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* From a memo sent out Tuesday by Gov. Rauner’s new chief of staff…
Please share with me your best ideas for transforming Illinois through better public policy and improved operations by Friday at 3:00 p.m.
* The Question: There’s not much time left, so what are your “best ideas for transforming Illinois through better public policy and improved operations”?
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:27 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: An “unblemished” record of “decency, civility, and candor”
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1.) Resign.
Comment by Lt Guv Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:30 am
Sorry, I can’t answer because I do not have enough time for Completed Staff Work. /s
Comment by G'Kar Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:30 am
New governor
Comment by Morty Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:30 am
Ughh. Someone beat me to it
Comment by Morty Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:31 am
Burn it down- start over
Comment by Tequila Mockingbird Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:33 am
Amend the Constitution to repeal the House cutback amendment. That would greatly improve the operation of the General Assembly, and other improvements would follow from a better-functioning G.A..
Comment by Harry Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:33 am
Sell JRT, the Mansion, the Stratton Building, and the Fairgrounds, and lease space from some job creators.
Comment by Mongo Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:33 am
When it flooding in a big portion of the state, take off your SCARF and head out to help people.
Comment by Amalia Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:33 am
Send the Governor to week long meet and greet with Mitt Romney, “Being Rich, Republican and Governor for a Blue State”
Comment by OurMagician Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:34 am
Graduated income tax, so there is enough money to run the state (and educate the young, which is the foundation of future prosperity) without unduly burdening those in the lower half or two-thirds of the income distribution.
somehow I don’t think Rauner would like it, but he and his ilk need to pay more in taxes!
Comment by UIC Guy Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:36 am
Constitutional amendments allowing for an income tax that can be progressive and can include retirement income.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:36 am
Agency heads breaking down where cuts can be found to be most efficient.
That would be a great start, very “IPI” too
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:37 am
More free motorcycle lessons.
Obviously.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:37 am
Better public policy: Force budgeting for K-12 according to current law (increase the Foundation Level by $350 million so almost all the money goes to the poorest schools).
As the Senate is still holding onto SB 1 (and who knows how much longer they will hold it), make it clear that you will issue an amendatory veto 60 days after you receive it.
If you are truly interested in school improvement, in student achievement, in reduction of school administrative cost, have the guts to keep SB 1 from becoming law (knowing that no other school “reform” will happen for years if SB 1 should become law).
Comment by winners and losers Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:38 am
Legalize cannabis, use that tax revenue to pay down the pension systems.
Comment by Rogue Roni Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:39 am
Too easy: Raunner resigns; Sue dumps his kakistocracy & starts with some REAL SuperStarts.
Comment by sal-says Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:40 am
Fire all state employees, then rehire them under a new 401k style retirement system. I just came up with it, might work?? Also free Ice Cream on Fridays could help drive results. I got others but those are the two biggies.
Comment by GOP Extremist Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:40 am
Become creative. Don’t rely on business as usual. Think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to change the way we educate our kids. Liberals are quick to point out a European healthcare model. Use a European education system.
Comment by blue dog dem Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:40 am
Learn about the job before you decide to run for the office.
Comment by ILGOV2018 Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:41 am
No snark: Weekly meetings between Rauner and Four Tops and among Sr Staff of each as well.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:43 am
I’ll repeat what Roni said — Make Marijuana Legal.
Comment by Collinsville Kevin Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:44 am
Imagine Decatur trying to attract new businesses, where Champaign, Springfield and Bloomington each offer various incentives, but Decatur can offer nothing.
That’s the challenge that Illinois now faces. We are completely surrounded by right-to-work states that are MUCH more attractive to job creators. It’s not an edge that other states have over Illinois. It’s a mallet.
Let’s try RTW in a few counties whose citizens favor it.
Comment by Downstate Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:44 am
I said it before. Audit each agency and show what cuts, consolidation, workers replaced by computer programs can be made. There truly are plenty. This would have given BR numbers he could have toured the state with. Voters like numbers. They can relate to them. Alas all BR has proven is that Republicans do not deserve the privilege of governing.
