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* 9:46 am - The House is adjourning until tomorrow at 9 o’clock, and will come back on Sunday at 5 pm. How much do you want to bet that the governor will throw some sort of fit about this and try to disrupt what is essentially a weekend break?
*** 10:49 am *** Lots of rumors are floating around the Statehouse this morning about a budget “deal,” but it’s more like a tentative plan of action if Senate GOP Leader Frank Watson doesn’t get on board with the other leaders. There’s been a dispute over how to distribute revenues from a Chicago casino and if they’ll even do a Chicago casino.
The other legislative leaders might go ahead without Watson - at least, that’s an idea being seriously batted around now. Yes, they are hoping to run something next Tuesday, yes, the approp staffs are busy (as they would be if they’re going to do a budget on Tuesday). But there are a ton of individual meetings today with lots of scurrying around, and several unresolved issues, so nothing is quite finalized yet.
The soup is on the stove, but the meat ain’t cooked all the way through yet.
For instance, Gov. Blagojevich is in Senate President Jones’ office as I write this. Fun stuff.
* 11:03 am - The governor emerged from Jones’ office a bit ago. He said that he, Jones and the other Republican leaders want a capital plan (notice the ommission). He also listed his priorities, including his health insurance proposal, but repeatedly put education at the top of the list (which is Jones’ thing).
* 11:13 am - If you read somewhere else this morning that the General Assembly will vote on a budget this weekend, disregard it with extreme prejudice. Members are being told they have to be back here on Monday. The census will be way too low this weekend to run a budget, and the deal’s not done yet anyway.
* 4:05 pm - I’ve been busy with other matters and have neglected to tell you that nothing hugely important or outside the realm of what you might expect is going on today. lol
There are a couple of updates, though…
The Minnesota bridge disaster is stirring up new interest in an Illinois construction program to provide maintenance money for roads and bridges.
Governor Rod Blagojevich on Thursday renewed his call for $10 billion in construction money. He says it must be part of a new state budget, which is months overdue.
And…
Hundreds of disabled former Illinois state workers won’t get workers’ compensation checks on time because of the budget impasse.
A memo obtained by The Associated Press points out that the Blagojevich administration has no spending authority to make August payments to totally disabled former employees or the dependents of those who died on the job.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Central Management Services says the holdup affects 395 people who receive monthly payments totaling $594,000.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 9:46 am
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I am all for them taking breaks. Negotiating agreements creates tense and emotionaly charged meetings. Make them to long or to close together and things tend to unravel. Its good for there to be intervals where they can step back from the table and take breathers.
Comment by Ghost Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 9:50 am
Rich
Why do the legislatures need a break they have not been in session for more thean an hour all week and some of them had there break when they went and played golf this week.
The state runs out of money in less than five days and you think they should have a break?!!!?
How about all of the state workers who are working without the guarantee of a paycheck? How about giving them a break and passing a budget!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by pennypincher Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 9:52 am
As I said on another thread..
Okay…it’s a Zero Sum game…
Time to pass a 3/5’s budget and get on with summer….before it’s gone!
Comment by Siyotanka Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 9:53 am
No bet, Rich.
Comment by So Ill Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 9:53 am
pennypincher, you can’t pass a budget if the leaders don’t come to an agreement. The mushrooms are not toally irrelevant, but they’re not needed this weekend.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 9:54 am
And try to avoid using multiple exclamation marks. It makes you look weird.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 9:54 am
One would think, or rather hope, that after being smacked with a rolled up newspaper, spot would learn his lesson.
Comment by Ms. Rutan Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 9:55 am
Blago really risks being confirmed as irrelevant if he does so and is ignored. Besides, the Cubs are playing at Wrigley this weekend. You know he really wants to be there come the 14th inning.
Comment by Bluefish Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 9:56 am
rich,
if the leaders came up with a budget the mushrooms would still need to vote on it correct?
Comment by pennypincher Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 9:56 am
I don’t bet, but this is a sure one . . . you know he’ll have to say or do something.
Comment by Down State Dem Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:01 am
Penny, they could be called back with 4 hours notice. One of the benefits of being in Springfield.
But more to the point, it really doesn’t matter if the deal is signed Saturday, Sunday, or Monday…it’s Wednesday when the trouble hits.
Comment by So Ill Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:02 am
Pennypincher, breaks are also good for legislative staff. These are people who work at the whim of the leaders and spend many late nights at the cap. Staff needs a break too. Giving everybody at the capitol a day to have some quality couch time is a fantastic idea. Come back with a fresh mind and cool temper.
Comment by grad student Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:04 am
“How much do you want to bet that the governor will throw some sort of fit about this and try to disrupt what is essentially a weekend break?”
