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Pritzker tells leaders of $3.9 billion budget hole in this fiscal year

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Illinois

Dear President Harmon, Speaker Madigan, Leader Brady, and Leader Durkin,

As you are well aware, our state faces an immediate and significant set of financial challenges – revenue loss due to the continued economic impact of COVID-19, uncertainty regarding additional federal aid for state and local governments, need for maintaining vital state services that taxpayers expect, and significant revenue from the fair tax constitutional amendment now taken off the table. The situation calls for us as elected leaders to come together and develop a set of solutions with the goal of bringing our budget into balance.

To this end, my administration is continuing to take pro-active steps in an ongoing effort to responsibly manage our way through this current crisis, including undertaking cost reductions and efficiencies within executive branch operations. In addition, I’ve engaged in regular discussion with Congressional leaders and members about the need for support for replacement of COVID-related revenue losses by local and state governments.

While I have responsibility for making difficult yet necessary internal budget management decisions, this alone cannot solve the current challenge. As you are aware, statutory and court ordered limitations provide varying degrees of legal protections for a large portion of this year’s budget approved by the General Assembly. My predecessor and his administration made the decision to plunge the state into a fiscal disaster for two years in part by utilizing executive powers he did not legally possess. I refuse to follow that same path. With the current pandemic causing health, education and financial turmoil for working families, our state must address our budget challenges without delay.

Given the defeat of the fair tax and given the pandemic’s deepening effect on our fiscal situation as it wears on longer than expected, the time is now for us to act. Therefore, as an important first step, I will be convening a meeting with the two Democratic and two Republican legislative leaders. Our immediate focus should be on reconciling our FY21 budget and bringing it into balance this fiscal year. As you know, without federal coronavirus relief for the state (and local governments), budget stresses remain even in the current year. In short, your ideas, your input, and your feedback are critical at this moment. Ultimately and as always, the legislature will need to approve the efforts to balance our expenditures and revenues.

My Chief of Staff Anne Caprara will be reaching out to your respective offices to identify an agreeable date and time next week to convene this meeting which I hope could take place as soon as possible. While all of us have been asked about both potential cuts and revenue options in the wake of the defeat of the fair tax amendment and the impact the pandemic has had on our state’s revenues, I would suggest that the agenda for our first meeting focus on coming to an agreement on the size and scope of the deficit we face in the current fiscal year. For your review, I have enclosed a copy of the FY21 budget summary reflecting GOMB’s accounting and estimate of revenues and expenditures associated with the General Funds as of the date of this communication.

Thank you for your service to the State of Illinois. I look forward to our discussions ahead.

Sincerely,

Governor JB Pritzker

* Attachment…

We’re actually doing well with state revenues and state spending hasn’t exploded out of control. The problem is that the state relied on $5 billion from the federal government which hasn’t come through (and may not, considering the US Senate situation) and the failure of the graduated income tax. Because of that, the budget is $3.9 billion in the red.

* House Republican Leader Jim Durkin warned this could happen and he was not pleased with the governor’s letter…

“The House Republican Caucus saw this coming back in the early days of the pandemic, but instead of heeding any warning, the majority Democratic Party decided to go it alone and depend on higher taxes and more reckless spending,” Durkin wrote in a letter to Pritzker on Tuesday.

“Passing a budget based on hypothetical revenue and false promises from a now-failed tax increase was unconstitutional and totally disingenuous to the citizens of our state who depend on government services,” Durkin said.

Durkin urged Pritzker to use his authority to make unilateral cuts to bring the budget into balance. “I suggest you begin with the 6.5% cuts your office directed agencies to identify in 2019,” Durkin wrote.

Pritzker has said cuts alone will not be enough to address the state’s long-term structural deficits.

Also, keep in mind that cuts made half-way through a fiscal year have twice the impact that they do at the beginning of a fiscal year. A $3.9 billion cut in January, for instance, is equal to a $7.8 billion cut made during the previous July.

* Senate President Don Harmon was asked about this hole back in May…

Q: Was it responsible to put together a budget with so much borrowing? The Rauner administration, for example, had a $4 billion hole for the grand bargain.

