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* The Civic Federation carefully analyzes state budget proposals every year. So, while you may think this is a bit late to the game, it’s actually about right on time, considering the ongoing budget talks in the Senate…
The Civic Federation on Tuesday blasted Gov. Bruce Rauner’s recommended budget in a report that say it relies on “uncertain savings, one-time revenues” and the passage of the always in flux Illinois Senate “grand bargain” plan — while also blaming lawmakers for a “spectacular failure” for not enacting a budget.
The Civic Federation’s Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability on Tuesday said it can’t support Rauner’s budget because it has an operating deficit of $4.6 billion and doesn’t address the state’s backlog of bills. The group also cites concern over the reduction of pension contributions by $1.25 billion and the reduction of group insurance payments and nursing home placements caused by a new at-home care program for seniors not eligible for Medicaid.
The group also warns that “one-time resources” from the sale of the James R. Thompson Center may do nothing for next year’s budget and shouldn’t be used to help balance the budget. The governor last week said he hoped the sale would provide “long-term” help for the state — saying he supports Republican-sponsored measured to send property tax revenue from the site to Chicago Public Schools.
Rauner in February presented his proposal that presses for revenue, reforms and cuts to fill a gaping hole. But it was deemed “balanced” by the state’s budget director because it was reliant on the Senate plan passing. Within the budget proposal is a mixture of spending cuts, revenue and projected economic growth to try to reach a magic number of nearly $4.6 billion. The administration said in February it was seeking to fill the remaining $2.7 billion plus by getting legislative authority to make cuts. In terms of the state’s massive debt, state budget director Scott Harry said “the governor would be open to financing” to get the backlog down.
Declaring that budget to be balanced when it obviously was not was one of the biggest tactical mistakes the governor’s office made this year.
* With emphasis added, here is the Civic Federation’s press release…
For nearly two years, Illinois has operated without a comprehensive budget, during which time the State’s credit rating has fallen to near-junk status and unpaid bills have continued to climb. Judicial mandates, full-year appropriations for elementary and secondary education and the questionable payment of State employees without appropriations have removed pressure on lawmakers to compromise on a full spending plan.
“Operating Illinois on autopilot is not a solution, nor is it sustainable. Rather, it represents an abdication of the most basic constitutional responsibilities of proposing and passing a balanced budget,” said Civic Federation President Laurence Msall. “The Governor and General Assembly need to end this unacceptable stalemate by passing and enacting a comprehensive plan. Cherry-picking certain areas of government to fund while pledging to work toward a complete budget sometime in the abstract future has not and will not end the crisis and in fact is making it worse.”
Unfortunately, Governor Bruce Rauner’s recommended budget for FY2018 does not offer a sufficiently detailed plan to address the State’s immense financial problems. To close the deficit of $4.6 billion, it relies on uncertain savings, one-time revenues and a bipartisan agreement in the Illinois Senate, the provisions of which are in flux and likelihood of passage is unclear.
Further, the Federation cannot support a budget proposal that would allow the backlog of unpaid bills to increase to $19.7 billion if the gap is not closed. Because of the backlog, the State begins each fiscal year in a hole, using revenues from the current year to pay off the previous year’s obligations. A $19.7 billion backlog at the end of FY2018 would represent more than half (58.1%) of estimated FY2019 General Funds revenues.
The Civic Federation continues to recommend a comprehensive plan including spending restraints and increased revenues. Spending controls are at the center of the Federation’s plan, but significantly more revenue is needed to help reduce the deficit in FY2017 and close the gap in FY2018 without drastically changing the scope of State government.
The full report can be read by clicking here.
…Adding… Greg Hinz…
In fact, [Msall] continued, the situation has gotten so bad that the state now has to spend the first six months’ worth of revenues paying off bills that accumulated in the prior year.
Let that sink in a bit.
