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“I don’t want you to strike, but we’re probably not going to miss you if you go”

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Illinois

* WHBF TV in the Quad Cities…

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner stopped at the iWireless Center in Moline for a luncheon with members of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce Monday.

Rauner says his administration is trying to cut down on excessive rules that are tough on small businesses. He also focused on his ongoing battle with AFSCME, the largest union of public employees in the state. Rauner has pushed for a different health care plan and a 40-hour work week for union employees.

“These are the kinds of things we’re going to change. We’ve got 20 unions to agree, so far the big union AFSCME has said ‘No, no way’ and they threatened to strike. And I said ‘We’re gonna do this, we have to do this and I hope you don’t strike, I don’t want you to strike, but we’re probably not going to miss you if you go,’ and so they don’t like that,” said Gov. Bruce Rauner, (R) Illinois.

* From the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association…

During the breakdown in [AFSCME] negotiations Governor Rauner has sent out emails and videos to State Employees where he falsely claims to support them whilst blaming others for the impasse. Now that Governor Rauner has clearly shown his true feelings, Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association President Doug House issued the following response:

“Yesterday Governor Rauner showed Illinois exactly what he thinks about State Employees. While he says one thing in Springfield, as soon as he’s back on the campaign stump, he says something different. This is a man who has made it his mission to drive our State into the ground and he doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process.”

Yesterday’s comment was not the first time Rauner indicated an interest in forcing a strike. During the 2014 gubernatorial campaign, Rauner said he wanted to “do what Ronald Reagan did with the air traffic controllers” in state government and “shut things down for a little while”, evoking the firing of nearly 12,000 striking air-traffic controllers in 1981.

House also commented, “Real lives are at stake, and Governor Rauner needs to stop campaigning and start governing. Public employees drive our kids to school. They take care of our seniors citizens and those who can’t fend for themselves. Blaming others for his failures and blocking attempts to fix this problem are not helping.”

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:13 pm

Comments

==we’re probably not going to miss you if you go==

I can relate to that, Governor Rauner.

Comment by AC Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:17 pm
===‘We’re gonna do this, we have to do this and I hope you don’t strike, I don’t want you to strike, but we’re probably not going to miss you if you go,’ and so they don’t like that,” said Gov. Bruce Rauner, (R) Illinois.===

Rauner wants this strike so bad he can taste it…

If AFSCME decides to make this about picketing, chanting, demonstrations, anger… They will lose, Rauner will win.

Rauner knows this too.

Perfect timing too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:22 pm
I can safely say that a lot of people aren’t going to miss you either if you lose in 2018, Bruce.

Comment by A Jack Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:23 pm
“We’re gonna do this, we have to do this and I hope you don’t strike, I don’t want you to strike, but we’re probably not going to miss you if you go,’”

It’s all moot until the appellate court rules on impasse. Probably be half a year. Then ILSC after that.

Sorry Bruce the court said to cool it down in the timeout corner while the adults look things over…

Comment by Union proud Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:27 pm
There were protesters at the event. There were several empty tables too based on the channel 4 video

Comment by David Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:27 pm
If the offer to ASFCME was even close to what the other 20 Union got, we wouldn’t be here would we? Same for the Nurses Union.

Comment by WhoKnew Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:30 pm
===… but we’re probably not going to miss you if you go,’===

There’s a country music song in there, somethin’ about a dog, the last beer, the favorite horse, the Hank Williams, Jr. albums… ‘All that it’ll be left is my boots and a broken heart… but we’re probably not going to miss you if you go,’…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:30 pm
“Rauner has pushed for a different health care plan and a 40-hour work week for union employees.”

No, WHFB, Gov. Gaslight has pushed to double employees’ health care costs and to end restrictions on outsourcing, with the 40-hour demand a distraction to keep people from seeing the real issues. Try to keep up.

Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:33 pm
And if the courts makes you go back to the bargaining table, and you can’t pass a budget, and you’ve passed non of your turnaround agenda what do you have? You’ve simply built up 13 + billion in debt with nothing to show. You will go down as one of the least effective governors in Illinois history.

