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Brown: Democrats need a plan

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Illinois

As much as I disagree with major elements of Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda, if there is a Democratic plan to restore Illinois’ economy, I have not heard it articulated clearly enough to communicate to others.

This is a problem. It’s a political problem for Democrats heading into November, but more important, it’s a problem for our state in the here and now.

Publicly, at least, the Democrats keep pointing to the progress they’ve already made on things like workers’ comp. But who really thinks that’s enough?

* Back to Brown…

If House Speaker Mike Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton and the rest of the Democratic hierarchy think they can avoid taking part of the blame in the fall for that failure just because Donald Trump is leading the Republican ticket, they could be in for a rude awakening. […]

I deplore Rauner’s willingness to use people who rely on social services as hostages to enforce his will. If he were on this November’s ballot, he’d surely take his lumps. But he’s not.

In his absence, voters’ blame could fall most heavily on those who can be portrayed as beholden to Madigan, who is held in equally low esteem.

He’s right about Madigan, except that he’s held in far less esteem than Rauner by the general public.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 9:31 am

Comments

Yep.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 9:45 am
I have been saying it here since last summer. Eric Zorn also nailed it when he said the same a few months ago.

=No= is not a winning approach. You must offer an alternative answer.

Or, as others have described Madigan’s mentality and I have come to agree No compromise. No suggestions. No alternatives. No vision.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 9:47 am
But what’s left of Rauner’s Turnaround demands — workers comp benefit reductions, property tax relief and pension “reform”— would seem to be within reach of a business-friendly compromise that Democrats could swallow, if the governor is reasonable about his demands to limit collective bargaining for public employees.

Highlighting mine, for reasons obvious to anyone who has paid attention to the business of the legislature, which clearly does not include Brown. The House has run a property tax relief bill so many times they have literally lost count and the only difference between the bill that keeps making it to the floor and the Governor’s proposal is that the bill does not include the provision that would strip collective bargaining rights from local government employees. The Governor calls this a “sham” bill because it doesn’t include his anti-worker agenda. It’s clear that the Governor’s prerequisite for a property tax relief bill is that it must include his anti-worker agenda so Brown’s basic premise is a non-starter for the Governor, something he seems to want to blame the Democrats for.

Comment by The Captain Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 9:48 am
When Rauner comes off his turnaround agenda all things are possible.

Comment by tobor Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 9:51 am
–As much as I disagree with major elements of Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda, if there is a Democratic plan to restore Illinois’ economy, –

What does that even mean, in real terms? People in Springfield can “restore the economy?”

I’d suggest the state has a lunch-bucket role in the economy by laying the groundwork for the effective formation and deployment of capital by providing for education, infrastructure, public safety and the rule of law.

For crying out loud, there isn’t an “Illinois economy” subject to central command and control from Springfield like some commie five-year-plan. That’s political snake oil.

How do you control an “economy” when you have no power, whatsoever, over the currency? Or trade policy? It’s absurd.

Within Illinois you have a multitude of industries and services that compete in the global economy and are subject to a multitude of global dynamics.

Politicians in Springfield should pack a lunch and do their real jobs, rather than pretending they can wave their magic wands and “restore the economy.”

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 9:53 am
I agree with Word.

Smart investments in infrastructure and education are needed. By smart I mean part of a long term plan. Not pork investments to reward legislators.

Can the Democrats step up?

Comment by Sir Reel Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 9:59 am
>if there is a Democratic plan to restore Illinois’ economy

First and most effective step is a stable, balanced state budget, achieved with a mix of cuts and revenue. They are consistent on this. They lack a plan for that budget that includes real numbers.

Comment by Earnest Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 9:59 am
I agree that the Dems need to put forward a plan for economic growth. I don’t agree that the lack of one will be the focus of voter outrage.

This fall will see a nauseating number of negative ads blaming opponents for anything and everything.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:00 am
word+1

Let’s concentrate on what the state can do. They can quit destroying the economy the way they have been for the last 15 months. The expiration of the tax increase and the lack of budgets is totally within the governors control. Furthermore, Madigan is growing on moderate Republicans like me.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:03 am
Not to brush aside any of this, but what vision did federal Republicans bring to the table in 2010 and 2014? All of the conventional wisdom among the chattering class said that Republican obstruction would be met with electoral defeat, but just the opposite happened. Let’s not rush to overstate the importance of a well-crafted platform or the intelligence of voters when so many down-ballot races are determined by natural shifts in turnout and district boundaries.