Do BOTH conditions need to be met in order to win such a bet? In other words, must (1) the Governor throw a fit AND (2) disrupt what is essentially a weekend break? What if he only does one?
Comment by Squideshi Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:05 am
All due respect to the mushrooms and our brave leaders and their weekend off. However, there are well ever 60,000 state employees, contractors, vendors as well as those served by the agencies who are still wondering if and when they will be furloughed or perhaps even laid off if the budget woes continue.
Perhaps they should go back to the mansion and hold a sit in. It is not fair to the little people effected. As the little people can only sit, watch, wait worry and send nasty notes to the blogs. Sad days in Illinois
Comment by Larry Mullholland Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:06 am
Rich has used the term “Oy!” more in the last week or so than the whole year. All of the mouth dropping acts except two have been performed, much to our chagrin. The two remaining? - 1) Shutdown, or 2) Pass the budget. So there are really no surprises left, right? Don’t count on it, the gov may resurrect the Duel.
Comment by A Citizen Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:13 am
Hey the Legislature has been in Session since January…don’t begrudge the “rank and file” a weekend off. Blame the leaders…heck, at this point lay the blame right where it belongs, on the Gov. for any and all losses of paychecks.
Comment by RightGirl Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:14 am
Besides being “Governor Irrelevant” Blago is also very much a “Drama Queen”.
Comment by Si*Se Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:16 am
How about a little barbeque at the mansion and then discuss matters in hopefully a relaxed atmostphere.
I know it’s not going to happen, but it was just a thought.
Comment by South of I-80 Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:17 am
To: So Ill - What exactly will happen on Wed? Since there was a July appropriation, all goods and services acquired during July should be able to be paid for. Most state employees would get there July 16-31 paycheck starting next week. It’s only about Aug 22 that employee paychecks will be delayed. Retirees get paid with or without a budget. Vendors are still getting paid for prior fiscal year work through the end of Aug. Only goods and services acquired starting Aug. 1 are at risk of having payments delayed.
Comment by Retired State Employee Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:19 am
Perhaps a day off will give them time to reflect on what a ludicrous situation they’ve become a part of.
Comment by Zooey Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:19 am
- Retired State Employee -
All well and good except if the state “Shuts Down” no one will be there to cut the payments.
Comment by A Citizen Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:23 am
I’m beginning to think the state needs to operate with one-month budgets every month. No more year-long budgets; keep passing one-month agreements and let the state operate like most working families. Grandiose plans and political maneuvering lead to this nonsense in the first place.
But if we must have a twelve month budget, the leaders and top staff need to put their collective nose to the grindstone and get this accomplished. I don’t remember my dad getting to take breaks when his quarterly reports and projects were due.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:32 am
For the record, I hardly consider leaving after nine on Saturday and needing to be back before 5:00 on Sunday a “weekend break”. We are talking less than 48 hours, enough time to drive home, mow the grass,hug the spouse and kids and just maybe grab dinner as a family. Until the budget is ready for a vote, what else should they be doing?
Comment by Leigh Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:32 am
RSE, my understanding — and I could be wrong — is that when there’s no budget, the Comptroller isn’t allowed to sign checks. So it’s not about how much money the state has, it’s about vending.
Again, I could be completely wrong, but that’s my understanding.
Comment by So Ill Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:34 am
I am confused about this needing a break stuff.
Over the years I have worked in medical situations and later in investigative roles where it was important to get to a resolution/conclusion. No one ever complained about working around the clock for instances of up to 36 hours without sleep or breaks.
This is simply paperwork and thinking. My experience with governmental workers and politicians is that they overestimate the ‘intensity’ of their effort and spend too much time feeling unappreciated.
I question the commitment of the legislators to get the job done. However, I am sure the governor is not interested in anything else than prepping himself for higher office. (example, How many bills are waiting for the Governor’s signature to go into law? either sign them or veto them and move on to the next item)
As far as I am concerned, they should all be confined in their respective chambers and be allowed nothing more than medications and water until they produce a fair budget for the people of Illinois.
Comment by Plutocrat03 Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:36 am
Just back from North Carolina where they were going through the same mess. They have a Governor with somw sense it appeared. It seems Blago does not.
Comment by reform Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:36 am
Rich; You think the gov is hosting the end of session party this time around? HA!
Comment by Tom Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:37 am
“Blame the leaders…heck, at this point lay the blame right where it belongs, on the Gov. for any and all losses of paychecks.”
“If electability were not an issue, the choice would be easy in this year’s governor’s race. Rich Whitney, the Green Party candidate, is in sync with the union on virtually every issue,” wrote Henry Bayer, executive director of the state employees union, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, in a union newsletter in 2006.
