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[Bumped up for obvious reasons.]
* 10:05 am - We’re expecting some word on the governor’s budget decision later today. From a press release….
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich will brief the media with an update on the status of the FY09 budget.
WHO: Governor Rod R. Blagojevich
WHAT: Gov Blagojevich holds media availability on FY09 budget.
WHEN: 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Governor’s Office JRTC, 16th Floor
[The Bill Daley post has been moved here to keep these issues separate.]
*** 1:14 pm *** No surprise, but the governor’s press conference has been moved back to 1:45 pm.
*** 1:17 pm *** This is mostly correct. From Fox Chicago…
Governor Rod Blagojevich plans to make a staggering $1.5 billion in cuts to the state budget lawmakers approved last month unless legislators step in with money to prevent them. […]
The governor will also try to use the cuts to pressure the House to soon send him two ideas that would spare more than $1 billion in the proposed cuts.
They are plans to borrowing money for pension funding and sweep money out of special state funds. Blagojevich doesn’t plan to call lawmakers back into special session right away.
He’ll urge the House to come back to pass the revenue ideas that will start being felt when the new budget year starts July First.
Blagojevich will urge the House to reconvene and pass the revenue generators and the capital plan by July 9th, which is when the Comptroller claims is the date that he won’t be able to pay bills. No special session yet.
*** 1:36 pm *** From the AP…
Blagojevich does not plan to call lawmakers back into special session right away but will urge the House to come back to town soon to prevent the cuts that will start being felt when the new budget year begins next Tuesday.
Blagojevich will make the reductions if no new revenue is passed, the aide said.
*** 1:38 pm *** So far, Mayor Daley has been publicly opposed to the governor’s capital plan because of the gaming component. He threw a tiny bit more cold water on it today…
Mayor Daley also said even if state lawmakers approved a Chicago casino, it would take 2 to 4 years to be constructed. Late last year, state lawmakers were talking about as a Chicago casino as a possible way to raise revenue for mass transit and other needs.
*** 1:50 pm *** You can listen to Mayor Daley’s full press conference by clicking here.
*** 2:03 pm *** Well, the guv’s presser was pushed back to 1:45 pm, and now it’s after two o’clock and he still hasn’t started. Comcast is coming over yet again to try and fix something they should’ve fixed weeks ago, so I’m beginning to worry about my Internet access. I’ll figure something out.
*** 2:08 pm *** OK, the press conference has finally begun and I told Comcast to come back tomorrow.
*** 2:12 pm *** The governor said he can’t sign the budget as is because it would be like signing a check he knows would bounce. He called on the House to pass the revenue generating bills (pension obligation bond and fund sweeps) that the Senate has already approved.
*** 2:14 pm *** Once again, he’s calling on the House to pass the capital construction package, which would allow him to free up about $600 million for the budget.
*** 2:18 pm *** The governor said he will be “forced to make a decision” if the House doesn’t act by July 9th, but hasn’t yet specified what that decision will be.
*** 2:24 pm *** The press release handed out to reporters makes no specific mention of the $1.5 billion in cuts…
[If the House doesn’t act] I will not allow the people of the state to be pushed into uncertainty by putting off tough decisions until later in the year, or asking
lawmakers to start from scratch at the last minute. Instead I’ll use my constitutional authority to match spending to available funds.Reductions should not be made because they will mean pain and harm in most areas, including those where we worked hard to invest and make progress over the past few years.
*** 2:37 pm *** The guv said that ” lawmakers would be acting irresponsibly if they override the vetoes.”
He also blamed Speaker Madigan for refusing to participate in the budget discussions.
“I think the House Democrats should be honest with the people that they’re setting it up to sock it to them with a big income tax increase,” the governor said.
*** 2:39 pm *** More from the press release…
A lack of additional revenue would mean:
• Significant reductions in staffing throughout State government at agencies such as Department of Natural Resources, Department of Human Services, Department od Corrections, and others.
• Increased workload for DCFS caseworkers.
• A $110 million reduction in education spending.
• Nearly $260 million in reductions to social services programs. Over 100,000 individuals would see a reduction in services or access to community health and prevention services; 21,000 individuals with developmental disabilities living in the community would face reductions in service; mental health services and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities would be reduced; rates for foster parents would not increase.
• A $257 million reduction to economic development and transit. More than 100,000 workers will not receive job-skills training, and state support for RTA fare subsidies for students and people with disabilities would be eliminated.
