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Slow-pitch softball

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Illinois

* Most of the Republican gubernatorial candidates appeared at a candidates’ forum at the Union League Club today and somebody asked a really inane question…

Asked where each would make specific cuts to trim more than $1 billion from the state’s multi-billion dollar deficit, Dillard, Brady and Schillerstrom each said they would first look at Medicaid, the state subsidized health-care plan for the poor. Proft said he would target funds to create high-speed rail between Chicago and St. Louis and the proposed third metropolitan airport near Peotone. Andrzejewski said he would look at the current share of state income taxes that go to local municipalities—an immensely difficult political move.

A billion dollars in cuts? Let’s see them come up with ten times that amount and then I’d be impressed.

The Senate Democrats popped an amendment into the Executive Committee last week which would’ve required all candidates for governor to propose their own state budget the same day as the governor unveiled his budget (in March, after the primary). I was pretty harsh on the SDems for that one last week, but maybe they have a point.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 3:36 pm

Comments

Keep up the Trib assault.

On the other hand, a billion or 12, the ‘really inane question…’ did result in some responses, other than ‘Duh’.

Comment by your bud Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 3:56 pm
Eliminate all corporate tax expenditures, aka “tax loopholes.” Savings: $1.4 billion

Next question, please?

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 3:59 pm
While I like where the SDEMS are coming from and I emotionally agree with the sentiment. Clearly that amendment would be unconstitutional. You cannot require a political candidate to say anything. Swear to protect and defend the constitution? Okay. But to provide political fodder for your opponents, no way.

Comment by siriusly Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 4:00 pm
Well if the Sen Dems want to do that. How about taking the first step and put spending and revenue numbers up on the internet in real time…

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 4:05 pm
I give Adam A. points for raising something significant and difficult in taking back the local government share.

Proft wants to cut the income tax in half in the midst of a $12 billion deficit. Let me guess — that will unleash a flurry of economic activity (all in-state, mind you) that will actually increase revenues and eliminate the deficit, right?

And he’s a conservative candidate? The meaning of the word has been perverted beyond recognition.

Then we have targeted tax breaks (picking winners and losers) to increase economic activity. Did any of our conservative friends suggest there might be an economic benefit if the state paid its bills within a reasonable time?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 4:07 pm
We have a room full of white guys wearing different assortments of horse riding gear and an out of control, nostrils-flaring, broncing buck monster exploding on it’s hind legs with red eyes.

All these various guys claim they can ride it, but no one really looks dusty, fit, capable, willing or able to do so. They all know it’s just for show - they all want to win the big “governor” belt buckle without actually doing any riding.

So, as journalists interview our tenderfeet gubernatorial candidates, we need to recognize that no one knows what they are talking about, how to do it, but hopes they win.

It is ridiculous.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 4:11 pm
Yes, but alot of the Senate Dem’s are some of the main culprets of why were are in this mess.

Comment by ahoy Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 4:13 pm
Will the SDEMS require the OMB to work with the candidates to provide them the necessary information too?

Comment by John Bambenek Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 4:30 pm
JBT’s budget plan release, circa July or August 2006, would have made for a great campaign platform and argument in any year other than 2006. She had a solid plan with a revenue stream and generation source(s), budget cuts and a term-long plan for spending.

I don’t have a problem with the proposal. Since everything in this state is political beyond repair, why not force a member of the opposite party to release a premature, in-house report/plan?

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 4:35 pm
Not often do I get to post the same response twice in the same day, on two separate posts non the less.

My advice to those who can afford to do it…move to Oklahoma, this place is doomed.

Comment by Speaking at Will Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 4:51 pm
The SDems are crazy. Running for political office means making promises you can’t keep. GOVERNING is a lot harder. Democrats have the largest majorities in my lifetime and they can’t make any hard decisions. It’s hard work running a state, but they can’t expect Republicans to take the burden of proposing REAL budgets before they are elected. I’m not saying Republicans could do any better, but being in the opposition has its advantages.

Comment by Pothole Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 4:58 pm
Great comment, VM. Would’ve given you a “like” on the old new site.

Comment by Lefty Lefty Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 5:01 pm
Rich, I agree that the GOP candidates need to find ten times that $1 billion cut amount, since they would be run out of the party if they proposed a tax increase as part of the budget solution. But if someone can’t even point to $1B in real cuts, they sure as heck won’t get to $10B, so I think the question was fair.

Regarding the Dems’ race, my big gripe about Hynes’ campaign launch was that it started off with the usual “line by line” budget-cutting claptrap - which means he doesn’t know where to cut either - as well as a graduated tax plan that stands zero chance of being enacted. After 12 years as Comptroller, you would think that Hynes might have some useful ideas about where the cuts will hurt the least. (Any cuts are going to hurt someone, it’s inevitable, the challenge is to minimize the damage.)

