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* Press release…
The Rauner Administration issued the following statement after today’s Four Leaders meeting. It is attributable to Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly:
“Today the Speaker refused to put forward a budget proposal and refused to commit to passing any budget whatsoever after December 31st. Republicans will not consider revenue without reform. Only Speaker Madigan has proposed raising the income tax. As the Speaker stalls to force a crisis, we call on the majority to pass term limits and a permanent property tax freeze before any consideration of Speaker Madigan’s stopgap spending plan.”
This post will be updated in a few minutes with post-meeting comments from Senate President Cullerton.
*** UPDATE *** Always the optimist, Senate President John Cullerton emerged late from today’s leaders meeting to say “We could have an agreement on workers’ comp,” particularly when it comes to reducing abuses and fraud. “That’s where you save your money, and you don’t fundamentally blow up the whole workers’ comp system.”
And while he said that Madigan hasn’t yet committed to supporting pension reform, “The question with pension reform, as I told the governor, is getting enough votes for it.”
On taxes, Cullerton said, “Let me make it clear… We cannot on our own raise any revenue by ourselves. The most important person on revenue is the governor.”
Responding to Republican demands for Democratic “parameters” on the budget, Cullerton said “We want to know what their parameters are too, it wouldn’t just be our parameters,” adding, “So we need to know from the governor at the next meeting what his parameters are on revenue.”
* Cullerton also backed up Speaker Madigan’s contention that the working groups need to be reconstituted. “The working groups is where we got progress,” he said. The working groups can do “the ground work,” while the leaders can make the final decisions. “It’s highly detailed to do a budget. It takes weeks and weeks. So, it’s something that will be helpful.”
But he couldn’t resist a little snark: “I think the complexity of the budgeting process is something that the governor’s actually starting to appreciate.”
* Asked about the ongoing Illinois Republican Party attacks on Speaker Madigan, Cullerton said “I don’t think it’s helpful to start the election cycle for 2018 when we’re still worrying about Fiscal Year 17. The election just occurred a few weeks ago. Could we just legislate for a while? I’m not campaigning anywhere.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:35 pm
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Well, that’s helpful!
Comment by Horst Cabal Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:40 pm
We’ve seen this schtick umpteen times prior. Cullerton tries to work with Rauner and Republicans only to later withdraw because Boss Madigan told him so.
We need a new pretext from Madigan that he’s involved in anything other than political BS. Time to cue that unknown “Budget expert” for some mundane personal commentary and other nonsense having nothing to do with a budget.
Comment by Deft Wing Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:41 pm
psychiatrists call that “projection,” ck…
Comment by Homer J. Quinn Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:42 pm
“Today the Speaker refused to put forward a budget proposal … before any consideration of Speaker Madigan’s stopgap spending plan.”
lol, do you people even read what you write or is it just an id satisfaction and a “send” button?
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:43 pm
The Speaker refused to put forth a budget proposal that wasn’t going to be considered. :/
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:43 pm
–“Today the Speaker refused to put forward a budget proposal and refused to commit to passing any budget whatsoever after December 31st. I think I’m in love.–
I added that last bit.
But governor, what a catch — you and this Speaker guy have a lot in common, what with the things you’re supposed to do but don’t want to.
Where did you two crazy kids meet, eHarmony.com — the carrier-pigeon version?
Geez, the spin from these Springfield jokers gets more ridiculous and stupid every day.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:44 pm
If Madigan refused to put forward a proposal and refused to commit to passing a budget, where is this “stopgap” coming from?
Comment by Bradley A Zahn Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:44 pm
===Only Speaker Madigan has proposed raising the income tax. As the Speaker stalls to force a crisis,===
Not that logic is ck’s strong suit, but you can’t call it stalling if he’s the only one who put forth a plan for the revenue needed for a balanced budget.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:47 pm
Excuse me…but did I miss something? Isn’t Rauner the Governor? Isn’t he the one suppose to submit the budget? Whatever CK is smoking must have affected the rest of the staff…
Comment by Captain Illini Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:47 pm
== Rauner slams Madigan for refusing to put forward a budget … stalling to force a crisis ==
Perfect example of Projection. Ascribing your own personal failures to another. Typical Ruiner, he’s done that regularly.
The Governot continues to ‘forget’ that the I’ll Constitution & State Statutes require The Governot, not the majority house leader to submit a budget.
