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* Leader Durkin has a valid point…
“We’ll call [the minimum wage bill] on the floor [Thursday] sometime after 1:30 in the afternoon, and my expectation is the bill will pass,” House Speaker Mike Madigan said. “My expectation is that there will be no Republicans in the House voting for the bill.”
Republicans, on the other hand, said the fast-tracked advancement of the measure puts an end to a short-lived era of good feeling between the parties at the Capitol.
“This is a change of attitude since last month,” Republican House Leader Jim Durkin said. “There was all these platitudes and statements that were made about how we were going to work together and solve these problems. That is not the case today. Republicans have been shut out in negotiating in the House, and we have had no voice with the administration.”
* From November…
Democratic Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday — the day after his comfortable win over GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner — that he is laying groundwork for bipartisan action when he takes office.
Pritzker told The State Journal-Register that on Election Night, he spoke with Senate GOP Leader Bill Brady of Bloomington and House GOP Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs “to say that I look forward to working with them to solve the big problems, the big challenges we’ve got in the state, and I hope they’d be open-minded in working with me, and they both agreed that they would be.”
Pritzker also named Republican former Gov. Jim Edgar as one of the co-chairs of his transition team.
* From early December…
Pritzker has dispatched invites to Senate President John Cullerton; House Speaker Michael Madigan; House Minority Leader Jim Durkin and Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady — and their wives Pam, Shirley, Celeste and Nancy — to wine and dine at Pritzker’s Astor Street mansion.
* From late December…
One Pritzker confidant said the incoming governor envisions a return to what was once known as the “agreed-bill” process, in which all of the various stakeholders on an issue, such as labor and management, agree to sit down together to work to resolve a problem and that no legislation would move forward without such an agreement.
Such a process, still used regarding the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund, allows lawmakers to implement an agreement that is approved by all sides.
“Illinois has really only worked well when everyone works together on bipartisan solutions to the problems. It’s never really worked well, Illinois has never really prospered, with a ‘my way or the highway’ approach,” [Rob Karr, the president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association] said. “We are confident in the early stages that he’s going to take that approach, and only time will tell.”
But the more politically active and Republican-allied Illinois Chamber of Commerce already is girding for the Democratic domination. A recent internet seminar promoted by the group warned that “the Pritzker administration is going to be aggressively pro-labor when it comes to creating new workplace laws and greater regulation that this state has (believe it or not) yet to experience.”
* From January…
Another plan would let the incoming governor replace the Tollway board now chaired by former Republican DuPage County chairman and candidate for governor Bob Schillerstrom amid controversies over contracts and spending on expensive banquet tickets.
Republicans voted for both proposals, and a spokesman for House GOP leader Jim Durkin said he will support both “as a gesture of good faith moving forward,” helping clear the way for their likely approval in the coming days.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 10:41 am
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They’re not wrong. I really don’t see the need to push this through before the budget address. Probably something about placating voters before giving them the hard truth in the address.
The Democrats also have a point when they say it’s the same bill they passed two years ago. Just because Republicans didn’t pay attention to it when Rauner was in office doesn’t mean they didn’t have the opportunity to do so.
Comment by Perrid Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 10:50 am
My take is the same as it was yesterday.
The votes are there. The want of the governor is there.
The position of the super-minority can’t be the lone “we’re against it”, or more honest “we don’t like these terms” which is a valid point to the policy….
… but here’s the rub.
Again, they have the votes.
There will be a strong need to mend fences, abd work together, abd find a common ground on many things, but here in this slice of policy, it was up to the minority party to peel off votes to make a stronger position, and when you only have 44 of 118 in a body… tall ask when the majority is locked in and peeling enough votes isn’t just a “Drury, Franks, and Dunkin” away.
Mend fences, make peace, y’all need each other for really large immediate things, this is a “phase in” bill over years.
Both sides don’t need this hill to be the one to die on.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 10:50 am
I doubt fence mending is in the future. More likely the progressive agenda shall be pushed upon the people regardless of any pre-inauguration platitudes.
Comment by Unpopular Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 10:51 am
“pushed upon the people”… my dude, the people voted for Democrats in a landslide, and a lot of D’s ran on this stuff hard.