A: There is so much we don’t know today that we hope to know in a few months. We don’t know the depths of the economic hit we’ve taken from this virus. We don’t know how much more we’re going to have to spend in order to respond to it. We don’t know whether the voters are going to approve a constitutional amendment in November. We don’t know how the federal government is going to respond, although I believe that they will. And we don’t know who is going to be in charge in Washington for the next four years. In the next several months, we’re going to know all of that, and that will give us much better information about how to put together a durable state budget.

And, as we all know by now, things didn’t quite go as they hoped. And now here we are.

I figure the state will borrow $5 billion from the Federal Reserve if the US Senate doesn’t come through and try to work things out over time.

What a mess.

* I’ll end this post with a quote from Professor John Jackson of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at SIU…

According to Jackson, in prevailing political theory, “the American people, and certainly I think the people of Illinois, are what are called symbolic conservatives and operational liberals. That is, they want low taxes. They don’t want any new taxes or new revenue increases whatsoever, and yet they also don’t want any cuts.”

Several years ago, the Senate Republicans proposed a “menu” of possible cuts that they said legislators could pick and choose from to balance the budget. The menu was their argument against a possible income tax hike. The Senate Democrats beat up the Republicans constantly for those “draconian” cuts and the SGOP messaging against tax increases was overwhelmed.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 2:00 am

Comments

Can’t wait to see what constructive recommendations Minority Leader Durkin proposes to cut the budget.

Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 2:34 am
Candy,

I think Representative Durkin has already made a suggestion.
6.5% in reductions across the board that the Governor directed his agencies to identify last year. That’s a good place to start and they can go from there. He is going to have to put something on the table to start because Mr Madigan and Mr Harmon are not going to want to be tagged with the thought that any of this is their idea even though their governance over decades is the primary reason we are where we are at. And before anyone jumps in, the other side of the aisle and the governor’s office are complicit in creating this mess as well. Now, let’s see if they have any interest in cleaning it up. So far, with their unwillingness to even meet, in person or remotely, it doesn’t look good so far.

Comment by Really Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 6:11 am
Another good angle?

‘Nember the Ives budgetary “thoughts”, in essence the IPI budgetary, draconian, cuts?

How did that go?

=== Several years ago, the Senate Republicans proposed a “menu” of possible cuts that they said legislators could pick and choose from to balance the budget. The menu was their argument against a possible income tax hike. The Senate Democrats beat up the Republicans constantly for those “draconian” cuts and the SGOP messaging against tax increases was overwhelmed.===

Prolly why I was mockingly say, making a case, “arguing”…

“Close a couple state universities, close DNR facilities, close a prison”

The point of that exercise was, and still is, simple.

The Raunerites want to sit this out, no votes on tax increases, no votes to cuts to help… welp… what YOU choose… might decide what YOU cut or close.

If the Republicans want to be adults, the things, programs, facilities they save might be ones they want saved.

“The Senate Democrats beat up the Republicans constantly for those “draconian” cuts and the SGOP messaging against tax increases was overwhelmed.”

Now imagine not fighting to save a university in their district, a prison in the region, a DNR facility.

That won’t go well.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 6:17 am
=== I think Representative Durkin has already made a suggestion 6.5% in reductions across the board that the Governor directed his agencies to identify last year.===

We’re past that. It’s time to show the cuts.

Even at 6.5%, right now, taxes are going up, and Raunerites not on board will be out in a position to cut, deeply cut, downstate.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 6:20 am
Sports betting is exploding across the country. IL has now not only sanctioned sports betting in IL but also outsourced it. Online casino gambling is coming next. Will IL sit by and let the control and profit from the largest possible source of new revenue (with the tax change voted down) go to IL casinos and settle for a mere slice of it? That makes zero sense. Pritzker and the legislature should grab on to online casino gambling with both hands and keep it a state owned and operated enterprise only. The state now has some experience with slot machines. Just how difficult would it be for the state to set up it’s own online casino and offer it statewide? Gamblers would be happy to play in such a more regulated enviroment, and money spent gambling online is exploding due to Covid.

Comment by Larry Saunders Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 6:57 am
Sure wish my comments would appear at least occasionally. What’s up with that?