*** UPDATE *** From the Pritzker campaign…
“Illinois needs a leader who can bring people together to put an end to this budget crisis,” said JB Pritzker. “While Bruce Rauner has decided to hold the state hostage for his teardown agenda, millions are suffering the consequences and future generations will inherit the mess he’s created. As governor, I will propose a balanced budget to protect middle class families and get Illinois back on track.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 9:20 am
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But, Rauner is a fiscal conservative who ran a campaign criticizing Quinn for credit downgrades and a 4 billion backlog in unpaid bills. How could this be?
I’d like to see some more Republicans call Rauner out on his radicalism…ignoring the constitution and refusing to budget.
Comment by taxation = civilization Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 9:32 am
Rauner doesn’t want a budget if it helps his political enemies. He wants everyone to suffer the consequences of failed government, so that only he gains complete control over everyone when it all collapses. This is how he made himself filthy rich, and planned to govern from Day One.
His supporters hope that Rauner will offer them enough scraps from Illinois’ implosion to make ends meet and satisfy dreams of revenge. They want to see the dependents cry, learn lessons and become independent.
Rauner doesn’t want to see anyone win. He doesn’t want compromises. He wants Illinois to crash, then turn to him after we’ve exhausted every credit line, resourse and course of action.
He is the persistent rascal shaking up Illinois.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 9:39 am
Rauner isn’t the wolf at our door, but the guy rooting for the wolf to break down our door and eat his enemies.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 9:47 am
“The group also warns that “one-time resources” from the sale of the James R. Thompson Center may do nothing for next year’s budget and shouldn’t be used to help balance the budget.”
And I thought the governor hates duct-tape solutions.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 9:47 am
What is Rauner doing today with that duct tape? Oh, he’s busy taping copies of the Civic Federation report shut.
Sit the boys and girls of the GA in a room and force them to read this report.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 9:53 am
Grim as they are, it is a true pleasure to see real numbers used in talking about Illinois’ financial status.
Comment by Earnest Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 9:53 am
Not as much a “spectacular failure” as “disastrous strategy.”
Comment by walker Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 9:54 am
==Rauner isn’t the wolf at our door, but the guy rooting for the wolf to break down our door and eat his enemies.==
While you were barricading the door from the wolf, did you realize you already invited the vampire inside?
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 9:56 am
I wish the Federation also had taken apart the grand bargain as it exists in the Senate bills. But in reality its a moving target so that is difficult to do.
Comment by Rod Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 10:01 am
It’s not a failure. The governor is achieving what he can within the constraints of court orders and the Dem majority in the GA.
With his veto power, the governor is achieving the objectives of reducing severely the state role in higher ed and social services while creating huge operating deficits to ensure that they can’t be restored in the future.
Sen. Radogno clued us in long ago on “squeeze the beast” for the “necessary shakeout.” This is it.
By his own estimates, Rauner’s “reforms” would generate an additional $500M in state revenue. You don’t set a path to increase operating deficits to $19B for $500M. That would be insane.
Rauner’s not insane, he’s following a rational path to the goals he can achieve. He’s just dishonest about it in his rhetoric, but his actions reveal the truth.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 10:04 am
To the Post,
First, this…
===Declaring that budget to be balanced when it obviously was not was one of the biggest tactical mistakes the governor’s office made this year.===
Agreed. You can’t argue honesty in numbers and budgeting when everyone, partisan, non-partisan, even media outlets can’t ignore… math. This also flies in the face of “status quo budgets”. The governor’s own numbers completely refute any premise that this unbalanced proposal is the ending of the status quo.
You could hear the balloon deflate when respected people had to actually pretend that numbers lie and math isn’t a fair measure to look at a budget.
Biggest tactical error that has aided all the Rauner critics.
Here is textbook “restaurant-quality”
===“Operating Illinois on autopilot is not a solution, nor is it sustainable. Rather, it represents an abdication of the most basic constitutional responsibilities of proposing and passing a balanced budget,” said Civic Federation President Laurence Msall. “The Governor and General Assembly need to end this unacceptable stalemate by passing and enacting a comprehensive plan. Cherry-picking certain areas of government to fund while pledging to work toward a complete budget sometime in the abstract future has not and will not end the crisis and in fact is making it worse.”===
Talk about addressing the issues, what’s exacerbating the problem, how the continued problem is enabled, AND… the flat out only solution… so deliciously good.
