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* The governor is taking heat for his demand that legislators stay in session five days a week until the budget deal is done…
Blagojevich, known for his infrequent appearances at the state Capitol, is urging lawmakers to meet five days a week, rather than the customary three days.
Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville, took issue with that: “I said to the governor, ‘You know what? We’ve been working a heck of a lot longer down here than you’ve been. We’re here many days you are not, so don’t give us that kind of rhetoric.”‘
* Bernie piles on…
The fact that Gov. Blagojevich’s staff has taken to going public with complaints that the General Assembly isn’t working hard enough has been one of those “the sky is green” moments from his camp - given that the governor so rarely is in Springfield when the General Assembly is working.
Well, he may plan to be in the capital city each day the legislature works overtime, but that doesn’t mean he’s getting out of touch with his home in Chicago. […]
Turns out, spokeswoman REBECCA RAUSCH confirmed, the governor went home to Chicago after Tuesday’s meeting and returned Wednesday.
As you might recall, each such gubernatorial round-trip is actually four flights. The plane must fly to Chicago to pick him up and fly back. And after his return flight home, the plane flies back to Springfield, where it has hangar space.
He went home last night, too.
* Legislators are openly mocking the man…
“I want the governor’s schedule, so I can have dinner at home and a good night’s sleep. I’ll have the state airplane pick me up tomorrow morning at about 10. That’ll get me here at 11. I can have lunch, come to the floor, maybe go jog with somebody. Maybe a chess game,” state Rep. Bill Black, a Danville Republican, told House colleagues, tongue firmly planted in cheek.
Yeah, well, if he’d get here by 11 it might not be so bad. He didn’t show up until at least 1 yesterday.
* More from that same article…
“The governor does work five days a week. In fact, he works more than five days a week; he works seven days a week,” said Rebecca Rausch.
He works seven days a week? I’m not sure that it shows.
* And more very good points from that Daily Herald piece…
The reality and frustration of the current situation is that there’s little for rank-and-file lawmakers to do other than wait for their leaders to sort out the festering budget mess.
Adding to their frustration, lawmakers are now on their own for hotels and meals. The $125-a-day taxpayer allowance vanished when lawmakers blew a June 1 deadline for a budget and the spring session careened into overtime.
The governor doesn’t get such a daily perk. Instead, taxpayers provide him with a mansion and staff a few blocks from the Capitol. He rarely stays there.
* Check out this editorial from Sauk Valley Newspapers…
When absentee fathers don’t fulfill their parental and financial obligations toward their children, the kids have problems.
When absentee landlords neglect their properties, the tenants have problems.
So is it any surprise that Illinois state government, led by an absentee governor, is having so many problems?
* A couple of other stories about Overtime in Hell, compiled by the birthday boy…
* Tribune editorial: First, do no (more) harm
* Madigan: The house has passed a budget
* Renewed pitch for lottery deal
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 9:28 am
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TeeHee
FAA says plane goes wheels up at 10:30
and we switched to Midway just to confuse the camera crews.
Anybody seen Wyma
Comment by 5 Day Man Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 9:35 am
When the New Jersey legislature had their big budget showdown last year, Governor Corzine slept on a cot in his capitol office so he could be ready 24 hours a day to work out a settlement. Compare that to Blago.
BTW - NJ went into overtime anyway. The situation got settled because Corzine shut down all non-essential state government functions (including the Atlantic City casino inspectors - shutting down the gambling halls and the millions in daily state revenue). Matters got settled quickly after that. Note that Corzine showed political leadership. Again, compare that to Blago.
Comment by Bluefish Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 9:38 am
“The governor does work five days a week. In fact, he works more than five days a week; he works seven days a week,” said Rebecca Rausch.
Sounds to me like the governor’s many consultants who bill the state 25 hours in a 24 hour day workday. Right Rebecca! Next, Blago will be working 8 days a week. Really what is he working on? His impending indictments or announcing his candidacy for the president of the United States?
Comment by Gas ! $5.00 per gallon Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 9:47 am
I have often gone to Chicago and back same day for family and work. Hassle of 7 hour round trip road time just part of my choice on where to live. Rod’s got a bed and meals waiting in Springfield. Free. Park the plane. Walk the talk and move to the mansion for the duration and make the mansion a free bed/breakfast for the Dems looking for rooms.
Comment by zatoichi Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 9:56 am
Considering that it cost to fly a plane to Chicago to pick him up, bring him here for a couple of hours, fly back to Chicago to drop him off, then bring the empty plane back to Springfield, what are we spending a day to allow this? Does anyone know?