Comment by Perrid Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 10:54 am
I get it, not exactly a consensus building piece of legislation but elections. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Comment by Swampy Corn Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 10:55 am
JB was a supporter of $15 minimum wage during campaign. How many GOP votes would have been put on the board had JB offered a longer transition? Durkin can whine about bipartisanship, but he has to be willing to put something on the table. Like I’ve said before, don’t expect to have an impact on the big campaign promises. You’re impact is around the edges.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 10:56 am
Whether the minimum wage increase is passed today or waited until May 31st Republicans would have NEVER voted for it. Look, there can be compromise and agreement on a lot of things, but sometimes there’s going to be a fundamental difference in values. Republicans can claim more negotiation would have brought them on to the bill, but we all know they would not have voted for $15. Elections have consequences and Democrats ran on $15. So cut the political gamesmanship and move forward on the things we know there can actually be agreement on.
Comment by Suzzz Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 10:59 am
–* Leader Durkin has a valid point…–
Does he, in this case?
Has the GOP leadership expressed any alternative to the plan that passed the Senate, before or since?
Is there any bump in the minimum wage, with any timeline, that GOP members are willing to vote for?
If they’ve proposed one, I’ve missed it.
But if the GOP position is no minimum wage increase at all, then their position has been heard and dealt with appropriately.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 10:59 am
Win elections, then the R’s can complain.
Until then, the people will continue to vote with their feet.
#DeathSpiral
Comment by DuPage Moderate Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:01 am
Despite the warm feelings after the inauguration, I’m sure Pritzker wasn’t going to count on Republican votes to pass tough items like a minimum wage increase or a tax increase.
Comment by Chicagonk Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:10 am
Someone had to say it. Mr. Durkin did. Most Republicans I ran across post election were wary to dismissive of the “bipartisan” and “everyone’s voices will be heard” statements. I was a minority amongst those groups. I felt that based on his early post-election statements he would press for a healing against the severe divisiveness of the recent past.
Then the Senate passed its rules with all Republicans voting for them. Then the House passed its rules with no Republican input and no Republican votes.
From that moment forward it appears that I may have been proven wrong. And I’m already hearing about it from my Republican friends and associates.
Oh, well.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:11 am
18 months from now, every Republican legislator will campaign on the “hundred of thousands of jobs lost” because of increased min wages. Whether it’s true or not. That’s how fence mending works in politics. BTW Sen. Durkin. This is perhaps, next to the inevitable tax increases, the largest issue facing the state.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:12 am
–Dems to GOP: Open your throat, and relax your jaw.–
Yeah, just like sexual assault. A new leader for Chronic Victim of the Year.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:14 am
Pritzker got elected to enact a minimum wage hike, among other things. It’s going to happen sooner or later. No one should be offended or derailed from further agreement because of the inevitable.
Democrats ought to fear disappointing their own supporters more, as that’s who came out to vote in big victory margins and who will be needed in future elections.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:17 am
Pritzker talks all about working together but who really runs Illinois? Oh, that’s right, Mr. Madigan. And his incentive to work in a bipartisan manner would be …? Let’s be real, this is a Democratic show, they won it all so let them own it. If they occasionally put up a good bill then the Republicans can support otherwise let them do it on their own and don’t whine. Try to get ready for the next election cycle with reasons why the Dems should be booted out.
Comment by NeverPoliticallyCorrect Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:17 am
Would they feel included if Lightford had introduced a straight $15 an hour minimum wage, with no tip credit, no teen wage and no small business tax credit, and then negotiated with Republicans to bring those in?
Comment by Century Club Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:17 am
===who really runs Illinois? Oh, that’s right, Mr. Madigan===
You mean the guy who sidetracked or watered down every minimum wage bill that reached his chamber until this one?
The last minimum wage increase was 25 cents per hour - approved by Madigan’s chamber.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:18 am
===Oh, well===
LOL
- Louis G Atsaves -
They have the votes.
Had the Republicans peeled off enough to make a case that a needed look and compromise or input was needed, your crocodile tears might seem less overtly partisan.
Also, the Republicans couldn’t get Dems to look at a compromise bill as an alternative because… the Dems support this bill.
