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* I heard loud laughter in the chamber…
“This isn’t about pointing fingers or assigning blame,” the governor said to some laughter from Democrats during his address in the Illinois House chambers. “We are where we are. It’s not about the past; it’s about how we move forward together.”
Nevertheless, there were some partisan games ahead of the address. Just before the speech, House Republicans urged Madigan to remove four signs that were taped onto podiums on the Democratic side. They read “Rauner budget = fake news” and “Rauner budget = alternative facts.”
Madigan’s response?
“I think they’re within their rights to decide whether they want to put a sign up or anything else,” he said.
The signs were a bit much.
Also, I was astonished at the amount of derisive laughter during the address. He is the governor, after all.
* SJ-R…
Rauner also renewed his call for legislator term limits. He said term limits “get job creators excited. Passing term limits is one of the most important things we can do to send a positive recruiting message to job creators.” Democrats laughed openly at the statement.
Rauner urged the laughing Democrats to ask “job creators” about the topic and insisted they do support it.
* AP…
Recalling the length of the stalemate, rife with accusations on both sides, Rauner said: “This isn’t about pointing fingers or assigning blame. ” That prompted a round of laughter from Democrats in the chamber.
* The line right after that also got some laughter…
It’s not going to help us move forward if right after this speech, Democrats run to the media claiming we’ve never proposed a plan to balance the budget.
* But at least they were laughing with him and not at him when his teleprompter broke…
Rauner was talking about the income tax increase contained in the Senate’s “grand bargain” when he suddenly stopped.
“I just lost my word there,” Rauner said, as the device blinked out.
Rauner asked for a paper copy of the speech, but that didn’t prove satisfactory.
“I don’t have my reading glasses for this,” Rauner said. “I’m a little old for this type.”
While waiting for the machine to be reset to the proper part of the speech, Rauner said, “Does anybody have a good story?”
* More…
Rauner’s chief political nemesis, Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, who was standing behind the governor as is custom at the Capitol for such speeches, then offered some words that prompted Rauner to laugh.
“Speaker said, ‘It’s the Russians,’” Rauner told the assembled lawmakers and guests, prompting laughter and applause. It’s a reference to the national political scene and questions about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and influence with President Donald Trump’s administration.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 10:50 am
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When you say things with no connection to reality, as the Governor’s party is want to do these days, that is the respect you deserve.
The governor has done far worse damage to the state than any of the criminal acts perpetrated by the criminals who held office before him.
Comment by Reluctantly Living in ILL Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 10:53 am
Signs are stupid, but the laughter was in response to the joke of a speech. You can’t recite three paragraphs of blame and then throw out the line about “finger pointin’” and not expect to be mocked. Sorry, but he asked for it.
And there’s still no balanced budget proposal. 766 days and counting.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 10:55 am
Don’t think the Democrats realized how out of touch they look to average folks who don’t follow legislature everyday but read and saw on TV yesterday headlines mostly about Rauner offering guidelines to end impasse and Democrats laughing in middle of a crisis.
Comment by Good Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 10:56 am
“Job Creator” is a euphemism for wealthy republican. Maybe the governor should ask the “job doers” what they get excited about.
Comment by Delimma Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 10:57 am
He who lives by the 24/7 hyper-partisan sword, dies by the sword.
Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 10:58 am
Given the Governor’s comments about not doing any good to assign blame I was wondering if the “BossMadigan” web site which is basically financed by the Governor, is still up and running.
Comment by The Dude Abides Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 10:58 am
===You can’t recite three paragraphs of blame and then throw out the line about “finger pointin’” and not expect to be mocked.===
Exactly.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:01 am
Am I the only one who found Durkin’s comments a bit hypocritical?The GOP posted signs on their mics when Blago spoke and Quinn. They also used to put signs over their mics from time to time.
Comment by anonawho Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:04 am
You also can’t unveil an obviously unbalanced budget (for the third year in a row) and then say anyone calling it what it is - unbalanced - is not being helpful.
Rauner’s speech was a mockery of a sham of a budget.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:04 am
>Also, I was astonished at the amount of derisive laughter during the address. He is the governor, after all.
I’d rather elected officials behave more professionally. But, I also understand they’ve been subjected to robocalls and attack ads already and there’s a lot more on hand to continue the attacks. Even so, they should be able to come up with a counter message stronger than signs and laughter.
Comment by Earnest Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:05 am
Meh, if Rauner didn’t want people to laugh, he wouldn’t have told so many hilarious whoppers.
You don’t cut funny, and a lot of it was very funny.
