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* 1:03 pm - House GOP Leader Tom Cross just emerged from a leaders meeting with the governor to say that a budget agreement has been reached pending caucus meetings. Those meetings are set to begin soon. We’ll have video in a bit.

* 1:10 pm - The other leaders apparently left out the side door, so Cross’ statement is all we’ll have. GateHouse had a piece from before the meeting started, however…

Cullerton said leaders expect to talk about budget details with their caucuses this afternoon. He predicted his Senate Democrats would be disappointed by a budget that doesn’t include an income tax increase, which the Senate approved but has stalled in the House.

Cullerton also deflected criticism that some lawmakers - including himself - traveled to St. Louis last night for Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game. He said leaders met with the governor last night and then his staff started drafting budget legislation to be considered today.

“People could have been here at a restaurant watching it on television or actually there if they had a ticket, so it doesn’t bother me,” Cullerton said.

* 1:16 pm - Here’s the Cross video. He thought that the session could be adjourned “by tonight.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:04 pm

Comments

Hurray! Miracles never cease!

Comment by Stones Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:10 pm
==“People could have been here at a restaurant watching it on television or actually there if they had a ticket, so it doesn’t bother me,” Cullerton said.==

Ummm, Senator I think you should be more worried if it bothered the voters, not yourself.

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:13 pm
Oh to be a fly on the wall in the House Dem Caucus today…

Comment by Obamarama Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:18 pm
Rich any specifics on layoffs and cuts?

Comment by Idontgetit Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:20 pm
So, did Cullerton just admit that the Governor’s staff does all the work?

Comment by George Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:22 pm
I have a feeling that Cross’ definition of “stability” for human service providers and the providers’ definition of “stability” are very far apart. The service cuts and layoffs that have happened or are planned are not going to suddenly disappear under this budget agreement. For many providers, the damage is done.

Comment by montrose Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:23 pm
Stupid question, I know, but what does he mean when he says they are going to caucus? Do they just discuss things there and come together as a whole later to vote?

Comment by Central IL Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:25 pm
When I say cuts I am talking about inmates getting out who should still be locked up.

Comment by Idontgetit Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:25 pm
I believe Illinois government needs to put asside all of their personal agenda’s such as vacation time and baseball games until we have a budget. Without a budget that fully restores Human Services to the State of Illinois…..we are sure to face devestation, just as Just as in any tragic global event, with out one, people will not suffer at the hands of such natural disaster’s as flooding and tornado’s we will suffer as a result of the political games that our legislator’s play!

Comment by towanda Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:25 pm
From what I’ve seen in other recent news, the $1 billion in cuts should be part of the legislative package. If this is the case, the layoff question is quite valid.

Comment by Stoned Prophet Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:27 pm
The Democrats have reached a point where they now see that their dithering and game playing has bled their voter base to a point where the risk of political repercussions over not resolving the stalemate they have created, is as great or greater than the political repercussions over passing a tax hike.

That is what they consider progress.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:30 pm
George, for the Governors budget proposal they do most of the work, for the SDEM proposal Cullerton’s staff does most of the work, for HDEM proposal Madigan’s staff does most the work, etc. When Cullerton went to the game the GOvernor’s staff was drafting and then the other staffs look at it and analyze it and make adjustments as it is finalized.

Comment by Charlie Wilson Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:38 pm
Central Il - What they mean is they will get together and the leaders will tell the members how they will vote and the members go out and vote the way they are told. It has been this way in State Government since they reduced the number of GA members. Five people, Lil Mikey, the Senate Pres and the minority leaders, and the Gov., discuss the budget and any other important issue then the rest of them are told how to vote. It is a fine example of Representative Government!

Comment by Irish Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:39 pm
Somebody could probably challenge the budget in court if they wanted to as it will be way, way out of balance. I doubt anyone could succeed but you never know.

To all who are asking about cuts, the budget includes cuts (including layoffs already announced), plus an ADDITONAL $1 billion in reserves. They are just going to let $3 billion in bills remain unpaid at the end of the fiscal year. They will do $1 billion in fund sweeps. And they borrow money to spread $3 billion in pension paymount out over 5 years. I would hardly call this a good agreement.

For anybody to say this budget will create stability is insane and indicates to me that they don’t understand how budgeting works. Agencies will still be acting a mode of uncertainty b/c the budget also relies on some action in November, like a tax increase. If not there will be more cuts. It is impossible to manage an Agency budget when you have no idea how much money you can really spend.

Comment by RJW Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:40 pm
Irish - Thanks for the info. I almost feel sorry for the rest of the Senators and Reps who are actually catching the brunt of the backlash from the groups being cut when they are TOLD how to vote and don’t get to actually REPRESENT the people.