Maybe Blagojevich threatening to delay their paychecks will be enough incentive for them to finally drop this ridiculous “electability” standard and actually endorse the candidate that best represents their interests in the next election. In any case, Blagojevich is doing a far better job pushing AFSCME closer to the Green Party than it already was to start. Thanks Gov!
Comment by Squideshi Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:38 am
Question to the readers or Rich…
If the Gov does not sigh a bill (sits on his desk for however long)…does it become law automatically like in the Fed Gov???
Comment by Siyotanka Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:45 am
sigh=sign
Comment by Siyotanka Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:46 am
The term “budget” really refers to the appropriation bill. This give the state spending authority for a period of time, normally July 1 to June 30. That spending authority doesn’t terminate because the current fiscal year is undecided. I assume the one month budget would be the same but I haven’t read the legislation. So the comptroller can issue checks, just not for Aug. 1, 2007 and after. Except we retirees will continue to get paid, it’s the law.
Whether the state has money or not is why payments are delayed so often. The agencies submit bills to pay and the comptroller pays what he can based on how much cash is in the bank. Once the money runs out, he holds them until there is money available. That’s why there are such huge delays on Medicaid payments.
Comment by Retired State Employee Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:47 am
Retired State Employee, not all payrolls are the same date ie. 15 & 31, not all are two weeks behind. The Aug. 8 date affects 4000-5000 employee’s, not all employee’s. I saw an ad last night for a movie stating today, it was called “HOT ROD” LOL LOL LOL.
Comment by MIDSTATE Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:47 am
The Governor’s bizzare approach to this session has now also become predictable. It’s never a good thing when your opponents can anticipate your every move.
This year — if an idea makes no political sense, then you should count on the Governor to do it anyway.
The only surprise the Governor could pull right now would be to start acting like a grown-up.
Comment by ILPundit Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:51 am
Guess we in Illinois aren’t the only ones….
House erupts in chaos
In a massive flare-up of partisan tensions, Republicans walked out on a House vote late Thursday night to protest what they believed to be Democratic maneuvers to reverse an unfavorable outcome for them.
Comment by Siyotanka Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:52 am
I saw this recently - kinda sums it up:
A major research institution has recently announced the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element has been named “Governmentium.” Governmentium has one neutron, 12 assistant neutrons, 75 deputy neutrons, and 224 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312. These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of particles called peons.
Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact.
A minute amount of Governmentium causes one reaction to take over four days to complete, when it would normally take less than a second.
Governmentium has a normal half-life of 4 years in the USA; it does not decay, but instead undergoes reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.
In fact, Governmentium’s mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as “Critical Morass.”
When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium - an element which radiates just as much energy as the Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:53 am
In a posh Loop office:
“Hello gentlemen! Come right on in, and take a seat. We’ve made special arrangements to clear our appointment books and get right to work. I hear we have a deadline for next week, so we have a lot of work to do.” “The deadline’s passed already? OH – the next deadline. If it is a deadline?” “I’m not following this line of thinking – but hey! – that’s why we’re here, right?”
“You can see I arranged the chairs around what I like to call our campfire table. So sit right down and let’s start discussing why you are here.” “Would you like to take a seat? No? You’d rather stand? Well, we don’t normally do that, we’d like for you to, you know, get comfortable…you’re comfortable standing? Oh, OK – then.”
“First, I’d like for everyone to take an alias. That makes most folks comfortable and can sometimes helps me help you by revealing a little bit about yourself.”
“I’ll start. My name will be Dr. VanillaMan. I am a licensed family counselor and don’t work with government officials normally, but understand we have a state crisis that requires my services. So, I’m raring to go!”
“And you sir, what alias would you like to use?” “Santo? Ron Santo? – you must be a big Cubs fan!…you are!…Elvis? You rather be called Elvis? Like Elvis Presley?” “And how about you, sir?” “Moneybags?…Oookay.”
“ And last but not least – would you like to sit down with us? Not yet? OK. What would you like for your alias? Well, we always do that – you rather not? OK, Mike - What? oh! sorry, MICHAEL.” “Hey Michael, would you like to join Elvis and Moneybags right here by our campfire table to get started?” “You want the curtains closed? - Sure, we can do that.” “No, thats not a two-way mirror.” “Elvis, can you come back and sit down - yes, you do look nice…”
“Now, I understand that the relationship we need to see working here isn’t. BUT - that’s OK because every relationship has rough patches.” “Hot dogs for our campfire? – What? Ah sure, Elvis, we can pretend we have hot dogs and we are roasting them as we talk.” “Mustard? – SURE, we can pretend we have mustard for our – imaginary hot dogs…right… just like at a Cubs game.”
