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* I’ve seen several comments like this one from longtime commenter Yellow Dog Democrat whenever the topic of closing the Jacksonville Developmental Facility has come up on the blog…
Morgan County voted overwhelmingly for Bill Brady, as did Orland Township where Tinley Park is located.
Apparently, residents there believe that Illinois can cut its way out of its budget problems.
So cut we shall.
Next up: agency field offices, universities and prisons.
I can’t wait to here the reaction from local Republican State Reps and Senators when Eastern Illinois University is shuttered.
* Jacksonville (which is in Morgan County) has been a hotbed of anti-government tea party organizing for the past two years. However, as one commenter pointed out last week, Jacksonville, population 19,214, has several state facilities…
Developmental Center, Illinois School for the Deaf, Illinois School for the Blind, Jacksonville Correctional Center, a local DHS Office, a local DCFS Office and a branch of LLCC.
Not to mention all those Jacksonville-area residents who drive to Springfield to work at state jobs. Gov. Pat Quinn administration’s economic impact study concluded that the facility could be closed with less community harm than closing other state facilities…
The administration conducted an Economic Impact Index examination of the areas surrounding all the Division of Developmental Disabilities and Division of Mental Health facilities in the state. The “index number” was derived by dividing the number of lost facility jobs by the size of the community local work force, multiplied by the unemployment rate of the SODC community. The results demonstrated that the impacts on the Jacksonville and Tinley Park communities would be among the lowest of those communities with state facilities.
* Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard actively supported Republican state Sen. Bill Brady in the 2010 gubernatorial campaign. Ezard has forcefully opposed the facility’s closure, but Brady wanted far deeper state budget cuts to avoid the need for a tax increase. Frankly, Sen. Brady’s proposal of a ten percent across the board slash wouldn’t have done the trick, so the cuts would’ve had to be far deeper than he let on during the campaign.
But, is this subject fair game? After all, we’re talking about human lives here. The people at JDC have real needs and the state has an obligation to serve them. So…
* The Question: Is bringing up Jacksonville’s tea party/conservative Republican tilt fair game in discussions about closing its state developmental center? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:30 am
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Another example of why Illinois has the reputation it does. I vote no!
Comment by downhereforyears Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:34 am
The Tea Party/pro-Brady bent does not, in and of itself, justify closing JDC. But it is perfectly legitimate to raise the apparent hypocrisy of the anti-government-except-when-I’m-the-one-getting-the-government-check crowd, and to ask them what their alternative would be — one that would square with their Tea Party rhetoric.
Comment by South of Sherman Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:38 am
of course it is fair. it exposes the hypocrisy of those who want to severely cut government spending because they don’t like what gets spent on someone else’s constituency. if tea party supporters really believed that government spending is a drain on our economy, then they would voluntarily give up their incomes, pensions, roads, prisons, etc. isn’t the logic of their position that, if they do that, the economy in their area would take off? they should be beating down the bushes to abandon their government-funded chains and escape from “big government” so that they have bigger and better economic conditions…
Comment by bored now Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:40 am
It most certainly is. Cut over there and over there but not here? Doesn’t quite fly.
Comment by South of 64 Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:41 am
I think that it’s absolutely fair game, and should be mentioned. If they are going to shriek high and low, and rail against ‘government spending’…then they ought to be pleased as punch when cuts are made in their area.
Comment by How Ironic Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:45 am
I don’t think its fair to imply that the County’s political history carried any weighit in the Governor’s decision to close JDC.
However, I do beleive it is fair to call out this particular population segment of Morgan County for their hypocracy.
Comment by TCB Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:46 am
No it is not fair or even good government. These decisions should be made straictly on the merits of the situtation and the over all effect on State policy and performance, not on political leanings of an area or their political leaders.
This being said, this is Illinois and the fact is both parties govern by political whim and not by good government. Seems especially true of the Blago now Quinn administrations.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:46 am
If we’re cutting JDC based on their county vote, then we should increase funding for Tinley based on their county vote (Cook went for Quinn 2-to-1).
Or, if we narrow it down to townships, then let’s move Tinley literally across the street to Bremen Township, which also voted for Quinn 2-to-1, instead of closing it.
Then let’s double their funding, right???
Never mind making decision based on maintaining the best quality of life possible for all fellow citizens across Illinois.
