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* UPDATED x1 * Pritzker: “There will be cuts and they will be painful”

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There will be cuts and they will be painful. And the worst thing is the same billionaires who lied to you about the fair tax are more than happy to hurt our public schools, shake the foundations of our cities and diminish our state, maybe because they think it won’t hurt them.

If they cared about giving your child the best public education available, if they wanted you to be able to afford childcare too, if they wanted your elderly parents to be cared for properly, just like their parents are, they wouldn’t have fought so hard to avoid paying just a little bit more.

People often say that I’m too positive and too optimistic. My optimism comes from the people of this great state. From all the things that they’ve endured together over this year, my optimism has not been shaken. We will get through this. We will get through all of this together.

Please excuse all transcription errors.

* Pritzker talked earlier about what those cuts would look like…

Option one immediately make billions of dollars in cuts. Let me offer some context to that. Already the state of Illinois invests on average less money per capita than the majority of states. That’s not to suggest that we can’t find significant cost reductions. We’ve been doing that. But if you think cutting government alone is the solution remember this, if you [garbled] federally protected programs court ordered obligations and our bond and pension debt, we would have to reduce discretionary spending in our state by approximately 15%. That’s 15% fewer state troopers. That’s 15% fewer students going to college. 15% fewer working parents receiving Child Care Assistance and 15% less money for your local public schools, which likely means that your property taxes will increase.

You could call this the Republican approach option.

* He also blamed the GOP…

Republicans swore their allegiance to the wealthiest interests in the state and they threw middle class families under the bus.

It’s no surprise these are the same people who pushed for Bruce Rauner’s agenda and will resurrect his failed crusade any way they can.

* And he warned he has a long memory…

I have not given up the battle to balance our budget and to put the state on firm fiscal footing. I will work every day to repair the fiscal instability that has been ailing Illinois,for more than three decades. I will work with the legislature to implement structural solutions to our decades-long budget [deficit].

But I will never forget that some of the wealthiest and most powerful interests in Illinois did everything in their power to put the burden of this on workers and their families, instead of shouldering some of the burden themselves.

* He was also asked whether Speaker Madigan’s reputation hurt the Fair Tax at the polls…

I think there’s enormous distrust in government all the way around.

*** UPDATE *** Pritzker was asked whether a flat tax hike was off the table. It isn’t. He said he was looking at all options…

I’m first and foremost focused on where we can trim our budget, where we can make cuts that won’t be painful for working families. I want to start with those. And we’re going to do everything we can.

But there is a point at which there’s no doubt that without revenue some of those cuts will start to hit things that do affect working families and I don’t know that anybody wants that to happen. Do we really want to cut education funding in the state? I don’t think so. Do we really want to cut funding, somebody asked a question about mental health services, or about the developmentally disabled and services that are offered to them? Do we really want to cut those? I don’t think so. And so, having said that, everything’s on the table because the fiscal challenge of the state is an extraordinarily high priority for me.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 2:53 pm

Comments

“You could call this the Republican approach option.”
Also known as the Washington Monument option.

Comment by Old Illini Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 2:58 pm
this is not the right way to lose. threatening the people of Illinois is a gross look, you can do better Governor.

Comment by iggy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 2:58 pm
“I think there’s enormous distrust in government all the way around.”

Bingo !

Comment by Old Illini Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 2:58 pm
Let the chips start falling.

Comment by Hieronymus Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 2:59 pm
JB’s more than welcome to defend 19 Chicago public high schools with less than 250 kids in them.

Comment by Cook County Thinker Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:00 pm
“Petulance thy name is JB”

Comment by Squire Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:00 pm
The people lost.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:00 pm
Petulance, they name is “JB”

Comment by Wednesday's child Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:02 pm
Let’s not forget that the legislature could adopt a “progressive income tax” in the veto session, if they really wanted to. They could vote to bump up the rate to 7%, and then increase deductions and exemptions so that everyone under a certain income level would still be around that 5% current level. If they really want it that bad, it is attainable.