Comment by Larry Saunders Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 6:59 am
If only twitter snark equaled governing. Then the guv and his team would really be cookin’

Comment by D Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 7:18 am
Really,

Can’t wait to hear from Jacobs, Windhorst, Fowler, and Bryant when Durkin sits by quietly as Pritzker dimantles the state employment industry in southern Illinois.

Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 7:23 am
Why is the governor even asking for leadership input when the appropriations bills gave him tons of discretion to cut and move money around at will? Disagree on cutting prison funding though. That feeds the R’s messaging in the burbs that D’s don’t care about the safety of suburban soccer moms.

Comment by Mary Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 7:55 am
I don’t think the draconian cuts are going to be only in GOP districts. After the Governor called out Madigan last week and called for him to step down as party chair (and maybe House Speaker), I’m wondering if some, or even more, of the draconian cuts will be in state agencies and facilities that are located in House Democratic districts represented by those still supporting the Speaker so far. Especially the Capitol Complex and the IDOT/SOS facilities on Dirksen, both of which as well as the state facilities downtown are all part of Scherer’s 96th.

Comment by Chatham Resident Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 8:04 am
=== After the Governor called out Madigan last week and called for him to step down as party chair (and maybe House Speaker), I’m wondering if some, or even more, of the draconian cuts will be in state agencies and facilities that are located in House Democratic districts represented by those still supporting the Speaker so far.===

So, after Labor chose sides against the governor, you wanna have the governor get more involved in a family fight that will lead with and end game of Pritzker pulling a “Rauner” in buying a party versus Labor?

Nope.

The cuts, in Raunerite districts, heavy and deep cuts.

Republicans will need to be found.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 8:07 am
==The cuts, in Raunerite districts, heavy and deep cuts.==

Although regardless of what parts of Springfield state offices are represented in, I’m wondering if state offices citywide (including those in Scherer’s district) could be hammered in the budget cuts due to Langfelder’s antics. Even though Langfelder is a Democrat (although Springfield city elections are non-partisan).

Comment by Chatham Resident Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 8:13 am
“…the legislature will need to approve the efforts to balance our expenditures and revenues.” - JB

That is only half true. JB can underspend appropriation lines in the FY 21 budget, as Durkin alluded to. Not sure the GA members are gonna volunteer to make cuts when the don’t have to, at least not now. They won’t get to dodge it in May, though.

Comment by Roman Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 8:15 am
What schools should close? I remember talk of EIU closing. Seems inevitable that this is going to lead to huhe cuts. The alternative (raising flat tax during COVID), is also brutal. Sad.

Comment by California Guy Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 8:16 am
=== Langfelder===

At this point, how can one look at Langfelder as helpful in this crisis, or in the budgetary aspects that the virus is causing.

Piercing, pointed cuts are why combing thru budgets tell a story.

You’re on to something with Langfelder. Choices lead to choices.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 8:17 am
==JB can underspend appropriation lines in the FY 21 budget, as Durkin alluded to. ==

And even then, unless I’m misunderstanding how the budget works, the Governor can only directly order agencies reporting to him (e.g., DCFS, IDOT, CMS) to make those cuts.

Even though Blago tried it during this reign, I thought the Governor can’t directly impose budget cuts on the constitutional officers (Sec of State, Treasurer, AG) during a fiscal year. Although each constitutional can determine to spend much less than budgeted on their own. Now when FY22 budget planning time comes up, that’s when the Governor/GOMB might tell the constitutionals and other offices not directly under him to cut the 10%-15% or whatever amount from their budget request. Unless I’m misunderstanding things.

Comment by Chatham Resident Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 8:27 am
Excellent quote from Prof. Jackson. Despite some searching, I’m, unable to find the “menu” referenced in “Several years ago, the Senate Republicans proposed a “menu” of possible cuts that they said legislators could pick and choose from to balance the budget.” Anybody have a link?

Comment by WestBurbs Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 8:35 am
Well, they can always do what they’ve done for the last 20 years and just short fund the pension contribution to support other spending. How has that worked out for you?

