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* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…
Let’s take a look at headlines from just one day in December:
• The state’s bill backlog tops $11.3 billion as the political impasse preventing a budget deal dragged on.
• Chicago’s homicide rate is so freakishly high that it’s significantly driving up the national rate.
• The state’s most effective corporate tax incentive will expire at the end of the month, and both parties are blaming each other.
• The Illinois Republican Party, which has not taken any time off since the 2014 election, launched yet another ad against yet another potential Democratic candidate for governor.
• And, of course, the biggest news of the day came when the U.S. Census Bureau reported that Illinois lost more population than any other state.
In response to that last cataclysmic revelation, we got a tweet from Gov. Bruce Rauner about the need for “reforms” and a press release from his office calling on the Democrats to back his pro-business/anti-union reforms so that a budget deal could get done.
But, hey, at least that was something. The Democrats were universally silent.
If you look at the numbers, you’ll see that the easy explanations won’t cut it. Did a net 114,144 people leave Illinois for other states between July 1, 2015, and July 1, 2016, because of the weather? Some surely did, but Minnesota, which has far colder winters than we do, lost only 1,762 people to other states.
And it’s not just taxes, either. Minnesota raised its income tax on the wealthiest not long ago, and its lowest state tax rate is 5.35 percent, far above our 3.75 percent, which was lowered from 5 percent two years ago. Minnesota’s property taxes are lower, but Wisconsin ranked higher on property taxes as a percentage of home value as Illinois, and yet Illinois’ net domestic out-migration rate was over four times as high. Wisconsin’s income tax rate is also higher than ours.
Is it our unemployment rate? Well, Pennsylvania, which also has a bitterly divided government and lousy weather, had a higher unemployment rate than we did in October, yet our net domestic out-migration rate was more than twice as high. The equivalent of an entire Illinois House district just fled to other states. In a year.
Our higher education system, which drives prosperity in “normal” states, has been underfunded, overpriced and underperforming for years, and the situation has gotten much worse since Bruce Rauner became governor.
We’re in a position where Idaho—yes, Idaho—creates more manufacturing jobs than we do.
When you think about all of those headlines, the only surprise may be that more people aren’t leaving.
Yes, we’ve been losing folks to out-migration for decades, pretty much since the advent of air conditioning in the South. But after factoring in international migration, births, deaths, etc., our total net loss was 37,508 people. Those net losses started in 2014, when we lost about 12,000 people. That number more than doubled in 2015, to over 28,000. And then it rose again this year. No other state is experiencing this.
And all we get is either partisan politicking or silence.
At the end of 2014, unemployment was falling here and Illinois was paying all of its appropriated bills in less than 30 days. There were, of course, still serious problems. A Republican promising big change couldn’t have been elected governor that year if everything was fine.
The bill payment cycle is now about six months. Schools aren’t getting all their promised state money, which puts pressure on our already sky-high property taxes. Some universities just won’t survive if this impasse continues. And the poor and defenseless? Well, they’re out of luck.
Our state’s leaders did essentially the same thing before the last recession. Billions in unpaid bills piled up while House Speaker Michael Madigan waged a two-year war with the thoroughly corrupt Gov. Rod Blagojevich. By the time it was all over, international events had overtaken us and it took six long and painful years to dig out from under the mess.
Yes, Bruce Rauner is a hardheaded enemy of organized labor. He doesn’t appear to care about most public universities. His heart is seemingly unmoved by the plight of the defenseless.
But whatever else you can say about him, Bruce Rauner is no Rod Blagojevich. This fight is over policy and politics, not corruption.
Illinois is now in an all-too-real danger of becoming a failed state, and I don’t use that phrase lightly. Throw a couple of victories at the guy and let’s move the heck on to our other problems before it’s too late.
* Madigan’s spokesman Steve Brown responded in comments…
Little surprising Rich does not tell readers the Dems have tossed the Governor several wins, but they are never enough. Hard to understand
Those “wins” include a microscopic change to the workers’ comp law and a rejected (by Rauner) change to DCEO’s composition. Madigan won’t even agree yet to advance Senate President Cullerton’s pension reform idea.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:18 am
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Good article as always. I have a suspicion that “throwing a couple victories” at Rauner would only whet his appetite.
