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* From the Senate President’s office…
With time counting down to the end of the state’s budget year, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton urged the governor to use the coming days to reach an agreement. The following comment is in response to the governor already talking about ordering more Special Sessions beyond Friday, June 30 and can be attributed to John Patterson, spokesman for Illinois Senate President John Cullerton:
“It’s Wednesday. Now is not the time for the governor to give up. Now is the time to find agreement. People are counting on us. Jobs, schools, vital services all hang in the balance. The avenue to success is there. We would hope that the governor would finally show the willingness to end this impasse and end the chaos.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:00 pm
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== We would hope that the governor would finally show the willingness to end this impasse and end the chaos. ==
Translation: take the deal that is on the table.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:08 pm
Now is the time to see whether the Governor wants a budget, or wants to avoid it. This uncertainty is at the core of lack of trust across the aisle. Will Rauner back commitments made by Radogno or Durkin?
Comment by walker Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:08 pm
Wow , Cullerton is using such dulcet tones with Rauner. Playing good cop to MJM’s bad lieutenant role no doubt !
Comment by Texas Red Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:14 pm
Also we need you to stick to your word John cullerton no stop gap budget stay strong John
Comment by Holy cow Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:16 pm
===“It’s Wednesday. Now is not the time for the governor to give up. Now is the time to find agreement. People are counting on us. Jobs, schools, vital services all hang in the balance. The avenue to success is there. We would hope that the governor would finally show the willingness to end this impasse and end the chaos.”===
Notice how each statement is a lil more candid.
“Example?”
===Now is not the time for the governor to give up.===
That’s not a throw-in, throw-away line.
That’s the most important line in honesty to that whole statement.
“Now is not the time for the governor to give up.”
It’s been about forcing, hurting, anything to destroy and make that she work… 2 years and running.
“Now is not the time for the governor to give up.”
The game is the crux, not the compromise issues, it’s the game Rauner is playing that’s holding it all up.
“Now is not the time for the governor to give up.”
Subtly enough that you could gloss over it, prominent and pointed enough in its candor, ya can’t miss it.
Make the deal, Governor.
Make the deal.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:16 pm
Cullerton: Don’t give up, we’re going to get a deal.
1.4%: Deal? What deal? There won’t have deal.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:29 pm
I’m sorry but Sen Cullertons statement sounds very similar to a police negotiator imploring a barricaded hostage taker to realize the realities and do the right thing, for everyone.
Comment by Slippin' Jimmy Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:32 pm
The governor is basically Curt Flood. Except what Curt Flood did for everyone in baseball was good, and what Rauner is doing for everyone in Illinois stinks.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:39 pm
Both Madigan and Rauner have to compromise. The deal needs to be done on June 30th.
Illinois cannot wait any longer. It is time for an armistice.
Comment by W Flag Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:40 pm
**Playing good cop to MJM’s bad lieutenant role no doubt !**
LOL - that would imply that MJM and Cullerton are talking to each other and coordinating strategy with each other.
Comment by JoeMaddon Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:40 pm
Jimmy, I think that was how it was supposed to sound. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:43 pm
The problem is that the governor made a big promise that he cannot keep. He made it foundational (as did the Republicans) and he continues to reinforce it every day. That promise is that the state can run just fine on existing revenues.
Most of us know that this is BS. The voters will not accept the cuts required to balance the budget without additional revenue. Rauner wants to win seats from Democrats by blaming them for the required tax hikes. The Republicans in the GA have, so far, been willing to toe the line on this.
As it stands so far, the Governor has never put adequate revenue in his budget proposals, the Republicans in the Senate and House have not put forth their own revenue bills, AND they all keep talking about a property tax freeze on local governments. (I think the MSMedia could do a much better calling this out.)
When the Republicans put up a revenue bill with the dollars necessary to balance expenditures, then a budget will be able sail through both houses. But that revenue bill will need Republican sponsors, Republican votes, and a signature by the Republican governor. (And, probably, some kind of Edgaresque letter form the Gov. that the Dems can toss around in 2018. Simply put, the Gov needs to admit that a tax increase is necessary.)
