth nothing. One that looks like hell provides even even more leverage. This is more than twice the cut proposed by the governor in his budget.

Comment by Chucktownian Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:44 pm
I work in higher ed and I’m glad for the funding but Madigan is completely right on this one.

Comment by Come on Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:45 pm
The BigBrain approved fundin’ does not commute his death sentence just a deferral and tells parents that he intend to keep this ball bouncin’.
It is hardly a good marketin’ tool.
Meanwhile a little more light was shed on Vendor Services Initiative to show who get the BigBrain side deal cash.

Comment by Annonin' Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:45 pm
All Reps and Senators in our state need to follow Raunners lead and not take paychecks till they all grow up and balance a budget.

Comment by Deeda Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:46 pm
==Um, wow, he doesn’t sound too happy==

Actually, he just sounds on message. The Speakers remarks on the floor a couple of weeks ago framed the General election message. These are the same talking points.

Get used to them. You’ll be hearing them a lot between now and November

Comment by PatQuinnsBrain Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:48 pm
Madigan lost this battle. His members broke and came to a compromise, I’m shocked he even let the bill get called today. He’s a loser if he didn’t call it and he’s a loser if he let it get called. Either way, this is a loss for one person, Mike Madigan

Comment by Rocky Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:48 pm
Wordslinger hits another homerun

Comment by Saluki Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:49 pm
Madigan is right.

I’m glad schools get some much-needed cash, but all this does is help get Rauner off the hook for the destruction of his own making.

The war won’t end until Rauner is gone.

There will be no budget until Rauner is gone.

Comment by Formerly Known as Frenchie M Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:49 pm
Or maybe he’s feigning like it’s a huge Rauner win so that he can have a bigger win elsewhere.

Remember, Rauner didn’t get any of his turnaround agenda on that one.

Comment by Pip Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:50 pm
All that illness and anger?

IT’S ABOUT TIME THAT HIT THEM.

Madigan is correct, and I’m not sure why it’s “progress” to have legislators standing in a circle, holding hands, singing about buying the world a freaking Coke.

They bailed out angry middle classers.

Profiles in courage.

People are dying.

WHERE IS THE SAFETY NET.

Get sicker.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:51 pm
Just remember this: legislators could (would?) be much more inclined toward independence if someone hadn’t changed the makeup of the GA from 59 three-member districts to 118 single member districts. And who in the world would have been so ill-advised to have done that?

Comment by Wallinger Dickus Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:52 pm
–Triage is not progress.–

It is if you’re bleeding to death.

Forget about the shallow Rauner/Madigan “personality conflict” narrative.

In the last 24 hours, rank-and-file legislators have shown that they’ll buck both Rauner and Madigan to advance the ball.

That’s very good news, that’s the way it should be.

Now, keep your feet on the gas and get done the work that you know needs to be done. There is lots of it.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:52 pm
How about Human Services? With Higher-Ed getting money, they are last with a lot less power than the Universities. Do they suffer more now?

Comment by Try-4-Truth Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:52 pm
I should not be surprised to read more shameless celebration from Governor Rauner on “emergency funding” for an emergency he single-handedly created.

Comment by HughH Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:57 pm
Madigan’s just telling the truth here. This is a limited stop gap that solves no long term problems. It is still an obvious open question whether substantially killing state support for human services is Rauner’s overall objective. Rauner’s apparent strategy and choices to date would suggest that conclusion.

I have found MJM’s overall communications about Rauner to be remarkably moderate and fair up to this point. Certainly in comparison to Rauner’s personal attacks on him over many months. To call this some kind of “tantrum” is unfair.

OTOH, maybe Currie’s overnight delay, and MJM’s stark statement, are just prepping the ground for a major Human Services ask of both sides. Always stupidly hopeful.

Comment by walker Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:57 pm
I find it interesting how Madigan wants to come off like he isnt part of the problem. If it wasnt for him and the financial deals he has made Rauner wouldnt have even been elected, the huge debt would have been handled years ago and the finances wouldnt be junk rated. Now he wants to pretend like he wasnt a part of that and get angry?