“Now, Moneybags where would you see our problem?” “I’m…I’m not surprised – every relationship gets rocky when it comes to money. You need more money…I see Elvis nodding his head…uh, Michael, we try not to do any eye-rolling when someone else is talking…HOW MUCH? SEVEN BILLION? DOLLARS?”
“Now…now! GENTLEMEN! One at a time!!”
“GENTLEMEN! I see we’ll have to…Michael, would you like to sit down at our campfire table? – WE DON’T TALK LIKE THAT IN HERE!” “Now, gentlemen listen up! We have an important rule I’ll need to enforce here, it is for everyone’s good…rule number ONE – no foul language…yes, REALLY!“ “We can’t heal our relationship when one of us is using foul language, as it poisons our campfire table conversations…”
“YES, Michael. Calling Elvis that would break our first rule.” “YES - that word would also qualify…would you like to join us at our campfire table?” “You keep breaking our first rule, Michael! OK –STAND!”
“Now - RULE number two – no name calling…that is why we use aliases.” “What’s that Elvis?, you want to change your alias? Not now, OK?” “HUH? uh, yeah, keep roasting your hot dog…”
“Alrightee then! So, Elvis, you and Moneybags sees our state budget needing seven billion dollars more than Michael, and Michael you see…” “Listen Michael, you keep breaking rule number one - now, NOW - LISTEN THAT’S breaking rule number TWO…Michael, we can’t resolve our little conflicts here if you won’t sit at our campfire table with Elvis and Moneybags and keep breaking our rules!”
“HUH? – Your hot dog’s done?”
“Listen…Elvis, while I admire your creativity…”
“MICHAEL, no one wants to hear where Elvis should put his hot dog – HUH?”
“Moneybags, there is NO hot dog to buy! Elvis is just pretending for our campfire table…”
“Sold?” “Did I just see Moneybags buy an imaginary hot dog from Elvis?”
“Let me call our receptionist - Hello Carol? We’re going to need more coffee in here…Elvis? He wants a diet Coke – No Michael, we don’t have anything stronger…” “Uh, Carol – we’re going to need lunches too.” “What’s that?”
“NO! tell those Republicans that can’t join us.” “I have my hands full with our current campers!”
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:56 am
No surprise really. If the “perceived” deadline were tomorrow, they would be running something today. If it were today, they would have run something yesterday. The leaders always wait until the last possible minute to cut and run the deal because they know that is the only way to exercise their full negotiating power, and then convince their members to come aboard.
Comment by Jaded Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:58 am
Siyotanka: If he stashes it in a pocket for 60 days, it becomes law.
If he vetoes, then the two houses each have 15 days to pass an override.
Comment by So Ill Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 11:01 am
For the feds, the anti-deficiency act says (see link) you can’t commit or obligate without an appropriation. What is the law in Illinois? I’ve seen lots of comments but not chapter and verse on what exactly you can and can’t pay for without a budget. Seems, because of court orders and the like, the state can still pay for a lot. Exactly how much does a budget matter?
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/
cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=
browse_usc&docid=Cite:+31USC1341
Comment by sangamo girl Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 11:12 am
First, Rich, please nominate Vanilla Man’s post of 10:56 for a Pulitzer Prize. There has to be a category this can fall into for an award. At least please place it at the top of your Saturday blog (if there is one) or on whatever day’s blog comes next. This guy is a literary genius at describing politics.
Secondy, I disagree that the meat ain’t cooked all the way through. Blago began this pot of soup with his own goose and it’s been cooking for so long that it’s now tougher than shoe leather and totally unpalpable. So now, just for public consumption, the 4 leaders have to find a way to tenderize all that’s been thrown in the pot
Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 11:15 am
Yes, virtually all are paid for 2 pay periods a month, 1-15 & 16-end of month. There are a few exceptions. Pay dates vary so the comptroller doesn’t run all the payroll checks for every state employee the same day. Some are 7th & 22nd, 10th & 25, 14th & 29th just to name a few.
I never said they are 2 weeks behind. But they are approximately 1 to 2 weeks behind depending on the agency you work for. DHS, the largest agency is on the 14th and 29th I believe, almost 2 weeks behind.
Are there some that are paid before they work?
Comment by Retired State Employee Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 11:19 am
RSE….
Yes the legislature….
Comment by Siyotanka Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 11:33 am
Does anybody know the bill number for the one month appropriation (budget)?
Comment by Retired State Employee Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 11:39 am
“OK – GENTLEMEN! I see that our campfire table idea has reached a limit!” “Thank you Michael for finally joining us!” This is what we all a “break-through”.” “See Michael? There were no microphones embedded in the chairs we used.”