Comment by Rogue Roni Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:34 pm
“Rauner has pushed for a different health care plan and a 40-hour work week for union employees”

Boy oh boy, that has to be the nicest way of describing what the Guv is trying to do to Afscammy.

“Different” health care plan? What, just a switch from BCBS to Aetna?

And a 40-hour work week?

That’s all the Guv is requiring?

Comment by Henry Francis Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:36 pm
House,”…Governor Rauner needs to stop campaigning and start governing.”

Rauner doesn’t NEED to do anything. He has proven that time and again, and he (according to Dr. Rauner) is having the time of his life NOT governing, but enjoying the heck out of the “non”-campaignin’. The ILGA (both parties if they have any courage at all) needs to Go Around. The media needs to hit over and over and over on the hard questions until you see Rauner’s face take on that “I’ve had enough of this” look (that’s when you might get the more “truthful” answers if he doesn’t just shut down). The Dem candidates for the governorship need to coordinate their messages NOW and save nitpicking each other for closer to the primary. Outside of not being re-elected, what exactly does Rauner have to lose? He doesn’t need to do a thing to keep on winnin’ in his mind. He may have 50 million little friends, but he can’t seem to even make 60 or 30 acquaintances. Let him campaign, but I do expect the ILGA to get a move on and do whatever stop-gapping, bill passing, veto overriding that is now absolutely necessary to keep this state of ours running. Because, the man in the trash can van ain’t gonna do it.

Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:40 pm
Going on strike entails not doing one’s job. Sounds like what he’s been doing since being elected.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:53 pm
The Dem’s and their unions overlords are typically deaf to the protest of their hostages. Rauner is correct in a ham handed way, no better way to illustrate the bloat in the ranks of union Gov’t employees than through a strike.They refused all the offers by the Gov, their bravado and threats will cease when the majority of Illinois gets along quiet well without them.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:54 pm
“their bravado and threats” AFSCME is doing everything in its power to *not* strike. Please keep up.

Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:10 pm
Isn’t amazing on how many questions Rich asks yesterday or the day before, are answered by themselves today. For those old folks out there, reminds me of Carnac the Magnificent.

Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:12 pm
Yes Donnie Elgin, how dare the union not roll over and die like the ILGOP for his Lord Almighty Rauner…

If the contract offered to AFSCME was remotely comparable to what “20 other unions” accepted, a strike authorization vote would never have happened. Also, correct me if I’m wrong, but eliminating subcontracting language that prevents the state from paying more to a private company to do state work than having AFSCME members do it doesn’t seem very conservative, does it?

Comment by Fixer Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:13 pm
The collective ignorance of the Trump/Rauner followers who hate their democratic governments is sad and dangerous. Their disdain for public employees tears at the fabric of a civil society. They have no understanding of how and why local and state services are provided for the collective good of all of us. Rauner and his ilk could last hardly a day without the work of public employees.

Comment by don the legend Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:15 pm
Donnie Elgin: What state in the US had the smallest state workforce per capita in 2015?

Right Illinois! Good guess

What state in the US lost 30% of it’s workforce and recently had a credit agency warn of “service level insolvency”.

Right again! It’s Illinois

Please keep up. There is no bloat. We are well past skeleton crew and now in active collapse.

Please try to keep in mind that you’re talking about real people with real families who work very hard on behalf of all our citizens in this state. I work day in and day out helping the poor, disabled and elderly survive. I also work hard to keep benefits out of the hands of those who don’t qualify. I protect our taxpayers from fraud and abuse. Public Servants are an asset to this state. Judging from your uninformed comments I’m not sure I can say the same for you.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:18 pm
He should let them strike and then do what Reagan did, fire and replace them. There will be a line of applicants a mile long. No one to train them? I’m sure the way they have been doing things for years is messed up.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:20 pm
I’m concerned about Rauners pronouncement. I have been uneasy about the 4th Appellate court decision to stay implementation of the Rauners Last Best and Final. Call me synicle

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:21 pm
===He should let them strike and then do what Reagan did, fire and replace them.===

… except he can’t…

=== There will be a line of applicants a mile long. No one to train them? I’m sure the way they have been doing things for years is messed up.===

Hmm. That swell website asking people to apply wasn’t such a great hit.

