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* I told subscribers about this earlier, so I’ll just leave these here for y’all. Let’s start with the comptroller…
depositing more money into the state’s Rainy Day Fund. (2/2)
— Illinois Comptroller (@ILComptroller) June 4, 2024
* The governor’s policy/legislative person was not amused…
* And neither was the Deputy Governor for Budget & Economy…
The full story, entitled “Illinois comptroller pleased with ‘vanilla’ budget,” is here…
Despite being “vanilla,” Mendoza said there’s plenty she likes about the FY25 state budget, which the state House of Representatives sent to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk May 29.
She said it does not put the progress Illinois has made cleaning its financial house at risk. Over the past several years, the state has received nine credit upgrades, resolved a $16 billion bill backlog and put $2 billion into its rainy day fund.
“There’s a lot of good things in the budget,” she said. “I would have like to seen perhaps some more cuts across the board.”
Mendoza wishes state agencies and her fellow constitutional officers looked for ways they could trim their budgets.
“Where do we have bloat? Where are we paying too much for a contract that we can get a better deal on,” she said.
* Meanwhile, Capitol News Illinois’ newsletter went out after I’d finished writing, but take a look at this…
The governor also pointed to Illinois’ recovery from the depths of the two-year budget impasse between 2015 and 2017 during then-Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s tenure. When Pritzker took office, he said, bills that should’ve been paid to businesses contracting with the state took 250 days and the state was paying 12 percent interest on every bill overdue by 90 days or more.
“Today, our days payable is under 15, which is very likely too fast,” he said. “But it is an effort to show the businesses that the state does business with every day that we can be responsible. And we have had it at that level for years now. So I feel like I need to tell the comptroller, ‘You can take it down to maybe 30 days payable.’”
According to Comptroller Mendoza’s office, the bill payment cycle is actually an even faster 13 days, which spokesperson Abdon Pallasch said Mendoza “takes great pride in.”
“Paying Illinois taxpayers and businesses faster than the private sector for the past three years shows the kind of stability and predictability that both attracts and lets businesses know Illinois is a good investment,” he said. “We’re always analyzing our best practices and will continue to do so.”
Thoughts?
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:33 am
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Can the state actually make money on the float? Payung promptly is a huge improvement over the Rauner years. What are they actually disagreeing over?
Comment by Socially DIstant watcher Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:36 am
===Can the state actually make money on the float?===
Yes.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:39 am
If the state comptroller can’t question expenditures, no one can.
JBT critiqued both sides of state finances all the time. She used to publish a yearly report on how much each state tax exemption cost the state in revenue.
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:41 am
It says more about the people reacting than it says about Mendoza. Is the dogma so rigid that a state wide office holder can’t suggest some fiscal discipline? Especially one who is involved in the financial management of the State? The Pritzker folks have done a good job running Illinois, but sheesh their skin is thin.
Comment by James Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:42 am
There must have been a lot of private disagreements between the two offices for awhile now if it’s finally bubbled up to the point they’re disagreeing in a public setting.
Comment by GOB Bluth Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:43 am
Sorta forgot she exists. Which is why I’m guessing she did this
Comment by Model T Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:45 am
pushback not needed It’s not like she’s gonna run against him Save the criticism for the other side
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:48 am
If I’m adding to credit card debt so that I can pay off my landlord a few days before the rent is due, does that make me more “financially responsible”?
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:49 am
“Is the dogma so rigid that a state wide office holder can’t suggest some fiscal discipline?”
The beef, I think, is it’s a tad duplicitous to come along for the ride when times are good and head for the nearest high horse when the waves get choppy. Also the policies she espouses, any competent Comptroller would. Mendoza isn’t changing dynamics simply by cutting the checks the General Assembly and Governor tells her to.
Comment by Mixed Metaphors, FTW Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:50 am
Kind of like fighting over crumbs. I guess it’s ac sign that the revved up team at the govs office is still energetic and in a fighting mood. Not many places to let out their steam.
Comment by Been There Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:52 am
The Governor’s internal team needs to take a sedative. This was a huge overreaction to a fairly non controversial statement by Mendoza.
If this team is remotely serious about a WH run, they need to develop thicker skin….and fast.
