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hmmmm. May 31 is getting closer, isn’t it?

Comment by Pat collins Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 1:55 pm
I predict it will pass out of committee

Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 2:13 pm
I still believe that taxpayers do not trust the Gov and the GA with such a large amount of money. They have not been good money managers in the past. They have rung up huge debts and tried to saddle our great grandchildren with the bills. First, they need to get thier current house in order and demonstrate that you can manage money. Then maybe later they can be trusted with such a large cash flow.

Comment by one of the 35 Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 2:46 pm
http://www.sj-r.com/extras/breaking/index.asp#2618

The schedule of testimony for the committee of the whole tomorrow.

Comment by Bob Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 2:49 pm
Who sponsored/pushed the Senate Amendment?

Comment by team america, world police Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 3:01 pm
It is getting worse every minute the GA is in session! If the Governor works his campaign magic, the GA will believe that he has the divine right to take all our money and use it however he sees fit. So far I have not been impressed with his administrationâ€™s fiscal responsibility or his integrity.

Comment by Soon to be Out of Business Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 4:18 pm
The Gov cannot be allwed to raise taxes after he campaigned on a no new tax pledge. I think the Gov is ruining the democratic partys chance to get anything done this session, and putting alot of democratic seats in play with these huge tax increase plans.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 4:27 pm
Anon,
The Governor will never let political considerations get in the way of doing what he thinks is right for the people of Illinois.

Comment by Bill Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 4:30 pm
I wonder which family member of emil jones will get a state job or a job with a company with a state contract for his pushing the increase in the GRT politics in Illinois is about familys not taxpayers familys politicans familys

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 4:37 pm
Bill, you annoy me!!

Comment by nomoretax Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 4:45 pm
nomore,
That is the whole point.
Besides if you think I annoy you wait until you see what comes out of the GA this session. Hold on to your wallet!!

Comment by Bill Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 4:50 pm
Does anyone have a list of Alderman that came to Springfield today? I saw Shiller, (46) Tunney, (44) Allen (38).

More important to me, did Alderman Joe Moore (49) attend the Springfield lobby bus trip?

Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 4:55 pm
Hey Anon 4:37 - His son just started at DCEO.. no college degree but in charge of economic development for chicago region.. must be nice and I’m sure he is making great cash! I’m suprised there has been little mention of this..

Comment by Joe Schmo Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 5:56 pm
From a very reliable source, the Governor’s Office is promising advocacy groups millions of dollars to support new programs for their support of GRT and IL Covered. More on this in a day or two as I gather more facts.

Comment by So Blue Democrat Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 7:24 pm
Bill,

That’s Rods biggest problem. He doesn’t have a clue as to what is right or wrong. As for what he thinks is “right” for the people, I question if he has ever practiced the thought process. The guy is a bone head who lives in his own little world.

Plus, you are full of crap. Rod won’t do anything for the state unless it makes him look good with the Mommy crowd and his band of blindly following, vacuous sycophants.

Geez, wake up.

Comment by Papa Legba Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 7:44 pm
to say I am way depending on Michael Madigan to put a stop to Rod’s GRT nonsense is an understatement…Rod and Emil need to start their own amusement park called NEPOTISM LAND…this the only realm of government they really comprehend and execute well…Fiscally responsible and trustworthy? Come on…Rod reminds me of a two year old who says he’s going to hold his breath until you give him what he wants…to the detriment of everyone else in the State…this is what passes for “leadership” these
days…wake me up in June, when the last day of session is over…

Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 7:55 pm
I had to travel a bit around some of the neighboring states recently. I spent the weekend in Indianapolis when their state assembly passed their budget.

The process was open to the public, how refreshing, and they passed a two year budget of $26 billion. Included was property tax relief for the residents.

I was amazed that this could be pulled off, but then I realized just how broken and messed up Illinois really is. Just what is the problem in Illinois?

Comment by Papa Legba Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 8:01 pm
“The governor will testify…”

Oh, how you tease me with those words, but soon enough, soon enough…

Why Rod wants to show up of all times at this, which is set to become a huge all-day bombardment against the GRT, beats me. When he commits, boy, he just doesn’t stop, does he? I hope the cameras are rolling as he tries to charm and cajole and bribe and arm-twist the very same guys he’s slammed all this time. In the end, I think he’s going to lose, and we’re getting some flavor of 750 instead.

Comment by GRT BBQ RIP Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 8:04 pm
Did bill take a swipe at the gov? Did I read that right?

“… wait until you see what comes out of the GA this session. Hold on to your wallet!!”

Be still my heart! bill has finally come over to the dark side and seen the light!

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 8:25 pm
Bill,
Are you trying to take my handle? That name is already taken - hands off!

Comment by Holdingontomywallet Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 8:51 pm
P.S. God help us all. Rod should like that statement….

Comment by Holdingontomywallet Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 8:53 pm
The Governor will make a statement at the hearing - but will he take questions from members? He’s decent when he’s on script, but he’s a wreck after that unless Filan’s there to hold his hand. Should make for an entertaining hearing.

Comment by Policy Wonk Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 9:41 pm
That’s true PW, that’s is why he never has a press conference. Early on, when he would grace our presence with a press conference, he would usually say something stupid. His communications people would usually have their heads in their hands when we was answering questions. Just ask Tom Schafer, the down-state spokesperson for the Gov (early on). It was always like watching a Cub’s game - you always knew that they (he) was going to crash and burn. You could bank on it.

Comment by Holdingontomywallet Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 10:09 pm
Guess who (what) got “voted off” the show at tonight’s COWL Capers — the GRT.

You think maybe the mushrooms were sending a message to the Governor and their leaders?

Comment by Old Elephant Tuesday, May 8, 07 @ 10:32 pm
“OE” I think the leaders already know that message. And PW, I think the guv will answer at least some questions. I know that legislators are prepared to ask.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, May 9, 07 @ 12:10 am