You keep telling yourself “you know”…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:24 pm
Okay that was strange. I was trying to correct my last word when it posted. Anyway, I am worried it’s a set up. They fought like hell to get the case to the 4th district then the stay happened. Nope, too easy. I think it was a stall tactic. I can all too easily believe that the boom is about to be lowered and our appeal will be denied. Maybe he’s going to do something to provoke AFSCME. Regardless, I am worried. Anyone else wonder what he’s trying to do?

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:25 pm
Whatever AFSCME gets, social services and higher ed will go without. Even after a tax hike, there’s not going to be enough revenue to go around anyway. Pick your poison.

Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:26 pm
==There will be a line of applicants a mile long==

They aren’t firemen.

Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:28 pm
–Whatever AFSCME gets, social services and higher ed will go without.–

That is such a lie and you know it!

My God that’s infuriating!

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:32 pm
Or maybe this is just typical Rauner gaslighting.
Maybe he’s trying to use the word “strike” to stoke his peeps.
OR
Maybe he knows that Lisa Madigans suit is going to win so he’s trying to trick his people into thinking this is an AFSCME strike and not a Government shutdown?

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:35 pm
Blame the union
Blame Madigan
Blame anyone but himself.

Rauner is the Saboteur!

Sabotage for Profit and Corporation!

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:38 pm
==What state in the US had the smallest state workforce per capita in 2015?==

#Fakenews

All the large states like Illinois - CA, OH, PA, FL, etc - rank near the bottom in FTE govt employees per capita. Furthermore, those same states offer the most expensive compensation packages to their state employees. Could we do better? Of course. Are we some sort of outlier? Hardly.

If it makes you feel any better, Wyoming and Alaska rank near the top. Then again, they don’t have a state income tax.

Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:39 pm
Hold on . . . Hasn’t AFSCME been on strike since last fall? I seem to recall the Guv telling us all about their strike date back then.

Comment by Henry Francis Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:41 pm
=== That is such a lie and you know it! ===

Honeybear, that’s the way they roll, lead by Rauner.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:42 pm
@Honeybear - Is revenue finite or infinite?

We’re going to settle on some higher tax rate sooner or later. Whatever that rate is, it won’t be enough. What one group will get, another will go without.

Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:43 pm
If they year fire all of AFSCME and replace them all with min wagers, your taxes are still going up.

Comment by Rogue Roni Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:46 pm
Wow City Zen, nevermind, you haven’t a clue how it all works. Oh man, I can’t believe you wrote that.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:51 pm
Honeybear, I called the fourth district appellate court for the briefing schedule. Our brief is due 4/21. Rauner response due 5/26. Our reply due 6/9. Oral argument date not set yet. Not sure if it means anything but it seems like a shorter schedule than I expected.

Comment by A non Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:51 pm
HB,

I can be as cynical as anyone but I don’t read much into Rauner’s recent comments. Considering his audience it’s most likely grandstanding. We’re in a good position and he knows it.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:51 pm
I gather he has no clue what his employees do. How can he seriously think that a strike wouldn’t impact anyone? He travels in a caravan of cars that have to be washed, fueled, and maintained. His computer systems have to be functioning. His office phone system has to function. I would mention his office must be cleaned and the power must be on, but those are done by Secretary of State employees. Food stamps must be sent, other aid must be sent, Medicaid must be supported, Foid cards and professional licenses must be sent, insurance companies must be monitored. And on it goes.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:51 pm
I think the abused kids might miss the child welfare investigators. And the disabled people might miss the workers who feed and care for them. And veterans home residents might miss their staff. But since Bruce doesn’t care about state services or anybody who needs them, why should he worry?

Comment by Jeff Park Mom Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:53 pm
Thanks A non. Not sure what it means either. Regardless, I’m worried AND I’m so tired of this crap. I’m terrified that with the slightest push the state workforce will collapse. 5 people just left my office.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:54 pm
“==There will be a line of applicants a mile long==” My agency has had multiple postings go unfilled due to lack of applications.

Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:54 pm
Fire and hire with min wagers LOL. Fire and hire contract workers more money than we got for no service for goodness sake this has been done and has failed over and over again. With the money wasted via court case, via vendor interest, via high paid consultants,via the beautiful people this contract could had been paid and then some. Work on the budget everything else is fear mongering and it’s enough wasted time and effort.