Comment by Shock & Awww(e) Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:50 am
yes. feeding at the trough and screaming that someone else is responsible for the cost of government. same thing when the screaming about socialism starts at the national level. maybe the hypocrisy is why so many of them like Newt, the king of hypocrites for multiple examples of hypocrisy.
Comment by amalia Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:51 am
It’s absolutely fair to point that out in discussions Rich. It brings home, literally, the hypocrisy of the Republican/Tea Party position on “Across the Board” cuts, and cuts only. When what they really meant was NIMBY “Across the Board” cuts.
Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:53 am
You reap what you sew!
Comment by truther Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:56 am
Fair, but not the only thing to bring to the table.
The day the Tea Party know it alls actually do know it all will be the same day the Tea Party ceases to exist.
Comment by Dirty Red Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:56 am
Fair Game? Yep!
Government is about choices. Good government is good politics, good politics is good government.
As long as there is no reason to think the entire system will implode on the closing of this ONE facility at this ONE location, then it can close, and if politics was a factor in the decision, then so be it.
You can’t have it both ways, when your Rep. or state Senator beefs about closings in their district, and then fight to keep them open by backing someone in favor of your cause and they win, AND the winner keeps it open.
I am personally glad that the political aspect is brought up. The more GOP “loses” taht are pointed out, hopefully state-wide, the GOP will rally together and defeat the Dems.
State jobs ae not guaranteed. Some come … some go. Another lesson the ILGOP is going to have to learn the hard way.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:57 am
It’s a fair discussion and one tea party or Republican activists could avoid if they just admitted that cuts have to be made everywhere, even in their own backyard. They also have to be made in everyone else’s backyard, though.
Comment by Old Milwaukee Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:57 am
Once somebody has been elected governor, they are beholden to the entire population of Illinois, not just those of your own political ilk.
Therefore, making cuts based on political opposition is not only wrong, it opens up the other political party for retribution when the positions are reversed.
In addition, why should the average resident of Illinois pay an undue price for the sins of the local political leaders?
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:59 am
p.s., I voted that it wasn’t fair.
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:00 pm
It is not fair because it implies that political retribution is a valid decision-making tool, instead of the efficacy of the institution, availability of alternative solutions, etc.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:00 pm
Huh? Said it first, and said it better! LOL
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:01 pm
- Once somebody has been elected governor, they are beholden to the entire population of Illinois, not just those of your own political ilk. -
Exactly, these folks have been screaming for cuts for years, so Quinn would be giving them exactly what they asked for. Completely fair.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:02 pm
Rich - What sort of discussions are we referring to? Just here on the blog? Politics should play no role whatsoever before or during official talks about which state facilities to close or what funding to cut. But after the Economic Impact Index is done (or whatever metric is used to examine the local impact) and the “cut spending” crowd - or should I say the “this is why Illinois has a bad reputation” crowd - throws a fit about said closing, absolutely it should be brought up! It should probably be spotlighted here and elsewhere, as a matter of fact.
Every day I turn on the Springfield channel 20 news, there is a story about how Jim Watson and Sam McCann think this closing is a terrible idea. They never, ever point out any of these two hypocrites’ past statements about stuff like “socialist” spending levels and how “bloated” state government is.
Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:04 pm
Fair? Completely fair. It’s not a question of whether the Quinn administration made this decision politically. It’s simply a matter of making these Tea Party folks understand that you can’t cut government without CUTTING GOVERNMENT. That means everybody. Tea Party included! The Tea Party doesn’t like to get real, they just want to complain about government being too big. This–and many other cuts you won;t like–are what results when you cut government.
Comment by ivote Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:08 pm
Fair Damn tootin it’s fair. We hear about how we
must cut spending, then when your ox gets gored
you cry about it. To Quote Harold Washinton,
“politics ain’t beanbag”.
Comment by mokenavince Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:11 pm
If Quinn cut all the places that didn’t support him in the last election, we’d solve the budget gap quite quickly.
Comment by OurMagician Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:11 pm
Not fair in making the decision. Absolutely fair to point out the “cut government/no taxes” hypocrites. How do these people think government operations are funded? Bake sales?
Comment by Ray del Camino Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:13 pm
It seems some people aren’t reading the QotD. It asks if it’s fair to bring that up in discussions. And in that context, to force the opposition to clarify their position on “Across the Board” cuts, it’s not only completely fair to discuss the point, but, I think, absolutely required when particular cuts are considered.
The QotD never asked if it should be the reason a particular cut is made, nor did it ask if it should even be one of the many reasons a particular cut should be made.
Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:18 pm
I voted not fair because the argument frames so that a group of people can’t complain about cuts.
No one can begin to speculate about what Brady actually would have been able to cut. I just think cutting services for the helpless is a low thing to do.
I don’t care what party you align with; this idea is wrong. Maybe it is feasible, but you better make darn sure that those affected have a place to go.
People make blanket statements about how much the Tea Party wants to cut…but I guarantee there are items in the state budget that could easily be addressed to alleviate some of the financial pressure that is being highlighted.
Don’t let your dislike for a group of people mitigate the feelings you would have towards bad public policy due to a “told you so” or “serves you right” mentality.
Comment by scitilop Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:19 pm
Yes, it is absolutely fair game. Rep. Watson and Senator McCann both voted against the state budget (HB 3717) and both have stated they will not vote for borrowing. So unless they fund JDC, they have no room to complain. McCann ran around the district frothing at the mouth with his merry bad of tea baggers screaming for cuts and talking about big government. Well Senator, it would appear to me that little ole JVille is bastion of big government with Jacksonville Developmental Center, Illinois School for the Blind, Illinois School for the Deaf, Jacksonville Correctional Center, a DHS field office, a DCFS field office and a branch of LLCC all located in town of less than 40,000. So Watson and McCann are both hypocrites and want it both ways.
And let me point out that no one is walking into JDC and kicking people onto the streets. As DHS did with the Howe closure, there are plans in place and meetings with family members and individuals are taking place to continue their care. Too many people are making comments that make you think JDC residents are simply being told to get out.
Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:19 pm
The Tea Party should be applauding this closure, exactly what they preach.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:20 pm
Of course its not fair. It makes great politics and gets people talking but talking about one specific closure/cut in a whole budget is not “fair.” It’s taking one line out of a 400 page spending plan.
So what if the Tea Party folks said we can save Jacksonville Development Center by lowering Medicaid eligibility and prohibiting illegal immigrants from getting health and education benefits. This would by far save more money even after keeping JDC open.
Comment by 1776 Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:23 pm
And, do we really want to start closing facilities based on politics? So, Brady wins the next election and they cut spending in Chicago Schools by $800 million and close the LaSalle Veterans Home because it’s in Mautino’s district. Four years later, LaSalle reopens but Pontiac prison closes.
Think of this horrific impact on the state’s reputation and its families.
Comment by 1776 Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:25 pm
===It seems some people aren’t reading the QotD. It asks if it’s fair to bring that up in discussions.===
I am reading it right, and answering it right. I want it brought up, I want it even embraced. It’s fair, and I hope it WAS a factor. I feel terrible for the people who now have to go other places and the lack of services, and don’t for get the jobs …
But it’s fair to bring up, and it’s fair if it was also part of the decision process.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:27 pm
Not really, if you use the ‘who went with Brady’ argument you end up including virtually every county besides Cook and a bit of metro east.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:29 pm
Money should not be a factor in elections. Candidates should renounce and ignore all issues of partisanship once they are elected. Incumbents should not consider previous voter support or future voter reaction in making difficult choices. Politics should play no part in government decision-making.
“Up where they walk, up where they run
“Up where they stay all day in the sun
“Wanderin’ free, wish I could be part of that world…”
Comment by soccermom Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:32 pm
I voted that it is fair, because budget cutting rhetoric sounds good when it doesn’t affect you. I always wonder how many people who hate “socialism” are on Medicaid, for example. That’s probably many people’s dirty little secret, that they hate safety net benefits but get them anyway.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:33 pm
If a local community no longer wants state employment opportunities, the state should strive to go where it is wanted. It’s not like the state if out there forcing a state-backed coalmine on Naperville. It has provided services and opportunities in numerous downstate communities. If those communities no longer want them, well, there’s probably no shortage of communities who’d take them. Perhaps we should turn this into a bidding process, kinda like when the state places a prison somewhere. Let’s open the bidding for the best local economic package someone wants for JDC etc.
It’s not political to make moves based on local voters.
It’s called democracy.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:34 pm
What is missing from this discussion is: from where do the residents these facilities serve come? The ones who will be most disadvantaged are the residents and families served, not some arbitrary political affiliation. Mental health issues do not know political affiliation nor geo-political boundaries.
Comment by Knome Sane Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:38 pm
I doubt the decisions to cut funding for these particular entities had anything to do with how people in the vicinity vote/think, but yeah, it’s fair to bring it up. You want small government you need to shut up about the cuts.
Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:40 pm
Yes.
Was this facility chosen because of the tea party influence? In other words was it the victim of the same tactics that closed certain state parks during the Blagojevich years? There were no savings in that instance and there was no rhyme nor reason except that the GA members in those areas opposed the Governor. If that is the case, the tea party actions might have influenced the closing. So the tilt is fair in discussing the closing.
As much as people like to point out that PQ is fair and aboveboard on everything, I disagree. I believe he is as vindictive as his predeccessor. Right now he is on a tear against Human Services, hence the reason why certain agencies did not get their steps and raises and also the reason why so many of their facilities are on the chopping block. PQ has it in for AFSCME because they fought him on the legislative liasons becoming union members. His actions against the other unions fall squarely on his issues with Human Services.
I also find it ironic that PQ calls a presser everytime he finds jobs no matter what the number but he doesn’t even bat an eye when he disposes of 500 state employees.
And for everyone who is applauding these cuts, please realize they will save you no money. It is just another case of the state abdicating their responsibilities. The people that are turned out supposedly will go to local services. Those local services are closing all across the state because they are not being reimbursed by the state. So these residents will end up in jail where they will be cared for by the DOC. Where is the savings there?
The same thing is happening with school transportation. PQ is going to cut all transportation funds for the schools. Are he and the GA going to cut the state mandates that forced the schools to bus in the first place? I doubt it. They want to be in charge they just don’t want to pay for it. So now a family that has both parents working and barely getting by has to take it on the chin and sacrifice even more to get their children to school themselves. Or they have to pay more in local taxes to cover the costs of busing.
PQ isn’t solving problems he is just pushing them off on someone else. Savings? not hardly.
Comment by Irish Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:41 pm
I haven’t been to either facility. If the physical descriptions of the properties are correct, I think using the facility may do more harm than good.
Comment by Jade_rabbit Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:44 pm
Fair to bring up, but not fair to actually weigh in the decision-making process.
The thing I hate about the state of politics today is this casting by one side of government as some exterior entity unto itself. Government is US, we ARE the government. Every person that votes. And WE should make these choices and decisions together, in that spirit.
Comment by Newsclown Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:44 pm
Yes, definitely fair. We all need to have pointed out the error of our ways, even if it is from hindsight. Even the tea party. Especially the tea party.
Comment by Cheswick Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:45 pm
Not really fair.
People voted for Brady for many reasons. One of them was the feeling that Quinn did not care about downstate.
Also, there may be tea partiers in Morgan County, but are the people served by JDC tea partiers? Are the employees? Based on my personal observation, I’d say the vast majority are not.
Finally, one of the facilities that Quinn wants to close is in the southern suburbs of Cook County, an area that supported Quinn by a wide margin. If the voting history of Morgan County is a reason to close a state facility there, is the voting history of Cook County a reason to keep the Tinley Park state hospital open?
Comment by Eugene Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:47 pm
@Irish — If it costs less per person served to provide community-based services, why doesn’t that result in cost savings over time?
Comment by soccermom Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:50 pm
Fair to bring up in discussion? Absolutely.
Cuts you wanted, cuts you’re getting.
Comment by Northsider Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:53 pm
yes, these facilities were located in these communities as rewards to powerful members of the General Assembly. People may no longer Sen so and so who was able to bring the facility to town but there was one who did.
Should it be the primary or even large part of the formula, no.
I realize the residents of Jacksonville, Dixon, are profoundly disabled and this relocation may seriously impact their lives just as the transfer of the clients out of these centers did in the past. In the end politics played a role in the creation of these faciliies and it will play a role in their demise.
Comment by Anon3 Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:59 pm
soccermom, you gave me a laugh.
You want “thingamabobs”, I have twenty!
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:02 pm
It’s fair because the COGFA process and the state budget are political processes. If it is pure policy, then Illinois would’ve gone the way of most other states years ago.
Comment by Leroy Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:02 pm
@OW — Who cares? No big deal! I want mooooorre!
Comment by soccermom Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:15 pm
soccermom,
If there is ever a “CapFax Karaoke Nite”, we will do a duet!
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:19 pm
===If there is ever a “CapFax Karaoke Nite”===
Something like that may be happening in March. More later. Now, back to the question, please.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:21 pm
No, that’s insane. That’s Blagojevich territory, going through the budget with a red pen in one hand and an enemies list in another.
Running a government properly means acting like a grownup even in the face of people who do not.
