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Rauner does about-face, proposes stopgap budget

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* Subscribers have lots more details, including the full budget office memo…

Definition of last ditch effort. After poo-pooing notion of a stopgap, Gov. Rauner office peddling one now. What will Dems say? Meeting @ 10

— Amanda Vinicky (@AmandaVinicky) May 31, 2016

* The Tribune also got the GOMB memo…

[Rauner budget director Tim Nuding] called on lawmakers to pass a stand-alone bill to fund elementary and secondary schools, as well as companion legislation that would pay for homeless and domestic violence prevention programs, provide medical services and food for prisoners and veterans homes, ensure schools open on time this fall and pump $600 million into public universities and community colleges.

It would be paid for through a combination of tapping into the state’s “rainy day” fund and other specialized funds, not repaying $450 million the state borrowed last year to plug a different budget hole, and federal dollars.

“This proposal is not designed as a full-year budget. It is designed as a bridge plan that allows schools to open, keeps the lights on, protects public safety and prevents a government shutdown,” Nuding said. “It is fully funded and therefore fiscally responsible, unlike other potential short-term budget proposals that seek to impose piecemeal out-of-balance budgets for months at a time.”

It’s unclear how Democratic leaders will respond to the proposal. Cullerton said Monday he planned to push for a full-year budget backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, which Nuding now pegs as being $7.5 billion out of balance. Madigan, meanwhile, has been cool to other suggestions for a short-term budget, saying his members are prepared to work throughout the summer.

* Related…

* Legislature sets up dramatic budget showdown with Rauner: Sources with knowledge of Democratic strategy expect the [Madigan] budget bill to pass out of the Democratic-controlled Senate today and to be forwarded to the governor by late June. That’s despite leaders’ talk of progress in working groups on Monday. “It’s over,” said one top strategist who asked not to be named.

* Illinois Democrats poised to defy governor’s budget veto threat: Senate President John Cullerton signaled his chamber could vote on a budget bill passed by the House last week, or on an alternative plan he declined to outline. He also said he was trying to round up votes for the House budget bill.

* Another year without a budget? Sure looking that way: “My view is that if there is no agreement by (Tuesday) night, I would ask the governor to keep his working groups functioning on a regular schedule because the House is going to be in continuous session,” Madigan said. “The House designees consistently report back to me that progress is being made and they want to stay at it.”… “The most important thing for the governor to do is pass the budget and not hold the state hostage,” Cullerton said. “He’s done that for a year and a half. He’s got to back off of these radical demands that he’s made over the last year and a half to finally pass a budget.”

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:41 am

Comments

More irony than anything else….

On the State’s website under Budget/Fiscal, last posting there was under Quinn…

http://www.illinois.gov/news/Pages/Budget.aspx

You’d think the Supes would have updated this page by now.

Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:49 am
Rauner is behaving more and more Trumpian every day.

Comment by Truthteller Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:49 am
The Democrats are going to pass a “budget”, ridiculous on its merits but will allow Rauner to own a veto(es) for Higher Ed, social services, state agencies, anything and everything the needs appropriations. That’s the play.

The play with Rauner “nixing” the idea of a Drnocratic stopgap then “magically” having his own stopgap is to put into the “soup” that Rauner tried everything, including his own stopgap, but those pesky Democrats are still far more powerful one of the most, constitutionally, powerful Executives in any state governments in America.

Same play as the Dems, but using a different tact that a governor can push.

It’s disingenuous for the Rauner Administration to find that a stopgap works for them, as long as it’s their plan or idea.

Games are still being played.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:51 am
Have Rauner veto the budget, then D’s should come to the rescue with this.

Comment by Formerly Known as Frenchie M Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:53 am
We are still waiting for BVR to submit his “balanced” budget.

This is yet another feeble attempt to change the discourse without accomplishing anything to solve the real problem.

Comment by illini Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:53 am
I wonder if all the IPI forks will be out to play today? I missed a lot over the weekend. I’m glad I missed it. That John Rawls was a pip!

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:55 am
===Games are still being played.===

“Governor Rauner, the House has passed a budget that continues the funding levels of the FY 2015 budget and expands funding to higher education. It is our belief that your amendatory veto powers should be sufficient to identify which spending should be cut from the budget, even if it is a temporary measure.”