I’ll stop there for now, but geez Louise, that’s where the rubber is hitting the road…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 10:11 am
Bruce didn’t just blow a hole in the budget…he tied it to a cinderblock and threw it in the river.
Comment by Jocko Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 10:30 am
>Rauner’s not insane, he’s following a rational path to the goals he can achieve. He’s just dishonest about it in his rhetoric, but his actions reveal the truth.
In some ways, that’s a pity, because it overshadows his accomplishments, which are staggering. I would never have imagined a politician could win the office, take full control over the legislators in his party, create such positive messaging, damage the opposing party, increase the number of seats in the General Assembly, decimate higher education with an outcry specifically against him or his party, same with human services, push out vendor payments, and have potential to gain control of the next map. He has the skills, the resources, the discipline and willingness to put int he work to achieve it.
I’ve stated my preferences for real numbers and a planful approach to higher education, the human service system, cuts, revenue, etc. But in terms of political reality in Illinois, perhaps Rauner’s way is the only way progress (is that the right word) could be made.
That’s not to say I find his actions anything less than deplorable, but I find him absolutely amazing and brilliant.
Comment by Earnest Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 10:30 am
“Grandson”
Rauner isn’t using duct-tape solutions.
He’s using DUCK-tape solutions.
Comment by WhoKnew Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 10:31 am
If Rauner can’t get 30/60 on any of his proposals, then he needs to be called on not dropping them. Madigan isn’t the problem, 30/60 is.
Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 10:38 am
“Sen. Radogno clued us in long ago on “squeeze the beast” for the “necessary shakeout.” This is it.”
But I thought both sides are to blame. Impasse, impasse, impasse!
I give credence to the “squeeze the beast” motive because Rauner made his budget demands so unpalatable to Democrats that he and those involved in crafting them had to have known they would be rejected. It’s no accident or rookie mistake. Rauner is too smart to not know this. “Squeeze the beast” is being accomplished behind the cover of unreasonable demands.
If Rauner agrees to a budget deal now it’s to save his political hide. He’d be running for reelection without passing a budget, which is likely too risky. This I believe from experience. The only reason Rauner is “Bruce,” the friend of state employees is to save himself politically. If state employees stop getting paid because of a court decision, it would likely blow his hostage plan apart and force him to deal. “Bruce” really wants to stick the shiv of harsh cuts and union-busting in state employees’ backs.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 10:44 am
The Civic Federation membership, in case you didn’t know, are the CEO’s of the largest companies based in Illinois. They are also the largest employers in the state. These are Rauner’s peers and they are calling him out.
Comment by A Jack Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 10:47 am
===Madigan isn’t the problem, 30/60 is.===
It would be if not for the third number you’ve omitted: 1.
As in 30 in the Senate, 60 in the House and 1 signature by the governor.
Without that, it’s 36 and 71, which is currently impossible since MJM only has 67 members.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 10:52 am
The mantra of revenue increases and spending cuts is losing meaning. The parts of the state that have been funded are stuck at 2015 levels with the 2018 budget in the offing. For most departments a 3 year freeze in funds means an actual loss in capacity.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 11:00 am
At page 29 of the their report the Civic Federation noted the existence of the Grand Bargain and characterizes it as being “fluid.” Clearly the analysis of the Federation for the grand bargain is less than optimistic from the tone of the short section relating to it. The federation also notes in a nice way that SB 4 does not bond out the existing unpaid bills, but rather pays down the debt.
Comment by Rod Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 11:25 am
To the update:
JB’s team is getting out in front of the other candidates with regard to messaging and doing a pretty darn good job of it. It’s succinct and effective IMO.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 11:36 am
===The group also cites concern over the reduction of pension contributions by $1.25 billion…===
I missed something. Which state system is Rauner cutting 1.25 billion, TRS, SERS, or SURS? Are the people affected aware of it yet?
