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Governor, you’re not helping

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* One of the real fears by Democrats is that Gov. Rauner will immediately disassociate himself from a tax hike if they do ever make a deal. These remarks aren’t helping ease those fears, to say the least…

News 4 asked Rauner about the proposed soda tax idea as a way to generate revenue and help balance the budget.

“I don’t want to comment on any specific tax proposal. There are a lot of ideas, all about tax reform to taxing different things on different levels. I want to stay above that discussion for now, I want to say open minded. I’m not a tax, I’d rather cut taxes I don’t want to increase any taxes,” Rauner said.

I think the governor has done a mostly good job this month of avoiding his usual public attacks on the other party. That’s to be commended.

But he needs to start being straight with people. His own budget director (who ain’t a liberal, by any means) sent him a package that includes $5.4 billion in new revenues. You want to calm some nerves? Own it.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:04 am

Comments

“I’m not a tax…”

Then what kind of burden are you?

Comment by Blue Bayou Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:10 am
===You want to calm some nerves? Own it.===

Gotta eat it, gotta own it.

It is not up for discussion that revenue is a required element to the next budget.

I appreciated much more the signal of “bipartisan, bicameral” solution, which I had hoped all, and I mean ALL ate it, owned it, and Rauner would sign it. Clean.

Governor, you require revenue. Why scare any and all members with images of the K-12 double cross?

The Rauner Crew better have a “come to… religion” moment. This statement and others like this are killin’ openings, just killin’ opportunities to be a governing Governor.

Ugh!

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:10 am
Govern. Please.

Comment by Former Titan Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:10 am
If the Governor refuses to share equal ownership of any and all tax increase(s) then every Democrat should vote “No” on the floor of the General Assembly. End of discussion.

Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:12 am
He has to sign it. How more “owning” is there than that?

Comment by Athens Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:12 am
What kind of cognitive dissonance cannot recognize that we have been going through a fiscal Chernobyl thanks to the failure to commit to a social agenda? Radiation poisoning: looks harmless at first, kills in the ugliest way months later.

Comment by Quill Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:13 am
== One of the real fears by Democrats is that Gov. Rauner will immediately disassociate himself from a tax hike if they do ever make a deal. ==

I would think that would be a real fear on the GOP side as well, considering Governor Rauner has shown little regard for throwing them under the bus either.

Governor NotMyFault.

Comment by thunderspirit Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:15 am
Ah yes.

Our macho, straight-shootin’ Bruce Rauner.

“I’ll take the slings and arrows.”

Nice, Bruce. Nice.

Comment by Macbeth Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:17 am
I know this is vague, but wow, I’m more than exhausted. Maybe that is the grand agenda.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:18 am
Maybe the Democrats should be more concerned about Rauner taking a bipartisan stance and riding to victory on it in 2018. If, of course, he can plausibly claim he fixed the state’s budget problems. Everything is relative. Maybe thins will look better, as we’re told, if taxpayers cough up more billions-many more. And memories are short.

Comment by Cassandra Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:21 am
Mr. I will take the arrows.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:23 am
Rauner owes his success and great wealth to an ability to inflict pain, without remorse or a second thought, to reach his personal goals. Governing is no different. Starve the beast is just fine. If he cant achieve his dream world, he will be content w destroying this one.

The goal is to destroy unions, esp public sector unions. An impasse is around the corner, likely followed by a strike. Drama and more destruction. We may have to shut it down. Rank and file republicans have to demand a real budget.

Comment by Langhorne Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:25 am
Again, Rauner has to sign the tax increase. That is owning at the highest level. The rest of this all sounds like excuses to continue the impasse.

Comment by Athens Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:31 am
Rauner has been all over the map ( literally in Illinois) since the 2014 campaign on whether or not he’ll support a tax hike, and what kinds. Pick a lane because the rubber WILL need toner the road at sometime. You can’t keep leaping over this issue.

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:32 am
===That is owning at the highest level===

Theoretically, yes. But when has he owned anything negative since he was sworn in?

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:32 am
Meet the road- how in the world autocorrect chose toner is beyond me!

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:33 am
As a daily reader of this blog, and as someone who loathes the governor and all he does and stands for, I still can’t help but have the same thought over and over: The people of IL have to start doing some thinking and figure out what kind of state they want to live in. Rauner deserves blame, but half the state can be so easily fooled that we cannot have a functional government.

