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* From a Monday Tribune column entitled: “Tuesday: A referendum on Gov. Rauner”…
This election cycle, Madigan is testing another strategy. He is attacking Democrats he doesn’t like by linking them to his chief adversary, Gov. Bruce Rauner. In a handful of races, Madigan is trying to keep reform-minded Democrats from winning by calling them sellouts to Republicans. It’s not true, of course, but it’s an effective message at a time when Rauner is largely being blamed for state budget cuts.
In doing so, Madigan is framing this election as a referendum on Rauner. He has amped up the significance of Tuesday’s primary because Rauner’s leverage is on the line. If Rauner doesn’t beat Madigan in a few key races, the freshman governor’s influence, his agenda and his party will lose credibility at a time when they’re already struggling to be relevant.
Outside Chicago, in more conservative-leaning districts, Rauner remains popular and supported. His agenda is welcomed in Downstate communities that have emptied out, in part due to the state’s poor fiscal shape. I say that, having interviewed just about every candidate running for a seat in the General Assembly. Distaste for Madigan, Chicago and Democratic policies is palpable.
But in the city and suburbs, Rauner’s support is porous. Gridlock over the state budget is wearing out the fringes of his base. Tuesday will indicate how much.
I think we got the answer.
* Meanwhile, a Springfield resident explains her vote for Sen. Sam McCann…
[L. Gay Davidson, 62, a computer consultant and retired state worker] said she doesn’t want Rauner to “think he can control” lawmakers. She said she ran into Rauner at a hockey game, and he told her to tell House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, about her complaints about the state budget.
“I blame them both, but Madigan’s been in for a very long time, and we’ve always had budgets,” Davidson said, adding that she thinks Rauner is “holding it (the budget) hostage” to his agenda.
This “we always had a budget until Rauner showed up” claim is a topic that is rarely, if ever, mentioned in mainstream media. Perhaps the governor’s two high-profile and downright humiliating primary losses yesterday will prompt more critical coverage. When reporters smell blood in the water, bad things start to happen.
Even so, some folks have flatly stated that the impasse is a good thing. Illinois really needs this battle to finally turn the state toward a new direction.
My own opinion, stated quite often, is that the governor needs to find another way out of this mess. He’s the governor, he’s supposed to be the one in charge.
Stop pointing fingers, quit the constant whining about your impotence and get something done already.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 11:59 am
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===In doing so, Madigan is framing this election as a referendum on Rauner. He has amped up the significance of Tuesday’s primary because Rauner’s leverage is on the line. If Rauner doesn’t beat Madigan in a few key races, the freshman governor’s influence, his agenda and his party will lose credibility at a time when they’re already struggling to be relevant.===
Dear Munger Crew,
Questions?
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:04 pm
That editorial is dated Monday morning. When will Katrina issue a post-mortem?
Comment by Elo Kiddies Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:06 pm
We always had a budget until Avery Bourne and Sara Wojicki-Jimenez showed up too. We always had a budget until Munger showed up. That line can be used against a lot of people.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:08 pm
I’m doubtful yesterday is registering as a failure yet with The Bruce. He’s 100% pure arrogance. He can do no wrong.
Comment by MSIX Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:08 pm
“he (brucie) told her to tell House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, about her complaints about the state budget.”
*******
WHERE is your constitutionally mandated balanced budget Bruce?
WHY are you afraid to take on Downstate Prison Unions?
WHY only Chicago Teachers?
WHAT is your problem?
Comment by Jack Stephens Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:10 pm
Outside Chicago, in more conservative-leaning districts, Rauner remains unpopular and unsupported. His agenda is rejected in Downstate communities that have emptied out, in part due to the Governor’s refusal to prepare a budget….Distaste for Rauner is palpable.
There. fixed it.