“LISTEN GUYS!” “What I think we should do right now is move on to a trust building exercise that I find really helps.” “Let’s step over here to this platform.”
“Elvis, I want you to stand at the top of the platform, and Moneybags and Michael, I would like for both of you to stand here with your arms interlocked like this. What we’re going to do is ask Elvis to fall backwards off the platform, into your arms.” “This exercise builds trust and teamwork.”
“Michael, I need for you to move closer to Moneybags – can you do that?” “No – closer.” “Can you lift your arms? By the way, that is a beautiful suit you are wearing!” “Yes, Elvis, you suit is really nice too – OK!” “Michael, can you lift your arms? Yes, BEND them! WOW, you ARE STIFF! That’s it – GOOD!”
“OK – Moneybags, I need your arms positioned just like Michael’s.” “WHAT THE…! – Is that CASH falling out of your jacket sleeves?” “That sir, is more money than I’ve seen since my wedding day – a lot more, actually.” “You’re a newlywed too? – Looks like you’ll be needing that cash then, eh?”
“Elvis, can you please get back on the platform?” “Thanks for hopping down and picking up all that cash – now can you give it BACK to Moneybags, please? – YES - all of it!” “Why - WHY are you whimpering, it isn’t yours!”
“GENTLEMEN! ENOUGH! BACK to your places! Thank you!”
“Now Elvis, when I count to three, I want you to fall backwards off the platform into this “safety net” Michael and Moneybags created with their interlocked arms.” “I know you are scared, it is not easy at this stage of your relationships to trust one another at this level, but that is why we are doing this exercise – to build your relationships!”
“Turn around. C’Mon, turn around! Michael, quit snickering, you are making Elvis nervous…Moneybags, I need for you to look up and focus on Elvis so you can catch him on the count of three.” “LISTEN gentlemen, you are three grown MEN. You can do this exercise.”
“Ready Elvis? On the count of three!”
“One”
“Two”
“THREE!”
“Very good! But Elvis you were supposed to fall backwards! And Michael, I saw your arms drop to your sides when I said three!” “That’s not how we build trust!” “Hmmm, Michael? How many times do I have to remind you about rule number one?” “Let’s try it again – shall we?”
“One”
“Two”
“THREE!”
“!@#$@#!@#$$!!” “WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!” “YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO CATCH HIM!” “What?” “Moneybags, I said on the count of three!” “THREE!” “THREE!” “Like the three billion in cash that fell out of your coat sleeves!” “Three!”
“Please stop snickering Michael!
“Elvis?! Are you alright?” “Did you hit your head?” “Thank God for that hair helmet you wear!” “You’re all shook up?!” “Cute – just like that Elvis song.”
“GENTLEMEN LISTEN – WE WILL do this again until each of you can perform your role in this exercise. Michael, you are next!”
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 11:44 am
I don’t know if the legislators need a “breather”
or not but I do. I’m suffering with “overtime
fatigue”.
Wake me when it’s over.
Comment by Esteban Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 11:50 am
Vanilla Man - are you really Robin Williams?
Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 11:54 am
If the rate relief legislation goes under
cuz of “The Boy Wonder”, will Lisa re-file
the lawsuits against Ameren>
Comment by Esteban Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 11:57 am
that state employees will be told to go home today at 3:00PM. Would that be a “SHUTDOWN?” People, we’re going down….
Comment by Rumor has it.... Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 11:58 am
“Hello Carol?”
“Can you please bring up some ice packs? Like the ones we use for bumps and sprains?” “Do you know when lunch will be ready?”
“YES - ELVIS! I know I broke rule number one when you dropped Michael.”
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 11:58 am
The one month budget bill is HB 3920 (Public Act 95-11).
Comment by General Assembly Watcher Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 12:02 pm
Bring on the shutdown Blago, we could all use a day off or even a week from all your propagandist B.S.
Comment by State Worker on lunch Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 12:05 pm
I agree. At this point, I welcome a shutdown.
Blagojevich would be the media target, and I’d be thrilled to see the national media descend on Illinois.
Do I need my paycheck on time? Yep.
Can I wait two, three, four weeks to get paid? Nope.
But given the choice between a shutdown (and the Blagojevich circus that would ensue) and a normal, run-of-the-mill paycheck — I’ll take the shutdown.
Bring it on, Blogjevich. Stop the yapping and threats. Shut us down.
Comment by State Worker on Lunch #2 Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 12:15 pm
Rich, do you have any audios we could listen to? Amos and Andy, The Shadow, The Green Hornet, or maybe you could just read us the Comics. But keep posting VanillaMan, He seems to “understand” state government . . . even better than the gov, for sure.
