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* After signing a bill into law that raises the Chicago region’s taxes by about a half billion dollars, Gov. Blagojevich has the gall to criticize others…
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is calling on Chicago and Cook County officials to rethink recent tax increases. He says hikes in city property and county sales taxes are slamming area residents.
BLAGOJEVICH: Enough is enough on taxes. In fact, those who’ve raised taxes ought to reconsider and roll back some of the tax increases that they’ve already raised.
* Don’t expect the governor to roll back the taxes he just raised. And there was nothing in the state budget that would have replaced some of revenues that Cook County’s hospital is set to lose from Illinois or the feds (intergovernmental transfer and new Medicaid rules). The goose, gander argument just doesn’t apply when it comes to tax hikes…
A spokeswoman says legislators shot down [Blagojevich’s] other ideas and he was forced into it.
Actually, he could’ve shut down the mass transit system and forced an alternative to the sales and real estate transfer tax hikes. But he didn’t have the stones for that. Understandable, of course, but this man has no shame at all. Not surprising, just exhausting.
* Meanwhile, the governor has hired former US House Speaker Denny Hastert and SIU President Glenn Poshard to drum up support for the capital construction plan. But there’s a catch…
Hastert made it clear he is not endorsing Blagojevich’s plan to pay for construction or any other financial plan. The governor has proposed a $25 billion construction-spending spree with the state’s share to come from selling off rights to the state lottery. […]
“I’m not carrying water for the governor or anybody else,” he said.
I’m not sure if Hastert was asked about how he felt the capital money ought to be distributed. Besides the funding source questions, very few legislators trust the governor to distribute those projects in an equitable way - for good reason - and an alternative is being sought.
But, other than that, everything is hunky dory.
I have a lot of admiration and respect for both Hastert and Poshard, but I have no illusions that they’ll move the ball forward whatsoever.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 6, 08 @ 9:19 am
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What else could the governor had proposed for funding the transit system? And would he be intelligent enough to propose it?
Comment by Levois Thursday, Mar 6, 08 @ 9:22 am
The Speaker just want some cash for Denny Driveay(aka Prairie Parkway) so they can recoup their investment
Comment by Sock Puppet Express Thursday, Mar 6, 08 @ 9:32 am
I recall reading an article in “Governing” magazine a few years ago that showed the Chicago residents enjoyed the lowest fees and local taxes for services of any major urban area in the country, in large part as a result of the largesse showered on the area by an ever-generous state government. I wonder how Chicago would compare nationally now?
Comment by Skirmisher Thursday, Mar 6, 08 @ 9:43 am
Just because crazy Blagojevich makes a statement, doesn’t mean reporters have to report it. Give the guy an Etch-a-Sketch and a Mr. Microphone and he’ll be happy. Take him into the Thornton Quarry and ask him to find a few fossils.
We really don’t need to hear from him anymore.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Mar 6, 08 @ 9:48 am
I’m sure Hastert will find a way to gin up some support for capital dollars to build new roads and infrastructure near his land holdings.
The millionaire ex-coach needs a coupla million more for retirement.
Comment by jerry 101 Thursday, Mar 6, 08 @ 10:15 am
Rich, it’s funny how none of the Stroger critics ever have a reply to the facts. The State and Fed have ravaged Cook County Bureau of Health of a significant portion of funding. Stroger being the tried and true Democrat doesn’t criticize any of the other party members who consistently let him down.
you would think with a major portion of the Senate leadership being from districts who’s population get their primary care from Cook County hospitals that they would try to replenish some of those funds. But once again, State leadership convers their own @#$.
County and Local municipalities (such as Chicago) raise taxes because leadership in Springfield is consistenly running for election or horsetrading when they have “safe districts.” (I swear to God I am not a “Progressive or Reformist”)
Comment by are you kidding me Thursday, Mar 6, 08 @ 10:20 am
I don’t really understand what Haster and Poshard are supposed to do. Is there anyone against a capital construction program? It seems to me the problem is the funding mechanism and the distrust of the governor in managing the program. If those two aren’t backing Blago in those two areas, what are they doing?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 6, 08 @ 10:30 am
The end of the press conference yesterday was hilarious. Hastert and Poshard practically fell over each other running off the stage when the press started yelling at Rod about the million dollars.. I bet they never appear anywhere with him or each other again.
Abby looked like she was going to cry. Sheila made Bill try to explain Chandra’s pardon and it looked like Rod was hiding behind the Illinois flag.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Mar 6, 08 @ 11:03 am
OK, I don’t understand at all why Hastert is in this. If he doesn’t want to be Blago’s water boy, then politely decline the opportunity to help with a building program. If not, then Denny keep filling those water bottles.
Secondly, I remember quite vividly several years ago a live, on-air telephone interview that Jim Leach of WMAY in Springfield had with Glen Poshard when Glen had just taken a position at SIU-C, not as president. Poshard told how he had basically been held hostage by GRyan. Ryan indicated he would not withhold funding for the college is Poshard didn’t bad mouth Ryan. So what’s being held over Poshard’s head this time? Anyone want to contact Jim Leach for confirmation of the interview is certainly welcome to do so.
Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Mar 6, 08 @ 12:27 pm
Hastert is in training as an apprentice lobbyist under his master Dallas Ingemunson. The latter will be seen even more often in Springfield, likely with Dennis in tow, now that his Kendall slate of committeemen was swept out by a reform slate.
Cellini, Ingemunson, Kjellander and now Hastert will make a fearsome foursome. Taxpayers — lock up your legislators, or at least hold them accountable.
Comment by Truthful James Thursday, Mar 6, 08 @ 6:01 pm