Force a crisis? Please. The Governot has already chosen to force that himself, with nobody’s help by failing to submit HIS balanced budget submittal and refusing to negotiate, selecting coercion instead.
Hopefully SOME media will report the real facts instead of parotting the spin.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:48 pm
“Today the Speaker refused to put forward a budget proposal and refused to commit to passing any budget whatsoever after December 31st.”
Cough! —“I will insist that those be part of any stopgap plan, Rauner said. “Be ready, because that’s where we’re going.”—
Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:49 pm
The word jumble suggests the meeting did not go the way the governor wanted. Other perspectives would be helpful.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:50 pm
===…we call on the majority to pass term limits and a permanent property tax freeze before any consideration of Speaker Madigan’s stopgap spending plan.”===
The hostages are ok, for now…
===Republicans will not consider revenue without reform===
… but the hostages know what will release them. We are telling everyone. We are holding the budget!
Rauner should just get all those Dems on the steps and tell Madigan a thing or 3…
Way to go “ck”, this is first rate Rauner World Jumble!
“Thanks!”
ow
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:51 pm
CK might as well demand the constitution be changed requiring the Speaker to submit a balanced budget for Rauner’s approval.
Comment by Illinois O'Malley Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:51 pm
Tonight on UFC: Pot versus Kettle, the (ongoing) rematch
Comment by Will Caskey Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:54 pm
See, now might be an opportunity for the crack Dem messaging wonks to clearly point out the several ways in which this latest BVR/ck broadside represents a large pile of projection and (banned word).
Comment by Crispy Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:55 pm
===Let me make it clear… We cannot on our own raise any revenue by ourselves.===
I just felt that was worth repeating. I can put it in all caps if that makes it easier for some of you.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:56 pm
Cullerton… His Crew…
Doing all they can.
You guys are doing the work. Keep plugging.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:57 pm
=Republicans will not consider revenue without reform=
The governor will not consider the revenue that he needs without the reform that he wants. Fixed it for you.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:57 pm
With Illinois O’Malley on this one. How can she keep keeps straight face or even bear to look at her own children with that level of mendacity?
Comment by Galena Guy Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:57 pm
“The question with pension reform, as I told the governor, is getting enough votes for it.”
That’s the game.
Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:58 pm
Here, yet again, comes Cullerton enthusiastically resuming his role as a seemingly reasonable negotiating partner … only to be reined in by Boss Madigan in 3-2-1.
Thereafter, Madigan will pivot to Crusty the “Budget Expert” to regale us all with his tales of adventure and woe … anything to look and act busy while the State slips further into the fiscal abyss; by Madigan’s design.
Thanks, Madigan!
Comment by Deft Wing Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:00 pm
–“Today the Speaker refused to put forward a budget proposal and refused to commit to passing any budget whatsoever after December 31st. –
That’s not a gag, this complaint from the governor of Illinois is real?
Did someone slip vodka into the Dome water supply?
The ridiculous spin out of Springfield the last few days has ratcheted up more than a few notches.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:02 pm
To the update. Cullerton’s response is probably the best message that we’ve heard from Democrats in a long time. It’s probably far too late for anyone to take notice, but he’s at least making the effort.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:03 pm
===…worth repeating. I can put it in all caps if that makes it easier for some of you.===
It is the whole ball of wacks, it would help if everyone would see this as real.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:04 pm
Madigan and the governor he controls?
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:07 pm
@Deft Wing- Do you have a copy of the Governors proposed balanced budget? With REAL revenue?
Nobody in Illinois has seen it yet, if you have it could you share?
Until that time all of the fun names and adjectives along with the incomplete history lessons are irrelevant.
If (some what of a knee slapped) Rauner EVER submits a balanced budget with REAL revenue, only them is it game
On. Until that point the ILGOP leaders are preprogrammed sock puppets and can say all of the mean things they want about MJM and it won’t amount to a hill of beans.
I’ll be here waiting for that budget that the governor is supposed to produce.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:09 pm
–And while he said that Madigan hasn’t yet committed to supporting pension reform, “The question with pension reform, as I told the governor, is getting enough votes for it.”–
What, if anything does “pension reform’ mean at this point? Or is it just something people like to say when they’re not really doing anything to pass the time of day?
You can’t walk away from the unfunded liability. That’s the big money. Unions couldn’t even negotiate it away, even if they wanted to.