Comment by A Citizen Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 12:24 pm
I hope everyone remembers the ‘irrelevance’ of this governor next election. Tell your friends, write letters, call everyone you know and remind them.
Comment by State Worker on Lunch #3 Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 12:38 pm
Rumor has it…
Where is that rumor coming from? That’s a pretty serious item to post. Take it back or tell us why it has any credibility. If you are just scare-mongering, shame on you.
Comment by A Non Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 12:38 pm
A Non must be from the guv’s office and is trying figure out what is going on.
Comment by True Comparison Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 12:45 pm
Famous last words…
“Bring it on, Blogjevich. Stop the yapping and threats. Shut us down.”
Lol
Comment by Bill Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 12:48 pm
Bill,
I agree… I think state employees should refrain from antagonizing the boss. I’m sure the above lunch-time state workers don’t speak for all workers. If I were a state employee, I’d worry more about the post-session employment environment.
Comment by Budget Watcher Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:01 pm
I’m hearing Blago is in Quincy this afternoon announcing a capital budget plan. Hopefully, he’ll cross the bridge and keep heading west.
Comment by Anon Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:04 pm
State Worker on Lunch #3 - I laughed when I saw your nickname, because I thought you meant you were taking your third lunch of the day (figuring that since you’re presumably not getting paid, why not?). Now I realize you were just trying to distinguish between yourself and your colleagues who are also on their lunch break. LOL
Comment by Friday blahs Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:06 pm
Hey Vanilla Man-Get a life dude!
Comment by Orland (D) Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:08 pm
Budget Watcher — The state employees are fed up with Blagojevich. He’s antagonizing *us* — and we’re sick of it. Either do it or don’t do it — but stop the threats.
Post-session environment? Are you kidding? Have you stepped foot in a state agency these days? The morale is non-existent. It can’t get any worse. The agencies are falling apart — and the folks in charge of the agencies keep their doors closed — and often locked.
Antagonizing the boss? Please. Don’t be absurd.
Comment by State Worker on Lunch #2 Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:10 pm
This just in
Pulling a page from the Bill Black “Low Class” Playbook, PeterPressRelease is racing to Quincy to stand by a bridge and call for a hugh tax increase to pay for a capital program.
Hope someone asks about the Ameren rate hikes.
Comment by Mr. W.T. Rush Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:10 pm
Thanks for the bill number. It looks to me like it is the House Bill with the full fiscal year amounts that has an amendment, #2, that repeals the bill on Aug. 1. Therefore, there would be plenty of funding for July expenses. But that does beg the question of since it has since been repealed, can payments be made against it for the time it was in force? I don’t remember any precedent for this.
My take is that it is misleading to call that a one month budget if that is the case.
Comment by Retired State Employee Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:19 pm
And the subpoenas, Rezko, etc.
Comment by A Citizen Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:19 pm
And once the chopper lifted off, PeterPressRelease air drop a special session call,#11, 9 a.m. Saturday for a “second temprary one month budget.
Huh? what the %^#&^#&^ does that mean? A “temporary one month budget” as opposed to a permanent one month budget
“Working At the Mansion” must have hit Giggles with the Nerf ball while the proclamation was being prepared.
Let’s get to the bottom of this important development
Comment by Mr. W.T. Rush Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:24 pm
If Blago wanted to show guts he shut down the state fair to show he would shut down state govt.
But Blago is gutless and will cave-in to the grown ups.
Comment by Guts Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:27 pm
Dear State Worker:
The legislature passed 30 days of spending authority at the levels in the FY07 approp bill.
Agencies could have tried to spend more than 1/12th, but that might have required some work.
Word on the street was HFS tripled spending for July.
Comment by Mr. W.T. Rush Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:36 pm
To Orland (D) What part of Vanilla’s post din’t you understand? Need it splained to you?
Comment by Fake Bill Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:44 pm
Special Sessionfro 5 p.m. Sunday just arrived from PeterPressRelease
Comment by Mr. W.T. Rush Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:46 pm
Vanilla man–please keep your posts coming. With all that is going on in Springfield, we need something to keep our spirits up.
Comment by ChampaignDweller Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:59 pm
Fake Bill-Maybe you should get a life also and stop stroking Vanilla Man.
Comment by Orland (D) Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 2:13 pm
- Orland (D) -
Orly, I think you are losing your campaign on VanillaMan. His stories are just so close to reality - that makes them extra entertaining. Especially with the gov as the creator of this drama queen soap opera. I’m sure VM will stop when gov stops giving him so much material from which to work.
Comment by A Citizen Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 2:21 pm
“OK – Let’s recap what we’ve accomplished so far. Elvis, you have a very large bump on the back of your head, Michael you have a sprained ankle, and Moneybags, you have somehow managed to find several thousands of dollars in your boxed lunch, which you claim you have no idea how it got there or who sent it.”