Comment by Whoelse Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:44 am
Pay for all staff using accounts meant for insurance premiums.
Comment by Name Withheld Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:45 am
Consolidate townships with less than 1000 people in them, consolidate counties with less than 20,000 people in them, use this to avoid job replication across the board. The townships were created along with every county in Illinois when horses were the mode of transportation. It doesn’t take a day’s ride there and back to get to these places and much can be done without psychically going to the offices anymore.
cally going to the offices.
Comment by OurMagician Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:46 am
Rauner should resign.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:47 am
1. Fire his makeup artist.
2. Convince him he looks good without it.
3. Stop filming political ads against the backdrop of human suffering.
Comment by Radical Candor Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:48 am
I like the California model of abolishing non-compete agreements. That helps entrepreneurs start new businesses without getting locked in from an incumbent company. It works for Silicon Valley. Should work here just as well.
Comment by Dan Johnson Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:48 am
Make 3 envelopes?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:48 am
In other words, “I have nothing, but would appreciate some help here…” My suggestion would be to go back to the simulator.
Comment by ash Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:49 am
OurMagician - consolidate townships contained within existing municipalities. A township should not exist within a city.
Comment by Name Withheld Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:50 am
Sell Illinois to Big Lots for $1 and let them run it.
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:50 am
For better public policy please have the current one resign. We need a real governor with no agenda for the top 1 percent.
Comment by Real Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:50 am
Legalize marijuana.
Comment by Just Observing Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:52 am
If you could fire all the employees and rehire them to mess with their pensions (which you can’t). It would take a lot more than free ice cream to get any desired results.
I’d suggest stop using IPI talking points and insulting commenters. Start being statesmen/women instead.
Learn what the word compromise actually means,
Comment by Thoughts Matter Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:53 am
Quit educational reform efforts. Every time there is “reform” it costs the taxpayers more money & students fare worse. As far as “European models” - wait 5 years to see how they do now that they’re dealing with large numbers of refugees as we have done in this country for decades.
Comment by Interim Retiree Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:56 am
Partner with, see the value of, and do not berate public & private workers who serve the interests of the citizens of your state.
Comment by Stumpy's bunker Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:00 pm
Abolish the IPI
Comment by Flynn's mom Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:00 pm
Knee-cap the insurance industry racket by legislatively eliminating network pricing, which is only accessible by paying protection money to the racketeers via premiums.
This industry needs some disruption. Think about the free market angle of this, IPI/GOP/Gov.
Transparent and publicly posted pricing would encourage medical tourism and drive down costs for taxpayers who are responsible for public employees, retirees, and Medicaid persons.
Comment by cdog Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:02 pm
For starters
Require all lobbyists to pay a $100,000 annual fee to lobby at the capitol and use this to pay down the pension debt
Comment by anon Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:05 pm
Flynn’s mom with the win.
Comment by Lt Guv Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:06 pm
Annex into Iowa.
Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:06 pm
Retract fracking rules from Quinn. Propose new rules that actually implement the law and don’t go beyond.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:08 pm
Get two friends in the Administration to quit. Then they’ll get two friends and so on and so on.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:09 pm
I’d suggest abandon the “turnaround agenda” if I had time for “completed staff work”.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:11 pm
1) Legalize weed, but don’t overtax it back into the black market
2) Progressive income tax
3) Tax on certain financial market transactions
Comment by Sick & Tired Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:11 pm
Spend real effort on fixing the horribly broken procurement process across the state. Realign with business interests that are affected every day.
Comment by Business man Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:12 pm
Five year plan to eliminate townships contained within municipal borders.
Five year plan to consolidate high school districts, or have each primary school district combined with the high school district.
Increase income tax and cap property taxes to fund school the right way.
Comment by Dee Lay Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:14 pm
Hire people who have experience getting things done under the dome.
Start small and build; exercise patience. This is Lobbying 101.
Build friends, not enemies.
