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Budget address open thread

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Illinois

* 11:10 am - Kevin and I will be providing updates on the budget address here. Use it as an open thread until it starts. If you’re not watching on Public TV, you can follow along on the Intertubes at this link.

We’re supposed to have a link soon where you can find budget stuff at noon. Stand by.

*12:10 pm - KEVIN: I have a copy of the Governor’s speech in my hand and will be periodically updating the blog in the next few minutes on the address. Here are the highlights:

* Illinois Works - a $25 billion capital plan. Pension funding reform by refinancing high interest pension debt into low-interest pension obligation bonds , to immediately add $16 billion in assets to the state pension funds and save the state $55 billion over the next 36 years. The speech also says that Illinois Works will be funded primarily through partial concession of the lottery.

* Illinois Child Tax Credit - to qualify a family must: have a dependent under 18, earn at least $3,000 a year through earned income, unemployment, or social security, and have an income of less than $75,000 annually for an individual or $150,000 for joint filers.

* Illinois Business Tax Cut - 20% for businesses that paid corporate income tax in 2007. To be eligible, employers must maintain their employment levels.

* A 3% across-the-board spending reductions in all areas outside of healthcare, education, and public safety.

* 12:28 pm - KEVIN: The Governor just ended his speech and I timed it at around 22 minutes. The speech was considerably shorter than his previous addresses that were timed around 45 minutes to an hour.

* The economic stimulus package will be funded by a one-time revenue source. One option, outlined in the Governor’s press release, is to securitize revenues into up-front payments. 18 states, including CA, NJ, OH, and VA have completed similar securitizations.

One example is tobacco settlement funds. In 1998, Illinois along with 45 other states signed a settlement with four major tobacco companies who agreed to pay hundreds of billions of dollars in damages for the ill effects of smoking. The amount Illinois receives is based, in part, on national tobacco consumption.

* 12:45 pm - KEVIN: Here is the breakdown of the capital bill as outlined in the Governor’s press release:

* $ 14.4 billion for road and bridge programs
* $ 3.8 billion for school construction
* $ 2.7 billion for public transportation
* $ 1.1 billion for higher education
* $ 1.1 billion for environment, energy, and technology
* $ 1.0 billion for economic development, including housing
* $ 600 million for improved and expanded state facilities
* $ 500 million for airports and rail

* 12:51 pm - KEVIN: update on funding Illinois Works. The Governor proposes a “partial concession” of the lottery. The State would then retain 20% ownership and the ability to regulate, which will continue the funding that currently supports education. The partial concession is estimated to raise between $10-12 billion, $7 billion of which will be directly used to fund Illinois Works. This means that the State will not have to issue any debt in order to pay for 65% of the program.

The State would then issue $3.8 billion in bonds to pay for the remaining 35%. Debt service on these bonds will come from $300 million in annual transfers from the Road Fund and “other sources.”

* 1:05 pm - KEVIN: I am looking over the health care proposals in the address, and it practically mirrors what the Governor has previously proposed. These include:

* Illinois Covered Choice and Illinois Covered Assist to allow small businesses and individuals guaranteed private health care.
* Illinois Covered Rebate to help alleviate health insurance premiums.
* Roadmap to Health & Electronic Health Records to introduce new efficiencies into the healthcare system.
* Healthcare Capacity Building to improve overall health status for schools, health care provider sites, and nursing homes.

* This will be supported by a proposed 3% payroll assessment on businesses of a certain size that do not spend at least 4% of their payroll on health care for their employees.

* 1:50 pm - RICH: Sen. AJ Wilhelmi just said that the governor’s office warned him today that Stateville Correctional Center is on the list of facilities that could be closed in the next year. Wilhelmi is not pleased, to say the least, and this would not be great news for Senate Majority Leader Debby Halvorson’s congressional campaign.

Also, Senate GOP Leader Frank Watson told reporters that despite the governor’s reversal on gaming expansion, he still believes the idea for funding a capital plan is alive. Watson called the governor’s speech, “fluff,” said the state probably could not afford the economic stimulus plans proposed by Blagojevich. Watson was more open about another pension obligation bond scheme, but wouldn’t completely commit.

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias called the governor the “anti-Obama” this afternoon, noting how, unlike the presidential candidate, Blagojevich is universally divisive. Giannoulias expressed some doubt about the Lottery lease and other proposals because he had yet to see details.

* 2:00 pm - KEVIN: Speaker Madigan’s Statement Response to the Governor’s Budget Address:

* “Above all else, I believe that there is a strong desire among lawmakers to avoid a repeat of the 2007 budget debacle. The people of our state simply will not tolerate another prolonged, acrimonious encore of last year.”

“… We ca always count on Governor Blagojevich to give a fine speech. However, we have learned from hard-won experience that the devil is always in the details when dealing with his fiscal plans.”

“In addition to the normal appropriations committee hearings at the Capitol, in the near future we expect to initiate a series of regional hearings across Illinois to take state government to the people and give them an opportunity to learn firsthand about the budget and offer their views to lawmakers. We will hear testimony from those representing front-line social service providers, local governments, health care facilities, school districts, universities, labor unions, business groups, and civic organizations.[…] Our objectives are to put a human face on the budget, increase the transparency of the budget process , build broad consensus for a spending plan and promote greater public understanding of the ways that budget decisions made in Springfield have real world effects for communities, families, and individuals throughout Illinois.”

* Note: The regional hearings were also proposed last year after the Governor’s 2007 Address.

* 3:50 pm - The Illinois Federation of Teachers has weighed in on the Governor’s Budget Address, and it ain’t pretty:

” …the funding methods listed in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget proposed proposed by the Governor today do not appear to be sufficient to address the underlying structural deficit under which our state struggles. This budget request also calls for an additional 3 percent cut, which will further harm state agencies already operating with greatly reduced staff and resources.”