Comment by Maximus Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 12:59 pm
Correlation of Madigan rant and progress noted.

Willy’s strange obsession with the word doable noted.

Comment by Yankee Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:01 pm
Madigans statement is politically forward looking. He scooped up the compromise and then let the governor know that our state is still being held hostage.

It wasn’t in the spirit of the moment, because it wasn’t about the moment.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:02 pm
Human Service Providers: “Help, help. The roof is caving in!”

Rauner and GA: “Grab an umbrella.”

Comment by Mister Whipple Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:02 pm
Somebody is forgetting a rule of Illinois politics:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au0zM3I_p3w

Comment by Just Me Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:03 pm
Finally someone stands up to MJM…..so sick of him…..there needs to be reforms in Illinois or it will be just more of the same….

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:05 pm
===There will be no budget until Rauner is gone. ===

Well, if that’s the case then we’re truly doomed. And what if he’s reelected?

And, really, what sort of world do you live in? He was elected. He’s the governor. Someday, you’re gonna need to come to terms with that.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:07 pm
Boy, sure is fun to party with a lot of y’all.

It’s moving. Nothing, nothing, nothing could happen until motion starts. Quit moaning and keep pushing.

Comment by A guy Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:11 pm
=== He was elected. He’s the governor. Someday, you’re gonna need to come to terms with that.===

He was elected. He’s the governor. Someday, he’s gonna need to come to terms with that.

There, I like that better… lol

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:11 pm
Aw - Yankee -

Thanks for adding nothing to the discussion, LOL

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:12 pm
The governor temporarily dumped his Turnaround Agen just to prevent a caucus revolt. ===that’s closer.

Comment by tobor Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:13 pm
===Quit moaning===

Higher ed is getting whacked by 70% this year.

Reminds me of the swatting scene in Animal House: “Thank you sir. May I have another?”

Anybody who thinks this higher ed “compromise” is good news has a severe case of Stockholm Syndrome.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:19 pm
walker @ 12:57 pm +1

Comment by Norseman Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:21 pm
Chucktownian: +1
And this is the easy stuff—paying for the expenditures we will make this fiscal year, beyond what current tax levels cover, is the hard part. How many votes for each party on that?

It’s good that the state’s institutions of higher learning won’t be shutting their doors just yet, but it’s hardly a triumph.

Comment by UIC Guy Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:26 pm
===Higher ed is getting whacked by 70% this year. ===

Only if they can’t come to an agreement. Gotta do something in the interim.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:31 pm
Wallinger Dickus is exactly right. Now how do we reverse the fiasco that gave us the speaker for life and super majorities? Can we really wait for another con-con?

Comment by PlayK8 Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:33 pm
Institutions are fragile and good management is tough. City College of San Francisco might be a cautionary lesson to Illinois. State and local governments provided an additional $100 million of temporary funding over the last three years. But enrollment has been decimated.
“Enrollment is down 35 percent since 2012, when the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges sanctioned City College [of San Francisco] for a wide range of financial and administrative problems. It currently enrolls the equivalent of roughly 21,000 full-time students, which is down from about 33,000 when the accreditation woes began.” (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/04/22/new-taxes-helped-city-college-san-francisco-survive-revenue-dries-soon)

Comment by Lurkin' MBA Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:34 pm
@CrossTabs: I’m originally from near EIU. Tons of my friends went there.

In fairness, the whole operation at EIU needs a thorough review. Enrollment at that school has been bottoming out long before anybody heard of Bruce Rauner. Remember the dorm building left completely empty due to lack of enrollment? And how did EIU pad their enrollment numbers? Take a good look at the quality of students and from where they get them. Meanwhile, residents of Charleston are fleeing to get away.

I’m not defending any elected official or Party, but we aren’t being honest if we don’t acknowledge that EIU has major problems and they started about 10 years ago.