Comment by SpiDem Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:53 am
Mendoza didn’t give a lot of specifics, but she’s also not really a part of the budget process. Moderate House Democrats, on the other hand, had some more specific concerns and are vital to passing the budget. Eventually Pritzker’s people will need to engage with them at a level deeper than just calling them Republicans.
Comment by vern Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:54 am
So the Governor’s office gets mad at Crespo for pointing out specific line items to cut and then gets mad at the Comptroller for NOT pointing specific line items to cut. Seems like any criticism ruffles their feathers.
Comment by lol. Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:54 am
SpiDem anyone serious about a Pritzker presidential run is not a serious person
Comment by Macon Bakin Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:55 am
===If I’m adding to credit card debt===
Where did that even come from?
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 10:55 am
Last I checked, Comptrollers don’t get a vote on budgets, and don’t have to tie their name to specific budget decisions. It is easy to be critical when you face no consequences for your positions on things.
Comment by Homebody Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:04 am
I am constantly amazed how thin-skinned the governor and his team are.
Comment by So_Ill Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:04 am
Glad to see there are still moderate Democrats in Illinois willing to openly discuss ways to balance the budget besides adding new revenue. This was bound to happen with Federal dollars for COVID ending. This seems like nothing more than a healthy debate on cuts versus revenue from a healthy big tent party engaging in relevant discourse.
Comment by Kim Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:09 am
She has never been bashful about self promotion, as all statewides are, my guess they are tired of her shtick and let her know. She should stick to playing a moderate Republican and taking shots at the Mayor.
Comment by Annon3 Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:10 am
Clearly, the state’s chief fiscal officer (mendoza) is within her job description to comment on the state’s fiscal and budget matters. And yes she should also offer specific budget cuts as part of her analysis. Her office should now come out with a list of budget savings. And the Governor’s staff — develop thicker skin.
Comment by For Sure Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:11 am
“so rigid that a state wide office holder can’t suggest some fiscal discipline?”
Of course she can make a suggestion. There are various levels of seriousness in suggestions though.
Vague, or specific.
I tend to not take vague ‘just make cuts somewhere’ not very seriously at all. Any carnival barker can say that. And they do.
Come to the table with specific and itemized suggestions based on an analysis specific to individual departments, and I’ll at least be open to listen and add an agreement or counter proposal.
She’s smart and competent, so I’m surprised to see her taking the carnival barker path here.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:13 am
“Where did that even come from?”
For the governor to tout the fact that bills are being paid quicker, doesn’t suggest more “fiscal responsibility” if we are adding more debt to accomplish that.
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:15 am
==I am constantly amazed how thin-skinned the governor and his team are.==
100%. They shift from bloviating to aggrieved in a nanosecond.
Mendoza is merely keeping her name fresh for when she runs for Chicago mayor.
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:15 am
Don’t know why everyone is saying Pritzker’s team has thin skin. They reacted calmly and with facts and figures. They didn’t resort to personal attacks or hollow budget statements. A public figure responds publicly to someone critiquing their work and people start clutching pearls.
Been There is right, they’re still in fighting mood, which I don’t hate.
Comment by ElTacoBandito Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:22 am
===doesn’t suggest more “fiscal responsibility” if we are adding more debt to accomplish that. ===
Word salad alert.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:25 am
You know the Governor and his staff have been very successful over the last 6 years. They’ve won a lot of political fights and a re-election campaign where millions of dollars were spent attacking JB. So it’s always hilarious when I see people say that JB’s staff is thin skinned. They don’t go after every criticism - so it’s always telling to me when and where they decide to train their firepower.
Susanna likes to take credit for the state’s fiscal success since 2019. That’s fine - comptroller is a lackluster job with little fanfare - so it makes sense for her to do that. But if you are going to jump on the train and take credit for something you had very little to do with making happen, then you don’t really get to take cheap shots. Mendoza wants to have it both ways. I think the Governor’s team is likely sending the message to cut it out and I think that’s entirely appropriate.
I also think people are ignoring a larger message Pritzker and his people are delivering to some folks - Dems are not the Party of austerity and no one wants to go back to the Rauner years where we claim that there is a lot of waste in state government that if we just cut out, everything would be fine. I think that’s entirely appropriate.