Comment by Blue Bayou Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:33 am
I don’t want tax increases either, Governor. Welcome to reality. Taxes exist. And they generally exist for the common good of society. But just go ahead and keep eatin’ that rainbow stew.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRDOrCFIY4c

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:34 am
After more than two years of not “being straight with people” maybe we can conclude that honest dialogue is not to be expected from this Governor. For all the talk of hostages, signing a tax increase is the one he will not release until, fundamentally, the “agenda” is achieved. Until then, all pain and suffering must be endured, by other people of course, for the cause.

Comment by not so simple Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:34 am
There is an article out on the internet that shows Illinois is ranked 46 out 50 states in tax burden.
The tax nurden is 11%. This shows we need steam lining of Illinois government before we add any tax increases. Speaker Madigan needs to agree with Rauner business reforms in order to get any tax hikes approved. If we don’t get business reforms to increase revenue Illinois is going down the tubes.

Comment by Dandy Edward Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:34 am
Always plenty of excuses not to do something. The “he won’t own it” excuse is another in a long line of excuses used to avoid doing a deal.

Seems like a weak excuse is all I’m saying. I wonder if Ms. Miller thinks that’s a good enough reason to continue the impasse.

Comment by Athens Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:38 am
The article is written by Forbes Magazine. No tax increase without the business reforms Rauner wants. Speaker Madigan needs to step up and get this done.

Comment by Dandy Edward Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:39 am
Interesting…because as The Southern Illinoisan reported about the Governor’s visit to Carterville yesterday:

“Either Democrats ought to help cut spending or let me raise taxes, even though I don’t want to,” he said. “We’ve got to stop deficit spending.” -Governor Rauner

Democrats let him raise taxes? I never thought they were stopping him.

Comment by Saluki Matt Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:40 am
He apparently will personally own up to nothing. However, everyone in the state knows he vetoed the budget so, whether he likes it or not, he owns the whole thing.

Comment by Charlestonian Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:40 am
- Athens -

How about this…

Rauner gets 90 House and 45 Senate votes for a budget and revenue.

Now, Rauner vetoes the Budget, abd makes the case “You have the votes, override me.”

So now, you have two votes, for the “career politicians” to raise taxes, make Rauner a “victim” and Rauner, on the day of the override… begins a $6+ million Ad campaign against the GA career politicians, and… travels the state as the “victim” of business as usual.

I do not think in any real world instance that could/would ever happen, period.

Rauner says many things that lead people to believe they will be hung out to dry, even if it means doing the right thing, at the right time.

Throw in #TaxHikeMike… and the Rauner bluster of before of the Denocrats have 71 votes and can do whatever they want. GOP Members? They’ve been double crossed before, so there’s that too.

Should they be nervous. Heck no, NO!

Rauner just keeps reality and his mouth from meeting.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:40 am
===sent him a package that includes $5.4 billion in new revenues. You want to calm some nerves? Own it.===

Maybe he didn’t read it?

It’s not like he’s getting it by email.

Comment by Anon Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:44 am
I find Rauner very taxing.

If he refuses to be part of the solution then he’s just as much part of the problem as anyone else.

Comment by Rollo Tomasi Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:48 am
What if the house and senate pass a tax increase with Dem. and Rep. votes and then Rauner decides to veto the bill ?

That is a real possibility given the lack of trust the legislature has regarding Rauner.

Comment by MOON Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:48 am
#TaxHikeMike. Nuff said.

Comment by The Equalizer Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:49 am
===Should they be nervous. Heck no, NO!===

OW, we don’t agree on everything politics and policy wise, but I would want you in my corner for your pragmatic perspective.

Comment by Anon Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:50 am
Rauner will never publically declare that increased taxes are necessary. He could tell the public he tried, but found that the state can not cut its way out of the fiscal mess with cuts alone. Therefore, increased taxes are necessary. This puts the blame on neither party.

Comment by Mama Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:55 am
Tax denial… it’s the Republican dogma… the never ending quest to show no one dislikes takes more than they do. Like anything taken to an extreme it’s harmful. Imagine a church full of people in a pitched contest to prove who is the most pious.

Comment by James Knell Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:59 am
Rauner intends to play the “will I or won’t I sign off on a tax increase” game through November. He’s still campaignin’not governing.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 11:09 am
- Anon -

I’ll thank you, taking it as a compliment(?)

Being pragmatic knows no parties…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 11:13 am
===Gov. Rauner will immediately disassociate himself from a tax hike===

Because of course he will. Everything he’s said to date signals this. He repeatedly calls tax hikes something the Democrats want. He repeatedly says if it were up to him, he’d cut taxes. He’s been setting up the disassociation for two years running.

