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* Finke…
With just about three weeks left in the spring legislative session, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton said Wednesday it was time to try again to pass a “grand bargain” to resolve the state’s two-year budget stalemate.
But the chamber could approve only one minor component before the effort again sputtered to a halt. Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno refused to call for a vote the workers’ compensation reform and property tax freeze bills she is sponsoring.
Radogno, of Lemont, said the bills weren’t ready. Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat, said they would have passed had Radogno allowed a vote.
As a result, the budget impasse continues.
Wednesday’s vote was the first on the bargain since March 1, when Democrats said Gov. Bruce Rauner pulled Republican votes off the compromise. Many of the bills in the package cover reform measures Rauner wants, along with a spending plan and a tax hike bill.
The actual voting was anticlimactic but showed the deep divide that still remains. Cullerton began by calling a relatively uncontroversial portion of the package that would allow towns to create special funds to pay off debt. It passed. But when he moved on to more divisive bills to freeze property taxes and change workers’ compensation rules, Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno declined to call the measurers for a vote.
Radogno said conversations on the measures were ongoing, adding that the package is an all-or-nothing deal.
“While I appreciate the fact that you want to move on things, I wish we can do it all at once,” Radogno said. “I don’t want them to fail, I want to come to an agreement.” […]
Cullerton said it’s important to get the measure over to the House so lawmakers there can contemplate their own changes before month’s end. That’s if the House decides to take up the measure at all, given that Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan has not been included in talks and has appointed his own people to work on the budget and negotiate with Rauner on his agenda items.
Republicans counter that a deal in the Senate is near, saying they want to get the proposal in the best shape possible before sending it to the House, where they fear Democrats who control the chamber will water down their ideas.
* Bishop at the Illinois Policy Institute’s news service…
Senators started voting on the measures earlier this year but stopped when Republicans said the package wasn’t ready.
Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said Wednesday it’s time to move forward.
“Kind of like what happened in my family when I grew up as the oldest of nine kids. We had one bathroom and at some point you’ve got to do your business or you don’t, and it’s time to move on because somebody else needs the room,” Cullerton said. “So we have to move on.”
But Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, said there are still some bills that aren’t ready.
“The property tax issue is still a sticky point,” Radogno said. “I agree with that, but property taxes are extraordinarily important to every single one of our constituents and getting a property tax freeze that works and is meaningful to them is a critical part to that.”
* O’Connor…
Democrats say workers comp changes would impoverish injured workers and that Rauner isn’t considering money-saving reforms they made in 2011. A permanent freeze on property taxes would cripple schools, they say. They’ve offered further reforms on the worker payout and a two-year freeze on real estate taxes.
That’s not good enough, said Radogno, a Lemont Republican, after she declined to allow Cullerton to call for floor votes on her legislation covering the issues.
“We need to keep tax increases as low as possible,” Radogno said. “A property tax freeze will be painful for the locals (municipal governments) buy if we don’t do this, people will continue to leave the state.”
* Sfondeles…
On the Senate floor before the vote, Cullerton noted the “grand bargain” hit an “impasse” on March 1 — when Republican votes, sans Radogno, were pulled off and the finger was pointed directly at Rauner. The state hasn’t had a full budget since July 2015.
“The whole idea of the grand bargain was to adopt those reforms early on in the session and then move it to the House and focus on the budget,” Cullerton said. “I don’t think we can wait any longer. The patience of the public is wearing, and so today I’d like to start calling these bills again.” […]
Radogno later told reporters Republicans are concerned about keeping the tax increase as low as possible. In terms of the workers’ compensation bill, she said discussions have been stuck since March regarding American Medical Association guidelines. Rauner has said he wants to grant arbitrators the ability to use those guidelines as the sole factor to determine how much an injured worker is paid.
She said negotiations are “very close” on talks regarding the school funding formula and refinancing debt. […]
“Now we’ve settled on yet another number [for the property tax freeze]. We’ve been talking about four. What are the conditions attached?” Radogno said. “Again this is something that’s been going on yesterday and today. … I think it’s premature to pull the plug.”
I’ll have more on yesterday’s developments in a bit.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:02 am
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=negotiations are “very close” on talks regarding the school funding formula==
The Senate has passed a very bad school funding formula before, and there is not much hope for a good one this time. (But passing the bill will appear to be solving the problem.)
The only hope is the House.
