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More on the threatened veto…

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* The Tribune has a couple of good details about what’s ahead…

But the administration said it could accomplish its health-care plans through existing powers to shift a percentage of money from other budget lines, as well as by delaying payments to providers of health care to the poor. […]

[Besides the $200 million in “pork”] The governor also plans to eliminate what he called $300 million in legislative add-ons within agency programs and transfer the funds elsewhere. […]

Sen. Donne Trotter (D-Chicago) said the governor can use a 2 percent discretionary transfer authority to create a pot of money worth hundreds of millions of dollars to help underwrite the health-care plans.

* Sun-Times…

But as the day proceeded, a deep skepticism began to take hold that the governor may have overplayed his hand and merely was trying to save face from a disastrous legislative session.

* And the Sun-Times editorial board is clearly not happy, calling the move “the act of a dictator.”

The representatives of the people of Illinois soundly rejected the governor’s health expansion. Now he says he can do it by mandate.

* Carol Marin quotes Hunter S. Thompson’s famous line “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro,” and asks…

Did Hunter Thompson actually KNOW Rod Blagojevich?

* Daily Herald…

On Tuesday, Jones abandoned a coalition of legislative leaders who’d cut their own budget deal last week without Blagojevich and agreed to stick together and override any vetoes.

Jones denied there was any deal to back up the governor in return for higher pay. “Oh no. I’ve been fighting for these pay raises for a year,” Jones said. But suspicion hung thick at the Capitol, where Jones’ move was viewed as a double-cross.

* Some of the comments on yesterday’s post were quite excellent. Here are just a few…

* Reverse field…

Emil gave Madigan his version of the operating budget, but without embarassing a Democratic Governor w/ an override..Madigan eventually gets his members projects back through negotiating a capital bill. Rod has declared “victory” on health care and he can move straight to capital. Takes 8 to stop emergency rules on JCAR so that is not an option for Madigan. Plus these are poor people w/out insurance! Without the employer payroll tax–Madigan has to do the capital bill or look like an obstructionist. Madigan retrieves the member intiatives and Rod gets his long sought capital bill. Frank Watson’s letter today is further proof that the Governor is moving on capital and is likely to move on Frank’s individual members soon. If a capital bill zooms out of the Senate Madigan has little choice but to negotiate. Give the Goernor credit he is finally taking the advice of his legisaltive allies.

* DuPage Dave…

The sad thing to me is that if the Guv had come out with this as a plan in March- increase breast cancer screening, expand CHIP, and other tinkering with the health care system as steps toward a more “universal” system- and with a price tag of only $500 million- he would have had it approved very easily, I think. Instead we had lots of bluster about Armageddon and being on the side of the Lord, etc., demonizing any opponents of his poorly defined, multi-billion dollar scheme. This whole ordeal has been embarrassing, but it is not even remotely amusing. It’s just sad, sad, sad.

* amy…

surely his lawyers looked at this and said it is worth a shot. and why not. Pork or healthcare? That’s an easy call. and if Lisa Madigan has to weigh in on the legal dispute and does not side with health care, woe to her. this looks good for the people of Illinois.

Discuss.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 8:28 am

Comments

L’Etat C’Est Moi
(I am the state)

Louis XIV

Comment by Captain America Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 8:33 am
Notwithstanding the constitutionality of what he did on the additional spending, the governor just sent a very strong message - you want to mess with me, watch me take away $$$$ from all your members who aren’t on my side. It’s a baseball bat to the Speaker’s head. We all know how well that’s worked in the past.

Cross still nailed this directly - Theater of the Absurd - it continues ad infinitum…

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 8:37 am
I’m wondering if, on the Governor’s part, was this really carefully planned or was it a reactionary move to silence all of the “irrelevant” talk - he certainly has a hand in things now (for the time being)?

Comment by Guy Fawkes Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 8:45 am
So most I talk to think this is illegal, to which i agree. However, we differ on whether or not he will get away with it. I believe he will. Sure its illegal, but so were the fund transfers to GRF over the past several years, but almost all of taht has gone under the rug without change.