Comment by Anon Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:56 am
“provide medical services and food for prisoners and veterans homes”

Unbelievable.

Yesterday, these folks were going to soon starve in Rauner World. Beasts? Starve the beast?

This whole ILGOP “starve the beast” thing has been rather inhumane.

Comment by cdog Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:56 am
What about Public Health? The grants that have not been paid for FY16 but have been kept up? Will we ever see it?

Comment by Diana Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:56 am
There should be no doubt now — especially now — that Rauner has — and has had — no intentions to submit or pass a full budget during his term.

The only leverage Rauner has is the lack of a budget.

Comment by Formerly Known as Frenchie M Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:57 am
Much confusing and contradictory messaging coming out of the GOP camps in recent days. Perhaps that’s by oompa-loompa design for some alleged brilliant strategery reasons.

“Great progress” is being made, followed by the Dems supposedly “broke off negotiations” — then they all meet and resume negotiations again the next day.

Supposedly there’s a “better tone” from both Madigan and Cullerton, followed by the entire holdup is due to a “personal vendetta” of Madigan’s.

A temporary budget isn’t necessary because a “grand compromise is within striking distance” followed immediately by a temporary budget is necessary because a grand compromise isn’t possible.

Quite a messy scorecard, if you’re keeping score at home.

The only thing I’m pretty sure of is that there will be an approp. for K-12 to open the schools in the Fall. No one is willing to risk wearing the jacket for a school shutdown before the election.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:58 am
At the risk of repeating myself:

“The Governor shall prepare and submit to the General Assembly, at a time prescribed by law, a State budget for the ensuing fiscal year.” — Illinois Constitution, Article VIII, Section 2(a)

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:01 am
This is ridiculous. Wouldn’t it be unconstitutional for the governor to sign an unbalanced budget into law? And if the legislature is able to somehow override a veto, wouldn’t the Supreme Court be obligated to find it unconstitutional anyway?

Comment by Anon Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:03 am
The Dems want nothing to do with a balanced budget
because it will have to have a tax increase. The Dems need to own this, because they caused the problem. Governor is doing his job protecting the taxpayers. No reforms no taxincrease.

Comment by Dandy Edward Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:04 am
Make Rauner put some new revenue on it. Make him announce it.

Maybe retirees can sponsor education. /s

Let’s hope he can get that dang LOG out of HIS eye.

There are not enough cuts, no fairy dust, that can fix Rauner’s self-inflicted revenue problem.

Comment by cdog Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:05 am
The Governor does not realize that he lost the high road when he decided to fail to govern by failing to propose and enact a budget, which is his most fundamental duty. Now, despite (just days ago) decrying the perils of a short-term or stopgap budget, he proposes just that on the last day of session. Despite the howls of “Mr WHO” Sandack about not having time to review a budget, the Governor not only fails to share it with Dem leaders, he drops it to the media, again, on the last day of session. He cares not about consistency or even integrity. He cares about winning, personally, at all cost and despite the collateral damage. Winning the media cycle, winning red meat for his benefactors, and winning the snarky tweet contests orchestrated by his sycophantic frat boy employees. This Governor is a disgrace to the office. He’s flailing in the quicksand of his own design. It’s to let him own. Own his veto, or own his tax increase, or own both. He wanted the office, now he’s got it.
Imagine all of the good that he could do with his resources and connections. Yet he refuses.

Comment by unspun Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:06 am
Last in the nation (on budget(s))…

Will any lessons be learned from this fiasco??? If there are no repercussion to a Governor who fails to perform his/her duty under Illinois Constitution, Article VIII, Section 2(a), then what is to prevent this from happening again and again (and again…)??? Is this something that should be addressed legislatively at some point (I’m not saying NOW. That would be highly unproductive)?

Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:07 am
Methinks a message was sent by Harris and McSweeney that has been received. Do something now or we’ll bolt in the future.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:08 am
- Dandy Edward -

Your ignorance is underwhelming.

Additional Revenue is a required element of any budget that will get passed.

Required. Not optional.

Even Rauner’s budget “outline” he proposed was billions off and, you guessed it, required additional revenue.

I know you are purposely and willfully ignorant to this, due in large part that if you your blissfully unaware, your Raunerite talking points wouldn’t be so “verbatim”

BTW, we are all taxpayers, who isn’t a taxpayer?