Comment by Not It Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:14 pm
- Harry - Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:33 am:
Amend the Constitution to repeal the House cutback amendment. That would greatly improve the operation of the General Assembly, and other improvements would follow from a better-functioning G.A..
I concur–plus if it’s constitutional, elect Senators and Representatives as follows (while staying with 59 state senators and 118 reps):
A total of 3 candidates are elected to the GA from each senatorial district. Top vote getter on the ballot goes to the Senate, the second and third placers go to the House. This will be in the first legislative election after the repeal of the Cutback Amendment–so give state senators a 6-year term, the second place candidate a 4-year House term, and the third placer a 2-year House term.
Comment by Leatherneck Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:16 pm
Throw all we got at the small business community. Affordable loans. Open up a small business center in every county. Over staff the Regional Economic Development teams ( not just one unqualified person per region as we have now.)
Re staff DCEO-
Throw everything into our small and mid sized (gazelles) businesses.
Quit chasing the big fish
Retain our current big fish by giving them attention. ( see re staffing DCEO)
Do everything transparently and with audits
Develop a Rural Hospital/SNF Enterprise Zone
No more tax credits for brewpubs/marinas/luxury condos in Rickford
End corporate welfare as we know it.
Main Street not Wallstreet
Comment by Promachus Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:16 pm
== Fire all state employees, then rehire them under a new 401k style retirement system. I just came up with it, might work?? ==
Not legal. Try again.
Comment by RNUG Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:21 pm
Spout Hackney jargon. Blame everybody else for our failures.
Put lipstick on a pig type solutions to our problems. Oh wait we’re already doing that.
Comment by Porgy Tirebiter Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:22 pm
I’ve said it before. Get behind a progressive income tax and drastically increased school funding in exchange for forced $ for $ school district levy reductions.
Comment by RNUG Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:23 pm
Tax all salaries above $100,000 paid by “think tanks” at 100%.
Comment by So... Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:24 pm
Below is from the Denver Post.
Some notable stats from the 12-month run:
•Altogether, the monthly sales reached $1.4 billion.
•Colorado collected nearly $223 million in taxes and license fees.
Legalize Cannabis and raise a few hundred million a year to pay off all those old bills. Illinois has well more than twice the population of Colorado so we are talking about $500 million in recurring revenue stream. Half a billion is not chump change.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:25 pm
Fire all the superstars and IPI policy wonks. Replace them with experienced government workers that actually know how to make the systems deliver services.
Comment by RNUG Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:25 pm
Allow true voter initiatives on the ballot.
Put every state program (and extension of Federal programs) on the ballot over the next 10 years. If the voters don’t reauthorize it, then.scrap it.
Comment by RNUG Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:28 pm
You may wanna try and get former Governor Edgar to join the team. He seems to have had a much better gasp of the political realities in Illinois; and more specifically, the make up of the GA.
Comment by GOP Extremist Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:29 pm
Stop calling the other two branches of government corrupt and figure out how to work with them to achieve some of your goals. Govern now, campaign at the appropriate time on your achievements.
Comment by Captain Ed Smith Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:29 pm
Outsource executive functions to Wisconsin.
Comment by Whatever Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:30 pm
Put the Illinois Arts Council under DNR as well (as IHPA has recently been moved under). Rename DNR the “Department of Natural, Cultural, and Historical Resources.”
Move the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to Revenue (with the health-related regulatory duties going to Public Health).
Merge Public Health with DHS (”Illinois Department of Health and Human Services”).
Spin off IDOT Traffic Safety to the Secretary of State’s Office (something I’ve always thought of since Blago attempted to move that department’s offices to Harrisburg in 2008).
Comment by Leatherneck Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:31 pm
The Plan: Find common ground that garners 30 and 60, or when necessary 36 and 71 (votes…). Until the administration grasps the basic math of legislation, nothing will get done, and that means understanding that leading means compromise.
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:31 pm
==Make 3 envelopes?==
The governor keeps opening the first one.