Comment by Central IL Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:40 pm
Central IL - A much less jaded explanation of what Cross meant by caucus is that he will go and discuss the issues with the other House Republicans. They’ll all get a chance to express their views, debate a bit, and come to a consensus as to what they’re going to do about a certain issue.
All of the various groups (House Dems and Repubs, and Senate Dems and Repubs) do this.

Comment by Nikoli Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:45 pm
So here’s what’s on offer: Borrow heavily now so that - when we finally do raise taxes - we have to devote an enormous portion of those new revenues toward paying-off today’s borrowing.

Make no mistake - Illinois absolutely will have to hike taxes to fill in the budget hole that widens next year (with the disappearance of stimulus funding, the effects of pension ramp, the failure of the economy to have fully recovered by then, etc etc). There’s no other solution, short of totally wiping-out state-supported programs in a way that the last two weeks of layoffs and service cuts had only begun to hint at.

The governor and legislators’ shortsighted, short-term efforts to borrow money today will make our long-term solution that much more painful tomorrow.

What a bunch of Bravehearts and Mensa candidates.

Comment by Linus Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:52 pm
Stones - no miracle for crying out loud - they are passing the buck down the line again -
no solutions - more borrowing - more shelling - more BS!

Comment by collar observer Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:53 pm
While leaders make their preferences known in caucus, much more is discussed and debated. It is not the leaders telling the members what to do. Caucus members do NOT always vote the way their leader would like. If they did, we wouldn’t be in this situation.

Comment by Really Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 1:56 pm
PS, to Central IL: Don’t feel too badly for rank-and-file legislators. Many of them (a) complain they can’t represent their constituents effectively because their leaders force them to do this and that, yet (b) regularly re-elect those same leaders and refuse in even the slightest way to protest any leadership directives they find abhorrent.

They can’t have it both ways. Campaign contributions and committee assignments be damned. What’s the point of trying to serve if your own choice for leader routinely shot-blocks any effective service you try to render?

Comment by Linus Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:00 pm
Nikoli - If you seriously think that ANY Dem will voice an objection to what Lil Mikey wants you are sadly mistaken. If you think that the Dems cuacus will be consensus building then you don’t understand the process. And if any of the Repubs had the opportunity to voice concerns and offer changes that would be taken seriously they have had more than ample opportunity to do so. The situation we are in and the fact that the public has not heard anything but the party lines shows that they are all in lock step.

Comment by Irish Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:00 pm
Whatever will happen when this bill (ginormous debt) comes due? Even the federal government is catching on, as other states long have, that the era of borrow and spend (fantasy world economics) is over, and increasing taxes on wealthier people. The mantra (falacy) of “government and taxes baaaaaaaaaaaaad, business and personal responsiblity goooooooooooood” is Over. We’ve all woken up, or most of us in Illinois, but not the leaders of the politicians and others who still believe said mantras.

Comment by Tunes Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:02 pm
“Somebody” is challenging the budget in court. I have a hearing on the 20th. I’ll be updating pleadings tonight potentially.

Comment by John Bambenek Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:02 pm
Linus, first of all I am not that smart and I am in Mensa. Secondly, I agree that they should just raise taxes now, but they do not have the votes. However, I don’t totally agree with your gloomy prediction; while what you said is possible, when the economy turns around so will revenues. Also, the stimulus money shouldn’t have too much of an affect, the feds required we not drop our funding of the programs that received money so that when the money is gone there wont be a fallout like the one you wrote about. That being said, you are spot on that revenue restructuring will most likely have to take place and it is simply being postponed.

Comment by Charlie Wilson Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:03 pm
Any word on what the bills appropriate for social service agencies? I’ve heard anywhere from 70-90% of FY09. Of course this is better than the 50% budget, but I’m not about to bow down and thank them for cutting funding at all for programs that are already scraping by as it is and haven’t seen any funding increases in 5 year.

Comment by Central IL Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:07 pm
Irish, sorry to say but you are simply wrong in this case. If everyone listened to Madigan they would have passed a tax increase before adjournment. He would have protected 10 or so targets and passed it with 60 votes, but he did not.

Comment by Charlie Wilson Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:08 pm
@Charlie
I disagree. Madigan knew exactly what he was doing, voted for the meager watered-down temporary tax increase, but didn’t really want it to pass. He got his way, thanks Mike!! We’re all really hurting out here in reality now!!