Comment by Smalls Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:03 pm
Little rich boy won’t take any responsibility for this failure

Comment by Wow Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:03 pm
I think there’s enormous distrust in government all the way around.

Too bad the campaign for the tax didn’t address that issue.

One struggles to avoid the conclusion that JB just wasn’t focused on this.

Or that someone sold him a boatload of sunshine about the campaign for it.

Comment by Fav Human Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:03 pm
Start looking downstate, Eastern Bloc… DNR closings, Agency outposts, prisons… dig deep into downstate districts.

Ya want cuts?

Let’s talk schools… force stress to school districts. Real stress, hemorrhage schools…

Ya want Dems to go alone…

Ask Ken Griffin when your school stops sports, band, choir, theatre…

I’m in… let’s talk pain now. Downstate first, eastern bloc first.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:05 pm
Don’t hear a lot of accountability there. That’s very disappointing. Team JB blew a once in a generation opportunity. Own that.

I am not saying you can’t be frustrated that your well funded opponents disagreed with you, but you have to own your failures too. Especially when your failures result in the state’s failure.

Comment by Centennial Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:08 pm
This should have been done in 2010, so people can realize what this looks like. Jerry Brown did this in California. I hope downstate is ready for this.

Comment by Almost the weekend Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:09 pm
== threatening the people ==

Hard to call it a threat when the people voted for drastic cuts and to hike their own taxes. This is what the people want. He should take responsibility for his failure to get it passed, but what happens next is what the people chose. He has every right to be mad. I’m mad too. My paycheck just got smaller and people I love will lose vital services and/or their jobs

Comment by Bob Loblaw Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:10 pm
-OW-

You can be upset about the race–particularly the tax amendment failure. I get it.

But these are real kids, real parents, real people. “I’m in…let’s talk pain now. Downstate first, eastern bloc first”. This is beneath you. If it is the result of the vote that cuts are made…ok. But don’t sound joyful about it…it is just very sad.

Comment by Downstate Reader Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:11 pm
I believe the Governor has the stomach for the tough politics that is forthcoming. If so he needs to do just as OW suggests. Make it hurt for those reps who only want to cut.

Griffin and his enablers will never feel the pain but squeeze the the eastern Bloc and Butler, Bourne and Davidsmeyer. Let them take the hit for Griff.

Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:13 pm
I wouldn’t want to be at Eastern or Western. With so much on the chopping block, something bug’s gotta give.

Comment by Socially DIstant watcher Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:13 pm
Will he cut 15% from his administration? Get rid of a deputy governor or two…start with Christian Mitchell

Comment by Don Harmon's Folly Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:13 pm
OW unfiltered, unhinged and cruel. I love it. LOL

Comment by Hahaha Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:14 pm
I didn’t know the state had so many closet Republicans. More people voted against the fair tax then voted for JB.

Comment by Mr. Hand Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:15 pm
Ok, to the rational;

===I will work with the legislature to implement structural solutions to our decades-long budget [deficit]===

This will only work if the super-minorities decide to engage in governing.

If the super-minority makes a decision to force one party to go alone, the immediate pain should be felt most by those helping least… if we’re in this together, and the super-minority is a partner, than areas the majority reside should feel pain too.

It’s a decision.

It’s like having Dunkin vote with Raunerites to stop veto overrides. That was a decision too.

Welp. The rational thought is join and govern.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:15 pm
I didn’t hear a threat, just some hard truth. And the little rich boy doesn’t have time for mea culpa or woe is me, because he has to get to work with the tools he has been given. Leave that for the peanut gallery superminority.

Comment by Jibba Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:15 pm
==threatening the people== Or is it stating the facts. Facts can be hard. He is right absent the amendment cuts will occur. The people who campaigned against the amendment were campaigning for the state to make the cuts first before they would agree to change. Not a threat but reality.