Off topic, but did anyone else find it hysterical that Rauner appointed a new budget director? Sounds like a great gig. A promotion from Bigfoot hunter, no doubt.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:24 am
what about property tax freeze? Didn’t they toss him that bone too?
Comment by JohnnyPyleDriver Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:27 am
Madigan won’t even agree to advance Senator Cullerton’s pension proposal even though it was a precondition of the CPS pension bailout. Restoring our Workers Comp system to pre 2005 would go along way towards attracting business and reversing the out migration.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:27 am
Madigan has resolved to throw a few bones at Rauner this year, large ones with great velocity.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:29 am
Rauner. Wants. Trust.
Comment by tobor Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:32 am
Doing as you suggest - logical to all but one - would mean ceding some power. Even if it’s just a little, I can’t remember Madigan EVER doing that as Speaker. But we all can dream.
Comment by LessAnon? Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:34 am
Excellent column.
If we had either a more Cullerton-like governor or speaker, we’d have a budget by now.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:34 am
I don’t disagree with Rich on anything here. But, what “bone or two” is Rauner throwing to the Dems?
Best I can tell it’s: “give me some of my stuff and we can have a tax increase.”
That’s not very appetizing.
Comment by Roman Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:36 am
The best way for s this to move forward with Rauner wins to boot would be the insertion of MOUs.
It’s kinda like “Trust, But Verify”, but in reality it removes the premise of the Good Friday Massacre from happening again.
The reality of MOUs is probably one of such a small handful of possible ways Rauner gets his wins.
Rauner could show, on the stairs, 60 and 30… but I digress…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:36 am
Rauner Owns All Of This.. Until He Wants To Become A Real Governor, We Will All Suffer.. 2018 Can’t Get Here Fast Enough..Biggest Crybaby This State Has Ever Had!!
Comment by Shake Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:41 am
===If we had either a more Cullerton-like governor or speaker, we’d have a budget by now.===
Really? Hmm…
- Robert the Bruce -
Which Democratic House member fits that criteria?
Drury?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:41 am
Rauner refuses to propose or negotiate a budget, but it’s on the Dems to throw him a bone.
All part of the fantasy that Rauner is powerless and the destruction of social services wasn’t part of the plan. Might want to keep an eye on what those frat boys put in your drinks, Rich.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:42 am
I don’t think appeasement has a history of being real effective.
Correct me if I am wrong but I think the governor has been offered some of his asks minus the poison pills. It always comes back to union busting and taking down the opposition party.
Comment by Bemused Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:42 am
More nonsense OW. Cullerton admitted he knew about the Good Friday massacre. Speaker Madigan played the victim even though he knew as well .
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:48 am
The D’s are executing a similar model as the federal R’s executed against Obama. Results indicate it is an effective strategy. The Governor needs to earn a win. Threatening and demeaning the very people you need is not the path to victory.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:49 am
===I don’t think appeasement===
Didn’t take long to get to Hitler, did it?
I’m not talking appeasement, I’m talking compromise. If you cannot figure out the difference between the two concepts, you need to go away from here.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:50 am
I’m sorry, Mr. Miller, but what is Gov. Rauner’s responsibility in all of this? Why is it the responsibility of the Legislative D’s to just give in?
The Governor picked this fight. If the Speaker just surrenders, where does that leave us?
Comment by Try-4-Truth Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:50 am
===Might want to keep an eye on what those frat boys put in your drinks, Rich. ===
Advocating against the collapse of social services and universities makes me drunk on Rauner’s firewater?
Bite me.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:51 am
No. Our Governor is not a dog. You give him a bone, he will bite your arm off.
Comment by Ares Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:52 am
- Advocating against the collapse -
No, but pretending it hasn’t been intentional might.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:53 am
Of course, Madigan should have long ago compromised in some respect. But he didn’t, at all, and now won’t (he probably thinks he can’t).