Comment by IllinoisBoi Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:10 pm
===We always had a budget until Avery Bourne and Sara Wojicki-Jimenez showed up too===
You can’t really believe this spin. And that’s all it is. Try harder next time. Maybe the campaign has sapped your intellectual strength.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:10 pm
Assumes facts not in evidence.
Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:12 pm
“Outside Chicago, in more conservative-leaning districts, Rauner remains popular and supported.”
Hey ck,
Can we see that list of powerhouses that supported the Turnaround Agenda?
Thanks!
Comment by illini97 Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:14 pm
I voted for Rauner because unlike Dillard or Brady, I believed that he had the will to stand his ground and not give in to Madigan & Co. He hasn’t disappointed me thus far.
Comment by downstater Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:15 pm
==That line can be used against a lot of people. ==
None of those people have the constitutional authority to sign, veto, or line-item a budget. Sheesh.
You really think that this 1 in 200 year phenomena is NOT due to this governor taking office?
Think hard this morning especially since another GOP governor (Edgar) probably disagrees with you…
Comment by Abe the Babe Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:16 pm
In fairness, we’ve had a lot of really bad budgets that kicked the can down the road.
Rauner’s problem is that his solutions aren’t supported by the majority of the electorate. With the rise of Trump and Sanders, we see that people are tired of politicians who cater to big businesses at the expense of the lower and middle classes.
Comment by Pelonski Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:16 pm
Well said. We don’t ask much. Just govern as you were elected to do.
Comment by My 1st name is Linda Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:17 pm
How many times did the governor of Illinois tell people that Illinois was not good for business? More than once, right? The same guy who kept telling potential Illinois corporations that Chicago was a great place to do business, got elected governor and began badmouthing us.
He did this to play the victim. He had no plan other than to unplug Illinois government, allow the ensuing chaos and damage to harm citizens and finger point at his political nemesis. After a year, it should be clear to everyone that Bruce Rauner HAS NO PLAN to govern. He HAS NO PLAN to enact a plan. He HAS NO PLANS!
Almost a third of his term finished, and he has nothing to show for it. Illinois didn’t even tread water with him trying to keep us going. Rauner didn’t even help us tread water long enough for him to present a plan. What did he do instead? He threw us an anchor!
If you thought Illinois government was bad before, it is worse now under Bruce Rauner. That isn’t a political statement - it is a measurable fact! You might want a smaller government, lower taxes, stronger local governing and business flocking to Illinois - but Bruce Rauner doesn’t have a plan to get you there. If he had a plan, we would be seeing a plan.
The mid term primaries were yesterday. Mid terms are in November. That half of his administration’s time in office. If Rauner had a plan, he would have been selling us that plan to get votes for his candidates. Instead he spent millions on them to offset the fact that he has NO PLANS.
Sorry GOP fans. Sorry Rauner voters. Sorry small government lovers. Sorry conservatives. Bruce Rauner has let you down. His candidates got his kiss and no amount of pay washed it away. You might not like MJM. You may hate Democrats or Chicagoans, or government - but you must come to the realization that the man you voted for is a failure. Bruce Rauner is not the leader you were looking for, whom he claimed to be, in 2014.
A governor cannot be a governor, and claim perpetual victimhood. Governors are not victims. They have power to not be victims or victimized. What Rauner has done to cover up his lack of plans is play the victim. Like the kid who claims his dog ate his homework, we have a governor who claims that Madigan ate his plans.
Rauner needs to be held accountable again in November 2016, then when the 2018 primaries begin - he needs to be held accountable and deep sixed.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:17 pm
- downstater -
Do you even know what Rauner is allegedly standing up to Madigan for right now?
Be very specific.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:18 pm
“Outside Chicago, in more conservative-leaning districts, Rauner remains popular and supported.”
True, several months ago, not so true now-people besides the ones that read this blog are beginning to get it.