Comment by DuPage Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 11:37 am
To the Pritzker Update…
===“Illinois needs a leader who can bring people together to put an end to this budget crisis,” said JB Pritzker. “While Bruce Rauner has decided to hold the state hostage for his teardown agenda, millions are suffering the consequences and future generations will inherit the mess he’s created. As governor, I will propose a balanced budget to protect middle class families and get Illinois back on track.”===
Grade?
B-, C+
“Why?”
“Illinois needs a leader who can bring people together to put an end to this budget crisis,” said JB Pritzker. “While Bruce Rauner has decided to hold the state hostage for his teardown agenda, millions are suffering the consequences and future generations will inherit the mess he’s created.”
Add this Pritzker Crew;
“Bruce Rauner has failed the state of Illinois and her citizens.”
“As governor, I will propose a balanced budget to protect middle class families and get Illinois back on track.”
It’s one thing to want to be the one to fix everything, but to neglect to either call Rauner a failure, or continue a narrative that Bruce Rauner has failed, fails, etc., it’s not sealing the ownership of Rauner until each and every time you ensure that Rauner is a failure.
Add the “Rauner fails”, that “solid B, A- territory”
Don’t be Superman all the time when you can help yourselves by reminding voters of the Rauner failures.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 11:46 am
Yes JB will bring us all together.
At least he will unite the 26% of Illinois residents who approve of Mike Madigan because Mr. Pritzker has not disavowed a single Madigan policy or suggested any reforms of Illinois government or its business environment.
I guess asking for specifics on the balanced budget is a bit too much to ask for a candidate for Governor.
Where does he disagree with the unbalanced budgets the Speaker has passed since 2001?
Does he support the Cullerton pension plan?
What does he have to say about the mess Rauner inherited? Where did the democrats go wrong during their 12 years with total control of state government.
I guess everything was running like a swiss watch until Rauner showed up.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 11:50 am
Thanks for the update on JB Rich. Assuming that JB Pritzker has actually read the Federation’s report or at least its summary then his statement: “As governor, I will propose a balanced budget to protect middle class families and get Illinois back on track.” recognizes it would require a significant increase in revenue through a number of mechanisms to achieve a balanced budget. On March 21st Pritizker indicated at a meeting sponsored by Sen. Kimberly Lightford he supported ending the flat tax and moving towards a graduated income tax to generate revenue. He admitted that it would probably take three years to create that change involving amending the IL constitution.
So in the meantime would Pritizker’s proposed budgets be really balanced? What would be his interim proposal for creating a balanced budget, I really don’t know, and I look forward to him articulating that proposal.
Comment by Rod Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 11:55 am
Much respect for the Civic Federation for calling out everyone for our current problems.
Comment by ste_with_av_en Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 11:59 am
===At least he will unite the 26% of Illinois residents who approve of Mike Madigan because Mr. Pritzker has not disavowed a single Madigan policy or suggested any reforms of Illinois government or its business environment.===
… and Rauner’s 42% (excluding Rauner’s wopping 58% disapproval… ) will be “enough” people staying strong? lol
===guess asking for specifics on the balanced budget is a bit too much to ask for a candidate for Governor.
Where does he disagree with the unbalanced budgets the Speaker has passed since 2001?===
From the report…
===“Operating Illinois on autopilot is not a solution, nor is it sustainable. Rather, it represents an abdication of the most basic constitutional responsibilities of proposing and passing a balanced budget,” said Civic Federation President Laurence Msall. “The Governor and General Assembly need to end this unacceptable stalemate by passing and enacting a comprehensive plan. Cherry-picking certain areas of government to fund while pledging to work toward a complete budget sometime in the abstract future has not and will not end the crisis and in fact is making it worse.”