The last election settled nothing. The war is ongoing and the non-stop campaign for 2018 moves ahead, unabated. There will be no wins for anyone; only blame to be assigned.
Comment by Deft Wing Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:54 am
Rick is absolutely right. The word is compromise not appeasement. While its totally understandable that the D’s wouldn’t agree to sell out their Funders in Labor and the Trial Lawyers, they could easily give on term limits. Yet the D legislators are more focused on saving their own jobs than protecting the social safety net. Shameful And the people who get hurt the most are the same ones the D’s are going to count on to defeat Rauner
Comment by Altgelds Ghost Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:55 am
===Cullerton admitted he knew about the Good Friday massacre.===
Cite please.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:57 am
Um, okay. The idea that Madigan should throw Rauner a bone is insane.
It’s Rauner who should be throwing *Madigan* a bone. If Rauner wants some of his agenda passed, he has to work for it. He has to get the votes, adapt, and compromise.
Based on the Rauner emails last month — and Rauner’s own track record — there’s no evidence — zero — that “throwing Rauner a bone” will do any good.
In fact, it’ll only make Rauner (a) refuse the bone and then (b) ask for more.
You want Rauner’s mind? That’s it in a nutshell. Refuse it — and then ask for more. That’s it.
So if there’s any bone throwing it better be from Rauner to Madigan.
Comment by Bobby Catalpa Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:59 am
Rich, I also beleive this was the Governor’s strategy from the beginning. His statements on the campaign trail indicated he wanted to shut down the government. He underestimated the role of the legislature in American constitutional government. 2016 executive personnel losses speak to that.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:59 am
The constitution doesn’t guarantee anyone a compliant legislature if you are in the minority.
The job remains the same. Get as much stuff done as your legislative margin and executive power allows. No excuses. This whining about the fact that there is a co-equal branch of government that won’t vote against their interests is intolerable.
Comment by peon Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:01 am
“Our higher education system, which drives prosperity in “normal” states, has been underfunded, overpriced and underperforming for years, and the situation has gotten much worse since Bruce Rauner became governor.”
“Underfunded” is easy to demonstrate. How about some proof or data on “overpriced” and “underperforming”?
Comment by Blue Bayou Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:02 am
===The idea that Madigan should throw Rauner a bone is insane.===
The idea that Madigan should just wait him out for two more years is beyond insane. MJM can’t pass a real budget without a tax hike. He can’t override a tax hike veto. He’s supposedly the master mind. He should use that big brain of his to get us out of this train wreck.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:07 am
https://capitolfax.com/2015/04/15/cuts-have-consequences/
Sen Pres John Cullerton says Gov Rauner didn’t go back on his word by freezing $26 mil in grants, “but that doesn’t make them good ideas”
It is the Speaker who is having a problem keeping his word
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:09 am
In terms of reform closure and attaining the possible- give Rauner his AFSCME final proposal in exchange for dropping the rest of the Governors wish list. Madigan can deliver that and if a Dem is elected in 2018 let the Union cry to the new guy
Comment by sue Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:12 am
Throw him a bone or two now, and he will want three or four new bones next time. That is how hostage takers work. Once a hostage taker - always a hostage taker.
Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:16 am
Unfortunately I don’t see a functional negotiating channel between Rauner and the legislature. Scorched earth has not helped. No bones can be thrown is either direction effectively.
Reality does intervene though. When CSU was about to fail, hello stopgap. Likewise for many other crises drove short-term budget measures. I think we will see more of these and they will drive what happens. Impasse. Blather. Stopgap. Repeat. Not ideal, but where we are.
We need a vision for Illinois from both parties.
Comment by peon Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:19 am
- Lucky Pierre -
===Sen. Dan Kotowski said he believed lawmakers were assured that certain programs and services would not be touched by cuts as part of the budget deal.
If lawmakers knew the $26 million in grant suspensions would have been a part of budget deal, “I would not have voted for the bill,” Kotowksi said.===
MOUs would prevent Rauner from “choosing” to do what he allegedly reassured many wouldn’t occur.
