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* From the Illinois Policy Institute’s news service…
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin emerged from a Republican caucus meeting Sunday afternoon and said Democrats added a new amendment to their $36.5 billion spending bill.
Late Saturday, Speaker Michael Madigan announced a vote on a tax increase package would be held Sunday. But Durkin said that Republicans couldn’t put votes behind tax increases without knowing what’s in the spending plan.
“The Democrats made matters more complicated by filing a new spending bill within the last 15 minutes,” a visibly agitated Durkin said. “We have no idea what’s in it. To take a tax increase vote before knowing what you’re spending on, to me is irresponsible. As usual, we have not been advised what is in the new spending bill, and I think our caucus feels that is a sign of bad faith.”
Durkin said he wasn’t sure if Madigan would call the tax increase bill for a vote now or not. He said he spoke to Madigan this morning to see how the day would play out. it was “pretty brief.”
“The process gets extremely complicated and I will say it’s a step back in the negotiations on the reforms and bringing the impasse to an end,” Durkin said. “I want to do this in a fair, transparent manner. Today is not the day for it.”
* Raw video…
* I checked in with Madigan’s spokesman Steve Brown, who said the amendment “reflects the discussions that the leaders and the budget/spending groups have been holding the past few days.” There have been “daily, multiple meetings,” he said.
Brown said he didn’t think it spent more than the omnibus appropriations amendment which passed Friday, but wasn’t sure.
* The House was about to start debating the new spending proposal (an amendment to SB 6), but the Republicans requested a one-hour caucus. They’ll be back by 4:40 this afternoon.
As always, keep track of updates with our live coverage post.
*** UPDATE *** I just spoke with Rep. Greg Harris, who is the House Democrats’ budget negotiator.
Rep. Harris said the newly filed amendment includes things like the Tier 3 pension savings the Republicans had asked for. It also increases the cuts in higher education from the House Democrats’ 5 percent to the Republicans’ preferred 10 percent. It does spend more on some stuff, like $15 million for the Department of Corrections.
Harris insisted that everything in the new amendment is identical to what the budget negotiators had agreed to. He said he didn’t know why Leader Durkin wasn’t briefed, but that Durkin would “know that it had to be filed.”
According to Harris, the new amendment spends $36.054 billion, compared to Friday’s spending plan which spent $36.449 billion. So the new amendment, according to Harris, spends $395 million less than the one which was adopted with an overwhelming bipartisan majority a few days ago.
I think people can stop freaking out now.
posted by Rich Miller
Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 3:41 pm
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The Governor isn’t the only one that doesn’t want a budget.
Comment by Echo The Bunnyman Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 3:49 pm
I’m not sure I would call it irresponsible, but it is definitely unhelpful to file the bill and THEN let the Republicans know. If Madigan wants the Republicans to share the burden of the bill, he needs to treat them as equal partners in the process.
Comment by Pelonski Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 3:50 pm
I hate to say it but, the GOP should walk.
This is as dirty as it gets.
spokesman Steve Brown, who said the amendment “reflects the discussions that the leaders and the budget/spending groups have been holding the past few days.”
Why slither it into the light so sneakily. Don’t trust the garden reptile who claims to be truthful.
Print that 650 pages and walk on to the floor.
Comment by cdog Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 3:51 pm
I have long thought that Rauner was the villain in all of this. And I am not absolving him of any blame for the damage created over the past two years. But now, Madigan is really testing my patience.
Is it just me, or is Madigan putting his own interests above the well-being of Illinois and even his own party? It seems like his love for brinkmanship and political chicanery is more important than finding a solution. Disheartening.
Comment by Scamp640 Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 3:51 pm
== “reflects the discussions that the leaders and the budget/spending groups have been holding the past few days.”==
If that were true, they wouldn’t file it without telling the other parties involved in the discussions it “reflects”
Comment by Anonymous Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 3:51 pm
Scamp640, sausage-making is ugly. Particularly so in Illinois. Let it play out a bit.
Comment by Rich Miller Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 3:53 pm
He “didn’t think” it did? How do you expect your caucus to vote on something you barely understand, much less Rs?
Comment by read it Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 3:53 pm
“”This is not the day for it.”"
Exactly Jim. Too bad you didn’t realize that yesterday.
Comment by walker Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 3:57 pm
If Durkin wants to commit 23-30 “Green” on the necessary revenue for Rauner’s budget, that would put Madigan in a pickle.
Why won’t Durkin?
