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* Politico…
THE BUZZ — This is what day 700 without a state budget looks like in Springfield: dozens of protesters are arrested; demonstrators block the entrance to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office, protesters are physically dragged out of the Illinois House in front of TV cameras.
34 ARRESTED — Kristi Sanford, with the People’s Lobby, said 34 leaders with Fair Economy Illinois’ March to Springfield “were arrested outside of Gov. Rauner’s office. Activists were released within the hour on the west side of the capitol building. They will be charged with criminal trespass and are awaiting a court date.” Secretary of State Capitol Police warned protesters they would be arrested if they didn’t leave. Brian Mackey’s photo here
‘WE GOT YOUR BACK’ — Lawmakers, including state Sen. Daniel Biss and Rep. Kelly Cassidy, both Dems, chant for the last protester as he’s arrested: Video
PROTESTERS DRAGGED OUT OF HOUSE — Not the best images for anyone in state government right now. Earlier on Tuesday, Capitol Police could be seen dragging protesters by the arms through the Illinois House gallery, as members were in session. According to a report by NBC5’s Mary Ann Ahern, among those who demonstrated on Tuesday were representatives from social service agencies who had not been paid by the state. Watch
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE DOORS BLOCKED — Photo gallery
I never realized there were so many Capitol police on staff until yesterday.
And while it may have not been the “best image,” if you loudly interrupt the House’s proceedings and you refuse to walk out on your own, you’re gonna get dragged. Pretty sure the protesters knew that. It’s part of the game and everyone has their role.
* The thing that bothered me the most was when the cops wouldn’t let the protesters outside the governor’s office eat sandwiches sent by supporters…
Capitol police are refusing to let food in to #MarchToSpringfield sit-in @GovRauner's office. Blocking food like they're blocking #PPFbudget pic.twitter.com/krnQG0L8dc
— March to Springfield (@march2spfld) May 30, 2017
But, they eventually worked it out.
* ABC 7…
Earlier in the day, dozens of protesters from a coalition of Chicago area social services agencies demanded to get inside the Illinois capitol.
“So they are acting like this is actually a complicated thing, but in reality if they had the courage to close corporate tax loopholes and make the every wealthy pay their fair share of taxes we could raise the revenue we need for our state,” said Kristi Sanford, Fair Economy Illinois.
* What did they want?…
But they don’t want just any budget – they’re calling for one that spends $23 billion more. That’s 61 percent of the Senate’s $37.3 billion proposed spending plan.
* More…
Dr. Alfred Klinger, another member of the inaugural group and a retired physician, celebrated his 91st birthday during the march. A WWII veteran, he said government support via the G.I. Bill made medical school possible. Klinger and his fellow marchers say their budget plan would offer young people opportunity and give the elderly a sense of security.
Marchers contend their proposal would raise $23 billion to finance universal health care and free college tuition and fully fund public schools, social services and infrastructure needs by closing so-called corporate tax loopholes and taxing the wealthy at higher rates.
“This would give us all a step up,” Klinger said.
The throng shouted chants about the governor and House Speaker Michael Madigan such as, “Rauner, Madigan, can’t you see, human needs beat corporate greed!” and carried a banner outlining their vision for Illinois as it wended its way toward the Capitol.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 10:45 am
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Previous Post: “Right to Know” Isn’t What it Seems. Vote No on SB 1502
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“We’ve got your back.”
what empty rhetoric.
Comment by jim Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 10:48 am
They bought from the wrong sub shop ! JJ owner Jimmy John Liautaud is well known GOP supporter/contributor and anti-union. In the words of another revolution …” let then east subs”
Comment by Texas Red Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 10:51 am
No Tumbrills means No Results
Comment by Puddintaine Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 10:52 am
sp the legislators cheering these folks on, including one running for Governor, support a $23 billion budget increase?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 10:57 am
video could prove useful.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 10:59 am
$23 billion more in state spending and a free lunch? This is why no one takes them seriously.
Comment by Will Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 10:59 am
Fully understand the need to maintain order in the House during session, but denying them food is over the top. What is this the French Revolution? Let them in eat cake.
Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:03 am
Jimmy Johns? Way to support an ally.