Comment by say what Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:56 pm
Thoughts Matter- Correct. Furthermore what CEO, boss, owner, chairman etc. hates their employees and bad mouths them. Rauner is so bad that his supporters are defending the indefensible.

Comment by don the legend Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 3:56 pm
Open enrollment for health plans is coming up. probably frosts him that he hasn’t been able to implement his terms, or maybe he has some stunt in the hopper for May 1st. Wreck-it Rauner only knows how to smash things apart not how to build our state up.

Comment by Johnnie F. Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:05 pm
Me too. Still frozen at Step 2. Won’t be able to get out of credit card debt if he gets reelected and the freeze lasts until 2023. Working on federal job search.

Thanks A non. Not sure what it means either. Regardless, I’m worried AND I’m so tired of this crap. I’m terrified that with the slightest push the state workforce will collapse. 5 people just left my office.

Comment by A Non Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:11 pm
-don the legend-Rauner is doing what the buy and slash and burn CEO’s do. Divide and conquer. He has played AFSCME like a fiddle. If it weren’t for the courts the union would be in trouble. AFSCME needs to get new leadership or at least someone that is media savvy to get their message to the public. They have failed at that. Rauner is the typical CEO that buys companies, takes out the profits and sell and pockets the cash. He has been trying to do that since elected. I am a retired state worker and support the unions. He is just following the textbook on breaking the union. Honey bear, I support you 100%. Good luck to you and all of us.

Comment by Boat captain Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:21 pm
AFSCME has to angle for an up unfair labor practices strike so they cannot be permanently replaced.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:22 pm
==There will be a line of applicants a mile long.==

Then why are agencies having problems filling empty jobs now?

Comment by Whatever Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:24 pm
ILDCCA press releases are always terrible. Don’t emulate Comptroller Mendoza, President House. Less is more.

Comment by Chairman McBroom Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:33 pm
==Then why are agencies having problems filling empty jobs now?==

Clearly they are offering excessive pay and benefits. Potential applicants feel guilty about applying for unreasonably generous benefits. Once the compensation is slashed people will be lining up to apply. (note this is sarcasm so please don’t sign me up as a member of the dear and glorious leader’s fan club)

Comment by former southerner Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:35 pm
Just a thought some folks might want to consider….

Our current ‘economic recovery’ is well past the typical life span of a typical economic expansion (recovery).

We’re currently at 94 months (and counting), which is the 3rd longest ever. The other two are:

1) 1991 - 2001; 120 months total.
2) 1961 - 1969; 106 months total.
3) 2009 - Current; 94 months to date.

Btw, the 2009 - Current has also been the weakest economic recovery since WWII.

All other recovery time periods are considerably shorter.

The point is that the longer this drags out, the likelihood is the underlying economic conditions will not get better for AFSCME, they will get worse.

You can say the eventual economic downturn hasn’t happened yet, and you would be correct (so far). But I always remember the quote of:

“The event takes longer to occur than anyone expects, but it happens faster than anyone expects.”

Does AFSCME really wants to be negotiating a new 3 year deal in the middle of an economic downturn? Good luck with that.

Comment by Judgment Day Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:36 pm
===Less is more===

Agreed, particularly with that group. Somebody must be getting paid by the word.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:39 pm
===Does AFSCME really wants to be negotiating a new 3 year deal in the middle of an economic downturn? Good luck with that.===

Beats the heck out of not having jobs to negotiate for. Just sayin’.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:40 pm
The most austere contact in AFSCME’S history wasn’t enough for Rauner. The same was true with the nurses, he could’ve made a deal that worked for the employer and the employee, but he wasn’t willing. He could’ve made a budget deal that had Democrats facing the wrath of their constituents but that wasn’t enough for Rauner. Meanwhile, the state, the Governor, is wasting more money refusing to face it’s budget issues in late fees and increased interest costs than AFSCME ever asked for in their starting offer. Conspicuously absent from the mention of other unions is Teamsters health insurance for ProTech workers who are analgous to many AFSCME employees, and conservation police with a no layoff guarantee and the the 12 unions who didn’t accept a pay freeze.