I know you loved Drury, Franks, and Dunkin when they help hurt Illinois as the former governor and yourself cheered, but this is actual governing and fences need to be mended a bit, but if you’re going to choose a bill that had plenty of votes to pass, the support of the governor, and the GOP take on it included…
“…a higher wage will get people off government subsidies… and that’s bad”
… you may just be a Raunerite still wanting to hurt people and learned nothing about 60, 30, signature.
“Oh, well”
lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:19 am
Whining is not a good color for Durkie. All the anti wage folks had their say. No one offered yes votes. Some suggested they might be neutral. Essentially Ds offer longer ramps, stronger tax credit, youth/training wage. GOPies never for higher min wage
Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:20 am
===18 months from now, every Republican legislator will campaign on the “hundred of thousands of jobs lost” ===
That’s at least 100,000.
You think that will work in the collar counties? Doubtful.
Raunerism and Trump, those stains won’t wash out with a $15 minimum wage… phased in over… years.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:21 am
There are fundamental differences between the parties policies in many areas and the voters made their choice.
Elections have consequences.
Comment by ChicagoVinny Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:23 am
Speeaking of whining
new poll reveals that 53% of California residents are considering leaving the Golden State because of the high cost of living.
The “Trust Barometer” poll, by Edelman Intelligence, was conducted January 4-20 among 1,500 California residents, with a margin of error of 2.5%. A special oversample of 400 tech workers in the San Francisco Bay Area was also conducted, with a margin of error of 4.8%.
The results are sobering. Nearly two-thirds, 62%, of respondents said they believed the best days of California were in the past.
Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:27 am
Does anyone really expect anyone in The Party of No to vote yes for much of anything in the next four years?
Comment by RIJ Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:32 am
To go a step further;
This… “…a higher wage will get people off government subsidies… and that’s bad”
When that is the Republican response to be against the phased in higher wages, what are we really talking about?
The GOP GA wants to die in a hill on cooperation when the argument… against… this bill is…
“…a higher wage will get people off government subsidies… and that’s bad”
C’mon. Let’s realize what we’re fighting. A policy. The GOP doesn’t like it, the Dems have the votes to get it thru and an argument against passage is… “…a higher wage will get people off government subsidies… and that’s bad”
Both sides need to make nice, realize where we are in policy and politics and work together in things needing that cooperation. That’s governing.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:34 am
In the current political environment, both local and national, did anyone expect anything different? The polarization continues, and there’s no appetite by either party to change that. So they made nice for a few weeks, and everyone felt all warm and fuzzy, but you don’t get anywhere pandering to the opposition these days. It wouldn’t matter if the roles were reversed, the Republicans would do the same thing. This is who we are now. I expect more of it in the future, not less.
Comment by SSL Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:39 am
RIJ. This is an illinois centric blog. Keep the federal issues and the Dems outta this.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:43 am
Don’t pay attention to words, pay attention to actions. The dems have no interest in working with anyone. Smartest folks in the room.
Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:45 am
===Don’t pay attention to words, pay attention to actions. The dems have no interest in working with anyone. Smartest folks in the room.===
lol
The position of the GOP is “no”
The Dems have enough for passage, as the GOP couldn’t get enough Dems to peel off.
If you have the votes, your opposition’s only position is they’re against it, you run the bill, pass it, move on.
How do I know?
Franks, Drury, and Dunkin were the old stopgaps to stop things. Nothing stopping this.
The GOP GA wants to die on this hill, scrap “working together” with how this bill sits, their position on it and the math of voting… not great.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:56 am
–BTW Sen. Durkin. –
Late for the second nap of the day already? Maybe turn off Fox and make a minimal effort to get something right, once.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 11:57 am
–Someone had to say it. Mr. Durkin did. Most Republicans I ran across post election were wary to dismissive of the “bipartisan” and “everyone’s voices will be heard” statements.–
Louis, please inform us as to what GOP input was ignored. What was the GOP alternative to the bill that passed the Senate?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:00 pm
=Has the GOP leadership expressed any alternative to the plan that passed the Senate, before or since?=
This all day.
@Louis Atsaves- what is the ILGOP proposal that was not heard? Seriously, they had time to propose a bill. Everyone knew something was going to happen.