What Madigan is doing is he’s not helping in the necessary good faith, that’s for sure, no argument there.
But, as this “process” has been going, it’s obvious the Raunerites would really like to only have to put 4 Raunerites on revenue and require 67 Democratic votes for revenue, for Rauner’s budget.
That’s why, while I’m with Durkin on the perception here, and even the maneuver being unhelpful. That’s “obvious” by the reactions.
I’m still not forgetting the reason insurance policies are important, and that there seems to be a lack of support to be “Green” on Rauner’s budget, thus vehicle or not.
The 90 votes that were cheered just a few sunrises and sets past seem long ago.
===”… To take a tax increase vote before knowing what you’re spending on, to me is irresponsible. As usual, we have not been advised what is in the new spending bill, and I think our caucus feels that is a sign of bad faith.”===
Is Leader Durkin guaranteeing his members Green on the agreed to revenues… if there’s even revenues that are agreed to now?
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 3:59 pm
I’m hoping that cooler heads prevail. We don’t need anymore nonsense. This was pretty bad on Madigan. There’s been some really good folks on both sides of the aisle. It’s those that this hurts.
Comment by Echo The Bunnyman Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:03 pm
@ Rich. I should be outside with a cold beverage playing some horseshoes. Instead, I’m watching a twitter feed and a politics blog with a knot in my tummy. I’m not sure how you maintain your equanimity.
Comment by Scamp640 Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:04 pm
Madigan just can’t resist his last minute shenanigans.
Comment by Impasse Casualty Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:06 pm
Sounds like Durkin’s just jumping on a handy excuse to tank the whole thing. But Madigan didn’t have to hand it to him so easily.
Comment by Arsenal Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:08 pm
Years ago, was acquainted with a legislator who served for a decade in the General Assembly. After redistricting, he was aced out. He was not a favorite of the Speaker. His sin was that he wanted to read the full texts of various bills before voting rather than relying upon summaries. He felt that the legislature was often misled about bills that had surprise “Easter Eggs” in the full texts.
Comment by Anonymous Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:09 pm
Filing a new amendment with changes the group agreed to isn’t irresponsible - that’s how bills become law. Screaming fire when you know what’s happening is irresonsible.
Stop playing games, everyone. Do your job.
Comment by Whatthewhat Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:16 pm
People keep commenting that Rauner and Madigan don’t want a budget. But is that worth junk bond status, non-accredited public higher education, and the doom Mendoza warned about? Hard to imagine Rauner and Madigan being OK with those outcomes.
Comment by Impasse Casualty Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:17 pm
Rich is right, let this play out. Ultimately it comes down to Durkin getting his votes out. If Durkin doesn’t have the votes (which I’m sure is the case), everyone knows who’ll wear the “junky” jacket.
Comment by One for the road Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:21 pm
We have 2 guys that don’t need to worry about re-election. One that will never be voted out and the other can move out to any state. Say what you want about term limits and how it’s voting that matters instead. But, this is very interesting in a perverse way. Nobody is blinking.
Comment by Echo The Bunnyman Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:22 pm
“I think people can stop freaking out now.” I hope you are right.
“He said he didn’t know why Leader Durkin wasn’t briefed.” Nothing short of shady games.
Comment by cdog Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:23 pm
I wish they would do more of the negotiating in public.
Comment by Mike Royko Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:23 pm
It looks like they are making progress in Springfield with some good faith compromises. Thanks for the update.
Comment by Enviro Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:23 pm
=== I think people can stop freaking out now. ===
It would’ve been the polite, good faith thing to do if Harris or other House Dems informed HGOP before they dropped their latest spending plan.
Comment by Chairman McBroom Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:25 pm
Maine nonemergency functions shut down
http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/02/politics/maine-government-shutdown/index.html
Comment by Try-4-Truth Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:25 pm
The extra $15 million dollars more for the Department of Corrections is to pay for all the baloney sandwiches they owe Aramark for. Food vendor hasn’t been paid in two years !
Comment by CAPTAIN EDWARD SMITH Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:25 pm
Durkin may have a point, but some of his members will have to face the fact that they will need to vote on a tax increase. Plain and simple… its just when. Some members may have never voted on ANY budget, so they will need to be assure the Gov will sign. GOP members may be a bit jittery facing this reality.
Comment by One to the Dome Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:26 pm
Ugh.
To the Update,
Taking a breath is the best advice here, I need to as well when I see a Leader come out and go on a tangent one way, and thinking there’s a reason for that tangent to happen.
