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* Mayor Daley asks about the governor’s amendatory veto to give free transit rides to senior throughout the state…
“Why is this thrown in at the last minute? That’s all I’m saying. Fine, I understand it; I mean, they wanted to give seniors without, you know, a free pass, fine. But again, why is it thrown in at the last minute? We’ve had all year discussing it.”
* Here’s my answer, from my weekly syndicated newspaper column….
The simple answer is: It’s all about him. It’s always all about him.
The governor loves to ride in on his big white horse and save the day, and that’s just what happened time after time on this months-long mass transit fiasco. He’s implemented two “magic money” extensions to ward off two threatened “doomsday” scenarios of layoffs and route cuts, and afterwards patted himself on the back so hard he almost severed his spine. Meanwhile, he had this trick up his sleeve that could’ve been implemented long ago if he was a “normal” leader. As we all know by now, this man is anything but normal.
* Carol Marin adds…
Blagojevich poked his finger in the Legislature’s eye by announcing the break for seniors out of the blue. Executing it not with a joint agreement, but with the Zorro-like slash of his amendatory veto pen. Take that!
And then came the declaration that he alone had taken lemons and squeezed them into lemonade.
* And the SJ-R riffs on the governor’s drink of choice…
Governor, lemonade is much better in May than in January.
* The governor, meanwhile, took a couple of swings at Daley…
“Mayor Daley just yesterday expressed some concern that maybe the legislators won’t get back down to Springfield to bail out the CTA and give seniors free rides on buses. Well, Mayor Daley shouldn’t be so pessimistic.”
* And…
“It’s hard to be a senior citizen in Chicago these days,” Blagojevich… “Man, it’s tough. Costs are going up. The price of everything is goin’ up. Mayor Daley just raised your property taxes.” The crowd murmured agreement.
Oof. That won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
* Back to Daley…
“The margin is very slim,” Daley said [of the bill in both chamber]. He added it is unknown whether legislators can return to Springfield this week to work through Blagojevich’s demand. “That’s what we’re concerned about.”
* And at least one legislator is talking about jumping off the bill…
State Rep. Sidney Mathias, a Buffalo Grove Republican, said he didn’t know if he’d vote for the deal again, citing both the need to invest in road, bridge and school building and questioning the governor’s last-minute changes.
Here’s the thing: Whether you agree with the governor or not, or whether you’re even a senior citizen and don’t think this AV is fair, the simple truth is that voting against even a little senior freebie is a political risk. And this is a big one. I doubt this AV will kill the bill. Then again, legislators can be strange sometimes.
* As the governor put it yesterday at Rev. Sen. James Meeks’ megachurch…
“How many of you agree with me that the right thing to do is to give your grandmother a free ride on a bus?” Blagojevich asked.
The question brought huge cheers for the governor at the House of Hope on the South Side, especially from the older generation.
“Why not help that senior citizen on a fixed income, who’s struggling to get by? Why not give her a chance to get a break for once?” the governor continued.
* If anything, what could make Rep. Mathias change his mind is the political idiocy of Metra…
A sales tax windfall would spare CTA and Pace riders fare increases, but Metra leaders pledged Friday to forge ahead with a 10 percent ticket hike in February.
* Rep. Mathias, along with several other suburban Republicans (including three in the Senate), stuck their necks out on that transit bill and then Metra had the ultimate gall to do this? Ridiculous…
“I hope the increase doesn’t affect someone’s vote,” [Mathias] said. “Some (lawmakers) felt they were voting for the bill to prevent a fare increase.”
Metra officials have said previously in a House committee that they couldn’t guarantee no fare increases if the bailout bill passed. But they couldn’t have waited six months or a year?
* More transit stories, compiled by Kevin…
* Chicago-area seniors question cost, need for Blagojevich’s free-ride proposal
* Transit bill makes sales taxes even more complicated across Chicago area
* Governor to offer more free rides?
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 8:57 am
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What next, free parking?
Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 9:03 am
Let me suggest that public transportation be divided into two: a free ride for everybody on an all stops bus, el and Metra system. A set of fare paying express bus, el and Metra, jitney cab and taxicab transportation,
Somebody estimate the cost for me and then we can discuss sources of funding.
Comment by Truthful James Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 9:12 am
Rich–
Metra’s decision to move ahead with its 10% fare increase is not political idiocy on Metra’s part. Far from it. Metra is laying the foundation for being able to go it alone if the transit deal falls apart.
Consider Metra’s situation. With its statutorily guaranteed revenue from the current RTA sales tax formula plus new revenue from the fare increase it should be able to maintain its current operations. In contrast, even with small (Pace) and large (CTA) infusions of RTA discretionary dollars, the CTA and Pace face huge operating deficits and thus major service cuts/fare increases if the transit package does not pass.
By signaling that it is going to raise fares under any circumstances, Metra is signaling to suburban legislators like Sid Mathias that it is okay to now oppose the transit bailout and (ahem) RTA reform package because Metra service will not be facing any doomsday cuts.
Former Metra Chairman and notorious Chicago-baiter Jeff Ladd surely would be proud of Metra’s go-it-alone strategy after a year and a half of gritted teeth participation in the RTA’s Moving Beyond Congestion cooperative effort. (I understand, however, that he may be a bit busy on other matters these days to care.)
Metra’s move to raise fares is not idiocy. It is a Machiavellian masterstroke to push through this fare increase while everyone’s attention is focused on the senior citizens ride for free stunt and in the process make it possible for suburban legislators to blow up a change to the RTA funding formula that neither Metra nor these legislators want.
Comment by Metra Maniac Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 9:19 am
Risky Business
Let’s say that the votes for this fall apart in the GA. Then those same seniors will get to pay higher fares on the greatly reduced post doomsday system that the transit systems have promised. What a great idea.
Comment by Stacker of Wheat Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 9:20 am
I dount that with a Feb. 5th election coming up any legislator votes against seniors getting free rides. It was a move of political genius by the governor. He didnt want to raise the sales tax, but when left with no other choice, he stepped up. however, while madigan forced blago to break his no tax pledge, blago handled it brilliantly. let madigans mushromms vote against this.
Comment by Anon Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 9:25 am
In order to keep votes on board for this proposal, may I suggest that in exhcange for letting this plan go forward, the legislature (specifically the Illinois House) form a select committee to determine if this and/or other outragious actions by the governor constitute an Impeachable offense under the grounds of “Abuse of Power.” The committee could be chaired by someone like Rep. Fritchey (which seems appropriate, since he has the misfortune to have Rod as a constituent).
With that as a carrot, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the bill pick up 20 votes in the House and a dozen in the Senate.
Comment by fedup dem Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 9:26 am
Even Daley is caution about this boondoggle,
It is amazing how a Democratic governor, with a Democratically controlled senate and house can spend so much time achieving so little. A radio announce joked this morning that Elvis is trying to make sure there will be a friendly juror pool for the future….
As new higher estimates come through about the costs of the free rides, a couple legislators may see the light and change their votes, causing another upheaval.
This new entitlement is going to cost big $$ as the baby boomers start crossing that age threshold.
The prospect of the working poor being forced to pay more so that financially comfortable seniors ride for free seems unfair.
A statistic heard this AM is that 17% of the senior population is at or below the poverty line while 31-34% of the households headed by a single female are at that level. Which group needs the subsidy more?
It would seem to me that if a segment of the population needs a break, it should be the working poor.
Perhaps the goal is free transportation for all in Chicago while everyone in the state chips in ‘just a little more?”
Comment by plutocrat03 Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 9:27 am
how do we verify that people are seniors and therefore, enabled to get a free ride? As we all know, it is too expensive and racially discriminatory to ask for a state id (I learned that from critics opposed to asking for an ID when voting). What about children, minorities, women, handicapped, etc, politicians an dothers who deserve free rides.