Comment by illinifan Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:15 pm
Jibba is spot on.

Comment by Lt Guv Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:16 pm
It ain’t the republicans and it ain’t pritzker. It is all those that came before…..

Comment by allknowingmasterofraccoodom Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:16 pm
- Hahaha -

Wow.

You don’t get satire, do ya?

You don’t grasp… that hate… anger… all that divides this state ain’t gonna bring it back.

If you are claiming to be a simpleton, and think… really think… my mocking is the trolling… some like yourself… think on your hate towards other fellow Illinoisans.

You love it? Then you can’t love Illinois.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:18 pm
Sure would not miss 15% less fewer State Cops- or even (District 14) they are on county roads and even parked in empty lots in small towns with their radar guns automatically on at all times.

This is not police protection is the more like a circling of vultures (and I apologize to vultures).

Comment by Unconventionalwisdom Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:18 pm
Well said JB , that will rally the electorate.

Comment by Curious George Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:25 pm
I haven’t been able to find a full county-by-county breakdown of results on this, but a quick look at a few county results it looks like only the city of Chicago exceeded 60% YES…suburban Cook was only 53%

Comment by Stu Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:25 pm
He should propose to raise the flat tax and blow a hole in the IPI arguments. Then come back with another progressive tax CA next year.

Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:27 pm
=== Griffin and his enablers will never feel the pain ===

Tell that to Jack Woltz and Khartoum.

Comment by Thomas Paine Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:27 pm
=== I don’t know that anybody wants that to happen. Do we really want to cut education funding in the state? I don’t think so. Do we really want to cut funding, somebody asked a question about mental health services, or about the developmentally disabled and services that are offered to them? Do we really want to cut those? I don’t think so. And so, having said that, everything’s on the table because the fiscal challenge of the state is an extraordinarily high priority for me.===

It’s the chance for the Raunerites to resurrect as Republicans and govern.

They choose not to… then they chose.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:29 pm
== threatening the people ==
Hard to threaton someone what what they wanted all along. They can say they don’t like it but it’s what eveyrone voted for.

Comment by Publius Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:34 pm
Well, there goes any progress DCFS made protecting families.

Comment by Friend of the Family Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:39 pm
=== it’s what everyone voted for.===

That’s a solid take.

As I read… “we need cuts”

Ok…here they come.

That’s why Raunerism on its face and at its core is utterly ridiculous.

Remember… when Bruce was starving social services… Diana Rauner turned to Pritzker, his family, their trusts..

… to bail out … to bail out Diana’s Ounce of Prevention.

It was like you’d read in The Onion type farce.

It’s the difference between Raunerism… and Republicans working policy.

Raunerism won defeating the Fair Tax… the Fair Tax Flop now means a Raunerite dream… heavy cuts.

It’s not an accident Pritzker citing Rauner.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:41 pm
The people voted for it. This isn’t a threat, it’s a statement on the reality the state is now facing. Folks chose this and I personally intend on reminding them of that every time they complain about what comes now.

Comment by Fixer Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:41 pm
I remember after a ballot petition repealed Ohio SB5, Governor Kasich sounded chastened. That is the right approach to losing at the ballot. This text sounds too angry to be helpful with moving forward.

Comment by Blake Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:42 pm
Dollar for dollar. Every dollar of cut should be matched by a dollar of tax increase. Don’t be a coward JB. Be a real leader. It will hurt, but it is the right thing to do.

Comment by Funtimes Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:46 pm
Living in a solid R district both in the State Senate and House, I am kind of dreading the scorched Earth that is coming to such districts. At the same time, this is democracy. You gotta give the people what they want.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:48 pm
=== Every dollar of cut should be matched by a dollar of tax increase. Don’t be a coward JB. Be a real leader. It will hurt, but it is the right thing to do.===

Unless it’s bipartisan, why would he do that.

Cuts, painful cuts first.

Second, painful tax increase.