Comment by downstate commissioner Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:20 pm
==He hasn’t disappointed me thus far.==
I take it you are lucky enough in your life to not be a social service provider, an autistic child, an indigent university student or one of the hundreds of thousands of mentally ill citizens that are being forced to “shop elsewhere” while the state takes a hiatus from protecting the most vulnerable.
People can vote for whatever reason they want. But man… its a double edge sword I suppose.
Comment by Abe the Babe Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:20 pm
- Elo Kiddies - Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:06 pm: That editorial is dated Monday morning. When will Katrina issue a post-mortem?
The catatonia has to pass first.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:22 pm
=== In fairness, we’ve had a lot of really bad budgets that kicked the can down the road.===
So is no budget better than some unbalanced budgets?
Comment by anon Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:23 pm
Rich your point was well taken. The Speaker’s victory in this electoral cycle was significant.
Comment by Rod Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:25 pm
- Elo Kiddies - Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:06 pm: That editorial is dated Monday morning. When will Katrina issue a post-mortem?
When the Governor’s press office dictates it to her.
Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:27 pm
Got to love the Tribune. The paper is always so evenhanded in it’s pronouncements. Wait, no, actually the paper seems to function as a Rauner mailer. I am sick of it. Remind me not to click on anything that references it.
Comment by Niblets Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:28 pm
Isn’t the next big chore our political masters must handle the resolution of the fy 16 budget. Or can they actually go into another fiscal year with the previous year unresolved. Can they borrow and sweep their way out of fy 16 like they did fy 15. Are there any enforceable deadlines at all? It’s certainly going to be compelling to watch.
Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:31 pm
==He hasn’t disappointed me thus far.==
Seriously! It is not a matter of IF Rauner’s scorched earth politics will affect you but WHEN.
Comment by Williamson Co. Resident Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:32 pm
This is the exact lack of self-blame and self-reflection that I am talking about.
“The mind is a place of it’s own and can make a heaven of hell and a hell of heaven”
Milton “Paradise Lost”
The mind of the privileged afflicted with extreme hubris is incapable of self-blame or self-reflection thus making compromise impossible.
Rauner is going to initiate his “endgame solution” for Labor. He will set wheels in motion to force AFSCME out on strike. The state workforce will collapse.
Kasich got his nuggies kicked to his throat by labor in Ohio but through self reflection and self blame came to compromise and brought about Labor peace.
Rauner is incapable of this. He is incapable of compromise. Rich you know it’s true. Attitudes and behaviors. He says one thing but does another. He is and always has been perfidious. I would love for someone to point to a compromise that can be acknowledged by most to be an actual compromise. I am a learner here but I don’t think it can be done.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:33 pm
I see Bruce is back governing by Tweet.
Congratulating sports teams and warning people about big, bad storms last night.
Effective, buddy. Nice. How about heading down to a local diner for lunch and talking about how it’s “great” to be with the owner?
Do that, and I bet you’re dog tired. This governing is hard — ain’t it, Bruce?
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:34 pm
@abe the babe (with respect):
You forgot, what if you are a franchisee of the local 5 dollar sub shoppe in Charleston? Macomb? Dekalb? Or the owner of the local pizza parlor, bar, or laundromat?
Those businesses are closing too when the staff and students leave.
But I guess the economy grows when people lose their job, or so Bruce thinks.
Comment by Jack Stephens Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:34 pm
==- downstater - Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:15 pm:
I voted for Rauner because unlike Dillard or Brady, I believed that he had the will to stand his ground and not give in to Madigan & Co. He hasn’t disappointed me thus far. ==
It appears you elected him Governor for a different reason than most voters. Most voters elected someone they thought would govern better than the other guy. So far he hasn’t done that. He’s not governing. He’s holding press conferences and he’s making appearances, but he’s not doing what he was elected to do — GOVERN!
If he really wanted to take on the Speaker, he should have moved to the 22nd District and run for Speaker. Then maybe we’d have a governor who would actually do the job he was elected to do.