Maybe you should read your own comments and reconcile that Cullerton is wrong as he “defended” cuts, “kicking the can”
MOUs. That’s the way.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:20 am
===Throw him a bone or two now, and he will want three or four new bones next time.===
Meh. This isn’t a police action.
Once the tax hike is in place, it becomes hugely more difficult for Rauner to continue down that road. Stuff is failing now because there’s no money in the budget. It’s a great excuse for Rauner. If there’s money piling up waiting to be spent, his excuse is gone.
People need to think and stop with the knee-jerk reactions. This is politics.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:21 am
Anon @ 9:49 said:
== The D’s are executing a similar model as the federal R’s executed against Obama. Results indicate it is an effective strategy. ==
Depressingly true.
Comment by Roman Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:28 am
–He should use that big brain of his to get us out of this train wreck.–
Because…Madigan?
Comment by My New Handle Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:29 am
The Dems have said at times structural reforms are necessary-just not with budget negotiations. So why not a couple of bones or MOU’s that agree to introduce bills on workers comp, redistricting, term limits, etc.?
Comment by justacitizen Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:35 am
Reconciling the above “Peek” post and this “Bone” post is hard to envision. Offering a “Bone” and accepting a “Bone” has long been the problem. The “Peek” shows us the Rauner mindset that he wants more than a “Bone.”
Compromise has been desperately needed. Things started out OK with an agreement on a FY 15 budget fix. Although, a misunderstanding put a blemish on that agreement. However, the “Peek” mentality took over and compromise has only occurred when a crisis that bothered Rauner and his constituencies enough to put the “Peek” demands aside.
The “Peek” post discussed the benefit of a gray beard to guide us through this morass. Earlier, I had suggested Ryan as a mediator, i.e. gray beard, to help us find the “Bone.” The “Peek” won out.
God has to help us by creating a crisis large enough to force the “Peek” to be overridden allowing the “Bone.” The problem is the harm created by the crisis.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:36 am
Mr. Miller,
What is Gov. Rauner’s “compromise”? Please do not say a tax increase. The Gov. needs one just as badly as the Legislature.
Comment by Try-4-Truth Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:38 am
I saw this article over the holiday and was curious how the readers here would react. Just as expected. Happy New Year!
Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:39 am
Rauner has dropped over 40 items from the Turnaround Agenda and is down to a handful
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:42 am
Rich your politcal wisdom is unassailable. Adamantine.
I would submit that Rauner doesn’t understand it.
He is a leveraged buyout artist (not businessman)
He has proven time and again that he doesn’t engage in political thought not condone it in his employees.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:43 am
Sounds like a memorandum of understanding would have been a good idea on the pension vote as the Speaker is. Of capable of keeping his word
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:45 am
Comment section of the original article worth a read, too. Some thoughtful observations.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:45 am
Sad to say, things didn’t end well for the Pequod.
Comment by X-prof Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:46 am
MOUs are only unhelpful with Rauner or Madigan if there’s no intent on being honest.
Madigan is “requiring” (not really-really, but the genie is out of the bottle) so - Lucky Pierre -, you should welcome them.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:48 am
So Rauner has earned “a couple of victories” simply by being unmoved by the plight of the defenseless?
Comment by One hand //ing Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:52 am
As a voter I would support my GA members’ passage of some workers comp reform, property tax freeze without Rauner’s poison pills and pension reform that includes the unions’ input and at least strives for consideration.
Those are the bones I wish Rauner would accept and work on. It’s clear that he won’t accept this, because he’s trying to remake the state politically and sees the collateral damage as something that’s useful and can advance his quest.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:12 am
Grandson - you and I rarely agree on much but we are in completely agreement on all those points. Those would be welcome and would be great accomplishments in the political sense.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:15 am
The facts in Rich’s column are striking — they demand honest long-term visions for the state (and matching budget plan) from each party.