Comment by Really Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 8:46 am
OW

I have read your posts about deep cuts to republican areas in Southern IL since the election. I certainly understand the concept of forcing the R’s to the table with the threat of closing all their government funded institutions. The fact remains that all the cuts you talk about will not solve the problem. There hasn’t even been a blip of a discussion on paying back the Federal Unemployment Trust fund for all the money borrowed to cover benefits. The Governor could probably double Leader Durkin’s proposed 6.5% across the board cut and the state will still not be there. As I said in a previous post, the Governor should double down on his election contributions and send another $56 million and change to Georgia. Without federal help this is going to be a draconian budget discussion at epic levels.

Comment by Nagidam Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 8:47 am
==”My Chief of Staff Anne Caprara will be reaching out to your respective offices to identify an agreeable date and time next week..” ==

This is where the already distant and cold letter went bad from a communications standpoint. Governor, why did you not get on the phone yourself to these four leaders to do a little schmoozing coupled with arm twisting and preparing the battlefield so Caprara could set up a more successful meeting? This may sound petty but it really is not. Why is he “suggesting” an agenda rather than saying what he expects a specific work outcome of the meeting to be that day? Is he planning to attend the meeting himself? He does not say.

JB frequently misses his best opportunities to be a leader and this sort of necessary but ill conceived piece of communication (obviously meant for public and media consumption rather than problem solving) is another example.

Comment by Responsa Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 8:50 am
=== they can always do what they’ve done for the last 20 years and just short fund the pension contribution to support other spending. How has that worked out for you?==

Narrator: Quinn and Rauner, the past 10 years made all the payments.

- Really -… this isn’t Facebook.

===I certainly understand the concept of forcing the R’s to the table with the threat of closing all their government funded institutions. The fact remains that all the cuts you talk about will not solve the problem.===

They won’t. It’s an exercise in the political and a realization of that fact too, and forcing adults to see this as you ably see it too;

=== Without federal help this is going to be a draconian budget discussion at epic levels.===

The point I’m driving is this premise that the Raunerite-Trump “no federal bailouts” neglects what the monies are for… and what they are trying to stop.

You’re on it. You said aloud what I didn’t want said, but understood first, then said aloud.

If anyone is listening… I can’t speculate to that.

Be well.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 8:53 am
Last time I checked 55% of the people that voted on the Governor’s tax amendment voted no. That could have decreased slightly since they are still counting votes but in this deep blue state that tells me there were plenty of Democrats that voted no on the question. Why are we punishing only Republicans? Shouldn’t any cuts be spread out across the entire state? Is governing in Illinois only about punishing citizens of the state that don’t agree with you? It is a state budget and since the citizens of Illinois have said no new taxes at this time expense reductions need to reflect all areas and try to avoid critical areas as best they can. Let’s see what if anything they come up with.

Comment by Really Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 9:00 am
=== this deep blue state===

This is NOT a deep blue state.

A mere 10 years ago, a US Senator, Governor, Comptroller, 3 additional GOP Congressional seats, the choices of the Raunerites and Trumpkins have alienated voters away from the “Former GOP”… Raunerites that still being in the super-minority in the statehouse is considered a “victory”

No foothold in Cook and the Collars…

It’s not that the state is turned blue, it’s a rejection of what Republicans use to reject too… like an Ives or Oberweis.

Learn, or yell further down the bar.

=== Last time I checked 55% of the people that voted on the Governor’s tax amendment voted no.===

Taxes will rise on all, and further your admitting you just don’t like state workers and unions (I can show you where) makes your voice here ridiculous to any honesty to the vote, as you voted against yourself to hurt others.

=== Why are we punishing only Republicans? Shouldn’t any cuts be spread out across the entire state? Is governing in Illinois only about punishing citizens of the state that don’t agree with you?===

You said yourself, I’ll show you where… again… if the Raunerites don’t wanna help, they get the cuts… and it works perfectly with geography.

You want the majority to take the heat… take that heat to where the majority will feel it less.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 9:07 am
Really-you really are sweating the promised cuts to come, aren’t you.

1) People are residents of a state, not citizens.
2) The Il Dems have walked away from southern Illinois. Jacobs, Windhorst, Bryant-all uncontested.
3) Pritzker had little support from southern Illinois in 2018.
4) Elections. Consequences.

Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 9:09 am
@Responsa at 8:50 a.m., that’s a very perceptive comment:

“This is where the already distant and cold letter went bad from a communications standpoint.”

Hard not to wonder if the administration may be making the mistake of trying to set up the legislature as the enemy as the 2022 elections loom.

Still a lot of back-slapping for beating the epicly unpopular Rauner and now, perhaps, starting to head down a similar, wrong-headed path as he.

Comment by Moe Berg Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 9:34 am
Why is the Chicago Teachers’ Pension System listed under Government Services and not Pensions?

Comment by City Zen Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 9:37 am
===Durkin urged Pritzker to use his authority to make unilateral cuts===

While I understand their strategy, their job is to put the state first, not their own political aspirations. Cutting spending must be just an advertising slogan, not their passion.

Comment by Jibba Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 9:51 am
“take that heat to where the majority will feel it less.” - The beatings will continue until morale improves… south of I-80 anyway.

Comment by essentially working Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 9:54 am
=== The beatings will continue until morale improves… south of I-80 anyway.===

How many Dems lost downstate just over a week ago?

How many won?

If we’re gonna make this partisan, the place where “51st state” mentality, that’s in a super-minority, makes sense.

Or… Republicans can come to the table too.

I do like the snark, well played.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 9:57 am
Durkin wants JB to make “unilateral cuts”, huh. As he, he wants to be handed everything for free, without having to take any responsibility for it. He doesn’t want to have his members vote to cut autism funding (again) or child care assistance (again).

Comment by Perrid Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 9:59 am
Perhaps the Governor could start by not paying out fraudulent IDES claims. A few extra controls could go a long way. And perhaps implement a dedicated fraud hotline for IDES instead of making victims go through that mess of options.

Comment by A Jack Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 9:59 am
The attached GOMB budget shows a revenue change of about 10% and expenses being flat. A mid year change to balance means a 20% cut as Rich discussed. Durkin suggessting a 6.5% is a low ball auction starting bid. 20% cuts are not going to be covered by only downstate Republican areas. Court mandated, borrowing and debt costs which must be paid will rise that 20%. Gonna shut the prisons and universities? OK, do you then let those properties rot much like the closed developmental centers in Jacksonville and Lincoln are doing? Gonna cut payments to government, education, and human services statewide or is that only going to be in Republican areas?

Comment by zatoichi Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 10:01 am
The States ability to borrow from the Federal Reserve may not last. The program is set to expire December 31 and Mnunchin said publicly he does not support extending it given only Illinois and the MTA have borrowed. There is also questions whether Congress needs to approve an extension or if the treasury can unilaterally extend.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/09/business/economy/federal-reserve-emergency-loans.html

Comment by 1st Ward Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 10:01 am
== Shouldn’t any cuts be spread out across the entire state? ==

Yes, ideally. But if you’re cutting state government operations, centers of government operations (prisons, universities, Springfield) are gonna get hit harder.

Comment by Roman Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 10:02 am
OK, do you then let those properties rot===

This has been my biggest concern. You might be able to sell CSU due to its metro location, but who would buy EIU/WIU/SIU? Find out first. Or better yet offer an opportunity to streamline their mission for modern times (degree in 3 years, no grad school, no athletics, courses offered over breaks/nights/weekends/internet, etc.).

Comment by Jibba Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 10:19 am
This is why there is no session. The Gov wants to work out a deal for the mushrooms to approve.

No session until they can quickly pass whatever was decided upon.

Comment by Fav Human Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 10:20 am
=== OK, do you then let those properties rot much like the closed developmental centers in Jacksonville and Lincoln are doing? Gonna cut payments to government, education, and human services statewide or is that only going to be in Republican areas?===

Meh.

If the Raunerites don’t even want to meet or vote to help…

Or Republicans can see it’s in their best interest to be involved… and vote.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 10:24 am
I commented several times over the last few months that we needed to be making those cuts immediately, not waiting until after the fair tax failed. I commented that the legislature needed to get back here and deal with this. People laughed at me. Now it’s almost halfway through the fiscal year and the veto session is cancelled. Now the cuts have to be even more severe.

