Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

* UPDATED x3 * Hynes slams Quinn; County board overrides Stroger; Krislov in the clear

Posted in:

Illinois

* Dan Hynes threw a big punch at Gov. Pat Quinn today. He claimed the governor played politics with the capital bill so long that the state missed the construction season…

“Pat Quinn had the opportunity — and the responsibility — to put the people of Illinois back to work, but he failed,” the three-term Democratic comptroller said in his prepared remarks.

“Pat Quinn had a choice. He could have signed the capital bill immediately, created jobs and given the economy a jump start. Or he could use this essential legislation as a political chip, holding its passage over the heads of lawmakers reluctant to pass his misguided 50 percent income tax increase on middle class families,” Hynes said.

“Pat Quinn chose to play politics. So in this time of economic uncertainty and record unemployment, after yet another construction season has ended, not one job has been created from the capital bill. And future jobs are in doubt because the funding mechanism doesn’t seem to work.”

Hynes is right that Quinn tied up the capital bill after explicitly promising not to try and hold it hostage to other issues, like his tax hike. Speaker Madigan and others warned the governor not to break that pledge, but he did it anyway. Hynes wants him to pay the price for it.

The “not one job has been created from the capital bill” line might not be accurate. I don’t know. I’m asking the guv’s office for some info, and I’ll let you know what they say.

Speaking of the funding mechanism which “doesn’t seem to work” (according to Hynes), more communities are opting out of video poker. Arlington Heights is about to say thanks, but no thanks, and McHenry County is doing the same. As I noted below, the horse racing industry is offering to host the video terminals at their tracks, but the idea is a long shot at the moment. They gotta do something, though.

*** UPDATE 1 *** We’re finally getting some hard numbers on when video poker will start and how these opt-outs are impacting the cash flow. The answers: About a year and no big deal yet…

It’ll be at least a year before legalized video gambling machines will be online in bars, restaurants and truck stops across Illinois, state gambling regulators said today.

News of the delay in video poker came as regulators also said that the number of communities opting out of video gambling is not large enough yet to impact revenue projections. The state estimates it will rake in anywhere from $288 million to $534 million once video gambling is fully implemented.

Eric Noggle, a senior analyst for the revenue forecasting group, said the communities that have opted out only represent about 10 percent of the state’s population. That number would have to creep closer to 20 percent before revenue projections would have to be reevaluated.

*** UPDATE 2 *** From the governor’s office…

The assertion by Comptroller Hynes that no jobs have been created by the state’s capital construction program is incorrect.

We estimate that approximately 4,000 jobs have been created or retained to date by the early phases of the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program. In fact, approximately $360 million has been awarded to capital projects to date.

Governor Quinn signed the first components of the Illinois Jobs Now plan into law in April to ensure that projects started and jobs were created this year.

That was the “jump start” capital program from April, however, not the capital bill signed in the summer.

*** UPDATE 3 *** Is the train starting to move on video gaming at tracks? Maybe…

llinois Gov. Pat Quinn a few minutes ago told reporters in Chicago that he thinks the state should “take a look” at a controversial proposal by the horse racing industry to have slot machines at the tracks as a means of helping pay for a huge new infrastructure program.

“As far as the race tracks go . . . they have a proposal and we ought to take a look at it,” Quinn said in the news conference, which was piped to the Statehouse in Springfield. “I don’t think categorically I’m going to say `no’ to that.”

It may not sound like much of an endorsement, but in the on-going debate over expanded gambling, it’s a major opening of a long-shut door — and another indication of just how nervous Quinn and other leaders are about the failure of the state’s new video poker law to generate the kind of anticipated revenue they had hoped for.

[ *** End of Updates *** ]

* As expected, the Cook County Board voted to override President Stroger’s veto of the partial sales tax rollback. From Tony Peraica’s Twitter page…

The County Board proved today that it is not the City Council or the State Legislature, but that it is truly a legislative body. Congrats!

That prompted a follow-up Tweet from Rep. John Fritchey…

@tonyperaica Before you start knocking the Legislature, remember who gave you the ability to do what you did today.

The GA, of course, lowered the threshold for veto overrides in Cook.

…Adding… How they voted.

* From a press release by Democratic comptroller candidate Clint Krislov…

I am pleased to announce that the objection to my ballot petition will be withdrawn, ending any doubt that I will be on the ballot for the Democratic Nomination for State Comptroller.