Comment by AC Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:43 pm
–Does AFSCME really wants to be negotiating a new 3 year deal in the middle of an economic downturn? Good luck with that. –

LOL, what negotiating? The other guy said he was done, back in Jan. 2016.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:44 pm
“a new 3 year deal” Well, it’s not like you can change when a contract expires after all. Besides a 3-year deal provides stability…you know, kind of like a budget in a way.

Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:45 pm
==== AFSCME needs to get new leadership or at least someone that is media savvy to get their message to the public. They have failed at that. ====

I’ve been saying this for a long time. If the union would get their agenda and points out to the public the way Rauner gets his out, he would be painted in to a corner.

Comment by Anon921 Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:51 pm
@ City Zen. Why would you say #Fakenews and then go on to report fake news?

Depending on the information source, Illinois is in fact the state with the lowest or second lowest number of state employees per capita depending on the year. Governing Magazine, reporting 2014 data, says Illinois has the second lowest number of state employees per capita.

Source: http://www.governing.com/gov-data/public-workforce-salaries/states-most-government-workers-public-employees-by-job-type.html.

And if you want to talk about overall state spending per capita, Illinois ranks #37. We are less generous than deeply red states like Oklahoma.

Source: http://kff.org/other/state-indicator/per-capita-state-spending/

Rauner prances around telling folks that Illinois is wasting money and implying that state government is the enemy. In fact, Illinois is a pretty decent place and would be even better if the Governor would start governing.

Comment by Scamp640 Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 5:08 pm
Higher Ed workers will get whatever AFCSME gets for health care. Add that 100% increase in out of pocket costs to the furloughs and I am going back to living on SSI and Medicaid, which I used to pay for my college degree. After 25 years of searing the public and the school where I graduated, I won’t be able to maintain what is left of my eyesight to continue working. The “20 other unions” got EITHER the pay freeze OR the health insurance increase, not both.

Comment by Thomas Griffin Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 5:32 pm
–AFSCME has to angle for an up unfair labor practices strike so they cannot be permanently replaced.–

No problem there. Literally a mountain of unfair labor practices. A MOUNTAIN. Plus if I remember correctly during the first TRO the judge had ordered that Rauner not keep communicating to the union members directly. Thanks Terranova, you may have just won our case of unfair labor practices. Not to mention IPI sending out ways to quit the union, and remember the time all state workers personal phone numbers were given to a survey company posing as union friendly survey. I was right there when they called a friend. All labor violations. I could go on forever.

But make no mistake

Nobody wants a strike.

Except Rauner and his lickspittles

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 5:44 pm
The union did a great job in messaging to its members, because leaders told the truth about the contract terms and Rauner to the best of their abilities since Day One. That brought trust. AFSCME beat Rauner soundly on messaging to state workers. Perhaps that’s why JT stopped those deceptive work emails.

Now, will the moderate Republicans who dislike Rauner please stop rolling over and start helping organized labor and everyone else who’s fighting back? Please rise from the proverbial grave and get involved. You are very much needed. Be the “man in the arena.” Thank you.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 5:46 pm
Folks- most of you will say who cares but Scott Walker was interviewed on Cavutos show today- since he passed the labor reforms WS has cut taxes by 8 Billion dollars and yet this year WS has a 21 million budget surplus. On top of that statewide unemployment is 3.7 percent. Complain all you want about what Rauner has tried to do but with WS as a comparison the Dems and the public sector unions are responsible for our problems NOT the Governor

Comment by Sue Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 5:47 pm
WI, not WS.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 5:51 pm
Gee Sue, that Walker guy sounds great!

The 2016 WI individual income tax rates range from 4.0% to 7.65%.

If you make over $22,230, you WI state income tax is $1,094 plus 6.27% on income over $22,230.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 5:57 pm
No kidding sue? Walker gave out only positive talking points without giving all the specifics while on national tv?