It’s easy to criticize but I honestly think JB is very smart about where he trains his fire. He and his team seem to be able to see what might be coming down the track and get ahead of it. I realize that the Comptroller’s folks don’t like that - but given Susanna’s track record on trying to win other positions and making friends, she might want to sit back and take some notes.
Comment by Dakno Thing Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:26 am
Susanna Mendoza has built up a *lot* of good will over her time in office. She’s competent, well spoken, and doesn’t mind chasing down the occasional law breaker. Seems like the Gov’s people could have found a better way to reach out to her.
Comment by Name Withheld Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:26 am
“Today, our days payable is under 15, which is very likely too fast,”
It seems better to get the money into the hands of individuals and companies that it is owed to, they can then put it back to work in the local economy. The alternative is that JB wants to “artificially” hold onto the cash for some “float”
Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:28 am
i’d tread lightly with mendoza. she has a small footprint for a constitutional, but her brand is very strong and others shouldn’t make an enemy of her politically lest she return with a vengence. sometimes you can light a “slight” just go unnoticed.
Comment by gfalkes Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:31 am
Grow economy and tax revenue goes up. Stop raising the rates. They thin skinned bc of national aspirations. Record will show tax increases and so called SAFTEY act. Seems to pass muster in a blue state. Not a national platform as far as I can tell. But they will spin it non stop.
Comment by 44 Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:31 am
– Seems like any criticism ruffles their feathers –
Indeed. Weak sauce, all the way around.
They would melt if they encountered even a modicum of actual functional resistance
Comment by JB13 Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:32 am
“Word Salad alert.”
Rich,
With all due respect, pension fund debt for the state grew by $3 billion in the last fiscal year in addition to the state running at a deficit. Making payments to Illinois vendors in a more timely manner, while admirable, is not evidence of fiscal responsibility. True, they are managing short term payables better. But by not addressing the growing debt bomb, they are simply solving a short term problem, while ignoring the larger and longer term one.
That was the point of my analogy….paying a vendor early, doesn’t indicate fiscal responsibility if we are simply adding to the debt load to do it.
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:37 am
While it’s great to be paying bills in a timely manner, esp to meet the legislatively requirements of the Prompt Payment Act, one also does not want to pay ‘too quickly’ without a reason to do so (eg. favorable payment terms/discounts within ‘x’ days) - paying at day 13-15 instead of 30 means 2 weeks of lost interest which is significant in this high interest rate environment.
Comment by CT Guy Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:41 am
Not too early for her to start running for governor, I guess.
Comment by I-72 Blues Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:42 am
The Comptroller has been poking the administration for years. Looks like people have had enough of it. ==tread lightly with Mendoza== That’s laughable. First, voters do not know who she is. Second, she’s going to take on JB Pritzker and say what exactly? “You haven’t done a good job with state finances.”? Please.
Comment by Overbay Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:46 am
I think it’s fair to say this wasn’t about thin skin, so much as protecting the Governor’s flank from an unfair criticism by an elected official who has not engaged credibly on cost controls during an active legislative session - ever. It’s not courage if you never put skin in the game when it matters. Agree or disagree w/ Rep. Crespo, he laid out a plan. What’s the controller’s campaign slogan going to be? “I Snipe from Skype?”
gfalkes - …what does returning with a vengeance mean? Returning to 9% of the vote in an open race for Mayor? The only fear here is giving ammo to doom grifting Republicans.
Comment by Led Tasso Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:46 am
**pension fund debt for the state grew by $3 billion in the last fiscal year in addition to the state running at a deficit.**
The state is running at a deficit.
And there is little that the state can do about pensions other than put more money towards it, which Pritzker/the GA has done.
Comment by JoeMaddon Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:50 am
TYPO: The state is *NOT* running at a deficit.
Comment by JoeMaddon Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:51 am
=So it’s always hilarious when I see people say that JB’s staff is thin skinned.=
Same here.
It does not appear that those criticizing the governor and his team actually read what was being stated. There argument, which I agree with, is pretty much show me the bloat and show me your solutions.
That is NOT shutting down discussion or preventing anyone from challenging the budget. But asking them, anyone, to put some detail to their thoughts. Credit to Crespo for doing just that.
I find that anytime a leader or their team pushes back or asks for someone to validate their position that now is perceived as an attack. It isn’t. The thick skin may be needed by some others.
