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* Several House Republicans held a press conference yesterday to once again rail against the proposed graduated income tax…
And when asked Tuesday to name three cuts to state government that Republicans would support, Rep. Jeff Keicher, a Sycamore Republican, said the conversation has to “go beyond cuts.”
He cited former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels’ handling of his state’s agency expenditures in a “programmatic approach of looking at each agency on a scale of individualized metrics so that they could not only refine what they do in alignment with the mission created for them, but that they could do it in a more effective and efficient manner.”
The group mentioned a bill from state Rep. Steve Reick, a Woodstock Republican, which would create private-sector commission mirroring Daniels’ approach to examine the spending habits and management practices of state agencies.
That commission would give recommendations to lawmakers to spend more efficiently, but would be a 501(c)4 organization which would not have to release any information about its donors. The bill remains in committee.
Other specific reform legislation mentioned Tuesday includes a Batinick bill to consolidate pensions, and legislation from Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville), who has a bill to create a discretionary spending freeze for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. The group also touted workman’s compensation reforms and said Illinois needs to work on making it easier to do business in the state.
* Related…
* Pritzker’s proposed cut to Invest in Kids conflicts with rhetoric: Pritzker has since modified his goal to abolish Invest in Kids. Now, as a money-saving measure, he wants to cut the potential $100 million program to $50 million in the budget that takes effect on July 1. It would be further reduced in the three remaining years of the five-year pilot program. … Meanwhile, Republicans, who are a superminority in the legislature, defend Invest in Kids both as a program that is working as intended and the product of a bipartisan compromise.
* Illinois Policy group launches TV ads against graduated tax
* State lawmakers begin budget talks as progressive tax debate continues: State Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield, on Monday rattled off a list of quotes from leading Democrats from over the years saying that tax increases would help stabilize budgets. “The is a comprehensive package that will move us a long way toward driving down our spending, paying our past due bills, and achieving fiscal stability,” Batnick quoted former state Rep. Elaine Nekritz saying in 2011. “We are in desperate need to improve our bond ratings. We will do that by raising this…” Batinick quoted Senate President John Cullerton from 2011.
* Sponsor of measure looks to amend bill opponent dubbed ‘rain tax’: DeLuca plans to amend his bill so it does not include tax-exempt properties such as churches, and to specify that money local governments could raise from such fees could only be used for storm sewer systems. He said because the state has cut money for local governments, the authority to levy the fee is important to make sure local governments aren’t diverting resources away from public safety services such as police and fire to fund storm sewer repairs. DeLuca said it’s not a rain tax, That’s how state Rep. Allen Skillicorn characterized the bill last month after it passed committee. “Then what is it?” said Skillicorn, R-East Dundee. “It’s exactly what it is. It is water falling on your property, you’re being taxed on it.”
* Briefly, taxpayers were part of the conversation: “So far, we’ve had about $4.5 billion in new taxes that have been put forward, including income tax, bag tax, gas tax, marijuana tax, a vaping tax, expand [the] sales tax to include services, sports betting, and I think I’m probably missing one or two,” McConchie said at the news conference surrounded by other Republican state senators. For the record, McConchie did miss a few. Lawmakers have also proposed tax increases on tobacco products, financial transactions and more.
* Sen. Jason Plummer: In Illinois, we have a ‘spending’ problem, not a ‘deficit’ problem: The next time you hear a news report about the state’s “deficit” sob story, ask yourself this question: Do we have a “deficit” problem in Illinois, or a “spending” problem? Do not let politicians continue to play word games in order to avoid the real issues we face in Illinois. Enough is enough.
* Study: Most states’ sports betting revenue misses estimates
* Editorial: Time is right to develop a strong plan for sports betting
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 10:55 am
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Didn’t they have four years in charge of the agencies to identify ways they could operate more efficiently?
Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:02 am
Someone should tell Rep. Keicher we have been doing that for some time now. Every state agency has performance metrics that are public data. We eliminated almost all grants and replaced them with performance-based contracts.
I hope they’ve got something else up their sleeve.
Comment by Thomas Paine Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:02 am
===He cited former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels’ handling of his state’s agency expenditures in a “programmatic approach of looking at each agency on a scale of individualized metrics so that they could not only refine what they do in alignment with the mission created for them, but that they could do it in a more effective and efficient manner.”===
Narrator: They have no cuts.