Democrats are right to fear he’ll use his millions to make this a Democrat (sic) tax hike, he’s already laying the ground work and his allies in the Tribune and IPI are helping him make his case.

But Rich is right, unless and until he embraces the tax hike, nothing will happen before the November election.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 11:14 am
“Mostly good this month”
We think the Capt Fax website has been hijacked. The BigBrain has been terrific and he should renew his lifetime subscription — prepaid.
Walking away from his tax hike is about 12th on the list of concerns

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 11:15 am
Rauner has always played this as letting the Dems raise taxes in exchange for reforms. That’s the message that $millions will be spent to convey in Dem legislative districts. GOP Solons will get $millions to say that were forced to vote for tax increase by Dems …

Comment by Norseman Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 11:15 am
- Wensicia - @ 11:09 am -
I think you are on to something here. It is all about campaigning for more Raunerbot seats . I think Rauner’s game is about 100% control (no unions & no over-rides).

Comment by Mama Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 11:17 am
If Rauner is so against having to “own” this necessary tax increase, then why did he tell the GA to allow the temporary hike to sunset? They were presumably OK with continuing it, right? He could have sat quietly (helplessly) while the GA continued the higher tax rate prior to him taking office. Then he wouldn’t have “owned” it, but been a victim of it. As Governor he could have trumpeted repeatedly how he will do everything he can to reduce the tax rate, but that darn Madigan and the legislators he control won’t let him. He would have been totally free of any tax hike taint.

But he didn’t do that. Why?

Comment by What the What Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 11:31 am
===But he didn’t do that. Why?===

Gov-Elect Rauner made an ignorant rookie mistake asking and pleading for the tax hike to expire.

The Dems may, or may not, have let it expire, but being able to let it expire, at the behest of Gov-Elect Rauner, that was just too easy to oblige.

Rauner now owns the sunsetting, and his signature will own the tax increases too.

Fundamental, rookie mistake.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 11:42 am
Dear Dandy E: Oh yes, Forbes, the voice of the people! A very credible source for balanced views on tax policy.

As a well-informed Forbes reader, you are no doubt aware that the 11% Illinois tax burden (even higher for low-income taxpayers) is representative of what most Illinois citizens bear. However, the top 10% carry a burden that is only about 1/2 that rate. Since that small group enjoys half of all personal income in the state, the revenue cost of their tax advantage is equivalent to a 25% reduction in total IL personal income. Doubling their overall burden to match the average rate paid by others would instantly generate new revenue equivalent to a 33% boost in IL personal income. How’s that for a Turn Around? The revenue gain would be instant with implementation of the tax reform, not like the Gov’s trickle-down nonsense which is unlikely to deliver a better economy even given a period of years to take effect.

If you’re simply a troll, I apologize for wasting everyone’s time.

Comment by X-prof Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 11:43 am
At this point, unless Rauner is leading on the tax increase, it probably won’t happen.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:02 pm
12:02 was I. For some reason, today my phone is dropping things.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:04 pm
And if the GA eventually musters enough courage to pass a tax increase without Rauner’s leadership, expect Rauner to let it become law without his signature.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:06 pm
I don’t know whether Rauner’s inability to own — to take responsibility for anything — is the most exasperating thing about him, but if it isn’t, it’s pretty darn close to the top.

Brucie…

-Gov. Quinn, for all his faults, owned.
-Gov. Blago, for all his faults, owned.
-Gov. Ryan, for all his faults, owned.

And so on, and so on.

Grow up, Bruce Rauner. Put on your big boy pants. Take Responsibility. Own.

Comment by Nick Name Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:07 pm
== This shows we need steam lining of Illinois government ==

Modernizing state government (which I agree should happen) to streamline it will take tons of money the State doesn’t have. Why do you think the State is still using all those old systems? No money! Revenue will have to come first.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:14 pm
===sent him a package that includes $5.4 billion in new revenues.===

When the plan is to trash and sell things off, you don’t need revenue …

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:19 pm
Too bad you can’t have the Governor create a bill and sign it and *then* have the legislature pass it. That would be fun.

Comment by Skeptic Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:21 pm
== But he didn’t do that. Why? ==

The temp income was always going to sunset unless whoever won that election ASKED for it to be continued.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:23 pm
12:19 was I also.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:26 pm
===Too bad you can’t have the Governor create a bill and sign it and *then* have the legislature pass it.===

Other than the sign it part, this is historically how most Illinois budgets have been passed. The Governor introduces a plan, the legislature debates it and amends it, and if he agrees with the final legislative budget bill, the Governor signs it.