Same situation here (in the sense reguarless of whether it is illegal, the Gov will do it.

Remember yesterday that I said he would state the 2% transfer rule? Told ya. Gets a little more circus like every day.

Comment by Moderate Repub Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 8:48 am
It’s too bad there wasn’t a documnentary film crew on hand this year to document this.

Frankly, this would make a fascinating documentary. It’d be interesting to hear the responses from the key folks as stuff was actually happening.

And this — these weird endgame, dictatorial mandates — would be quite the narrative climax.

Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 8:54 am
The latest Godfather Jones outrage - he’s now collaborating with the Governor on the subversion of the State constitution.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.
Senate Democratic Caucus: Senate President Emil Jones has got to go.

Where’s that ethics bill, Senator Schoenberg?

Senator Jones - it’s reformism not racism!

Comment by Captain America Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 8:56 am
2% rule is really quite limited, and wouldn’t get him very many dollars:
- can’t be transferred from grants, lump sums, capital, or personal services spending (but can be transferred into personal services).
- can’t be transferred between agency’s
- can only be transferred into an existing appropriation (and not a lump sum or grant line).
- has to be approved by the Comptroller (so if the Comp’s office things he’s moving lines inappropriately it won’t happen).

So the 2% portion isn’t going to help him much.

Comment by 2% Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:04 am
Gee I wonder how many people will show up at the rally and boo the heck out of the governor and Jones?

Comment by Crimefighter Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:09 am
The Tribune’s first paragraph, “as well as by delaying payments to providers of health care to the poor.”

Health care providers have not been lining up to take on more AllKids patients. Now that Blago has said he will delay payments, which means delay them even more than they already are, why would health care providers take on MORE patients covered by any State of Illinois health care plan? If he can’t pay the health related bills timely now, how can he afford to expand a plan that will put doctors, hospitals, etc. in even more arrears?

Comment by Just My Opinion Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:11 am
One of the earlier bloggers that Rich quoted above said that it was unlikely JCAR could stop emergency rules for Rod Jong-il’s health care changes because an extraordinary majority of 8 votes (of the 12 on JCAR) would be needed to stop the filing. Well, each caucus has 3 members on JCAR, so if Madigan, Cross, and Watson stick together, they have 9 JCAR votes. Not that this whole thing hinges on JCAR’s approval (what does Rod care about actuially having the authority to do something?), but just clarifying that point.

Comment by Unmitigated Gall Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:11 am
So now Jones is saying Watson blew the deal because he backed out of the Capital agreement. I agree Rich, pretty big stretch, but at the same time, it definately gives him cover.

To those who think the 2% transfer will get the Gov little. Do you really think he will stick to the letter of the law here? What makes you think he won’t say “it is in the scope of the law” and use it way beyond its intent? I do, who will second the motion?

Comment by Moderate Repub Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:15 am
And how much of the $500 million will go to pay for health care for illegal aliens?

Comment by Cal Skinner Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:31 am
Just more proof that Emil is on his way out the door. He is cutting the best deal he can cut for himself before he goes. I am sure he will be very well compensated in his after (legislative) life.

Oh, by the way. If every caucus except Emil’s gets screwed on projects, don’t think for a second JCAR won’t prohibit every action the Governor makes regarding this deal. If for no other reason than to say “if you think you can appropriate money without us, we think we can grind your agencies to a halt through the rules process.”

That is what I would do anyway, just to for fun.

Comment by Jaded Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:32 am
Reverse Field obviously didn’t do to well in math in grade school.

Yes, it takes 8 votes on JCAR to block administrative rules proposed by Blagojevich:

Madigan - 3 votes
Cross - 3 votes
Watson - 3 votes
Jones - 3 votes

Looks like plenty of votes there to me.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:33 am
Remeber ” what goes around comes around”. Jones and the Gov. have not heard the last of this!

Comment by MOON Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:37 am
I knew Hunter S. Thompson, and Rod Blagojevich is no Thompson.