Comment by state employee Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:11 pm
State employee - Madigan very well may not have wanted a tax increase, he is fairly fiscally conservative. But, my statement was in response to someone saying they are told how to vote, he did not ask members to vote for it or not vote for it–so members are not always told how to vote in caucus, thats all i meant.

Comment by Charlie Wilson Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:15 pm
@Irish at 2pm

I’m not saying you’re wrong as to what happens in caucus. I’m just giving a less jaded, more basic answer to the initial question posed.

To that end, yes, the rank and file have been doing primarily what they’ve been told.

State Employee is correct when he said Madigan knew what he was doing with that tax increase. If he really wanted it passed, we’d be done by now. Instead, he’s protected his majority, as Rich keeps pointing out, by making sure the income tax increase doesn’t get labeled as a “Democrat Tax”. Which is exactly what would happen if a tax increase got through to the Governor without a single GOP vote.

Comment by Nikoli Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:39 pm
If there will be this heinous borrowing and hole digging already, why make the $1 billion in cuts? What is the rationale for not saving people under the borrowing scenario?

Is the $1 billion just a political tradeoff for Quinn to sign the capital bill? I say, if there will be this abhorrent, irresponsible borrowing, why not stretch it out a bit more and make sure all are helped? Why fund the state at 85-90% and let the other 10% hang?

Comment by Stoned Prophet Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:45 pm
So Nikoli, what good is having a Democratic majority? I say the GOP has way more power than most people think.

Comment by Deep South Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:49 pm
I saw alot of talk here about Madigan, and thought I’d post something of my own. Madigan wrote a piece of legislation, HB0664, that was passed in the 95th G.A. This legislation actually increased my property taxes 45%; from $4,000 to $5,800. Since then Madigan tried to push the blame off on Thomas Holbrook who introduced the bill, saying that the sponsor is responsible for the language. Of course, he refuses to admit to me that he wrote the language in the bill.

My point? Madigan knows what he’s doing. But that doesn’t mean his actions are ever ethical, or above board. And the last person he ever has in mind is the individual taxpayer.

Comment by David Jenkins Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 2:49 pm
Nikoli - You are exactly right. The sad thing that most folks don’t get is that we did have several tax increases this session. I believe the tax on liquor is going up and the expansion of gambling is a tax on the poor that now won’t even have the opportunity to seek help for their addictions because all the agencies that would help tham are being closed. Everytime we have an increase in fees we are taxed. An income tax is less painful for the ones that can least afford it than the increases in licenses, cigarettes, liquor, and expansion of gambling, etc. None of this has anything to do with helping the State it’s only purpose is to benefit those in power. And yes I am jadedI have worked for the State for 34 years and have seen the focus shift dramatically from the missions of the Agencies to what is best for Springfield and Chicago, and by that I mean the Agency Heads and their staffs and the GA. I used to know the name of every person in Springfield in my Agency and could talk openly with them. That is all long gone. Our HR Dept had two people in it and they coulsd answer any question you asked, and this is with twice the employees we have now. I don’t even know how mant=y are in our HR Dept now. And it doesn’t look like it is going to get any better.

Comment by Irish Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 3:09 pm
R’s have more power because of overtime number requirements, and Madigan’s paralyzing fear of losing a few house seats. By the crudest of measures that may be power, but that is not a platform Republicans can stand on (though I’m sure we’ll see them try during the election cycle)

And can we start putting “budget agreement” in quotes? It’s a glorified hot potato.

Comment by COPN Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 3:12 pm
Absolutely MJM knew what he was doing and his agenda (taxes approved with as many republicans as he can force to vote yes) ruled the day. Nothing passes in the house w/out his stamp on it. Now, there are democratic caucuses that are not under his total control (black caucus?) but do not have the votes necessary to unseat MJM or force his hand. Those who are beholden to MJM challenge him at their peril. Guess who controls committee assignments/leadership positions. Guess who can dole out membership initiattives and campaign cash from the democratic party (which MJM is the leader).

Really now is there any doubt as to who pulls the strings here?

Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 3:12 pm
The Speaker’s #1 demand on his members is that they keep on top of their relationships with their constituents, so that they get re-elected and he maintains his majority at as high a level as possible. He would also like them to support him on specific issues, but that is secondary. Because of that, you will rarely see him deliver a solid bloc on a tough vote, such as a tax increase, unless he gets Republican votes on it. He was instrumental in delivering the previous increase in the income tax rate, but that was under a Republican Governor (Edgar) so that his people did not have to take full responsibility.

Comment by jake Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 3:19 pm
This agreement is profoundly disappointing. Calculated political cowardice by all caucuses. I’m incredibly disappointed in our legislative branch and with those who call themselves leaders.