Comment by winners and losers Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:12 am
==Bishop at the Illinois Policy Institute’s news service…==
Could you put quotes around “News Service” ? I believe it is an appropriate qualifier
Comment by Anotherretiree Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:12 am
Here is EXACTLY where I begin…
===Cullerton said it’s important to get the measure over to the House so lawmakers there can contemplate their own changes before month’s end. That’s if the House decides to take up the measure at all, given that Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan has not been included in talks and has appointed his own people to work on the budget and negotiate with Rauner on his agenda items.===
All those… “All” those worried about “Madigan”…
Get the Bargain out to the House and put the pressure on.
Cullerton, Radogno, Rauner… if it gets to the House, no one can argue Rauner, until then, blew up anything.
It puts the white hot spotlight on Madigan.
If “you” honesty, truly, actually, want a deal, the only thing you should be trying to do is get this Bargain, to the House, force the issue, then get a deal.
This is the starting point Cullerton has really captured.
Anything else, any argument besides Cullerton’s here… it’s difficult to take you seriously as a person looking to help Rauner get a deal.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:14 am
=== She said negotiations are “very close” … ===
IL Phrase of 2017. Believe me.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:14 am
I take it Cullerton is not familiar with that Charlie Brown/Lucy dynamic?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:15 am
It sounds like Lucy hold the football again.
Comment by Huh? Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:18 am
Rauner and Emmanuel were on WGN radio this morning. I didn’t catch Rauner (I am sure the talking points were the same) but did hear part of the Emmanuel interview.
He mentioned, without naming, an auto parts manufacturer that is moving to Chicago. Apparently, if you believe Emmanuel, the company never brought up workers comp costs. Interesting.
One things he said that resonated with me is that workers comp is important, along with some other issues, but educating kids and taking care of the most vulnerable are more important.
A budget would help move many issues forward.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:21 am
ILGOP/ Giv Rauner
Negotiation does not mean pushing until you get your way.
That’s bullying
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:28 am
Instead of actually passing the GB(2) both parties are once again busy working to spin the narrative that the other side killed it !
Comment by Lech W Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:29 am
==She said negotiations are “very close”==
Kind of like the host of a fancy restaurant telling me I’ll be seated “very soon”.
Comment by Jocko Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:31 am
==I take it Cullerton is not familiar with that Charlie Brown/Lucy dynamic?==
Nah, I think he’s trying to demonstrate that dynamic, over and over, until voters actually recognize it.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:33 am
Sounds suspiciously like the Governor is moving the goal posts yet again !
Comment by illini Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:43 am
Rauner needs more hostages.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 10:50 am
It wont pass until Radango breaks with the gov.
Comment by Ghost Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 11:04 am
(In softest of soothing tones) Well, it was a Very Good try. Legislators please be sure to pick up your juice box and treat on the way to your vacations and we’ll get some good rest and come back and build on our wins!
Why do I feel as if I’ve typed this before?
Comment by Puddintaine Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 11:11 am
The state needs less spending.
Comment by Ron Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 11:11 am
I’m channeling my inner Vanilla Man
Lyrics are based on “The Beat Goes On”
The beat goes on, the beat goes on
Red ink keeps getting added to the bottom line
La de da de de, la de da de da
Compromise was once the rage, uh huh
Billionaires have taken the stage, uh huh
Another Grand Bargains’ the current thing, uh huh
The Turnaround Agenda is our newborn king, uh huh
And the beat goes on, the beat goes on
Red ink keeps getting added to the bottom line
La de da de de, la de da de da
The Credit downgrades keep happening all the time
Each day our state seems to get a little less kind
The battle lines have been drawn in this endless war
Speaker Madigan still knows how to keep the score
And the beat goes on, the beat goes on
Red ink keeps getting added to the bottom line
La de da de de, la de da de da
Universities see their enrollments decline
More service providers are closing all the time
Our leaders just keep trying to save their face
The governing of our state is a national disgrace
And the beat goes on, the beat goes on
Red ink keeps getting added to the bottom line
La de da de de, la de da de da
And the beat goes on, yes, the beat goes on
Comment by Tommydanger Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 11:18 am
Brady’s $5Billion for $5Billion is a good place to start
Comment by Ron Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 11:22 am
==The state needs less spending. ==
Quite right. I propose we start with your income tax refund. Next, we extend all Bonds by 10 years without interest (since we apparently can welsh on contracts now). Next, let 25% if all prisoners go and close facilities…this will be fun….
