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* UPDATED x2 - Cullerton responds * Rauner won’t schedule leaders meeting until Dems “are ready”

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* So, apparently, tomorrow’s scheduled meeting is being postponed unless the Dems get back to the governor soonish…

The following is attributable to Lance Trover, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, regarding Democratic leaders’ ongoing discussions with their caucuses on whether or not to propose a budget framework:

“The Governor and Republican leaders remain ready to negotiate on a balanced budget with reforms to grow jobs, lower property taxes, improve schools and implement term limits. However, Democratic leaders continue to discuss internally whether they are prepared to present a budget proposal, so we will schedule the next Four Leaders meeting when we receive confirmation that they are ready.”

…Adding… Sun-Times…

Rauner’s administration said the delay was prompted after reaching Rep. Greg Harris and learning the Democratic leaders were not planning to present their budget proposal. Harris has been attending leaders meetings alongside House Speaker Michael Madigan as his “chief negotiator.” […]

“The Democrats have been working tirelessly to deal with the budget issues. Somehow they had it in their heads that we’re going to take over some executive action. I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

“We’re trying to do what the governor is asking us to do and go forward,” Brown said.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Harris, I’m told, informed the governor’s office that there had been no presentation to his caucus about the budget proposal as of yet (which was discussed at the Tuesday meeting). When asked if there’d be a budget presented at the meeting tomorrow, Harris told them there would not be.

Madigan’s spokesman Steve Brown said in response, “We’re going to try to examine and try to understand the governor’s actions.”

*** UPDATE 2 *** From Senate President John Cullerton’s spokesman John Patterson…

“The Senate President is disappointed that the governor cancelled what we hoped would be a robust discussion on a budget framework. President Cullerton has participated in these meetings to keep moving toward a fair and balanced budget. He thought that progress, albeit slow, was finally being made. President Cullerton hopes the governor will reconsider and get everyone to the table so we can keep working.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:04 pm

Comments

Since the time was already scheduled, it would be good for Cullerton and Madigan to sit down and come up with a Dem GA plan of action. It won’t happen, but I’ve got time to type out the suggestion.

Rauner will be readying his next salvo of rhetoric and it would be smart for some Dem forethought.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:11 pm
===…negotiate on a balanced budget with reforms to grow jobs, lower property taxes, improve schools and implement term limits.===

What?

That’s saying that IS the deal.

Where is the negotiating?

This makes no sense.

“I will get this, then we can discuss what I da blame you for.., cuts and revenue”

Actually the only good thing is Lance putting his name to it. lol, that “ck” needs a break,

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:15 pm
Hmm, so what’s it like to be sitting at a negotiating table waiting for the other side to show up? I wonder….

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:15 pm
Sounds like Fearless Leader is declaring another impasses. Too bad he doesn’t have a board full of cronies to run to for help this time.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:16 pm
Nice haul for your Sox right there, Rich.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:18 pm
I’m thinking Rauner decided to take a break from campaigning for the holidays.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:20 pm
That’s some real governing there.

Comment by jade me not Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:24 pm
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.”

Guess this is one way to completely avoid responding to Cullerton’s request.

Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:26 pm
“I told them to cut the rate back to 3.75% and I could manage the budget at that rate! Now I expect them to prepare a balanced budget proposal for me and to do it soon because two years wan’t enough time for me to fulfill my constitutional obligation!”

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:27 pm
Umbrella, Governor, did you know that many of your “goals” can be realized through the budget, as opposed to apart from the budget. For example, you could “improve schools” by increasing State funding within the budget.

Of course, that assumes these are your real goals.

Comment by Sir Reel Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:27 pm
That’s “um, Governor.”

Comment by Sir Reel Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:28 pm
A small PR misstep by the Gov and his crew on this one.

As THE Leader, call the meeting and attend. Spin thereafter.