[…] “We are also concerned about the continued lack of funding for higher education. Our colleges and universities are constantly forced to raise tuition because the level of state funding has decreased over the years. Under this budget proposal, higher education funding in FY09 would be less than it was in FY03. This downward trend must stop.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 11:11 am

Comments

links on this page for audio and video.

Comment by j Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 11:17 am
Hope Kevin brings some guacamole packets to throw at Delgado in case he gets nutty.

Comment by IDTYT Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 11:33 am
Who needs to watch…Rod will blame lawmakers for the budget hole and lawmakers will blame Rod for being an empty suit.

Comment by Terry Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 11:39 am
Rich, black shirt, black suit, red tie? Bad call.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:01 pm
The long and the short of the State of the State “It Sucks” Thank you Rod Blagojevich very much.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:02 pm
what the hell is Mautino wearing?

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:09 pm
The site for the budget has links for the speech text and budget presentation, but when you click on them you get ‘Page Not Found’.

How appropriate.

Comment by Don't Worry, Be Happy Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:15 pm
Budget info online

Comment by Hmmmm Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:16 pm
Proposal one: expand the budget hole! Great idea.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:17 pm
Did he just give part of the speach in spanish? The conservatives got to be going ape

Comment by Just Asking Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:22 pm
Did he just call Watson, “Senor Frank Watson?”

Comment by Jon Shibley Fan Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:24 pm
Jon- Yes he did.

Comment by Don't Worry, Be Happy Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:26 pm
OK, I’ll bite. Porque?

Comment by Jon Shibley Fan Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:27 pm
“I will not raise taxes on people”

He STILL doesn’t get it.

Comment by PJ Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:28 pm
Bla, bla, bla, blagojevich.

Comment by Joe T. from Chicago Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:28 pm
Does cutting pork including laying off all of the Friends of Rod who got cushy no-work jobs?

Yeah, right.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:31 pm
He’s done already? That seemed awfully short.

Comment by Bookworm Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:33 pm
Where are the details, Governor ?????? So we are going to cut taxes and provide universal health care. How?

Comment by one of the 35 Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:34 pm
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the state of the state.

Comment by Ilrino Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:37 pm
I didn’t hear the speech but I am reading the text of it now. Rod has talked in the past about cutting corporate tax loopholes and making businesses “pay there fair share” of taxes. Now he proposes cutting business taxes. Why the change of heart?

Comment by Tim Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:40 pm
He wants to “securitize” revenue sources. Meaning that he wants to take some annual revenues and convert them to one-time, up front payments.

So he wants to solve today’s fiscal problems by spending tomorrow’s revenue. Great idea.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:41 pm
Has anyone found the actual budget book anywhere?

Comment by TC Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:41 pm
I find it kind of humorous that last he was railing against greedy corporation and now he wants to reduce their taxes. I am curious to see the nuts and bolts of his pension plan, spending cuts and lottery plan.

Comment by RMW Stanford Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:42 pm
“I’m so lonesome I could cry?” Oh drop the drama-rama Blago. Now is not the time to change loyalties to the country stars. Your loyalty should always remain with Elvis’ “Jailhouse Rock”. You have yet to experience REAL loneliness.

Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:43 pm
No boogeyman bashing this time either, unless I missed it.

Comment by Bookworm Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:44 pm
PUKE . . . . Let’s dig a hole and keep making it deeper and all Downstaters jump up and down we are all going to rally and help Chicago. . . . The next bonus is here’s $300 per child and you lose your job. . . . The Emperor is not wearing any clothes . . .!

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:44 pm
Both State and Federal Government really needs to get out of mind set of their short term economic stimulus package, the ones at the federal level rarely work and state ones are even less likely to work, focus on fixing the state fiscal health and let the markets do their job on their own. As it already been mentioned, using tomorrow revenues to pay for todays bills, a “truly brilliant” idea.

Comment by RMW Stanford Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:48 pm
His best budget address yet. No details, no finger pointing, no big plans. He didn’t even waste much of our time.

Comment by Napoleon has left the building Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:49 pm
Senors and Senoritas… Did anyone get a count on the number of times he said “family?”

And one other thing… What was the purpose of saying, “I like Chicago!”

Comment by The Rookie Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:49 pm
Rich looked good, did’nt get to talk long even though. What was up with the restrained botox sytle body/face lanuage coming off of Rod? Looked as if he expected the room of people to break out in boos. Not the usual confident/I’m so wonderful Rod, one could almost believe he was sincere about working together with the legislators. I don’t trust it. 3% across the board cuts, sigh, heaven help our trucks and equipment.

Comment by Princeville Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:51 pm
At the begining I was trying to find were I push one for english. Sounded more like a campaign speech with lots of fluff and zero detail. And I would love to know were the 700K jobs firgure come from and if it is realistic.

Comment by Dan S, a Voter Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:53 pm
Government economic stimulus plans are the opiate of short-sighted, poll-watching politicians

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:54 pm
He said something about closing facilities that are costing the state most are on life support now because of his cronies he hired to run them and that is the big cost burden.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:56 pm
I think he has just returned from the “Scared Straight” program put on by Fitz and the Feds!

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 12:58 pm
I love to see how they came up with the value 10-12 billion for a partial concession in the lottery.

Comment by RMW Stanford Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:00 pm
Best line by Blago - “I am flexible.” I almost fell out of my seat when he said that.

Comment by Middle Class Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:01 pm
The advance text of the speech said “The middle class is getting squeezed” … but did I hear him actually say something else?

Comment by Bookworm Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:02 pm
Does the 3% cut screw our social service programs (DD, mental health, substance abuse, child welfare) which have been studiously ignored by this administration?

Comment by Ilrino Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:03 pm
“I will not balance the budget on your backs” Why take it out on state employees? DNR is going to be dead

Comment by scoot Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:06 pm
Where in Stratton are the budget CDs being distributed? The Gov.’s Press Office doesn’t seem to know. —Sheesh!