You’re asking a politically Pollyanna pipe dream.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:49 pm
JB isn’t threatening anyone guys, and you’re telling on yourselves. IL is spending more than it takes in, and $3 billion a year just evaporated. That has consequences. I’m sure everyone who voted no would love to have their cake and eat it too, but it doesn’t work like that

Comment by Perrid Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:50 pm
Threat? I don’t understand this claim.

Actions have consequences. When the consequences of your actions arrive, that isn’t a threat. That’s a consequence.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 3:50 pm
I believe Smalls is absolutely correct. If Madigan actually wanted to pass a progressive tax he could legislatively. And if the state wants to pass more millionaire’s taxes the proven way to do it is an initiative/referenda CA, not a bait-and-switch blank check.

Comment by AZ Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:00 pm
Legalize and tax all drugs. Would slow prison population growth. Would radically decrease racialized policing overnight. Lord knows the state needs the money

Comment by Dl Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:02 pm
=== But these are real kids, real parents, real people.===

In the Rauner four years… when did I not choose those folks?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:04 pm
County-by-county breakdown of vote. Go to Illinois Map and click on initiatives to find it.

https://www.kwqc.com/politics/election-map/

Comment by Mr. Hand Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:15 pm
–This will only work if the super-minorities decide to engage in governing.–

Not that I don’t agree with you OW. Because everyone should step up.

BUT this is the unfortunate reality of holding super majorities and the mansion. The only ones actually capable of making cuts and/or raising taxes are those majorities and the Governor. Nobody…nobody…not even the great OW with all your wit and wisdom are going to convince Illinoisans that the SUPER minority is responsible for the coming pain. At the end of the day, I don’t think the majority will push for these cuts…it is not in their ideology. Tax increase is coming.

Comment by Downstate Reader Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:16 pm
-In the Rauner four years… when did I not choose those folks?-

You did THEN…to your credit. Thank you.

Comment by Downstate Reader Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:20 pm
==Republicans swore their allegiance to the wealthiest interests in the state==

Penny Pritzker?

Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:21 pm
=== with all your wit and wisdom===

I have neither. Ask around.

=== convince Illinoisans that the SUPER minority is responsible for the coming pain===

They aren’t voting for Pritzker anyway, downstate.

All I hear… Pritzker… not good… downstate.

In one breath, “elections have consequences, the people spoke” from the ILGOP.

The next will hear how painful cuts are, but not one vote in the GA to save things.

The Raunerites can choose to govern. Then the Republicans can come back, even try to run and win above I-80 with greater propensity by voters.

The math is going to be the math, blame accepted or not.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:23 pm
THE biggest problem in Illinois is the broken and unfunded state pension system. They could start by cleaning up all the corruption and criminal or barely legal scams already crippling the pension system.

Comment by Tequila Mockingbird Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:25 pm
I can tell you from plenty of first-hand experience, the BS advertising worked for a lot of people. They have no idea Illinois has a flat tax and that this was an attempt to only raise taxes on the wealthy while keeping working class people’s taxes lower. They simply thought they were voting for or against a tax increase. They will be the first ones complaining when a service they use has its funding cut

Comment by TheUpperRoom Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:26 pm
=== You did THEN===

If my farcical journey confused, my apologies.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:26 pm
I am downstate and we deserve it. My list Ag and DNR. Also money to counties especially sheriff’s
The Southwest Connector road to Carbondale.
Rural school transportation. Give downstate families an online school option shut these tiny districts. And Macomb Carbondale and Charleston.

Comment by Not a Billionaire Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:29 pm
What an embarrassing temper tantrum. Voters told you no. They ultimately rule the state, not Pritzker.

Maybe he should actually reflect on what voters told him and adjust his strategy accordingly rather than threatening to double down and punish Illinoisans with retribution.