Unfortunately, I don’t see it happening.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:52 pm
Can’t they pass a veto proof budget? If so, they should do their jobs and stand up to Rauner and Madigan…
Comment by Ryan Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:53 pm
**Can’t they pass a veto proof budget? If so, they should do their jobs and stand up to Rauner and Madigan…**
The Senate Dems already did that. But it still needs to pass the House, and no, the House Dems can’t pass a veto proof budget (because they don’t have the votes without Republicans).
Comment by JoeMaddon Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 5:57 pm
I hope he applauded him. I know how critical applaudin is to Bruce when it comes to these negotiations.
Comment by P. Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 6:02 pm
Is the new revenue piece on the table yet? Just wondering if pols will even pay lip service to the CGFA’s June 23, 2017 FY18 Economic Forecast and Revenue Estimate, which, in my view, doesn’t paint a welcoming picture for tax increases.
Comment by Cook County Commoner Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 6:17 pm
==Can’t they pass a veto proof budget?==
Who are “they”? Which legislators would pass revenue to a Governor who says it is not needed? Until the Governor commits to needing new revenue (and owns it), I don’t see this happening.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 6:24 pm
Both sides need to come together to pass a veto proof budget. That’s what I meant by “they.” But they’re cowards.
Comment by Ryan Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 6:43 pm
Sink the state. No deal… We’ll all be better off in the long run if we take the pain now. Pensions have to be slashed. Bondholders have to be slashed…
Comment by Abe F Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 6:53 pm
Rauner is not going to give up on something he doesn’t want in the first place.
Comment by My New Handle Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 6:56 pm
===Pensions have to be slashed. Bondholders have to be slashed…===
That pesky constitution… Times 2
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 6:56 pm
Hi Barb
You missed your true calling. Tunnel vision and partisan leanings that strong belong in the Tribune comments. Throw in some Puerto Rico and Detroit tripe and you might even be WSJ worthy.
Comment by Ole' Nelson Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 7:26 pm
===It’s time to do it the Republican way for a while because Madigan’s way hasn’t worked.===
You must’ve missed that whole 26 years of Thompson, Edgar, and Ryan…. and Pate’s 10 years as Senate President.
Rauner isn’t a Republican. Rauner isn’t even a conservative.
===We elected Rauner to do it his way, not Madigan’s way, kind of like the fact we elected Trump.===
Rauner won’t even say Trump’s name.
If you could, please tell the people of Illinois that Rauner is exactly like Trump, especially Dems and Independents. Please. LOL!
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 7:28 pm
Oswego Willy seems to forget that Illinois actually DOES need reform. Don’t think our pensions will be better off the Madigan way.
Comment by Southwestsider Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 7:31 pm
- Southwestsider -
Tell me… how did pensions get “how they are”.
Take your time, don’t hyperventilate…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 7:33 pm
Reform, according to Rauner equals 1.4% growth or $500+ million…
… selling the JRTC “hopefully” gets $300 million for Rauner.
So, what is this Reform you speak?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 7:38 pm
== Illinois actually DOES need reform. ==
Yes it does.
It needs revenue to match spending. Spending is about $39B and revenue is about $32B. Right now court ordered spending is about $35B, so we aren’t even covering that. Rauner’s directors told the GA they can’t find a single dollar to cut. Plus Rauner is off spending what will be Billions on computer software that will likely fail.
So yes, we do need reform: we need more tax revenue.
As to Pensions, can’t slash the existing employees and retirees. State Constitution and State and Federal Contract Law forbids it. That’s a matter of court record.
As to Bonds, can’t slash them either. That’s a matter of State and Federal Contract Law. Plus, if you did slash them, Illinois could never afford to borrow money again.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 7:44 pm
== Reform, according to Rauner equals 1.4% growth or $500+ million…
… selling the JRTC “hopefully” gets $300 million for Rauner. ==
That’s not reform. And it’s not growth either. It’s mostly one time revenue. What’ca gonna do next year?