They are wasting everyone’s time.
Be better. Thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:03 am
–.. Rep. Jeff Keicher, a Sycamore Republican, said the conversation has to “go beyond cuts…. in a programmatic approach of looking at each agency on a scale of individualized metrics so that they could not only refine what they do in alignment with the mission created for them, but that they could do it in a more effective and efficient manner.”
That ain’t a Word Salad, that’s The World’s Biggest Word Salad Bar.
Fill your bowl with unlimited helpings of nonsensical nothingness.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:06 am
That’s exactly what I thought this morning or yesterday, when I read some headline or tweet that per the ILGOP, we don’t have a budget shortfall, we have a spending problem. So we get this:
“programmatic approach of looking at each agency on a scale of individualized metrics so that they could not only refine what they do in alignment with the mission created for them, but that they could do it in a more effective and efficient manner”
More of the old waste, fraud and abuse. C’mon, ILGOP, say what you really want to cut—or are you afraid of the political consequences? Or do you not want to do the cuts but are just being evasive?
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:06 am
==State Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield, on Monday rattled off a list of quotes from leading Democrats from over the years saying that tax increases would help stabilize budgets. ==
As I recall, the Quinn increase did stabilize things; when it went away, all heck broke loose; when the tax came back, we got much closer to stability.
It turns out, more income tax revenue does bring us closer to budget stability. Especially when no one is willing to make any substantial cuts.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:11 am
Political speak translation: We want to kill the graduated income tax proposal to protect our wealthy base and am trying to use cuts as a way of doing that. But, we don’t want to propose cuts because we know it will face significant opposition and hurt our re-election chances. So we will reference a tried and true political practice of forming a committee so we don’t have to propose specifics.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:11 am
The GOP GA members willing to stand up and be counted with with ridiculousness as a rational thought… without any cuts you can point to… you are wasting space in the General Assembly.
The past administration had agency head after agency head testify without a cut they’d make.
Now, these members want to pound the table and say nothing about anything?
I’m not saying they’re useless to the discussion, I may say their points are useless to the governing.
It’s confusing why members would want to embarrass themselves to those who follow things, and pander to the ignorance of voters they hope they can keep voting for… ignorance.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:19 am
=== “programmatic approach of looking at each agency on a scale of individualized metrics so that they could not only refine what they do in alignment with the mission created for them, but that they could do it in a more effective and efficient manner.” ===
Does that verbal diarrhea really play well in Sycamore?
Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:21 am
And the result of Mitch Daniels review is that Indiana state government contracts out a high percentage of work. Sine Indiana didn’t have collective bargaining rights in their statutes, he eliminated state worker unions via executive order.
Comment by LTSW Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:25 am
Blue ribbon committees !
We want more blue ribbon committees !
Yay !
- IL GOP GA -
Comment by Scott Cross for President Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:26 am
Lol. Keicher left out “synergy”.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:31 am
The “rain tax” might be able to help communities deal with Combined Sewer Overflow issues, which are a serious thing-
https://www.epa.gov/npdes/combined-sewer-overflow-frequent-questions
” CSSs (Combined Sewer Systems) serve approximately 860 communities with a total population of about 40 million people. Most communities with CSOs are located in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Although large cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta have CSSs, most communities with CSO problems have fewer than 10,000 people.”
Illinois had a program to help fund these projects at one time…
https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/grants-loans/water-financial-assistance/Pages/igig.aspx
Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:35 am
==State Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield, on Monday rattled off a list of quotes from leading Democrats==
Quoting a rep from plainfield, a village that is doing everything it can to stick its fingers into and drain the budgets of the surrounding districts that share some of its borders, and has recently become a village with the largest % of its land located in a TIF district.
I can’t think of any nearby area that thinks wise public financial choices are coming out of plainfield.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:36 am
==create private-sector commission mirroring Daniels’ approach to examine the spending habits and management practices of state agencies.==
Didn’t Donna Arduin and members of the IPI have their chance in Rauner’s administration? I don’t recall it working out too well.
Comment by Jocko Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:39 am
“Cuts? Who said anything about cuts?”
I am sure LP will demand to know what the cuts are. Right? I mean to be consistent.