• More than $600 million in healthcare reductions. This includes a $530 million Medicaid reduction resulting in healthcare providers such as hospital and pharmacies waiting an additional 20 days for payment from the State, on top of the 70 days they already wait; 20,000 outpatients would not receive service at Oak Forest Hospital; and up to 10,000 uninsured residents who are unaware of their HIV status would not be identified and linked to healthcare.
• More than $106 million in reductions to services for seniors and Veterans. Expansion of the Elder Abuse Line would not be funded, despite a 25 percent increase in calls to the line since its inception. An additional 40 bed expansion at the LaSalle Veteran’s Home would not open.
*** 2:44 pm *** The governor has left, but a budget spokesperson is still taking questions.
*** 3:01 pm *** The full press release can be seen by clicking here.
*** 3:05 pm *** The Tribbies have a piece up, but it’s mostly about the governor’s current options.
*** 3:53 pm *** Statement from Senate President Emil Jones…
“On May 31st the Illinois Senate passed a spending plan and sent the revenue bills (Senate Bill 788 and Senate Bill 790) to the Illinois House, in addition to a bipartisan capital plan (House Bills 6339, 1496, 2651, 4723, and 5618). The inaction of the Illinois House has put funding for vital programs at risk.
“I urge the House to work to pass the revenue bills sent to them by the Senate in order to avoid cuts to the spending plan that the Governor will be forced to make unless they take action. The House knew when it did not pass the revenue bills that they were playing a dangerous game in which the people of Illinois could lose.
“The solutions to the state’s challenges including passing a jobs program, balancing the State’s budget and providing funding for a well-constructed spending plan have all been addressed by the Senate and are all sitting in the House Rules Committee. These aren’t easy votes to make, but they are necessary to finish the people’s work.”
*** 4:03 pm *** Crain’s has Madigan react…
Mr. Madigan’s spokesman said there are “substantial defects” with each of the revenue measures favored by the governor. “Absent some effort to fix the defects, I can’t imagine the Legislature would go along.” […]
The governor also opened a new front in his war with the speaker, suggesting that Mr. Madigan is plotting to approve a big increase in the state income tax after the November election. […]
Mr. Madigan’s spokesman said the speaker does not have plans to push an income tax hike shortly after the November election.
*** 5:52 pm *** More from Madigan’s spokesperson…
A spokesman for House Democrats responded to the governor’s assertions, saying that speaker Mike Madigan does not have a plan to raise taxes “not this year, not next year.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:45 pm
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Previous Post: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Preliminary reports on governor’s budget statement *** UPDATED x2 ***
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“…Blagojevich holds media availability…” Well, this should be illuminating! My guess is he will reignite the Impeachment Fuse with his usual style of attack and demonization.
Comment by A Citizen Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:13 am
Part of me wants to think that there will be some positive news here and that cooler heads will prevail and progress will be made on behalf of all the taxpaying citizens of Illinois. Another part of me wants to grab the aforementioned positive-thinking part of me and beat it silly for being so stupidly naive.
Comment by BigDog Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:17 am
Rich, what do you think he’s going to do?
Comment by LL Cool J Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:21 am
LOL. Who the heck knows?
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:22 am
I’ll toss my speculation that he Veto’s the whole thing as it is unconstitutional. Look for some comments about what a great job the Senate did in passing new revenue streams, and then an attack on the hosue for passing the budget without selling of the lottery for pennies on the dollar or sweeping the specialty funds to pay for it.
basically words to make Jones look like a hero to try and keep his support despite the veto, and an attempt to lay the whole thing at madigans feet.
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:24 am
If this is a betting pool, I want $1 on “signs with minor (haphazard) cuts and annoying spending restrictions, fund reserves and hiring freezes.”
Comment by Muskrat Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:38 am
The time has about run out for the Governor to make a decision on SB1874 that was sent to him on May 1. It’s the bill that appropriates $21 million to the Board of Education for schools that received less money this school year than last. Maybe he has something to say about that one. It’s a Forby/J. Bradley bill.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:39 am
Since we’re speculating, how about Blago announcing he’s offering a $50 gas card to all House members that vote for the pension bond and fund sweep?
Comment by Bluefish Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:41 am
He certainly can’t veto the budget because, 1) he doesn’t have it yet and, 2) that would mean session days which could jeopardize Job 1…pay raises for elected officials.
