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More on AG Madigan’s motion

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* A couple of things got lost in the crazy shuffle last night when Barton and I were posting statements regarding Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s legal motion to dismiss the state employee pay order. For instance, Barton rightly asked the AG’s office this last night…

The question I keep getting is why now? Why not weeks or even months ago?

The second paragraph from the AG office’s response was inadvertently left out, so here’s the statement in full…

It has always been our goal to allow the executive and legislative branches to do their job without further litigation. While the stopgap budget was in place, it was our hope that the Governor and Legislature would continue to work to enact a full fiscal year budget. The Legislature and the Governor now face the need to enact a budget for the rest of the fiscal year. With the legislature in session, this is an appropriate time to address the need to pass a full budget to cover all operations.

Also, the burden of the budget impasse has unfairly fallen on the non-profits and vendors that serve millions of Illinois residents. Some of these organizations have been irreparably harmed in the process. The State can avoid causing further damage to them and avoid any impacts to State employees if the Governor and the Legislature take action to enact a full budget.

The AG’s motion is here. Last year’s Supreme Court ruling on an almost identical matter is here.

* The last part of Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s statement also wasn’t posted…

The Office of the Comptroller is currently moving forward with contingency plans to meet the technical adjustments that a payroll stoppage would require. For example, employees in certain categories would receive partial payments and their paychecks and deductions would have to be adjusted accordingly.

Despite the possibility of a payroll stoppage over the last 18 months, the previous administration did not put in place policies to deal with this scenario.

You can’t force someone to work for no pay. The Civil War decided that question. But you can use federal law to designate “essential” workers and then pay them minimum wage. The previous comptroller argued in court that this would take months and may have even been impossible.

However, I am told that former Comptroller Munger’s office had developed a list of workers who could be labeled as essential. Maybe somebody in Mendoza’s office should pick up a phone.

* I was in Decatur about to give a speech to the local Chamber of Commerce when I found out about the filing and called Barton in a panic. Thank goodness for Barton! Anyway, for some reason, my speech was deemed newsworthy by the Herald & Review…

A judge had previously ruled state workers could continue being paid throughout a standoff between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democrat-controlled legislature, although nobody knew that the impasse would last as long as it has, said Rich Miller, founder of CEO of the Capitol Fax, a daily newsletter about Illinois government. […]

The lawsuit puts pressure on Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, the attorney general’s father, to come together on a budget agreement by the end of February, Miller said. […]

“We could be seeing the end of this stalemate,” Miller said. “I would have given [the Senate grand bargain] a 50-50 chance. We need more than that or we’ll be in trouble like nobody has ever seen in the history of history. Illinois is already a national and in many ways an international embarrassment.”

What a crazy night. I had prepared a speech about the Senate’s grand bargain and then this AG thing happened so I had to retool the whole speech on the fly.

* Let’s move to the Tribune story…

Madigan’s office filed the request Thursday afternoon in St. Clair County Circuit Court, seeking to undo a July 2015 ruling from St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Robert LeChien that said the state must pay workers in full despite a lack of a budget agreement.

Madigan makes it clear in the court paperwork that she’s trying to raise the pressure to get a budget in place, saying the judge’s order “has allowed the legislative and executive branches to fail to fulfill their constitutional duties without facing the real threat of a government shutdown.” […]

“With no possibility of a government shutdown to force action by the legislative and executive branches, the state has continued to operate without a budget to fund many services provided by vendors and grantees,” Madigan said in the filing. “Those vendors and grantees and the many Illinoisans they serve are bearing the brunt of this egregious and untenable budget impasse. This situation does not usually happen for long on the federal level or in other states precisely because the possibility of a government shutdown eventually leads to the passage and enactment of a budget.” […]

In the latest motion, Madigan argues a recent Illinois Supreme Court ruling rejected the idea that withholding pay would violate employee contracts, saying collective bargaining agreements are subject to funding from the legislature.

* On to the Sun-Times coverage, which has Speaker Madigan’s response to an ILGOP blast…

“While serious bipartisan negotiations have accelerated in the Senate, it is outrageous that Lisa Madigan tonight decided to put Speaker Madigan’s power politics ahead of hard-working families in an effort to shut down state government,” state GOP spokesman Steven Yaffe said in a statement. “Only a Madigan would try to disrupt bipartisan momentum in a matter that threatens to cripple government services and hurt state workers and their families.”