I like Mendoza and the work she has done. BUt she does like to pat herself on the back a bit. If she had a real beef, she should have contacted the governor internally and shared with detail, not bloviate on the toddler laden social medias.
In the end, it was a light push back from the govs office and I am betting Mendoza can take it. She strikes me as pretty tough.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:53 am
Mendoza is no shrinking violet, right? Per her own words. I get the obsession with being in the news but why does she keep taking credit for things she doesn’t do just to get media coverage and expect that to not catch up with her. Maybe her team should do better in advising their boss.
Comment by Solo stove Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:55 am
It’s great news that when invoices or pay items get sent to the Comptroller, they are paid out fast.
There’s often an agency lag to approve / review / generally administer budget or expenses. This can be an issue, especially because the state doesn’t pay up front. Instead, contractors (either construction or human services providers) are expected to front the expenses for a quarter or so and then get reimbursed. That’s a structural problem decades (more than a century?) in the making that would be great to improve.
Comment by Dan Johnson Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 11:56 am
IDFR had 8 people processing thousands of licenses. The Comptroller has 8 people obligating 100,000 orders, contracts and amendments. Is it any wonder it takes so long for vendors to be paid. Though, they’ve done a great job hiding that by creating silly unwritten reasons for rejecting contracts. Someday they will have to comply with the Administrstive Procedures Act
Comment by Merica Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 12:04 pm
Plenty of Springfield types, not just JB’s team, roll their eyes every time Mendoza jumps in front of the cameras to talk about credit upgrades and the rainy day fund — things she has little to do with. That aggravation might be fueling the gov’s staff’s social media.
I get where they’re coming from, but I think they might be doing Mendoza a favor by paying attention to her. Every TV news shop in Chicago is probably going to interview her today because of this.
Comment by TNR Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 12:05 pm
Remember when the Comptroller took credit for getting the casino open at Walker’s Bluff? Yeah, that really happened.
Comment by Overbay Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 12:10 pm
I so hate the cut across the board thinkers and this was true in the private sector as well as public. It’s just lazy and frankly, dumb. I’m very disappointed Ms Mendoza went the Bailey route and I hope she learns from this mistake. Also, as a fiscal conservative myself, I appreciated the small increase in the budget and find this gov fiscally responsible.
Comment by Lurker Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 12:17 pm
The IL budget spends the same per capita as IN. We do have a revenue problem and no amount of cuts or “belt-tightening” alone will fix that.
Comment by Chicago Blue Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 12:22 pm
the comptroller has always done things just for attention. this is no different. her schtick worked better when she had rauner as a foil but doesn’t work as well when she’s trying to be a conservative when theres an overwhelmingly popular democrat in office. she should just learn to play nice and sing from the same hymnal, but that’s just not who she is. people should treat her like she’s irrelevant because she is and she knows it.
Comment by blues Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 12:23 pm
13 days? Taking pride in getting rid of money faster than the private sector? When the fed has yet to make a rate cut? Eek.
Comment by Stephanie Kollmann Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 12:37 pm
Most people think Mendoza’s repeated use of the line that she’s the top statewide vote getter as the source of the Governor’s staff frustration. You know, they broke national spending records in 2022 and 2018 so they should have the biggest statewide vote total, blah blah. It’s really inside baseball but it matters to a small group.
Comment by For Sure Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 12:47 pm
She’s looking to run for Gov in 2026.
Comment by B Team Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 12:49 pm
This tension wouldn’t exist if Mendoza hadn’t taken ample opportunities to remind everyone who the state’s top vote getter is - ha ha. Big money, big egos.
Comment by For Sure Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 1:07 pm
Is it illegal now to be disingenuous to gain a political advantage?
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 1:10 pm
This has been a long time coming. Across the board cuts are dumb, and 15 day payment cycle is incredibly dumb unless there’s a prompt payment incentive.
The Comptroller needs to learn that Republican fiscal responsibility talking points aren’t actual fiscal responsibility.
Comment by Excitable Boy Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 1:13 pm
===Most people think===
Just because you think it and maybe your circle thinks it, doesn’t mean that most think it.
Speak for yourself here unless you have actual data.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 1:24 pm
Going to stipulate up front, I have mad respect for Mendoza and her people; they helped me through a hard time when no other state entity could.