Ugh.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:08 am
== It is designed as a bridge plan that allows schools to open, … ==

That is the whole ball game right there: keeping the schools open

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:11 am
All partisan tactics… I am shocked that so many commenters are so thoughtful and I learn so much. But, when it comes to Rauner, they only see him to blame. I don’t agree with his tactics as much as the Speakers. They are all to blame for this mess. I am just sad that we are voting in all of these people that use these tactics. Gang, they do them because they are successful. Maybe we can look in the mirror before the next election cycle. Last time I looked, we are a wealthy state with much more good than bad… Perhaps we all try and hold our officials locally more accountable. Want to fix the school budget. Everyone on here try and go to 3 school board meetings per year to listen. If your school is being responsible with salaries great. If not, tell a neighbor or 2. The VAST majority of teachers and administrators are UNDER payed. The few in wealthy districts still giving excessive bumps, do because they can… Sunlight.

Comment by Echo The Bunnyman Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:13 am
OW,

Thanks to Dandy Edward, today I learned that Jim Edgar was a Democrat.

===Your ignorance is underwhelming.===

So, well said.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:14 am
== And if the legislature is able to somehow override a veto, wouldn’t the Supreme Court be obligated to find it unconstitutional anyway? ==

Somebody with standing would have to bring an action first … and after all this time, who would want to upset the apple cart?

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:16 am
===But, when it comes to Rauner, they only see him to blame.===

“Pat Quinn failed… ”

See how this works? You follow? Governors own.

===They are all to blame for this mess.===

Not these past two fiscal years. Have you forgotten…

RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate. - Ron Sandack, 9/28/15

Rauner owns what Rauner has created.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:18 am
Your ignorance is underwhelming. First no one said we did not need any revenue. Increasind revenues without any reforms to speding do not work. If you would know how companies operate they do not always increase spending from year to year. Yes Rauner budget was short dollars and he is willing to increase taxes, but we need reforms in state government and the Illinois economy to get it growing going forward. Mike Madigan caused the problem he should work with the Governor to fix it.

Comment by Dandy Edward Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:20 am
which budget are we talking about now FY16 or FY17
can there be an FY17 without paying our states bills from FY16. I am starting to get confused.

Comment by Just Because Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:21 am
Rauner wants his K-12 funding, and will be desperate to get this, in his words, “cleanly” so he doesn’t have to do any hard or messy work like line items vetoes. I do hope the Senate passes a complete budget (the bill from the House), and sends it onto Rauner. If they wait or try to do their own bill, then we are out into 3/5ths territory and more heavy lifting in the House. 2017 may end up piecemealing again, but Rauner needs to be forced to take ownership of a COMPLETE budget, warts and all.

Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:21 am
They’re really losing it on the spin game.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:23 am
I do not understand “working groups”. Is this a term when elected officials get together to discuss legislation without the Open Meeting Act applying? Why can’t they have public hearings, invite witnesses and make it public? Is someone being unreasonable in these private meetings?

Comment by Beaner Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:23 am
OW… “Not these past two fiscal years. Have you forgotten…”

If the solution being sought was for 2 fiscal years, you can lay blame at the Governors feet… I am not a “Raunerite” I do understand he is trying to close the open checkbook… Which at some point…has to happen.

Comment by Echo The Bunnyman Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:24 am
As the IL Session Countdown continues, we all ask: Why Can’t We Be Friends?

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:26 am
===No reforms no taxincrease.===

Um, - Danny Edwards, reforms are a want, a desired want.

===Increasind revenues without any reforms to speding do not work.===

Worked for budgets since 1818.

Please show in any level of accounting where “reform” is an element in any budget “lingo” or definition, or where reform is found in any accounting class.

Spoiler Alert… it’s not.

===Yes Rauner budget was short dollars and he is willing to increase taxes,…===

Again, your ignorance is underwhelming.

The Rauner outline was short billions, not “dollars”, that’s not up for any discussion. It was.

Willing to raise taxes… is… not… Optional!

Not an option. Not a “give”. Needed. Required.

===Mike Madigan caused the problem he should work with the Governor to fix it.===

Read the Sandack tweet, get back to all of us.