That said, it has now been a week since my lawyer notarized the withdrawal, and the State Board of Elections has not yet received it from the Miller campaign. Although I presume Mr. Miller will actually file his withdrawal, it’s unfortunate that they chose such a slow way to file it, unlike the haste with which they filed his objection

Which brings me to the main reason for this press conference.

The current batch of challenges is just one part of what’s wrong with Illinois politics, but it’s an important problem. Owing to the shortness of time for this primary, and the fact that Illinois is one of the few states in which candidates may challenge each other’s petitions, this year we have a record number, more than 180 at someone’s count, of people trying to pre-empt voters’ choice of candidates.

1. Converting the ballot process into intramural Dodgeball to the Death, is not good. How do we hope to get good people to run for office, knowing they will be tied up in baseless accusations of fraud, forgeries or “pattern of fraud”, lodged against each other, and each other’s family and friends; all with no downside risk, done solely to drain resources, and eliminate competition. And, while the objection in my race is an annoyance that will pass, look at the judges races, with lawyers baselessly accusing each other and each other’s families of being criminals. This is wrong, and it is something I will address, both inside the campaign and by other avenues.

2. We need candidates with courage. Candidates, like Mr. Miller, who conduct these objections under the name of some campaign worker, do not display the courage we need in a Comptroller. How can we expect someone to stand up to the special interests in Springfield, if they’re too timid to even put their own name on their own challenges.

3. Can’t Count. Finally, Mr. Miller’s challenge should never have been filed. As we asked the election board to dismiss the objection, because as bogus as it was, it never even challenged enough signatures to drop me below the necessary 5000 signatures. If he can’t count to 5000 reliably, what’s he going to do when he’s dealing with a budget in the billions?

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 1:49 pm

Comments

Peraica should have prefaced his statement with the word “finally”?

The truth about what happened with the Capital Bill earlier this year does need to come out. Just in case people missed it, ya know.

Comment by Will County Woman Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 1:58 pm
And thank you for the last news we’re probably going to hear about Clint Krislov until his concession speech. What a waste of time and money.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:00 pm
Well, at least he made it onto the ballot this time.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:01 pm
So Hynes rightly accuses the governor of playing politics with the bill by playing a dangerous game of politics of his own. How sad. Illinois desperately needs the tax revenue — otherwise people need to downsize their expectations of state government to Arkansan or even rural Mexican proportions.

Comment by Angry Chicagoan Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:07 pm
intramural Dodgeball to the Death

Not sure if that is a better band name or album title

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:13 pm
Any other rulings by the BOE? There web site has no changes but I don’t expect much from the website.

Comment by WOW Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:16 pm
dillard hit quinn on this point weeks and weeks ago. also noted that uinn failed to issue bonds for months. put out a release and had a presser in rockford. imitation is the sincerest form of flattery i guess.

Comment by 4 percent Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:20 pm
Here is a remedy for the opt out clause for video poker. Your city/county can opt out but you don’t receive any of the proceeds.

Comment by ahoy Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:21 pm
So Hynes has embraced the “Nuclear Option” which is the weapon of choice at local “Tea Party” meetings- not Democratic Party meetings. His poll numbers must not be getting any traction. It would be nice to see leaders from both political parties work on creating jobs and paying social services agencies so they aren’t forced to shut down and lay more people off. The blame game doesn’t do anything to help people of this state.

Comment by Big Policy Nerd Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:21 pm
when the only way we can create jobs is to build roads so that we can have ways to transport terrorists to their new Illinois housing we have a major cluster—- on our hands. Adult supervision is needed.

Comment by shore Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:29 pm
There is something wrong with the system when a candidate can have 60% of their signature be bad yet they still qualify to be on the ballot!

Comment by Just wondering Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:31 pm
“Not one job has been created by the Capitol Bill”

Gimme a break. Then what is paying for all that construction traffic I get caught in every day with the big signs that read, paid for by the capitol bill. The only thing that keeps me from losing it, half the time, is because I see people working.

If Quinn played politics, it was to get the state afloat. At least he tried to solve the problem-which still exists. I’m not sure what Hynes did, but I am sure his plan didn’t work either.

Comment by Big Timber Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:38 pm
===that read, paid for by the capitol bill===

I don’t think so. I think you mean the ARRA signs. That’s the federal cash.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:40 pm
ahoy, clearly people who are opting out have the good common sense to see that video gaming is more trouble than it is worth, in the long run.
so, all opting out are in the wrong? who has opted in? I don’t recall reading about any who have opted in.

4percent, good! I love truth no matter the side of aisle it comes from. Perhaps should reiterate what he said weeks ago now on the heels of getting his campaign ad up and running.