Comment by Rogue Roni Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 6:02 pm
Word- throw in the real estate and sales taxes we pay and it’s not close. Live in Lake County and own a 500k house your tax bill is Almost 15 K. Sure our income tax rate is low but maybe you have missed the FACT that we have the highest real estate taxes in the USA and depending where you live in Illinois- the highest sales tax yet we have a multi billion structural budget deficit and the worst funded pension program in the country. Pardon me if I suggest WI is far better off then us with WAlked and a R legislature as opposed to Madigan and his public sector union minions

Comment by Sue Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 6:06 pm
==The 2016 WI individual income tax rates range from 4.0% to 7.65%.==

Yeah, don’t you love when people compare apples to chainsaws and act like they made a point?

Comment by HangingOn Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 6:07 pm
==worst funded pension program==

And it’s the workers fault their pensions were stolen and given to the other taxpayers instead of raising taxes? Silly of them to cause that problem…

Comment by HangingOn Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 6:08 pm
I still say this is overlooked. In an election right now Rauner loses almost all state workers. They are a large voting block and show up on Election Day.

Cater to me Bruce.

Comment by Cleric dcn Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 6:10 pm
But what Rauner is really worried about is

Lisa Madigans lawsuit.

The whole government will shut down.

Rauner loses all his leverage.

That scares the crap out of him.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 6:14 pm
–Word- throw in the real estate and sales taxes we pay and it’s not close.–

LOL, the total state and local tax burdens couldn’t be any closer, according to Forbes.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/erincarlyle/2016/03/21/the-best-and-worst-states-for-taxes-in-2016/#7b879adb6580

If you’re suggesting a Wisconsin tax model that relies more on a progressive income tax than property and sales taxes, I’m all for it.

But I don’t think Rauner will go for it.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 6:16 pm
===But what Rauner is really worried about is

Lisa Madigans lawsuit.

The whole government will shut down.

Rauner loses all his leverage.

That scares the crap out of him.===

This is pretty close to true, but you’re missing the elephant in the room;

Rauner’s whole plan, the house of cards and the ridiculous manner he thinks paying state employees, but not the General Assembly, will be ruled be the courts as unconstitutional.

Even his phony governing will have the courts saying Rauner is wrong.

Big picture, 27 months, just about every governmental maneuver could have the judicial stamp of…

…

“You are wrong”

The rest is the fallout of being wrong for 27 months.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 6:20 pm
“the Dems and the public sector unions are responsible for our problems NOT the Governor”

Rauner has profited massively from public employee pensions for decades, but he’s not part of the so-called problem? Why did Rauner partake so much of collectivism? Who are people kidding? This guy gorges himself at the public trough, but he wants to swat down middle class government workers.

Forget Wisconsin. Last I checked, recently, Wisconsin hasn’t done well with job growth in the last year. Minnesota has a budget surplus, full union rights, higher median incomes and better government investment in its economy.

When I checked many states for different economic factors, red states were worse. The best were states like Massachusetts, Colorado, Washington, etc. We don’t need to bust unions and take away labor rights. There are different ways to make Illinois better, including conservative ideas, but not in the way red states in the region are going about it. They are trying to permanently tilt power toward Rauner types.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 6:25 pm
Sue,

Illinois is #2 in property taxes, and Wisconsin is #5 (see https://taxfoundation.org/how-high-are-property-taxes-your-state/) Wisconsin has a higher (and progressive!) income tax than Illinois.

What else ya got? Any more fake news?

Comment by Ratso Rizzo Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 6:28 pm
@ Honeybear

It’s not Rauner and his lickspittles, it’s Rauner and his perfidious lickspittles. Dang, that sounds like a nightmare chorus group.

Comment by Former hillrod Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 6:34 pm
@Scamp640 - I never denied the rankings, I merely said they lack context.

==Illinois has the second lowest number of state employees per capita.==

First, Governing says state/local numbers are more accurate, so let’s use those. Illinois is still bad (44), but how do similar GDP states rank? PA = 45, OH = 31, FL = 38. NJ also ranks in the bottom half. Are we truly an outlier?

==And if you want to talk about overall state spending per capita, Illinois ranks #37.==

Again, OH and PA aren’t too far away.