Comment by One hand //ing Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:05 am
=== but what vision did federal Republicans bring to the table in 2010 and 2014?===

So, that’s the model you want MJM to follow?

OK, go for it.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:06 am
Wordslinger - I don’t disagree with what you say about infrastructure and the “state vs. federal” nature of some of this, but states do indeed compete for businesses. Would you argue the Texas Enterprise Fund hasn’t lured businesses? Then why did California pass a counter-measure? New York advertises on tv (ad nauseum) about its 10 year tax breaks for incoming businesses.

Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:07 am
==
How do you control an “economy” when you have no power, whatsoever, over the currency? Or trade policy? It’s absurd.==

Government has power over how much a business and their property is taxed, and what regulations and fees they’re required to pay to do business. What’s absurd is your apparent inability to understand how large of a role those things play in decisions companies make and, thus, jobs and revenue they create for the economy.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:08 am
Agree both parties need a plan. Those plans need to be transparent and in plain language though. I must’ve missed those GOP appropriation bills filed for FY17 showing their proposed budget though. It would also be nice for the public to hear what the reform proposals are without euphemisms or glossing over of intent. We should hear long-term funding plans from both parties accompanied by the numbers used to back up the money saved by any reforms proposed. Put that out in the sunlight. Let’s see what voters think. Let’s also ask the question of voters: what services do you want cut? Americans have a common problem. We like to have services, but we don’t like to pay for them.

Comment by Wishful Thinking Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:08 am
There is a Dem plan for the Illinois economy. Raise taxes without limit to feed the patronage beast, borrow money rather than raise property taxes enough to support their giveaways, create TIF districts to transfer money from schools and services to steer it to “friendly” contractors.

It works well, for the short term at least, for the political and entitlement class. When you finally kill the golden goose (or at least drive them to another state) go crying to the Feds and pray that Dems own the WH and congress so that you can plunder other state’s treasure…

Comment by Illinois bob Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:14 am
MJM has to only win his district and Rauner must win state wide. Rauner has called MJM everything in the book and has made destroying unions at the center of his agenda. Rauner has tried to drive a wedge between two democratic constituencies (unions and those relying on social services) and also spent millions trying to defeat MJM in his own primary. Rauner has really created a good atmosphere to negotiate in. Rauner has declared war on MJM and MJM is not about to start the precedent that you negotiate with hostage takers. Plus, Rauner wants to bait the dems into accepting his “turn around agenda” and then turn on the dems and blame them for a tax increase. MJM sees this as giving in on demands so that he can be blamed for the needed tax increase.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:15 am
The Dems are lacking in two things:
1. a few votes ( either 2/3) to get to the magic of 71 to ram though anything they want.
2. the courage to push thought their partisan agenda of higher taxes

Comment by t sowell Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:18 am
If you buy into the premise that the state and the Turnaround Agenda won’t solve the true economics that government can’t and doesn’t control…

… then you can’t ask the Dems to put forward anything “measurable” and require results off that plan.

Gotta be consistent.

The 1.4% and $500+ million won’t turn the Illinois economy on its ear, just as any measurable plan by the Dems attempting to say “X% growth and billions” won’t factor into the economics of the private sector.

A budget, stability, and creating an image that Illinois is the place to be will be helpful, instead of running down the state every chance a governor can.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:20 am
Isn’t funding higher education and social programs a plan? That seems to be missing from Rauner’s “plan”

Comment by Joe M Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:20 am
The Democrats’ plan appears to be “pay your bills”. Pretty good place to start from a business point of view unless, like
Trump, you think it’s smart business to stiff your creditors. A budget would be a good place to start. The turnaround agenda has nothing to do with the budget except insofar as it holds the budget hostage. Pension “reform” is a pipe dream in light of the Supreme Court’s rulings. Accepting that reality would help.

Comment by JackD Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:25 am
Watching the state budget politics unfold is like watching the news when a commercial airplane goes missing. The update? There’s really no update. It’s just constant coverage of a lack of progress. Dem’s won’t compromise on labor reform, republicans won’t compromise on revenue. Nothing but news coverage happens.