Comment by Political Animal Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:33 pm
I don’t understand all of this talk about threats. He’s laying out the reality. It’s not a threat. This is what he said would happen and it’s happening. The voters spoke and this is what they obviously wanted to happen.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:36 pm
I am hoping schools can avoid a redux of 2012-2017. It was ugly. We went through reductions because we had to. My children, who were in grade school at the time, were yelled at multiple times when they walked home from school. The stuff people did to me, was nothing compared to what happened to kids, I am a big boy.

JB is making threats, he is telling the truth. To his credit he didn’t run the campaign with the whole “the flat tax will be 7% if you don’t vote for this” shtick because the right wing and Griffin’s would have , in their infinite hypocrisy, gone bananas. Where is the “whats fair is fair” stuff now? I will pay my tax increase and not cry about it, but I am done with the R’s crying about things being unfair all the time. I thought they were the tough guy party?

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:38 pm
=== adjust his strategy accordingly===

Painful, painful cuts and a tax hike.

That’s adjusting.

You’re welcome.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:38 pm
No, not a threat, nor a temper tantrum — just the natural extension of the voters’ will. And sadly, there will be consequential pain, whether in the form of a higher flat tax for everyone, painful service cuts, local governmental reorganization or all of the above.

Yes, the electorate, rightly or wrongly has a trust issue. One way to start addressing that issue is to immediately implement this consequential pain, in a straightforward, matter-of-fact-way.

Get all of these consequences done now, starting with the cuts. Use the supermajorities for something other than bragging rights. Otherwise, what good is it?:

* Consolidation - Eliminate townships and merge school districts and counties.

* Reduce state funding for K-12, starting with cutting any state funding for non-academic programs - counties will just have to pick up the slack.

* Start closing prisons, IDOT and SOS facilities.

* Reamortize the pension debt repayment schedule. Ditch the Edgar Ramp, and set a level-payment plan for the next 25-30 years starting immediately. Or better, yet, bond out the entire pension shortfall.

Then, to balance the budget, set the tax necessary flat tax rates along with as many credits, deductions and exemptions as will pass court muster.

Finally, plan for a redo in 2022 with a few tweaks and much better messaging.

The voters will then have a much clearer picture of what is at stake.

Comment by Hieronymus Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:45 pm
*Painful, painful cuts and a tax hike.*

A moving van will fix all of it for me, along with not having to deal with a petulant governor.

Comment by Elad64 Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:49 pm
@Elad64

What’s holding you back?

Comment by Hieronymus Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:52 pm
If I were JB, I would not propose any additional revenue.

Propose 3 billion in cuts, and let the GOP beg you to raise taxes.

Comment by Thomas Paine Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 4:53 pm
State purchasing managers will be living this song for the foreseeable future.

That’ll be cash on the barrelhead, son
Not half, not part, but the entire sum
No money down, no credit plan
No time to chase you, cause I’m a busy man

Comment by Michael Feltes Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:01 pm
==There will be cuts and they will be painful. ==

As has been repeated many times…this is not petulance, it is simply reality. And, it is exactly what the Republicans say they want: smaller government. Time to give them what they want.

Seems fair to look at the results of the fair tax vote and distribute the cuts accordingly. Another approach would be to cut the “taker” areas to net zero (state expenditures to an area should equal the revenue they contribute); that seems fair and should appeal to Republicans. When considering state funding cuts to K-12 and other local gov’t entities, the GA might want to remove all property tax caps so those locals can make themselves whole if they so desire.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:03 pm
Dems needs a strategy on how to deal with the IPI.

A lot of the people who were voting no that I lone source of info was the IPI website.

Comment by MrX Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:03 pm
I’m eager to see what the Governor and the Democrat-controlled GA will propose in tax hikes and spending cuts. It seems like defunding the police is, or at least was, a popular option.

Comment by Billy Madison Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:06 pm
“Never ask for something, if it’ll be a burden to ya if ya get it.” - Hoffa

Frankly, i dont think the governor’s pledge goes far enough.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:17 pm
== Ditch the Edgar Ramp, and set a level-payment plan for the next 25-30 years starting immediately. ==

The Edgar / Blago ramp hasn’t reached the actuarially required level of payments. That means the current state budget pension payments will be higher than they are today. A hard short term (4-5 years) hit.