Does she work the publicity hard? Yes, that’s fair. That’s politics. But what is different about her is that she puts in the work and her staff does as well. Competency has value in Government, and sometimes it’s rare. Would she make a better Chicago Mayor than the last two? I would bet money on it. I got to spend a little one on one time with her once and she has always been driven. And unsatisfied with the status quo. I think that sometimes rubs the old guard people the wrong way.
Comment by Give Us Barabbas Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 1:31 pm
“If the state comptroller can’t question expenditures, no one can.”
Literally anyone can. It’s day one, freshman dorm room budget analysis. That’s the entire point of the pushback.
“I think it’s fair to say this wasn’t about thin skin, so much as protecting the Governor’s flank from an unfair criticism by an elected official who has not engaged credibly on cost controls during an active legislative session - ever.”
Exactly this.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 1:42 pm
“13 days? Taking pride in getting rid of money faster than the private sector? When the fed has yet to make a rate cut? Eek”
With the advent of ACH payments, many private sector firms pay invoices in 2 weeks or less.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 2:08 pm
JB’s support could help her in a future Mayor’s race. She does need her old supporter’s trials to fade FROM memory, and would benefit from a deep pocket of support from the likes of JB.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 2:23 pm
“With all due respect, pension fund debt for the state grew by $3 billion … .” You seen an advance copy of the ACFR, on going off the Interim ACFR?
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 2:31 pm
Just taking a moment to appreciate having a governor that actually proposes and signs a budget, and a comptroller who isn’t just a mouthpiece for the governor of the same party. It really is nice.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 2:49 pm
Agree with Led Tasso. The Comptroller is taking potshots from the side after not actively participating (unless I’m wrong) in the budget negotiations. While the Gov’s team wants to set the message of the day as a win, she’s trying to pour cold water on it to get herself on TV.
It’s easier to criticize a passed budget than actually working with members to get one done.
Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 4:59 pm
- many private sector firms pay invoices in 2 weeks or less. -
I work in construction for the energy industry and that is unheard of. The best customers pay in around 45 to 60 days. The worst are substantially longer, especially with current interest rates.
I could even stomach 30 days from the state, but under 15 days is just throwing money away.
Comment by Excitable Boy Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 5:02 pm
==Across the board cuts are dumb, and 15 day payment cycle is incredibly dumb unless there’s a prompt payment incentive.==
This.
And, Donnie, it doesn’t matter what you think private sector norms are. It matters that the comptroller is specifically bragging that she is spending the public’s money faster than a business would.
It’s a foolish talking point designed to sound good to voters who don’t know better, not designed to best address their actual financial interests.
Comment by Stephanie Kollmann Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 6:16 pm
Slow pay for social svcs no profits, etc. has been a real problem but there are a lot of better ways to improve that situation that do not include letting ComEd collect interest instead of the State of IL.
Comment by Stephanie Kollmann Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 6:19 pm
Mendoza has to take lazy pot shots because that’s all she knows. When asked at her appropriation hearing what the state’s actual bond rating was after railing about it for months/years, she didn’t have a clue and scrambled to staff that didn’t know it either.
And as a veteran of State finances, she is absolutely not the State’s CFO. The closest thing to the state CFO is Alexis Sturm. Mendoza is just the person that has the administrative duty to sign the checks and issue reports. She doesn’t stay in her lane because she thinks the job of Comptroller is below her, but I’m afraid she’s topped out on her political career as she will lack support to move any higher.
Comment by AD Wednesday, Jun 5, 24 @ 9:26 pm
““Where do we have bloat? Where are we paying too much for a contract that we can get a better deal on,” she said.”
There are some inefficiencies in procurement for support contracts for sure. When I worked for a state agency, we were told that we were not allowed to buy licenses or support contracts for which the term would exceed the appropriation. Often, longer term licenses and contracts were discounted, so we paid more over the course of years by renewing multiple times for short durations.
Comment by Odysseus Thursday, Jun 6, 24 @ 3:30 am
When I worked procurement, I went to buy some computer monitors off a vendor’s website. When I contacted the vendor about them, they said “Oh, we have monitors with the same specs on master contract with CMS, would you like those?”
Sure, send me the quote……. It was twice the price of what they were selling the monitors for on their website.
Comment by AD Thursday, Jun 6, 24 @ 6:05 am