Comment by BK Bro Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:30 am
It’s time we demand Rauner and Madigan go into a conference room, then lock the door and NEVER OPEN IT

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:31 am
The problem isn’t that Democrats don’t have “a plan”, the problem is they don’t have a Governor. Without a central figure to rally around, their ideas don’t get heard.

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:33 am
Joe M, overfunding higher ed for mediocre quality education isn’t an effective plan for economic growth. Social programs? Some are vital and effective, but let’s be honest here. Lyndon Johnson’s “war on poverty” failed as badly as his Viet Nam war policy. After spending trillions, the way they spent the money created an entitlement culture that dramatically expanded poverty, not ended it.

What we need is a plan to increase income and economic value in Illinois, and that means creating an environment to attract business and encourage economic growth. Dems have never been very good at that unless it involves unfair “incentives” to bribe business to come or stay here, or empowering unions to drive the businesses into insolvency.

The most important first step is to show that both parties can work together for the good of the state and not decimate business through taxation (as Blago and Madigan did to the Illinois trucking industry)and manage the state in a prudent and fiscally responsible manner.

That’s not happening now, nor does it appear that it will in the future.

Comment by Illinois Bob Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:33 am
I am so tired of this decade after decade. Both side worried more about making the other guy look bad and nothing about doing what needs to be done now. I wish one side, I don’t care which, would just have the “nuggets” to say, “This is what we need to do, this is the Spending and this is the Revenue to match”. But everyone is more worried more about the next election cycle than doing the work of the people of Illinois. …so many Politicians and not a Statesman in the bunch.

Comment by Springfield Since '77 Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:34 am
Arsenal-

pretty sure Madigan is their figure. dont know how that isnt understood by now.

and what are these ideas they speak of, more taxes?

we heard you, we just cant take you seriously.

Comment by Goldwater Republican Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:40 am
The Captain: ” The House has run a property tax relief bill so many times they have literally lost count and the only difference between the bill that keeps making it to the floor and the Governor’s proposal is that the bill does not include the provision that would strip collective bargaining rights from local government employees.”

*****
+ how ever many times that a property tax bill has been called for a vote during the 99th!

Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:47 am
not decimate business through taxation

Lay off the coolaid Bob. Large business has battalions of lawyers and accountants to avoid them and take advantage of tax incentives. Had a friend who said he was chatting with the Walgreens Tax incentive folks just the other day. They have six full time employees who seek out incentives and get their company out of paying taxes. Small business, even medium sized businesses who can’t afford a team of 6 are the ones who pay.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:52 am
Comrade Commissar Wordslinger, you saw for yourself the approval of the five-year plan at the most recent politburo assembly of the great Chicago Soviet. Don’t be modest! s/

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:54 am
- Honeybear -

Don’t worry about - “Bob” -. Between Red China and now LBJ, he’s a few decades behind us all.

To the Post,

The plan I want to see is one that will pass bicamerally, bipartisanly, and signed cleanly.

The rest is the blame game stalling what has been needed to be done for 14 months.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:58 am
Springfield Since ‘77 - Agreed. Bring the sequester to Illinois with a revenue component. It might be the only way. Other than that, lets hop in line with Puerto Rico and get in the BK business. Good for me

Comment by BK Bro Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:27 am
Lol OW, but if you look at it, I was just as bad with my Jim Jones and Soviet references! We’re all sinners here! lol

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:33 am
Well played - Honeybear -

- BK Bro -

Quinn paid the liability. Rauber can’t?

Plus, even the ILSC has told the GA and Governors…

Pay. What’s. Owed.

States can’t declare bankruptcy, and while the Puerto Rico “model” seems “swell”, Illinois has the means to pay, just not the political fortitude to do so.

It’s choices, not no choice.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:41 am
If politicians want to improve the Economy, they could start with not destroying the social services safety net, destroying education, not paying our bills, and becoming a laughingstock.

In other words, do their damn jobs as laid out in the Constitution.

Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:00 pm
Word’s comments make sense. Why don’t the pols focus on running state government functions first. They want to focus on the private economy while they repeatedly fail in basic government.