If the ILGOP wants to be relevant they cannot go back to their practice of the past 20 years B.R. (Before Rauner) as simply the party of “No”. They will not be taken seriously by anyone. And that will not be good for our state.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:03 pm
Super Trooper, that is offensive on so many levels. Rich?
Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:06 pm
Super Trooper-that’s what your mind goes to? Condolence to the misses.
As far as mending fences with sniveling Durkin?
3 short months ago the Dems ran the table, including giving Rauner a gravel road a** whipping, and adding seats to the villainous Madigan, with this issue at their forefront.
What were the GOP going to do on this? Floor debate it to death, wait, I know. Offer thoughts and prayers. That’s their usual go to move.
Comment by efudd Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:07 pm
Willy, everybody out there knows they have the votes, wasn’t what I posted. But, just like posts about state universities, you argue X when I discuss Y.
I’s like wondering why the White Sox struggle and then seeing you post about the LA Rams
Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:09 pm
===Louis, please inform us as to what GOP input was ignored. What was the GOP alternative to the bill that passed the Senate?===
I believe you and I went through this issue when I posted what my old family restaurant would have been socked with over the course of the first year, which was between $80,000 and $96,000 dollars annually. I suggested then and so did many GOP lawmakers, that outside of Chicago and the collar counties, the increases should be gradually phased in over a longer period of time so as to not bury mom and pop operations in added debt and the 25% tax credit which disappears rather quickly should be increased and extended accordingly. This would result in two minimums, similar to New York State, with them perhaps merging down the road.
The fairy tales of minimum wage workers receiving pay increases and flooding restaurants with their presence ordering meals didn’t happen in Chicago or the collars. If it did, I and those many friends of mine still in that business, must have missed it.
All the mom and pops should post what it will cost them annually. Facts still matter and last I’ve heard, mom and pop operations combined hire and employ a lot of individuals in this State.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:11 pm
I’m going to agree Super Trooper, there’s no need for sexual innuendo. Keep your complaints out of the gutter please.
Comment by Perrid Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:11 pm
I am in favor of raising the minimum wage, but relative to past U.S. history this bill is pretty extreme. If we use the Average Hourly Earnings of Production and Non-Supervisory Workers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which extends all the way back to 1964 and which past studies have concluded is a reasonable proxy for median hourly wages, then in the very liberal, pre-Reagan 1964-1980 period the ratio of the minimum wage to the median wage averaged about 0.46. Well, the median hourly wage as of January 2019 is $23.12, and if that median wage continues its recent growth rate of 3% annually it will be $27.61 in 2025 (when the new $15 minimum wage fully takes effect). So if you divide 15 by 27.61 you get a ratio of minimum to median of 0.543. That is higher than in any single month over the 1964-1980 period and almost certainly higher than any such ratio that has ever prevailed in the entire history of the United States. Based on my analysis, even if you want to go all the way back to the policies of the 60s and 70s, a more appropriate target for the minimum wage in 2025 would be around $12.70, which, incidentally, is not very far from what Hillary Clinton proposed in 2016 when you adjust for timing differences.
Comment by Andy S. Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:13 pm
===But, just like post… you argue X when I discuss Y.===
No, you think “you know”… like better than the experts, lol
Pay attention to your drive by;
===Don’t pay attention to words, pay attention to actions. The dems have no interest in working with anyone. Smartest folks in the room.===
The Dems have no interest in working with anyone.
They have the votes, they don’t need to, especially when the other side’s sole position is “no”
The smartest in the room can do math too… 60/30, 71/36.
“No” is not a compromise position, but “you know”, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:13 pm
==I hope they’d be open-minded in working with me==
Remind me of all the good ideas you had and substantive negotiations that took place when Bruce was in charge.
Comment by Jocko Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:21 pm
Louis, okay, then I’m guessing you’re on board with the LGDF becoming regionalized as well. Given the breakdowns we saw on here yesterday, outside of a handful of areas in the city and collars, there isn’t as drastic of a difference in cost of living from Springfield and Chicago. Bloomington and Peoria as well, if I had to make a guess there.
Also, if that was their positions, can you point me to the bill number where they put it up for a vote? I can’t seem to find that with the Google.
Comment by Fixer Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:24 pm
Louis, let me try again:
What were the alternative proposals that Durkin and Brady brought to the table that if accepted would have led them to put GOP votes on a minimum wage bill?