Comment by humm Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:35 pm
Oswego Willy @ 12:18 pm + 1
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:35 pm
@Abe the Babe. Than you for putting my thoughts into words. EXACTLY!
Comment by Higher Ed Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:36 pm
Can you fix a mess without getting your hands dirty? Rauner seems to be more of a financial ideologue than I expected. Madigan has twisted Illinois politics for personal power.
It feels like an unstoppable object is hurling toward an immovable object.
Illinois has serious, serious problems. Madigan seems content to kick the can, Rauner is desperate for an immediate fix.
Madigan is a master of politics and has spent the last couple of decades skewing the playing field. I am not sure Rauner can buy a big enough gun to compete. Proft is milquetoast compared to Madigan’s chicanery.
While it may be ugly, ultimately I think it is a battle worth having for the sake of Illinois’ future.
Comment by Rhino Slider Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:36 pm
correction above: get elected in 22nd,then run for speaker
Comment by humm Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:37 pm
===We always had a budget until Avery Bourne and Sara Wojicki-Jimenez showed up too===
I think 360’s point is: if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. If you’re still insisting on the Turnaround Agenda as the price of performing the most basic and essential act of governance — passing a budget — you’re part of the problem.
Comment by South of Sherman Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:40 pm
“So is no budget better than some unbalanced budgets?”
No, my point is that Illinois has some long term systemic problems which need to be corrected. To say that we’ve always had budgets in the past ignores the fact that these budgets were not always adequate. We can’t continue doing things the way we did in the past. We need to make changes to acheive a truly balanced budget. Whether that is achieved through tax increases, spending cuts, economic growth or a combination of those is something that can be debated, but I don’t think the need to get our finances in order is really subject to much debate.
Rauner’s problem is that there is very little evidence that what he wants to implement will make much difference for the budget. Even if we passed everyone of his Turnaround Agenda items, we will still have a budget with a huge hole. Even the most ardent Rauner supporters must admit that, so far, he has only presented half a plan to solve our budget problems.
Comment by Pelonski Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:43 pm
We have always had a budget on paper. But if you don’t fund the pension do you have a real budget or a sham? Max Bialystock was in charge when had a budget.
Comment by jeffinginchicago Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:47 pm
===Downstate communities that have emptied out, in part due to the state’s poor fiscal shape.===
What nonsense
Comment by Liberty Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:59 pm
“He hasn’t disappointed me thus far.”
If the budget impasse is starting to bite in the heart of DuPage County, I think we can all expect to be bitten very soon.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:00 pm
^ The link: https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160315/news/160319325/
Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:01 pm
The only individuals who have the power to reverse the governor are the Republican legislators—–are there any who have the stones?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:01 pm
==ultimately I think it is a battle worth having==
Tell that to the thousands of people no longer receiving social services. Let us know when it is no longer worth it. I’m curious as to when you think the “line” will be crossed.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:08 pm
–the governor needs to find another way out of this mess. He’s the governor, he’s supposed to be the one in charge.–
The problem in the past is that a governor has to bow to Madigan to accomplish anything. The Governor and Madigan have to find a way out of this mess together. Cullerton will make a deal, we need the other two to be willing to compromise, not just the Governor.
Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:12 pm
–We always had a budget until Avery Bourne and Sara Wojicki-Jimenez showed up too. We always had a budget until Munger showed up. That line can be used against a lot of people.–
Isn’t that wild?
Some of the people, all of the time, really believe that the Governor of Illinois is some impotent figurehead.
That’s just beyond all reason.
By any measure, the Governor of Illinois is, by far and by design, the most powerful elected official in the state. That’s where the money is, that’s where the contracts are, that’s where the grants are, that’s where the veto pen is.
I only thought goofs at the Trib and Chicago magazine didn’t know that.
Why do you think Rauner wanted the gig?
What’s happening right now doesn’t happen unless the governor wants it to happen.