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 7:47 pm
Hang in their baby
Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 9:25 pm
The Democrats had a veto-proof majority. They had a chance to own a budget and to own any changes they wanted to make to the state, and they chose not to. When the state again hands them a veto-proof majority, I sincerely hope they decide that, this time, Illinois is worth fighting for.
Comment by Chris Widger Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 11:18 pm
Was out and ran into some people tonight; heard some interesting things. Don’t want to burn any sources, so no details here.
I’ll just say I think there is some additional external pressure / squeezing being put on the State, and Rauner as Governor, to get a budget deal before July 1st.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 12:04 am
===That’s not reform. And it’s not growth either. It’s mostly one time revenue. What’ca gonna do next year? ===
Sell off another broken piece of the State. It’s what Vulture Capitalists do.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 7:40 am
===That’s not reform. And it’s not growth either. It’s mostly one time revenue. What’ca gonna do next year?===
Yep. That was my mocking point.
You can only sell a building once… the alleged growth isn’t much bigger than a one-time “windfall”
It’s poor fiscal forcasting with limited revenue growth that won’t sustain budgetary needs.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 7:43 am
So what I am reading here is stick to the old broken ways, keep increasing taxes and to hell with any reforms that will make Illinois more competitive in attracting business and growing the tax base. Keep doing the same things that have led to good paying jobs to leave the State as well as the population.
Even if the Senate budget and tax increase pass the pension and unfunded retiree healthcare will continue to increase. So Illinois’ motto must be “We Continue to Kick the Can Down the Road.”
Comment by Stand Tall Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 8:40 am
===So what I am reading here is…===
You don’t read very well. That’s on you, I guess.
===stick to the old broken ways… with any reforms that will make Illinois more competitive in attracting business and growing the tax base===
The numbers are in, keep up.
We are approaching $20+ billion in backlog bills and these “reforms”… are with $500+ million, no way covering ANY budgetary needs.
This here… is priceless… lol
===…keep increasing taxes…===
Told ya this is priceless.
Your head will explode, but Rauner’s own budget requires the Rauner Tax increase to probably a level of 4.95%.
Aren’t you mad at Rauner? Rauner is going to raise your taxes, and sign that tax increase.
Then who will make you upset, Rauner, lol.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 8:46 am
The Governor has gone from a 3% income tax rate to 4.95%. He’s gone from $32 bil in spending to $37 bil. He’s scaled back his agenda from 44 items to 3.
Two questions:
1.How much more could he possibly compromise and hope to maintain his supporters? (Note that he’s already being blasted as a sell out by the Right.)
2. What have the Dems compromised on?
Comment by Phil King Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 9:30 am
== Rauner’s own budget requires the Rauner Tax increase to probably a level of 4.95% ==
If they lose the service sales tax, the income tax has to be around 5.25%.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 9:32 am
===The Governor has gone from a 3% income tax rate to 4.95%===
Really?
Where’s the Rauner revenue bill?
It doesn’t exist.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 9:32 am
===How much more could he possibly compromise===
Recognizing harsh realities is not compromise. He stopped believing in fairy tales. That’s not compromise.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 9:33 am
==Where’s the Rauner revenue bill?==
Everyone knows he has agreed to sign it. Let’s not play semantic games when the entire state is on the line.
Comment by Phil King Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 9:35 am
===Everyone knows he has agreed to sign it.===
No. Stop. Why isn’t there a Rauner Tax bill with Raunerite sponsors?
You know, lol
===Let’s not play semantic games…===
Then put Raunerite sponsors, 30 HGOP votes on it and have Rauner sign the Rauner Tax.
It ain’t semantics, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 9:37 am
==Recognizing harsh realities is not compromise==
Fine. Let’s look at some harsh realities.
Illinois has one of if not the worst recoveries from the great recession. We are hemorrhaging employers and jobs. Residents are fleeing the already high taxes, causing a revenue death spiral. Highest pension debt. Second highest property taxes. Most units of local government.
Maybe the Dems don’t need to compromise. Maybe they just need to recognize some harsh realities.
Comment by Phil King Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 9:38 am
===… death spiral… ===
I hear you hyperventilating from here.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 9:42 am