Comment by David Starrett Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:08 pm
Scoot look for the closure of several state parks.I read 40% cut and 200 employees for IDNR.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:08 pm
3% cut. How does that not translate into layoffs at the out of favor, tier 3 state agencies? They are already operating bare bones.

Comment by Leave a light on George Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:11 pm
Reminds me of the Heroic Hog that saved the farmer’s life. When asked what happened to its left hind quarter the farmer explained that you don’t eat a hog like that all at once!

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:18 pm
Scoot asks “Why take it out on state employees?” That would be because state workers don’t count in that warm fuzzy ‘family’ mold he speaks of. The workers don’t have families, work, need health care, or do they have doubling bills, that’s only for middleclass families that don’t work for the state. (and yes, I’m a noncounting state family)

Oh, DOWNSTATE, you are depressing. I really hope you’re hearing wrong, but somehow doubt you are.

Comment by Princeville Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:19 pm
Gov’s office got back to me. CDs are at 603 Stratton.

Comment by David Starrett Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:25 pm
Derisory amounts for transit and rail — at least a 50 percent cut from what they got under Illinois FIRST. Guess we have to have Republicans to fund transit capital?

And flogging off the lottery to pay for it. What happens in the next five year plan when there’s nothing left to sell?

It doesn’t address the fundamental problem, which is that Illinois’ revenue is too low for the level of services demanded by the public. We either need taxes, or user fees, or a combination of the two. Either taxes will have to go up, or we’ll have to get used to paying for something we’ve previously gotten for “free.”

Comment by Angry Chicagoan Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:32 pm
That guesstimate on the cut in spending on transit is in real, not nominal dollars. In nominal dollars it’s a 1/3rd cut.

Comment by Angry Chicagoan Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:34 pm
From today’s budget address.

“Illinois Works - a $25 billion capital plan. Pension funding reform by refinancing high interest pension debt into low-interest pension obligation bonds , to immediately add $16 billion in assets to the state pension funds and save the state $55 billion over the next 36 years.”

Can someone please explain how the issuance of apension obligation bond “POB” will save $55 bilion over te next 36 years. My undersatnding is that the “savings” from the issuance of a POB comes from having an interest cost on the POB less than the assumed earnings rate in the actuarial projections and the initial inflow of dollars reduces the unfunded liability and therefore reduces future unfunded liability amortization payments. However the bond has to paid off.

Are there elements of the transaction that I missed?

Thanks

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:34 pm
Am I hearing clearly from the folks at Ex-Lax that Blago’s speech constitutes unfair competition to their product?

Comment by fedup dem Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:36 pm
Does a 3% cut include salary cuts for all current state employees including the GA and Admin? For those social service groups mentioned in the Tribune Sunday editorial and by Ilrino 1:03, a 3% cut plus not getting their State bills paid on time while Ameren wants 10% more, must mean they are not part of the “working people and families” the Gov wants to support.

Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:37 pm
Is higher education within the protected group, or is it considered not education?

Comment by SIU PROF Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:41 pm
AP article confirms IDNR budget and headcount cuts:
http://www.wqad.com/global/story.asp?s=7899352

What does the governor have against the DNR? His wife has an interest in some natural resource issues.

Getting the Natural History Survey and Geological Survey out of the DNR and into the University of IL would be a good move if the University can support them. Is this part of the 40% budget cut?
The 200 headcount reduction is quite alarming.

Comment by Vole Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:43 pm
Hey we killed the gamblers’ sweet deal —- Wyma must have ben dumped. How will The President and President Next get their boats?
Did he jet right back to ChiTown?
So now Glenn will work for the research library he needs and Denny for his new drive way (aka Prairie Parkway)

Comment by IDTYT Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:45 pm
This is how the Gov is cutting his budget by 3%. He hires friends to work in his office, pays them through other agency approps, and then brags that he is reining in expenditures. At least half a dozen people have entered state employment that way recently.

Comment by An Illusion Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:46 pm
I just did a quick run in my head, and if they are planning on selling 16B in POBs, and the systems’ actuarial assumptions on returns continue to be around 8, and the bonds sell at around today’s yields, I don’t have much trouble seeing $50B in savings.

Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:46 pm
Watson can say whatever he want, he doesn’t get to vote on any of this stuff until June 1st!

Comment by Napoleon has left the building Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:53 pm
IDTYT -

You must be really confused what to do now after preparing all week to fight against carbon taxes and gambling winning taxes.

Must have been someone’s (really funny) practical joke.

Comment by Funny Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 1:59 pm
Where are you finding the information on DNR - there is a link listed but it doesnt give that information - please provide.

Comment by To Scoot and Downstate Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:06 pm
Rich - Just out of curiosity, when will you start selling the OVERTIME IN HELL, 2008 T-Shirts?

Comment by Beerman Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:16 pm
Steve Schnorf, are you figuring that today’s yields are going to continue to be low for some time or will the liquidity crisis play a factor in the POB issuance? Also, do you think the legislature will approve it?

Comment by Downers Delight Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:17 pm
The link is posted above.www.wqad also the remaining parks are to increase their camping fees and might add an entrance fee.It’s the Blago way less service and more cost.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:25 pm
I said at around today’s yields, and no, I don’t think the GA will approve it.

Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:29 pm
A three percent cut doesn’t have to cut frontline
social services. The layoffs can focus on management job titles; state management is bursting at the seams, and many of the incumbents are already eligible for the state’s lavish early retirement program, which includes totally free health insurance until Medicare, so we’re not talking about throwing people onto the bread lines here.

Yet scores of Illinoisians continue to weep and wail at the mere thought of reducing Illinois
civil service ranks, while sparing not a sympathetic thought for the thousands upon thousands of private sector employees who lose
their jobs each year and, gasp, have to go out
and actually find another job. No lavish pensions and free health insurance for most of them.

Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:31 pm
Thanks.