Unfortunately, Governor Bruce Rauner’s recommended budget for FY2018 does not offer a sufficiently detailed plan to address the State’s immense financial problems. To close the deficit of $4.6 billion, it relies on uncertain savings, one-time revenues and a bipartisan agreement in the Illinois Senate, the provisions of which are in flux and likelihood of passage is unclear===
Rauner has yet to propose a balanced budget, and is being called out for poor budgetary presentation in regards to math.
Aren’t you upset - Lucky Pierre -?
===What does he have to say about the mess Rauner inherited? Where did the democrats go wrong during their 12 years with total control of state government.===
By nearly every measure, Illinois is worse off since Rauner took the oath.
How that doesn’t bother you, that’s amazing, lol
===I guess everything was running like a swiss watch until Rauner showed up.===
By nearly EVERY measure, Illinois is worse off since Rauner took the oath.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 12:04 pm
I am not running for Governor OW
JB Pritzker is
Where does he stand on the issues? I think you know where I stand.
Does he support popular initiatives that have bi partisan support like term limits, fair maps, workers comp reform, property tax reform?
Where does he stand on the CPS bailout? Does he think statewide pension reform is required for extra state money like the leaders agreed?
Illinois residents have the least faith in state government of any state in America. Is this all Rauner’s fault?
How will he bring us together? The Civic Federation can call out the Governor and the GA.
Why can’t JB assign any blame to the democrats? Are they potted plants or active participants in the impasse?
The job losses, explosion in state debt and outward migration started long before Rauner showed up.
What are Pritzker’s specific solutions? Where should we cut? What taxes should be raised? How can the state government encourage job creation especially for African Americans who have the highest unemployment rate of any state in the nation?
Immediate action is required not some pie in the sky constitutional amendment 3 years from now.
You should demand specifics, not just lap up the Anti Rauner rhetoric
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 12:17 pm
Where is ck’s response or the wingman’s response? I don’t expect Bruce Rauner to respond himself since he has campaignin’ to do.
Comment by Flynn's mom Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 12:20 pm
===I am not running for Governor===
Reading is fundamental. I asked aren’t you upset…
===Where does he stand on the issues? I think you know where I stand.===
Well, Rauner submits status quo budgets with sham phony revenue. That’s what you support?
Rauner holds a state hostage because he can’t get 60 and 30, you support that… from above…you think Rauner…
===… Cherry-picking certain areas of government to fund while pledging to work toward a complete budget sometime in the abstract future has not and will not end the crisis and in fact is making it worse.===
You support Rauner doing that?
===Why can’t JB assign any blame to the democrats? Are they potted plants or active participants in the impasse===
When you show where Rauner is to blame(?) lol
===You should demand specifics, not just lap up the Anti Rauner rhetoric===
“Pat Quinn failed”
“Bruce Rauner fails”
Capiche?
The rest I breezed over? It’s your continual ignoring Rauner’s own failures, so when you show that Rauner owns, and stop your continued ignorance to fact, then you can discuss these questions like an adult. You choose not to… daily.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 12:27 pm
Why will Pritzker succeed, where others have failed?
Democrats failed even when they had one party control of state government which is what Pritzker is asking for.
if the questions are too hard just say so.
Much easier to throw stones to divert from the issues of the day
As Lou Lang admits, the budget is a leader driven process and your 60-30 nonsense is not the way things work in Springfield.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 12:37 pm
==What does he have to say about the mess Rauner inherited?==
#Forever2014
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 1:11 pm
Rauner United Labor! A Yuge Achievement!
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 1:16 pm
===Why will Pritzker succeed, where others have failed?===
So you’re admitting Rauner has indeed failed?
“Why will Pritzker succeed, where others have failed?”
Bruce Rauner failed.
Thanks. I’ll remember this. You admitting Rauner has indeed failed.
===Democrats failed even when they had one party control of state government which is what Pritzker is asking for.===
You’re conceding Rauner will fail to take the Illinois House and Senate? Hmm. That can’t be good.