Comment by Ta Da Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:42 am
Capt. Fax:
Isn’t the real answer to LL Cool J that since it is more than 3 hours before Blagoof opens his yap it is unlikely even he knows what he will do. Long range planning last about 40 minutes.
Will the new BoyToy be in charge or will be the final tango for SpinSister Slim?
(P.S. CF censor still blocking AOL submission)
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:44 am
Well if it is a betting pool I guess we would have several ‘props’
– Over/Under of when the press conference starts.
– Number of questions he takes
– Number of questions about Tony
– What the ‘background’ is going to be (my guess kids and puppies)
I think he is going to use the floods and the All Kids stuff to push for a total veto. He is going to say ‘bring it on’, what else can he do at this point.
Comment by OneManBlog Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:52 am
He doesn’t have the budget yet? What gives?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:53 am
The Governor has 60 days to sign a bill after it is sent by the GA. You may want to check your math on SB1874
Comment by Gracie Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 10:53 am
My guess (probably wrong): special session after July 4 to try and work out differences prior to middle of July deadline. Of course having the press conference today still gives him enough time to call them back next Monday, so it might be before July 4.
My reasoning is that this is the worst thing he could do to further alienate legislators, and he always does the worst thing he can do.
Comment by Jaded Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:05 am
I’ll put my money with Muskrat: Token cuts, freezes, etc. that won’t really save anything other than a bit of face, plus of-course some venom spit in Madigan’s direction. I don’t believe the Guv has the guts to cross Godfather Jones and his Senate mob by announcing a veto and bringing on a special session.
Comment by Skirmisher Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:05 am
I predict he will announce that he is calling the legislature in session next Thursday and Friday to either pass a capital budget or fix the operational budget.
Comment by frustrated GOP Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:07 am
Next Thursday is July 3rd. No way.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:08 am
What could be more patriotic than calling a special session for “people”?
Comment by Ta Da Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:13 am
There’s part of me that thinks he could throw the long ball: Veto the budget, call the GA back and dare them to impeach. He could barnstorm the state for a capital bill and against a “do-nothing” GA.
Corruption questions. “Let the U.S. attorney do his job. I’m out here doing my job for the people and I call on the GA to do the same.”
Force the issue. At this point, what’s he got to lose? If they want his head, make them work for it.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:16 am
Word I tend to agree with you; BUT he does run the risk of alienating jones who really does not want the salary issue to pop up on him. Thus my little toss in about the Gov sofetning the blow with kindly words about how great a job the house did by passing revenue soruces etc etc.
Definetly fun to watch
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:19 am
My math on SB1874 says the Governor was sent the bill 55 days ago. That is getting pretty close to 60 days, in my opinion.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:20 am
Remember, Rich, Governor Ryan did a Memorial Day special session on the budget in 2002
Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:21 am
anon is correct.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:21 am
Man….I wish I was a subscriber….
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:25 am
All it takes is money.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:26 am
=All it takes is money=
Also the solution to the budget/captial program
Comment by OneManBlog Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:28 am
There’s a slight difference in scale.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:31 am
===All it takes is money=
a member of the Combine!
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:31 am
Just add a bunch of zeros….
Comment by OneManBlog Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:33 am
Kind of a hair-trigger on that combine charge, eh? lol
I’m just a small businessperson struggling to get by
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:33 am
Those trying to figure our what the Guv is going to do are, for the most part, making one BIG mistake. They are assuming he’s going to be rational. He seldim is, so forget that. I think he’ll veto the whole thing, and if Jones turns on him he is (in his own mind) in the “perfect” situation–standing ALONE “for the people” and againt an unconstituional budget, forcing those nasty nasty legislators to do their job, like he is doing his. Sound ridiculous? It is . . , but that’s never stopped him before. I wouldn’d be surprised if he calls session for July 4, too. He loves to see himself as battling for the people–when in fact he’s just tilting as windmills!
Comment by Ivote Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:42 am
Do you offer a senior citizen discount? Or maybe a #100 Gas Card?
Comment by A Citizen Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:45 am
It’s sad… the rank & file legislators are resigned to waiting to find out what will happen with the biggest responsibility they carry — passing a budget. THe whole thing is just sad.
There are only 5 MEN who have a say in this whole thing. And it all depends on how they “feel” about each other.