Comment by peon Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:21 am
==If there’s money piling up waiting to be spent, his excuse is gone==
That’s not exactly how the last tax hike work. It stopped the bleeding. And we’re in a much worse situation now.
the point is…if you give Rauner a bone now as you suggest what’s to stop him from continuing to link the budget with his agenda? In fact, he’d be stupid not to the next time around.
A deal needs done yesterday. But doing it in the context of the budget just gives Rauner the incentive to do it again…for whatever unfulfilled TA items that are left. And there are many.
Comment by Abe the Babe Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:30 am
Rich, I guess the question is, “What is a bone?” and is what you consider a bone what Rauner considers a bone? For example, is what Grandson proposed above a bone that gets it done? I doubt it.
I also think it’s easy for any one of us to say “throw him a bone” when that bone doesn’t affect us personally. If cuts to Lutheran Services were the bone, would you feel the same way?
Regardless, I think you’re asking the Democrats to negotiate against themselves here. You can’t trust Rauner not to go public with whatever they would throw out to try and get something going. We are already knee deep in the of campaign 2018. There’s big consequences to any action here.
Comment by DC Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:39 am
===That’s not exactly how the last tax hike work. It stopped the bleeding. And we’re in a much worse situation now. ===
Oh, for crying out loud. Are you deliberately daft?
1) Radogno has already said that they’d bond to pay off back bills, which is something the Dems wanted to do and couldn’t in 2011 because the Repubs wouldn’t go along. That will do more than just stop the bleeding.
2) Much of the tax hike was allowed to expire, which is what put us into this place. Bills were being paid in under 30 days. Now, it’s 6 months.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:43 am
–Reconciling the above “Peek” post and this “Bone” post is hard to envision. Offering a “Bone” and accepting a “Bone” has long been the problem. The “Peek” shows us the Rauner mindset that he wants more than a “Bone.”–
Agreed. What exactly will we be “moving on” to, given the “Rauner mindset?”
Rauner’s great “victory” to date has been the acceptance in some quarters that it’s legitimate to use the powers of governor’s office to throw thousands out of work, renege on billions in contracted services performed in good faith and willfully sabotage higher ed in service of some alleged economic “agenda” that he can’t begin to articulate the benefits of.
To me, that simply makes no sense.
In fairness, Rauner couldn’t have gotten away with it without the antediluvian Madigan/Cullerton communications “strategy.”
Where did these guys get the reputation of being political “chessmasters?” How can you not counter effectively across all communication platforms, given the damage being done?
If Pat Quinn had done what Rauner has done for a “reform agenda” of term limits and a minimum wage bump, would that have been considered a legitimate exercise of gubernatorial power? Of course not.
Blago used the power of his office to shake down a baby cancer hospital and a track owner for chump change campaign contributions.
Rauner is shaking down the entire state for his obsessive personal agenda. He’s done far more and long-term real damage to the people of this state. It’s not even close.
Personally, I believe squeeze-the-beast is the actual objective of the governor’s actions, and the Turnaround Agenda is a p.r. fig leaf to hide the fact.
His own published ROI for the Turnaround Agenda is ridiculous compared to the damage being done in its name. Only a lunatic would be a true believer in the alleged “economics” message (Happy New Year, Lucky Pierre!). The ROI is preposterous, given the cost in jobs lost, new debt, and sabotage of core state functions.
FWIW, here’s Rich’s Crain’s column from Jan. 19, 2016, on the same subject with this conclusion:
–In my opinion, the payoff for continuing this governmental impasse is not worth the price being paid.–
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20160119/NEWS02/160119822/rauners-turnaround-agenda-math-doesnt-add-up
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:46 am
Lucky states “Rauner has dropped over 40 items from the Turnaround Agenda and is down to a handful”
This is simply false. A number of items on the turnaround agenda are simply not being used as excuse to hold everything else hostage.
Some things have already been done, or are part of an ongoing process.
Changes to Unemployment Insurance were done over a year ago. Part of the Turnaround agenda.
Some Criminal Justice reforms have been done, more are likely needed. Part of the turnaround agenda.
Increasing funding for K-12 education, has happened the last two years. Part of the Turnaround agenda.