Comment by Don't Worry, Be Happy Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:40 am
Sometimes, when you’re dealing with somebody who just doesnt play by the rules (or even knows what the rules are, in this case), you have to be willing to call his bluff even if it’s not the responsible thing to do. The budget bill was a House bill, right? So it goes back there when he does the item veto, right? I’d almost like to see Madigan just call it for an override, send it to the Senate, and say “Screw you guys, I’m done”, and just let the state wallow with no budget for awhile. . . .

Comment by Unmitigated Gall Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:43 am
Rich just said on the WLS interview that this was going to be a 4 year session and I’m a believer. This is a war that will last until the next election. Blago is counting on the GOP still being asleep at the wheel. However, they can at least still keep a score card and I’m sure they are doing just that. The GOP looked foolish the last election by letting Blago come out with his campaign stash and proclaiming JBT to be joined at the hip of GRyan. They won’t make that same mistake again. It would be an interesting campaign if it were to begin today.

Comment by Just My Opinion Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:46 am
. . .And from a politcal standpoint, MJM’s rationale is, “Hey, I’m not going to sanction this blatantly unconstitutional move by the Governor. Furthermore, it would be a complete abdication of the legislature’s authority to allow this Governor to achieve by gubrnatorial decree a program that was soundly rejected by The People through their elected representatives”.

Comment by Unmitigated Gall Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:53 am
“Unmitigated Gall,” if the House overrides the line-item and reduction vetos and the senate does nothing, then the veto stands and the budget is implemented the way the governor wants it. it won’t be a total veto. different animal.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:55 am
Rich and all, sorry for shootin from the lip. . .. I was going back to the site to correct my own gaff when I saw your post. . .thanks for for quickly correcting it. . .

Comment by Unmitigated Gall Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:08 am
Someone else mentioned this before but I can’t believe the hypocrisy of delaying payment to those who provide health care to the poor (a.k.a. delayed payments) to pay for health care for the poor. It’s robbing Peter to pay Peter. Hypocrisey at it’s finest!

Comment by North Shore Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:14 am
So just so we’re clear, if the gov AV’s a bill, even if that bill includes new or supplemental language or spending, that bill becomes law as amended if there is no 3/5 vote to override in both chambers?

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:18 am
The funny thing about the celebrity harness race with Rich and the GA leadership spokespersons is that regardless of the result, each of the spokepeople will issue their own statement claiming victory, which unfortunately leaves Rich as the only loser in the bunch.

Comment by Guy Fawkes Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:20 am
an amendatory veto is a different animal. it has to be approved by both chambers to take effect. i seriously doubt he will do that.

in the future, please read the constitution. the veto section is very short.

that sentence, “in the future, please read the constitution,” by the way, is exactly what i’ve been telling the governor’s staff for over 4.5 years. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:21 am
Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:18 am:

So just so we’re clear, if the gov AV’s a bill, even if that bill includes new or supplemental language or spending, that bill becomes law as amended if there is no 3/5 vote to override in both chambers?

yes, unless BOTH chambers overide the Govs vetos, the budge stands with the Govs changes.

Comment by Moderate Repub Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:22 am
Amy’s comment couldn’t be more far off.

We are such a fiscal train wreck that it’s pointless to get healthcare for kids if it’s going to put this state in receivership. What good is health care for kids if it means you can’t pay your Medicare and Medicaid bills. Come down here to Southern Illinois where people go to Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky to fulfill those obligations. It’s a mess when we can’t pay our bills right now.

Since the GRT died, if Blago wants this, I say he mans up and proposes an income tax to pay for his flawed, ineffective plan. That will fly over just like the GRT did, and he’ll be breaking his foremost campaign promise to do it. However, isn’t healthcare for kids *that* important?

Comment by Southern Illinois iPhone Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:23 am
Thanks for the edjucashun Rich! I’ll be sure to read it next time.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:23 am
Help me on this. If Blagojevich vetoes 500 million of so called pork and then we find out that he can’t use the 500 million for his better pork. Do we save 500 million in the budget. Is that at all posible?