A private sector advisory committee that is a 501 c (4)? Yeah, that sounds legit. Sheesh.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:41 am
A time work study, it’s the workers fault f we can find it
Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:47 am
–And the result of Mitch Daniels review is that Indiana state government contracts out a high percentage of work–
LOL, and Illinois doesn’t? Since when?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:48 am
The Storm Water Utility Fee (aka “Rain Tax”) in Champaign is the reason areas of town are no longer designated by FEMA as “flood planes” and, thus, all those tall buildings (and all that tax revenue).
As the projects continue neighborhoods receive beautiful amenities in the storm water basin design as parks with water features and property values go up while insurance rates go down.
Taxes are the price of democracy and fees are the shared responsibility which spurs economic boons and population growth.
Comment by Don Gerard Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:53 am
“Do we have a “deficit” problem in Illinois, or a “spending” problem?”
Spoken like a bidness man who doesn’t understand what government is all about. Government spends money to provide services to the people of the state and accomplishing the goals set by the administration.
A government “saving” money isn’t providing services or accomplishing anything.
The bidness man earns money to satisfy his investors. This is done by cutting costs (laying off staff) or selling more products.
Government spending and deficits fundamentally different from business spending and deficit. One can go bankrupt and the other can’t.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 11:59 am
==501(c)4 organization which would not have to release any information about its donors. ==
Just can’t help themselves, can they? Though I’m sure Andy Shaw thinks it’s a good idea
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:02 pm
Here are some cuts and one revenue-producing idea. I am not in any way proposing that the state can get out of the red by simply cutting, but cutting has to be part of the strategy.
1. Eliminate the Illinois Arts Council. It is not government’s responsibility to fund the arts.
2. Closed down one state university (the state has excess capacity).
3. Eliminate any public funding of public radio and public tv. Government should not be funding the media. Plenty of radio stations out there that a 100% listener funded. No reason why PBS and NPR can’t be 100% listener/viewer funded.
4. Eliminate any funding to the Illinois Humanities Council.
5. Reduce staffing in the Bureau of Benefits at CMS (now that CMS hired Morneau Shepell, it should be able to get by with less staff).
6. Eliminate General Election Day and Lincoln’s Birthday as state holidays (Lincoln can be honored on President’s Day). At the very least, it would eliminate some overtime pay.
7. Cap the state employee life insurance benefit at $50,000 (now it is the annual salary). This would save a few million. (Employees are able to purchase more insurance through the state.)
8. Close down some small state historic sites (they can be turned over to local government or non-profits at no cost if they want them).
9. Charge an entrance fee at some of the nicer and larger state parks (other states do this).
10. Unless it is making money, close the Du Quoin State Fair (Texas only has one state fair, why does IL need two?).
Comment by Billy Shears Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:06 pm
===Here are some cuts===
You need like $3.2 billion. These barely make a dent.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:07 pm
===2. Closed down one state university (the state has excess capacity).===
You tell that to Carbondale, Charleston, Macomb, DeKalb, Normal… go sell it. Get 60-30 and a signature from a governor.
===Eliminate General Election Day===
That’s a state holiday?
Your feelings on the arts and public radio and TV… to each their own…
I would suggest you watch the Fred Rogers documentary, specifically the part where Mr. Rogers advocates for public television.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:11 pm
Billy, how about breaking the contract with MS? Thatd save about as much as the rest of your cuts combined there.
Comment by Fixer Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:14 pm
–The group also touted workman’s compensation reforms–
Why does anyone still call it “Workman’s Comp”? The agency was renamed the “Workers Compensation Commission” years ago (and was never called the Workmans Compensation Commission); women make up most of the workforce; and every other job title has gone gender neutral.
So why do people still talk about “workman’s comp” like that’s a thing?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:18 pm
===2. Closed down one state university (the state has excess capacity).===
You tell that to Carbondale, Charleston, Macomb, DeKalb, Normal… go sell it. Get 60-30 and a signature from a governor.
Wouldn’t be too surprised in the Dems did mothball a campus. Saving them all will cost a ton, and they’re mostly represented by Republicans. If local legislators insist on cuts before revenue, they may be volunteering their constituents for the chopping block.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:26 pm
===Wouldn’t be too surprised in the Dems did mothball a campus.===
Really?
Show me the 60 and 30, and that Gov. Pritzker will sign on.