Last year at this time, we were scratching our heads & trying for something, anything to clear this up (Dr. Phil was suggested).
This year as we left the after session party to go home, the phrase I kept hearing (from staff, lobbyists & legislators alike), “we just don’t care — they need to grow up & get this done.”
It’s too exhausting for any of us to guess, care or try to do anything to help.
Something has to change.
It’s just sad — none of us are waiting on pins & needles anymore. Wouldn’t you be embarrassed to be the gov. right now (or either of the dem. leaders) to know that everyone around the state that understands what’s going on, thinks you are a bunch of goofballs.
So sad.
Comment by dupage progressive Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:51 am
Rich, will you be doing a coverage/explaination after the gov starts speaking for us poor people? I would rather read a summary of what he says than listen to what he says, usually after a few sentences of speech from him I either tune him out (ADD) or I get so wrapped in what just came out of his mouth that I miss the rest of the rattle.
Comment by Princeville Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:58 am
I say Rod announces that himself and Emil have been hired to work at the new land based Casino in Chicago in a “Sigfreud and Roy” style of show.
All money raised from ticket sales will go to fund the budget gap. All money taken in from merchandise, T-Shirts, etc will be used to borrow against to fund a capitl bill.
Comment by Speaking At Will Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:00 pm
Princeville, it depends on the situation.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:02 pm
==for us poor people==
It’s all about priorities. I’m considering giving up my pack-a-day habit to become a subscriber…
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:04 pm
I’m guessing ‘media availability’ means he’s going to read a statement to TV camera and take no questions….
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:07 pm
==I’m just a small businessperson struggling to get by==
“This is my neighborhood. You and your friends should show me some respect. You should let me wet my beak a little.”
:)
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:08 pm
Rich Miller says: “I’m just a small businessperson struggling to get by…”
LOL And, I’m just a poor single mother with many children to feed…
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:11 pm
What’s the over-under on what time Rod actually shows up?
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:16 pm
I heard we are back on June 30- July 1. Hold any water?
Comment by My Opinion Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:16 pm
Anonymous. I’m up against several multi-billion dollar corporations all by my lonesome. OK, I have an intern. Hoorah.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:17 pm
One Man,
Great minds think alike. I’ll take the over.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:18 pm
Really, has anyone heard that? June 30-July 1? Trying to plan life around these (explicative goes here) is nuts!
Comment by My Opinion Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:31 pm
Wait a few more minutes. Don’t be passing around rumors here.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:36 pm
==OK, I have an intern. Hoorah==
It’s allright Kevin….we appreciate you
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:41 pm
Kevin’s the best, but the point was… Well, you know the point.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:43 pm
The best? What was Paul. Geez Rich!
Comment by My Opinion Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:49 pm
The best current intern I have.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:51 pm
OK….focus on the big picture now. I would love to hear one of the reporters ask Gov. “On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, how *messed* up is this great state of Illinois?”
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:55 pm
Just what Southern Illinois wants to hear, the Chicago Mayor’s brother will be the Governor. That will go over great!
Comment by Cousin Ralph Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 12:59 pm
He said it would be a 1 pm press conference. Converted into Blago time, that means what, 2:30?
Comment by fedup dem Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 1:02 pm
The Daley story has been moved to this post to keep things separate.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 1:03 pm
So the House is supposed to come back on July 7 (or 8?) and pass the sweeps and pension bond. Am I correct saying the Senate has passed these already, would not have to convene, and Jones doesn’t have to tick the clock forward to (shudder) taking the pay raise?
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 1:34 pm
It depends. If the House passes a different version of revenues/capital, the Senate would have to come back. But it’s doubtful that anything would be done.
The House and the Senate have to call a general session or specials together, but the Senate doesn’t really have to show up. They can just have two people in the chamber to gavel the session open and closed every day.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 1:40 pm
Can’t the state issue construction bonds based on the expected revenues from the casino?
Comment by soccermom Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 1:50 pm
I just hope he does not cut my little, small line item.
Comment by The lazy intern Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 1:52 pm
Sure, but we also have to make payments.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 1:52 pm
*Mayor Daley also said even if state lawmakers approved a Chicago casino, it would take 2 to 4 years to be constructed.*
Translation - I ain’t paying for no casino, but will ensure that the contract goes to a company with 11th ward roots. I will also ensure that the building is not erected on-time or under budget. Yeah for children!