Comment by Wumpus Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 9:30 am
Give Rod another four years in office and everything will be free in this sorry excuse for a state.
Where is all this money coming from? Maybe that’s why Rod spends so much time at home, he’s printing it up in his bunker.
Comment by Free Free Free Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 9:51 am
I know it’s too late to do anything about this now in relation to transit… but why not raise the “senior citizen” cutoff age to 70 or even 75? Or maybe have discounted or half fares for riders between 65 and 75 and make the fares free after age 75.
Isn’t Social Security supposed to be gradually raising the benefit age to reflect the fact that 1) seniors are living longer and are capable of working longer and 2) the imminent retirement of the Baby Boom generation will mean benefits can’t be as generous as before?
I could see giving free rides to senior citizens who are no longer able to drive and are completely dependent on a fixed income from a pension, Social Security, etc. But I don’t think most 65-year-olds these days fit that description.
As for how to verify age, that could be done by either having to apply to the transit company in advance for a senior citizen pass or perhaps by presenting a Medicare card (as is done in other cities)
Comment by Bookworm Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 10:03 am
“Here’s the thing: Whether you agree with the governor or not, or whether you’re even a senior citizen and don’t think this AV is fair, the simple truth is that voting against even a little senior freebie is a political risk.”
As I said in the other thread about the Gov thinking he wants to run for re-election. Madigan thinks a CTA doomsday would kill the Governor’s chances at winning even dog-catcher.
I have heard from 3 people now that he is trying to pull people off the bill in order to make that happen. Mathias looks like the low-hanging fruit.
Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 10:03 am
“How many of you agree that we should raise your taxes so that billionaire Sam Zell can ride Metra for free??”
Not so many cheers.
If Julie Hamos wants to be kind, she should save the Governor from himself, and insert means-testing into the free-rides. Who knows, then maybe we can afford to add the disabled as well.
From a public policy standpoint, providing free rides for the disabled makes alot more sense than all seniors.
Over course, Hot Rod doesn’t give a rat’s rear about public policy.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 10:16 am
I agree with YDD. My daughter is disabled (in fact she can’t drive) and so is completely dependent upon public transportation. She’s also on a modest, fixed income, much less than most seniors’. The big difference is she’s not in a large voting block, therefore, her needs are less important.
Comment by Sir Reel Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 10:28 am
In relation to the GA putting more procedure in the bill after JCAR got ingnored, why didn’t Mathius and others put in the bill that rates must stay as they are for one year or the tax bucks stop immediately? The increase is an understandable move by Metra. Get the money while you can.
Comment by zatoichi Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 10:30 am
YDD –
Wrong example. Sam Zell woulkd either ride his Harley on streets not so crowded or use his own private rail car tacked on the end of a Metra express.
Think of the offsetting costs in having much less car traffic clogging the roads. We could price express service at the cost of providing it without worrying about discriminating against the poor and lower middle class. Neighborhoods become more viable. Less pollution should please the Green party. Office buildings in the Loop get leased up. Shopping centers, wherever get more people traffic.
And we can localize the costs to the six county area.
Everybody who pays the freight (a metaphor) for Public transportation deserves a payback. Come on gents, don’t be mean spirited.
Comment by Truthful James Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 10:42 am
As always, they underestimate the true cost of an open entitlement. Look, you don’t estimate the number of seniors now riding Metra and use that as the basis. How about the thousands of seniors who drive or take taxies or other private ride services, who would flock to free public transportation? And, as others have mentioned, how about the increasing demographic shift toward older residents?
I also find it distasteful it is simply an age entitlement. Well off seniors who still work or remain active and use public transportation on a daily basis now have a windfall on OUR dime.
I have no problem with some kind of means and need test. How about homeless people who need it to find or go to work? How about single mothers who must decide between clothing for their kids or paying to get to work in order to feed them? Can we afford ANY of it?