Steve Brown, spokesman for the speaker, called the Republican Party’s comments “off base” and “not surprising.”

“The attorney general is her own person and will do what she chooses is the best thing to do,” Brown said, adding there is no basis to the questioning of the timing of the filing.

“They’ve [The Senate leaders] set their deadline. They are moving on their plan. I don’t see the connection frankly,” Brown said.

* And the SJ-R has a couple of reacts that we didn’t post…

Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti: “Just one day after Governor Rauner thanked the Senate for their work to reach a bipartisan agreement on a balanced budget, Attorney General Madigan is attempting to disrupt that progress by filing a lawsuit that could shut down government operations. Illinois’ hardworking state employees deserve to be paid so they can continue to support their families who depend on their work.

State Rep. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez, R-Leland Grove: “In the midst of an unprecedented budget crisis, our state employees have continued to perform their work every day and have provided services to the people of Illinois while facing tremendous pressure and uncertainty. I am thankful that every state employee has continued to receive a paycheck throughout this impasse. It is extremely disappointing to hear that Attorney General Lisa Madigan is attempting to block state employee pay until a budget is finalized. We have seen tremendous progress in the last couple of weeks towards hopefully ending this stalemate. I am calling upon Attorney General Madigan to drop her efforts to block state employee pay and allow the members of the General Assembly to finish the work that the Senate has begun and negotiate a balanced budget that will get our state back on the right path.”

I’m sure there’s more to come.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 9:44 am

Comments

The game is afoot!

Comment by Flynn's mom Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 9:50 am
There is literally no reason AG Madigan’s action would disrupt ongoing negotiations unless the negotiators intent is delay a bipartisan agreement in perpetuity. If the Senate, as Cullerton claimed, will be voting on the grand bargain on Feb 7, that still leaves 21 more days to hammer out the details. Personally, I like the idea or returning to constitutional state government. The fact that we are spending an astonishing amount of money without constitutional appropriations should concern everyone.

Comment by ILPundit Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 9:51 am
===It is extremely disappointing to hear that Attorney General Lisa Madigan is attempting to block state employee pay until a budget is finalized===

Dear Rep. Jimenez,

The Attorney General is “saying” no payments without a budget.

For someone who continually and purposely continues to vita against state workers, union state workers and budgets, it’s comical that you think you’re disappointed that getting a ruling saying “no budget no pay” isn’t right, but saying the constitutionality of withholding legislators pay makes sense.

Is as though you are utterly clueless to your job?

I’m embarrassed for you.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 9:54 am
I think we will find out who truly supports human services and higher ed in Illinois. If the GA passes only appropriations for state employee pay, leaving us hostage, the message will be clear that it is not only the governor holding us hostage. It is my sincere hope that everyone steps up and does the right thing for Illinois and enough with the games.

Comment by CCP Hostage Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 9:55 am
Illinois has a Lt. Governor? I guess I learn something new everyday.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 9:56 am
The AG drew a line in the sand that no one else wanted to. Feb 7th to the 14th- can the ILGA get something to Rauner’s desk before the Budget Address? Will Rauner deliver a “Valentine” to the state? If not, it will be a countdown to the 28th, and there are a couple of state holidays in there. Too bad it’s not a Leap Year.

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 9:56 am
Want to give Cubs in ‘16 credit for pointing out that a work stoppage due to the AG motion will be blamed on Rauner while a work stoppage due to an AFSCME strike would be blamed on greedy state workers. AFSCME and AFSCME employees should be thrilled and relieved by the AGs action. Now AFSCME should cancel the strike authorization vote and lay low while this plays out.

Comment by Original Rambler Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 9:58 am
With employees,healthcare providers and schools opening for the past two year, the Gov. and legislature removed all public pressure points to resolve the stalemate. This clearly gets the attention of your “average non governmental person” when they wait in longer lines or diminished services. And of course, state employees who will not get paid.