== Or better, yet, bond out the entire pension shortfall. ==

While this might make financial sense, it will never happen because it then locks in the monthly / annual payments and totally eliminates the State’s budgeting flexibility in hard times. Whether we like it or not, the & pension funds have been the ‘lender’ (by not paying in) of last resort.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:30 pm
== It seems like defunding the police is, or at least was, a popular option. ==

Might as well stop funding the Chicago police; they can’t stop the shootings anyway. /s

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:32 pm
downstate cops and firefighters don’t need to be paid the same as their chicago counterparts. you gotta take the cost of living into account. no one is entitled to have a single income existence anymore

Comment by Merica Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:37 pm
==Start closing prisons, IDOT and SOS facilities==

The Governor can’t unilaterally force the closing of Secretary of State facilities. That’s Secretary White’s decision. The Governor could urge Jesse to make a certain amount of cuts but each constitutional officer can choose to make their own cuts as they please. At least that’s what it’s supposed to be (unlike Blago’s years of hammering constitional officers’ budgets by veto during his reign).

Comment by Chatham Resident Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:38 pm
=== The Governor can’t unilaterally force the closing of Secretary of State facilities. That’s Secretary White’s decision.===

Yep. Correct.

Cutting 15% or so might be as easy as one or two facilities.

Who knows. There’s going to be pain. After the pandemic, closing a facility might make sense.

You lose a CA… tough decisions happen.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:41 pm
I’m sure somewhere Frerichs is now thinking, “Wow, I got off the hook.” After listening to the Governor’s press conference.

Comment by Chatham Resident Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:42 pm
=== I’m sure somewhere Frerichs is now thinking, “Wow, I got off the hook.” After listening to the Governor’s press conference.===

The Frerichs Tax will haunt. The Frerichs Tax will be around, it worked sinking the CA… and Mike Frerichs standing tall to tax your retirement income will be a mantra.

It’s who he is, it’s more than a presser, here or there.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:45 pm
I would also go ahead and announce that both State Fairs will be cancelled for ‘21 and ‘22. Even if there’s a vaccine. But this time due to the budget.

==Who knows. There’s going to be pain. After the pandemic, closing a facility might make sense.==

Speaking of SOS, maybe post-pandemic could be the year that Jesse decides, “We are going to totally cut the sticker registration renewal reminder mailings entirely. For good. If you want the reminders, sign up for them online.”

Comment by Chatham Resident Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 5:47 pm
Everyone needs to relax.

Comment by Chill Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 6:04 pm
People don’t like the state government or it’s services. JB needs to start working to change that mindset. IDOT is a mess. Prison population are at the point where one should close. We keep using taxpayer money to bailout Comed. And no one is doing anything on governing district consolidation. This was a vote disapproving of how Illinois spends money and even though I voted yes, I don’t blame voters for being skeptical.

Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 6:07 pm
A reminder some of us thought the fair tax proposal should have been accompanied by -some- modest cuts to help inoculate against some of the attacks that were made on it. Between not willing to cut anything and the history of broken tax promises (tollways, “temporary” income tax hikes), it made it that much easier to paint the fair tax as selfish bloat. And compounded the damage by failing to respond until it was too late.

Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 6:08 pm
Remove the exemption for retirement income except social security. Raise rates accordingly.

Comment by Hobbes was right Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 6:24 pm
=== Remove the exemption for retirement income===

The Frerichs Tax helped sink the Fair Tax.

There’s no stomach for that tax

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 6:26 pm
== JB needs to start working to change that mindset ==

Because state government has been hollowed out, you aren’t going to improve it without more money.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 6:44 pm
Two things are anathema to legislators: slashing spending on programs they like and hiking taxes. Democrats will be expected to do both. Even though residents will be paying more, they will still suffer from draconian spending cuts. I doubt there are enough profiles in courage to do what JB wants.

