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Rauner explains his fundraising letter

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* WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky interviewed Gov. Bruce Rauner this week. You really should click here to read the whole thing, but here’s an excerpt…

AV: You just sent out a fundraising letter that says Illinois residents deserve “a balanced budget without any tax increases.” At the same time, you said you want the grand bargain, which contains a tax increase, to pass and it’s closed. So which is it?

BVR: I introduced a balanced budget my first two months in office, and it had no new revenue, no new tax increases and had spending cuts. I was ignored, and the majority and the general assembly have said they don’t want to cut much, if at all, and they would rather support a tax hike. I’ve said I’ll go for new taxes, so amount of new revenue democrats are recommending. If we’re going to do that, we need structural change to make sure—

AV: That’s not what your fundraising letter said. It said without any tax increases—

BVR: No, that would be the first choice. The first choice is always that. But if we can’t do that, and the democrats have made it clear they won’t cut enough to balance the budget, they want new revenue. I said I’ll go along but only if we have structural changes to grow new jobs, because if all we do is raise taxes, we might have a balanced budget for one year, but within two or three years, we’ll be unbalanced again because we’ve done nothing to slow down government spending. And our economy has been flat. We’ve basically created no new jobs for 17 years. We have to change that or our budgets will never stay balanced.

Getting him to answer a question is not easy. At all.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:29 pm

Comments

— and the democrats have made it clear they won’t cut enough to balance the budget —

Isn’t this the same governor whose agency heads couldn’t identify even one area to cut?

Comment by Fiercely Independent Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:36 pm
Regarding the whole thing:
An obvious case of grade inflation

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:37 pm
=I introduced a balanced budget my first two months in office…=

Um, wot? Define “balanced.” No smoke and mirrors allowed. No phony savings from non-existent pension reforms.

Comment by MSIX Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:38 pm
He did answer the question. There’s two options he’ll accept:

1. Balanced budget with no new taxes.

2. Balanced budget with some new taxes, but also significant economic reform.

Comment by Political Animal Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:41 pm
Political Animal - And what significant economic reform has the governor every proposed?

Comment by Whatever Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:42 pm
He expects the Democrats to determine how high taxes need to go or to suggest specific cuts. That’s never going to happen. No wonder this is taking so long.

Do your job Governor.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:44 pm
Bald-faced lie. His first budget proposal did not identify all the cuts that would make it balanced without new taxes. He had a $3.1B fudge factor in it, with no legal basis or possibility. Without publicly admitting it, that was Rauner’s way to account for the required tax increase, if he got his overall deal done.

He’s even in more of a hole now.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:46 pm
=I introduced a balanced budget my first two months in office…=

And that budget plan of his had a 32% cut for higher education. And it also relied on all kinds of funny money that wasn’t really there. I wonder if the Governor remembers that?

Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:46 pm
- Political Animal -

The only way your logic works is if you see Rauner holding the state hostage, and it’s good he’s doing it.

Otherwise, you make no sense and nothing was answered.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:52 pm
You have to admire his message disipline. This Governor will say and do ANYTHING to avoid proposing new revenue and to prevent HIS name going on a tax increase.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:53 pm
There are plenty of cuts in Rauner’s budget democrats don’t like. As the Governor says they don’t want to cut anything.

Therefore democrats support higher taxes than Governor Rauner does. Democrats are indisputably pushing for higher taxes on middle class Illinois families.

Just yesterday the House passed a 60 million dollar taxpayer funded abortion bill that was not that must be paid for through a tax increase.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:53 pm
Rauner’s complete fabricated narrative is only a bit less embarrassing than the costumes Rauner wears to try to sell his nonsense.

The rest of this is drivel.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:55 pm
More of his effective messaging strategy…likes, platitudes, things that sound good on paper. Depending on the day, he talks about a lot of things people wants. Anything to distract from his actions. It is really amazing…this morning I’m working with Democrats and the Grand Bargain is close (news to the Senate Democrats), This afternoon I’m fighting the Democrats to stop them from increasing your taxes. Tonight I want to borrow money we don’t have to do a capital bill. Now people are talking about higher education reform (though I deny it was my plan). His ability to say all of this with a straight face is incredible. They must laugh until they cry when the make these things up.

Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:56 pm
Lame duck.
Cant win Cook.
Cant win So. IL
Cant win Central IL
Soooo………yeah. *that*

Comment by Team Warwick Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:57 pm
I think she asked really good questions. Too bad he did not nor never does answer in specifics. Plus extra points for her asking about the missing g

Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:57 pm
LP: And a large capitol plan will be paid for by, what? Bake sales?

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:58 pm
Capital plans are usually paid for by bond issues but if you want to have a bake sale that is a new idea worthy of consideration

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:01 pm
At least he talks to reporters, unlike the Speaker who is allergic to microphones.

Comment by Not It Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:03 pm
He shouldn’t be “explaining” it in the first place. It was a silly claim, of course, but it was a fundraising letter, that’s the coin of the realm.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:04 pm
===Capital plans are usually paid for by bond issues but if you want to have a bake sale that is a new idea worthy of consideration===

1) Rauner doesn’t have a Capital Plan, he has a sentence masquerading as a Capital Plan

2) The bonding houses say “budget first” before the ratings approve. You advocate paying higher rates Rauner’s Administration caused. That’s fun.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:06 pm
===There are plenty of cuts in Rauner’s budget democrats don’t like. As the Governor says they don’t want to cut anything===

That’s untrue.

While testifying to Committees, both Rauner’s Budget Director and agency heads refused to name ANY cuts.

===Therefore democrats support higher taxes than Governor Rauner does. Democrats are indisputably pushing for higher taxes on middle class Illinois families.===

The Rauner Tax, signed by Rauner, will be priceless. You may need meds.

===Just yesterday the House passed a 60 million dollar taxpayer funded abortion bill that was not that must be paid for through a tax increase.===

“Just yesterday” Diana and Bruce’s hypocrisy faced one more vote closer to proving Rauner’s social agenda.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:09 pm
===Capital plans are usually paid for by bond issues but if you want to have a bake sale that is a new idea worthy of consideration===

LOL, is that you Governor?

The people who purchase these bonds expect to be paid, with interest. So until you figure out a funding source to pay back the borrowed money, plus the extra juice for driving the state’s credit rating into the toilet, you better propose some new taxes to cover the cost of borrowing for construction.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:12 pm
LP: And bonds are paid off by … bake sales? Tell you what, give us some tangible, peer-reviewed facts that the TA will work and I’ll shut up. And by that, I mean impartial and objective facts that support the TA. Bashing the Democrats doesn’t count. I’ll bet you can’t. In fact I’m certain of it. You certainly have avoided even trying thus far.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:13 pm
==Isn’t Illinois in a worse situation than when you came in?

I would say not==

Crain’s, the ratings agencies and mathematics say otherwise.

Comment by AC Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:14 pm
If we legalized edibles, and directed the proceeds to capital plan bonds could that be considered a bake sale? /s

Comment by AC Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:30 pm
Rauner needs the voters to give him the benefit of the doubt in his war against Madigan. Voters know that things are worse now than before Rauner took office, Rauner needs the voters to not blame him for that. But his casual relationship with the truth, in evidence throughout that interview, gives his opposition repeated opportunities to erode that trust. You can’t erode trust in Rauner overnight, it has to be a repetitive effort, but once it’s gone it’s gone. Rauner, with all these politically expedient whoppers and outright lies, it making it easy on the Democrats. Let’s see if they ever figure out how to do this right.

Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:30 pm
===If we legalized edibles, and directed the proceeds to capital plan bonds could that be considered a bake sale? /s===

If we have it in the morning, can we call it the “wake and bake” sale?

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:31 pm
All I can hear is Charlie Brown’s teacher.

Comment by Flynn's mom Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:35 pm
==There are plenty of cuts in Rauner’s budget==

We wouldn’t know because he can’t tell anyone what they are.

You are a good soldier if nothing else.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:38 pm
Bake sales to help shake up Springfield – shake n’ bake!

Comment by Archiesmom Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:38 pm
Go Amanda!!!

This was my favorite question whic Rauner completely ignored-

Would you send your kid to one of these schools if you knew it wasn’t going to be around?

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 4:51 pm
Have been a huge fan of Amanda for a long time. This snippet only reinforces why I’ve been a big fan.

Keep at it, Ms. Vininicky

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:04 pm
Amanda, my phone got carried away with spelling your name.