Comment by One to the Dome Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 9:58 am
Ok AFSCME contract problem solved. Have all the essential workers do all the work for minimum wage. As a state employee I’d say ” see ya I’m out”.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 9:59 am
I want to be clear, Rep. Jimenez…

“For someone who continually and purposely continues to vote against state workers, union state workers and budgets, it’s comical that you think you’re disappointed that getting a ruling saying ‘no budget no pay’ isn’t right, but saying the constitutionality of withholding legislators pay makes sense.”

… so there’s no “mistake”

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:01 am
I kinda applaud Madigan for the political courage it took to force the issue, but I’m not sure it’s going to work. If Mendoza sticks to the line that they can’t separate out the essential employees, then the facts of the original order haven’t changed, and I’m not sure a court is going to step on that judge’s toes in such a way.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:01 am
Anyone have any clue how this will affect employees of the courts?

Comment by AlfondoGonz Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:01 am
Odd that the GOP, who have demanded for years that the State pass a balanced budget, would deride the AG who is simply arguing, “you can’t spend what you don’t appropriate”.

Also, how does this halt the work in the Senate?

Comment by Under Influenced... Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:02 am
BTW, while I “kinda” applaud Madigan, it’s not full applause, ’cause, y’know, this could all end up with people not getting paid.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:03 am
Lt. Governor? I thought that position was eliminated /s

Comment by JS Mill Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:03 am
this just in — rauner will use an all volunteer work force to staff the State offices if pay is cutoff and / or a strike happens!

Comment by not buying today Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:03 am
I’m glad to learn Lisa put an endpoint to this nonsense. Now it’s Bruce (and the Superstars) turn to get crackin’ on a budget.

Here’s hopin’ Bruce has data to share in his budget address on February 15th.

Comment by Jocko Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:04 am
I have to support the notion of the Constitution having some sort of legal authority, as much as I hate the thought of how suspending paychecks to state employees will put the hurt on pretty much every family in Springfield.

Comment by SAP Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:04 am
While I question the timing despite the AG’s statement (weren’t we twisting in the wind before the stopgap as well?), I think AG Madigan is a highly capable lawyer and public official.

Thus, there is no reason to call her a moron in the title of this post. /s (read it out loud if you don’t get the joke)

Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:06 am
Why is the AG going after “all” employees with her order — and not just bargaining group units. The supreme court ruling had to do with a bargaining group, not other employees.

Comment by All Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:07 am
JS Mill - lighter roasts have more caffeine than darker roasts.

Comment by CharlieKratos Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:07 am
To Anonymous: You are out of here? Good. Now the question is will anyone miss you when you are gone?

Comment by Common Sense Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:08 am
Rauner said during his election campaign that he wanted to ’shake up Springfield’. A possible AFSCME strike and a chance, probability unknown, that many of the rest of the state workers will not be paid should certainly do something in Springfield. I only hope it results in something positive.

Comment by Illinois Native Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:10 am
No pay for state workers….
provides great cover for an AFSCME strike.

Comment by m Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:11 am
Lisa Madigan and her office is just doing their job…. without a budget all pay should have stopped 18 months ago (or so)… All this would be done by now…. Geeze…

Comment by Allen D Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:14 am
If the pivot NOW is its great cover for AFSCME… why is the fact that… budgetarily…making payroll without a budget isn’t possible.

Good try thou.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:14 am
The die is cast….the game’s afoot….cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!!!

Comment by Former hilltod Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:14 am
I was literally going out to finalize the purchase of a new car today, but not now. How’s that for an impact to the economy?

And I agree, if AFSCME goes off on the AG because of this, it is Pat Quinn all over again. Let it play out, it might work out better for you than a strike would have. And getting back to constitutional government would be a relief to me, if for no other reason than to end the endless nonsense coming out of the governor’s office. Put up or shut up with your budget priorities.

Just hoping it to cause not too much pain for me and others.

Comment by Jibba Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:14 am
You know we might have to shut government down for a while, where have I head that before

Comment by Rabid Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:16 am
When the checks stop going out to the retired folks because no one is at work to print them this mess will be settled. MJM and Bruce haven’t seen the kind of hell that can be raised by a bunch of old teachers,highway workers and prison guards that depend on their retirement checks to keep the kids that have moved back home fed.

Comment by Nieva Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:19 am
As a Democrat who is not a fan of AG Madigan, I would caution the republicans from trashing her. He octogenarian republican parents love her and believe that she has always looked out for the people of the state. Attacking her integrity, and suggesting that she is a puppet of her father, could very well backfire on you.