Comment by anon2 Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 6:44 pm
==A reminder some of us thought the fair tax proposal should have been accompanied by -some- modest cuts to help inoculate against some of the attacks that were made on it. ==

Back at his May 26 presser, the Governor announced he wanted the GA to make more cuts to their FY21 budget. He could have responded to the GA’s non-action during the quick spring sesion by announcing a “small” amount of irrevocable cuts regardless of the amendment’s fate (maybe $1-$2 billion worth of amendatory vetoes) to the budget once it got onto his desk. With dire warnings of more to come if the amendment failed.

https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/26/reporters-actually-take-skillicorn-seriously/

Comment by Chatham Resident Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 6:45 pm
Time for Madigan to actually put to use all the financial and political capital he’s amassed. He should back a JB move to replicate in the legislative agenda, the effects a progressive tax would have had, had it passed. Ogilvie is the model here; doing what’s right for the better future for Illinois, even if it costs politically. Madigan owes us that now.

Comment by Give Us Barabbas Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 8:10 pm
There is only so much money can buy. It doesn’t buy you the political smarts/experience to lock out opposition and lock in supporters.

If Griffin did not want to be taxed he can move to Florida. Power play to let JB know he’s not only player in $ politics.

Comment by Bruce Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 8:39 pm
Maybe the state will finally force all state employees across all levels of government into one consolidated self insured health plan. While most state employees may already be there, the school districts aren’t and I’m not sure about the county or local governments. It’s huge dollars and I’ve never heard a good explanation on why it hasn’t happened. Districts with a few hundred employees are paying rates like they are a mid size employer when they could be paying pennies on the dollar in aggregated statewide plans.

Comment by Theshow Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 8:41 pm
JB is entitled to feel embarrassed and hurt that his signature product failed. But I think he’d have been better served to ruminate on the vote and the reasons for a few days before he spoke of it publicly in detail. His response might have been better. As someone above mentioned, this is not a typical Democrat vs Republican rift so he needs to handle it differently.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 8:45 pm
Interesting that every county in the State voted NO for this amendment with the exception of Cook. GO FIGURE. JB should be a leader as Illinois residents sent him a strong message and accept it but instead, he bashes Illinois residents. FIX THE PENSION PROBLEM

Comment by David Lee Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 8:49 pm
===Fix the pension problem===
So what is your legal remedy to fix the pension problem. So many have put forth this same argument and yet the only solution is to stiff the pensioners. Suggested and not legal. Come up with a better argument.

Comment by Bungalowhistorians Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 9:13 pm
==I’m in… let’s talk pain now. Downstate first, eastern bloc first.===
Reduction in current almost non existent state services combined with higher taxes is more incentive to relocate out of IL. I know, “see ya” is the most popular response. For many of us mulling this the last few years, this will make our decision easier.

Comment by HighSox Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 9:25 pm
=== For many of us mulling this the last few years, this will make our decision easier.===

No snark, I wish you well.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 9:29 pm
We should just make a Facebook group to argue about the fair tax instead of cluttering up the comments section here.

Comment by Let me be Frank Wednesday, Nov 4, 20 @ 10:01 pm
“ Well, there goes any progress DCFS made protecting families.” Remember when parents protected families not state bureaucrats.

Comment by striketoo Thursday, Nov 5, 20 @ 12:02 am
“Might as well stop funding the Chicago police; they can’t stop the shootings anyway.”
Or maybe shootings would be worse.
The Violence Interrupters are hard at work as well. Will they be cut?

Comment by Sling Friday, Nov 6, 20 @ 7:47 am
== Remember when parents protected families not state bureaucrats.==
Remember?
Remember AJ Freund?
(I wish I didn’t.)

Comment by Muddy trail Friday, Nov 6, 20 @ 7:54 am