Comment by Will County Woman Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:42 pm
Just wondering - what are you talking about? Where did it say 60% of his signatures are bad?

Comment by wondering, too Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:47 pm
I doubt that’s the last we’ll hear from Krislov, he’s the lawyer suing Chicago to overturn the parking meter deal, and there’s a fee hike due in a month.

Comment by Cynic's cynic Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:47 pm
Rich, as I mentioned to you earlier, I think at least one 800 pound gorilla on the video gaming opt outs that simply has not been adequately thought thru is going to be the effect on fraternal/veterans groups.

Under the new law (and I have this on good authority) clubs will not be able to continue to have their “for amusement only” machines. Maybe my experience is unique and misleading, but as I travel I see a lot of Moose, Eagles, Elks clubs, VFW and American Legion halls, and KC halls (and probably others) that probably couldn’t survive without the revenues from their “for amusement only” machines.

The new video gaming law was already going to be hard on them. Fewer machines, splitting the profits with the state in addition to the machine owners, etc., was already going to reduce their income. But opting out by their local government unit will totally eliminate it.

Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:48 pm
I am probably going to vote for Hynes over Quinn, but if the funding mechanism doesn’t seem to work, might it not be better to delay the projects until it looks like they can be paid for?

Comment by Balance Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:48 pm
Schnorf, you’re right on all counts, as usual.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:49 pm
Although I think Mr. Schnorf is correct in assuming these lodges will lose money without gambling, I find it rather ridiculous that they have been forced to fund their organizations illegally all these years.

Isn’t there a way for them to be made legit? Pass a law or something.
After all, heaven forbid they wouldn’t have a place to wear their water buffalo hats. (The last line is meant to be a joke and, yes, I know they do many good things)

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 2:59 pm
=== Isn’t there a way for them to be made legit? Pass a law or something.===

LOL

They did. It’s called legalizing video poker.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 3:00 pm
pjw, I think Pate tried several times to legalize them for veterans organizations and didn’t succeed

Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 3:08 pm
Rich:

I read somewhere that opt-outs are about at 10% of the state’s population, but there is no real impact on anticipated revenues until you hit about 20% of the state’s population.

By the way, to me, at least, this is Hynes first real legitmate hit on Quinn. Up until now its been stupid or nasty stuff.

Comment by Niles Township Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 3:09 pm
The law of unintended cosequences strikes again

Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 3:12 pm
Been following Fritchey and Peraica today.
Peraica responded to that follow up tweet with a thanks to Fritchey.
Nice to see Peraica take the high road on that, and it was great reading his tweets today.

Comment by OdysseusVL Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 3:17 pm
We are shocked the state’s agribusiness ( that Tribune code for racing and Mr. D) are waiting to rush in and save the capital program.
This was predicted in the Spring when the track and casino honchos were not let in
Bet if those sharped eyed newsies checked they might find some local lobbos pushing the local ban…..hmmmm

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 3:20 pm
Peraica’s response to Fritchey:
“Your are right John. I wish that democracy breaks out more often in Sprinfield. I do appreciate your help/leadership.”

Comment by OdysseusVL Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 3:23 pm
It appears Tony has ate his pound of flesh today and is full up on Toddlers and all is right in with the world.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 3:33 pm
=Just wondering - what are you talking about? Where did it say 60% of his signatures are bad?=

Sorry, I was referring to another candidate running county wide.

Comment by Just wondering Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 4:06 pm
Actually, all of the work this year was from ARRA and the mini-capital program. Hynes may be right about Quinn’s delay costing some work this construction season. The mini-cap program, however, helped to offset this somewhat. And with the revenue shortfalls (not to mention the legislature not having some of these sources available right away anyway), the Hynes hit is a bit over the top. Next year’s capital program promises to be robust, and funded.

Comment by phocion Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 4:20 pm
The Gov’s response says “4,000 jobs have been created or retained.” Out of that number how many have actually been “created.” It would be interesting to ask them to explain what they mean by jobs that have been “retained” by the capital bill.

Comment by Just the Facts Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 4:31 pm
Miller also withdrew his challenge against his other opponent Raja Krishnamoorthi. I wish there were penalties for these frivolous petition challenges. There is no way he could have challenged 4500-5000 signatures successfully.

Comment by Capfax reader Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 4:37 pm
What effect does the county opting out of video poker have? Does this only effect unincorporated Cook County?

Comment by Jimmy Joe Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 4:41 pm
What effect does the county opting out of video poker have? Does this only effect unincorporated Cook County?
——————-

Yes.