Comment by Deft Wing Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:32 pm
===That’s “um, Governor.”===

Hilarious. Gotta love auto-complete.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:34 pm
Sounds like a ” best and last offer” to me. Can the citizens of Illinois take a strike vote?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:37 pm
How many times do I have to tell them what I want? I cannot make it any clearer. They know what I asked them to do. Do I have to do it for them too?

Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:42 pm
You can let the Speaker keep playing hide and seek for these meetings, or you can just “set parameters” (which we’ve read about here) and let people judge whether they’re fair or not…and then let the other side know you’re ready when they are.

Time will tell whether this is effective or not, but it has logic to it. The ball is now firmly in the Speaker’s court. What if the Senate President is ready before the Speaker is?

Interesting paradigm to say the least.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:45 pm
Please attribute this to ck:
“The Governor is working night and day on a budget.”

Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:46 pm
Looks like BigBrain exhausted from rate hike victory tour and need time to decompress.

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:48 pm
I think Christopher Lloyd was the actor in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest who told William Redfield to “cut the b***s*** and get to the point.” I’d like the chance to tell the same to the five principals involved in the so-called budget discussions.

Comment by Illinoised Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:51 pm
Rich, can you ask the Governor whether he knows what a “budget” is?

Maybe he thinks it’s a small parakeet.

Comment by Blue Bayou Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:51 pm
“People in Illinois Lives Matter” I can hear them chanting.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:52 pm
“We elect rich businessmen with no political experience and are suprised when they can’t govern.”

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:54 pm
To the update … at least someone is calling the Governor out for not presenting a balanced budget. We’ll see if they can make it stick.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:01 pm
To the Update…

About. Time!

Rep. Harris, c’mon… these are easy lifts. Keep the heat on…

This is the ball game.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:04 pm
My way or the highway. I’m the governor and I won’t negotiate with anyone.

Comment by golfman-r Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:10 pm
GA Democrats’ parameters for a budget:
1 Budget agreement reached without prior agreement
on non-budget items, or
2 Budget agreement reached with prior agreement on
R and D non-budget issues

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:11 pm
Trover: So Greg, when you think you guys will have your budget ready for us to beat you over the head with?

Harris: Let me check my calendar Lance…how about the 12th of never?

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:13 pm
“We turned in our balanced budget proposal at the last meeting. It is in the same stack as the governor’s balanced budget and the Republicans balanced budget.”

Look, if Rauner doesn’t have the stones to tell the world he is for a tax increase, we might as well all go home until 2018.

Maybe Madigan and the Democrats can reconvene the work groups and embarrass Republicans into participating. Perhaps Democrats should call on the governor to make the budget produced by the work group’s public. Republicans say it is soup, so let’s serve it to the public and see what they think.

Does anyone have a legitimate argument for not making the work group product public?

Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:20 pm
===but doesn’t propose such budgets?===

He drafts appropriations bills. I know it’s lost on a lot of people here, but that’s what legislators do: they legislate. In addition to the Human Services Appropriation bill that Harris is charged with drafting, there are approps bills to fund K-12, Public Safety, Healthcare, Higher Ed, Government operations, etc. Each bill is drafted separately, heard in committee, amended as necessary, etc.

School House Rock did a funny little cartoon about it. You should Google it sometime. It might help the discourse around here. In fact, if you find it, please send the link to the Governor’s office.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:22 pm
(Re-posting as my last comment must have experienced some kind of technical glitch. I am sure there wasn’t any undeserved interference)

–”Harris, I’m told, informed the governor’s office that the General Assembly doesn’t propose such budgets …”

Wait. Harris, Madigan’s so-called “Budget Expert”, doesn’t propose such budgets?!?

Harris is being used — and now abused — by his boss, Mike Madigan.

And now I’m actually embarrassed for Harris.

Comment by Deft Wing Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:27 pm
The Dems need to step up here: “We need to see to Governor’s Constitutionally required balanced budget so that we can begin work. It’s been two years and his promised and required balanced budget has never been provided. That’s where the process begins.”