That would be surprising.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:28 pm
I have absolutely no idea who Billy Shears is, but I applaud him for at least attempting to do something that the ILLGOP refuses to do.
They can hide behind their word jumbles, their blue ribbon commissions and their typical “waste, fraud and abuse” or “spending problems” arguments, but that does not solve anything,
If the ILLGOP expects to be taken seriously, they need to come forward with specific proposals and become a part of the solution.
Comment by illini Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:28 pm
===it does not include tax-exempt properties such as churches===
Because it does not rain on God’s properties? Stop narrowing the tax (or fee) base!
Sure, call it a rain tax if that helps you sleep at night. I would call it a flood protection tax, and it is a very important service. Do you want flooded basements and streets?
Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:32 pm
===That would be surprising===
It would be a complete and total stunner. This is why I really don’t like commenters who won’t even take the time to create a name.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:32 pm
Today’s GOP. Don’t show up to vote and want to outsource their responsibilities.
Comment by Generic Drone Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:33 pm
It seems laughable but remember there are key Raunerites still in place at many agencies who could facilitate cuts. Kinda like how the budget of ISBE just got cut. There’s a fifth column. They don’t need 60/30.
Comment by Einherjar Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:33 pm
===Kinda like how the budget of ISBE just got cut===
LOL
No.
The ISBE reduced its ask to be in-line with Pritzker’s ask.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:34 pm
And exactly how do you “mothball” a campus? Unbelievable.
Comment by illini Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:35 pm
“programmatic approach of looking at each agency on a scale of individualized metrics so that they could not only refine what they do in alignment with the mission created for them, but that they could do it in a more effective and efficient manner”
Boy I miss the old days when they would solve every budget problem by getting rid of waste, fraud and abuse.
Comment by TominChicago Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:37 pm
Well, Billy, I give you credit for making a list, unlike every R legislator. Like Rich says, it is small potatoes. You could fire all 43K state employees and barely close the budget gap, so the time for small potatoes is done.
Comment by Jibba Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:39 pm
===how do you “mothball” a campus?===
The same way you’d mothball a prison, which the state has done. It’s just not gonna do that for a university.
Move along.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:40 pm
There is no easy cost cutting solution, but there are some changes that could be made that would control future spending. 1) Reform the collective bargaining process between state employee unions and the executive branch. Rauner v AFSCME proved that the current system is broken. 2) Change the interest rate the state has to pay for the bill backlog to the average Illinois bond yield + 3% to encourage prompt payment. 3) Look at expanding the 2017 cost shift for TRS pension payments. Also look at having IDOT budget for and fund their actuarial pension obligations outside of the general fund via an increase in the gas tax or other transportation revenues (especially in light of the lockbox amendment)
Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:43 pm
If anyone recalls the fights the PQ folks had over closing DD and MH centers, they will remember the loudest and the most frothing at mouth opponents were GOP lawmakers.
The same guys who for years had been screaming for cuts and doing more with less, and had been short funding human services, all of a sudden developed a burning desire to keep their centers open and protect the jobs in their districts.
Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:56 pm
“Rauner v AFSCME proved that the current system is broken”
No. What was broken was the irrational and venomous hatred of 1.4% against a public union, his refusal to negotiate in good faith, and general failure as a governor.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 12:59 pm
There’s no way to cut our way out of this deficit without causing severe, irreparable damage to this state. The population decline under Rauner was extraordinary and a lot of it had to do with the gutting of higher education and social service spending.
Illinois is 38th in the country in per capita spending in 2017:
https://ballotpedia.org/Total_state_government_expenditures
Comment by Former State Worker Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:01 pm
Where are the Republicans going to cut? What is their opinion? Why, did the Republicans become the majority party in both chambers when I wasn’t looking?
Let’s try “Where are the Democrats going to cut” instead.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:10 pm
“Rauner v AFSCME proved that the current system is broken”
There was an attempt at reform during his tenure involving arbitration. BVR vetoed that. Ever stop to wonder why he didn’t want arbitration?
Comment by Fixer Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:13 pm
Are GOP legislators really so overwhelmed with their heavy duties in the super-minority that they have to farm out the task of examining how state government works and where the money goes?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StIcRH_e6zQ
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:14 pm
Louis, we’re just asking the Rs to put their money where their mouths are. They’re the ones saying that a tax increase is not needed because cuts can be made. “Oh, yeah? Where?” is a perfectly reasonable response to their bleating.