Comment by Snidely Whiplash Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 10:49 am
Blago would be smart to remind everyone how the Daley regime has mismanaged the CTA for years.
Comment by OpenlineBlog.com Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 10:57 am
The system is designed so that the federal and state government can withdraw their support for local gov’t and force property taxes to go up.
If health care costs were constant and the state and federal support for local gov’t grew at the pace of inflation there wouldn’t be much need to raise property taxes.
Comment by Carl Nyberg Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 10:59 am
Mr. Whiplash
All the categories you cite are worthy. But look at Transportation as a utility, not a charity.
Viewed that way, it would include both Private Transportation (including parking) and Public Transportation which I haved earlier defined.
If we can get away from this discussion of worthy and unworthy, someone must be able to define the true cost of Public Transportation for all — including the offsets and determine exactly what must be provided.
Then we can determine the sources of funds which would be necessary to burden the so called unworthy.
It is time to think outside of the box.
Comment by Truthful James Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 11:00 am
I don’t see this as much of a cost. The thing with senior citizens is they don’t tend to work every day, and if they are working, it tends to be because they are highly skilled, and therefore it is desirable to society that they continue working. I see this as a way for senior citizens to get to the shopping centers, grocery markets, fraternal clubs etc. at a reduced charge if they are willing to forego the conveniences of taxi cabs. Maybe it will even cause those more than half empty Pace buses to have some riders.
Comment by cermak_rd Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 11:10 am
The Gov’s latest freebie was hailed,
But one advantage was never detailed.
The rides will be free,
To the MCC,
To visit him after he’s jailed.
Comment by Limerick Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 11:16 am
Anon I am not sure this was a political genius move fro the Gov. Assuming it passes, the majority of the press and senitment mirrors Rich and Daley’s comments about why do this now? While people will cheer about getting the freebie, I have yet to antecdotaly see large groups lauding the Gov for holding back this idea and then droping it in with an AV.
If the bill does not pass with the AV (which I doubt, but is possible) then the gov looks even worse for sinking the bailout with his av. The Senior vote is big, but my prediction is if the bill gets tanked from the AV, this will hurt blago. Seniors ride free was never an issue in the bailout generating large support in the process. The question is whetehr seniors would congregrate around this easter egg dropped into the bill if the bill gets killed. I disagree that there would be a huge senior movement against anyone who does not vote to support the bill. After all, this has not been a major senior issue, the gov just created it for his purposes, and if it gets the bailout tanked look for backlash not on the GA, but to fall on the Gov.
Comment by Ghost Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 11:17 am
Why not just go along with this foolishness to get the RTA reforms done and save mass transit; and then, the moment this guy is out of office, repeal the freebies!
Comment by Legal Eagle Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 11:39 am
Is the legislature even required to vote on the AV until the next scheduled session dates, which are after the primary election?
Comment by anon Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 11:41 am
The generation that now comprises “seniors” is one that prided itself on self sufficiency and paying their own way. guv’s freebee is an insult! These “seniors” are not freeloaders.
Comment by A Citizen Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 11:45 am
A Citizen that is where I was somewhat headed with the idea that free rides had not been a hot senior issue before the gov offered them up. I am not sure the loss of free rides if the AV did not survive the next round of voting would resonate with seniors as a hot button topic.
Comment by Ghost Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 12:06 pm
Truthful James -
I agree with one thing blagojevich said, all public transportation should be free.
That said, if we’re going to be picking winners and losers, I don’t think I’d put 65 year-olds from Winnetka, Highland Park, Kennilworth, Naperville, Wheaton and Glen Ellyn at the top of my list.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 12:20 pm
Yellow Dog, I know you are just trying to regurgitate the Speaker’s talking points, but the reality is that those people won’t give up their Jaguars to start taking the bus or train anytime soon. And if they do, is it really that bad?
The Speaker can stick to this talking point all he wants as he tries to kill the bill. I mean, who knows millionaire seniors better than Mr. “I Made my Millions Lobbying While I Was Speaker” Madigan.
Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 12:26 pm
Another idea (hat tip to The Eleventh Hour, who does the Friday Beer Blogs): provide free public transit rides to seniors IF they don’t have current valid driver’s licenses. This might make it easier to persuade seniors who, due to bad eyesight or other problems, should NOT be driving to give up their licenses. Secretary of State Driver Services Division could verify license status and perhaps issue a special ID for those who qualify.
Comment by Bookworm Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 12:46 pm
In my view –
There is no free lunch, every Transportation dime has to be found somewhere.
I still have not gotten even a Ball Park estimate of the Coat of Public Transportation in the MSA, let alone the cost of the full Transportation Utility.
Until that number comes out, we are winding at tiltmills.
We can not come to an intelligent decision flying above all our expressed biases.
Comment by Truthful James Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 12:53 pm
No matter how nice the Governor’s surprise transit amendment sounds, it is simply fiscally irresponsible to allow free rides to a large segment of the population during a financial crisis and any conscientious elected official should oppose it.
The Governor thinks he bought himself political cover because no one dares to oppose seniors, however, I believe he is going to find out that even the beneficiaries of his plan know that when something sounds to good to be true-it probably is.
The Governor’s untested, unanalyzed and irresponsible surprise amendment could and should either derail the Hamos bill or be overridden. If it happens, the voters should blame only one person.
Comment by Garp Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 1:15 pm
=== even the beneficiaries of his plan know that when something sounds to good to be true-it probably is.===
doubtful. when have seniors ever bemoaned a freebie?
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 1:18 pm
As to the whole Rod-trying-to-sound-black thing, I have to say, I don’t recall Harold Washington ever trying to fake a Polish accent…
Comment by The Elderly Republican Tomato Farmer Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 1:31 pm
Rich, your right in general and I am sure that is what the Gov is thinking but it is unfair to group all senior citizens into this mindless block of voters that want anything as long as it is free.
Seniors want a transit system to run smoothly and not always be broke. A plan like this needs to be thought through. If it were free how many more seniors would be using the system? How will that affect the system? How will that affect their security? How many more cops will need to be on the trains and buses because seniors can be easy crime targets? Would the L trains need to bring back conductors to assist the huge influx of elderly?
This amendment could have severe adverse consequences on an already troubled system and needs to be studied before implemented.
Comment by Garp Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 1:38 pm
The problem for the Gov is that the fare hikes that Hamos promised the Republicans were in the bill already will now be blamed on the seniors ride free proposal (if and when those fare hikes happen).
Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 1:40 pm
When has any group “bemoaned a freebie”? he remark thoughtless. Instead of “seniors,” use any other group: women, blacks, reporters, disabled . . . in that remark. Just as icky.
Comment by anon Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 1:53 pm
not really, anon, because seniors get more freebies, discounts, etc. than just about any other demographic.
they don’t pay state taxes on their pensions, and how many complain about that? how many decline circuit breaker?
businesses use discounts to attract seniors to their businesses all the time. how many insist on paying full price?
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 1:59 pm
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the amendatory freebie for seniors does not thurn out to be a “poison pill” that derails the mass transit funding bill.
Comment by Captain America Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 1:59 pm
CA, i highly doubt it. Voting to crash the RTA/CTA/Pace and shaft seniors out of a freebie would be too much.
I’m more curious about Metra than the senior thing.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:01 pm
Also, don’t forget the campground discounts at DNR. So, how many seniors pull into a campground in a $250,000 motorhome and refuse the discount?
I’m not saying these discounts are necessarily bad or that seniors are bad for taking advantage of them. And I’m not saying that they can’t see through the pandering. It’s just that they have grown accustomed to the pandering and expect it.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:11 pm
Daley objects on PROCESS issues???
Comment by Hugh Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:11 pm
Rich - how old are you?
Just kidding
.
Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:14 pm
Cermack, I see where you are going and you are swaying me. How many times do I nearly get road rage as some blue hair is driving 50 in the left lane on 290 toward Woodfield in a Ford Crown Vic? Getting them off the roads would immediately increase the sales at Farmers Market’s across Chicagoland.
Comment by Wumpus Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:15 pm
When grandma’s rollin’ down the isle of the L cause she couldn’t get a seat as the big metal behemouth lurches it’s way downtown we will need the Gov tell us where to get money to add more trains and conductors. I am sure he has a secret plan.
Comment by Garp Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:18 pm
Forget the campground discount, Rich: for $10 seniors can buy a lifetime pass for free entry to all national parks, monuments, etc. The same costs me $80 every year. But these examples could go on all day…
Point is, it’s just a wealth transfer. We do it all the time. It’s not necessarily bad, but the costs add up. I don’t why people in politics constantly congratulate themselves for finding a way to shift wealth. It’s really not very hard when you’re not the one paying for it (eg, echoboomers.)
Comment by Greg Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:30 pm
Frankly, I think it’s more important that the disabled be given an incentive — and an opportunity — for increased mobility.
I know I’ll suffer the wrath of AARP, but I see this as nothing more than a shrewdly calculated ploy by Blagojevich to lock up the over-65 vote. He knows that the Boomers are getting old — and knows that he needs those Boomer votes. This is the way to do it — and if it passes, he’s got their votes, is well on his way to a third term, and god knows what else.
Comment by Macbeth Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:30 pm
Also: can someone explain to me why public transportation should be free? What’s the moral imperative there?
Someone is gonna pay for it — and if I don’t pay the conductor, I certainly pay somewhere else down the line.
I don’t get that “free” line of reasoning at all. I’m actually someone who thinks that I should pay for the services I use — and I don’t mind paying when the services do what they’re supposed to do.
Metra is an example. Metra does what I want it to do, does it well, and I’m happy to pay for it. Am I thrilled about the fare increase? No — but everything else is increasing, why not my train fare, too?
Comment by Macbeth Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:34 pm
Late to the party, but…
Why don’t we spend the 20-million dollars we’re going to give in free senior citizen CTA rides and use it to hire 400+ security guards to keep the buses and trains clean and free of panhandlers, drunks and the homeless? That might actually INCREASE revenue by making the trains more attractive…but what do I know, I actually ride the things.
Comment by the commuter once known as So Ill Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:35 pm
I don’t see any lots or streets that have discounted or free parking for seniors drivers. What about them?
Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:49 pm
shhh.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:54 pm
For those truly upset about the AV and seniors of all income levels being eligible:
The General Assembly can modify a governor’s amendatory veto language. If the governor accepts it, it goes into law as the General Assembly implements the change.
So let’s say that the legislature proposes to limit the seniors pass to just those who are truly retired, or older homemakers. Let seniors apply for the pass and certify their eligibility via their local mass transit district. Or limit it to the CTA and Pace, and not even have it apply to the RTA, if that smooths a few suburban legislative feathers.
The governor will have to certify his acceptance, or the whole deal goes down the drain.
It may appear to be a “take it or leave it” situation to the general public and press, but it is not. Let’s see how the General Assembly receives the AV.
Comment by capitol view Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 2:56 pm
I hope we are not viewing older citizens as perpetrators of the apparent pandering issued in the AV to HB656. Maybe the Governor was channeling Ronald Reagan with this proposal, but let’s not excoriate seniors just because they have been offered a free pass that they did not ask for.
Another interesting point is that if the GA modifies the AV and the Governor does NOT accept the modification, then the bill gets returned to the house of origin as a vetoed bill. In which case, the House sponsor can call for a veto override of the original bill, and both the House and the Senate can override the veto and the bill becomes law as originally enrolled. Is that right?