Government consolidation task force was one of the “40 items” from the turnaround agenda. That’s been done.
Expand access to early childhood education is part of the turnaround agenda. Not sure who is standing in the way of that one, but the Governor’s cuts to CCAP certainly didn’t help.
Restructure the motor fuel tax to appropriately invest in infrastructure. Not sure where the Safe Roads Amendment falls into that, but it was part of the Turnaround Agenda.
Make income taxes low. Part of the turnaround agenda. (and appears to be counter to what the Governor is demanding as part of getting the parts of the agenda he truly wants.)
Comment by Juice Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:49 am
–In my opinion, the payoff for continuing this governmental impasse is not worth the price being paid.–
And I still believe it. Strongly. Enough is freaking enough already.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:55 am
@Rich
1) Has Rauner signed on to a borrowing plan? pretty sure he hasn’t included borrowing in any of his “im willing to negotiate” lines.
2) proves my point that a tax hike now wont allow for “,money piling up” as you suggest. Just a deeper hole that will take longer to dig out of.
Why not address the central question: why would Rauner not run the same play with the next budget if he gets a few “bones” this time around?
Comment by Abe the Babe Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:56 am
Is campaign finance reform a bone Rauner would bite on?
Comment by Russ Feingold Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:59 am
===pretty sure he hasn’t included borrowing in any of his “im willing to negotiate” lines===
If Radogno is saying it, who do you think that comes from?
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:01 pm
- Enough is freaking enough already. -
Ok, so why is it on Madigan to throw a couple bones? Shouldn’t Rauner lead by offering up a revenue and spending plan without unrelated preconditions?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:05 pm
===so why is it on Madigan to throw a couple bones?===
That is just such a childish question.
Why not? He’s a leader, too.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:07 pm
Old Blue is too old to chew on a bone. All us gummers want is a budget that balances spending cuts with a modest income tax increase. Progressive if possible. As for the TA, well lets just say that the paper its printed on could be used to line the puppy playpen.
Comment by blue dog dem Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:14 pm
Wordslinger do you think anything should be changed? Your defense of the failed policies of this state since we last had divided government in Springfield is ridiculous
Democrats like you who refuse to change anything are the problem not me
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:17 pm
Rich
I went back and looked in the dictionary.
Appeasement= To pacify with concessions.
Not sure how that relates only to WW2, sorry my bad.
Compromise= To settle differences by mutual concessions.
There is no compromise when your position is accept my terms or else.
I posted years ago that Rauners position was that the Dems must sell their base down the river. For that he was willing to let them take the blame for the necessary revenue increases. Otherwise he was quite willing to take the state over a cliff. Unfortunately he seems to have been able to get a large number of the public to buy into the idea it is all Madigans Fault.
Now as to your last suggestion.
As it appears I have neither the Intellect, Education, or Governmental background to hang with the big boys here you are probably correct.
When I visit in the future I will keep my hands away from the keyboard.
Comment by Bemused Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:28 pm
–Wordslinger do you think anything should be changed?–
Yes. I’m also a believer in justifying any proposed changes with projected ROI, based on reason and facts. Just like the big kids do, when they draw up business plans and go the banks or the private equity investors. The governor knows what I’m talking about.
– Your defense of the failed policies of this state since we last had divided government in Springfield is ridiculous–
That sentence is ridiculously difficult to navigate. Perhaps some examples of my sins would clarify what you’re trying to say, Lucky the Strawman?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:34 pm
- That is just such a childish question. -
No more childish than your continued indulgence of the fantasy that Rauner is powerless to stop the destruction he’s causing.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:38 pm
If you cannot accept the intellectual discussion on solutions, what in the heck makes one think we can achieve a solution. This thread codifies that so many don’t care about anything they accuse the Governor about caring about.
Is the big difference that y’all are genuine and he isn’t? Give me a break.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:42 pm
===continued indulgence of the fantasy that Rauner is powerless to stop the destruction he’s causing===
I never once said that or wrote that or even hinted at that. So, who’s childish?