For crying out loud, the guy puts out press releases on a daily basis on the new additions to his Enemies List, and he’s against “pointing fingers?”
That was meant to be sincere and serious?
This is the business they’ve chosen, as the man said. You reap what you sow.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:06 am
47, LOL
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:08 am
I’m not laughing. I’m not laughing because today judge LaChien may dissolve the court order paying my salary, paying all stateworkers salaries.
There’s nothing funny about any of this.
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:10 am
It would be funny if it wasn’t so tragic.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:11 am
What happened to the Rauner “Whatever it takes” post?
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:12 am
“Rauner’s speech was a mockery of a sham of a budget.” You forgot “phony.”
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:12 am
=== It’s not going to help us move forward if right after this speech, Democrats run to the media claiming we’ve never proposed a plan to balance the budget. ===
Hold it there, Sean Spicer.
The Constitution requires you to introduce a “balanced budget”.
Not a “plan to balance the budget.”
If, on the other hand, you have a realistic plan to balance the budget, one that does not defy mathematical laws, legal principals, social norms, moral standards, or political reality, we would love to hear it.
It ain’t a balanced budget, but it would be a start.
I do not think guttin’ fundin’ for autism programs meets that standard.
Comment by Free Set of Steak Knives Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:13 am
This is gross. I’m embarrassed to be from Illinois after reading this.
Comment by Not It Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:13 am
Embarrassingly bad production and the lack of back up is just confounding.
And about the substance … more of the same.
Comment by Deft Wing Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:15 am
Rich,
The high ground was dynamited long ago. Some people have to be nice to maintain their livelihood, that is understandable. Let’s not forget both sides are equally hypocritical. Seems to happen a lot around here.
Comment by napalmsandwich Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:15 am
Respect is a two way street. The Governor has said or instigated some very disrespectful things about the GA and it’s members. He has said they were puppets of Madigan and that they don’t deserve pay because they haven’t bowed to his demands. He has called them corrupt pawns of unions. He is probably lucky they only laugh at him.
Comment by A Jack Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:16 am
==Delimma==
I love that “ask the job doers what they get excited about!!” Made my day.
Comment by NoGifts Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:18 am
===I’m embarrassed to be from Illinois after reading this.===
I guess elected officials going to prison, third consecutive fiscal year without a budget, decimation of social services, higher ed, etc. wasn’t enough huh?
Comment by Cubs in '16 Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:18 am
Respect the office, I agree, but this gentleman doesn’t respect it himself. Respect on a personal level must be earned.
Comment by UISer Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:22 am
For me?
BossMadigan.Com
#TaxHikeMike
Millions of political TV ads during session to bolster Rauner, attack Madigan
Raunerite Robo-Calls, during votes.
Lest we forget… the Raunerite press release on President Cullerton’s remarks… as President Cullerton was walking TO the podium?
Rauner’s thoughts on compromise and working well with others and understanding the working in divided government is embarrassingly awful.
So… Rauner got mock laughing and signs.
I’m surprised BossMadigan.Com hasn’t taken those signs abc put THEM up on the site…
… have they?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:27 am
This is to be expected when 1.4% has made a mockery of his office.
This is unbecoming of a gentleman of his education and stature in society.
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:30 am
If you want people to act Professionally then you need to pay them. Since the General Assembly isn’t getting paid I don’t believe they are under any special obligation to act with decorum.
Comment by Biker Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:33 am
The seeds sowed by the prince of starkness disrespect, have ripened
Comment by Rabid Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:34 am
Waiting for Louis Atsaves to say how great the speech was.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:35 am
It was a bit unseemly in the House for my taste, but at least no one yelled out “liar.”
Recall when a group hung tea bags from their mics when Blago was going to speak — which mostly disappeared as Bill Black walked by them. What a guy for fighting while showing respect!
Comment by walker Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:43 am
It’s a real riot in there, isn’t it? Ugh.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:48 am
Similar if you had a kid who had made a mess of his life and took no responsibility and his dad was trying to help him get things squared away. Kid laughs and mocks him.
The dems have no answers other than raise every tax they can and they only care about themselves.
Comment by Piece of Work Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:49 am
Democrats, quit laughing. Remember the debates when Trump would say crazy things? What did Hillary do? She laughed, smirked, and thought, “I’m gonna be president. Hahahohohaha.” Your lack of self awareness is troubling. Stop looking like you don’t take your job seriously.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:50 am
Wordslinger/Rabid
Governor Greyjoy does not sow.
Comment by Kippax Blue Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:51 am
==and took no responsibility ==
Yeah, we’ve got two of those “leading” us right now - the Speaker and the Governor. Neither has taken any responsibility.