(Tips cap to - Anon -)

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:27 am
-BTW, we are all taxpayers, who isn’t a taxpayer?–

YES! BLESS YOU for saying that. The use of “taxpayer” is really really starting to get on my nerves. It really strikes me as a “disenfranchisement” tactic, very similar to laws prohibiting all people except landowners from voting. While the term does not limit sufferage, it DOES disenfranchise people. Look at who is using the term and against whom. It’s against unions, the poor, the elderly, the disabled, African Americans, Women, anyone who the Raunerites consider “tax takers”. It’s a who lot of “ism” rolled into one term.

I hate the use of the word and how it is used a bludgeon to discriminate and disenfranchise.

AND Yes, I do think one has tendencies towards those “isms” for using the term.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:31 am
Dandy Edward “Yes Rauner budget was short dollars and he is willing to increase taxes, but we need reforms in state government and the Illinois economy to get it growing going forward.”

Could you please enlighten me on what these reforms are that you speak of, specifically and what they are going to do to address the shortfall in the budget, specifically. I would love to see numbers attached to specific reforms so that I can make an educated decision on whether the return on the reform is worth it. I have been waiting quite some time for someone in the know to fill me in on the math here. Thanks!

Comment by burbanite Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:37 am
I continue to support a budget that leaves no hostages behind. One K-12 is funded, there will be no thing additional done for anyone.

Comment by Earnest Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:40 am
GOMB is the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget which apparently has been sitting around with nothing to do since Rauner took office.

Rauner must prefer to let the legislature set appropriations and then react, or not react on doing their jobs, depending on the Superstars or Rauner’s mood.

Comment by Chicago 20 Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:42 am
==that Rauner tried everything==

Got to hand it to @Oswego Willy. When he is on it, he is on it.

That is what this is. If May indeed ends without progress or compromise, he can say that he tried everything to compromise until the end including a stopgap budget as Sen Cullerton suggested.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:46 am
>tapping into the state’s “rainy day” fund and other specialized funds, not repaying $450 million the state borrowed last year to plug a different budget hole,
>“It is fully funded and therefore fiscally responsible

Just so there are no “gimmicks” used: http://www.sj-r.com/article/20141202/NEWS/141209914

Comment by Earnest Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:47 am
–If May indeed ends without progress or compromise, he can say that he tried everything to compromise until the end including a stopgap budget as Sen Cullerton suggested.–

LOL, “everything,” that is, except fulfilling his Constitutional responsibility to propose a balanced budget or to negotiate on a budget in good-faith without non-budget pre-conditions.

An annual budget and honoring state contracts for goods and services remains “optional,” from Gov. Rauner’s political standpoint.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:52 am
The Republicans are waving the white flag, unfortunately it is Rauner’s undershorts, with streaks.

Comment by an independent Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:54 am
- an independent - bad form.

- FKA -, it’s the only political move left. Wish I was wiser, but Rauner is running out of daylight and also running out of plays. Thanks for your kind words.

As for the actual governing aspect, yikes, - Wordslinger - is on point to the governing misses.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 9:57 am
In a fun and snarky spirit, send Rauner the big approp bill.

Then, send him a shell revenue bill. Let him fill in the blanks.

Comment by cdog Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:02 am
You are right, OW, I apologize, won’t blame Mr. Miller for pulling it.

Comment by an independent Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:03 am
Its not either-or.

Democrats should pass their own insurance policy today.

Take adequate time to review and discuss Rauner’s alternative if necessary.

Who knows, perhaps there is a middle ground between their plan and his.

Comment by Juvenal Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:03 am
All of this talk of the Governor “owning” this or that. So, when will it be time for the Democrat majorities in both chambers to own the mess Rauner walked into. As far as I can tell, no majority legislator has ever taken ANY responsibility for the mess. Shifting blame to the newly-elected governor is par for the course. Spend like drunken sailors. Blame Republicans. Repeat. Should just make those seven words the state constitution. It’s what we have now anyway.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:18 am
Correct me if I’m wrong but I didn’t see anything in there about paying medical providers for services rendered to State employees. Does anyone know if that was in the Madigan plan? I’m frankly concerned with Summer here for my two daughters. 5 years ago my older daughter broke her arm and it took us years to pay it off, EVEN WITH PRIVATE SECTOR INSURANCE! I can’t imagine what the damage would be now. Also had a customer come in and say a doctor was demanding cash upfront to see him. Poor guy, he looked like he needed to be seen.