Comment by Indochine Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:34 pm
Maximus - that may be the dumbest thing written here in a long time. In your estimation - if not for Madigan, the Governors over the past 30 years and the GA would have made the hard choices regarding taxes, spending, pensions and debt and we wouldn’t be in this mess. Pretty delusional.

Comment by Rasselas Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:35 pm
I definitely applaud the progress by the legislators. I hope that enough legislators come to an acceptance of what can and can’t be done, and a willingness and urgency to do what can be done.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:36 pm
A guy - hang in there.

As a couple of people have observed: the reason this got done is because higher ed is a middle class constituency. I’m cynical - I think Madigan is angry because he realizes that this was leverage against Rauner and the GOP caucus that is now gone and the more the Dems are associated with tax hikes for welfare and CPS bailouts and changes to a school funding system that disfavors the poor, the worse off he is. Rauner only gets away with what he’s been doing because for most middle and upper class residents, the state is running just fine.

Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:36 pm
===Only if they can’t come to an agreement.===

I’m not going to hold my breath. Unless and until they reach an agreement on hiking the income tax back up to at least 5%, then this becomes the new baseline for higher ed for the foreseeable future.

I hope none of the legislators celebrating this “breakthrough” gets injured patting themselves on the back.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:39 pm
===Unless and until they reach an agreement on hiking the income tax back up to at least 5%, then this becomes the new baseline for higher ed for the foreseeable future===

That’s correct, except for maybe the 5 percent thing. My own opinion is you should sue like everyone else has until they finally get their acts together.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:40 pm
=JS Mill - Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:06 pm:

Congratulations to Fortner and other rank and file members; perhaps this will be the crack in the door that will shed light on the fog that is the Madigan/Rauner fight. Thus emboldened we can only hope for more movement towards a compromise budget .=

Whom ever posted the above post wasn’t me. get your own name and move along!

Comment by JS Mill Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:46 pm
Higher ed can’t sue like everyone else.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:47 pm
===My own opinion is you should sue like everyone else has until they finally get their acts together.===

Yep. And if we win?

You can’t get blood from a stone.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:48 pm
===You can’t get blood from a stone===

True, but you get in line and you have a better shot of eventually receiving full funding.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:50 pm
===I’m not going to hold my breath===

Oh, c’mon. Give me something to smile about.

Comment by A guy Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:54 pm
=== Oh, c’mon. Give me something to smile about. ===

Arieta got a no-hitter in a Cub’s blowout win! Now that’s something to smile about.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:00 pm
So? We are praising these guys for 31 percent funding of universities and MAP grants? That is like a doctor saying we have cured 31 percent of your cancer.In a blassroom, a 31 percent is a failing grade .

Comment by clifton yankmaster Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:03 pm
A lot of you seem to be all or nothing types. Why can’t we just view this as a win? This is the first time in a while that everyone has gotten together to accomplish something with regard to the budget. Yes, this is a band aid. But I would rather put a band aid on the cut (no matter how deep the wound) to at least slow the bleeding rather than let that gaping wound continue to bleed. Everyone take a breath and look at this is a much needed baby step in this process. Some of you really have to move past this all or nothing attitude.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:09 pm
=They bailed out angry middle classers=

That’s also my impression. Rauner showed his weakness earlier this year with his whining about immediate K12 appropriations and again today with his support of this bandaid on college funding.

His only evident weakness is his fear that middle class voters will pay closer attention to the impact of his actions, or, even worse, that they will become personally victimized as a class (parents of students), and become angry.

It isn’t enough to pull the social service rug out from under middle class people’s parents, relatives or friends, for example. Those are individual victims whose individual voices are not loud enough and who aren’t able find each other in order to organize. Their stories are different.

But when multiple colleges are about to close, it affects an entire class of middle class victims with identical interests, in the same manner, across the entire state. This is a fire that must be put out with a minimum of water, in order to continue the hostage holding.

So Rauner did the minimum that was required to enable him to continue his destructive behavior.