===Much easier to throw stones to divert from the issues===
Pat Quinn failed.
That was daily, 24/7/365.
The issue is leadership. You admit it yourself above, Bruce Rauner failed, and you still back a failed governor.
===admits, the budget is a leader driven process and your 60-30 nonsense is not the way things work in Springfield===
Both Geo. Ryan and Jim Edgar, former governors point to 60 and 30, as does the “constitutional majority” with the passage of bills.
“…and your 60-30 nonsense is not the way things work in Springfield”
… and yet, the current Grand Bargain strives for 30 in the Senate, looks for 60 in the House to get Rauner to sign it.
Are you confused about governing too?
But, I’m not confused, you made clear;
Bruce Rauner failed. Good stuff there - Lucky Pierre -
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 1:22 pm
Missing the point that the process is leader driven.
Do you think the mushrooms can rise up and somehow get bills out of the rules committee without the Speaker’s approval?
Yes Rauner has so far failed to reach an agreement with Madigan and Cullerton.
Do hear him or anyone else saying he has succeeded reforming Illinois or passing a budget?
He has been in a little over two years, Quinn and Blagoevich were each there 6. Rauner has some time left in his term.
The Speaker and Senate President have been there since the 1970’s
Please fill us in on all the wins each has accomplished.
I see an empty trophy case for all, but not a lot of humility.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 1:29 pm
===Missing the point that the process is leader driven===
Actually, I’m not.
As proven in Rauner blowing up the Grand Bargain, it was Rauner taking Senate Raunerite votes off the bargain, denying 30 votes and undercutting Leader Radogno. So there’s that…
===Do you think the mushrooms can rise up and somehow get bills out of the rules committee without the Speaker’s approval?===
It appears a mini revolt is happening?
===Yes Rauner has so far failed to reach an agreement with Madigan and Cullerton.
Do hear him or anyone else saying he has succeeded reforming Illinois or passing a budget?===
Rauner gives himself an A as a governor, not citing his failures, ever, but saying, after 2 years plus, “he’s close”, and so close, Rauner blows up a deal Leader Radogno negotiated for him. Rauner is a failed Goveror.
===He has been in a little over two years, Quinn and Blagoevich were each there 6. Rauner has some time left in his term.===
… and yet not one state university had to write a letter they planned to exist, not one social service agency faced being a hostage for an agenda, with those closing that couldn’t hold on. Rauner’s purposeful destruction, that you admit makes Rauner a failed governor, neither Quinn nor Blagojevich purposely hurt Illinois to get a budget, holding the state hostage nearly 3 fiscal years.
===Please fill us in on all the wins each has accomplished.
I see an empty trophy case for all, but not a lot of humility.===
We could stater with Conceal carry and SSM…
Also budgets, budgets EXACTLY as Rauner proposed, phony, sham, grossly unbalanced as you suggest, funded higher education and social services… Rauner would want those “wins” about now, given, as you describe, Rauner is a failed governor.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 1:41 pm
The civic federation talk the talk about Rauner in its report but will those CEO peers of Rauner walk the walk at election time and back JB?
Comment by DeseDemDose Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 1:42 pm
DeseDemDose Rich has already written on the problem of revenue in relationship to all the candidates. I give Rich credit for that, see http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170407/NEWS02/170409898/even-in-this-budget-basket-case-we-cant-get-honest-talk-on-taxes
Comment by Rod Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 2:05 pm
The most interesting thing about the Civic Fed report is that there are NO turn-around items listed. This organization has the largest employers of the state as members and no mention of thing like term limits. They are okay with an increase of the personal and corporate taxes. And they recommend an amendment for a progressive tax. The Democrats running for Governor should be pounding Rauner with this report.
Comment by A Jack Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 2:28 pm
Rod, Thanks for link.
Comment by DeseDemDose Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 2:37 pm
The Civic Federation recommends consideration of two changes to the Illinois Constitution to improve long-term fiscal sustainability and ensure that sufficient revenues can be raised equitably:
o An amendment specifying that the pension protection clause applies only to accrued benefits.
o An amendment to allow a graduated individual income tax.