Comment by He makes Ryan look like a saint Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 9:59 am
I hope my interview in Milwaukee goes well. I would never leave Illinois because of our incompetents in charge, but getting away from them would be a nice benefit. I don’t know who I dislike more: Those who pass for leaders in our state or the drones who keep electing them.
Comment by Tom Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 10:04 am
I would like to reiterate a previous post.
Tribune editorial - Blagojevich has been silent lately, and as long as he stays silent, the governor isn’t making new enemies.
Running away from and dodging the press and when cornered he looks like he’s soiled his boxers, that’s very governor-like. He’s been exposed for what he really is, a fraud and the gig is up. And a coward at that. ~ Cowgirl
Comment by Cowgirl Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 10:07 am
Der governor should have been pressing on as much as possible over the past five months - not just over the past week. He uses too many moutpieces to convey how hard he works and how much he expects out of legislators. He needs to host his own press conference with - gasp! - no talking points. He needs to be REAL with the press and the public. It’s sad when President Bush, who lords over an entire nation, has more personal press conferences and availability than the governor of a state. And I never thought Sheila Nix could be more abrasive than she was during last year’s campaign, but she proved me wrong on Monday!
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 10:49 am
Sorry, I meant to say mouthpieces. I don’t know what a mout is.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 10:51 am
But our legislators know what a MOU is.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 10:55 am
I really am surprised the editors of the Saukvally paper would think Blago would care enough to show up in Springfield. He doesn’t. He is not going to be bothered. And when the next election comes along he’ll use his millions to show how hard he has tried. But the big bad politicians in Springfield who don’t care about the real people like Rod cares, have blocked everything poor Rod tried to do.
So he’ll ask the people to relect him and throw all those other terrible people out. And you know what ? It will work because he’s got all the money and the others have no means to defend themselves. Welcome to Illinois.
Comment by Lula May Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 12:03 pm
Dear Mr. Madigan,
Would you please take good care of our little Rod? It seems he has forgotten what what his job is, and needs some reminding. He has been fighting with other boys lately and has been in a foul mood over their refusal to play with him. I often try to explain that he needs to play fairly, but Rod believes that he should be in charge.
Little Rod can be charming, I assure you. Yes, I know he sandbags your hard work and insults you whenever he can, but deep down he is really just a scared little boy unable to vent his feelings.
He had a vision. Yesterday - I think. About providing health care to everyone. Now I know that usually people in his position build teams and does a lot of hard work to find consensus before even presenting his ideas, but Rod is pretty precocious. He wanted to surprise everyone with his “really great idea” and was so certain everyone would get so excited, he just wanted everyone to love him too. He really means well, in his own way.
I know he can be a handful! He is such a busy little fellow! He loves those plane rides to Springfield - likes to wear those pilot’s wings and all! Isn’t it cute how he makes those ZOOM-VROOM noises at take-off? I finally got him to stop blowing milk bubbles and making a mess on the seat.
I know he can be frustrating. But please Mr. Madigan, when you stomp his butt all over the capitol building in the weeks to come, please make sure you give his something to brag about - OK? He has that job in Springfield for another three years at least, and someone has got to save his bacon. It is so early to be a lame duck, don’t you think?
Thanks!
OK, now - Dear Mr. Fitzgerald,
Would you please take good care of our little Rod? He has been hanging around a awful lot of bad boys over the years and could sure use your advice….
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 12:19 pm
Corzine is originally from Taylorville. Any chance he can be talked into coming back to Illinois and run for Governor in 2010? I think he’d give Blagoboy a good whupping. Leadership with ethics is what this state needs but what we would take at this point in time is just a leader period. Blago - come out, come out, where ever you area.
Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 12:22 pm
“Renewed pitch for lottery deal”
Do not sell this asset for up front cash.
Do not long term lease this asset for up front cash
If the Lottery has great financial value (and it does) then keep it and make it more valuable to the citizens of Illinois who own it.
By keeping it:
The owners can control it at any time in the future, maybe even dismantle it, if the electorate deem that wise later.
The owners can expect a better return from it as conditions change.
The owners can even outsource the administration of it to professionals. These professionals,could be watched, managed and expected to keep back room deals and politics out of it. And if these same professionals feel it could be so profitable for them to own (either because they could bring in more revenue or shave expenses, or both) then let them run it, not own it. You might even give them a piece of the increased bottom line as an incentive to increase annual proceeds to the owners, then everyone wins!
Comment by Watch the money.... Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 12:26 pm
I wonder if Jones’ decision to adjourn until next Thursday is his response to Ms Nix’s comments?
Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 12:37 pm
WHAT?!?! ADJOURN?!?! What did Nix say?