I can’t call this progress. No one’s heart was changed today. Rauner can now continue the hostage holding with less risk. I expect Republicans in the legislature to continue to fall in line and do nothing until instructed.

Comment by James Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:18 pm
Rasselas, you dont think Madigan has had a hand in the state finances since he has been in charge? Im not the delusional one, just read about Illinois fiscal problems over the past 20 years and Madigan’s name will come up. Dont be upset when you learn the truth.

Comment by Maximus Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:21 pm
–Anybody who thinks this higher ed “compromise” is good news has a severe case of Stockholm Syndrome.–

A penicillin shot will take care of that, lickety-split. Or maybe that’s something else you pick up in Stockholm. It’s a friendly town. I’ve heard.

47, I know where you’re coming from, believe me, and I’ve been unambiguous for many months as to who is the cause of this willful destruction.

But Phineas J. Whoopee has informed Sherman and me that the Wayback Machine is on the fritz, so we’ll just have to go forward from here.

The big news over the last 24 hours, I think, is that Rauner can no longer hold rank-and-file GOP legislators on the so-called Turnaround Agenda and rank-and-file Dem legislators see the need to give them an out and are willing to do so.

That’s what we’ve been waiting for. You can build on that.

Lot more to be done, and it’s going to take a long time to clean up this awful, unnecessary mess.

But we’ve known that for some time. So I’ll take the first good day in Springfield in more than a year as progress.

Plus, Jake threw his second no-no in his last 11 regular season starts, Cub hitters scored two touchdowns and two, two-point conversions on the Reds, and I didn’t stroke-out during the Hawks double-OT win in their instant-classic playoff series against the Blues.

So, the last 24 hours….. all in all…. like Sen. Sanders would say….

…. pretty, pretty, pretty good.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:24 pm
== you dont think Madigan has had a hand in the state finances since he has been in charge?==

Yes, he has. And Rauner hasn’t helped over the past year.

Let’s all just accept that and move on from these ridiculous discussions about who is more to blame.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:36 pm
“The big news over the last 24 hours, I think, is that Rauner can no longer hold rank-and-file GOP legislators on the so-called Turnaround Agenda and rank-and-file Dem legislators see the need to give them an out and are willing to do so.”

I hadn’t thought of it this way. If this turns out to be true, and a sneak-peek of things to come, it could be huge! Thanks wordslinger for giving me something to smile about this weekend!

Comment by Ole' Nelson Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:43 pm
A guy: Why must that snarky mean-spiritedness you showed us back in Nov-Feb 2014/2015 return? Be the kindly Dr. Jekyll we all know you can be.

Comment by AGuySoSad Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:43 pm
The largest group of voices raising the most alarm gets results. How about the medical bills that I am being harassed about by bill collectors because the state has not paid it almost 15 months? They have no problem collecting premium each month. I need a good attorney. O we miss you Mary Lee.

Comment by Nieva Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:44 pm
===Arieta got a no-hitter in a Cub’s blowout win! Now that’s something to smile about.===

I’m a Sox fan, but still, the way this guy pitches makes me weak in the knees (just like the Redlegs) The Hawks won after 1am too. That’s worth smiling about. But, 47 holding breath until turning blue?…priceless.

Comment by A guy Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:48 pm
== “That sounds like a guy who lost.” ==

Actually, no.

Sounds like a guy who has had it up to ‘here’ after 15 months of the Kiddie Klown Show from one-third of IL ‘government’.

Comment by sal-says Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:53 pm
In regards to Madigan’s statement (which I mostly agree with), a question comes to mind.

Why aren’t you guys documenting, in real time, and sharing with the public, the actual extent of the damage from Gov. Rauner’s strategy?

Why haven’t you been doing that for months?

How hard would it be to put up a website on how many people have lost their jobs, how many programs have been shut down, how much money is owed Catholic Charities and LSSI, how much money is owed X amount of Illinois businesses, etc?

Why aren’t you doing that? I know you have the information at hand.

Are you out of your minds?

You’ve got a story to tell, and you ain’t making any effort, no-how.