Are pension obligation bonds generally fixed or floating rate debt instruments?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:33 pm
Fixed

Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:36 pm
I did read what you’re reading , DOWNSTATE, but over in the SJ-R in Doug Fink plus story on front online page it talks about $223.3 million for DNR and more funds through special funds like fishing/hunting license. Also it says no entrance fees. Might have to wait a bit until more clear details merge.

Comment by Princeville Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:40 pm
“DNR chief gets travel money for commuting to work”

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/02/19/news/
doc47bb700bef6a1343332131.txt

Maybe it is time to get the DNR away from the Governor and into the hands of an independent commission.

The DNR needs some new, outside blood at the top but who would want such a ravaged agency and have to report to Blagojevich?

Comment by Vole Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:42 pm
The bulk of the cuts at IDNR are tied to the surveys going back to U of I. Please wait for the details before panicking-we are already worried enough.

Comment by beancounter Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:45 pm
Cassandra writes, “many of the incumbents are already eligible for the state’s lavish early retirement program…”

Does anyone know what she is talking about?

The Rule of 85?

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:46 pm
Cassandra, I agree that upper management could be cut to a degree and not missed, but that’s not of course where the cuts are made. It’s the frontline that takes the hit each and everytime we go through this. And I would have no less empathy for a private sector front line than a state worker frontline. Fronters don’t get lavish pensions and they don’t get free health insurance. I don’t see where your post fits hand in hand.

Comment by Princeville Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:48 pm
Senor Ricardo Miller - do you have the audio clip of Madagin’s comments?

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:54 pm
State parks and IDNR are tied to tourism which is tied to a lot of local Mom and Pop retail stores.When are the idiots in Springfield going to realize that they are killing the cash cow.He talks about helping small business owners in one paragraph and he wants to destroy them in the next sentence.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 2:59 pm
Won’t be much for Granberg to take over — that should fit like a glove

Comment by IDTYT Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 3:00 pm
Wow, AJ Wilhelmi just got Emiled by Blago!!!! I can’t wait to hear Debbie Halvorson talk about this!!! Where would the inmates go? Thomson? Oh wait, that’s closed……

Comment by Wannabe Joliet City Manager Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 3:00 pm
Citizen-

No audio, it was a written statement.

Comment by Kevin Fanning Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 3:13 pm
Giannoulias is right on — the Obama-protoge (and next Obama) calling out the anti-Obama.

Anybody taking odds on how much of this farsical plan will actually come to fruition? And where is Dan “all complaining, no ideas” Hynes on this?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 3:13 pm
NICE!

Who was that guy? Many are hoping that during this election year, we can sleepwalk through the budget process without creating new battlelines. Blagojevich is the guy not running for re-election, so he had little to lose with his polls in the near-zero range and with an empire to build. But he didn’t come out and start rocking the boat, did he? He only spoke for 22 minutes!

A 20% corporate income tax break? A 3% across the board budget cut for agencies? A $300 per kid handout? So far, it sounds too good to be true!

Who was that guy?

Madigan voiced what I have been posting over the past month on this issue. No repeats of 2007. Democrats need to be re-elected and can’t if voters want their heads.

Maybe there is a truce in the intraparty war?

With Blagojevich belled and behaving, a lot of folks will be more than happy to ignor this guy, which should help his poll numbers, shouldn’t it?

Nice! - Now go back to Ravenswood and keep quiet.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 3:24 pm
Maybe Forby should get Granberg’s DNR spot He seems to worried about the wildlife … From the Southern…
Bost, Forby both have doubts about state budget proposals
BY BLACKWELL THOMAS, The Southern
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 1:57 PM CST
Governor Rod Blagojevich unveiled his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year Wednesday.

In a 22 minute address to the general assembly Blagojevich highlighted some of the details in the proposed $58 billion spending plan, including an increase of $300 million in school funding and a $300 per-child tax credit which he estimates would apply to about 1.3 million families……
State Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said that, in 14 years as a state representative, this is the latest he’s ever received a budget……..
State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, said the three percent cut did not seem feasible.

“He’s talking about taking it out of all of our system; we are down to bear bones now,” he said.

Comment by IDTYT Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 3:32 pm
Good point Vole. An independent board has been considered for years. It is the only way to ensure consistancy in the operation and protection of the agency. Our precious natural resources shouldn’t be held hostage by someone like Blago. The IDNR was once a model agency, what has happened in the last 6 years is a crime, and will take millions of dollars and many years to repair. While most states are going “green” and trying to protect the environment, IL is doing just the opposite.

Comment by xdnr Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 3:36 pm
So, it’s written in the sky that the frontlines
have to take the hit on the three percent cuts.

Not in my sky, it isn’t. It’s another one of those
state government myths that badly needs puncturing.
It is possible to do all staff cuts in management titles, and I believe this has actually been
done in the past in some agencies.

Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 4:01 pm
Cassandra: It’s not that it has to be the frontline, it’s simply that as the Chief Exec, Gov. B gets to decide who goes and in the past, he has consistently cut frontline staff and then backfilled at the top with his friends.

When this gov says cuts, he means cut the people who perform the day-to-dayoperations. It ain’t right, but that’s how he runs the state. Ask a state worker; most can even regale you with tales of the no-work people in supervisory positions for which they are not qualified and thus unable to do the job.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 4:19 pm
Cut the ” state slackers ” from the era of Thompson thru Blago . There is still a lot of waste. Is that a correct figure of $ 55 BILLION dollars that could be saved if $ 16 BILLION dollars was added to the State Pension Fund. Just how much in TOTAL dollars will these early buyouts and golden parachutes cost the taxpayers ? Somebody needs to put a stop to this !!

Comment by bluedog demo Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 4:24 pm
I understand that at a few State agencies in just the last week, some employees have received layoff notices, allegedly to cut costs, only to be replaced by more people who have been recommended by the governor or Filan. A 3% cut is never going to touch the upper management if this administration has anything to do with it.