This is the True Grand Bargain as far as cuts and revenues, the other stuff is nickel and dime.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 2:43 pm
===
o An amendment specifying that the pension protection clause applies only to accrued benefits.
o An amendment to allow a graduated individual income tax.
This is the True Grand Bargain as far as cuts and revenues, the other stuff is nickel and dime.===
Holding a state hostage for 2 years, almost 3 fiscal years, thus us what you’re hanging your hat on?
===Unfortunately, Governor Bruce Rauner’s recommended budget for FY2018 does not offer a sufficiently detailed plan to address the State’s immense financial problems. To close the deficit of $4.6 billion, it relies on uncertain savings, one-time revenues and a bipartisan agreement in the Illinois Senate, the provisions of which are in flux and likelihood of passage is unclear.
Further, the Federation cannot support a budget proposal that would allow the backlog of unpaid bills to increase to $19.7 billion if the gap is not closed. Because of the backlog, the State begins each fiscal year in a hole, using revenues from the current year to pay off the previous year’s obligations. A $19.7 billion backlog at the end of FY2018 would represent more than half (58.1%) of estimated FY2019 General Funds revenues.===
That grab seems more of what can be accomplished to save the state… today
Unless you and Rauner don’t wavy the state saved…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 3:13 pm
The state’s taxpayers have been held hostage for a lot longer than two years.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 3:15 pm
===The state’s taxpayers have been held hostage for a lot longer than two years.===
Who ISN’T a taxpayer?
Geez, Louise, you are the living embodiment of the Rauner Word Jumble.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 3:36 pm
“pension protection clause applies only to accrued benefits.” which sounds nice, but it’s not an Illinois Constitutional issue, it’s a Federal contract law issue.
Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 3:37 pm
======The state’s taxpayers have been held hostage for a lot longer than two years.===
As you said, Bruce Rauner has failed them… lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 3:40 pm
Retirees with 6 figure pensions with a 3 percent cola but you knew that
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 3:40 pm
===Retirees with 6 figure pensions with a 3 percent cola but you knew that===
1) Pensioners pay taxes, you already knew that, lol
2) Bruce Rauner fails, according to you, “because pensioners”
What a pathetic attempt.
We know Rauner fails, you said so, now it’s the pesky constitution and pensioners? That makes no sense.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 3:45 pm
The Pritzker response writes itself,
“Unlike Rauner, I intend to be a governor who, you know, actually governs instead of fingerpoint, starve and destroy our state.”
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 3:48 pm
Do all of pensioners pay income tax in Illinois OW?
Please give us the details of this new development of the sudden income tax on pensions.
They are the beneficiaries of the largesse but will not participate in the solution of higher income tax rates but you knew that.
It is up to the next generation to pay their fair share as well as the previous generations’s share.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 4:10 pm
===Do all of pensioners pay income tax in Illinois===
I didn’t know the years that they worked for Illinois, they paid no taxes? All that time, worked for the state, never paid any taxes?
Argue like an adult. What, are you saying that if you get a state pension you need to stay in Illinois?
===They are the beneficiaries of the largesse but will not participate in the solution of higher income tax rates but you knew that.===
Constitutionally protected pension, you already knew that. That pesky constitution kinda blows your whole idea.
Rauner is a failed governor, you said it yourself. Now you want pensioners to pay for Rauner’s failure? Then Rauner needs to change that pesky constitution.
===It is up to the next generation to pay their fair share as well as the previous generations’s share.===
The ILSC made clear; Pay up.
Rauner’s own budgetary failure, that’s on Rauner, not the pensions.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 4:18 pm
Pensioners pay real estate and sales taxes. Illinois would lose that if they leave becase Illinois started taxing pensions.
Also, older folks lean Republican, so there’s that.
Comment by A Jack Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 4:44 pm