Comment by Whatever Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:32 pm
=Fire all state employees=
=not legal, try again=
Sorry, Snark!! I stole that idea from one of the newest “superstars”, Diana R. The Ice Cream was all mine though.
Comment by GOP Extremist Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:35 pm
Create a bi-partisan commission of tax attorneys, CPAs, economists, business and labor for a comprehensive analysis of the existing tax structure and recommendations to bring our tax system into the 21st century. Require a take it or leave it vote similar to the federal military base closing laws.
Comment by Past the Rule of 85 Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:35 pm
I was ready and waiting for this question!
Why not do what Corbyn did when May asked him this question earlier this week? He suggested she read a copy of the Labour Party’s election manifesto if she was looking for ideas.
On a slightly more serious note: what Flynn’s mom said, first, and a progressive income tax, second. The flat tax is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad idea. Too many of this state’s taxes are already regressive.
On a genuinely serious note: Illinois needs its own New Deal, and it shouldn’t be looking to Iowa and Indiana for inspiration; it should be looking within itself, with an occasional side glance towards Minnesota.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:36 pm
1. Term limits on leadership, legislators and constitutional officers.
2. Re-examine every rental agreement the state has.
3. Re-examine every state contract
4. Explore a partial work-from-home workforce to reduce costly real estate/rental costs
That’d be a good start.
Comment by FormerDownstateHack Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:36 pm
Hire somebody to teach everybody in the Governor’s Office what exactly the state government does. Start with the largest expenditures and work down the list.
The teacher should be someone over 40 who is not enamored with Ayn Rand.
Comment by Quizzical Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:36 pm
Keep saying over and over that no significant legislation can be passed because of corrupt insiders and a corrupt system.
Legalize marijuana and push for a progressive income tax or millionaire surcharge. It’s time that multimillionaires like Rauner and billionaires pay their fair share. Enough of squeezing the beast, attacking labor rights and trying to force workers to take cuts that are too harsh, while the governor and Griffin make tens of millions to over a billion dollars a year.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:38 pm
“Fire all the superstars and IPI policy wonks. Replace them with experienced government workers that actually know how to make the systems deliver services.” - We had that before Rauner and look at the mess Illinois was in, couldn’t even follow the Constitution and pass a balanced budget for how many decades and ran up $130-$250 billion pension debt and another totally unfunded retiree healthcare debt. Those government workers are very much responsible for putting their activist in office to do their bidding.
Comment by Stand Tall Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:39 pm
I think people are already doing it with thier feet - leaving illinois. Why would any business want to come to this state? The bickering needs to stop and leaders who are willing to do what is needed have to step up. Until there is some civility in the process no one specific strategy or policy can make a difference.
Comment by Escape Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:39 pm
I was going to suggest the opposite of RNUG –
Hire even more Superstars - ideologues who have no actual experience in state government and let them learn on the job. After all, they are smarter than the rest of us and will get things straightened out in no time./S
Actually, this is happening already.
Comment by illini Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:42 pm
Tax reform. Broaden the base by plugging corporate loopholes, taxing retirement income, and taxing service transactions. Couple this with progressive rates and use half the extra revenue to pay down debt (vendor and pension debt) and the other half to reduce property taxes dollar for dollar (per RNUG).
When vendor debt is paid off, use extra revenue to invest in things businesses really care about - educated workforce and infrastructure (particularly transportation infrastructure) instead of things business doesn’t care about - term limits, public unions, etc. Also address workers’ comp rates (compromise of insurance rate regulation and somewhat-less-generous rules for claims) and review business regulation, with an eye to reducing and simplifying business startup red tape and overall regulation. A lot of this might be possible administratively, without GA oversight or even cooperation.
Fire the IPI folks, and replace them with people actually experienced at governing. If you can’t stand Edgar (as GOP Extremist suggested), how about hiring Mitt Romney as a consultant, since he seemed to do a pretty good job running a Democratic state (Massachusetts).
And finally, quit campaigning and start governing.