At least, that’s how is used to happen before Speaker Madigan took all of the Governor’s power away and left him a helpless by-stander. I mean, Governor Rauner is so powerless he hasn’t been able to offer a full year’s budget. If only he had the power to outline how much spending Illinois should have, and on which of his various agencies it should be spent, and then how it balances with the revenues his plan expects to collect.

Well I can dream, can’t I?

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:26 pm
===The temp income was always going to sunset unless whoever won that election ASKED for it to be continued.===

- RNUG -, that’s why, even today, it’s baffling why Gov-Elect Rauner went so out of his way to make sure it “sunsetted”.

Then the Thompson Pivot, used so careless…

Head scratchers.

I do understand people like Rauner wanted to make sure they saved millions, I understand that part. Completely.

I guess Rauner truly has serious trust issues, and that cost him.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:29 pm
(Sorry to all for that baffling first sentence - when I try to erase what I type in the text window sometimes it disappears from my screen but then appears when it posts. What I tried to type was that the public generally associates Democrats with tax increases…)

Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:37 pm
- X-prof - Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 11:43 am:
One thing you need to remember. The rich can shelter their income from taxes and high tax rates do not necessarily mean more revenus as businesses etc. leave the state. I am not saying we do not need additional revenue in the form of a tax hike. Maybe a tax on retirement income, service taxes etc. Being in the Accounting/Finance profession I can tell you that more revenue alone will not solve the problem. To solve the problem we need in addition to more revenue we need cost control and cost reduction. Workers comp., changes going forward on changes to state, county and city of chicago worker compensation agreements with the unions so compensation is on par with the private sector. This includes overtime rules, pension changes and streamlining state government. Before you comment look at the whole picture.

Comment by Dandy Edward Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:38 pm
===I am not saying we do not need additional revenue in the form of a tax hike. Maybe a tax on retirement income, service taxes etc. Being in the Accounting/Finance profession I can tell you that more revenue alone will not solve the problem.===

It is NOT up for discussion or debate or Dorm Room figurin’… Revenue is a required element now.

===To solve the problem we need in addition to more revenue we need cost control and cost reduction. Workers comp., changes going forward on changes to state, county and city of chicago worker compensation agreements with the unions so compensation is on par with the private sector. This includes overtime rules, pension changes and streamlining state government. Before you comment look at the whole picture.===

Besides the pesky constitution and pensions thingy (ILSC - “Pay what is owed?”) what are the measurables?

Rauner’s measurables are as follows…

1.4% equaling $500+ million in new revenues… If labor is also decimated at a level Rauner requires.

If all this was easy, it would have been done already…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:43 pm
In addition Illinois debt problems will never get solved unless we get some bending of the cost curve in addition to more revenue. In my opinion Mike Madigan needs to give on the governors reform agenda or we accomplish nothing to solve Illinois debt problem.

Comment by Dandy Edward Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:44 pm
===Mike Madigan needs to give on the governors reform agenda or we accomplish nothing to solve Illinois debt problem.===

Again… 1.4% at a $500+ million clip to clip… Labor at Rauner’s acceptable level.

Raise taxes, decimate unions, both votes… carried by Democrats?

Um… no.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:46 pm
-OW-

Last 2 comments of mine got lost. We both agree about the rookie mistakes.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 12:59 pm
- RNUG -

All, and I mean all, rookie governors make mistakes, not just Rauner.

The income tax ask, then coupled with the Thompson Pivot, throw in the required need of revenue, then Rauner’s words above, months after…

… head scratcher taken as a whole.

All good - RNUG -

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 1:06 pm
-What kind of cognitive dissonance cannot recognize that we have been going through a fiscal Chernobyl thanks to the failure to commit to a social agenda? Radiation poisoning: looks harmless at first, kills in the ugliest way months later.-

Really really great allusion. Chernobyl. That’s restaurant quality. Forgive me if I bring that one up again. That goes in the lexicon.

Comment by Honeybear Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 1:07 pm
Very simple … There will be no tax increases or new taxes unless there are a significant number of Republican votes supporting the legislation.

Comment by forwhatitsworth Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 1:10 pm
If Rauner signs a tax increase, he will simply disassociate himself from it by saying he was forced into it because Madigan wouldn’t pass all of his turnaround agenda.