Because if you’re not going to vote for it no matter what, you’re not looking for compromise, you’re looking for veto power.
Doesn’t work that way in the minority, ever, anywhere.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:27 pm
===Louis, okay, then I’m guessing you’re on board with the LGDF becoming regionalized as well.===
Nope. I’m just concentrating on the forgotten mom and pop establishments.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:31 pm
–The fairy tales of minimum wage workers receiving pay increases and flooding restaurants with their presence ordering meals didn’t happen in Chicago or the collars. If it did, I and those many friends of mine still in that business, must have missed it.–
Gee Louis, I’m so sad for you — people making minimum wage couldn’t afford to eat out at your restaurant now and again. Probably blowing it all on lobster with their SNAP benefits, a government subsidy for those who employ minimum wage workers.
That must have really hurt you, personally, so much.
If you have a dictionary, look up “irony.”
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:33 pm
And that’s something that goes into the “forgotten” mom and pop shops in the form on lower property taxes in downstate regions, as they’re essentially being subsidized by cook and the collars. The GOP histrionics on this would be amusing if the hypocrisy wasn’t so thick.
Comment by Fixer Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:34 pm
===And that’s something that goes into the “forgotten” mom and pop shops in the form on lower property taxes in downstate regions===
Another fairy tale. Is this why mom and pop operations are flooding counties outside of Chicago and the Collar Counties? I won’t even get into the reduced foot traffic such entities would be facing outside of Chicago and Collar counties . . .
Oh, wait . . .
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:40 pm
==I’m just concentrating on the forgotten mom and pop establishments.==
This is one step above Helen Lovejoy’s “Won’t somebody please think of the children.”
Comment by Jocko Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:40 pm
Thanks, Rich.
Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:41 pm
===Gee Louis, I’m so sad for you — people making minimum wage couldn’t afford to eat out at your restaurant now and again. Probably blowing it all on lobster with their SNAP benefits, a government subsidy for those who employ minimum wage workers.===
So minimum wage workers aren’t dining in such establishments after receiving increases in minimum wages? So you agree with me wordslinger?
Don’t feel sad for me or my family’s shuttered restaurant which once employed over 55 individuals.
Feel sad over your strange non-factual arguments over pushing such unplanned debt onto such entities, most of which are run on razor thin margins.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:45 pm
===What were the alternative proposals that Durkin and Brady brought to the table that if accepted would have led them to put GOP votes on a minimum wage bill?===
I was listening into the Labor and Commerce Committee and hearing proposals from the GOP side. I think the bill was sent to their Wage Policy and Study Subcommittee. Or maybe I was overhearing the Subcommittee. The phone kept ringing and work kept intruding.
Go check it out instead of trying to bait me.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:57 pm
–So minimum wage workers aren’t dining in such establishments after receiving increases in minimum wages?–
Louis…. you’re really not getting it.
But minimum wage workers haven’t got a bump in nine years — I’d say any business that could count on a fixed cost not rising for nine years has had a pretty good ride.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 12:57 pm
–Go check it out instead of trying to bait me.–
Bait you? Dude, you routinely jump into the boat and flop around all on your own.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 1:04 pm
The minimum wage transition is an urban/suburban vs. downstate/rural geographic economic issue much more than it is a Democratic vs Republican policy issue–the talking points on this blog notwithstanding. Downstaters (including even many Democrats from those downstate regions) realize they will never have the political numbers and power to be adequately represented in the legislature. The governor had a chance to show he was willing to at least take the time to listen to the complexities of this issue even though he knew he had the votes to push it through and probably knew he eventually would. He’s the boss but I think he made a disappointing miscalculation in the way this was handled right off the bat.
Comment by Responsa Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 1:09 pm
Dems ran on it. they won. from a political perspective, they did the right thing by telling the GOP to shove it. Policy is another story.
If Durkin believed Ds actually were serious about listening to GOP suggestions, that’s his fault.
but remember the old say, fool me once, shame on you. fool me twice, shame on me.
Rs still can’t do anything about D’s super majorities except to get on board with D proposals or vote no.