Unless you want the Supremes to transfer their past rulings into a Chunky-Book format, with lots of colorful pictures, how can they be more clear?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:12 pm
Any governor that refuses to give how s/he would find their agencies and state government, and their priorities… that governor lacks.
“By nearly every measure, the state is worse off since Rauner took office.”
Boy, Crain’s got this right. Exactly right.
Any governor… Rauner or Any One
… but Rauner just doesn’t care… about Illinois.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:13 pm
Crispy is on it, but unfortunately the Illinois Democratic Party isn’t. Rauner will still win the day with his messaging, not that he should, but he will.
Comment by AC Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:14 pm
Dear “leaders”:
I was shocked to hear Republicans declare that the work of the work groups is “done”, and was apparently done long before the election. If the work of the work groups is “done”, how about sharing your proposed budget with all of us plebes so that we can judge and weigh in for ourselves.
We would like to know, for example, whether you plan on funding higher education adequately. And how much new revenue you will require. And the funding level for public education you have agreed on.
Sincerely,
The Public
Comment by Juvenal Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:16 pm
===“The question with pension reform, as I told the governor, is getting enough votes for it.”
Same applies to term limits and property tax freeze, but Rauner seems to think one guy is making decisions. Madigan has outsize influence, but he also answers to his members.
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:16 pm
We call on the majority, to make our govenor one of the Kool kids that’s really popular now ,ck
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:16 pm
With Mendoza elected the fun just begins. Beaky is just going to get down and out hateful. Ohh, my.
Comment by wondering Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:16 pm
Bargain: Workman’s Comp reform for a 1% State Pension cost shift reform to local districts.
Then pass a balanced budget with a tax increase.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:22 pm
Why should Madigan commit to passing a budget? First he is the speaker, not the entire GA. Second is Rauner going to commit to signing whatever budget Madigan helps get passed? We already know that Rauner won’t commit to that.
Rauner needs to propose a budget that he is willing to sign. And he needs to tell how he is going to fix that 8 billion dollar hole.
Comment by A Jack Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:26 pm
=It is the whole ball of wacks, it would help if everyone would see this as real.=
Not sure who it was that didn’t already know that was coming.
Not to nitpick, but Cullerton has 36. He can, without R’s. Madigan doesn’t have 71. They both have enough to do it with Rauner’s sig and no R’s. But it’s not really about a matter of can’t, they WON’T do it without R’s.
-Yep, no hostages there.
I don’t think Rauner has ever locked out the idea of R votes, he just doesn’t want to propose it, which of course, Madigan also refuses to do.
-Yep, only one side is the problem here.
Cullerton is on his game with workers comp though. They put together something good enough to get the business community salivating, it could quickly become the turning point. Rauner gets something, has plenty of ammo for 2018 left, while Madigan and company can tout how they stood up to the evil governor who tried to destroy the state.
Big, big win for politics on both sides, small victory for policy.
Comment by m Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:29 pm
Pension reform? I’m confused. Tier 2 IS the pension reform that will leave those in that system poor. Is the next step of so-called reform just to eliminate pensions and allow retirees to live under a bridge in cardboard boxes when they retire penniless?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:32 pm
The level of bizarre this is reaching goes beyond Blagojevichian. I don’t know what else to say.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:48 pm
eliminate pensions and allow retirees to live under a bridge in cardboard boxes when they retire penniless?
Somebody’s been reading ALEC plans. s/
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:51 pm
I, like most on here, keep waiting to see the Gov’s budget. Just as the union asked and never received the information to be able to bargain. I guess being called out for not providing what is mandated is what we should be used to by now. I feel like I am watching Seinfeld when Newman comes around…Madigan!
Comment by What Do I Know Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:51 pm
==Is the next step of so-called reform just to eliminate pensions and allow retirees to live under a bridge in cardboard boxes when they retire penniless?==
Nope. He wants to double their healthcare first. Then they can retire in debt rather than just penniless. /s
Comment by CrazyHorse Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:56 pm
Doesn’t the Illinois constitution say something about the Governor being responsible for presenting a balanced budget? Or am I mistaken?
Comment by The_Equalizer Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 5:59 pm
== “The question with pension reform, as I told the governor, is getting enough votes for it.”
That’s the game. ==
And getting it constitutional … something they haven’t managed since the Tier 2 bill.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 6:01 pm
Rauner and his minions choosing the scorched earth rhetoric will not help Cullerton search for a compromise. But then again, Rauner is seeking a win and Madigan is just as determined to not give Rauner any cover allowing him to support a tax increase.