==The dems have no answers other than raise every tax they can==
And yet the Republicans in the Senate are also on board with raising some of those taxes. That doesn’t really fit your narrative though does it?
=they only care about themselves==
Maybe you should hold your breath and take your ball and go home while you having your little fit.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:53 am
While I’m not a fan of the signs, the Governor brought some of that laughter on himself. He sat up there berating the Democrats and then says we shouldn’t point fingers. That deserved a laugh. He also stated that term limits are somehow tied to economic growth. Term limits have zero/zip/nada to do wtih balancing the budget or with economic growth and it is laughable to suggest that job creators are basing their decisions on whether we have term limits or not. Laughter at that assertion is deserved.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:56 am
==Don’t think the Democrats realized how out of touch they look to average folks who don’t follow legislature everyday but read and saw on TV yesterday headlines mostly about Rauner offering guidelines to end impasse and Democrats laughing in middle of a crisis.==
I think the class of people who don’t follow the legislature every day but do pay attention to legislator’s responses to a budget address is a pretty small circle.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:59 am
===…if you had a kid who had made a mess of his life and took no responsibility and his dad was trying to help him get things squared away. Kid laughs and mocks===
LOL,
Rauner proposed a budget $4-7 billion out of whack, the “status quo”, and Democrats shouldn’t belly laugh and mock the Governor that is doing exactly what he claims the Dems have done for “decades”?
That’s embarrassing for you and the Governor both.
===The dems have no answers other than raise every tax they can and they only care about themselves===
Rauner needs $4-7 billion to balance his own budget.
Why aren’t you angry about the upcoming Rauner Tax?
Your lack of knowledge in understanding math is noted.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 12:01 pm
Ducky, you should read Where The Right Went Wrong.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 12:11 pm
==Similar if you had a kid who had made a mess of his life and took no responsibility==
But enough about Bruce Rauner…
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 12:19 pm
==The dems have no answers other than raise every tax they can and they only care about themselves.==
The exact reason we got into this mess is that Rauner got high on this supply. He assumed, after decades of marinating in the Republican echo chamber, that Democrats just loved tax hikes so much that they’d give him whatever he wants in order to do another one. Turns out they don’t, and even if they recognize the need for tax hikes (not sure all of ‘em do) they’re not wiling to cut people’s pay like Rauner is demanding in order to get ‘em.
Now, you have the benefit of having watched Rauner be so wrong about this, so don’t make the same mistakes he did.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 12:22 pm
“Democrats, quit laughing. Remember the debates when Trump would say crazy things? What did Hillary do?”
She carried Illinois by 16 points.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 12:28 pm
Anybody listening to Dan Proft mock the Rauner on his morning show. Looks like 5 million wasn’t enough and the fool (Rauner) and hi money are soon parted.
Comment by Chicago fooler Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 12:55 pm
I enjoyed the bit about the Russians.
Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 1:03 pm
Why wouldn’t they laugh? After more than 40 years of their stewardship we’re the biggest joke in the union. Once state bankruptcy is allowed I imagine IL will lose our federal congressional representation along with our electoral votes.
Comment by Robert the 1st Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 1:34 pm
==After more than 40 years of their stewardship==
Poor Ryan, Edgar, and Thompson…
Also, Bruce Rauner won the 2014 election. When’s he actually get to take office?
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 1:39 pm
Ryan, Edgar, and Thompson…
They sure are revered by the “Republicans” on this blog. Wounder why those same posters hate Rauner?
Comment by Robert the 1st Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 1:46 pm
47
I object, your honor! This trial is a travesty. It’s a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 1:50 pm
At least in these hardest of times, we can all still laugh at Donald Trump.
Comment by Signal and Noise Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 1:54 pm
=At least in these hardest of times, we can all still laugh at Donald Trump.=
LOL. Agreed.
Comment by Robert the 1st Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 1:56 pm
===They sure are revered by the “Republicans” on this blog. Wounder why those same posters hate Rauner===
1) Rauner is not a Republican, Rauner is a Raunerite.
2) Rauner continues to blame those you name as “corrupt”, and while Ryan has problems refuting that charge, Thompson and Edgar served this state honorably.
3) Rauner dislikes all “career politicians”, regardless of party, not understanding that Instituional Knowledge and career politician are not one in the same.
How’s that…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 1:59 pm
Like and respect you OW.
But I imagine you new you were in the group I referenced.
=Rauner dislikes all “career politicians”, regardless of party=
He’s right. As you guys always say, both parties share some blame. The 3 mentioned before without doubt.