Comment by Chicago Federales Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 12:56 pm
OK, recess.
Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 12:58 pm
Is it possible Emil has found his backbone ?
Comment by Lula May Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 1:02 pm
Jones’ action is a result of talking to Blago. Blago will now act “forced” into calling a special session. That way they can start getting their per diem allowances. Just more Jones/blago BS.
Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 1:02 pm
I think we have found a way to save the state some money!
According the the auditor’s report the Gov’s office has been billed 459K+ at .41 per mile. (2003-2006) The auditor’s report further states that the costs are more like 1.85 per mile. Therefore that state has expended more than 2 million dollars shuttling the governor around.
http://www.auditor.illinois.gov/Audit-Reports/Performance-Special-Multi/Performance-Audits/FY06-IDOT-Aero-Mgmt-Digest.pdf
Since you can fly United for 204 each way or Big Sky for 109, lets pur Rod on the commercial carriers and save some money for the taxpayers.
We can also further the goals of reducing our carbon footprint by saving on all the fuel used by those King Air’s ( if they are a B200, approx 120 gallons per flight hour!!!!)
Seems silly for the Gov not to live in Springfield. Where else other than government could someone get a job and the have the company provide door to door transportation by private aircraft as an unplanned benefit?
Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 1:07 pm
I also don’t like the idea of selling (or leasing) fixed assets that produce a revenue stream. However, I don’t have any alternative suggestion to offer the Governor to put 10 or 15 billion into the unfunded pension liability hole. Therefore, he has a proposal on the table, and until someone offers up a better one he should proceed.
Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 1:17 pm
Emil has not grown a backbone. You can bet he had a junket or some other prior appointment but to snub ARod is not in Emil’s constitution.
Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 1:46 pm
BTW, how does Rebecca Rausch know how much time ARod works? He’s there. She’s here. I’m betting no one knows, except perhaps Patti, how much time ARod put in for the State of Illinois. I wouldn’t count the time on the phone campaigning or talking with my attorney about a future indictment as working for the people of Illinois.
Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 1:49 pm
Now Blago is pushing the lottery sale again! Year after year the lottery contributes over 600 million dollars to the state with an operating cost of 3%!!! This is Illinois’ best single asset and Blago wants to sell it! BLAGO MUST GO
Comment by Blago Must Go Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 5:35 pm
Ms. Rauche: Putting the squeeze on people, preening for the cameras, jogging and combing your hair cannot be regarded as work. You should give your journalism diploma back.
Comment by Disgusted Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 5:50 pm
If we can in fact get $15B for the lottery, deposited in the pension funds that equals a return of over $1.2B, well in excess of the $650M. I don’t like the idea either, but who has a better one?
Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 7:33 pm
Why the people of Illinois tolerate this behavior is beyond me. Is there hope Blago will be out of office soon?
Comment by Anon Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 8:25 pm
He is proposing a 75 YEAR LEASE for 10Bil. Explain to me how the state makes out on that deal? If the lottery didn’t increase it’s contribution by one dime the state is giving up over FORTYFIVE BILLION! Once the 10bil is gone it’s gone. Then what? You can’t be serious.
BLAGO MUST GO.
Comment by Blago Must Go Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 8:43 pm
Another factor to consider is the governors secrecy about who the bidder(s) is/are for the lottery. Word on the street is that the company that would operate the lottery is the most corrupt operator of lotteries in the world. A company that has been involved in corruption at the highest levels of government. Hardly surprising considering who our governor is. More on this as the process goes forward.
BLAGO MUST GO.
Comment by Blago Must Go Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 8:59 pm
I am a republican state employee, and I think it’s funnny that the Dems with total control can not pass a budget. Obviously, the general public can’t see it, but the only reason for overtime is because Blago is a total incompetent and has never shown Madigan any respect. For the last 5 years, he took some advice from some idiot that Madigan was the bad guy. Treat him and his members with disrespect and you will go far. Boy this strategy has really worked out well. Madigan can be partisan as can be, but the Republicans have always been able to work with him. The man knows politics and it helps that he is not an idiot and you can understand him when he talks. Nevertheless, I am happy that Cross now has a seat at the table. I guess we all have to wait for Blago to be indicted before real progress is made.
Comment by anon Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 9:44 pm
Can we hope Blago will be indicted? Soon?
Comment by Anon Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 9:57 pm
-the Great Pyramid-
If we could sell the lottery for $15 B, why don’t we just take out a mortgage on it for $15 B, invest the money where it will earn $1.2 B/yr., and still have the $600 mil revenue stream to pay the mortgage? Just like the Donald would do.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 10:12 pm