Comment by Dirt Digger Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:23 pm
YES YES YES it is fair game!!! Those legislators who represent and feed these tea party activists must stand up and support these cuts. They must be true to themselves. Or could it be that They Can’t Handle the Truth?!
Comment by Jacksonville Reality Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:29 pm
===Finally, one of the facilities that Quinn wants to close is in the southern suburbs of Cook County, an area that supported Quinn by a wide margin.===
1) Do an impact study to narrow down sites already being considered for closure.
2) Weigh that report, honestly, and look at it with the best solution for all, and the best financial impact for the state.
3) Have political cover by including one from an area that gave considerable support, politically, while closing the other you want closed for many reasons which may include politics.
4) Have the point made that politics MAY have influenced the decision, but then point quickly of the other facility and its “political” history to rebuff the political heat.
5) Close the buildings.
Sounds like a standard play in the playbook.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:30 pm
“Morgan County voted overwhelmingly for Bill Brady” - Does this mean that the county is ultra-conservative or does it just mean that it is overwhelmingly republican? I think it is more of the latter.
“Jacksonville (which is in Morgan County) has been a hotbed of anti-government tea party organizing for the past two years.” - Yes, there are tea party types in Jacksonville but they are a vocal minority so pinning anti-government tendencies on the entire community as a result of the few is baseless.
“Jacksonville, population 19,214, has several state facilities” - True! But let me give you a little history. ISD (1839), ISVI (1849) and JDC (1851) have been a part of the community for a hundred and fifty plus years. They were established because Jacksonville welcomed the less fortunate into the community at a time when other communities wanted nothing to do with them. And yes, I’m sure the politics of the time had something to do with it as well. As far as the local DHS & DCFS offices and a local branch of the community college - there are not too many county seats that can’t say they don’t have these offices as well. The correctional facility was won in a lottery of communities that were asked to ante up something for the privilege. Jacksonville donated the land and, probably because of their republican bent, got the facility.
Folks, this is a tough blow for Jacksonville. Yes, there is a part of the community that can be viewed as hypocrites (The Journal Courier seems to lead the way) for there “Cut But Don’t Cut Here” mentality but the hard working people that make up the employees of these facilities, their spouse, families, and most of their friends aren’t of that ilk. These are tough times and for those commenters who seem to think that Jacksonville somehow deserves this, you need to take a step back and realize there is a psychological and very human toll that occurs when something that has been a part of a community for as long as JDC is marked for closure. Part of identity of the community is being ripped away.
“Morgan County voted overwhelmingly for Bill Brady” - Does this mean that the county is ultra-conservative or does it just mean that it is overwhelmingly republican? I think it is more of the latter.
“Jacksonville (which is in Morgan County) has been a hotbed of anti-government tea party organizing for the past two years.” - Yes, there are tea party types in Jacksonville but they are a vocal minority so pinning anti-government tendencies on the entire community as a result of the few is baseless.
“Jacksonville, population 19,214, has several state facilities” - True! But let me give you a little history. ISD (1839), ISVI (1849) and JDC (1851) have been a part of the community for a hundred and fifty plus years. They were established because Jacksonville welcomed the less fortunate into the community at a time when other communities wanted nothing to do with them. And yes, I’m sure the politics of the time had something to do with it as well. As far as the local DHS & DCFS offices and a local branch of the community college - there are not too many county seats that can’t say they don’t have these offices as well. The correctional facility was won in a lottery of communities that were asked to ante up something for the privilege. Jacksonville donated the land and, probably because of their republican bent, got the facility.
Folks, this is a tough blow for Jacksonville. Yes, there is a part of the community that can be viewed as hypocrites (The Journal Courier seems to lead the way) for there “Cut But Don’t Cut Here” mentality but the hard working people that make up the employees of these facilities, their spouse, families, and most of their friends aren’t of that ilk. These are tough times and for those commenters who seem to think that Jacksonville somehow deserves this, you need to take a step back and realize there is a psychological and very human toll that occurs when something that has been a part of a community for as long as JDC is marked for closure. Part of identity of the community is being ripped away.
Comment by Kerfuffle Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:31 pm
There is a major hypocracy being played out in Springfield, Republicans are calling for deep cuts but when the cuts come from thier districts they scream the loudest.
You can’t have it both ways.