My apologies.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:08 pm
LP, we will all shut up if you give quantifiable return on investment of the TA. So far you haven’t been able to do that with even term limits. And don’t start railing on and on about how bad its been in the past, that doesn’t count as an answer. We are all waiting for a simple answer as we have always been.

Comment by Former hillrod Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:13 pm
==I’ve said I’ll go for new taxes, so amount of new revenue democrats are recommending.==

This is why we can’t have nice things. Rauner does not want to own any of the pain that will come with balancing the budget. Any pain needs to be owned by the Democrats.

For a budget to pass, both sides will need to agree to, and take ownership of, the pain.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:19 pm
This interview confirms that you don’t have to be a genius to become a billionaire—just focused and unscrupulous.

Comment by Ratso Rizzo Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:30 pm
Quantifiable data is all you need?

To quote President Obama on some of his promises, you will save $2,500 a year. The federal debt will be reduced once Obamacare kicks in. How’s that for the reliability of quantifiable data? You are looking for an excuse to keep Illinois on the same path we are on which 90 percent of Illinois reject

Another way to quantify Rauner’s suggestions would be to compare economic growth in those states who adopted the policies to Illinois lackluster growth.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:45 pm
Once again, am I living in an alternate reality where an Illinois governor doesn’t have line-item veto authority? And guess what governors always have to do to get their budgets passed… they have to work with people and get done what is doable. I never thought in my days I would see a governor actually worse than Blago. Mission accomplished, governor. Mission accomplished.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:48 pm
- Lucky Pierre -

===To quote President Obama…===

We’re talking about Bruce Rauner.

===You are looking for an excuse to… ===

No, you’re looking for anything to deflect from 1.4% or $500+ million as THE measurable the Rauner Administration says his Turnaround Agenda actually “is”

But, again, you already know that.

===Another way to quantify Rauner’s suggestions would be to compare economic growth in those states who adopted the policies to Illinois lackluster growth===

Actually, no. What states have the 3rd largest media market, is the 5th largest state and is an agricultural leader… that’s also in the midst of squeezing social services and possibly closing state universities.

No, you lost that argument 2 years ago.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:50 pm
Further proof - if any is needed - that there is no substitute for journalists who have spent time in Springfield.

Comment by peon Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:51 pm
- How’s that for the reliability of quantifiable data? -

At least it’s a number that can be measured against, or do you not know what quantifiable means?

What is the minimum age to be a Rauner superstar, 12?

Comment by Daniel Plainview Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:51 pm
OW you and Speaker Madigan are looking for an excuse to do nothing but keep Illinois on same wrong path we have been on for decades.

Admit it, he does. Nothing he likes in the Grand Bargain

Can’t wait to see what the Democrats are going to run on, that should be interesting.

Springfield is working just great reelect us, we won’t change a thing

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:57 pm
–Springfield is working just great reelect us, we won’t change a thing–

Well, the governor does give himself an “A.”

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:59 pm
“Who says “Hunting?” You say “huntin’.”…”

Nobody I know says “huntin’”. We learned to speak grammatically at our public schools.

What a rube.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 5:59 pm
You guys really don’t think Rauner wants any cuts?

Pension cuts
Afscme pay cuts
Government consolidation cuts
workers comp reductions

to name a few, there are many, many more

there are a ton of cuts, you are losing what little credibility you have left by arguing Rauner did not propose any cuts.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 6:00 pm
===you and Speaker Madigan===

Don’t make it about me, make an argument.

===Admit it, he does. Nothing he likes in the Grand Bargain===

It was Rauner himself that blew up the Grand Bargain, ask Leader Radogno.

This is the first time today you are being reminded that, unequivocally, it was Rauner who blew up the Grand Bargaim, something you indeed already know.

===Can’t wait to see what the Democrats are going to run on, that should be interesting===

“Bruce Rauner failed” - it’s worked. Ask Candidate Rauner.

===Springfield is working just great reelect us, we won’t change a thing===

Twice above you say people don’t want “anything” changed.

Rauner has yet to get “anything” to 60 and 30.