Comment by The Doc Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 1:53 pm
If he wanted to, I can see the Speaker having a little fun with this… to his advantage of course.
According to the IL Constitution, “when the General Assembly is in session, neither
house without the consent of the other shall adjourn for more than three days.” If Speaker Madigan schedules more than three days of session, he essentially forces the Senate to convene. Oh how fun it could be.
Comment by unclesam Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:00 pm
–Can’t the state issue construction bonds based on the expected revenues from the casino?–
Given the haziness of how the casinos would perform, I’d suspect you’d have to throw another security on the bond to get any sort of rate. A dedicated portion of the sales tax has been used in the past.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:03 pm
1 So the Mayor helps Madigan tube a gaming bill
2 They then both support an income tax hike, which takes care of the revenue crunch prior to a Bill Daley run for Governor
3 MJM stays on as Speaker (something not likely if Lisa was to become Gov)
4 The 2 southside Chicago powerhouses then officially control everything
Comment by For the conspiracy theorists Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:08 pm
Somebody tell the Governor the Cubs are playing at night today. I think he’s waiting for the first pitch before starting…
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:11 pm
Rich, dagnabbit! I want a senior citizen discount for my membership. I’ll loan you my free bus pass whenever you want. Thanks!
Comment by A Citizen Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:15 pm
Gov has decided to lease Illinois back to the native americans in exchange for 35 billion today. In exchange, they get to collect the States revenue and tax collections for the next 50 years.
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:16 pm
So all that for….nadda. All words no acts.
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:17 pm
Ain’t over yet.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:19 pm
Early prediction is that the Speaker’s response will be that the Governor could sign the budget, and just withheld whatever spending he wants, so there’s no reason for him to drag this out. (Steve Brown will find some way to make that funny.) I would be pretty surprised if the House convenes a session between now and July 9.
Comment by Gus Frerotte's Clipboard Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:22 pm
The press release is a kind of mishmash of things, combining possible cuts, pleas for passing the funds sweep and pension bond, and THE capital agenda. Seems like a diffusion of effort rather than a focus on policy.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:24 pm
I don’t think Madigan will flinch. Make the tough decisions Governor!
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:30 pm
Governor Rod Blagojevich plans to make a staggering $1.5 billion in cuts to the state budget lawmakers approved last month unless legislators step in with money to prevent them. […]
Almost sounds like a call for bribes!!!
Comment by Kevin Highland Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:34 pm
Not to get too wonky about this, but if bonds were issued based on anticipated casino revenues, couldn’t the payback be structured to begin after the revenue stream starts? I’m guessing the State would get stuck paying an above-market rate, and the market might not jump to buy the bonds, but isn’t it theoretically possible?
Comment by soccermom Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:39 pm
“state support for RTA fare subsidies for students and people with disabilities would be eliminated.”
But seniors still ride free! Thanks Governor!
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:43 pm
“• A $110 million reduction in education spending.” Bet that will make Emil happy…
Comment by Siyotanka Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:47 pm
“• Significant reductions in staffing throughout State government at agencies such as Department of Natural Resources, Department of Human Services, Department od Corrections, and others.”
Is there any body left to cut in these departments?
Comment by Princeville Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:47 pm
I’m no $120,000-a-year gubernatorial advisor, so someone please tell me what Rod gets out of all this. He’s doing exactly what most legislators want him to do, which is to make the cuts himself. He can point the finger at Madigan all he wants, but the veto pen and the bad guy jacket aren’t sold seperately, they come as a set.
Comment by The Unlicensed Hand Surgeon Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:49 pm
Soccer Mom, generally you’d have to borrow more money so payments could be made until the revenue stream kicks in. The juice would be higher, too.
Any way you slice, it’s a lousy way to borrow money. Illinois has been a going concern for nearly 200 years now. Our capital needs are no surprise; we shouldn’t have to reinvent the wheel every time.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 2:50 pm
What about cutting his pet programs (kids care, etc)
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:00 pm
Cut back and delay Medicaid payments even further? At the same time he’s PAYING people with free gas cards to sign up for All Kids? Talk about giving with one hand and taking away with the other…
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:02 pm
Unless I’m missing something, he said he’s going to do exactly what Madigan told him to do on May 31.
It’s really not a fight if the other guy won’t fight back. It’s more of a beating.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:06 pm
wordslinger, good point, but I doubt all the cards have been played yet.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:08 pm
So just a louder version of the earlier threats about cuts and pleas for actions. Gov appears more warried about Jones then I thought.