Comment by Anotheretiree Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 11:25 am
==The state needs less spending.==
The Rauner Administration disagrees.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 11:34 am
Retiree…My income tax “refund”? So the state is “giving” me money now? Gee whiz, thanks Governor Elvis! Now, let’s take a moment and Wonder why all those people are “leaving” the state?
Comment by P Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 12:21 pm
Refund? I sent Springfield over $15K last year.
Comment by Ron Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 12:27 pm
P, don’t you know, if Illinois only raised taxes everything will be fine.
Comment by Ron Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 12:28 pm
== The state needs less spending. ==
Then the Stare needs a budget, because we’re spending more without one.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 12:29 pm
Ron & P
Yes, Your refund is just another legitimate claim against the state of Illinois. No fun when the majority decides to treat you differently. Kind of what the US constitution means about equal protection.Get in line with your refund claim…
And yes, raising taxes under Quinn did stop the growth of the bill backlog. California also raised taxes and balanced their budget. Kansas cut taxes in a supply side experiment and blew up their budget. Taxes are part of the answer. A big part.
Comment by Anotheretiree Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 12:49 pm
“Rauner has said he wants to grant arbitrators the ability to use those guidelines as the sole factor to determine how much an injured worker is paid.” But the AMA Guides themselves say they cannot and should not be used in this way. The Guides say that the impairment rating is only “one of several determinants of disablement.” Rauner’s proposal shows that he hasn’t read the user’s manual. Surprising from a guy who looks so comfortable in his workshop with his duct tape and all.
Comment by The Real Just Me Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 12:58 pm
–Then the Stare needs a budget, because we’re spending more without one.–
That has been true from Day One. I’m sure the Superstars know that. That fact is apparently lost on most of the media.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 1:20 pm
Always knew the last hurdle on Radogno’s tax freeze bill would be local government officials, who are mostly Republican, outside of Chicago.
Comment by walker Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 1:50 pm
Anotheretiree, what refund?
Comment by Ron Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 1:54 pm
==What Refund Ron==
Its an analogy, explaining that we don’t have a pension crisis but rather a state debt crisis and all creditors have to be treated equ……..oh forget it…shouldn’t you be packing your U Haul ?
Comment by Anotheretiree Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 2:06 pm
It is early folks…22 days is a eternity in the GA..back in the day this could or would all happen with the clock turned off…and then we all went to the Govs house for drinks.
Comment by scott aster Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 2:16 pm
JSM, the company is Urbana-based Flex-N-Gate. Owned by fellow Illini Shahid Khan, (Khan tennis center) they will be building bumper assemblies for the highly popular Ford Explorer Interceptor police vehicle. The Trooper in the neighborhood says every cop wants one because they are fast, roomy, and with no or discreet markings, doesn’t look like “cop car” until you are well within ticket range.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 3:38 pm
==Refund? I sent Springfield over $15K last year==
Wow. If 3.75% of your income was 15k I can understand your elitist comments now. Too bad it can’t buy you a heart or a soul.
Comment by HangingOn Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 3:43 pm
Hangin, I have both. People are being bled dry in Illinois.
I have said this before, but for your benefit, I’ll say it again. My family will be fine. We can leave Illinois pretty easily. I am fine with progressive income taxes too, but we need fiscal sanity and a constitution that doesn’t make private sector workers second class citizens when we are the drivers of tax revenue.
Comment by Ron Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 4:49 pm
MAmmon rewards his faithful servant Ron.
Taxes rob Mammons servant of profit
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 4:50 pm
Honeybear, how bout you take care of your family and I’ll take care of mine. Seems fair.
Comment by Ron Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 5:44 pm
=== Honeybear, how bout you take care of your family and I’ll take care of mine. Seems fair. ===
Priceless! All you’ve been doing is advocating actions to harm her and every other public sector employee’s ability to do just that. We all want to take care of our family. Yes, you take care of your family and we will take care of ours.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 6:27 pm
SGOP memebers know if they pass the GB bills with tax increases and not enugh reform tax caps etc they will be irrelevant (again) for the next few years. Radogno has to deal with that behind the scenes and it can’t be easy with that crew. Good luck Leader.
Comment by NorthsideNoMore Thursday, May 11, 17 @ 11:10 pm