My recommendation is a muzzle for all.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 6:04 pm
I think the Chicago press corp gave the Speaker a bit more push back than he usually gets.
The Speaker passed a budget dropped on everyone’s desk one hour before the vote back in June that had none of the framework of review by bipartisan working groups that he described today.
Today he expects us to believe the end of the month is not enough time to work things out between the parties.
The budget be passed in June had a 7 billion dollar budget and he is trying to convince us only the Governor is pushing for a tax increase. He is fooling no one
At least he is addressing some of the “non budget issues” that seem to make a large part of the budget
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 6:06 pm
Amidst all the name calling and demonizing, let’s remember that Madigan- love him or hate him- was able to work with five governors from two parties to pass actual budgets.
In Rauner’s two years as governor, the only time there was an actual budget was the six months of FY2015 he inherited from Quinn.
So one of the parties has lots of success with budgets, while the other has zero success.
The state is on the brink of a real disaster. I think it’s pretty clear which party gets the blame here.
Comment by DuPage Dave Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 6:17 pm
Force a crisis? We’ve been there for 18 months!
Comment by Saluki Matt Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 6:31 pm
….reducing abuses and fraud.
If I hear that line of b.s. one more time.
Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 6:35 pm
== ….reducing abuses and fraud. ==
From where I sit, the abuse is Rauneroving funds around without proper authorization and the fraud is Rauner claiming he can fix everything without increased revenue.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 6:39 pm
RNUG. I agree. Rauners whole campaign/tenure has been fraudulent.
Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 6:52 pm
Unreal. The governor has already burnt the boats. No going back now.
Mr Rauner needs help governing. You are the chief executive. Do your job.
Comment by Christian County Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 6:54 pm
Rauner reminds me of someone who complains about coaches and then when he gets the job, finds out the sport is far more complicated than it looks on TV.
Comment by Blue Bayou Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 7:11 pm
Sadly, we have all seen this movie before (spoiler alert: a stopgap will be passed when something big is about to fail).
The press statement tells me nothing except the contempt in which the people of Illinois are held. Perhaps we have earned that disrespect.
Comment by peon Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 7:25 pm
Rauner knows he has to raise taxes. Madigan knows he has to seriously cut spending in areas that will hurt his peeps. Neither wants to go first. Once the game of “you go first” ends, we’ll get somewhere.
Comment by Anony Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 7:35 pm
Candidate Bruce Rauner, and Governor-Elect Bruce Rauner told everyone that he could balance the budget with a 3.75% tax rate. He asked the legislature to not extend the 5% rate. They should ask him for his budget proposal now showing how he will accomplish this feat.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 8:27 pm
===If (some what of a knee slapped) Rauner EVER submits a balanced budget with REAL revenue, only them is it game===
He does have another option. He can submit a balanced budget under the current revenue stream and propose cuts to expenditures. Not that I would want that, but it would show all those that complain about bloated spending what part of our state will feel the pain.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 8:29 pm
Pension reform was passed in 2011 — tier 2. The key now is the pension debt, not the pension system.
Comment by Facts are stubborn things Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 9:46 pm
When are the press and all of the media going to ask the governor directly why he doesn’t meet his constitutional responsibility to submit a budget? Or are they also on hi payroll, dole or whatever
Comment by Roscoe Tom Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 9:47 pm
Rauner has a moment of truth here. Madigan inserting labor negotiations isn’t just a posion pill, it’s potentially a real ask. Madigan wanted status quo, Rauner wanted “reforms”. Gotta give Madigan his tribute, this could be it.
Biggest problem with Rauner that no one here seems to recognize is that Rauner is at war with everyone, so there’s nothing to give the other side, no side way to agree. He needs to decide what’s more important, a budget and some piece of TA (workers comp and pension reform via Cullerton?), let AFSCME get a little better deal, and everyone has enough a victory to move forward and enough ammo for 2018 at the same time.
But Rauner has to make that decision.
Comment by m Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 9:51 pm
M- AFSCME would take total status quo at this point. No raises. I’d do steps for those under 5 years with the state. I’d even pay 15% more for health. Don’t mess with the contract otherwise. Loving Jesus just leave us be.
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 9:58 pm
- m -
That’s really quality.
That’s where it is. That’s where we all are.