Comment by Niles Township Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 4:42 pm
Hynes’ argument is a little weak, if you ask me. Quinn got the public works plan up and running. “Not fast enough” sounds like the complaint of a desperate candidate.

Comment by Studious Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 4:45 pm
I’m kind of tired of hearing Hynes do his whole blast Quinn on the raising taxes on middle class people thing when every economist on the planet has said that Illinois needs more revenue right now. There isn’t 12 billion to cut. He knows better than anyone the state of our unpaid bills alone. So please explain how all of his wonderful ideas to fix our budget mess that require a freakin constitutional amendment that couldn’t even be introduced until he is lucky enough to take office in JANUARY, 2011!!!! Nobody is calling him on it. What are his plans or any of the GOP candidates’ plans to fix what is wrong and getting worse, right now? The only thing all of them are doing are whipping up the perfect frenzy making it so we get absolutely nothing done. Way to go boys.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 5:51 pm
Re: update #3

all of this will be used against Quinn in the general, and rightfully so. I’m trying to recall his comments back in the spring and his comments in brushing off concerns about counties opting out (i’m sure that i will recall his comments in the coming days). Generally I recall that he was very confident and sure about the revenues that video poker would generate, boastful even. if quinn et al. were so wrong about video poker in bars, then what else might he et al. be wrong about? thomson? early prisoner release? everything?

no one in springfield bothered to stop and think about the possibility that video poker as envisioned and passed would be rejected? before proceeding with the bill, no one bothered to stop and consider what might happen if video poker didn’t work or alternatives to video poker?

instead they just rammed it through.

people think politicians are smart just because they went to law school or some (insert a name) presitigous institution of higher learning. it may true that many are book smart and able to take and pass tests, but common sense and applied knowledge seems to elude many politicians. I’m not sure why that is, but it is sad because of the decision making power that they hold and the implications of the decisions, right or wrong, that they make.

how can i possibly vote for any incumbent next November? why should I want to vote for any incumbent?

Comment by Will County Woman Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 6:47 pm
So all the pomp that the County Board could muster when they opted out of video poker, it really effects a very small area.

Comment by Jimmy Joe Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 7:43 pm
Beam me up now please…Dan Hynes says the Governor’s inability to timely pass a Capital plan resulted in no new jobs. Ok…Ummm…Wasn’t the capital plan being debated since late 2007/early 2008 when Blago and his enablers in the legislature were delaying action so they could host fundraisers with contractors, road builders and the building trades to fatten up their campaign coffers/personal expense accounts??? Debate over a capital plan has been going on for years…

And while I am at it…”Elect me Governor” and then we will hold a statewide referendum to vote on a tax increase is going to miraculously fix our state budget crisis too? More kool-aid please. Nah…Screw the kool-aid, a mess like this calls for a scotch.

Comment by Irish Eyes Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 8:15 pm
Let the Horse tracks have them all it would make the state more money. The licensing would be more cost effective easier to manage. The Central server would be cheaper and easier to maintain. the oversight of the whole operation would be cheaper for the state and the state and the riverboats could stop giving subsidys to the horse tracks. Plus you wouldn’t have to worry about any more opt outs.

Comment by LOOK AT IT THIS WAY Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 10:44 pm
To all - Vid Poker is about 25% of the revenue stream of the Capital Bill. The remainder is funded by higher registration/licence fees and increased sales taxes on previously lower taxed items like candy, all of which are currently in place. And the bulk of the Capital Bill will be for projects that are still in the delivery pipeline and won’t be ready to build for awhile, so there’s plenty of time to ramp up. As far as projects being deferred, there will be plenty of time to delay some of those if the $ doesn’t meet projections. A 10% hit on 25% is something like a 2.5% hit on planned funding, a modest fluctuation that the Steve Schnorfs of the world deal with on an annual basis.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Tuesday, Dec 1, 09 @ 11:39 pm
Are the horse tracks the reason that there are no slots at O’Hare and Midway? That should be a slam dunk — maybe get some real out-of-state money.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 2, 09 @ 7:37 am
“if quinn et al. were so wrong about video poker in bars, then what else might he et al. be wrong about? thomson? early prisoner release? everything?”

You are special. The revenue estimates had built in a certain level of attrition calculated. If you look at a number of independent studies, the video poker revenue estimates are on the low end.

Comment by WizzardOfOzzie Wednesday, Dec 2, 09 @ 8:20 am
Word we should just legalize airplane gambling. The planes can put little slot machines in the seat backs, then when they fly over IL they can turn them on…..

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Dec 2, 09 @ 8:38 am