Comment by Southern Right Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:24 am
“surely his lawyers looked at this”

Comment by Champ Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:25 am
He’ll use most of it. Trust me. But if he doesn’t, then, yes, the budget will be reduced by 500 mil.

There’s more to this, but you need to subscribe.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:25 am
So is the Senate now adjourned into Perfunctory Session until they have to come back or is that just for the special sessions?

Comment by Huckleberry Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:25 am
“… I can’t believe the hypocrisy of delaying payment to those who provide health care to the poor (a.k.a. delayed payments) to pay for health care for the poor. It’s robbing Peter to pay Peter.”

No. It’s robbing Peter to pay Peter — and mugging for the news cameras between the robbery and the payment.

It’s like mugging your bookie to pay your bookie — and then expecting him to take the payment, thank you, and call things square until next week.

That’s a good question: who *is* keeping score? Not the voters — and that’s what Blago is counting on.

I assume the school districts — and the district admins have a scorecard — but they usually fall in line when it comes time to punch the chad.

And that’s the point. The score is being kept by the powerless (in Illinois, of course, that includes includes the GOP). And those of us who do keep score — and vote according to the scorecard — don’t make a difference.

It’s a sad state of affairs, but Blagojevich knows what’s what.

Four year battle? Please, Rich.

This is eight years — at least. And then it starts all over again on a *national* level. Same clown, different circus.

Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:27 am
Macbeth - “then it starts all over again on a *national* level.”

EXCUSE ME? You really think Rod could get elected to anything on a national level after this charade?

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:31 am
Where is Mike Lawrence’s voice when we need it? He has the amazing ability to explain exactly what is going on in terms that the average citizen can understand and become even MORE appalled at the way our so-called leaders are handling things in Springfield.

Comment by Missing Voice???? Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:33 am
“EXCUSE ME? You really think Rod could get elected to anything on a national level after this charade?”

Two words: George Bush.

Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:34 am
Time for Democratic Senate Caucus to get some Testicular Verility and elect a new Senate President! Jones can not be trusted and trust among fellow pols (even if not with the electorate) is mandatory to ever be effective.

Comment by Illinois Citizen Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:41 am
I don’t think that universal health care, or some approximation of it, is going to bankrupt the state even if it covers illegals, which it probably will simply because it’s easier politically in a blue state. Maybe there will be less money for (gasp) education or (yes!) fewer state “MC” patronage jobs, but probably not substantially fewer.

The problem is that we are rapidly approaching a have/have not health care system with a wealthy
class carrying insurance cards which entitle them to top notch health care at a high price (but not high for them) and everybody else–those who must rely on some version of state Medicaid, on Medicare, or on cheapo insurance with lots of copays and deductibles. Those folks will have a lot of trouble finding medical providers they are comfortable with…if they find any at all.

A truly class-based system, in other words. In a blue state, no less.

Throwing our tax money at the problem a la Blago is the easy part. The hard part is a truly classless health system.

Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:44 am
Illinois Citizen
The word is the Senate Dem projects won’t be touched. Couple that with the fact that he alone probably convinced Blago to sign the pay increase, and it looks to me like he delivered pretty well for HIS members. I still think he is on his way out, but his members can’t be too ticked off at him for this.

Comment by Jaded Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:45 am
there still is time for things to change - again. The actual veto message has not yet been issued. The press conference timing was just to get the budget bill action pressure off of the Governor at the State Fair, and direct it to Speaker Madigan. It may be that discussions over the next few days permit a new bill to pass with more spending in health care line items and the GRF Member Initiatives will not have to be cut, perhaps passed in tandum with one of the tax increases earlier considered (not GRT.)

Why would the governor bargain? Because the veto authority is only to reduce line item spending or change the name of a line item, not increase spending. The extra spending can happen due to the loose statutes and spending authority to spend Medicaid dollars as medical care bills come in, but the constitutional crisis is averted by an appropriate budget being passed. Speaker Madigan is the last current state official who was a 1970 Constitutional Convention delegate - he knows that what the Governor is doing violates the Constitution’s intent if not actual appropriations authority.