“In all honesty, I can’t say that the trust-building exercise worked as plan. In all my years in practice, I haven’t so much distrust.” “So, we will be doing something rather dramatic and I only do in extreme situations – HYPNOSIS.”
“The curtains are already pulled, so I’ll just darken the lights – there.” “Now Gentlemen, I would like each of you to relax completely. Feel the stress within your bodies to lessen as you count down with me.”
“10 – 9 – 8 – 7, OK – Which one of you wise guys took my wallet?”
“6 – Feel the stress flow from the back of your necks, out into your hands.”
“5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1, now, gentlemen, you should be completely relaxed.”
“Yes, Carol?” “It has to be an important call – OK, put him on speaker phone. Dan? Are you there? Mr. Comptroller, I can’t be on too long – we are in the middle of a session – Illinois is flat out of funds and you want to know when these boneheads will work their differences out?” “Listen sir, you are Dan Hynes, Comptroller for the State of Illinois – only you know how dire the situation is at this time. – Hello Dan? Are you still there?”
“No Elvis, you are not Dan Hynes!”
“No Moneybags, you are not Dan Hynes either!”
“What’s that Michael? You are not hypnotized, but you have an idea?”
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 2:23 pm
Limerick were are you?
There’s some excellent material here, compliments of Governor Irrelevant.
By way state employees, don’t intimidated by the governor’s goons. Your opinions and thoughts matter.
Comment by Wacker Drive Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 2:24 pm
The first victims have been seen in this budget impasse. The breaking news states “Budget impasse delays checks to disabled” now is this not wonderful!
Comment by Deb Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 2:31 pm
I’m with Orland, those vanman posts are dull and tedious (which I will admit is unusual for him)
Comment by mclovin Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 2:33 pm
“The governor emerged from Jones’ office a bit ago. He said that he, Jones and the other Republican leaders want a capital plan (notice the ommission).”
Wasn’t Blagojevich just recently accusing Madigan of being a right-wing Republican and working with Republicans? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
Comment by Squideshi Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 2:40 pm
When were/are those checks supposed to go out?
Comment by steve schnorf Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 2:51 pm
Was the governor wearing his cape from yesterday?
Comment by Northside Bunker Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 3:05 pm
http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2007/08/03/ap-state-il/d8qpn9lg0.txt
Comment by Innocent Bystander Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 3:05 pm
Where is Pat Quinn in this circus? What is his position?
Which is puzzling considering how outspoken he is.
Comment by Not a peep Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 3:25 pm
“Jones and other Republican leaders…” is he calling Sen. Jones a GOP now?
Wow no one is safe from Mr. I.M. Not InSane.
Did he sign the electric rate bill
Comment by Mr. W.T. Rush Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 3:39 pm
It is almost 4pm and the state offices are still open - The rumor posted above was a malicious post - probably from the governor’s staff. Cheap shot buddy!
Comment by A Citizen Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 3:48 pm
Agency HR staff have been huddling for two days straight. As instructed by CMS, letters indicating essential vs. nonessential are being printed and being prepped for mailing to all state employees.
Comment by Ms. Rutan Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 3:53 pm
- Mr. W.T. Rush - Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 1:24 pm:
“Huh? what the %^#&^#&^ does that mean? A “temporary one month budget” as opposed to a permanent one month budget”
…Or, perhaps, as opposed to a temporary two month budget. (Ain’t language grand?)
Comment by silentk Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 3:58 pm
Budget impasse delays checks to disabled
Last Updated 8/3/2007 3:30:31 PM
By JOHN O’CONNOR
AP Political Writer
The Illinois budget impasse means hundreds of disabled former state employees won’t get their workers’ compensation checks on time, providing an early example of the impact of the deadlock, officials confirmed Friday.
A memo obtained by The Associated Press points out that without a budget, the Blagojevich administration has no spending authority to make August payments to totally disabled former employees or the dependents of those who died on the job.
The delay affects 395 people who monthly receive payments totaling $594,000, according to a Department of Central Management Services spokeswoman. The payments will be mailed as soon as possible after a new budget is signed into law, the memo said.
See SJ-R.com
Comment by MIDSTATE Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:06 pm
Rich, give VM a regular slot at Illinoize. First post consolidates these comments.
Comment by VM fan Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:08 pm
Good idea, VM fan. VM, send me an email.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:09 pm
- MIDSTATE -
Those folks average $1,503 per monthly check! That the state (read Governor) couldn’t foresee this and take care of these disabled former employees is pathetic and damning. That’s not much income to live on, let alone set aside money for times like these.