Comment by Anon Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:20 am
Man, everyone getting excited that, whatever, “It’s ON now!”…just stop, would you? The state’s been in free fall, real people have suffered, and we’re adding more chaos to the mix. There’s nothing to be happy about.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:20 am
===“Only a Madigan…===

What’s embarrassing for Yaffe? The only thing Yaffe is arguing is a “name” while ignoring the merits of the argument.

If Yaffe’s actual knowledge on state governing begins and ends with “Madigan”, that’s speaks volumes as to why the real operatives think it’s fine putting Yaffe’s name to their ridiculousness.

“Only someone willing to have their credibility compromised… “

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:20 am
I know I’m not the expert but it looks to me like she is trying to push it to a resolution. Since info on the senat deal has come out the governor’s propaganda wing (ipi). This opens the door for the “leaders” to shut out the stupidity from the outside and fiqure it out.

Comment by Union thug Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:22 am
I’m glad ag Madigan has the courage to try to end the budget stalemate. Without a big pressure point, there would be no resolution. Either Rauner or Speaker Madigan would have found something in the budget proposals to block. Now they have no choice. Hopefully they are capable of compromise when face with a nuclear weapon.

As a union employee, the only downside I see is that a strike would be most effective during a time of no budget. No budget means no new appropriations for scabs. Ag Madigan’s move should get us a budget before the strike happens.

Comment by Anon1234 Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:24 am
With a possible AFSCME strike and the possibility of workers not being paid, I wonder what S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch think? Is yet another rating downgrade in the near future for Illinois?

Comment by Small town taxpayer Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:27 am
So now Bruce is emailing us at work instead of jt. Bruce is so concerned for my well being.

Comment by Anon1234 Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:29 am
=…we’ll be in trouble like nobody has ever seen in the history of history.=

There’s a classic quote for future use. I’ll be sure to give you credit. It’s right up there with my favorite geology teacher quote, “I know rocks. Rocks are hard.”

Comment by MSIX Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:30 am
If this moves the State to actually pass a budget, and include new revenue, the ratings companies would probably view that as positive.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:30 am
Just waiting now for JT’s list of “essential” workers that’s sure to include just about everyone.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:32 am
Does anyone really believe that work on trying to get a deal done stops simply because the GA is not in session? Of course, they are still working on doing a deal. And this is one additional pressure point. A really big pressure point. It’s just a shame that everyone has the time to go ahead and issue another self-serving press release. And then another press release responding to the first set of press releases. Talk about nonessential personnel…

Comment by Archiesmom Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:32 am
From the Supreme Court’s 2016 AFSCME case:
“We reiterate that this case involves a particular
contract: a multiyear collective bargaining agreement. Whether other state contracts with
different provisions and different controlling law could also be subject to legislative
appropriation without offending the contracts clause is not before us.

Comment by WONDERING Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:32 am
I realize that K-12 education has had their budget left in place as compared to other state agencies; BUT if there are no employees to cut the checks to the school districts after February 28th a whole new problem surfaces in regards to K-12 funding. School districts not getting state aid checks and other payments will have a very big negative statewide impact that hasn’t been seen yet.

Comment by East Central Illinois Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:33 am
Thank you to - Original Rambler - *tips cap

Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:38 am
While I would be significantly impacted by a temporary termination of pay for state employees, I fully support the AG’s decision. A commitment to following the rule of law is one of the key things that makes our democracy strong. For too long, we’ve allowed the Governor and other executives to ignore the law.

My biggest complaint against the AG is that she didn’t do this months ago after the ILSC decision.

I also hope she seeks to stop other forms of contracting where there is no appropriation authority. While the Supreme Court made a strong effort to explain that their decision did not address other types of contracts, as the AG, it is her responsibility to find out which contracts are legal and which are illegal.

Comment by Pelonski Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:46 am
You’re welcome but I did throw up a little typing your screen name.

Comment by Original Rambler Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:46 am
Bruce has stated that he can run the Board of Investments all by his self if it comes to that and make big return projections. He states that he will heavily invest in building materials, mostly cement, for a big project along the nation’s southern border!!

Comment by not buying today Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:01 am
==Thank goodness for Barton! ==

True dat.