Comment by Daniel Plainview Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:03 am
Agree with Texas Red on Jimmy John. This is an example where liberals aren’t the smartest people in the room. Patronizing a well-known outspoken adversary Liautaud? Just ignorant.
Comment by Deadbeat Conservative Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:04 am
The supporters of the protest must be from out of town. The Feed Store offers way better subs and they are across the street.
Comment by Lech W Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:05 am
==“So they are acting like this is actually a complicated thing, but in reality if they had the courage to close corporate tax loopholes and make the every wealthy pay their fair share of taxes we could raise the revenue we need for our state,” said Kristi Sanford, Fair Economy Illinois.==
The biggest “loophole” in Illinois tax law is the exemption of retirement benefits from tax, which costs the state $2 billion or so annually. Even Blago’s infamous gross receipts tax was estimated to raise “only” $12 billion. Raising an extra $23 billion beyond the tax increases already passed by the Senate could be done by simple amendments, but the numbers will be breathtaking.
Comment by Whatever Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:06 am
That one officer is looking at those box lunches like he is a bit peckish!
Comment by Kevin Highland Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:07 am
So there idea is to decrease the tax base further by running more business and more of the tax paying population out of the State.
Comment by Arock Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:08 am
===What is this the French Revolution?===
Better hope not. That didn’t end well for people like Bruce Rauner.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:08 am
The protesters time would be better spent walking precincts and building voter lists.
Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:12 am
Actually if your wearin’ a flannel shirt and bein’ folksy and stuff while livin’ in Winnetka, you should be payin’ more in taxes, than someone whos makin’ less money.
Comment by MIke Cirrincione Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:12 am
“What do we want?”
“Total and unequivocal BANKRUPTCY!!!”
”
“When do we want it!?”
“NOW!!!”
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:14 am
LOL… too funny the supporters sent Jimmy Johns. That takes me back to when I first started reading this blog.
Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:14 am
“The protesters time would be better spent walking precincts and building voter lists.”
You assume it is an either or proposition.
Comment by Montrose Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:17 am
- “The biggest “loophole” in Illinois tax law is the…
Without a doubt the biggest tax loophole is the Film Production Tax Credit that allows production companies to sell their tax credits to other corporations through the Illinois Film Production Office.
Comment by Chicago 20 Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:19 am
Jimmy John’s supports several good causes in East Central Illinois, but the fact supporters of the protest bought Jimmy John’s shows how clueless some people are.
Whoever made the decision to block giving the food to the protesters is as tone deaf as Rauner and Madigan for letting this go on for 700 days.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:21 am
It’s important to note that there’s LOTS more wealth in Illinois and the nation than in the past. Dems and Reps alike have spent decades easing the tax burdens of the rich and defunding public services. Now we have “to grow the economy to be compassionate” says our gov.
Comment by Taxation = Civilization Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:24 am
During the fight over the Equal Rights Amendment in Illinois, proponents chained themselves outside the governor’s office and wrote in pig’s blood on the floor. And that goes to show you, civil disobedience can really make a difference and cause our elected officials to come together for the good of — oh wait. Never mind.
Comment by plopplop Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:25 am
They were dragged out of the House gallery so fast they freaked.
I bet they argued over who was going to get the last veggie sub.
Seriously, they walked from Chicago to Springfield. Of course they collapsed in front of the Governor’s office. They aren’t protesting, they’re just resting.
What do we want? Incremental change! When do we want it? Soon!
I’m here all week folks. Try the veal.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:30 am
Their actual budget proposal is fairy unicorn nonsense, but I agree with the boron of a progressive income tax and the need to fully fund schools and services.
It’s also no stupider than the IPI one on the other side. We can neither strictly tax nor strictly cut out of this.
Comment by PJ Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:34 am
Okay, yeah, the Jimmy Johns boxed lunches were kind of silly. Springfield actually has a few good places to get sandwiches delivered. But protests are hungry work! Give’m a break. Hell, give’m a sammich!
Comment by Springfieldish Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:40 am
## The supporters of the protest must be from out of town. The Feed Store offers way better subs and they are across the street.##
you must be too, the feed store is several blocks from the capitol and isn’t a sub shop.
Comment by Colby jack Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 11:56 am
=Colby
My bad on the distance - but their menu is replete with the same sandwiches that you might find at JJ’s turkey, tune, roast beef, ham… So don’t get cute.