When Rauner gets 60 and 30, then you have an argument.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 6:02 pm
I’m a big fan of Amanda, but she let Rauner squeeze by claiming he submitted a balanced budget his first year. He did not. LP read your State Constitution. It isn’t up to the legislature to propose a budget. It is the Governor’s responsibility. 27 months in, he still hasn’t done so.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 6:05 pm
===Pension cuts
Afscme pay cuts
Government consolidation cuts
workers comp reductions===

Pension cuts - Pesky Comstitution…
Afscme pay cuts - Destroy Labor
Government consolidation cuts - Slip and Sue’s project, where’s 60 and 30
workers comp reductions - doable, but why won’t Rauner cobble 60 and 30 to embarrass Madigan and Cullerton.

What else?

Take your time, you can name them.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 6:05 pm
–You guys really don’t think Rauner wants any cuts?–

The governor is obviously a huge fan of cuts to higher ed and to not paying money owed to state contractors.

He might not say so, but I can tell by his actions.

Like he said, the things he can control, he gives himself an “A.”

And he exercised that control by vetoing appropriations for those responsibilities, while not doing so for others.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 6:11 pm
“Pension cuts
Afscme pay cuts
Government consolidation cuts
workers comp reductions”

AFSCME cuts are the only thing he has done in a quantifiable manner. We’ve seen no Rauner plan on pensions, worker’s comp, or government consolidation, and worker’s comp and government consolidation don’t save the State money, they save private businesses and local governments money.

Comment by Pelonski Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 6:13 pm
Lucky Pierre:

Can you (since the governor has not) explain the immediate benefit to tying term limits to a state budget?

Can you specifically (since the governor has not) identify any factual numbers that demonstrate he has ever submitted a balanced budget? (hint: just because he says he has does not make it so)

How about this: Can you (see above) enumerate - rationally and with supporting facts - how, in the name of Danish physicist Niels Bohr, tying “business-friendly” reforms unrelated to a spending plan has been in any way productive/progressive/beneficial to the state of Illinois?

Must be nice being non-union, financially set and drinking message-flavored Kool-Aid. Please answer. We’ll wait.

Comment by Political Agnostic Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 6:26 pm
Here’s a handy site for select state economic and fiscal information and comparisons.

Illinois economic growth is running at 2.6%, above the national average of 1.9%, and a touch above our neighboring states.

http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/compare_state_spending_2017bZ0a

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 6:37 pm
Ducky believes the budget can be line item vetoes into balance. Total falsehood. He need the cooperation of the legislature. How is is that overlooked?

Of course he has explained term limits. They are supported by 80 percent of Illinois voters and legislators are ignoring the will of the people.

Governor Rauner, like every other previous Governor has used the budget to force compromise. He has moved off his many positions. The Democrats have not.

Why do you ignore the Governor would support revenue to balance the budget provided a handful of reforms that would save the state money were enacted.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 6:41 pm
===Governor Rauner, like every other previous Governor has used the budget to force compromise===

… then by this, your own admission, Rauner is holding, personally, the state hostage, for something.

So, quit blaming others, you just told us, Rauner is forcing this.

No more Madigan. You just lost that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 6:44 pm
===Why do you ignore the Governor would support revenue to balance the budget provided a handful of reforms that would save the state money were enacted===

Revenue is not a give, Recenue is required. Rauner requires revenue to balance his own budgets.

This is the first time today you are being reminded about math, it’s properties, and that required revenues can’t, by math, be a give.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 6:45 pm
@LP
So if he needs the cooperation of the legislature, why has he done nothing but demonize them?

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 6:49 pm
@ Lucky Pierre: Peer-reviewed research suggests that term limits will actually INCREASE state spending.

http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1532673X12461270

Simply use the googles and type in:

“impact of term limits on budgets”

Legislators will be “in it for a good time, not a long time.” That means without the pressure of re-election, legislators are more likely to open up state coffers to fund pork barrel projects in their home districts. Additionally, novice legislators will become increasingly reliant on un-elected lobbyists to help them craft legislation. Term limits can actually be less democratic. Ironic, no? But why else do you think Rauner supports this Turnaround Agenda item?

Comment by Scamp640 Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 7:12 pm
LP- don’t be afraid just answer one question- why hasn’t the governor proposed a real balanced budget.

He says that is what he wants.

Don’t be afraid, it is ok, the blog is a safe place.