Comment by Jibba Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:14 pm
It’s a fair question. And the Republicans should answer with a direct and specific response.
Comment by Nonbeleiver Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:15 pm
Dems arent having a high speed come apart over a fair tax, Louis. ILGOP wants to suggest alternatives, after stating they didn’t want to be part of the process that’s on them. They want less spending? Show us where then.
Comment by Fixer Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:15 pm
===Where are the Republicans going to cut? What is their opinion? Why, did the Republicans become the majority party in both chambers when I wasn’t looking?
Let’s try “Where are the Democrats going to cut” instead.===
Oh, - Louis G Atsaves,
The GOP doesn’t want a tax increase… they don’t want to show any cuts…
What does the post Rauner GOP think on anything budgetary?
Should we revisit the testifying Rauner agency heads giving no cuts during testimony or have stipulated that for good?
You’d think the post Rauner GOP would want to say something like…
“No millionare tax, cut autism funding”
Makes sense, Counselor?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:15 pm
Stunts like these are why they ended up with super minority numbers. Keep it up guys and the world will continue to pass you by.
Why didn’t they suggest any of this to Rauner when they had the chance? Oh yeah, because they were all afraid of him and he certainly wasn’t interested in their input.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:19 pm
Cite Mitch Daniels when talking about higher ed.
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:23 pm
Anyone who has ever worked for an organization of any real size knows that there are plenty of things that could be done to improve efficiency. State government is no different. If you think the potential savings is anywhere close to $3 billion, though, you are living in a fantasy world.
Comment by Pelonski Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:25 pm
Louis:
This group of Republican lawmakers said there need to be cuts. They should be able to provide some details. Instead you give us the standard garbage of the Republicans aren’t in charge so why should they participate or say anything? You want to know why your party is in the shape it is in? You just provided a perfect example. You have nothing to offer.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:29 pm
==Reform the collective bargaining process between state employee unions and the executive branch. Rauner v AFSCME proved that the current system is broken==
I’m not sure what you are getting at with that comment.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:32 pm
>Let’s try “Where are the Democrats going to cut” instead.
I agree from the perspective that Pritzker didn’t include much in the way of cuts in his budget and included some over-optimism in terms of new revenue sources. However, I’ll support any elected official who is willing to support a specific revenue increase or a specific spending cut. Pritzker has done one of those, unlike the House Republicans above.
Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:39 pm
=== “programmatic approach of looking at each agency on a scale of individualized metrics so that they could not only refine what they do in alignment with the mission created for them, but that they could do it in a more effective and efficient manner.”===
Wut
Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:40 pm
OW @ 12:11 mentioned it, and its important to watch.
On May 1, 1969, Fred Rogers, host of the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce Subcommittee on Communications to defend $20 million in federal funding proposed for the newly formed non-profit Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which was at risk of being reduced to $10 million. Subcommittee Chairman, Senator John Pastore (D-RI), unfamiliar with Fred Rogers, is initially abrasive toward him. Over the course of Rogers’ 6 minutes of testimony, Pastore’s demeanor gradually transitions to one of awe and admiration as Rogers speaks.
Check it out: https://youtu.be/fKy7ljRr0AA
Comment by Scott Cross for President Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:45 pm
My proposed cuts.
LGDF
1/2 of what’s left at DCEO
Rgional supt. Districts.
The part of ISP that handles FOID.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:53 pm
“Stunts like these are why they ended up with super minority numbers. Keep it up guys and the world will continue to pass you by.
Why didn’t they suggest any of this to Rauner when they had the chance? Oh yeah, because they were all afraid of him and he certainly wasn’t interested in their input.”
Nailed it. It will be a cold day in hell before the GOP will argue that an increase in taxes isn’t needed and list the specific cuts needed to balance the budget without tax increases.
Comment by The Dude Abides Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:54 pm
- Give Me A Break -
I can do you one better. A majority of Senate Republicans voted to fully fund the DJJ IYC in Murphysboro. All of the kids had already been moved out at the time.
Comment by Juice Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:54 pm
–Where are the Republicans going to cut?–
Louis, as Rep. Reick explained, Republicans are “beyond cuts.”
They’re evolved to and are operating on a different astral plane, Nietzschean uber-mensch, like the Star Child in “2001.”