Whatever one may think of Quinn’s income tax plan, he was at least honest enough when he introduced it back in March to admit that a constitutional amendment to eliminate the flat-rate tax was not going to happen.

Pothole @4:58pm makes a great point. And it’s not just an Illinois issue, you can see the same problems at the federal level.

Comment by cover Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 5:15 pm
Is anyone allowed to propose a budget cut of any size without being called foolish or worse on this site?

Comment by Leave a Light on George Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 5:23 pm
George, the inanity is in bragging about cuts that barely dent the problem. U r reading into this what u want apparently.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 5:27 pm
Also, fiction isn’t usually applauded here.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 5:28 pm
YDD…

Eliminate every tax incentives and businesses will leave even faster. Not a big fan of incentives for private companies (let the market work) but unfortunately they are needed because the cost of doing business (labor, Work Comp, energy, etc) is MUCH higher here.

If you want to close “loopholes” you should read the Comptroller’s report that lists them - the top 3 are used by individuals (not businesses).

Will you also support closing “loopholes” for individuals?

Comment by 4 percent Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 5:32 pm
“Also, fiction isn’t usually applauded here.”

Fiction is applauded here on a regular basis. See Bill, Vanilla Man, Cassandra, Speaking at Will, ect.

Comment by Leave a Light on George Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 5:43 pm
=== move to Oklahoma, this place is doomed. ===

As I mentioned on the other thread, OKLAHOMA:

- Higher income tax rate
- Higher business taxes
- Higher overall tax burden on individuals

There’s a reason that Oklahoma’s budget is balanced, and its got nothing to do with lower spending.

In fact, Oklahoma’s state budget for 2009 is $30.8 billion, compared to Illinois’ budget of about $50 billion. But Oklahoma’s population is only 3.6 million, compared to 12.9 million for Illinois. That means Oklahoma spends almost twice per capita what Illinois spends.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 5:46 pm
Oklahoma????
Jeez, Will have you ever been there? Read the Grapes of Wrath.
I’d rather be in Southern Illinois regardless of taxes.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 5:50 pm
==See Bill, Vanilla Man, Cassandra, Speaking at Will, ect.==

Hey, speak for yourself georgie.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 5:52 pm
4 percent:

I don’t view tax breaks for large classes of individuals as “loopholes” any more than i viewed doubling the license plates charges a “fee” increase.

But if Republicans want to call exempting seniors from paying taxes on their pensions a “loophole” and introduce legislation to “close it” as a way to balance the budget, go right ahead. That’s your prerogative.

Ditto on eliminating the personal income tax exemption or the sales tax “loophole” for food and medicine.

By the way, the last time i checked, businesses in Illinois paid the LOWEST utility rates per KwH, and the rest of us were subsidizing them. But if employers in Illinois find energy costs inconveniently high, I suggest to they talk to their friends in the Illinois Chamber of Commerce who run the energy companies, instead of using it as an excuse to feed at the public trough.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 5:56 pm
I never thought I would have the honor of being included in such a prestigous list as Bill, Vanilla Man and Cassandra. This is basically an up day!

Comment by Speaking At Will Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 7:24 pm
If you feel you must move to Oklahoma, I’d suggest Muskogee. My friend Merle tells me even squares can have a ball.

Living on Tulsa time is supposed to be pretty sweet, as well.

But watch out for that wind whipping down the plain.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 7:36 pm
Dillard, Brady and Schillersomething have just lost the election (if they win their primary). First look to Medicaid? Who are they kidding?

Comment by Really? Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 7:40 pm
–We have a room full of white guys wearing different assortments of horse riding gear and an out of control, nostrils-flaring, broncing buck monster exploding on it’s hind legs with red eyes.–

VMan, I think you were at the tryouts for the New Village People, not the Union League Club GOP forum. Honest mistake, I’m sure.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 7:41 pm
So you really think you will get more then a few Billion dollars worth of cuts past a democrat GA? LOL

Comment by Dnstateanon Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 9:00 pm
Rich, just wondering: are you closing out comments on posts from the previous night now? Would like to know, because if that’s the case, I won’t go back to check them if you can share the new policy with us. I’m sure there’s a reason; again, just wondering. Sorry if I missed the announcement if there was one. Thanks!

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:10 pm
WAIT, WAIT GOPS want to cut health care for the elderly????? Someone call Congressman Boner and tell our guys are off message. Bet this means CaribouBarbie won’t be here for the primary.
P.S BTW high speed rail depends on federal cash and Peotone spending has been for the land bank….good luck finding some rube to buy that in today’s market. Maybe Proft could ask ERV for “ideas”….When do we jimRYAN in the race?

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Thursday, Oct 22, 09 @ 6:32 am