I still say after his bluster falls flat he vetos the whole thing.
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:14 pm
What other cards does the governor have to play? Calling special sessions will either result in inaction by the House or a ‘no’ vote in the House on both revenue proposals, not to mention activating the legislative pay raises.
Comment by Reed Johnson's Feedbag Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:16 pm
Besides his vow not to do so (directly, anyway), what other reasons are there for his not proposing an income-tax increase?
>
I know common sense means nothing in politics, but I still think the following should be said.
>
Common sense dictates that, if you want to spend money but don’t have any, you find ways to get some — the optimum being doing so such that no debt is accrued.
Taxes are not borrowed; fund sweeps and withheld payments are.
Just sayin.
Comment by This Guy Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:17 pm
So for all these cuts is this the “real” budget or is this the “wishlist” budget that the House passed based upon all of the dog and pony show hearings that were held around the State?
And if it is to the wishlist budget then do we get the real budget?
Comment by BIG R.PH. Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:23 pm
Rich, I heard the Gov say he intends to make cuts. Do we interpret those as vetoes or reduction vetoes? Did he use the word “veto”? Just as a gov can’t veto or sign a bill he doesn’t have, a chamber can’t overturn a veto it doesn’t have.
I’m not sure I understand exactly whats going on here. If the Gov does actual vetoes, reduction or otherwise, I suspect the House would attempt to overide, putting the jacket on the Rs if they didn’t supply votes, or if they did, put the hot potato over in the Senate’s lap.
What if the Gov just sits on the budget (assuming he gets it), repeatedly calling for the House to pass the revenues the Senate has already passed, so such horrible cuts don’t have to be made? Who’s responsible for the missed paychecks that start mid July? I don’t mean actually responsible, but who does the public blame? Who do the unions blame? Who do the providers blame?
Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:27 pm
That’s the next game, Steve. The guv will get the budget bills next week. He can hold them in a game of cat and mouse.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:31 pm
As Jim Edgar once said (i’m paraphrasing), to most people the governor is state government. If the governor does exactly what he said he’ll do, he wears the jacket. Madigan’s response to all callers will be “go see the guy who vetoed your funding.”
Comment by Reed Johnson's Feedbag Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:35 pm
How long before there is a mention by the Speaker or Mr. Brown that “there is no appetite in the House for the revenue streams passed by the Senate,” while further adding the fact that the House GOP will not vote for either measure — essentially saying that there is no way to get a 3/5 majority vote. Without the votes, the Governor will have to finally make the “tough choices” the Speaker said he should do on May 31.
Comment by unclesam Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:40 pm
Lest we become to Springfield-centric in our worldview, it’s worth noting that none of this will matter come November, when every Dem incumbent in the state (and maybe even a few challengers) will ride the Obama wave to victory.
Comment by Reed Johnson's Feedbag Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 3:40 pm
But there is also the Con-Con question on the ballot this November……are the natives finally restless enough to drop the ‘C-bomb’?
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 4:01 pm
Emil–“On May 31st the Illinois Senate passed a spending plan and sent the revenue bills (Senate Bill 788 and Senate Bill 790) to the Illinois House, in addition to a bipartisan capital plan (House Bills 6339, 1496, 2651, 4723, and 5618). The inaction of the Illinois House has put funding for vital programs at risk.”
Is it not Emil who likes to say he takes a bad bill and makes it better or along those lines. So if the funding proposals in the bills sent over are not considered good or workable, how is the House to blame for cuts being made because of funding they could not (would not) support? Does the Senate not have to come back and work with the House to find agreeable options for funding or let the gov pull out his pen? I don’t see why just sending over budget funding to suit the Senate but not suiting the House means the Senate has completed it’s work.
Comment by Princeville Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 4:03 pm
There’s always the threat of missed paychecks. But I can’t recall a state working missing a paycheck for about 15 years — and even then it was only a single check. (I’m thinking 1995 or so — no.)
What I’m curious about is how the AFSCME contract will impact this. It seems like a perfect storm is happening — AFSCME, another round of budget chaos, legislative pay raises, impeachment threats.
It really feels like something weird is about to happen.
Comment by Macbeth Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 4:05 pm
yes….quite the Tempest
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 4:06 pm
===It really feels like something weird is about to happen.===
I got news for ya. Something weird has been happening for about the past ten years in this state. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 4:10 pm
Cut away Rod, it will be the first time you have acted like a man and not like a spoiled little boy.