Comment by ChampaignDweller Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 4:28 pm
I have heard many comments about the Repubs being unable to get their act together looks like Blago is doing them a big favor all they have to do is grumble a little and let him finish shutting these agencies and it will be hard for any democrat to get elected.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 4:33 pm
Cassandra here’s a report for you to read to so can see how well it’s is written in the sky. I’m sure Rich doesn’t need us cluttering up his thread with what should be and what is, so just go read it. Google the report: Beyond the Breaking Point, Illinois State Services in Crisis. Doesn’t matter if you agree or not, there’s some solid facts in the report.

Comment by Princeville Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 4:34 pm
…layoff notices, allegedly to cut costs, only to be replaced by more people who have been recommended by the governor or Filan …
Good to see patronage is alive and well in state govt. The feds should take notice as well as Carl Draper.

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 4:40 pm
The 3% state cut is absurd. Just 100% absurd.

Agencies are going to crumble — completely. And universities?

What a mess. Blagojevich is nuts.

Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 4:44 pm
Cutting management titles is crazy — especially at the smaller agencies.

I was a manager — and was managing projects I knew nothing about — because there were NO OTHER MANAGERS!

Yikes. Would not want to be a state employee right now.

Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 4:45 pm
Great, Blago strikes again. Let’s package it a little differently, but still sell of the future to bail us out today. State of Illinois issued road maps used to have a listing of all the State Police districts and their contact information, now there’s advertising for a hotel chain. What next, your license and registration renewal letters, courtesy of Allstate? Your property tax bills courtesy of Rezko developments? Your mailed speeding citation by camera truck courtesy of the highest camera company bidder?

Comment by Concerned Voter Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 5:08 pm
What is the feasibility that the GA will actually allow the 3% cut from agencies and the stimulus package?

Comment by NI80 Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 5:13 pm
As usual, Cassandra doesn’t let pesky things like the facts color her latest rants

Fact; the retirement benefits are not “lavish,” with the exception of those in the legislative system. The average state worker can retire at age 60 with a pension that is based on 1.67 percent times the number of years of stste employment times the average of your highest for years of your final 10 years of state employment. So if you work for the state for 30 years you get about half your final average salary. So someone with a final average salary of 40k will receive about half of that in a pension

Fact: You can retire earlier when the combination of your years of service reach 85

Fact: You can retire when you have 30 years of service

Fact: Free health care if you retire with more than 20 years of state service. The state pays the health insurance premium for thse retirees. Then,assuming it replaces that employee it does so with a younger person who in a typical union slot will be paid less because pay rates are based on years of experience

The alternative to allowing these folks to retire and paying for their health insurance is that they stay employed at their higher salaries until they reach age 65

Fact: the 2002 early retirement allowed many people the ability to retire early

Fact: most of the early retirees were not replaced so even though you pay their healthcare you aren’t paying their salaries

Fact: You could have fired many of the early retirees instead of doing the early retirement. Some would have obtained jobs in the private sector with insurance benefits. Others would have ended up in the Medicaid system

It’s so much easier in Cassandra’s world where pesky things like the facts don’t intrude

Comment by Just the Facts Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 5:31 pm
that should be “the combination of your age and years of service reach 85″

Comment by Just the Facts Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 5:40 pm
I love how they use fancy words when they don’t want the public to know what they are talking about. Since they are unwilling to level with Illinois residents, let me break it down for them.

securitization=BORROWING

Here’s what the administration wants to do. In order to pay for the business tax cut, they want to borrow against next year’s revenues. However, Hynes, Alexi and almost all government finance experts have concluded that next year’s revenues will be LOWER than anticipated. The economy is slowing, leading to less tax revenues.

If the plan goes through, Illinois will take a bunch of money up front, then will have to pay it back, PLUS INTEREST, using already shrinking tax receipts.

All this, in order to pay for a “stimulus package”.

Then, let’s not forget the investment bankers, bond underwriters and bond counsels (i.e. lawyers) who will collect the fees that are paid anytime a government borrows money. Usually these fees are paid for out of the money borrowed, so the state collects less.

Not to mention, the administration gets to make the insiders that comprise those entities very very happy. So, more pinstripe patronage.

All the while, plunging the state further into fiscal crisis.

This is not a fiscally responsible plan.

Comment by some former legislative intern Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 5:52 pm
I’m not saying that early retirement is a bad idea.

In fact, it’s a good idea, especially if it promotes the hiring of younger people with families, those who must do the heavy lifting in our society, with precious little help from either greedy Dems or greedy Repub pols.

My point is that I’d like to know how many management employees are eligible for early retirement right now. These are the folks
who should be encouraged to move on out, to
make state jobs, which are far more attractive
than they used to be precisely because of the
health insurance, pensions, and relaxed working
conditions, available to younger members of the work force.

State government jobs should not be entertainment
for the bored elderly. Too expensive.

Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 6:00 pm
I continue to be amazed what comes off of Cassandra’s fingers. Which state agencies have too many managers? I’ve seen some that have one guy with SIX “acting” titles because all of his subordinates have been left unfilled. With upwards of 85% of state employees going into one or more unions, who is left to actually run anything? Illinois has one of the lowest headcounts per population in the nation. There may not have been massive layoffs, as in the private sector, but there is steady “wasting away.” And unlike the private sector, where cutbacks in staff are also followed by shrinking mission (i.e., reduced product lines, fewer stores, etc.), there has been no cutback in the “mission” of the state. State government is imploding around us.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 6:22 pm
…State government jobs should not be entertainment for the bored elderly. Too expensive…
Isn’t there at least one of you old fart state employees who’ll retire so Cassie can have your job ? I am sure she will be forever grateful!

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 6:23 pm
to: just the facts. 50 year old ” retiree ” from IDOT. Was in foreman position at time of retirement so recieves around $ 3800 per month.
With longevity going up easily live to be 90 years old. $ 3800 x 40 years of pension equal a whopping $ 1,824,000 sitting on his backside. This doesn’t even include his health insurance benefit. That folks is what is called a ” golden parachute ” ! No wonder the state pension system is broke !