Comment by jdcolombo Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:43 pm
“better public policy”
1. Entities such as IPI must reveal identity of all donors. 2. Entities such as IPI can only accept contributions from individuals.
Comment by Smitty Irving Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:43 pm
All employees shall wear make-up until further notice.
Comment by Winnin' Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:48 pm
Listen more, talk less.
Comment by Tough Guy Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:49 pm
Darn, I had a great list of ideas for better public policy and improved operation of Illinois government, but my dog ate it. Can I get an extension?
Comment by IllinoisBoi Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:49 pm
With urgency, place the progressive income tax on the 2018 ballot.
On the ballot should be defined brackets, and language that constitutionally dedicates the windfall to k-12 funding to reduce or eliminate the economically destructive property tax burden on property tax owners who are doing ALL the heavy lifting funding Illinois schools.
Comment by cdog Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:55 pm
My memo would outline the importance of getting Bruce Rauner re-elected so that after the election, he can tell us what his plan is for moving Illinois forward.
Comment by Winnin' Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:55 pm
If the Gov and the Dems are truly interested in the middle class they will do the tax swap.
If not, their words about “protecting the middle class” are hypocritical and they are allowing high income earners to reap the silent benefit from Illinois’ middle class property owners paying hugely for educating Illinois’ kids.
Comment by cdog Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:00 pm
A Governor whoae attitude isnt one of destroying the state human services and universities for the sake of term limits
Comment by Austinman Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:05 pm
1. Implement some kind of pension reform and adjust the pension ramp. We simply have too much money going towards pensions.
2. Make Workers Comp reform the number 1 legislative priority. This will save the state money and help create more jobs. Consider passing some reasonable minimum wage increases along with it to garner votes from Democrats.
3. Kick management out of AFSME. You can be an AFSME member or a manager, you should not be both.
4. Treat both your managers and AFSME employees better, you know be a good manager.
5. Hire technocrats, managers and specialist and stay away from people with entrenched ideology, they are unable to offer the flexibility of management.
6. Manage the heck out of the budget and operations. There is no silver bullet and this will take a lot of constant management over a long period of time. This last point is the most important and it should become the new mantra in State Government. Nothing can replace good management day in and day out.
Comment by Ahoy! Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:08 pm
In additional to legalizing and taxing recreational marijuana at a revenue maximizing level, release anyone convicted of a related crime. Provide the option to expunge the records of folks guilty of non violent marijuana related crimes in exchange for agreeing to an income tax surcharge of 2% for 24 months and remaining free of any sort of conviction other than a misdemeanor.
Implement a progressive income tax at a level similar to Iowa. Split the additional revenue between school funding in order to remove much of the cost of schools from property taxes and direct the remainder toward paying down the long term bill backlog.
Perform an exhaustive review of ways in which the state can maximize federal matching money and grants. Illinois receives less money per person from Washington than most states. I also suspect that relatively high incomes in Illinois result in more income tax money going to Washington than most states as well.
Comment by AC Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:10 pm
Plan A: Lead.
Plan B: Follow.
Plan C: Get out of the way.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:19 pm
Tax Oreos.
Comment by blue dog dem Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:19 pm
1) The true Grand Bargain–amending the Illinois Constitution to remove the pension protection language and to include a progressive income tax.
2) Tax pensions as ordinary income subject to our income tax.
3) Make the lay-ups: Legalize and tax marijuana (it’s only some tens of millions dollars, but we don’t get to not make lay-ups) and pass the casino bills to put gaming in Chicago and get that tax revenue. We have lost the moral authority to reject these options, given how bad the situation is.
4) Further criminal justice reform. Lost in the shuffle of the past two years is that Rauner has really been pretty good about this, and this state can be a national leader on this front.
5) No more non-binding referenda on the ballot; it’s wrong when Madigan puts a minimum wage hike or millionaire’s tax on the ballot with no intent of supporting them or when Rahm ensures that the three slots are taken by feel-good nonsense, and it’ll be wrong in a century when the next party does the same thing.