Durkin is getting spooked, by Madigan and his sometimes mavuvering 11th hour… and by Rauner, IPI, and “Because… Madigan!” types quick to conclusions.
That’s on me, my bad, for my reactions to Durkin and his own words, but c’mon Leader Durkin… take a beat, take a breath.
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:26 pm
== I’m not sure how you maintain your equanimity.===
He’s a recent cardiac patient…he doesn’t. lol.
If you can’t chuckle during these times, you’d wind up breaking every window in the house.
Comment by A guy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:26 pm
“”People can stop freaking out now.”"
Amen.
It takes s lot of time to put such complex (650 page) bills together, and have them reviewed and double-checked, after agreements were reached late at night two days before. No doubt this bill came out as fast as it could be produced. Probably why Madigan’s wanted the big votes Monday rather than today. Greg Harris doesn’t lie.
Comment by walker Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:27 pm
===It would’ve been the polite, good faith thing to do===
Totally agree. This was an easily avoidable dustup. Madigan just has to be Madigan at times like these.
Comment by Rich Miller Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:27 pm
Typical of Madigan, stay strong Durkin & Rauner, the state needs you now more than ever!!
Comment by Anon4141 Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:27 pm
I wonder what the motivation for the 10% higher ed cut is. Making Rauner happy?
Comment by Impasse Casualty Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:28 pm
They all patted themselves on the back Friday. Both sides FB and Twitter- “we’re saving the State” maybe the General Assembly should take a Civics lesson.
They voted on an amendment nothing more nothing less. They didn’t vote on the bill. If they had voted on the Bill there would be no new amendment….see how that works? Maybe the GOP should have screamed Friday instead of Saturday?
I’m sure they’ll go to FB and Twitter, on both sides, blaming the other for blowing it up and crushing Illinois
Comment by Anonymous Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:28 pm
Madigan might just be along for the ride on this one. There’s a tide occurring. Either surf or get sucked under. Surfing is a better option and you look a lot better on top of the board than underneath it.
Comment by A guy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:29 pm
Tactical move by MJM this late in the game. He’s sealing his fate to be the one who wears the jacket if this blows up.
Comment by Texas Red Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:30 pm
===…stay strong Durkin & Rauner, the state needs you now more than ever!!===
1) Check the update.
2) Rauner is signing a tax increase. HGOP will have to have so “Green” on the increase. What say you then?
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:30 pm
Vote today on revenue bill, leaves are falling from the “yes” tree as we blog!
Comment by Elliott Ness Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:32 pm
Another attempt at relavency for Durkin.
Comment by Dr. Bronners Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:34 pm
IMO Madigan knows he needs to wrap this up before the markets reopen. He probably has word that the credit rating is a risk Holiday or no holiday
Comment by Sue Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:40 pm
The last hour seems to present People Exhibit ! that Durkie needs to reflect a little before reaction.. But we are sure Gov”Happy”Junk loved all the name callin’ is he still out at the winery?
Comment by Annonin' Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:42 pm
Cmon people, behave. Durkin, don’t freak out. Madigan show courtesy. We’re out of time for games. Get. This. Done.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:57 pm
Once Durkin sees what’s going on, I hope he says something then too
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 4:58 pm
The General Assembly has failed to be responsible with the tax resources it already receives - why should we send them more? Tax, spend and waste!
Comment by Ian Howell Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:03 pm
Markets open until 12:00 p.m. tomorrow. Have a feeling S&P will make an example of Illinois to the other remaining states with no budget.
Comment by outoftimeoutofmoney Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:06 pm
Is this a way for the House to avoid the problems the Senate faced in reaching a deal? Don’t let Rauner get his hooks into the caucus even though they have hammered out an agreement? I genuinely don’t know what Madigan’s play is here. I’m choosing to be hopeful.
Comment by Moon Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:07 pm
Looks like no one is gettin’ out alive. Higher ed takes a hit, workers take a hit on comp, poor take a hit with regressive income tax, and future workers take a huge hit when unions get crushed by SCOTUS.
Rauner and his Laffer / Arduin acolytes win in the end.
And I took a breath…..and the future is still there
Comment by Dr X Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:08 pm
As one who has taken minutes before (in much less complicated proceedings), it’s easy for things to get confused. I don’t think the Dems would try to sneak in some cuts while the Republicans weren’t looking. Hey, IPI have some cold lemonade.