Comment by A guy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:04 am
@CharlieKratos- Thanks, I learn something new every day!

Comment by JS Mill Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:05 am
The Judge should just deny her motion - nothing has really changed. And, of course, the public perception is that Madigan is doing this for Madigan. Lisa’s political career may be over now.

Comment by Formerpol Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:12 am
Can someone remind me, aren’t conservatives and Repubicans normally advocates of “strict interpretation” of the constitution, while liberals and Democrats favor “loose interpretation”? In this case, it’s AG Madigan who is urging strict construction, while Rauner and the GOP wants a liberal construction. Is this principle about how to interpret the constitution simply a matter of partisan convenience?

Comment by Anon Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:16 am
Willy, Jimenez is so unpopular is Sangamon County that she beat the Dem nominee by 23 points. That after tons of money was given to the Dem for an ongoing ad blitz.

Keep up.

Comment by Piece of Work Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:20 am
- Cubs in ‘16 - Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 10:32 am:

“Just waiting now for JT’s list of “essential” workers that’s sure to include just about everyone.”

If that list is more than just the correctional officers - wouldn’t that mean we would all be eligible for arbitration?

Comment by consideration Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:20 am
It is possible that boss Madigan is not going to allow a budget until gov gets a contract with afscme. May force gov back to the table.

Comment by No one really cares right Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:27 am
OW do you really believe the Attorney General did this all on her own without consulting with the head of the Democratic party in Illinois who happens to be her father and the Speaker of the House?

Why the sudden change of heart? She could have does this last summer but did not.

Why the movement now that is a bipartisan deal is moving forward in the Senate but no such indications of bipartisanship in the House?

Take Your Republicans for Madigan hat off and look at this objectively and tell me how you can come to any other conclusion.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:32 am
===after tons of money was given to the Dem ===

Um, no.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:38 am
===Jimenez is so unpopular is Sangamon County that she beat the Dem nominee by 23 points.===

Winning an election and understanding they don’t say what they actually need not be the same.

If that’s the case, we’d never have elected officials that didn’t understand the issues they vote against.

Rep. Jimenez won an election, that doesn’t mean she cares about or is working for state workers.

Your pivot that doesn’t speak to that is noted. lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:40 am
===…do you really believe the Attorney General did this all on her own without consulting with the head of the Democratic party in Illinois who happens to be her father and the Speaker of the House?===

Can you prove that she did? If you want to toss that out there, now is the time.

===Why the sudden change of heart? She could have does this last summer but did not.===

I refer you to Rich’s post that explains the thinking. Reading is fundamental.

===Why the movement now that is a bipartisan deal is moving forward in the Senate but no such indications of bipartisanship in the House?===

Who says they can’t continue to get that deal?

Those who are worried are those not wanting a deal?

A month. Lots can happen in a month, including the continued Senate budget negotiations.

Making it about me isn’t an argument. There’s a month, there appears to be legal standing, and while Raunerites whine, hows about completing the work for s budget?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:44 am
=If the pivot NOW is its great cover for AFSCME… why is the fact that… budgetarily…making payroll without a budget isn’t possible. Good try thou. =
Not using it as a pivot, just trying to state an opinion of the situation. As in, hey AFSCME, something for you to think about.

AFSCME can strike right now, and the public will see entitled state workers walking out over a 40 hour week, merit raises, etc.

State workers walking out when they aren’t getting paid, that’s a little different. “They want to double our health insurance costs and they’re not even paying us!”

But take my comment however you want.

Comment by m Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:46 am
===But take my comment however you want.===

I did, and made my point.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:52 am
== Illinois’ hardworking state employees deserve to be paid so they can continue to support their families who depend on their work. ==

Really! Then maybe Sue should be ‘encouraging’ her Boss, IL’s failed governor, to fulfill his legal mandates and get HIS required balanced budget done.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 11:58 am
“A lot can happen in a month including the continued Senate negotiations”

This move by Attorney General Madigan as well as the actions by our the Speaker signal no bipartisan movement by the House. More of a the same from King Madigan.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:00 pm
“essential” employee rosters are not created by a “Hey You” roster and must be staffed, reviewed, and such titles designated by the ILRB. A boss cannot declare an employee to be “essential” via any other process. And it’s a long process

Comment by Uinon Man Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:00 pm
== I have to support the notion of the Constitution having some sort of legal authority, ==

Unfortunately, the AG has continued to give raunner a pass from his failed Constitutional & legal mandates to provide the GA with a balanced budget for two years running.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:08 pm
Anonymous 12:08 I also was disappointed that the AG never took action to force Rauner to comply with the constitutional obligation to present a balanced budget. For those questioning this action, it was always a question of when, not whether.