===Rauner is at war with everyone, so there’s nothing to give the other side, no side way to agree===
Which is exactly a main reason why… I’ve kept the heat squarely on Rauner. Rauner needs to find his victory, then it’s up to Madigan for all to have their victories too.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 9:58 pm
Many have noted that parts of the TA (without the destruction of labor), as offered by Cullerton and others, have been on the table - and eminently achievable, even voted on in some form - since Jan 2015. This was the road not taken, and not by accident.
Every one of these impass-blather-stopgap loops has a false dawn in which reasonable TA solutions are raised.
Perhaps 2018 is focusing the mind - I hope so.
Comment by peon Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 10:20 pm
The objective is not to pass the TA, it is to destroy union labor using the TA as cover.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 10:27 pm
===The objective is not to pass the TA, it is to destroy union labor using the TA as cover.===
“Example?”
The Property Tax Relief… that’s really about prevailing wage and collective bargaining.
Yep, the TA is the cover. Labor is the target.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 10:32 pm
=The Property Tax Relief… that’s really about prevailing wage and collective bargaining.=
It’s about both parts. Prop tax relief is very popular in the suburbs. Union stuff is popular with the business crowd. 2 birds, 1 stone. I think that’s why it made it to the final two TA items, because if you get it, you really get two agenda items.
Comment by m Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 10:53 pm
=That’s really quality.=
Restaurant?
Comment by m Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 10:54 pm
When the bill came up for Property Tax relief without Prevailing Wage and Collective Bargaining, it was called a “sham”
It’s never been about property taxes. That’s for those “not paying attention”.
It’s about Labor. Rauner says its so.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 10:56 pm
I’m not a fan of Madigan but I place most of the blame with Rauner. He over played his hand when he was elected and his negotiating style seems to be insulting the other side.
Two more years? Could actually be six. I don’t see any strong Democratic gubernatorial candidates.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:07 am
==could be six=
Will the state still exist after these 4? Doing his darnedest to destroy it! Who’d ask for more of the same?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 7:32 am
A recent SJR editorial ask AFSCME to make public their best offer/demands.
Have they done so? If not, why not?
Comment by Piece of Work Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 7:35 am
The governor has said (snicker) that he and the administration don’t bargain in the public or thru the press.
AFSCME is better served by letting their actions and the governor’s actions speak for themselves, and allow what they have put out there already speak to the issue.
Oh, and the Governor now has the ILRB ruling, why muddy the works?
Labor, last polled, polls better than Rauner. Why get in the way of letting Rauner continuing to be the bad guy when both sides are waiting for the end of the TRO and the fallout of the ILRB ruling.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 8:04 am
- m -
Your mocking is noted.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 8:13 am
ck is the Kellyann Conway of Illinois.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 8:37 am
Holy totally disconnected from reality, Batman!!
–”I’d even pay 15% more for health.”–
Wow, that’s quite magnanimous of you to actually, maybe anyway, consider taking some real responsibility for your own health care.
Perhaps educating yourself as to the reality of health insurance may lead you further on your journey of healthcare self-actualization … and the attendant costs thereof.
Comment by Deft Wing Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 8:42 am
=Prop tax relief is very popular in the suburbs. Union stuff is popular with the business crowd. 2 birds, 1 stone. I think that’s why it made it to the final two TA items, because if you get it, you really get two agenda items.=
Well…if it is POPULAR then it has to be good legislation and good for Illinois. Right? I mean, when has doing what is popular gotten us in trouble?
Great rationale for doing something.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 8:42 am
“Biggest problem with Rauner that no one here seems to recognize is that Rauner is at war with everyone, so there’s nothing to give the other side, no side way to agree. He needs to decide what’s more important, a budget and some piece of TA (workers comp and pension reform via Cullerton?), let AFSCME get a little better deal, and everyone has enough a victory to move forward and enough ammo for 2018 at the same time.”
Great post. As a voter I’d support a deal that helps our businesses with more workers comp reform as a trade for an AFSCME contract that’s less harsh on workers. I’d even be willing to support a property tax freeze.
Pension reform with forced consideration seems like a bad legal bet and a waste of time and money.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 9:52 am
==He needs to decide what’s more important, a budget and some piece of TA (workers comp and pension reform via Cullerton?)==
Those were probably always the two easiest “Gets” from the Turnaround Agenda, but Cullerton’s miscalculation (if he really wants a deal and not just politics) is “reviving” them as the compromise issues after Rauner has publicly insisted on term limits and property tax.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:46 am