MJM is supposed to be a statesman. So, he should be one even if BVR refuses to be.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:44 pm
Sadly the constant need to push this in the media actually shows that you aren’t winning. As everyone says in campaigns, as today with Pawar- “if your explaining….”
Rauner is explaining, the GOP is explaining. At the end of the day there is still no budget, there are still social services being destroyed, universities are going to close etc.
If your explaining why this is okay your not winning.
Comment by DuPage Bard Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:51 pm
–If you cannot accept the intellectual discussion on solutions, what in the heck makes one think we can achieve a solution. This thread codifies that so many don’t care about anything they accuse the Governor about caring about.–
New word-salad-shooter for Christmas? Still figuring out the attachments?
What is this “intellectual discussion of solutions” you speak of?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:00 pm
Malum in se bemused
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:01 pm
- MJM is supposed to be a statesman. So, he should be one even if BVR refuses to be. -
Lol. So if a governor is willfully destroying social services and higher ed, while simultaneously refusing to negotiate a budget until his unrelated “reforms” are passed, the legislative leaders are supposed to be the adults in the room and throw him a bone?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:07 pm
Amen, Rich. This should be all about trying to salvage the state, not about who wins or loses politically. These boards are way too partisan for intelligent discussion.
Comment by Skirmisher Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:11 pm
===the legislative leaders are supposed to be the adults in the room===
Yes. Exactly right. Why should everyone be children?
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:20 pm
Yes of course, MJM should be willing to give Rauner a couple of “wins” and Rauner should be willing to take and publicly leverage them as such. We must have an agreed budget, taxes and all.
However, to continually ask for a Property Tax freeze, which absolutely must include changes to union rights locally, and for Term Limits, for which it is tough to get sufficient legislator votes, is to make the coupla “bones” especially difficult to produce. Whenever Rauner says that those two (actually three) are his offer, I hear him signaling “No Deal” as his position.
Easier bones anyone?
Comment by walker Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:21 pm
Is it too much to ask ALL to do the job they were elected to do within the powers assigned to their respective offices?
There is no middle ground here. People are on one side or the other. So the GA and Governor should simply do what their position calls for.
Comment by Divided Govt Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:33 pm
–However, to continually ask for a Property Tax freeze, which absolutely must include changes to union rights locally, and for Term Limits, for which it is tough to get sufficient legislator votes, is to make the coupla “bones” especially difficult to produce. Whenever Rauner says that those two (actually three) are his offer, I hear him signaling “No Deal” as his position.–
Precisely. That’s why squeeze-the-beast for its own sake is the only real objective that actually makes sense. And that’s going just fine.
By his own numbers released last January, the economic and fiscal ROI of Rauner’s agenda is ludicrous in light of the economic and fiscal damage being done.
Still waiting on those “revised” numbers Rich was promised a year ago this month.
Strange, GOMB can turn out fiscal and economic projections on policy issues lickety-split when they feel like it. See the proposed graduated income tax — 14 years of projections, produced in a New York minute.
How’s about this? Perhaps GOMB could produce a report on the actual fiscal and economic damage of the last two years due to the “impasse”: lost jobs, lost spending power, lost economic opportunity.
Since there’s real data there to work with, it should be easy.
Here’s an even crazier idea: Why in God’s name don’t the Madigan/Cullerton chessmasters produce such a report? What is wrong with them?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:38 pm
I believe that Madigan and Democrats should have an agenda and put out a coherent set of policy proposals. That’s the core of governance, and why we elect people to represent us. I understand and agree with the frustration of Reps. Cassidy and Guzzardi, due to lack of a Democratic agenda and messaging.
Also, if Democrats have an agenda of policy proposals that’s hawked to voters, it could give extra political benefit by creating a contrast to Rauner. For example, put out a property tax freeze that doesn’t severely restrict collective bargaining and do away with prevailing wage. Put out a workers comp proposal that is reasonable to injured workers while adding benefit to businesses.