Comment by Original Rambler Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:27 pm
What is it with wealthy people and delusions. Rauners alternate fact universe that he is for employees is not matched by the actual fact that he is demanding health insurance costs be doubleded, benefits reduced, no raises in an economy that is giving raises. reduction in pension and health benefits…. I mean come on, who is more delusional Rauner or Trump

Comment by Ghost Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:37 pm
I have to agree with ILPundit (way up at the top of these comments). The rage from the GOP is very telling. They’re perfectly okay with continuing the impasse indefinitely, because that means they don’t have to vote on the inevitable tax increase.

For far too long, Illinois legislators have been sleepily drifting along, secure in the knowledge that the lights would stay on while they pointed fingers and issued dueling press releases. Now they’re actually going to have to do their jobs, and they don’t like it one bit.

For months now, I’ve been hearing people say that there probably won’t be a budget until Rauner is out of office. The moment that Cullerton and Radogno announced their “grand bargain,” there was a chorus of “pffft, it’ll never pass.” Having no budget had become the “new normal”—a bad situation that wasn’t quite bad enough to do anything about, like a dripping faucet that you mentally tune out. That’s over now.

Comment by tobias846 Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:01 pm
I wonder how much I love Oswego Willy….let me count the ways

Comment by wondering Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:05 pm
I trust that Mike Madigan operates under the highest ethical standards and would never use his family to his political benefit. Never!!

Comment by Not It Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:24 pm
The strategy of dragging this out worked very well when the hostage takers could pick and choose their victims. Did politics come into play here? It wouldn’t surprise me in the least bit. But this has been a constitutional ticking time bomb for months now just waiting to be detonated.

Comment by Pundent Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:30 pm
===…More of a the same from King Madigan.===

Please, add to discussions.

===I wonder how much I love Oswego Willy….let me count the ways.===

You’re the ONE…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:31 pm
===I wonder how much I love Oswego Willy….let me count the ways===

That makes two of you. Him and you. lol.

Just kidding Willy. But “love”? Strong word.

Comment by A guy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:35 pm
“I trust that Mike Madigan operates under the highest ethical standards”

I love how people presume he is corrupt despite the fact that he has been front and center of Illinois politics for 40 years and has had exactly 0 things stick to him.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 2:26 pm
“This has allowed the legislative and executive branches to fail to fulfill their constitutional duties without facing the real threat of a government shutdown.”
So let me see if I get this right. The legislators fail to do their constitutional duties and the repercussions are state employees and vendors not getting paid? While they continue to cry and file suit that their pay was delayed, take time off (vacation and the Senate off for two more weeks), and expect to be the only ones paid for their failures? In the real world each and everyone who failed to do their job would be FIRED. Who else can get away with this? I thought they work for us. Maybe this Attorney General who has no major accomplishments should be seeking options on removing all of the from their positions for failing to perform their fiduciary duties. I am sick of the games of pitting one segment of the population against the other while those responsible continue to get a pass.

Comment by EJPP Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 3:28 pm
OW, Does this stop-pay include pay for preK-12, college and/or university teachers/employees?
Thank you

Comment by MAMA Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 3:42 pm
Would someone please explain how the legislature’s bipartisan partial agreement on a balanced budget become totally disrupt due to the A.G. filing a lawsuit that forces the legislature and the governor to pass a budget to fund the state employees and operational expenses? OW, what am I missing here?

Comment by Mama Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 3:49 pm
- Mama -

It has disrupted anything except put into play a date for a possible state shutdown if the AG’s motion is seen favorably by a judge.

It’s the reality that for some “the game is up”

Also, to your other question, it’s state employees. If they’re state employees then they “could” fall under this, if March 1st arrives with no budget

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 3:54 pm
How can you not love the smartest poster on the board???

Comment by Piece of Work Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 3:58 pm