Comment by Chris Widger Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:27 pm
Can any staffer who approaches running a government like it is a baby shower by asking for suggestions about how to transform a state.
It’s like being 35,000 feet in the air and hearing the pilot ask if anyone knows how to fly the plane, where they are, if there are any parachutes, what day it is, if anyone had a cell phone signal, what’s that smokey smell, and which mountain peak is looming up before the plane.
Shameful amateurs.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:32 pm
Have the Township Road Districts take over County Road Maintenance: Works very well already in six or seven counties…
Comment by downstate commissioner Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:38 pm
I’m still working on the completed staff work about the flood in Lake County. /s
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:41 pm
To improve operations, begin every project with a simple question, how would Jeanne Ives handle this situation?
Comment by Red Ranger Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:49 pm
What Promachus said.
Redefine your “pro-business strategy” as entirely about small businesses. Go all in for that strategy. That is where job growth is produced, and would disqualify most of your current Turn Around agenda.
Comment by walker Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 2:03 pm
Blame Madigan
Push workers comp reform
Break unions
Smaller government
Comment by CLJ Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 2:06 pm
Have the new hires job shadow front line staff and front line supervisors in various branches of DHS, especially DCFS and local Medicaid offices. They will get a wealth of good information on the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, both through hearing from the employees and also through direct observation. The new COS should model the behavior by doing it three times as much. It’s the best investment of time any new manager could make, and difficult to make oneself do when new to a position.
Comment by Earnest Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 2:22 pm
Negotiate in good faith and with the spirit of compromise.
Comment by Enviro Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 2:28 pm
Where has Chris Widger been hiding?
Unfortunately his “grand bargain,” as good as it would be for the people of Illinois, would hurt 1) the 1% and 2) public workers: the special interest groups driving their respective parties, so needless to say it’s a nonstarter.
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 2:30 pm
Increase property taxes on homes over $1 million.
Comment by Enviro Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 2:32 pm
Swap southern Illinois for northern Indiana? (Sorry, Carbondale) The lady did say “radical”.
Comment by Radical Candor Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 2:36 pm
Just give complete control back to the Democrats for another 12 years, surely they’ll fix something this time.
Comment by Jeff Trigg Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 2:43 pm
It’s after 3pm, are we saved?
Comment by The Captain Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 3:14 pm
===It’s after 3pm, are we saved?===
Looks like Kristina didn’t like the answers she got from the Policy team. Buh-bye.
No one is safe.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 3:26 pm
Darn, I’m late with my suggestion for a double resignation.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 3:44 pm
1. Write a big check Bruce. You can afford it.
2. Resign and take Sue with you.
Comment by Cheryl44 Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 4:03 pm
Permit 101 counties the option of seceding from the state and forming a new state minus Cook County.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 4:10 pm
Drop any idea of a turn around agenda. Concentrate on the budget. Take 100% of what the GA proposes and sign all the bills. Give the GOP back to the party.
Comment by Huh? Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 4:16 pm
casual fridays, legalize the ganja, bottle and can deposits, instant runoff elections, publicly funded campaigns, advertise outdoor activity opportunities in the Shawnee Nat,l forest to folks in Chicago, more microbreweries and promote buying local
Comment by frisbee Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 4:23 pm
@- Red Ranger - Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:49 pm:
To improve operations, begin every project with a simple question, how would Jeanne Ives handle this situation?
Coffee spray.
Comment by DuPage Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 4:24 pm
Red Swingline staplers for all.
Comment by Steve Rogers Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 4:27 pm
Fire anyone who can only come up with pension reform as a way to save money.
Comment by Liberty Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 4:48 pm
Take out a 15 billion dollar loan in the name of Barry Saacks.
Comment by Jocko Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 4:53 pm
To: Kristina
My idea is for Governor Rauner to tax retirement income and then be against it, just like he did with the incometax and the service tax.
Then, blame Madigan.
Thank you for the privilege to work here.
Comment by Winnin' Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 5:04 pm