Finally, if you examine how state workers are compensated compared to other states, Illinois ranks in the most expensive category in the nation, as do most states like Illinois: http://bit.ly/1SenD47

So is it surprising we don’t hire as many govt workers when we pay them more than pretty much every other state? Should we cut salaries 20% and pump that back into new hires? That would resolve the FTE problem.

Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 6:51 pm
Ratso- as of 2016 Illinois beat out NJ on the highest RE taxes. Isn’t it great being Number 1

Comment by Sue Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 7:01 pm
==And it’s the workers fault their pensions were stolen and given to the other taxpayers instead of raising taxes?==

Stolen? How do you think we paid for your salary increases and health benefits all those years?

Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 7:01 pm
==How do you think we paid for your salary increases and health benefits all those years==

I’ve been a state employee since 2013. Try again.

I barely make enough to have gotten off the medical card. Technically, I could have left my daughter on, but I decided to try to pay on my own rather than let the state pay for all her medical bills without me contributing at all. And being a cancer survivor, the bills are numerous. If I can no longer afford her insurance, guess what I’m going to have to do.

Comment by HangingOn Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 7:14 pm
Honeybear

What you miss in your analysis of Rauner and those who think like him is that he doesn’t feel that there should be any social services! Not to the elderly, poor or children. In his mind, they should get off the couch and take care of themselves. If they can’t, well, they shouldn’t get anything from anyone. So, of course he doesn’t value social services. Disturbing as it might be, there are folks out there who find no value in helping others. Too expensive.

Comment by AnonymousOne Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 7:18 pm
“we paid for your”

I am sure that “we” (meaning the much vaunted taxpayers) includes state employees.

“How do you think we paid for your salary increases and health benefits. . .”

Are you sure that the money that wasn’t paid into the pension was used for “salary increases and health benefits” only. If so, can you please show me your sources.

Comment by #5 Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 7:20 pm
“He should let them strike and then do what Reagan did, fire and replace them. There will be a line of applicants a mile long.”

This is so funny that it’s ridiculous. The max prisons in Illinois are always needing people. Where is that mile long line? Why don’t you jump in line if you want the job?

Comment by Nikolas Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 7:36 pm
Sue,

According to the Tax Foundation (hardly a liberal website), Illinois ranks #20 for Business Tax Climate while your beloved Wisconsin ranks #39 (https://taxfoundation.org/publications/state-business-tax-climate-index/). In the real world, we deal in facts. And when I make an assertion I back it up with evidence (unlike Clowner).

Comment by Ratso Rizzo Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 7:38 pm
CityZen,for years government workers were paid less than private sector workers. Pensions were a way to offset some of that lower pay.

The Gospels of Deregulation, Tax “Reform” and Union-Busting under Reagan began the erosion of Americans’ pay and benefits. Too many people sat on the sidelines as their legislators enabled the gutting of defined benefit pensions. Too many people were deluded by their own greed and self-interest as Washington began shredding FDR’s safety net while corporate welfare $pending exploded. They cheered when a single mother lost her food stamps, but had no problem handing Wal-Mart and the Walton family billion$ in corporate and personal tax breaks.

Now that income inequality is at a record high, you’re all begrudging anyone who has a government job and a pension. Where were all of you when pensions were gutted? Did you organize, contact your legislators, raise a ruckus like people are doing now in response to the Republicans; desire to gut the ACA and Social Security?
Didn’t Jay Gould brag that he could get half of the working class to kill the other half?
Seems like it’s easier to turn the working classes on each other (therefore keeping the pluotOcrats in power), given the resentment shown here.

Comment by Anonv2 Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 4:36 am
“Live in Lake County and own a 500k house your tax bill is Almost 15 K.”

As a State employee who could never earn enough money to afford a 500K house, I find it hard to sympathise. Blaming State employees’ earnings or Government for a one’s own choice to live outside his/her means just doesn’t hold water.

Comment by (Un)Happy Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 6:04 am
- Cubs in ‘16 - Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:40 pm:
===Does AFSCME really wants to be negotiating a new 3 year deal in the middle of an economic downturn? Good luck with that.===

You do realize Rauner gave 3000 dollar bonuses to his people that are not in the union don’t you.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 6:43 am
==own a 500k house==

Wow. I can barely make the payments on my 84k house. 1st world problems….