Comment by bluedog demo Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 6:31 pm
Cassandra “encouragement” in the manner you imply equals age discrimination.

Contrary to your impression there is no vast army of elderly overpaid slackers clogging the management positions in state government

To the extent that the slackers exist, they are most often political types hired by whatever administration is in power. As a result, they have relatively little state service time and are not eligible for retirement - as I recall 8 years is the vesting minimum for the retirement system. Most of those folks are in exempt positions and, as a result are terminated upon the end of the administration that put them in place. This has been true even as Governors are replaced by Governors of the same political party.

State jobs are attractive in those areas downstate where there may be few other private sector alternatives.

Comment by Just the Facts Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 6:33 pm
Bluedog - I suspect that the person in your example was either a retiree under the 2002 early retirement program and/or was under the enhanced pension benefits that were originally given only to police and other public safety officers in dangerous jobs, but have been expanded by the legislature over the years to include many more job titles

The individual case you note is in my experience atypical and is as repugnant to the average state worker I suspect as it is to the general public

The examples that I find most outrageous are legislators who move from the GA to an agency. They get to stay in the GA retirement system and get to collect 85 percent of their final salary upon retirement. So they take some B.S. Assistant Director job for a year or two at 100k the waltz off into retirement with an 85k pension

Comment by Just the Facts Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 6:52 pm
The notion of layoffs is unfounded as the only evidence is the three percent admin cut. The DNR-article shown above clearly didn’t account for the reorganization of a unit. (Thanks to those who explained.)

A 3% admin cut can be managed without layoffs. Layoffs constitute a serious political risk, wisely avoided.

Comment by Korn Fed Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 6:54 pm
Also,I agree completely with Just the Facts…

Comment by Korn Fed Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 6:55 pm
Hey Cassandra-could you give us a list by agency of where all the abuse and waste exists “in management titles”? Just a general idea would be fine.

Your wayward notion that the State should use early retirement as a way to avoid “entertainment for the bored elderly” is just pathetic.

One of the many reasons that the Blago gang can’t do anything right is that they either fired, laid off, or incented to retire almost all of the “bored elderly” who actually knew something about how the agencies worked and replaced them with the Kiddie Korps. (at higher salaries in many cases..)

Do you think the writing in the sky is affecting the blood flow to your brain?

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 7:07 pm
Well, Cassandra, now you’ve gone and offended me and mine. Elderly? Not exactly. And my husband and I have a eight year old child. Uh-oh, we have a family to raise. Got 30 years in and not elderly and still raising family, imagine that. The hubby can still run circles around the young pups and he’s got more working knowledge to go with it. Oh, and before you ask, he’s got the college papers too. Anything else you wanna make assumptions about today?

Comment by Princeville Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 7:12 pm
Guv should simply layoff ALL state employees and then, like in the good old days, sell the jobs. This would generate a huge influx of funding - probably enough to offset the shortfall(s). Then Cassie could go to the bank and borrow the money to buy one of these old folks jobs. . . heck, I think I’ll buy two. Happy days are here again!

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 7:20 pm
Did Rod mention anything about the upcoming Rezko trial in his address? If not, he should have……

Comment by Northside Bunker Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 7:21 pm
It might not add up to a whole lot of savings, but as a state employee, it would be nice to see the legislators and executive branch politicians pensions be based on the same type of retirement formula as the regular working stiffs.

Plus, they get a cost of living % based on the average of whatever cost of living raise % regular state employees get in their contracts.

I’ll just keep dreaming.

Comment by Concerned Voter Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 7:23 pm
Stateville would sell for a LOT of $ even in this market.

Comment by blogman Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 7:54 pm
I think I heard that the Cubs will be playing at Stateville - anyone else who can confirm?

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 7:57 pm
I would like to see some of these people who bash state workers come work at the prison where I do. The only positions that have been filed in the last 6 years are the exempt hack ones. The positions that do the work are left unfilled, and those that are left get fu…., you get the idea.
Bloated at the top, and in the places like correctional industries where they, and everyother administration, has dumped many a hacks. Another 3% cut in budget/staff will have a close to going over the edge. Nothing has been has been done about repairing buildings, or replacing vehicles and other equipment. Corrections is a DISASTER.

Comment by MIDSTATE Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 7:58 pm
The lavish state jobs are not so lavish, AFSME has a contract to negotiate for and in these fiscal times I am sure the state frontliners will take their beatings. And for all those “private” workers who are displaced I know many of them turn to the state for help until finding that next job and if there are no workers there to process the work how will the “private” workers survive until finding employment?

Comment by DHS Disaster Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 8:05 pm
Arthur Andersen hit the nail on the head. I worked for a state agency for almost 30 years. I still get calls on a regular basis to explain aspects of the regulations and laws that the agency enforces. My experience is not unique. The institutional knowledge that disappeared 5 years ago was significant. The agency that I worked for was recognized by other states and the industry regulated by the agenncy as being professional and competent. Now the agency is just about forgotten by similar agencies around the country.

Comment by Retiree Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 8:06 pm
to: just the fact. Sorry to say but the ” early retirees ” is NOT atypical. Many an ” early out ” is now ” sipping coffee ” and laughing all the way to the bank. Truth of the matter is that they wouldn’t have been ” bought out and off ” if they had been worth what they was being paid ! End of story.

Comment by bluedog demo Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 8:07 pm
To Cassandra:

There is no such thing as “early retirement” in state government. The regular retirement rules are in place unless the GA votes in a special, time limited early retirement option. When the time is up, the offer expires like a coupon. As of today, no such thing exists. So stop yammering about it, OK?