Comment by A Citizen Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:12 pm
To: Retired State Employee - The number for the shell bill that the House sent to the Senate earlier this week is HB 3866.
Comment by From the Sidelines Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:13 pm
Did the governor sign the electric rate bill?
Comment by Fan of the Game Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:21 pm
Wonder why the dopes at CMS did not cut check for August with a 7-31 date? They had plenty of $$$$
Gotta use that noggin guys
Comment by Mr. W.T. Rush Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:28 pm
Why can’t the governor’s champaign fund front the money to the disabled. He can well afford it and it would be money the feds don’t get! He could even use it as a write off.
Comment by Justice Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:30 pm
RSE…Our agency gets paid on the 1st for work completed on the 15th of the previous month and the 16th, for work completed on the last day of the previous month. Therefore, we are always at least two weeks behind except on March 1st of non-leap years.
I have been told that CMS also gets paid on the 1st, but it’s for work completed the end of the previous month. That means to do the payroll in time for disbursement they would be getting paid for work not yet completed. Sorry I can’t verify that, it’s what I was told by a CMS employee. Maybe someone from CMS has more information about that.
Comment by Fed Up State Employee Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:30 pm
Rush -
The dopes at CMS don’t cut the checks. The Comptroller’s office cuts the checks. To attempt to pay for August costs by backdating the checks would be illegal.
Comment by Ms. Rutan Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:33 pm
Quittin time…let’s head for cheap buckets nite at Boones.
Shut her down Capt. Fax
Comment by Mr. W.T. Rush Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:34 pm
Fed Up -
I hope this helps. CMS gets checks on the 7th and 22nd, unless those dates fall on a weekend, in which case the payday is moved up. The payday on the 7th is to pay for work completed the 16th through the 31st of the prior month. The paycheck on the 22nd is to pay for the work completed the 1st through the 15 of the current month.
Comment by Ms. Rutan Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:36 pm
Thanks for keeping us up to date Rich. Enjoy your weekend!
Comment by From the Sidelines Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:41 pm
Wacky Definitions
Temporary One Month Budget - Pass an appropriation bill (with full year amounts) effective July 1 and have it repeal itself Aug 1 thereby no longer being in effect.
Permanent One Month Budget - Pass an appropriation bill that doesn’t expire that has 1/12th of the full year amounts so that goods, services and wages incurred in July could be paid for when billed, generally in August.
How many of you were fooled into believing the second scenario instead of the first. My epiphany came today after looking at the bill (HB 3920 passed as Public Act 95-11).
Comment by Retired State Employee Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:45 pm
Rich just reported that Governor Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde “renewed his call for $10 billion in construction money. He says it must be part of a new state budget, which is months overdue.”
I think my brain has has gone into overload and just stopped processing. Can’t take this anymore. Need a cold beverage. Hope everyone can try and have a great weekend.
Comment by Fed Up State Employee Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 4:54 pm
Come one now. There is no emergency fund in all of state government from which the 500 or so disabled employees’ money can be disbursed. I simply don’t believe it. The money is there. One of our six figure employees could find a path to it if they wanted to. For that matter, the legislature could vote to disburse it. It’s not like they are busy.
Somebody dropped the ball here.
It is really appalling that this particularly vulnerable and very small group of Illinois residents is the victim of our politicians’ greed.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 6:42 pm
VM - Forget the complaints of those without your ability. They are jealous. Your posts of yesterday and today were excellent.
Comment by Silent Majority Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 6:55 pm
I’m surprised the widows and orphans fund ability to write checks lapses with the budget. The WAND TV story had no other details; has anyone verified that this is what they’re talking about?
Comment by Former IIC hand Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 7:47 pm
Next time, maybe the voters will pay attention. These Dems have no idea how to govern a state. Great job Democrats, great job….
Comment by Holdingontomywallet Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 8:35 pm
I still can’t believe how much of an idiot I was in voting for this guy. I’m talking Blago. What a train wreck!!!
Comment by anon Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 9:14 pm
Budget’s done. House to consider Monday. Senate on Tuesday.
Then, does Blago take his time reviewing it, causing a crisis that leads to a shutdown?
Can’t you just hear him say “I can’t be rushed into signing a budget. I told them to send me another one-month budget so that we had some breathing room. But they wouldn’t do it. If only the leaders had gotten together earlier. I won’t sign it til I can review it. Just like the electric rate relief bill”
Comment by Might Be. Could Be. It is! Friday, Aug 3, 07 @ 10:47 pm
If you want a friend in politics, get a dog.
Comment by Serendipity Saturday, Aug 4, 07 @ 8:07 am
“If you want a friend in politics, get a dog.”
LOL. I have two! Golden Retrievers.
Comment by Squideshi Monday, Aug 6, 07 @ 9:59 am