Comment by Southern Illinois Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 4:13 pm
Rich, so if Madigan comes in calls a vote on the revenue bills and they fail what next? This is beginning to become a dangerous game of Chicken.
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 4:14 pm
Beginning?
I don’t think they come back, first of all. If they do and it fails, then the guv has to make the “cuts.” Simple.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 4:18 pm
When MJM, the Guv and Emil go back and forth on who is more important do they ever consider the people who are going to be hurt be their actions. I understand the politics of power, but coupled with that should be the concern of the people. The lack of the concern for the people seems to be the most glaring omission from these discussions.
Comment by Across the pond Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 4:22 pm
–“I think the House Democrats should be honest with the people that they’re setting it up to sock it to them with a big income tax increase,” the governor said.–
I must have missed that October 2006 barnstorming tour for the GRT.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 4:31 pm
Pond, that’s a pretty broad brush you’re using there to swipe at the Speaker. AA wasn’t born yesterday and is no one’s apologist here, but leading an effort to keep lousy bills from becoming law is showing concern for the people in my book.
To the order of glaring omissions, where is the outrage about these lousy bills? Even if one is not set off by the stink pickles buried in the fine print of each one (AA read a new one here on the Blog yesterday, fwiw) the entire concept of filling an operating budget deficit by 1) long-term borrowing to free up one-year cash (POB) 2) hocking an asset and not replacing its annual cashflows (Lotto) 3) fund sweeps for Fed healthcare match (unless we spend it on education) and 4) a double-down of gaming, all with very little public scrutiny, open hearings, or impartial examination of what are some very specious assumptions underlying the various proposals, is flat-out wrong and harmful to the people of Illinois.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 4:48 pm
Maybe we’ll be surprised and the cuts will be reasonable. Blago has some bright people working for him (those youthful future hedge traders, etc) and they may well be as capable as the General Assembly.More capable, even. In any case, doesn’t sound like anywhere close to Doomsday, and we’ll have to deal with the next (Democratic) run on our pocketbooks when we get to it. As to education,
they can always raise our property taxes; that’s happening right now where I live.
Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 4:57 pm
I find it hard to believe the Speaker when he says he isnt setting the table for a big tax increase. Why was Steve Brown so specific when he said that he wont tee this up right after the november election? Why didnt he make an unqualified statement that the speaker wasnt seeking a tax increase?
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 5:22 pm
A Very modest income tax increase is the cleanest least corruptible means to ameliorating the “shortfall”. Selling/leasing Assets is ill conceived and gambling expansion is equally unpalatable. Sweeping dedicated funds is a onetime fix that just creates debt to those funds. POBs likewise just burdens the future while really not solving the obligation properly.
Comment by A Citizen Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 5:28 pm
I’m with AA. The Speaker rules with an Iron Fist, but for the last couple of years, he has been blocking a series of smoke-and-mirror revenue streams. When you open them up, they are borrowing on the future.
Illinois needs serious revenue to pay for the obligations it has made to the citizens. The only revenue streams large enough to fill the current gap and start paying off the debt are income tax and sales tax. The most promising aspects of those streams are a sales tax on services and a graduated income tax (the latter is now banned by the state constitution). The proposals currently on the table are either relatively small bits of new revenue and loans on future revenue.
It would be a miracle if the Gov. made reasonable cuts (he tends to be pick out leg. dists. and agencies he does not like or care about). And , even if he were reasonable, there is no reasonable way to cut the state back into fiscal health, the debt and structural holes are too wide.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 5:38 pm
Emil’s the one planning a post-election giant income tax hike: SB2288 is ready to go right after the election, according to Emil. Rod won’t criticize his ally, so he blames Madigan.
Comment by Reformer Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 5:39 pm
===but for the last couple of years, he has been blocking a series of smoke-and-mirror revenue streams===
And before that he went along with skipping pension payments for two years.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 5:42 pm
===Why didnt he make an unqualified statement that the speaker wasnt seeking a tax increase?===
He did to me. Don’t read too much into that passage. It wasn’t a direct quote, and looks more like reporter shorthand than anything.
However, I still think the tax hike push is coming next year regardless of what anyone says today.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 5:45 pm
Rich, not to split hairs, but the pension payments weren’t skipped, they were reduced. The difference between skip and reduce was a few million clams for Judges and GA systems over two years on one end and about a billion for TRS on the high end.