Comment by Kyle Hillman Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:40 pm
Is it fair to point out hypocrisy? Always. You can’t vote for a platform of cuts and complain when those cuts are enacted–especially when you have offered no concrete alternatives. Don’t like this take on budget cuts? Fine, Sam McCann. Then file some legislation showing us how and where you’d cut instead. In the end, the voters of Morgan County are getting exactly what they voted for, even if they refuse to see it that way.
Comment by HiredGun Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:41 pm
Absolutely fair — and in fact important — to talk about. The story is less about Jacksonville, and more about the nature of the Tea Party itself. It shows how underneath a lot of posturing and theatrics, they feel just as entitled as the “freeloaders” they complain about, only with the added ugly dimension of demanding someone else get cut.
This is the same strain that runs through “kick Cook County out of Illinois” song and dance. Talk to enough conservatives and you find out that they are absolutely convinced that 100 percent of their tax dollars go to shiftless welfare cases in Chicago (the racist overtones of this are obvious), while they themselves are hardworking and independent people whose lack of a need for government directly informs their opinion that there should not be government.
This story shows how wrong they are on every count. It no wonder they don’t want to talk about it.
Comment by 44 Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:48 pm
While I believe the actions of Republican’s are extremely hypocritical (cut the budget but don’t affect me) I believe the actions of some (the tea party) should not cause harm to the rest of a community.
Budget cuts should be handled in a more responsible manner, especially when it involves people’s lives… which almost all budget cuts will.
Comment by Ahoy Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:50 pm
It’s fair to make Republicans face the fiscal reality. It’s easy to call for severe spending cuts when you aren’t in power and won’t have to put up or shut up.
Without the $7 billion in revenue from the income tax hike, the budget would’ve been savaged. And IL is already the 5th lowest in spending per capita among the 50 states.
Comment by reformer Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:00 pm
The GOP philosophy is “cuts for thee but not for me!”
Rep. Watson voted against the temporary income tax hike. Now he got the gall to raise hell about spending cuts. If he had his way, facilities would be closed across the state, not just in two towns.
I bet Sen. McCann opposes making the tax hike permanent. How does he propose to fund state facilities without the $7 billion?
Comment by reformer Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:14 pm
The reality is many of these tea pariers are state employees who get state pensions.
Comment by Jacksonville Reality Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:14 pm
I struggled before settling on a “no” vote and haven’t read the comments yet. I don’t think it’s fair with respect to their specific developmental center closing, but I think it’s fair in the context of the state having to make cuts and close facilities and do lay-offs and their facility is a part of that process. I hope that’s not too fine a distinction.
Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:15 pm
Of course it’s fair. The argument out of Jacksonville is largely centered on the loss of jobs, as if state government is supposed to be the employer of first resort — while cutting spending.
You get the same stuff out of Rep. Poe. Cut $700 million in corporate income tax and don’t lay off anyone. But, by the way, you can’t cut $1 million for a high school rodeo, which obviously is a core state function.
Schnorf’s contention that many of us don’t offer up much in cuts is fair, too. I’d suggest that the local taxpayers could start paying much more for teacher pensions. Why folks in Chicago — who pay their teacher pensions — or Carbondale have to foot the bill for sweet pensions at Hinsdale Central and New Trier is beyond me.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:21 pm
And Watson and McCann both voted against the final budget (HB 3717) and both have said they are against borrowing.
Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:21 pm
Absolutely. People don’t like it because it hurts to have your own hypocrisy and short-sighted rhetoric thrown back in their face. When the far right and Tea Partiers talk cut, cut, cut - they largely mean social welfare and education programs. But close a social program or school in their community, and its “bad government.”
I’m from the Morgan County area and don’t prescribe to its political lean. Go ahead boys - bit the hand that feeds you - but expect the whoppin’ you then deserve. Next up - save some bucks by closing that god forsaken detention facility, and who really needs schools for deaf and blink people?
Comment by Left Leaner Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:29 pm
Jacksonville Reality @ 2:14 hit it on the nose. Can’t throw a stone in any direction anywhere in Jville without hitting the house of someone employeed by the government.
Comment by Left Leaner Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:33 pm
All politics are local. The Tea Party had better figure that one out. Both places were seen as potential closures long before the tea party existed. Other SOFs have been closed in more democrat heavy districts (eg Zeller MHC).
Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:48 pm
It is fair discussion here but not in the decision-making process for budgetary purposes. But that is admittedly a Pollyanna opinion.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:48 pm
Jacksonville Reality - “The reality is many of these tea pariers are state employees who get state pensions.”