Comment by Jack Jackson Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 8:15 pm
My guess is that being a ghost payroller on the State Employees Retirement System could be a sweet deal. After four or five years, with COLA increases your income is higher than when you retired. Plus free insurance and unlimited vacation and sick days benefits. And as icing on the cake you may also get Social Security as well. How sweet it is!

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 8:18 pm
Citizen, You pretty well have it figured out. In one of her posts Cassandra mentioned state employment as being a ” relaxed workplace “. Now that is an understatement. Many a state worker has no idea how ” real world ” employment has changed since they fell into state employment !

Comment by bluedog demo Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 8:29 pm
State Police escapes the 3% cut , but what you should know is that State Police numbers already down by 400 from high of 2300 many years ago , and expect 200 to go in 2008 and they say 700 total from 2008 thru 2012. They use to work till age 60 now as soon as they max out, they get out the door , whats that tell you.

Comment by Soon to Retire Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 8:45 pm
Citizen - do the math the COLA is 3%. After 30 years you receive about half of the average of the highest 4 of your last 10 years of employment. It won’t happen in 4 or 5 years and when you factor in inflation it will never happen.

But don’t let the facts get in the way of your comments . . . .

Comment by Just the facts Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 8:50 pm
Random musings about the speech:

1. We watched the speech over our lunch hour at work (a state agency). The biggest cheer of the day came when Tickner introduced Rich Miller to the viewer. He was informative, witty and the ladies gushed like giddly schoolgirls. Yes, I’m sucking up to Rich right now! LOL

2. Blago looked awful. He looked more nervous than usual. I can’t blame him though. He was walking into a room where nearly everyone hates him.

3. The speech was a great kick-off for 2010. I thought I was listening to a Republican while he talked about cutting taxes. I knew the worm would turn soon enough.

4. He said Democrats control everything, what, 100 times. We’re aware of that and you’re not making friends with Senor Frank Watson by rubbing his nose in crap.

5. Lousy speech, no specifics and loved the fact that he got little to no applause. Hey, at least it didn’t take up my whole lunch hour.

Comment by jwscott72 Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 8:53 pm
Bluedog - See retiree’s comments above - that’s what happened. As to Cassandra’s “relaxed workplace” comment - only perhaps for the exempt political hires at the top of the agencies - not for the average folks.

By the way, I’m not a state employee. I’m in the private sector, but deal with the state employees in a variety of agencies on a day-to-day basis. I left state employment many years ago, but continue to have a great deal of respect for the folks who stayed.

Comment by Just the facts Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 8:56 pm
- Just the facts -
Try factoring in $1500 + of Social Security with its COLAs also and then argue facts. You will find I am right on! Recheck your “formula”, it needs updating.

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 8:56 pm
Just the facts: You got to be kidding right about just the top political hires being slackers ? Right ? If you are not kidding you are truely doing a great job of ” spinning ” !

Comment by bluedog demo Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 9:01 pm
Soon, the State Police is another example of a once proud and well-run operation that has headed for the crapper under Blago.

Since Gov. Filan doesn’t think they need new police cars, they don’t get ‘em. The men and women out there on the roads saving our sorry a**** are driving crap that Larry the Cable Guy wouldn’t be seen in. Besides, they spend buckets of dough fixing the old dogs at the CMS garage that would be better spent on new, safe, vehicles.

The young Trooper who was tragically killed in the line of duty near Illiopolis last year was driving a 1997 squad car. That’s ridiculous if not negligent.

Of course, the Blago security phalanx has plenty of shiny, fresh Tahoes, Suburbans and whatever sitting around burning $3.25 taxpayer gas in Ravenswood.

At first glance, I don’t see plans to backfill all those Trooper retirements anywhere in the budget.

Oh, what the heck, we don’t need State Police after dark, right?

Idiot is too kind a word for this guy.

Bluedog, you and Cassandra make a nice pair.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 9:23 pm
Whether you think the majority of state workers are worthy or not, one fact remains. IL has less of them per population than any other state in the US. I think CA is near the bottom also. I checked the Census figures for 2006 (last that were available) for # of state employees and estimated population. Turns out IL has 87 state employees for every 1000 people. Our neighboring state have anywhere from 97 (WI) to 136 (IA) state employees per 1000 people.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 9:30 pm
Everyone who has worked in IL gov. knows both sides are right here. Most state workers work and are paid average salaries. Some are political hires who do little real work. (It’s been this way forever.) The problem with pensions IS NOT THE MEMBERS! They all paid their share for their benefits (even the early-out folks in 2002). It’s the governors and GA members who didn’t pay the state’s share that is the problem. Enough blame all around, going back to the 80’s, at least…

Comment by Mr. Wizard Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 11:48 pm
Bluedog’s little blue dog was run over by a state-plated vehicle when he was a boy, and he hasn’t forgiven state workers since. Is the impression I get from his posts.

You can’t help but know plenty of state workers in this town, they are neighbors, fellow churchgoers, our kids play together, go to the same schools. I hang with these people. The kind of folks Blue and Cassie like to stereotype as lazy, self-serving parasites sucking tax dollars and giving little effort back.

That’s not been my experience. I find their forbearance of all the management goofiness and politics going on over their heads about on a par with the biblical Job. They suffer much, mostly in silence. They long ago stopped complaining about office furniture from the 70’s, heck, its almost back in fashion now, if a bit worn. Or crumbling buildings and facilities and infrastructures and systems that are patched and re-patched because there’s always a more urgent and pressing need for the budget dollars and of course, it’s lasted this long, it’ll likely last one more year until the times get better, right? They long ago gave up wondering why seasoned experts that took years to master a subject are yanked out and replaced by kids fresh out of school or a year in private industry with no actual background in the subject but triple the salary. Why instead of asking the workers what to do to tighten belts, expensive out of state consultants are engaged to walk around and ask the staff what to do, then make an expensive report that ignores the advice and instead suggests they should, (surprise) hire those same consultants to come in and run things. For twice the money. Or private sector business “experts” that brag how they want to “run government like a business”…about like Murder, Incorporated.