Comment by anon Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 3:11 pm
anon, i don’t think anyone blames the seniors for being pandered to.
the political reality is, however, that when you give them something, you’d better never ever even talk about taking it away.
and, sure they could take the override route, but it wouldn’t get the votes for an override because that would mean downstaters would be voting against their “strategy” and suburbanites would be voting for a tax hike and everyone would be voting against seniors.
think trailer bill.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 3:25 pm
I think the bottom line is that fares will have to be raised. The transit agencies have a 50% overall farebox recovery ratio, so nominally they have to collect an extra $1 in fare for every $1 of operations funding they get. The region barely makes that now. When the new funding starts coming in, they’ll need to match it with fares.
Comment by NoGiftsPlease Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 3:38 pm
There is an old legal adage, “hard cases make bad law”. I think that applies here. Tying the free senior rides to this transit bill might force the legislature to pass it but it will open up a host of costly operational issues that will need to be dealt with almost immediatly.
Comment by Garp Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 3:42 pm
I am surprised no one is upset that downstate is getting a 50 mil kickback paid for by purley chicago area tax hikes.
I appreciate the bribe to help fund the mndate and get downstater support by the gov, in fact I would question any downstate GA member who votes against a tax hike up north that transfers a portion of the money to downstate.
Comment by Ghost Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 3:47 pm
During rush hour who would be more entitled to a seat the paying customer or the non-paying customer?
Comment by anon Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 3:48 pm
Sorry to be so late and also sorry to slightly change the subject, but here goes: Did (Unindicted Official) A-Rod just dis his number one toady, Emil Jones? I seem to recall that Meeks and Jones aren’t exactly BFF, yet here’s Elvis showing up at Meeks’ church to grandstand for his idiot transit veto. If I’m Jones, I’m not happy.
Comment by The Mad Hatter Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 4:17 pm
Shouldn’t most folks yield their seats to senior citizens or the disabled anyway? At least I always have, figuring that I can stand.
Comment by cermak_rd Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 4:34 pm
“Let seniors apply for the pass and certify their eligibility via their local mass transit district.”
That’s exactly what would happen.
Ghost - the $50 million doesn’t come from sales tax in Chicago. It comes from the $150 million hole this bill blasts in the State budget. Oh? You thought that was just the gas tax plan?
Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 4:38 pm
GoBearsss, the Blagojevich “plan” would’ve “blasted” a $400 million hole in the budget.
Take a breath.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 4:41 pm
Way to misread my post batman.
:)
I know - I was being a tease on the point that nobody is talking about the $150 million this one takes out of the budget.
Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 4:44 pm
I expect we’ll see an AV on the next important bit of legislation that grants seniors 25% to 50% reduction in their real estate taxes. That should just about ensure senior support . . . til next year. We seniors are forgetful and it’s “What have you done for me today?” kind of stuff. Let the good times roll! Guv’s jury will have at least 12 seniors and 4 alternate seniors on it and he’ll make Gotti look like an amateur Teflon Officianado! Fitz should preemptively charge him with jury tampering.
Comment by A Citizen Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 5:20 pm
With the exception of a minor technical clean-up of a poor AV message from a Governor, the GA cannot make modifications to his recommendations.
Of course, Blago would not certify such a change anyway.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 9:03 pm
=== The Governor may return a bill together with
specific recommendations for change to the house in which it
originated. The bill shall be considered in the same manner
as a vetoed bill but the specific recommendations may be
accepted by a record vote of a majority of the members
elected to each house. Such bill shall be presented again to
the Governor and if he certifies that such acceptance
conforms to his specific recommendations, the bill shall
become law. If he does not so certify, he shall return it as
a vetoed bill to the house in which it originated.===
That’s all it says.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 9:16 pm
But they may be talking trailer bill anyway.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 9:17 pm
Blago hornswoggled Meeks with “Promises, Promises” to keep him off the ballot. Doesn’t Meeks feel used by this man and why would he let him in his church to pontificate and campaign?
Comment by Disgusted Monday, Jan 14, 08 @ 10:42 pm
anon
During any trip each are equally entitled.
Comment by Truthful James Tuesday, Jan 15, 08 @ 8:34 am