Comment by Joe M Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 1:11 pm
==All, and I mean all, rookie governors make mistakes, not just Rauner.==

I think that’s an important point. While everyone talks about who is “qualified” to be Governor or President or whatever, no one is really “qualified.” You can bring traits and certain experiences to a job but until you’re the guy (or gal) in charge you don’t really have a clue as to exactly what the job entails.

That being said, I would hope that as mistakes are made, lessons are learned and growth as a leader would occur. That doesn’t seem to be happening in the Governor’s case. I continue to believe that he hasn’t made the pivot yet from CEO to Governor. While some might argue they are the same, they aren’t.

I get that the man is frustrated. Who isn’t. And I get that Speaker Madigan bears a great amount of culpability for what is occurring. But, so does the Governor, and that’s mostly because he doesn’t seem to be able to learn from his failures.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 1:29 pm
Saluki Matt is right — the governor did actually say this yesterday, according to the SI:

–“Either Democrats ought to help cut spending or let me raise taxes, even though I don’t want to,” he said. “We’ve got to stop deficit spending.”–

Is that the governor garbling his own usual talking point or is that a change of position?

In the same article, the governor claimed that there are “fewer jobs in Illinois than there was 17 years ago” (absurd, on its face) and his “restructuring” plans would save the state $2 billion a year (show me).

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/through-the-roof-rauner-meets-with-small-business-owners-in/article_50cc5a8c-ef05-5442-b66f-efc0fb99ddc6.html

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 2:08 pm
I totally get and accept rookie mistakes. But I don’t know if the decision on the tax rate sunset qualifies as one. Things like saying you spoke to Madigan and Cullerton on election night when you actually didn’t could be a rookie mistake. Unleashing the Prince of Snarkness loose on the GA could be considered a rookie mistake. I think there are rookie mistakes in underestimating (or overestimating) the result of certain actions taken, or paths chosen.

But advocating for the tax rate to sunset, how could you not know 100% what the result of that would be?

Are we really to believe that Rauner honestly thought he could merely cut his way out of the mess? Or that combining cuts with his 1.4% Turnaround Agenda would do the trick?

Comment by What the What Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 2:14 pm
Ugh…

===Things like saying you spoke to Madigan and Cullerton on election night when you actually didn’t could be a rookie mistake.===

No, that’s just a lie, not a mistake.

===Unleashing the Prince of Snarkness loose on the GA could be considered a rookie mistake.===

No, that’s a purposeful political choice against certain Democratic members of the General Assembly. Not a mistake, a choice willful in consequence.

===I think there are rookie mistakes in underestimating (or overestimating) the result of certain actions taken, or paths chosen.===

No. I listed what I feel are the rookie mistakes, and the chain of events pointing directly to correct actual rookie mistakes, that led to more mistakes.

A political position, pushing that isn’t a mistake recognized, but a cause and effect to gain leverage (see: Ooda Loops)

===But advocating for the tax rate to sunset, how could you not know 100% what the result of that would be?===

Rauner ran on Quinn and unbalanced budgets WITH the tax at that rate. You don’t need to be Albert Einstein to do the math that 67% less revenue for an already unbalanced equation is able to be balanced by cuts. No one believed that.

===Are we really to believe that Rauner honestly thought he could merely cut his way out of the mess? Or that combining cuts with his 1.4% Turnaround Agenda would do the trick?===

You’re confusing the budget… for the Agenda.

Again, “Reforms” are yet to be found in any accounting book to discuss budgets. There are debits, credits, assets, liabilities… Revenues… insurance…

No “reforms”. Reforms are a want, not a required element of a budgetary formula.

Confusing that is on you, and Rauner thanks you.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 2:26 pm
=== Rauner has to sign the tax increase. That is owning at the highest level. ===

Wrong.

He could keep claiming that it was Democrats, not mathematics, that forced him to raise taxes.

Comment by Juvenal Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 2:31 pm
Over riding the veto of HB580 is the only way we get a budget in the near future. For obvious reasons.

Comment by Trolling Troll Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 2:31 pm
“The Governor introduces a plan, the legislature debates it and amends it, and if he agrees with the final legislative budget bill, the Governor signs it.” Right, that’s the way it’s supposed to happen, and of course what I suggested isn’t Constitutional. We were debating “What if the Leg passes a tax and then Rauner vetoes it?” I was musing that if he signed it first before the Leg passed it, there wouldn’t be any take-backsies. But hey, a guy can dream.

Comment by Skeptic Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 2:45 pm
==He could keep claiming that it was Democrats, not mathematics, that forced him to raise taxes.==

I’m sure he’ll do that and his loyal masses will agree.