For crying out loud, Rauner just dropped $4 million on Ken Dunkin in an attempt to make sure he could keep it happening.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:13 pm
==ultimately I think it is a battle worth having==
Did you seriously just type that?? At whose expense??? It’s time for the political bickering to stop. Both sides of the aisle need to think about their constituents and not be beholdin’ to Madigan or Rauner.
Comment by East Central Illinois Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:21 pm
Ultimately what it seems everyone wants is for business as usual where a budget that isn’t even close to being balanced is passed. The last budget we had wasn’t balanced so maybe it’s better that Rauner do the same and pass a budget that is spending 6 billion more than revenue earned and we all move on.
Comment by Maximus Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:28 pm
@ Maximus….Don’t you remember Candidate Rauner BEGGING for the tax hike to be rolled back, and the promise that he didn’t need it to balance the budget?
So are you saying the tax increase IS needed?
Comment by How Ironic Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:31 pm
=== Ultimately what it seems everyone wants is for business as usual where a budget that isn’t even close to being balanced is passed. ===
Not really. It is preferable to raise the revenues needed to pay the State’s bills. It was Rauner who insisted on a big tax cut that guaranteed a growing deficit.
Comment by anon Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:35 pm
=where a budget that isn’t even close to being balanced is passed.=
Are you referring to Rauner’s budget too?
=pass a budget that is spending 6 billion more than revenue earned and we all move on.=
Man you guys are dense. Do you think this fight is over whether a balanced or unbalanced budget is passed? Its a fight over HOW taxes are going to be raised.
Rauner wants a pound of flesh. Madigan doesnt want to give a pound of flesh for something that everyone agrees (at least privately) is necessary, required, part of governing.
Man, if you dont get that by now then i cant help ya
Comment by Abe the Babe Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:43 pm
McQueary:
It wasn’t just a referendum on Governor Rauner, it was a referendum on the Tribune editorial board, and the worldview and political strategy that the governor and the Tribune editorial board are cohabitating.
It wasn’t just Rauner who lost yesterday.
Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:44 pm
Rauner should pick 2-3 demands that are at least indirectly related to the budget (like workers comp), strike a deal, pass a budget, and declare victory.
Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:44 pm
Rich, you are correct, we have had a budget with EVERY Governor, except Bruce. They may not have been the best, but at least we didn’t put Universities, social services and other essential services (like power and water) in jeopardy.
He gets up at every speech and bashes State Government, Madigan, State workers, Unions, procurement process, and information technology. The election for governor is over, it is time to step up and govern. He is not.
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:49 pm
Let me try a new anology please. This governor spent 60 million dollars lets say for a new olympic sized swimming pool. Lets say its shaped like the state of illinois just for kicks. Rauner is afraid to get in his new pool the water is to cold. He dipped his big toe in its just not warm enough for me. Cullerton and Madigan are swimming laps in the pool but the gov just wants to look at his pool and complain about all the repairs it needs. Heck some people in his pool at the deep end are about to drown. Make a splash Rauner JUMP IN!
Comment by A little bit original Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:50 pm
= Downstate communities that have emptied out, in part due to the state’s poor fiscal shape.=
Downstate communities are being emptied out due to the fact that many are dependent on agriculture for most of their jobs and, thanks to modern equipment and methods, agriculture needs about 10% or the workforce it once required.
So yeah, it is about the economy but it is about the modernization of the economy.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 1:51 pm
==Ultimately what it seems everyone wants is for business as usual where a budget that isn’t even close to being balanced is passed==
It’s always a zero sum game for some of you isn’t it? If you don’t support the Governor then you must be for the status quo.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 2:03 pm
“The only individuals who have the power to reverse the governor are the Republican legislators—–are there any who have the stones?” JBT, we could really use her right now
Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 2:14 pm
- Abe the Babe - and others,
Im simply stating a solution. If no budget in the past 10 years has been balanced then we have a solution. Create a budget with a big hole in it (Madigans or Rauners, you pick) and then implement it. Taxes, cuts, revenue sources, whatever. If it doesn’t have to be balanced then this doesn’t have to be an issue any more. Not sure why some here aren’t understanding the concept?