Comment by Qui Tam Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:08 pm
Mr/ms Anon 221:
Counting last week they are up to 19

Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:34 pm
== A budget, stability, and creating an image that Illinois is the place to be will be helpful, instead of running down the state every chance a governor can. ==

-OW- nailed it. The primary thing businesses want / need are a STABLE environment that they can plan to. Taxs they can work around, chaos, especially self inflicted chaos, they can’t.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 1:07 pm
“He’s right about Madigan, except that he’s held in far less esteem than Rauner by the general public.”

I disagree with that statement. If you would have gone to the rally last week you would have noticed the crowd cheering for Madigan, and booing Rauner.

Comment by Mama Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 2:47 pm
The Dems need to work on promoting all of the pluses Illinois has to offer - - counter Rauner negative media hype of IL.

Comment by Mama Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 2:59 pm
I do not believe that the general public prefers a governor who wants to pass reforms that look like a corporate wish list.

It makes more sense that they would prefer the Speaker of the House who has demonstrated that he cares about the middle class.

Comment by Enviro Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 3:03 pm
@RNUG and OW

Yep. We agree that stability is the key to economic growth, and that the chaos of partisan conflict, and growth in government spending by increasing debt and unfunded liabilities,will drive any business interests away.

The problem is that you can’t have growth in government spending above the growth of income to be taxed in the long term, and that’s exactly what Madigan (and Oswego) are willing to do for their public union buddies.

That moderation in growth of government is what I believe Rauner is shooting for, perhaps in not the most effective political manner possible(understatement of the year!)

Comment by Illinois Bob Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 3:04 pm
And I agree 100% that the Democrats need to work on promoting all of the pluses Illinois has to offer.

Comment by Enviro Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 3:08 pm
===…and that’s exactly what Madigan (and Oswego) are willing to do for their public union buddies.===

- “Bob”, “Zonker”, whoever you are, today -,

Your trolling of me isn’t helping your argument.

Republicans have, up to the Raunerism of the ILGOP, sought…

… trade endorsements, police and fire union endorsements, teacher union endorsements…

The Reagan Democrats were blue collar conservatives, and often in trade unions.

Your hatred of teachers as you wax poetic about U of I’s engineering school is ridiculous.

It’s no wonder the HGOP ran away from you.

I can’t tell you how many times Local 150, or IUOE, Teamsters, teachers, police and fire, even is some cases public employees, made the difference for Republicans.

The 80% rule is so lost on you…

As for Madigan, it was “measured” he was more “conservative” than his House counterpart at times.

Your screaming that every single thing comes back to “teachers bad” and the 1963-1979 mentality of “Red China” and LBJ, you’re on your porch, screaming at clouds.

I fed you, whichever name you’re choosing..

Good luck.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 3:15 pm
Sorry you and most of my critics don’t get my responses. Most get killed by Rich, no matter how much on point and how civil the response.

On the name issue, I’m not trying to be a “sock Puppet” I’m living back in Illinois now for awhile, and becoming a legal resident for primary residency sale. A more appropriate name made sense.

Man, get over the hate. It’s going to burn you up.

Comment by illinois Bob Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 4:01 pm
Fair enough - Illinois Bob -.

===Man, get over the hate. It’s going to burn you up.===

Tend to your own house…

With respect.

To bring this back…

To the Post,

My point with Brown isn’t that Brown wants the Dems to “show him something”, not unlike Buck Weaver to Chick Gandil…

But, what is either side “showing”?

I know I could find common ground in many of Rich’s suggestions, and further, probably in all of Rich’s suggestions… if the process were to find common ground in a divided government.

The war can end if we want it, words tonight effect, have been used, even today.

Brown asking Dems to show something is honorable, but like 1.4% and $500+ million, measurables in government… if you feel Rauner isn’t effecting the economy directly, or could, you have to believe that premise is also true for Dems.

The point? The compromises are going to be needed on the merits of the workable rationales of those wanting to agree, not solely on the merits of any measurable economic argument of alleged “savings” or “growth”… of the examples either side has put forth.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 4:13 pm
Neither side shows much. One side has had control for years and clearly their plan is to take of their own.

Fire all of them now.

Comment by cannon649 Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 10:18 pm