I think saying such a thing just makes him look inept. Why even be Governor if you’re going to say “I can’t do anything” or “they made me do it.” (which is what he’s been doing).

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 2:46 pm
I agree, governor needs to decide to be straight with taxpayers. Being inexperienced, his dithering on words and nuances and other party insults has gotten him a weasel reputation thats not helping himself. Blaming others and avoiding responsibility just looks weak and lame and weasel. Statesmen take responsibility for decisions made in the collective even if we fnd them annoying and distasteful
He needs to get clear in his language between wants and
needs and preferences and likes and dislikes and supports and does not support.
its ok to dislike tax increases, but support one that Illinois NEEDS.

Comment by Team Warwick Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:00 pm
OW - seems a little harsh on WTW…the cause and effects in this dance are not so obvious to most of us with limited political experience. Regarding balancing the revenue and the cuts, when you say “No one believed that”, do you mean voters? Because unfortunately, I think many did and still do believe that cuts and turnaround agenda will work.

Comment by sonny chiss Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:00 pm
Thanks Sonny - my point was that Rauner himself knew that taxes would eventually have to go back up. He is not a dumb guy. He may be trying to sell the TA to the masses, but he has to know that the TA won’t make the budget math add up in 2016 or 2017. If he can sell the TA, great for people of his ilk, but no short term budget help.

Comment by What the What Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:06 pm
How would Rauner signing the tax increase be anything but owning it? I repeatedly see “governors own” by commenters on this blog. Is that only true of certain gubernatorial actions?

Comment by Cubs in '16 Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:06 pm
- sonny chiss -

Understood. Apologies.

===Regarding balancing the revenue and the cuts, when you say “No one believed that”, do you mean voters?===

I believe those Rauner would have to work with in the General
Assembly knew that, and while letting it sunset exacerbated Rauner’s sole want to cripple things so bad to get an agenda… it’s not the want of it to sunset to get his required pain, the rookie mistake was actually cheering for it, owning it as a want.

If the Dems were going to let it sunset, why get in the way to take the blame when revenue is needed later, something Rauner wanted to leverage himself to get his Agenda. Rauner now is an “actor” in needing revenue when keeping silent, Rauner would’ve had a heavier hammer, “the GA made a choice, I had nothing to do with it, now they want revenue?”

Can’t pivot there now. Rauner wanted less revenue too… The Dems obliged… to make Rauner an accomplice.

Rookie mistake.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:10 pm
- sonny chiss -

… Let’s not forget the Thompson Pivot in this, that I touched on.

Rauner decides to play the Thompson Pivot “Things are far worse than even I imagined” schtick. Ok, that opens the door to move on Revenue, something Rauber is trying to leverage.

Than… What happened…

“Democrats only want to raise taxes!”

“#TaxHikeMike”

“I’ll agree to higher taxes but… ”

“Dems can raise taxes on their own… ”

Whaaa?

You play the Thopmson Pivot to act. To move, to soften a tax stance, or policy stance, and like a band-aid… Whoosh… you do it quick.

Rauner wasted the move. If you’re leveraging revenue, and then pivot off it, you don’t take additional hostages.

Rookie mistake.

Rauner has now said, things are worse, but I’m not going to do anything, we need revenue, Dems should vote for revenue…

What to believe. Trust off a pivot, not competing the move… rookie mistake. Rauner now owns all that, in his partner’s eyes.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:19 pm
OW - as always, thanks for the insights. I have lost count of how many people I have told “you have to read this blog and not just the blog, pay attention to the commenters as well”.

Comment by sonny chiss Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:57 pm
- sonny chiss -

No worries, bud, you’re welcome, and I learn here every day. I’ve learned far more than anything I’ve imparted, that’s for sure.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:04 pm
@Demoralized:

Rauner is going to have a hard to disavowing a tax hike after the fact when it is sponsored by Durkin and Radogno and Mike Madigan is a No vote.

But we are never going to get to that point if Rauner does not stop his comedy act.

“Why should I be for the Governor’s tax hike when he isn’t for his tax hike?”

Comment by Juvenal Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:10 pm
If and only if a tax is passed, I could see this Gov. tinkling backwards, and saying nope. (Trust)

Comment by alamony Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 5:58 pm
To the earlier discussion, all I have seen since Jan 2015 is a CEO who can’t or won’t unlearn being a CEO.

It’s mystifying. Perhaps we are all one-trick ponies in the end.

Comment by peon Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 8:38 pm