Comment by HangingOn Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 7:35 am
Predicting the probability factor in his equation, soothsaying

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 8:02 am
@HangingOn - Sorry, I forgot you were Tier 2. Your “stolen” statement read like the typical Tier 1 response to pensions.

I’m actually on your side. I think Tier 2 employees should have a separate and higher pay schedule (or better health benefits) than Tier 1 because their pensions are worse. Freeze Tier 1 because they directly benefited from the state short-changing the pensions.

Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 8:16 am
“Lines a mile long” I doubt anyone will want to work for an employer who is constantly bashing and demoralizing his current workforce. Not to mention the fact that if,Rauner gets another term he will then come after more from the new employees. See, even the public sees thru Rauners bull.

Comment by Generic Drone Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 8:31 am
City Zen - Alaska & Wyoming don’t have income taxes … because they have gas / coal tax that is paid by out of state consumers of their export. People like you and me.

Comment by Smitty Irving Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 8:38 am
Lost in this dialog is the favorable contract AFSCME previously had. It is so favorable that there is little complaint, nor incentive to renegotiate it. It is impossible to fire anyone and there are positions in the union that simply do not belong there. Rauner is correct in negotiating more favorable terms and the contract is clearly at an impasse. To think otherwise after two years is equally ridiculous. Can we please get to best and final, so that AFSCME workers can decide on if they want to strike or not. To draw this out is wasteful in and of itself. If AFSCME feels it is unfair, then strike…if not then don’t…but please stop the wasteful legal spending to maintain the status quo.

Comment by Mod Dem Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 8:56 am
@CityZen
Tier 2 should not receive anything better than Tier 1 simply because they started later. As I mentioned before, I will gladly dump my Tier 1 pension for the right deal. (Pay out, increases, etc.) I believe many would agree, as there will not be any Tier 1 pension funds for us in 20-25 years.

Comment by ComeTogether Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 8:57 am
==Big picture, 27 months, just about every governmental maneuver could have the judicial stamp of…

“You are wrong”==

As usual OW is able to see the forest through the trees. Nobody denies that Illinois was in a world of trouble before Rauner came on the scene. But Rauner has simply made it worse. He’s done so through decisions and actions that are rooted in ideology and often at odds with the law. The only thing that’s keeping Rauner’s efforts from cratering is the time it takes for these issues to work their way through the judicial system (which in and of itself is very unfortunate).

“You are wrong” will be the legacy of the Rauner tenure. And those of us who are left we’ll be picking up the tab.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 9:04 am
=== It is so favorable that there is little complaint, nor incentive to renegotiate it.===

… except that the contract expired and by not supporting Quinn and now facing Rauner, the incentive is… getting the next contract.

=== It is impossible to fire anyone and there are positions in the union that simply do not belong there.===

… yet, people do get fired, so it’s not impossible, and arguing who belongs in a union, to collectively bargain, that’s up for discussion for those within the union(?)

===Rauner is correct in negotiating more favorable terms…===

Opinion, not a fact. Favorable here as you use it is an opinion.

===. To think otherwise after two years is equally ridiculous.===

Rauner has refused to negotiate. Please keep up, “Mod Dem”

===Can we please get to best and final, so that AFSCME workers can decide on if they want to strike or not. To draw this out is wasteful in and of itself===

Yet, it’s Rauner continually going to court, instead of negotiating. Your lack of frustration, and looking at the only solution, it appears, is to break Labor is noted.

===…maintain the status quo.===

Oh “Mod Dem”, that’s adorbs.

The Raunerite “status quo” talking point is quite delicious, lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 9:06 am
@CityZen
All Tier 1 employees have not benefited. I’ve only been with the State since 2013 and am a Tier 1. Years of service from another sector transferred in to bump me into it. I know where you are coming from but not all Tier 1 employees have been with the state for years…

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 9:10 am
I want to start a blog where I can talk to people and have them respond to my blogs. Not myspace or facebook. I tried blogger but the only blogs I could find were about global warming and guns. I want some where that I can open an account and say what I feel and people respond to my blogs and I can respond to theres. If anyone could help me that would be great!.

Comment by Eli Biasotti Friday, Apr 21, 17 @ 12:12 am