Don’t get me wrong, I know there are a lot more important things ahead of me. But it just scares me that I won’t at some point really have coverage because doctors won’t see me or my family.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:20 am
MisterJayEm,

At risk of repeating myself, the Governor did that. In February.

Comment by Jack Kemp Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:22 am
Will legislators on boths sides of the aisle who said they wouldn’t vote for any piecemeal, stopgap budgets now going to put that rhetoric down the memory hole and embrace this piecemeal budget?

Comment by anon Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:24 am
== Also had a customer come in and say a doctor was demanding cash upfront to see him. ==

If his coverage is with one of the insurance companies, they can not legally require home to pay up front. Remind the doctor it is in the contract.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:26 am
===At risk of repeating myself, the Governor did that. In February.===

Oh, - Jack Kemp -

The alleged Rauner outline of a budget was billions out of whack.

As Article VIII, Section 2, (a) that proposal needs to balance, and Rauner’s outline didn’t balance… but…

… you already knew that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:26 am
Anonymous:

If this person isn’t in an HMO the provider can demand payment upfront.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:29 am
===Rauner walked into. As far as I can tell, no majority legislator has ever taken ANY responsibility for the mess. Shifting blame to the newly-elected governor is par for the course.===

Please, do keep up, Rauner wants to own this leverage.

Representative?

@RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate. - Ron Sandack, 9/28/15

What else ya got?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:30 am
Is Rauner using Paul Ryan’s playbook?

Comment by Mama Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:34 am
== It is designed as a bridge plan that allows schools to open, … ==

What about higher education?

Will Rauner’s bridge plan allow higher education to open in the Fall?

Comment by Mama Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:40 am
- Demoralized -

If they are with an actual insurance company, either HMO or PPO, they can’t ask for upfront payment.

If they have Cigna / Quality Care, that is the State self funded plan. That one and dental they can try to get you to pay upfront.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:56 am
Honeybear, I thought healthcare benefits (such as health insurance) is dependent on the contract between the governor and the union(s). No?

Comment by Mama Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 10:56 am
RNUG:

They can also ask for payment if you are in one of the OAP plans (Healthlink OAP or Conventry OAP).

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 11:00 am
I give credit to the governor. He is trying to get something done.

Comment by Peoria Guy Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 11:49 am
“BTW, we are all taxpayers, who isn’t a taxpayer?”

People like 1.4% and Trump who have the money and lawyers to use the tax code to their advantage.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 12:07 pm
Mama, our Medical providers are not being paid. I pay premiums out of my check each pay period and yet my doctors aren’t being paid.

I’m also deathly afraid of the mail tomorrow. I bet I’m going to get a letter stating that what I have to pay each month will double. In effect Rauner will put into play his health insurance before we’ve settled the contract.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 12:20 pm
–If his coverage is with one of the insurance companies, they can not legally require home to pay up front. Remind the doctor it is in the contract.–

But it’s happening all the time. Who are they going to report it too? These folks can barely take care of themselves. These are the silent many who are so beaten down that they don’t even whimper anymore.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 12:24 pm
“Much confusing and contradictory messaging coming out of the GOP camps in recent days.”

Does 1.4% have a coherent plan to guide his administration or is everything just a talking point and off the cuff?

It seems as though his only plan is to antagonize Madigan as much as possible.h

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 1:02 pm
Dandy Edward -
“Mike Madigan caused the problem he should work with the Governor to fix it.” By general consensus the biggest (but not only) problem of recent years derives from Jim Edgar’s 1995 pension ramp. Are you saying Jim Edgar and Mike Madigan are the same person? Dandy, sure you’re not actually Steve Baer?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 1:20 pm
Bless your heart, Anonymous @ 1:20. You are showing your age.

Comment by Wallinger Dickus Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 1:50 pm
Wallinger Dickus
I prefer to think of it as “experience” …

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 3:51 pm
Honeybear, if our Medical providers are not being paid with the worker’s premiums, where are the workers’ insurance premiums going? Does anyone know?

Comment by Mama Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 4:14 pm
No idea Mama. I just hate this.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 4:43 pm

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Rauner does about-face, proposes stopgap budget

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