You also have to remember that the opportunity to whack the pension funding was served up on a silver platter when “The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Pension Commission” issued a fine report noting ways to save oh, at least a kajillion dollars in the future if certain “pension reforms” were passed. How could the Speaker ignore the public policy mandate handed down by this bipartisan think tank? The eventual “reform” bill was also supported by all the public employee unions.
Before anyone climbs aboard the Pension Bond Express, you may want to check out how much of that kajillion from the last “reform” has been actually saved before you start spending the $55 billion allegedly to be saved on this deal.
The only real savings AA sees happening out of this POB is that Big Bob Kj likely won’t get any consulting fees.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 6:25 pm
“I think the House Democrats should be honest with the people that they’re setting it up to sock it to them with a big income tax increase,” the governor said.
Capt Fax:
Later in the I refered to this bit of razzle dazzle as more Administration nonsense. I like the ring. To those who wish to slice and dice rest assured there will be no tax increase.
Have a great night
Did Rich mention the intern is state funded?
Comment by Steve Brown Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 6:34 pm
Great comment ! (SB 6:34 pm) … Bashed a rumor from Gov and started another about intern (?).
Comment by Korn Fed Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 7:39 pm
I love intern rumors. But this one isn’t quite up to my low standards.
Comment by A Citizen Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 8:01 pm
I want to know how many people have actually sat down to read the ridiculous, almost comic, bills the Governor’s office drafted for the Senate? I can only assume they were the product of Blagojevich’s people, otherwise the Senate is in serious need of a new staff. I read them - and all I can is that we should be grateful the House did not have the votes to pass these bills.
If you want to sell the lottery, you have to have some controls and an actual plan. Oh yeah, and you have to make sure you have at least one or two republican votes (recall that this bill died in committee because of a Republican).
If you want pension bonds, you have to have some type of ethics reform or guarantee that those who vote for it will not end up making millions (hence a repeat of the Rezko fiasco).
If you want to expand gaming you have to actually spend some time reading and studying the issue, not just assuming the market can handle three new casinos plus five racetracks that basically function as land based casinos.
Maybe if the Governor, the Senate, and the House took some time to actually find a way to manage government without overspending. Oh wait, isn’t the Governor in charge of the Executive? Humm, maybe he should stop spending like a petulant child and actually run the State.
Comment by Blah-Blah-Blagojevich Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:03 pm
Let Governor Health Care whack the programs he is proposing. What he vetos is his choice. How many ways can he blame the cuts he voluntarily made on MJM?
Comment by Big Mama T Tuesday, Jun 24, 08 @ 11:31 pm
Not having a plan for a tax hike does not mean you cannot come up with one later…
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Jun 25, 08 @ 12:01 am
Did Rezko benefit from the pension bonds? I missed that.
Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Jun 25, 08 @ 12:07 am
If the Speaker has issues with the POB and the fund sweeps, Emil put those on Senate Bills and the Speaker could amend them if he would like to address his concerns, but real concerns no “stick in the eye to keep the battle going” changes. Just a thought. As for the Cap Bills, Note to Blago, the Speaker is not going to let you have it, not even a Cubs World Series or a blizzard in Hell is going to change that fact, ok maybe the Cubs World Series is a stretch, but you get the point.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jun 25, 08 @ 2:23 am
“The House knew when it did not pass the revenue bills that they were playing a dangerous game in which the people of Illinois could lose.” - Emil Jones
Look at that statement! “The people of Illinois” could lose if Jones doesn’t get more taxes from us?
You talk about having a severe distortion of what government is, listen to Jones. He speaks for - who? Obviously not the taxpayers of Illinois!
As long as we have a senate president so openly favoring taking more of your wages, there will be no solutions to our state’s problems. He expects us to cover up all the inefficiencies, corruptions, and bottomless pits that are being exposed by our current fiscal crisis by demanding that we throw more of our money at him!
He has said this openly before, but I think we have become so accustomed to listening to Democrats demanding more of our money that we are no longer making the connection. As a result, we are seeing Illinois fall farther, faster, in comparison to other US states.
Stop the nonsense and clean up the General Assembly! It is full of men and women who don’t do their jobs, yet expect us to.
Vote for Con-Con in 2008!
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jun 25, 08 @ 9:00 am