Comment by Robert the 1st Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 2:07 pm
Knew*
Comment by Robert the 1st Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 2:08 pm
- Robert the 1st -
No worries, with respect too.
You asked, I answered. Nothing more. OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 2:17 pm
I guess I would just end by saying… you don’t need to break a specific law to be corrupt. At least that’s how some of us see it. You and I would certainly disagree about Edgar.
Comment by Robert the 1st Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 2:20 pm
Good @ 10:56
It’s troubling that both Brucie and t-rump are relying on the fact that the people who voted for them don’t pay attention to what goes on in government as the basis for their support.
Comment by d.p.gumby Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 2:26 pm
- Robert the 1st -
Probably. And while I’m with Edgar all day, every day, especially with Rauner, that doesn’t mean I’m all great with the Ramp, for example.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 2:29 pm
The best outcome for state employees is if the courts stop their pay without appropriations.
Comment by facts are stubborn things Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 2:40 pm
@MrJM
She should have carried Illinois by 36 points. Given the competition, my vote for her should have been an easy one, it wasn’t. That is on her horrible campaign and her pompous demeanor. Obviously it drove people (particularly my generation) to not vote at all. I just don’t want to see it happen again.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 3:00 pm
–Once state bankruptcy is allowed I imagine IL will lose our federal congressional representation along with our electoral votes.–
That is quite an imagination you have. By what mechanism does a state lose it’s congressional representation and electoral votes?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 3:12 pm
==Ryan, Edgar, and Thompson…
They sure are revered by the “Republicans” on this blog. Wounder why those same posters hate Rauner?==
Not being a Republican, I wouldn’t know. I just know that the last 40 years of Illinois history contained quite a bit of their “stewardship” as well.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 3:21 pm
Trump & Rauner are one in the same. Like Clarence Page said, ” We elect rich businessmen with no political experience and are suprised when they can’t govern.”
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 3:41 pm
Anony. And Blago and Obama did such a great job of governing?
Comment by blue dog dem Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 3:47 pm
Edgar is popular because he according to a press release on his way out of office ” approved the most significant increase in pension benefits for state workers in a quarter century.”
Worse, Edgar is responsible for the infamous “Edgar Ramp,” the obscenely backloaded can-kick on pension funding enacted in 1994.
It was central to the finding by the Securities & Exchange Commission that Illinois misled investors in connection with bond sales after Edgar left office. The Edgar Ramp was unworkable, the SEC basically said, and Illinois should have told bond buyers. The fraudulent nondisclosure was not Edgar’s fault, but the materiality of the Edgar Ramp to the fraud finding and the state’s financial mess is.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 5:16 pm
- Lucky Pierre -,
You’re back again? lol
===Edgar is popular because he according to a press release on his way out of office ” approved the most significant increase in pension benefits for state workers in a quarter century===
Edgar was, and still is popular because more people like him then dislike him, in polling. Ugh.
The Edgar Ramp, when payments were ignored, exaserbated the pension mess.
Between Rich and McKinney, that’s where I am on Edgar’s blame.
You figure out that Term Limits and “any Democrats around to compromise” thingy that was… well… lol.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 5:23 pm
How would he poll now almost 20 years out of office lecturing the state about fiscal responsibility while cashing $300,000 in checks every year at taxpayer expense?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 5:27 pm
===How would he poll now almost 20 years out of office…===
Well enough that Rauner begged Edgar the last weekend of the campaign to do a fly-around together….
lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 5:32 pm
That was before he started bashing the Governor for not going along with the Speaker’s reckless spending and totally capitulating like he did.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 5:37 pm
===That was before he started bashing the Governor for not going along with the Speaker’s reckless spending and totally capitulating like he did.===
Nah. I doubt it.
That’s why Rauner tries to go after Edgar, and Edgar still is seen as a statesman.
Wishing something doesn’t make it so.
Good try.
Again, how’s that Term Limit - No one there who comprised with Republicans thingy working out?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 5:41 pm
Rauner. Balance. Your. Budget.
Seriously, two years into this and you’re still playing that old game?
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 7:09 pm
This is the business we have chose, your business decisions are amusing
Comment by Rabid Thursday, Feb 16, 17 @ 11:05 pm
The screen didn’t go blank that was your imaginary budget numbers
Comment by Rabid Friday, Feb 17, 17 @ 6:08 am
“Term limits get the job creators excited.” Maybe two job creators. Maybe the two job creators called Koch who BVR made a faustian deal with so they can take away votors’ choices. Term limits so they can control all the legislators and play with the state like a toy remote control car.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Friday, Feb 17, 17 @ 7:07 am