Comment by Maximus Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 2:14 pm
“It’s not a defeat, it’s a setback — like when people cancel their subscriptions.”
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 2:18 pm
The 2017-2019 3 Year Budget Forecast just issued by CGFA represents the most concise representation of the Illinois fiscal situation I have seen to date. Without a tax increase, it takes a 8.7% reduction in spending per year over the period to balance the General Funds account. While it makes required pension payments it does not mitigate the current underfunding.
While not advocated in the report nor incorporated in the budget scenarios, the revenue increase from a 1% tax hike is projected. The CFGA obviously has the spreadsheet tool built to model the revenue increases and spending cuts needed to produce a balanced budget. In fact I’d bet its already been done but no one wants to own the associated tax hike.
http://cgfa.ilga.gov/Upload/3YearBudgetForecastFY2017-FY2019.pdf
Comment by Markus57 Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 2:32 pm
==If it doesn’t have to be balanced==
I wasn’t aware anyone said it didn’t have to be balanced. Saying pass a budget doesn’t equate to pass an unbalanced budget.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 2:50 pm
Markus dont forget that required pension payment is a statutorily inflated number that could be reduced by recalculating the ramp….. you can pick up at least 1 billion a year just by paying less extra, but still paying extra…..
Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 3:21 pm
Maximise. Pat Quinn had some balanced budgets. Even at the end, he submitted a balanced budget. An unbalanced budget was passed, which unfortunately he signed.
Just don’t rewrite history. Reality is bad enough.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 3:40 pm
- downstater - Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 12:15 pm:
I voted for Rauner because unlike Dillard or Brady, I believed that he had the will to stand his ground and not give in to Madigan & Co. He hasn’t disappointed me thus far.
This is what’s wrong with so much of the modern republican party. Absolutism. A total denial of reality. A steadfast belief in obstruction. Compromise is a four letter word. Absolutely unwilling to govern, just oppose things. In lockstep.
Comment by jerry 101 Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 4:14 pm
Ghost, please remember we are at the top of the ramp and payments have essentially leveled off. (They will fluctuate from year to year based on actuarial experience, including the five year “smoothing” of investment returns.)
Keep in mind that every $1 billion we cut today costs us around $7 billion to pay back over the life of the funding program when you advocate paying “less extra.”
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 4:31 pm
==Create a budget with a big hole in it (Madigans or Rauners, you pick) and then implement it. Taxes, cuts, revenue sources, whatever. If it doesn’t have to be balanced then this doesn’t have to be an issue any more. Not sure why some here aren’t understanding the concept?==
I hope you know you are advocating Madigans position here.
Comment by Abe the Babe Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 5:02 pm
I’m fine if this is advocating Madigan’s position. We cant really change anything until the whole system collapses to the point people understand this isn’t sustainable. So for the short term, dont make any cuts and dont raise taxes and pass something. In a few years the state gets some sort of modified chapter 9 bankruptcy proceeding and THEN everything can be changed. Hopefully for the better. Illinois will probably follow along with whatever happens in Puerto Rico, Im not sure where they are at with a request to create bankruptcy for territories and states.
Comment by Maximus Wednesday, Mar 16, 16 @ 8:38 pm
== Illinois will probably follow along with whatever happens in Puerto Rico, Im not sure where they are at with a request to create bankruptcy for territories and states. ==
Right now, the talks in Puerto Rico are not about bankruptcy but about shorting the bondholders so they can maintain the pensions.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Mar 17, 16 @ 7:02 am
I can guarantee you that the ” always had a budget” idea will never be mentioned in the Chicago Tribune
Comment by oldman Thursday, Mar 17, 16 @ 8:05 am