Comment by jim Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 1:11 pm
Like I said, I looked and couldn’t find it. Fact of the matter is, ILGOP is all wailing and gnashing of teeth, but haven’t done much else besides that at this point.
60 and 30 Louis. If they’ve got it, they should run with it.
Comment by Fixer Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 1:12 pm
==Pritzker got elected to enact a minimum wage hike, among other things. It’s going to happen sooner or later.==
Pritzker is following through on a key promise made during the campaign. No one is surprised and this is a bill that has been debated for many year, so it is not on anything like a “fast track.”
As for the Republican suggestion of a lower wage down state, show me a Republican who will put that in a bill, and I’ll show you someone who loses the next election. “Rep. or Sen. xxxx says you’re not worth as much as someone from Chicago.”
What does the Republican Minimum wage bill look like? (Answer: They do not believe in a minimum wage.)
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 1:20 pm
Louis obviously has first hand small business experience, unlike many here who just occasionally shop at small businesses.
Yet, some of you act the expert as if you have written several best selling books on the topic. Really, a bit of free advice, don’t embarrass yourself. Until you have been in the trenches, it is difficult to see what small business people have to go thru to survive and thrive.
Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 1:33 pm
===But minimum wage workers haven’t got a bump in nine years — I’d say any business that could count on a fixed cost not rising for nine years has had a pretty good ride.===
Don’t talk past me wordslinger, you are better than that. My pals still in the business are experiencing minimum wages in Chicago and Cook County that far exceed the state minimum wage. They experienced those “bumps” in increases and for most, they translated into serious added expenses, and not just a one time bump. Or did you miss the Cook County/Chicago experience here?
They didn’t see a spike in business from minimum wage workers. Yet there are folks around here and elsewhere using that to prove their point.
I’ll stick to the facts, no matter how disagreeable you find them. The shaming argument needs to be backed up with facts as well. So far I don’t see them as it pertains to the “minimum wage workers will then dine more frequently in restaurants” nonsensical arguments.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 1:43 pm
Andy S.
Using your logic, the minimum wage right now should already be $10.60. Somebody has been underpaying for a decade. Since minimum wage increases tend to come sporadically rather than as annual increases, I would not object to overshooting a little.
Comment by Jibba Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 1:50 pm
–The minimum wage transition is an urban/suburban vs. downstate/rural geographic economic issue much more than it is a Democratic vs Republican policy issue–the talking points on this blog notwithstanding.–
You base that conclusion on the Senate vote, or the voices in your head?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 2:06 pm
–Yet, some of you act the expert as if you have written several best selling books on the topic. Really, a bit of free advice, don’t embarrass yourself–
Your free advice is taken, for all that it’s worth, swami.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 2:13 pm
I still haven’t seen a coherent argument made on this specific policy question as to why the State should be more concerned with keeping “forgotten mom and pop businesses” operating than with the taxpayers who have to subsidize the public benefits for employees of those businesses.
Why should I care if the owner of some small restaurant can’t make a good profit when I’m already paying for their cashier/cooks/busboy’s Medicaid and SNAP benefits through my federal taxes?
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 2:45 pm
JB wanted a minimum wage increase. He put the 60/30 on the steps behind him.
Rauner wanted his turnaround agenda. He could not put 60/30 behind him. So Rauner threw a fit and wrecked the state.
Comment by don the legend Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 2:50 pm
==You base that conclusion on the Senate vote, or the voices in your head?==
Aw, it’s Valentine’s Day and you seem kind of cranky. Do you need a hug?
Comment by Responsa Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 2:57 pm
==You base that conclusion on the Senate vote, or the voices in your head?==
Aw, it’s Valentine’s Day and you seem kind of cranky. Do you need a hug?–
More like laughing. That’s your best shot, after making up some nonsense about how a straight-party-line vote was not a partisan policy issue?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 3:02 pm
–Or did you miss the Cook County/Chicago experience here?–
Yeah, the lack of independent restaurants in Chicago and Cook County is striking. You never see or hear of anyone opening up a new joint.