Comment by James Knell Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:14 pm
when trust is already at the breaking point unnecessarily contributing to the mistrust at the last minute was a foolish play by the speaker
Comment by Responsa Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:38 pm
People look at what’s happening. A tax increase with no cuts? C’mon. I read a sympathy comment about HOW HARD THEIR WORKING. Really? These people are filling their friends businesses with our cash. The state is bankrupt! There’s no hiding it anymore. CUT CUT and more CUTS is the only way out. It’s not sustainable. We’ve been scammed for to many years by the same scammers.
Comment by Quasi Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:38 pm
Decades of Illinois Government mismanagement and once again taxpayers must carry the burden. The mass exodus of Illinois will continue.
Comment by Anonymous Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:38 pm
Things looking up for 3rd reading. Noses being counted…
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:40 pm
Listening to this debate. Unreal denial on the part of people like Ives, Breen, etc. Thank God for people like David Harris.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:48 pm
Jeannie, make the check out to Illinois Department of Revenue and be done with it. Thanks.
Comment by LizPhairTax Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:50 pm
Whew….only 1.75 years til our working family gets to leave IL. Otherwise, I’d be pretty mad about Rauner caving.
Comment by Western IL Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:50 pm
Tier 3. That should fix the State of Illinois budget woes./S
Comment by Steward As Well.... Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:50 pm
Right now, it’s all just entertainment. And it’s still going to fall apart before too long. Math, you know.
Comment by Western IL Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:52 pm
- Chicago Cynic -
Forget Ives and Breen. They’ve rarely been part of the solution.
Thank… Bryant, Cavaletto, Davidsmeyer, Hammond, Hays, Jimenez, Mitchell, Pritchard, Reis, Unes, David Harris, Andersson, Fortner and Meier.
They can be the heroes saving the state.
I hope.
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 5:52 pm
S.O.S. or save or state…
Comment by Nieva Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:01 pm
Jeanne Ives made a point, but stopped short. Property taxes are too high. They could be lower, and schools could be adequately funded, if the income tax was increased and used equitably to fund our schools statewide. She fell short, as expected.
Comment by Anon Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:05 pm
If Rauner is a man of his word, he’d use that $50 million to save the GOP members that got a revenue bill to pay for his budget(?)
I’d give him huge props if he (Rauner) did.
Save those who saved the governor, but really saved the state.
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:06 pm
David Harris and Mike Unes were impressive. I sure hope cooler heads prevail and people realize that this is the time to get this done.
Comment by Anon Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:08 pm
“”Tax increase with no cuts.”"
Oh stop with the politicized panic. This proposal cuts $2-3B more from previous spending proposals, and almost $6B from current spending running rates. If you’ll read this thread, you’ll see that today’s latest surprise was that the Dems cut more than the GOPers were expecting.
Comment by walker Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:10 pm
The GOP will very very likely be irrelevant in 18 months again. Bye bye.
Comment by El Conquistador Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:15 pm
C’mon, Patti! You’re better than this! You know that while the temporary income tax increase was in place we made progress. We paid our full pension obligation. Medicaid providers were getting paid in 30 days. The vendor backlog was being paid down. Please, stop wth the nonsense and false statements!
Comment by Anon Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:21 pm
Why did Madigan agree to throw Higher Ed under the bus?
What is Tier 3 Pension? Please help me refresh my poor old memory.
Comment by WHY? Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:22 pm
No property tax relief. No economic development reform. No pension reform. $5 billion tax hike. Status Quo All For Show!
Comment by Anonymous Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:24 pm
=====Decades of Illinois Government mismanagement and once again taxpayers must carry the burden. The mass exodus of Illinois will continue.
Thos taxpayers voted for those elected officials. There isn’t some magical event that caused these problems….the voters chose it
Comment by ArchPundit Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:27 pm
@anomymous @6:24- you need to slow down on the boozing. It is Sunday.
Most important “reform” needed is Illinois paying its bills. This is an actual start.
But keep on screaming reform. I am sure someone believes you.
Comment by JS Mill Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:28 pm
Will the new Revenue bill switch IL from a Flat Tax to a Progressive Tax? I’m not sure “Progressive” is the correct word for the Millionaires tax.
Comment by WHY? Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:29 pm
@Impasse Casualty “I wonder what the motivation for the 10% higher ed cut is. Making Rauner happy?”