Repeat that message at every press availability. Basic communication: simple message, repeat, repeat, repeat…

AND, if someone asks about taxes, answer simply: “The Governor promised us he could produce a balanced budget without the revenue he asked us to give up two years ago. We are still waiting for that budget.”

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:28 pm
A budget expert is there to analyze the proposed budget by the Executive, not propose one.

As the constitution describes.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:31 pm
Looks like the governor was too busy patting himself on the back and signing bailouts to do his homework on a budget framework. Whoops.

What’s next? Dog ate my budget framework?

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:31 pm
Madigan! (And the stall tactics he controls)

Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:42 pm
Solid, solid work by Patterson

===President Cullerton has participated in these meetings to keep moving toward a fair and balanced budget.===

Perfect tone. Words matter.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:46 pm
Cullerton, The only adult in the room.

Comment by Big Muddy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:53 pm
Lance lower property taxes, your boss said he was freezing them?

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:58 pm
And the bad cop, good cop routine continues …

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 6:00 pm
=Wait. Harris, Madigan’s so-called “Budget Expert”, doesn’t propose such budgets?!?=

You really are a stitch there chicken little.

Maybe we all missed it, did the governor (you know, the guy who is supposed to propose a budget) propose a budget?

If so point us to it.

If not, go read the Illinois Constitution.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 6:08 pm
Call their bluff mike show up anyway with the media, debate cardboard cutouts and recorded voices

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 6:58 pm
The Dems should present a balanced budget, but this time they need to include funding for their majority share of the education expenses.

The short fall funding fix should be based on Lou Lang’s progressive income tax proposal and the immediate elimination of all State EDGE credits and other corporate welfare.

Rauner’s turn agenda items should be readied for separate votes by the General Assembly.

If the turn around agenda doesn’t have the votes Rauner needs to move on or find a new hobby.

Comment by Chicago 20 Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 7:18 pm
Let me see if I followed this right: the Speaker skipped some Leaders meetings, the Speaker then said we should have meetings and focus on the budget, when the Governor said let’s have a budget meeting, the House Dems weren’t prepared to talk about a budget plan, then the Democrats were upset there wasn’t a budget plan. Did I miss something there?

Great job, guys! You definitely deserve those psychecks!!!!!!

Comment by Not It Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 7:19 pm
Either the Rauner administration are the ones doing the stalling or they absolutely do not know how to get a budget bill passed.

Comment by The Dude Abides Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 8:01 pm
Hilarious. Rauner refuses his constitutional duty to present a balanced budget, now backing out of meeting because Madigan won’t write it for him. It’s like he’s trying to take his ball and go home, but he never brought any balls.

Comment by Daniel Plainview Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 8:38 pm
The legislature has already sent the governor its “budget parameters:” over two dozen budget bills passed both chambers over the last two years. The governor vetoed most of them. Can’t we assume he read them before vetoing? So what’s he waiting for now?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:22 pm
Wow, Lance, the deputy dog, gets something “attributed” to him. Stop the presses. That’s news.

Woof, better take a rest kid, after that heavy lift.

Seriously, is six figures, public-dime hackery enough for the sacrifice that you’re making for not selling it in the private sector?

Just imagine how much you’d make there, with your ninja skills!

You know, Lance, at one point, Mike Lawrence vouched for you.

How’s that feel? That he did, and how you’ve played it?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:22 pm
Just checking here: I’m assuming that “lowering property taxes” means “dumping more unfunded mandates on local governments while sabotaging their ability to generate revenue, in a cynical attempt to buy votes without having to suffer any political consequences.”

Am I hearing that correctly?

Comment by CEA Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:55 pm
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Madigan’s only goal is to bring Illinois to crisis, so he can justify “police powers” to ravage pensions.

Comment by 8bar Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 3:51 am
The Dems need to step up here: “We need to see to Governor’s Constitutionally required balanced budget so that we can begin work. It’s been two years and his promised and required balanced budget has never been provided. That’s where the process begins.”