Comment by thoughts matter Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 10:53 am
===6.5% in reductions across the board that the Governor directed his agencies to identify last year.===

This is a cop out. Everyone knows it is a cop out. The only thing this cop out does is allow for Minority Leader Durkin to pretend like he has said something meaningful when he hasn’t contributed anything.

The State of Illinois either needs additional revenues, or it needs cuts that aren’t going to be well received by anyone other than the rich finance bros that have bought Minority Leader Durkin’s caucus and the Illinois GOP wholesale.

The only time in the last decades any members of the Illinois GOP have shown any interest in solving the State of Illinois’ financial issues in a mature and responsible fashion is when they have voted with Democrats to raise taxes.

If the state budget were a grocery store parking lot, you could identify the GOP legislators by their consistent failure to return shopping carts to the stalls when they were done with them, and the Eastern Bloc legislators when they actively pushed carts into parked vehicles, shoved them in front of moving vehicles, and screamed that the grocery store had failed because of all of the problems with returning carts.

When there’s a crisis, I don’t want to hear from people that want no part of the solution and don’t have any ways to address the problem that are possible.

The GOP isn’t even trying to sell magic beans anymore and have demonstrated over the last 6 years that they are incapable of governing in a sustainable fashion on the state and national level.

Thousands of our fellow Illinoisans have died this year because of the behavior of Republican elected officials that didn’t need to and there is no reason why any person should ever look to them to expect any kind of responsible leadership ever again.

Minority Leader Durkin has an opportunity to prove me wrong, or he can cement his legacy as a patsy for billionaires that treat public policy and the lives of millions as toys while his constituents literally die around him.

Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 11:03 am
Wow, what a sore loser you are Oswego Willy.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 11:11 am
Elections have consequences.

Downstate, Raunerites, they wanna help… or they wanna feel the pain.

Bruce Rauner showed what can and can’t be cut, and while voting against their districts, higher education… now it’s real-real… now it’s not a game to hide Ken Dunkin, the cuts are coming, and so are the taxes.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 11:14 am
==You might be able to sell CSU due to its metro location, but who would buy EIU/WIU/SIU?==

NEIU would be the easiest to sell.

Comment by City Zen Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 11:16 am
=== NEIU would be the easiest to sell.===

Legislators who vote to support the governor and the cuts…

They represent EIU, WIU, SIUC… or NEIU?

Why should those voting to help feel the most pain?

That makes no sense if the Raunerites want the Dems to go it alone.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 11:20 am
Pick a name, try again

Don’t talk at me without it.

Thanks.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 11:48 am
valuable to show people what the budget funds. hope this chart makes it into mainstream media and that they have put it on social media.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 11:50 am
NEIU would be the easiest to sell.===

I wouldn’t close a school if it was needed, but operating at half capacity is wasteful, and closing one or two strengthens the rest. CSU/EIU/WIU/SIUC are all down by nearly half to 2/3rds (depending on time frame chosen). Selling the assets supports the closure argument, not the other way around.

Comment by Jibba Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 12:00 pm
==identify the GOP legislators by their consistent failure to return shopping carts==

…and then blame the retailer for not having a cart nearby when entering the store.

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 12:10 pm
How come there hasn’t been serious discussions about furloughs? Workers did 24 days years back. I haven’t heard the idea floated around publicly at least.

Comment by James Mazzoli Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 12:18 pm
Because the union has to agree to furloughs and furloughs don’t save that much money in the long run. If you are in a federally funded position, you will be furlough exempt. Your two largest agencies are DOC and DHS. I have yet to hear about a facility closing and even then you have to have public meetings.

Comment by Rwy435 Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 1:45 pm
I hope this isn’t a dumb question, but what is meant by the $1.062 billion in “Unspent Appropriations?” Does that mean agency appropriations for each agency for the rest of FY21 that have yet to be spent, or does it mean something else?

Comment by Chatham Resident Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 3:04 pm
== Narrator: Quinn and Rauner, the past 10 years made all the payments. ==

George Ryan also made the ramp defined payments.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Nov 12, 20 @ 4:59 pm