Answer the question.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 7:16 pm
L.P.

Term limits don’t save money or balance the budget.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 7:26 pm
And this is why he avoids nonscripted discourse with the media. He lied about his agenda during the campaign, and he is lying about wanting a balanced budget. The State of Illinois is his vanity project; his his way of showing his friends that he can impose his worldview on an entire state. Dr. Frankenstein.

Comment by illinoised Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 8:15 pm
” He has moved off his many positions. ”
He sure has.

Then he moved back on.
Then off again.
Back on. Off. On

Because there’s no deal he actually wants.

Full and total capitulation. Or nothing.

Or he walks off in a year and a half just as filthy rich as he came in

Comment by Morty Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 8:31 pm
The career legislators who have not balanced a budget in over a decade should be defended at all costs. The Governor who is trying to reform our broken government should be opposed at all costs.

Pretty much sums up your position Demoralized

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 8:33 pm
===career legislators who have not balanced a budget in over a decade should be defended at all costs. The Governor who is trying to reform our broken government should be opposed at all costs.===

If you don’t understand that we have term limits, they’re called elections, making up phony reasons for term limits isn’t making an argument.

Rauner isn’t a hero, Rauner is purposely destroying Illinois for an Agenda that has no measurable return but 1.4% or $500+ million, according TO the Governor himself.

You can’t make up what you’d like others’ positions to be, that’s not how adults argue.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 8:39 pm
===The career legislators who have not balanced a budget in over a decade should be defended at all costs. The Governor who is trying to reform our broken government should be opposed at all costs.===

Then why is your boy hiring career legislators like Don Moffitt to serve in his administration?

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:04 pm
=The Governor who is trying to reform our broken government should be opposed at all costs.=

Reform it by proposing a series of budgets that in total were more than $13 billion OUT of balance?

That is a brave attempt at reform.

Any attempt at answering why Rauner cannot propose a balanced budget?

Here is a new one…why is Rauner saying he wants to shake things up, but per your numerous statements just maintaining the status quo of unbalanced budgets?

Just curious.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:55 pm
Illinoised at 8:15 is spot on!

Comment by Blago's Hare Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 10:09 pm
wordslinger at 6:37> great site, and hey our neighbor states are RTW too, imagine that.

Comment by Living it daily Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 11:07 pm
Pants on Fire, governor.

Comment by Aldyth Thursday, Apr 27, 17 @ 7:06 am
==Pretty much sums up your position Demoralized==

First, argue like an adult. Second, stating that term limits don’t save money or balance the budget isn’t a defense of anything. It’s stating a fact.

More dishonesty from you

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Apr 27, 17 @ 7:34 am
A parody / tribute to our fellow Illinois politicians (So who should play Groot?):

Rauner: I have a plan.
Madigan: You’ve got a plan? Okay, first of all, you’re copying me from when I said I had a plan.
Rauner: I’m not copying you. I have a plan, that’s not that unique of a thing to say.
Madigan: And secondly, I don’t think you even have a plan.
Rauner: I have part of a plan.
Cullerton: What percentage of a plan do you have?
Radogno: You don’t get to ask questions after the nonsense you pulled on Capitol Hill!
Cullerton: I just saved Rauner!
Rauner: We’ve already established that you destroying the budget is not saving me!
Cullerton: When did we establish that?
Rauner: Like three seconds ago!
Cullerton: Well I wasn’t listening then, I was thinking of something else…
Madigan: She’s right, you don’t get an opinion… What percentage?
Rauner: I dunno… Twelve percent?
Madigan: Twelve percent?
[starts laughing]
Rauner: That’s a fake laugh.
Madigan: It’s real!
Rauner: Totally fake!
Madigan: That is the most real, authentic, hysterical laugh of my entire life because THAT IS NOT A PLAN!
Radogno: It’s barely a concept.
Rauner: [to Radogno] You’re taking their side?
Groot: I am Groot.
Madigan: So what, “It’s better than eleven percent!” What the hell does that have to do with anything?
Rauner: [to Groot] Thank you Groot, thank you. See? Groot’s the only one of you who has a clue.
Groot: [Groot begins to chew on a leaf protruding from his shoulder]

Comment by Invincible Overlord Thursday, Apr 27, 17 @ 3:43 pm