Repeat that message at every press availability. Basic communication: simple message, repeat, repeat, repeat…

AND, if someone asks about taxes, answer simply: “The Governor promised us he could produce a balanced budget without the revenue he asked us to give up two years ago. We are still waiting for that budget.”

Pot calling kettle has it right. Rauner is an ignorant disgrace.

Comment by Roscoe Tom Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 4:34 am
Someone found the veto pen, let us know when you have he ransom then we will confirm the drop , tick tick

Comment by Rabid Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 5:10 am
And, just in case you missed this, the Federal side ain’t doing much better than Illinois…

http://www.govexec.com/management/2016/12/lawmakers-race-against-clock-avoid-shutdown/133680/?oref=top-story

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 7:23 am
*portion

Apologies

Comment by Cheap Seats Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 8:14 am
Cullerton will be the key if anything is going to happen here. His caucus is taking a disproportionate share of the flak for the Speaker’s reticence. This missive was aimed at Madigan. It hit. They responded. At the moment, everyone’s willing to be serious and negotiate except one guy. It’ll last as long as people on all sides will tolerate this. We’ll see.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 8:51 am
Wow, a budget with reforms is a miraculous tool. It’s going to on its own: grow jobs, improve schools, lower property taxes and implement term limits. Who knew. Here I thought a budget appropriated money and determined spending. Will it cure cancer too?

Comment by Thoughts Matter Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 9:01 am
Many media outlets need to do an “autopsy” on the budget process since Rauner took office. I realize it “sells” to only report on conflict, but as this year’s General shows, voters need honest COMPLETE reporting. And, voters need to learn how to tell truth from fiction…

http://nprillinois.org/post/illinois-issues-great-american-divide

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 9:19 am
yep anon221, cause most people these days trust the media.

Its that honest, complete reporting they will struggle with.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 9:25 am
===Cullerton will be the key if anything is going to happen here.===

The better argument is Durkin is the most important leader of the 4 Tops.

If Durkin can navigate and cobble 60 within a framework of agreement, then things can happen.

It’s up to Durkin to try to find commonality to get Rauner’s 60, and without Rauner’s interference.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 9:35 am
=”We’re going to try to examine and try to understand the governor’s actions.” =

That’s easy… He is trying to make the public believe only the Dems are responsible for the mess the state is in. Rauner wants the public to believe Mike Madigan holds “all the cards” for getting a ‘balanced budget’ done, and poor Rauner’s hands are tied. The informed know better.

Comment by MAMA Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 9:38 am
So… instead of a Leaders Meeting, Rauner is going to repeat/reinforce his educational “humanity” here (according to today’s Politico)- Where’s Rauner? Convenes Governor’s Cabinet on Children & Youth Quarterly Meeting at Loyola University in Chicago.

Yesterday, at both Exelon bill “signings”, Rauner rah-rahed teachers, education, and students. His speech (same one at both venues) was full of reform rhetoric. He’ll claim he’s championin’ today while, you know, ____________ Madigan.

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 9:43 am
==I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Madigan’s only goal is to bring Illinois to crisis, so he can justify “police powers” to ravage pensions.==

A once again, self-inflicted crisis? I’m hoping the ILSC would shoot down that argument again knowing what’s going on here.

Comment by CrazyHorse Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 9:45 am
So Dems take a baby step toward Brucie and he panics and runs for the hills. Seems like he really doesn’t want to resolve anything…

Comment by d.p.gumby Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 9:50 am
Cullerton, Senate President, should know by now that Rauner will not negotiate with the Democrats. He is using the national political game plan now.

The only ones who can solve this budget problem are the Superstars and the Republican Legislators. They are the only ones Governor Rauner will listen to.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 9:56 am
- Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 9:56 am: -

That was me ‘MAMA’.

Rich, why does my pen name keep disappearing?