Just want to know where you get your facts or is it just reality because you say so?
Comment by Kerfuffle Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:49 pm
Fair, Schmair. The facility should be closed regardless of politics but what’s right for people with disabilities. If it’s politics or economics that results in its closure, who cares? It needs to be done and done in a way that protects the individuals that have been penned up for years.
Comment by gathersno Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:54 pm
Jville Reality: can you state the source of your facts? Love to see that proof.
So Jacksonville loses 500 more jobs. Is this revenge for voting like many other counties outside of the Chicago area? Vocal hotbed of tea partiers? Because the local paper prints corporate editorials? Because a very small, vocal group got PR? What about the much higher number of people who have nothing to do with any version of tea party ideals and just happen to be Republican? Or the number of Democrats. Does simply supporting someone like Brady only because he happens to be a Republican count as a strike against you. Apparently. Watson voted like many other Republicans. All facilities in all those areas closing. Please.
Political leaning is fair to bring up, but to use it as an excuse for action is a huge stretch. The opposite implication is if Demuzio had won and McCann had lost, JDC would not be touched.
Go read the material from the Govenor’s office on why JDC was selected. Facility is from the 1850’s. Well, the dirt is. The buildings are mostly from the 1940’s. Using that kind of rationale the state capital should be closed. The roads are in bad shape. Who here as ever been there? Roads have speed bumps and are no different than most other places. Pot holes exist on a section of a little used road. Power plant is bad. Seven more just like exist at other state facilities. They all closing?
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:19 pm
All of these tea partiers talk about less government but when cuts occur to government institutions in their area - they scream hell fire!! Someone needs to explain to them what is going on in reality. One of my Tea Party friends said that he believed we should privatize EVERYTHING. I had to ask him, “Do you know how crazy and stupid that sounds?” He really thought that could be a possibility. I had to explain to him that government does things that the private sector can’t and that each - the public and private sector - compliment each other and can form partnerships, etc. He looked at me like I was the crazy one. And, well, sadly - most Tea party people I meet react like my friend did.
Comment by Democratic Yoda Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:25 pm
What does “fairness” have to do w/ it? I don’t see any evidence that it has anything to do w/ the decision…if it does, present it; if not, drop it. Just the facts, please. Let’s forget subjective value judgments.
Comment by D.P. Gumby Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:28 pm
It is always fair to point out hypocrisy. The problem with the Governor is that he doesn’t present a comprehensive plan. By saving a few million at a time, he opens himself up for these targeted attacks. He needs to show the citizens of Illinois the shared sacrifice all will have to endure with the current budget situation. His piecemeal approach opens him up to his hypocrisy as well.
Comment by RetiredStateEmployee Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:28 pm
BTW, I voted yes.
Comment by D.P. Gumby Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:29 pm
Might I point out that these facilities are usually sited, at least in part, for political reasons? Therefore, I think the “Live by the sword, die by the sword” axiom pertains…
Comment by soccermom Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:32 pm
The decision should be made on the basis of a set metric. It seems it was to some degree.
I’m not pro-Quinn, but I have a hard time believing the man is so vindictive as to target Jacksonville out of spite. Seems reasonable on its own merits to close this facility.
Comment by Regular Reader Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:36 pm
Zatoichi - “The opposite implication is if Demuzio had won and McCann had lost, JDC would not be touched.”
It certainly makes one wonder!
Comment by Kerfuffle Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:47 pm
Brady’s proposal to cut 10% could’ve equally impacted every state facility. Though this may not be why Quinn wanted it done, going after one facility in a deep red area of the state sure smacks of politics.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:49 pm
===Brady’s proposal to cut 10% could’ve equally impacted every state facility.===
Yeah … and when the 10% cuts don’t come close to the monies needed and deeper cuts would have to have been made … then what?
I think brady lost … I will check again to see if he won.
(pause)
Nope, Brady lost.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:56 pm
Well, sign me up as Pollyanna.
Not fair as part of the specific decision to close facilities.
Absolutely fair in the general discussion of critics of government spending, not supporting government spending cuts.
Comment by mark walker Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 4:01 pm
Do I think using such political considerations as a primary factor are a valid approach? - No way.
If the facts that Pat “Adventures In Governing” Quinn cited about the Jacksonville facilities in question are legitimate about the age and conditions of structures, well, then lay out the facts and make your case.