Comment by Budget Watcher Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 3:21 pm
I’m really tired of hearing about how powerful Speaker Madigan is because, after all, it takes a majority of minion House Representatives to give it to him.

Since we elect people who pursue politics as a career, they do not challenge their party’s leadership but, instead, take the money and allow Madigan to make all the tough decisions.

Is that what we want? Because I have no problems telling Madigan to fly a kite. I’d expect that an “Honorable” House Representative, with class, self-respect, and dignity, would have no problems telling him where to shove his money as well.

Comment by David Jenkins Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 3:25 pm
Greg Harris has just posted these bill #s : Bills to watch: SB1216–Operations and grant lines. SB 1292–Pension Obligation Notes. SB1912–New BIMP

Comment by erstwhilesteve Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 3:42 pm
What’s with the transfer of the payroll issue to federal court?

Comment by Cindy Lou Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 3:42 pm
Does anyone know if the Gov will continue with the layoffs?

Comment by DOC Employee Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 3:53 pm
Profoundly disappointing indeed. We should remember this come election time. No better way to express our keen frustration than to vote ‘em out.

Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 3:53 pm
Once I read that Matt Murphy is a trial lawyer, I found him online at a firm called McManus (www.mcmanuslawfirm.com). Oy. The biz guys are going to go nuts.

Comment by Down the middle Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 4:03 pm
If I did my job as timely and efficiently at the General Assembly, then I would be fired on the spot. I love baseball, but leaving the entire state of Illinois in limbo to attend/watch the all-star game is unprofessional, and quite frankly, an insult. I do hope the voters of Illinois stand tall and clean house in upcoming elections.

Comment by Gert Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 4:04 pm
No new updates since 1pm??

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 4:14 pm
I work for a non profit with seven figures plus riding on today’s news. I’d really appreciate any help from you fine folks as to how to and where I would look for the funds that pertain to us. I know it will be online eventually, but some direction would be wonderful.

Comment by Ben Gazzara Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 4:16 pm
Nothing to update. House/Senate are in caucus. Nothing to report.

Comment by How Ironic Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 4:24 pm
How’s the AFSCME lawsuit going?

Comment by Blue in DuPage Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 4:30 pm
===Does anyone know if the Gov will continue with the layoffs?===

I believe Quinn promised 2600 layoffs, tax increase or not.

Comment by Obamarama Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 4:36 pm
I read on imposed by Illinois on state employees making on the record comments. What is this, China or Iran?

Comment by Stoned Prophet Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 4:45 pm
Blue in DuPage:

I believe AFSCME failed in state court b/c their case has now be filed in Federal Court.

The FOP also has a case pending in Madison County similar to AFSCME’s. It will be heard tomorrow.

Comment by RJW Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 4:45 pm
Sorry, I botched the last post. There is a standing gag order imposed by Illinois on state workers, prohibiting them from making on the record comments.

Comment by Stoned Prophet Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 4:46 pm
My sources (very good by the way) are telling me that the Senate Democrats are having a tough caucus. It appears that they are not all on board with the plan.

Comment by RJW Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 4:46 pm
Well I suppose it takes time to get all the lanuage stuff on paper, but this is worse than watching paint dry.

–”I believe Quinn promised 2600 layoffs, tax increase or not”.

Bwhahaha. The way you worded that, makes it sound like agencies have staff to spare stacked up in the corners.

Comment by Cindy Lou Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 4:57 pm
House back in 3 mintues

Comment by Cindy Lou Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 5:08 pm
I feel both political parties are to blame for this circus. Today I recieved a copy of a letter sent to the Governor…from one organization…pitting their disabled population against another….stating they are more worthy of funding…. Illinois…has been put in such an ugly state…by the very folks that view themselves as beautiful….and untouchable. I hope they all rot…

Comment by Sick of it.... Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 5:32 pm
You actually got a response from Quinn? His office never responds to my letters. They just assume I shut up and go away.

Comment by David Jenkins Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 5:59 pm
2600 fulltime employees laid off, that will stimulate an economy.

Comment by DOC Employee Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 6:56 pm
Could someone please help me understand what was just passed by both the House and the Senate? Any information about funding for Preschool for All programs through the State Board of Education?

Comment by Tracy Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 7:42 pm
Cross’ comment about the stability of human services is very amusing. It shows how out of touch he is with reality. We need some “wise Latino women” in the General Assembly.

I also find it interesting that they are planning on funding millions out of the capital bill to replace the Stratton building. This funding has nothing to do with creating jobs but taking care of themselves. There are plenty of state buildings in worst shape than this building.

Comment by So Blue Democrat Wednesday, Jul 15, 09 @ 7:56 pm