Comment by MAMA Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 9:58 am
=”Its that honest, complete reporting they will struggle with.”=

You are 100% correct. There is way to much political spinning - - plus 100% FAKE News in the mainstream & social media today.

The Dems need to figure out how to inform the lazy uninformed with that thing called ‘Facts’.

Comment by MAMA Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 10:09 am
==It’s up to Durkin to try to find commonality to get Rauner’s 60, and without Rauner’s interference.===

Willy, we’re not too far apart on this. Durkin will need a deal Cullerton is on board with to leverage an effort like this. Not impossible, but a lot of work to get 13 from the other side. Practically speaking 11. Cullerton will need to provide the leverage. Especially if you want to keep the Governor out of that phase.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 10:20 am
We’re going over here to pout and be popular, We’ll schedule you in once you think like us

Comment by Rabid Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 10:23 am
==- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:28 pm:

The Dems need to step up here: “We need to see to Governor’s Constitutionally required balanced budget so that we can begin work. It’s been two years and his promised and required balanced budget has never been provided. That’s where the process begins.”

Repeat that message at every press availability. Basic communication: simple message, repeat, repeat, repeat…

AND, if someone asks about taxes, answer simply: “The Governor promised us he could produce a balanced budget without the revenue he asked us to give up two years ago. We are still waiting for that budget.” ==

PCK, your post is excellent, and worth repeating.

Mr. Brown, I hope you read the above post, and you will use it often.

Comment by MAMA Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 10:33 am
Autonomous GOP Caucuses would have found commonality with Denocrats and helped Rauner with many things including passable TA items.

Rauner’s usurping of the autonomy may have prevented many a deal, but we’ll never know…

… Rauner didn’t want any $&@-#% problems.

This is why Durkin is the most important actor, if he chose to be.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 10:34 am
== Rich, why does my pen name keep disappearing? ==

-Mama-, my Android based phone using the Chrome browser won’t auto-fill the name field. My windows desktop using Firefox will.

Also, my phone for some weird reason doesn’t always show some of my comments. Suspect it has something to do with the browser and phone trying to minimize data usage.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 10:41 am
=”- CEA - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:55 pm:

Just checking here: I’m assuming that “lowering property taxes” means “dumping more unfunded mandates on local governments while sabotaging their ability to generate revenue, in a cynical attempt to buy votes without having to suffer any political consequences.”

Am I hearing that correctly?”=

No hearing aids for you. Your hearing is excellent.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 12:40 pm
Thanks RNUG.

My Window’s 10 laptop used to ‘auto-fill’ my pen name. I’m still using the same laptop. However, it no longer auto-fills my pen name & I cannot figure out why.

Comment by MAMA Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 12:50 pm
OW: Spot on about Durkin. Still waiting for him to play his hand. He brings more to the table than Rauner chips.

Comment by walker Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 2:47 pm
This daily dance goes in circles, with mugging for the rubes. Players should wear those Venetian half-masks, or Noh makeup, to represent their fictional characters.

What happens, if it happens, won’t be on the stage. It will be in the staff and caucus rooms.

Comment by walker Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 3:02 pm
Thanks - walker -

I, too, am waiting. An autonomous caucus there would mean so much more right now.

I’d love to see Durkin be the leader I know he is. It’s right there for him.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 3:03 pm
OW and walker- Durkin is going to have to stop going to the “punch bowl” at Rauner’s table if he intends to lead. “Because Madigan” is not going to work towards a compromise that will bring R’s to the tough votes that Rauner may frown upon. How independent can he become if the ILGOP is so beholden to Rauner Bucks? I’d love to see him say that the State of Illinois is more important than 10’s of millions of dollars in the coffers, but will be he do that? It might be a career ender… or it could well be a career legacy.

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 3:15 pm
-Mama-, sometimes clearly your browser cache will fix things. I’ve just learned to live with it and check the name field before I hit post.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Dec 8, 16 @ 3:58 pm