A reminder: What does the Speaker do when a veto change in a substantive bill goes beyond mere technical changes? He prefers to pass another bill with the Governor’s intended changes on it, and let the vetoed bill die. Doing this on the budget makes the most sense, and eliminates court challenges.

But is there the interest and capacity for dialogue and reasonable compromise at this time??? The Governor wins by getting his “do over” and continuing the budget debate past the passage of HB 3866. He won’t get all that he wants, but the legislature will reassert its proper leadership over passing the state budget into law.

Comment by capitol view Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:47 am
“EXCUSE ME? You really think Rod could get elected to anything on a national level after this charade?”

Two words: Hillary Clinton…..failed healthcare plan, megalomaniac, control freak, whiner, leftist…..the similarities are stunning.

Comment by Capitalist Pig Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:48 am
MacBeth—what the heck charade did Bush engage in while governor of Texas that’s comparable to this situations??

Comment by Crimefighter Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:50 am
No one has mentioned that the budget implementation bills (bimps) have not been passed by the House. There’s a budget, but the GA hasn’t appropriated any money until those are passed by both chambers. The Speaker now has control of the bimps. Blago can veto the budget, but in reality there isn’t any budget (or any money behind it at least) unless the bimps are passed.

Comment by Speak Truthiness Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:53 am
Knowing that the governor is always in campaign mode, that may explain his current actions. Is it possible that he wanted things to get to this point to force a ruling by the AG on the constitutionality of his actions? Can the AG rule without bias on the question if her father is the Speaker of the House?

Comment by one of the 35 Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:56 am
Capitalist Pig - it’s just that kind of uncontrollable, anti-Hilary venom that she’s counting on to get elected. In meantime, nothing Hilary has done compares to Rod’s histrionics.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:57 am
Cassandra, There are several states that would disagree with your blanket statement that universal healthcare won’t bankrupt a state. TennCare is a great example of using fuzzy math while passing bills and then trying to find real money to pay for twice the approved money. It has not worked in any state yet. Why would you beleive that this man is smarter than the other 49 Governors? Considering that we are short each year in our budget, can we afford to be wrong on the true cost of the Governors deflated numbers he is proposing?

Comment by Southern Right Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 10:58 am
There was nothing in my assessment of HiLary that was venomous. It is factual based. It also shows how short the memory is of voters. If she wins it will only prove that Rod can win any office he chooses to run for.

Comment by Capitalist Pig Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 11:03 am
@ Southern Right: Universal health care hasn’t “worked in any state yet” because no state has implemented a universal health care plan.

Yet.

Comment by Ok, no Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 11:19 am
“Speak Truthiness,” the appropriations are in place. They can spend the money. The one-month budget didn’t have any BIMPs either. They just set up a framework for how some of the programs are supposed to operate.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 11:25 am
Would “Ho, No” care to comment on TennCare’s implementation and failure?

Comment by Cal Skinner Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 11:35 am
And CP, if you think your post included nothing venomous, perhaps you need to reasses a bit.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 11:36 am
Cal, TennCare’s failure may say more about the shortcomings of managed care than universal health insurance. It was not universal by any means.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 11:43 am
Ok no. Not in the 100% version. Smaller programs have been tried in over ten states. All have failed. Government programs always cost more and deliver less. Every attempt at helping the health care delivery system by the government has failed, without exception. Once a universal plan is in place the government will reduce benefits one by one. Then raise additional taxes. Next, we all suffer while waitng months for treatment. Our counties northern border hospitals are full of Canadians. Do Americans go to Canada for treatment? Not now not ever.

Comment by Southern Right Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 11:44 am
For those concerned with “universal health care” I would direct you to a commentary in todays Wall Street Journal titleed “Cost Controls for Dummies.”

To quote P J O’Rourke, “If you think health care is expense now just wait until it’s free.”

Comment by Economist Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 11:44 am
Sorry Rich about the tirade. Health care is a topic that has never been addressed successfully in my humble opinion and politics in that arena fall short. I’ll drop it.