I am fairly certain that both parties have wanted to make a cut to higher ed. At a public hearing of the Higher Ed. Committee in Chicago a few weeks back Dems reacted to justifiably angry Chicago State students, by defensively and condescendingly letting them know that things in Illinois have changed and can’t go back to the way they were. That was from the Dems on the committee. Just based on demographics, the college going population in Illinois is shrinking and has been shrinking since before the impasse. A “rightsizing” needed to happen, but who would run a campaign on making cuts to higher ed? The dems wanted republicans to blink, so they could take the blame, but I believe that everyone in the know, including university administrations, saw this coming. The “crisis [created] the opportunity, though, and both parties will take it. And after two years with no money, a 10% cut will probably be welcome. It’s a microcosm of the whole impasse. On the spending and taxing issues alone, the parties are nearly identical, they almost have to be. The math dictates it as is mentioned on this blog often enough.
Comment by ProfEquis Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:29 pm
==Will the new Revenue bill switch IL from a Flat Tax to a Progressive Tax? I’m not sure “Progressive” is the correct word for the Millionaires tax.==
Um, no. That would require a Constitutional amendment, which would take years to implement.
Comment by Anonymous Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:41 pm
No, still a flat tax. To change to a tiered tax would require a constitutional amendment.
Comment by Lt Guv Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:42 pm
I work for a university. Rauner asked for (I believe) a 30+% decrease in higher education funding when he was first elected. Democrats said don’t worry, we will get that down to 5%. Instead, higher ed got massively cut in the stopgap budgets to where the universities are now on life support. So now the Democrats have asked for a 5% cut to higher ed but apparently have caved to the Republican demand for a 10% cut on top of all the massive cuts that already have occurred. Exactly what do they think is left to cut from universities that are on the verge of collapse?
Comment by Dutch 3001 Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:43 pm
To those of you constantly harping on leaving or threatening to leave just go already. To those of you saying just cut you don’t have a clue and aren’t interested in solving the problem.
Comment by Demoralized Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:49 pm
It appears the dam has been broken. It appears the rank and file has decided to use it’s influence. Right or wrong result….this is how representative democracy was designed to work. Better government may have ironically taken a step in a positive direction on a less than perfect piece of legislation. Wonders never cease.
Comment by A guy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:52 pm
Thank you, Demoralized! Looking forward to a compromise on increased revenue…wish it required IL pension recipients to stay put in IL!
Comment by i'll pay taxes! Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:53 pm
Typical GOP grab the press moment and make Dems defend what they had agreed to with the GOP, when will the Dems learn that gop will beat them up even if Dems are doing what the GOP asked them to do.
The Dems should just propose what they think will fix the economy
Comment by Oops Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:54 pm
Oops…you need to work on your listening skills. The most compelling testimony in favor has come from the GOP. Keep up.
Comment by A guy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 6:58 pm
===The most compelling testimony in favor has come from the GOP.===
Turning on the Squeeze the Beast plan and advocating for a budget with needed revenue will sound compelling.
Doing the right thing always sounds best.
Will Rauner put that $50 million to defend those GOP Members if they get primaried?
That’s called having their back.
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:01 pm
When Rich tells you to stop freaking out- that’s good news.
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:03 pm
===It appears the dam has been broken. It appears the rank and file has decided to use it’s influence.===
Yeah, been calling on the HGOP to turn on Rauner, be independent of Rauner, do what’s best for Illinois…
===Right or wrong result…===
Budget or no budget. Rauner should have their backs for this.
Those brave Dems and GOP members should be applauded.
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:04 pm
Willy, this is a reset. We’ll see what happens under the new reality. This is a monumental moment. It’s a change element. Let’s see. We’re in very uncharted territory all of the sudden. Regardless of the outcome (which looks more certain now) this debate has been refreshing. It’s what it’s supposed to look like.
Tomorrow. Everything changes. Hopefully a reset includes a lot more cooperation.
Comment by A guy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:04 pm
===this is a reset. We’ll see what happens under the new reality===
Autonomous Caucuses and free thinking for members. The new reality shouldn’t be a worry that the Governor won’t have their back.
The $20 million to hold votes and no &@$#% problems was also designed to protect members from “bad” votes. While voting to save the state shouldn’t be a bad vote, Rauner owes to protect these members of the vote rolls as it does.
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:08 pm
Today will offer the governor plenty to reflect on. Don’t forget, the Speaker is being pushed hard too. Members on both sides have taken away the keys today. They’ve already made a move. They acted. The reaction will be something to watch in every leader’s office and on the Second floor. New script tomorrow. Let’s see. No one could know. This wasn’t predictable. Neither will what happens from here forward.