Comment by Lech W Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 12:15 pm
If I’m asked by the police to leave, I leave or expect something bad. If I’m that hungry, I grab a sub and go outside to eat it.
Biss and Kelly lose credibility for encouraging the protesters’ antics.
Comment by justacitizen Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 12:27 pm
Napoleon said an army travels on its stomach like a snake.
Block the food deliveries and the protestors will eventually leave.
Comment by titan Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 12:33 pm
The Feed Store sandwich called “the Local Hero” is pretty much a sub. To see their menu go to http://places.singleplatform.com/feed-store/menu But its $6.50, and Jimmy John’s comparable but not as good 8 inch sub is $5.50 and of course they are mostly not from Springfield.
They were part of what was called “ 200-mile march for hope — and a fair state budget.” As for their demand that the budget approved by the Senate as part of the grand bargain is inadequate and needs to be funded at a higher level, I agree.
However, the idea that an additional $23 billion tacked on to the budget would finance universal health care and free college tuition and fully fund public schools, and social services I would like to see their math on that in detail. Here is some their breakdown http://www.faireconomyillinois.org/people-and-planet-first-budget-for-illinois/
Their proposal for universal health care isn’t exactly that at all, it’s not a national health program as in England, its beefed up Medicaid. Their argument that $2.5 billion additional funding for Illinois higher education, would only allow all current community college and public university undergraduate students to attend tuition-free. It would not apparently allow any of those funds to be used by Illinois students who attend private colleges in our State. I could go on and on with a critique of the fair economy for Illinois budget proposal. What is the point, it’s not serious really. But neither was SB 6 passed by the Democrats in the Senate in my opinion.
Comment by Rod Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 12:40 pm
Head West seems to have more 60’s ish protest decor.
Although perhaps lunch from the Alamo might be more symbolically appropriate.
Comment by A Jack Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 12:51 pm
Jimmy Johns? Really?
Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 12:57 pm
I think those that completed all 200 miles of this march, put more of their personal time and words into action than 99.9% of the rest of Illinois.
Complain about their budget dreams all you want, but how many on this blog, including me, have the guts to walk 200 miles putting words into action?
Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 1:06 pm
A Jack
==A Jack
What about Head East ? they were great …
Head East is an American hard rock band originally from East Central Illinois.
Comment by Texas Red Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 1:13 pm
I’m sure activist liberals love patronizing a sub chain owned by a guy who shoots exotic animals for sport and poses with them. Heck, I’m no liberal but even that is enough to make me not go there.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 1:19 pm
At least they were smart enough to not order chick- fil-a
Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 1:27 pm
This should be a red letter day for Jimmy John’s social media manager.
Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 1:35 pm
Some wealthy men donate buildings or land for parks with their name on it, however, Jimmy Liautaud actually replaced a number of roads in Champaign. He wanted no credit, he followed all of the prevailing wage laws and the city oversaw the construction. He also sends out snow plows to clear streets and labor to shovel sidewalks at various times (again, no credit, just does it). He donated three-quarters of a million dollars to the Crisis Nursery, a million to the YMCA and a pile of cash to the Kickapoo Trail project. I don’t agree with his politics very much, but he does walk the walk in a number of way when it comes to true philanthropy.
Comment by Don Gerard Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 2:01 pm
A lot of the refrain from folks here was the programs being unfunded would stay in the hole until there was a public outcry. Or that some folks were waiting for such an outcry to signify the time to make a deal. Did people think that that outcry would come with a rational budget plan with detailed line items and revenue proposals? We’ve had years of folks saying you can fix the budget issue without revenue, and that is about as insane as what these folks are suggesting. I think the difference is, we’re just more used to hearing it.
Comment by Protest too much Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 2:39 pm
They ordered Jimmy Johns for the tax protests ROFL.
the business whose owner claimed he left over tax increase…. even though he bough a house in FL before the increase…
Comment by Ghost Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 3:06 pm
According to glassdoor, a “Sandwich Artist” at Jimmy Johns in paid $8.44/hr. Do protestors make a living wage? Because the people who made their feast sure don’t.
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, May 31, 17 @ 3:17 pm