Comment by Southern Right Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 11:48 am
JCAR as a general rule does not vote along partisan lines. Instead, they vote on proposed rules in accordance with criteria established (by law) in the Illinois Administrative Procedures Act that states very clearly that government agencies (including those under the Governor’s jurisdiction) cannot adopt policies without rule and those rules must be based on legislative authority.

The Governor’s attempt to implement “emergency rules” for his boondoggle health care program — a program that does not have legislative authority–will be judged by the members of JCAR on that basis first and foremost. While it is not outside the scope of possibility that the 3 members appointed by Senator Jones (Crotty, Claiborne and Silverstein) would vote to support the Governor, my experience with JCAR would suggest that they will uphold their integrity and their charge to carry out their duties as provided in statute, not to serve as a puppet for a Governor that has shown blatent disdain for the rulemaking process in general.

Comment by Former JCAR Staffer Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 11:52 am
Great. Working for a Hospital where 80% of our clients are either Medicaid, Medicare, or Public Aid makes me wonder if MY paycheck will be any good…..

Oh, we have also seen a SERIOUS reduction in the number of DR. practices willing to take additional Medicaid/Medicare/Public Aid patients.

Comment by Healthcare Worker Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 11:56 am
Oh c’mon Rich. Words like “megalomaniac, control-freak, whiner and leftist” are all emotionally neutral, fact-based expressions.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 11:58 am
Hot rod today is calling health care “a fundemental right” (SJ-R). Tell me where that’s spelled out in the Constitution.

Comment by snidely whiplash Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 12:00 pm
According to Carol Marin, the pay raises would have been law in 30 minutes without Blago’s signature. In a potential deal with Jones, why not just agree not to veto, rather than sign, the pay raise bill and save face? Why did Blago make the point of signing it late into the night as is the case if it wasn’t needed?

Comment by Silly Question? Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 12:12 pm
It’s time to realize that those of us who have health insurance are supplementing those without health insurance.Does anyone think for one moment our health insurance premiums would be as high as they are if a portion of our hospital cost were not used to offset those who cannot afford to pay or cannot afford insurance?

Comment by MOON Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 12:13 pm
According to Carol Marin, the pay raises would have been law in 30 minutes without Blago’s signature. In a potential deal with Jones, why not just agree not to veto, rather than sign, the pay raise bill and save face? Why did Blago make the point of signing it late into the night as is the case if it wasn’t needed, making it look as though he was trying to be secretive?

Comment by Silly Question? Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 12:13 pm
sorry for the double post - technical glitch

Comment by Silly Question? Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 12:14 pm
In 2010, we are going to be saying Bye Bye Blago. He will not be running for Prez in 2012 because our Prez at that time will either be Mitt Romney, Hillary Clinton, or Barak Obama and they will be halfway through their 8 year term. By the time 2016 comes around, Blago will be a convicted felon (perhaps still jailed) and ineligible of running for U.S. President, ever! No Macbeth, Peter PressRelease has definitely risen to his highest level of incompetence. Hollywood and NYC money will not be behind him for another election.

Comment by Just My Opinion Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 12:15 pm
Rich, it may have changed in the past 3 or 4 years, I don’t know, but in the past it was pretty common for the BIMPs to have language critical to the budget assumptions on which the budget being passed was based actually happening (e.g., extending the Medicaid long term care rate freeze, transferring funds out of special funds, adjusting how much road Fund money could be used for non-road spending, etc)

Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 12:40 pm
A universal health care system doesn’t have to be run directly by the government. We don’t have to turn into France in Illinois (although the French are, I believe, healthier than we are on standard measures such as infant mortality, life expectancy, little things like that) and there is the option of subsidizing Illinois resident workers so they can buy insurance at reasonable rates (for their income level) on the private market regardless of prior medical history, age and so on.

Let’s not confuse universal health care with universal state-run health care.

As to the costs–why not spend the state’s zillions on a healthier citizenry. It’s certainly as important as “pork projects” or even state employee pensions. Maybe even as important as education, although the education-industrial complex would have us believe otherwise.

Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 1:16 pm
Cassandra - what specific pork projects do you mean? Are you referring to sprinkler systems for schools to protect kids? Do you mean updated sewer projects to protect the public water supply? Do you mean ambulances to increase response time for patients of cardiac arrest? It’s easy to label things as “pork” (and there are some things that could be described as less vital than others) but take it easy on the paintbrush of pork labels. Many of the items you call “pork” are directly or indireclty related to preserving life and health — some would argue a better use of money than a state-run system that puts money in the hands of doctors and insurance companies (and eventually, trial lawyers).

Comment by dc Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 1:30 pm
So… the Senate is on perfunctory sessions only until further notice, probably until veto session, and so is the House. That’s it? The session just sort of sputtered to a halt? This doesn’t count as an adjournment, I presume, so no prizes for anyone who guessed Aug. 15 as an adjournment date? lol

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 1:33 pm
TennCare’s failures may have more to do with managed care, but there’s also Washington state’s universal efforts in 1993, Hawaii in 1994, and Oregon’s efforts to get closer in 2002. The jury is still out on CA and MA.

I’m all for universal health coverage. But the efforts of states to provide it on their own has not been a hopeful one of late. This seems a fight best left to the federal level. Another reason to back Madigan in this whole charade.

Comment by ZC Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 1:39 pm
Former JCAR staffer,
Not sure how high you were on the JCAR ladder, but JCAR members vote how their leaders tell them to vote. That is why they are appointed to JCAR (by their leaders).

Comment by Jaded Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 1:41 pm
I think that the “pork” Cassandra is referring to are the project like the ones purchasing 50,000 chairs for a church daycare (that only services 50 children - you do the math) or the thousands of dollars dropped into silk plants at a Chicago museum a few years ago. As a parent, I agree that I am concerned about maintaining healthcare, and our family insurance is quite costly. When I asked around for doctors who would accept the state’s healthcare plan for my child if I put him on it, I only found one doctor of the 50 I spoke with that would even consider it. What good is his healthcare plan doing Illinois anyway? Why would we want to expand it if doctor’s won’t see the kids who are on it now?

Comment by One who knows Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 1:53 pm
The JCAR ladder is more horizontal than it is vertical, but I was there long enough to work on some significant rules but not quite long enough to be irreparably jaded. I got out as soon as I could, but I was engaged with the members to know that they are not solely rubber stamps.

Reasonable people may differ on that assessment, but in my 2 1/2 years there, I saw more integrity in that process than I did in the legislative process itself.

Comment by Former JCAR Staffer Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 2:05 pm
Rich, thank you very much.

Comment by amy Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 3:20 pm
Now not only will we pay for health care for illegal alien children like Allkids does, we will pay for health care for illegal aliens of all ages!!!

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 3:31 pm
Forgive me if this sounds naive or uninformed, but why the obsession with illegal aliens?

Now PLEASE don’t get me wrong, I DO NOT endorse illegal immigration in any way and I agree it’s a serious problem. But come on, are they really sucking up THAT much of Illinois’ healthcare dollars? In border states like Texas, California, Arizona — yes, I could see where they might have become an overwhelming burden on the system. But has that happened in Illinois yet?

I just wonder if anyone has evidence from some reasonably objective source that this healthcare expansion is 1) primarily aimed at covering illegal aliens and 2) that illegal aliens really do comprise a significant percentage of current Medicaid/All Kids/whatever clients. If anyone has such figures I’d like to know. Otherwise it sounds like just another pretext to blame illegal aliens for everything that’s wrong with this country.

I agree that government healthcare subsidies and other benefits ought to be reserved for citizens and LEGAL immigrants. But I get a little tired of the way some conservatives paint illegal aliens as the root of all evil. That’s just my opinion.

