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Green shoots or not?

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Illinois

* AP…

The governor and House GOP Leader Jim Durkin said rank-and-file legislators, meeting behind closed doors, are finding common ground on how to make Illinois’ workers’ compensation insurance program less expensive for businesses — a key Republican priority.

They said there’s also been movement on property tax relief and changing the way state and local governments buy items, which Rauner has said could save millions annually. Durkin, of Western Springs, said there could be a report “very soon” on possible workers’ compensation legislation.

* Sun-Times…

At a west suburban event to highlight the need for school funding reform, Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin on Monday also cited progress in the working groups when it comes to workers compensation reform, and he said the group would issue a report “very soon.” He also said there was progress with procurement reform and property tax relief.

* Tribune…

Rauner also walked back his position on a CPS bankruptcy, saying, “I certainly don’t advocate bankruptcy.

“That’s a hard process and it’s a dangerous process,” Rauner said. “That said, I believe bankruptcy should be an option if it’s absolutely necessary.”

That’s a change in tone from earlier this year, when Rauner was aggressively pushing the bankruptcy option.

“When I look at the numbers, I don’t see an option. I either see bankruptcy or massive, massive property tax hikes on the people of Chicago,” Rauner said in late February.

* But…

State Sen. Andy Manar, a Democrat from Bunker Hill who is part of another group looking at issues such as school funding and workers’ compensation, acknowledged “general progress” and positive discussions in recent weeks, but said there’s been a lack of clarity about what Rauner wants.

“If we had a better idea of what his position was, we could attempt to try and find a compromise,” he said Monday after the City Club event. “The test of progress is going to be this: Is the governor going to drop his ‘turnaround agenda’ in order to allow the legislature to have an honest debate about a budget?”

As anybody knows who has ever tried to deal with Speaker Madigan, getting the guy to show his cards is the most difficult part. Rauner is taking basically the same route.

* And…

Despite the Illinois State Board of Education last week revealing CPS isn’t in bad enough shape for a state takeover, Rauner said on Monday that bankruptcy should still be an option.

“Chicago should have that option for itself in the school system, and I believe all school districts across the state should have that as an option,” Rauner said.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 9:38 am

Comments

Until one player changes their mind - not.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 9:42 am
Question for those better informed than I am (a very large group): What is known about the direction property tax reform is taking in these discussions? It’s a critical question for those of us involved in local government entities.

Comment by WIUoblivion Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 9:50 am
Prior to making cuts to WC, they should force the insurance companies to open their books.

Comment by DuPage Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 9:50 am
you reap what you sow.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 9:53 am
Yes.. I am sure that is the solution. Let’s have everyone just declare bankruptcy and never have any real consequence for people’s mismanagement of tax payer funds.

Comment by Radar Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 9:59 am
Green shoots are showing. However, there is a lot of fertilizer being spread by both sides. As we know, too much fertilizer can be harmful to the new growth.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 10:05 am
–Rauner also walked back his position on a CPS bankruptcy, saying, “I certainly don’t advocate bankruptcy.”

Memo to Rep. Sandbox: Delete all those past tweets advocating local government bankruptcy.

Who is this guy and what has he done with Gov. Rauner?

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 10:17 am
Neither of them will give in now. They win or lose together. Those are the ways out of this.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, May 11, 16 @ 4:03 am