They have stopped bothering to be surprised when the improvements to systems and services they’ve long planned are shelved, over and over, because the “excess funds” in their agency accounts have been “swept” into GRF. Funds they fought for, and justified in long, detailed reports that are apparently never read.

The people I know work hard and honestly, every day, doing the best they can to deliver a service, whatever their agency. They don’t give a hang who the governor is at the time, they just want to be left alone in a stable environment to do their jobs, serve our citizens, and put bread on the home table. They used to be able to show some pride in what they did. Public service used to be considered a noble profession. Now its more like WWII English citizens hiding out in the subways waiting for the Blitz to be over. Can’t talk about work over beers because inevitably some unschooled shmo will use the broad brush of the Governor and his hacks to paint one of my neighbors with. That just ain’t right. Don’t try to run down those fine people to justify yet more draconian cuts; pick management, pick the elected leaders and constitutionals and legislators YOU ELECTED, to dump on. That is where the problem lies. Promise all the services we want, but never charge what they cost to deliver.

Comment by Smokin' on the Veranda Wednesday, Feb 20, 08 @ 11:53 pm
I qualify for that proposed “stimulus” money. All told, it would cover my grocery bills for 4 weeks. Whoop de freaking doo. Meaning, it ain’t no stimulus to spend. If it happens, It will all go into reducing family debt. No new HDTV 40-inch plasma at the Samsa house. Not much in the way of new clothes. Not going out to the movies and a nice dinner with the missus. Certainly not buying a car with it. I got debts to pay down, savings to build, kid’s college educations to finance. Retirement to plan. Few if any local businesses are going to see me spend any of that “stimulus” money on them, either federal OR state. You want to see a stimulus, give me the multistate lotto winning numbers for next week. This stuff is chickenfeed they’re promising, and frankly, It would do more good for me and mine and you all if it was pooled into smart spending by the government on infrastructure repairs and improvements, on improving public mass transportation, on encouraging new industries and start-up businesses, on replacing our aging nuke plants with better, safer ones so we aren’t in a California crisis in ten years. That would be the start of a stimulus.

Comment by Gregor Thursday, Feb 21, 08 @ 12:04 am
so will the ga pass the hb4194 or not? wont this bill help with alot of the things the gov is trying to accomplish? vote yes folks. you will be protecting over 40,000 jobs in the horse racing business alone.

Comment by boogie Thursday, Feb 21, 08 @ 12:10 am
What’s the matter Art Linkletter ? Can’t handle a little needleing either. Dont’t see to many state police cars being ” towed ” on the hook. Stop crying and tighten the belt like every one else has to in America. Blago is pathtic of course but when the general public hears state employees crying over their supposed ” plight ” they just shrug. If you don’t like your ” back breaking ” job then QUIT . Come on into the real world !

Comment by bluedog demo Thursday, Feb 21, 08 @ 7:00 am
Blue Dog and all you other state worker bashers: Not all state workers get those high salaries. I am a 55 yr old secretary,have 26 yrs of service and make $3800 a month - believe me I earned every damn penny of my non-union salary. So I would get about maybe $1500 clear if I retired. Of course if I retire I will have to get another job to make ends meet as I still have kids - one home -one in college(single mother). In 2002 when everyone retired those positions were not filled. I now do the work that 4 people use to do. Some of “my” work never gets done, some gets half done and the rest gets processed as time permits. There is always a backlog and they just keep shoveling more work to you yr after yr. DOn’t tell me how it is until you have walked in my shoes. PS. THis message was sent on my day off. I am home today must take mother in for tests (I also help her/she is disabled)- did not want you to think I had one of those fluffy jobs.

Comment by Fed up with doing 4 jobs Thursday, Feb 21, 08 @ 8:50 am
Bluedog you have to be one of those political hacks.I just found out that one of your cronies high up in the DNR got his son a job with DNR.His son was caught growing pot in his DNR uniform last fall by the DEA.He has been charged and has been indicted.Because his Daddy is a hack high up he still has his job.Maybe your boss,the Gov., can start with the bad apples in DNR when people lose their jobs.This is not rumor this is a matter of court record.The kicker is it was Daddy’s land.Talk about corruption in state government.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Thursday, Feb 21, 08 @ 9:00 am
You know, whenever I read blog posts about “lazy” and “overpaid” state workers and how people in the private sector have it so much worse (I’m sure many do), and the accompanying replies by complaining state workers, it reminds me of why envy is considered one of the seven deadly sins. If you work in a miserable, underpaid job (private or public), wishing that everyone else were as miserable as you isn’t going to help you one bit! All it does is spread division, class envy and discontent into a world that, God knows, doesn’t need any more of it!

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 21, 08 @ 9:02 am
To clarify, by early retirement, I mean the rule of 85. It has the effect of early retirement for those who qualify before age 65. I’m not talking about the special early retirement programs like the one in the latter part of the Ryan administration that our fearless legislators voted in despite the obvious fiscal risks to the state.

I’d still like to know how many current state employees are eligible this fy for early retirement as defined above. These would be individuals whose combined age and length of service is 85. They are unlikely to be on exec staffs for the most part, because those jobs turn over when the guv changes. A significant percentage of them could be replaced by new employees making substantially less. It’s the way of the world…..look at any major corporation.
And the incumbents get free health insurance and
a lifetime pension that increases by 3 percent a year, come what may.

In a global economy, this comes as close to
permanent income security as you can get. And
it is generally not available in the private sector.

When Blago gets closer to departing, or losing the primary, you will see him trying to move hundreds, even thousands of political hires into permanent
civil service jobs…..the ones he hasn’t moved
already. Lifetime government employment regardless of performance is so valuable, his political troops will do anything to get those jobs. A measure of their extreme value. And we’re payiing.

Comment by Cassandra Thursday, Feb 21, 08 @ 9:03 am