Comment by Lainer Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 3:47 pm
ZC The jury is in on Ma. Romney guessed $200 a month for premiums. It’s actually $370. That happened in less than six months. Mass has postponed the start of the plan to late 2008. Sometime after November! Get it. It hasn’t been done successfully yet. Blagojevichs plan can’t con doctors back in after Allkids, it’s DOA. Repeat after me “You must have competition”

Comment by Southern Right Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 4:13 pm
Blah Blah may think he needs $500M to fund his insurance program but he will actually need close to $0 if he cannot come up with medical providers who will take patients. I used to be of the opinion that Illinois would become a haven for illegals with this program but I don’t see that happening if even they can’t find a doctor to see them. What will happen is that the ER’s will become more and more crowded because that will be the only avenue people with this State program will have. And if you have recently been to an emergency room, it is very frustrating getting your 94 year old insured mother’s breathing problems diagnosed and treated because of the huge overcrowding situation with uninsured and homeless people using the ER’s as their only source of medical care. It’s the ER employees I feel sorry for.

Comment by Just My Opinion Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 5:05 pm
I’ll take a different position now. I strongly believe that programs that give paps, mamagrams, PSA exams, and all immunizations would be a tremendous benefit for all concerned. I think we should have some additional help for diabetics and their needed treatments. Give it away to everyone. Insurance premiums will drop. Overall health will improve. It will free up doctors time on items a nurse could do. We also could use a dose of transparency aka Pennsylvannias website that lists billing charges by hospitals, doctors, and labs. These are the types of programs our state or federal government can help lower costs. Just buying votes by proposing over priced under utilized programs is morally criminal.

Comment by Southern Right Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 5:41 pm
Boy Daley not only blasted the Gov. At the same press conference he had high praises for Hastert. Denny could work with everyone and always took care of Chicago a democratic city.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 7:47 pm
Hastert for Governor????

Comment by Just My Opinion Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 8:22 pm
I guess I just don’t see how you hurt yourself politically by offering mammograms to uninsured women. I generally try to be tolerant, but I would have a hard time understanding a person who thought that was a bad idea. I think I wouldn’t want to run for any office on either (sorry Squid) parties ticket with that position as part of my platform.

Perhaps someone will educate me as to why it should be opposed.

Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 8:50 pm
Steve,

I agree with you which is why I’ve been saying Rod will probably get away with this move. In order for it not to go forward, someone will have to sue (since Emil said he won’t override). Who wants to sue to stop heathcare for middle income women? Now that’s a platform I wouldn’t want to run on.

People get excited and often miss the bigger picture and the long view.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:05 pm
Come on rs you lost, 4 1/2 years later and your still not over it, and which way do you want it if he gets a long with the speaker you say he’s giving everything to Chicago if he goes against the speaker thats terrible also you cant have it both ways but you still lost and whether they all get along or not you still cant beat anyone of them in an election you are facing a longer dry spot than the cubs

Comment by daa Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:39 pm
Just My Opinion has a good point… if doctors don’t take any Medicaid/All Kids patients, their citizenship status isn’t going to matter one way or another. Which proves my point that the notion that these new programs constitute some kind of gravy train for illegal aliens is highly exaggerated.

I understand why hard-working middle-class people who see their taxes constantly going up, and who struggle to pay for health insurance, education and other goods, resent those whom they think are getting a “free ride” at their expense. But the fact is, the poor aren’t getting anywhere near the “free ride” people think they are.

Again, it should be obvious to everyone involved that the IDEA of making health insurance and preventive care more accessible to lower- and middle-income individuals is not the problem. It’s the WAY it’s being done — by a chronically untrustworthy governor with little or no respect for the legislative process and a long history of broken promises, in a state mired in debt, already unable to pay for the health programs it has.

Comment by Lainer Wednesday, Aug 15, 07 @ 9:42 pm
It is late I know. I just got back from the Statefair. However Rich I think you are a wanted man for your knowledge of the State Government. Has anyone ever asked you to work for them? Great Job!

Comment by Marbley Thursday, Aug 16, 07 @ 12:58 am
Chicago Tonight w/Carol Marin was very interesting. Everyone agreed the state of Illinois has never experienced such a polarizing governor. To find someone with Rod’s governing style you would have to go to Louisiana and Huey Long. Sad

Comment by Lula May Thursday, Aug 16, 07 @ 7:49 am
www.sec.state.la.us/60.htm ·

Comment by Lula May Thursday, Aug 16, 07 @ 7:57 am