Comment by A guy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:12 pm
===Don’t forget, the Speaker is being pushed hard too. Members on both sides have taken away the keys today.===
What are you taking about? This is Madigan compromising, and not scaring his members. Madigan will have their back. The reason the GOP votes are so precious, they’re going against what they claim before they couldn’t.
===be something to watch in every leader’s office and on the Second floor.===
(Sigh)… It was Durkin who said he didn’t know how I’d go… You are not paying attention. The Dems figured pretty close where their voters were, the GOP has still been fluid.
That’s why having the GOP members’ backs in the primary are the watch.
===Let’s see. No one could know. This wasn’t predictable. Neither will what happens from here forward.===
Will Rauner protect GOP members. That’s the lone watch.
I hope he protects them. They 100% deserve it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:23 pm
Following Rodogno’s lead a few other retirements of long time leaders over the summer would probably serve the state very well.
Comment by Responsa Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:27 pm
==New script tomorrow. ==
Define “tomorrow”
Comment by Anonymous Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:29 pm
Nice to see there are a few old time GOP types who believe in responsibility and have some courage. With any luck Ives and fellow travelers will follow Palin into reality TV which is much better suited for mental midgets.
Comment by former southerner Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:31 pm
If you want to discuss the tax hike vote, please go here https://capitolfax.com/2017/07/02/house-passes-tax-bill-with-strong-bipartisan-roll-call/
Comment by Rich Miller Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:32 pm
=== The Dems figured pretty close where their voters were, the GOP has still been fluid.===
Look at the roll call my friend. There are D targets on that board voting yes. More than a couple. Not that I have sources any better than you do Willy. But the Speaker was pushed here. Not defiance, but just short of it.
Comment by A guy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:38 pm
What the tax hike will do, will be to buy Illinois a few more years, before the democrats will be back again trying to increase taxes, to pay for increased spending and to make up for the tax loses, from the tax payers that will be leaving the state. This is way it works in Illinois!
Comment by Anonymous Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:41 pm
===Look at the roll call my friend. There are D targets on that board voting yes. More than a couple. Not that I have sources any better than you do===
Again, Madigan is t going to primary his members. That’s the ball game.
Will Rauner defend the 15? I dunno, I hope 100% yes.
===But the Speaker was pushed here. Not defiance, but just short of it.===
(Sigh)… It was Durkin concerned about controlling switches… for Green. It was the GOP members pleading to be saved
I hope the governor signs, I hope the governor protects the 15. Those are the “watches”
Let’s hope the Senate can get this through with bipartisan votes.
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:45 pm
This is an uprising from all corners. Members have had enough. Finally!
Comment by Green Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:49 pm
Madigan won’t primary his members. I don’t really think Rauner will either. Too much at stake for him personally. He’s on the ballot too. By then…he’ll need a number of them. We may go through a formal override, likely even more structured than today?
What Madigan did have to do, was risk some targets. I honestly believe, like their GOP counterparts who swam upstream; they decided mostly on their own. He wasn’t able to protect all of them. Interesting to see who they think needed to vote NO. On the other hand, he may not have been able to stop some from voting yes who wanted too.
There was a revolt. It’s easy to see on the GOP side. There was definitely pressure on the other side too. Short of defiance, to be sure, but the Speaker doesn’t need out and out defiance to react.
Comment by A guy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:12 pm
===I don’t really think Rauner will either.===
Tell that to Sam McCann.
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:13 pm
===I honestly believe, like their GOP counterparts who swam upstream; they decided mostly on their own===
Oh, they did. Durkin made that real clear. Durkin also was around for “I don’t want any $&@#% problems” by Rauner too.
===He wasn’t able to protect all of them. Interesting to see who they think needed to vote NO. On the other hand, he may not have been able to stop some from voting yes who wanted too.===
Think on that.
Madigan wasn’t stopping anyone from voting yes to fund the state. Maybe for the politics of a campaign. The goal was to get it passed by the Speaker.
Rauner wanted no votes to continue the madness.
That’s warped.
Comment by Oswego Willy Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:17 pm
I wonder if the Governor is still at his desk, waitin’ for a balanced budget to veto.
Comment by AC Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:44 pm
So what are we doing again to make sure we aren’t in the same boat in a few years again?
Comment by Mike Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 7:14 am
===So what are we doing again to make sure we aren’t in the same boat in a few years again? ===
This one is permanent. Try to keep up.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 7:20 am