But playing the political retribution game in shutting down facilities is just flat out stupid. If that’s the motivating factor at play here (to stick it to the Tea Party folks), why would anybody ever think that in the future the Democratic majority in the legislature will ever be able to get Republican legislators on board with anything?
Comment by Judgment Day Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 4:06 pm
It is fair, but let us keep in mind that the tea party has never advocated eliminating services for those who are unable to care for themselves–and their families. They want to see the healthy and able out providing for themselves and their families. 40% of IL children were born out of wedlock in 2009. Wow!
Stats from ILDPH:
http://www.idph.state.il.us/health/bdmd/unmarried.htm
I advocate people marry first, or upon pregnancy get married or agree otherwise to raise and provide for one’s own children without the state’s funds.
Comment by Peggy R/Southern Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 4:12 pm
Someone please explain how the state can possibly keep the facility open given the economic analysis, aging building, power plant costs, etc. This is not political. It is economic reality. This is what the tea partiers want and deserve.
Comment by Jacksonville Reality Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 4:30 pm
It is absolutely fair. There isn’t anything magical about Jacksonville. Yes I have been there. The residents at JDC will find supports and services elsewhere.
Comment by Mongo Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 4:42 pm
It’s absolutely not fair to make business decisions for political retaliation that affect defenseless individuals. I’m not against closing facilities if it is justifiable and defensible when compared to other facilities. But please don’t close it just to get even with those tea partiers.
Comment by Soccertease Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 4:45 pm
The point is… Closing JDC is NOT to get back at the tea partiers. It’s an economic decision they should support.
Comment by Jacksonville Reality Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 4:49 pm
Of course this is fair. The people in Jacksonville voted for representation that supported major cuts. Here are the major cuts. Anything else would be considered unfair in my book.
Comment by Orange and Blue Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 4:57 pm
No only in Jacksonville, but I’ve found in 25 years working for the state that most state employees downstate are anti-government types at heart.
Comment by DuPage Dave Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 6:01 pm
=Huh? Said it first, and said it better! LOL=
Lol Two “Anons” seem to be battling it out again. Been there. Done that–as the original BTW.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 6:10 pm
It’s fair only if their taxes are cut, too.
Comment by anonymice Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 6:23 pm
The closure is not about cost savings. This is simply a philosophical policy decision to change the way the developmentally disabled are cared for. The quinn admin is simply using the budget crisis as the excuse to do what they want to do anyway. So bringing up the teabaggers is not a fair issue.
Comment by Reformed Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 6:29 pm
I voted no. Politics has no place in decision making when it comes to the care of the disabled.
I know it does, but it shouldn’t.
It’s not like the main people being affected by the closure are the ones who vote in the elections. They didn’t make the choices on who represents the area(s). Yet, they are bound to live by decisions made by people who most likely have never stepped foot into where they reside.
And again, this economic decision will not save money in the long run. While the state plans to initially put X amount of money into each persons services in the community, they will find out it takes XX to keep them there with appropriate services.
No Democrat or Republican, Tea Partier, etc. can prepare anyone for the immense changes to come to these people who cannot fathom what is going to happen.
(By the way, there are only 40 or so people at JDC who are actually ready and able to go right now to community placements. There’s no where to go.)
Comment by Wickedred Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 6:56 pm
The best thing about seeing it shut down will be the state employees out trying to get a private sector job for once in their lives.
Maybe even this blog owner will realize that without catering to the state employees…no one really cares about this rag
Comment by Informer Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 8:07 pm
So when we raise taxes, the increases should focus on democratic areas of the state? Government actions are too often done for political, instead of economic reasons.
Comment by WashingtonIrving Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:20 pm
I don’t know if anyone is left reading this, but most of these comments are disgraceful. I would consider myself a tea partier. We are not against government spending, we are against WASTEFUL government spending. A $32M train terminal for the $6B “slightly higher speed Rail” is being built near me. That’s wasteful. It’s going to bomb. We rank last in the funding for mental health services. I’d be thrilled if the state cut the train project by me and use the money to help the truly needy, no matter where they are. And BTW, raising taxes hasn’t seem to fix anything. Just because you raise taxes, it doesn’t mean the state treasury gets more money. Businesses and the jobs they create leave the state. Are you guys really that simplistic???
Comment by stand on principle Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:02 pm
It’s fair to talk about it but not to base a decision on it.
As for “bored now,” sure they should give up their govt goodies, but they should also get their taxes and fees reduced accordingly—oh, that’s not what you meant?
Comment by Marty Wednesday, Jan 25, 12 @ 12:03 am