I think waiting for Rauner to self-destruct is a bad idea. It’s hard for me to see this happening, on its own, and it’s not good strategy on different levels.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:41 pm
Yes by all means why don’t Cullerton and Madigan produce a report that will say no reforms are necessary. I am sure you will believe it
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:41 pm
To those arguing against compromise:
How has the Speaker’s “You’ll get nothing and like it!” negotiating strategy worked? Do you still think it is the best strategy to restore social services in our state?
Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:48 pm
What is wrong with suggesting compromise?
Am I missing something?
A good compromise is one where nobody is completely happy.
Why not let the Governor have a couple of small victories to avoid this “Groundhog Day” budget scenario.
Negotiate with caution.
Comment by Jake From Elwood Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:51 pm
LP, you could easily code software bots to endlessly repeat the word “reform” as you do, but with more substance.
Actually, you could teach Koko the gorilla to do the same.
Do you know that virtually every crook, conman, bagman and boodler in Illinois political history has claimed to be all about “reform?”
Big Bill Thompson was a “reformer.” Blago was a “reformer.”
It’s pretty easy to make the claim. You have to put something behind it.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:56 pm
I tend to believe a few things:
* The TA is really squeeze-the-best in order to permanently reduce state services to the needy and education, specifically higher education
* If Rauner is offered a “bone” he will almost automatically reject it and ask for more (see Point 1)
* If, by chance, Rauner is offered a bone and takes it, during the next round he will demand more
Now, with all that said, I will absolutely stipulate that there needs to be compromise. However, to date, the only give Rauner has offered Dems is a budget and being given the privilege of voting for a tax increase that will be used against them politically in 2018. Taking items off the TA is absolutely not compromise.
To Rich and others who suggest compromise - does that really seem like compromise?
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:18 pm
So here we are in the first week of 2017 without a budget, with no word of any meetings between the 4 Tops of the GA and 1.4%.
If Madigan were to “throw a bone”, it would stick in 1.4%’s throat like a chewed up chicken bone. It would be proof that 1.4% can’t to do anything without Madigan.
Why would Madigan even offer to “throw a bone”? After the unending attacks by 1.4%, there isn’t any collegial harmony upon which trust can be built.
If 1.4% were even interested in achieving any part of his agenda, he would kennel his attack dogs permanently, stop his incessant campaigning and start governing.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:27 pm
“What is this “intellectual discussion of solutions” you speak of? ”
That would be the thing where you summarily dismiss every single policy idea that Republicans put forward on economic development because it doesn’t come pre-packaged with enough quantitative data to meet your arbitrarily-defined threshold.
Comment by sulla Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:32 pm
LP-
Whenever you foray into matters of substance (which is exceedingly rare), your “facts” are verifiably wrong. You never address the questioned posed to you and instead deflect by offering tangential (and that is being generous) self-aggrandizing nonsense.
If you cannot assign any blame to BVR, then you are willfully ignorant, woefully inept, or a simple shill.
That is not to say that the Speaker has clean hands in this. As Rich has commented multiple times, it is past time for someone to be the adult in the room. The Speaker has thus far proven unwilling and, despite mountains of ammunition with which to work with, has not compiled and composed a compelling case against the Governor.
You offer nothing but half-baked criticisms of one party, based on misrepresented or outright false facts and numbers, and feign exasperation once you’ve been backed into a corner surrounded by your own blathering talking points.
It is an indictment of the Rauner agenda that your “defenses” are the best they can inspire.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:39 pm
I think Joe Bidenopolous makes some good points.
Let me add on more - and you are not gonna like it, some of you.
Negotiating through the press is NOT negotiating in good faith.
Anything that Democrats propose publicly will, certainly, have negative consequences that will, if nothing else, lengthen the process, even if it does not weaken their position.
Public offers, whether leaked or issued in a news release, are designed to harden your negotiating position, not move the parties closer to compromise.
So yes, while it may make good political sense and good p.r. sense for Democrats to issue a list of 45 counter proposals, it is not in the best interests of the public or the state.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:29 pm
If the govenor boned up on his positions, he wouldn’t be pulling a boner
Comment by Rabid Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 5:50 am