Except, you know, if you read the many media outlets that track all the newest, “hottest” independent restaurants every month.
https://www.timeout.com/chicago/restaurants/best-new-restaurants-chicago
https://www.bonappetit.com/story/chicago-restaurant-city-of-the-year-2017?verso=true
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 3:07 pm
Louis. Good to hear comments from one speaking from first hand experience. It is valuable insight into the difficulties small business face. Although I am in favor of an increase in the minimum wage, I can feel your pain. I also know there will be jobs lost. I wish the governor would have lengthened and increased the tax credits. Like prevailing wage, I wish the state would have used geographic considerations. The small business in this state, has, and always will be the economic engine.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 3:09 pm
A voice in the process is just that. That doesn’t mean you get your way. This bill was one of the top two priorities JB established on the campaign trail. What did they expect to happen?
Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 3:30 pm
I think the geographic concerns were taken into account. $15/hr is roughly what the living wage in the lowest COL parts of the state will be by the time it’s all phased in. That’s the absolute floor for the state, and then other municipalities can raise it above that. Seems fair.
Comment by brickle Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 3:53 pm
I’ve never heard Southern Illinois lawmakers argue so vociferously that their people deserve less.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 4:11 pm
And I will second Louis’ comment. If you have the experience Word, cough it up.
Otherwise, you are viewed as someone on the sidelines playing the expert.
Comment by Pick A Name Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 4:20 pm
- Pick A Name -
I dunno if you wanna get in the mix between - Louis G Atsaves - and - Wordslinger -… or go after - Wordslinger - and facts being at issue.
Just a thought.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 4:34 pm
===Yeah, the lack of independent restaurants in Chicago and Cook County is striking. You never see or hear of anyone opening up a new joint.===
Google Chicago Restaurant Closings. Then get back to me.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 4:35 pm
Louis, you’re a laugh riot, you know the odds are against most new restaurants making it more than a couple of years. It’s always been that way.
The issue is now moot. Bill passed.
Republicans are now free to go back to their districts and run on repealing it.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 4:44 pm
Not we get to see how it plays out in Illinois.
If $15 minimum wage at the national level continues to gather steam, this won’t matter all that much in a few years.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 5:49 pm
I don’t think the GOP was interested in meeting the Democrats halfway on this. They have been solidly aligned with business interest in Illinois, not employee interest, I think any informed person would agree with that.
In the past 4 years under Rauner the GOP establishment wasn’t interested in meeting Democrats halfway, they just marched lock step with their master Bruce Rauner. Rauner vetoed a previous minimum wage bill and was soundly defeated by Pritzker, who ran on increasing the minimum wage. Elections have consequences.
Comment by The Dude Abides Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 6:16 pm
RICH who are these peeps that think JB will give a **** what GOP thinks. Get over it folks we gave the state to the Dems.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 14, 19 @ 10:27 pm
“republicans have been shut out in negotiating in the house” pushback meets resistance
Comment by Rabid Friday, Feb 15, 19 @ 4:06 am
==Google Chicago restaurant closings. Then get back to me.==
I’m neutral in this debate, that is, I think both sides have good points. But I’m curious. Where does that extra money go, when low income people make more. I’m sure poor people don’t put it in tax shelters in the Caymen Islands. Is there an economist who tracks this?
As far as restaurant closings go, this article was the first thing to pop up when I googled restaurant closings Chicago.
1. Over saturation. Too many restaurants.
2. High start up costs, high rents.
3. Few people want to work in restaurants. One owner said when they opened they got over a thousand applications, now they are lucky to get 35.
4. Increase in minimum wage isn’t a factor. Some restaurant owners say they have to offer higher wages to get people to work for them.
So yes, googling restaurant closings Chicago was very informative.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-food-restaurant-closings-trend-1231-story.html
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Friday, Feb 15, 19 @ 6:41 am
Willy, you are right about Word and me, on most topics I can’t hold a candle to him and he likely has forgotten more by noon than I’ve ever known.
But, when it comes to small business, unless Word has a lot more experience than Louis or myself, I feel comfortable with my comments. If he does have vast small biz experience, he should let us know.
Comment by Pick a Name Friday, Feb 15, 19 @ 7:23 am
Durkins head will be swimming over weed and taxes
Comment by Rabid Friday, Feb 15, 19 @ 8:18 am
Pick a Name, that’s what I like about the Tribune article. People like Richard Melman might know a little bit about the restaurant business.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Friday, Feb 15, 19 @ 10:26 am