I bet you have a bunch of whiz kids on your staff right now who could put that together in a New York minute.

Why don’t you let them?

Rauner’s sales job on the “Turnaround Agenda” has been a joke.

Your’s has been non-existent.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:59 pm
== Now how do we reverse the fiasco that gave us the speaker for life and super majorities? Can we really wait for another con-con? ==

PlayK8 - Legislature makeup is about the only thing voters can propose as a CA. Get started on a petition to revert to 3 member districts or whatever your choice is.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 3:02 pm
Ditto what Word said.
This is measurable progress.
You don’t break out the Dom Perignon for this event, but the Moet and Chandon would do nicely.
And a second flute in honor of Prince.

Comment by Jake From Elwood Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 3:02 pm
=== AGuySoSad - Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:43 pm:===

I’ll cop to snarky, but not mean-spiritedness.

Comment by A guy Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 3:16 pm
Word, please forgive me for not jumping on the happy bandwagon. I want to be there, but I don’t need the Wayback Machine to remember that past hopeful signs have been followed by hair-pulling setbacks. We’ve now dealt with the FY 16 higher ed crisis. Now the big lift will be dealing with the FY 16 human services crisis and a comprehensive FY 17 budget. I’m not confident the GOP rank and file will abandon Rauner when the $ become much larger.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 3:18 pm
- wordslinger - Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:24 pm:
“The big news over the last 24 hours, I think, is that Rauner can no longer hold rank-and-file GOP legislators on the so-called Turnaround Agenda and rank-and-file Dem legislators see the need to give them an out and are willing to do so.”

I hadn’t thought about it like this either. Like Ole’Nelson, you gave me something to lift my spirits this weekend. Thank you!

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 3:18 pm
The big news over the last 24 hours, I think, is that Rauner can no longer hold rank-and-file GOP legislators on the so-called Turnaround Agenda and rank-and-file Dem legislators see the need to give them an out and are willing to do so.”

OR,

Rauner gave them permission to bolt because he knew the heat was growing. This was his pressure release valve. You really believe these jackwagons didn’t know about the EAF until 2 weeks ago?

Comment by Bryan Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 3:37 pm
Illinois - the new Malaysian Airline. Book it. Today was the first class food service and it was just peanuts. What do you think will be served in coach?

Comment by Nothin's easy... Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 3:41 pm
Someone above said there would be no budget until Rauner is gone. Rauner doesn’t pass the budget, the General Assembly does. All they have to do is pass a balanced budget (Rauner can’t justify vetoing, outright, a balanced budget). Obviously, Madigan and Cullerton have no desire for the State to live within its means. And if they want to raise taxes, then get enough support to override Rauner’s veto. If they can’t do that, then they either need to play ball with Rauner or pass a balanced budget that doesn’t need a tax increase. At the end of the day, the blame for this mess starts with the General Assembly.

Comment by Say no to big government Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 3:47 pm
- Say no to big government -

LOL, you’re a card.

Article VIII, Section 2, (a)

The Governor is NOT a passive observer.

Now, if you want to believe all your tripe and add…

“Gov. Rauner is inept, cabt fulfill Article VIII, Section 2, (a) and Cullerton and Madigan must save everyone from Rauner’s lacking”…

… then your Raunerbot talking points work.

No governor is passive in funding their Administration, on purpose, unless they have no desire to “govern”.

If you still think your comment makes sense, do us all a solid and add “Because Madigan!”. That’s when it’s really at its most mockable.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 3:58 pm
Always defending Madigan no matter what.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 4:24 pm
==“That sounds like a guy who lost.”==

It does, especially when contrasted with the measured, bipartisan tone of Gov Rauner yesterday and today.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 4:27 pm
Aw - Lucky Pierre -, still pretendibg to be the babe in the woods you’re not?

It’s a fix, one fix, not even a permenant fix.

I can’t think of a governor not willing to fund his Administration or higher ed or social services. Purposely.

If you can think of one, have at it.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 4:29 pm