That’s why Reick’s proposal is incomprehensible as to how it would actually result in lower spending.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 1:58 pm
@Blue Dog
LGDF is not going to go away. Smaller communities rely heavily on it. But if a Republican wanted to do that, they surely would make some forever Republican strongholds pretty Democratic.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 2:01 pm
@Demoralized - There still isn’t an agreed upon contract between AFSCME and the state and it has been four years, yet somehow the court system is still trying to decide if they are at an impasse. How do you budget around this uncertainty?
Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 2:10 pm
Ducky. If LGDF doesn’t get rolled back into the states coffers, there isn’t a meaningful cut to be had and the GOP can quit flapping their gums. And if the state cuts nothing, we are forever doomed.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 2:14 pm
==My proposed cuts.
LGDF==
Hahaha someone apparently loves total dem control of government. I’m sure GOP will get started right away with proposing this plan - “why would we want small town support anyway?”
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 2:16 pm
Lester. I dont care who controls this state. Its going to take some courage to fix it, snd if you think raising taxes is going to be enough, well lots of luck.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 2:22 pm
Blue Dog, I understand that there are few areas here to cut. If I were them, or any politician in Illinois supporting cuts, I would argue making a kind of across the board, shared sacrifice kind of pitch. At the same time, it must be done surgically where we don’t want to be throwing out federal matching funds. I know it’s a cop out. But if you can make everyone feel miserable, they will strangely feel better that they aren’t the only ones. And we won’t be pitting groups against each other.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 2:26 pm
–we are forever doomed.–
Sounds serious. I’ll try to muddle through the day.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 2:37 pm
-yet somehow the court system is still trying to decide if they are at an impasse.-
Nope- that was dropped when the state and afscme went back to the bargaining table on Mar 25.
Contract negotiations are in full swing and going well by all indications.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 2:42 pm
There is not room to cut Illinois discretionary budget in a meaningful way. Discrentionary spending per capita is not excessive relative to other states.
Non-discretionary spending (pensions) are high and more tax revenues are required to cover the pension liability. Increasing taxes will reduce the tax base, Illinois has already lost population for the last 4 years - which is very unusual. For this reason I am opposed to increasing State taxes. Ultimately bond holders will take a hair cut.
Comment by Mike Royko Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 2:54 pm
===Look at expanding the 2017 cost shift for TRS pension payments===
The strategy here is simple. Pass through the costs and the appropriation (inflation adjusted each year thereafter) to the schools. Once a school realizes that they get for example $10M whether their pension cost is $10M or $8M or $12M, you can be that they will reign in costs.
With LGDF, it would be interesting to explore the idea of sending it all to the counties and letting them pass it along to the locals. That might incentivize some consolidation, so that local governments have a larger constituency to advocate for funding.
Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 3:04 pm
Maybe the ILGOP can reintroduce the “Grand Bargain” and automatically show the state running at a surplus?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 3:36 pm
The bald dwarf was just on CNBC with some mumbo jumbo on brinin’ your way into college — seemed opposed.
Meanwhile the Annonin’ Investigative Bureau found “So tonight I propose one more step that I would rather not propose. I ask the most fortunate among us, those citizens earning over $100,000 per year, for one year, to pay an additional one percent on the income they receive.” Mitch Daniels.
Someone might want to check with the WhackReps to see if Mitch is still the patron saint.
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 4:04 pm
–My proposed cuts.
LGDF–
On what planet is taking more of state income tax revenue a spending “cut?”
What it is, on Planet Earth, is a back-door local property tax increase.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 4:07 pm
As far as Rauner vs. AFSCME, it’s downright sadistic what he tried to do. The dude tried to gouge state workers and did gouge them on steps and longevity pay, while making a few hundred million dollars and screaming bloody murder about the rich paying even a penny more in taxes than everyone else.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 4:57 pm
- Let’s try “Where are the Democrats going to cut” instead. -
Pretty sure they started with your better fourth, Louis.
Comment by IWCC Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 4:57 pm
==Lester. I dont care who controls this state. Its going to take some courage to fix it, snd if you think raising taxes is going to be enough, well lots of luck.==
You don’t realize that taking away LGDF would lead to locals raising property taxes, do you? If you think raising taxes at the local level in order to avoid raising taxes at the state level is going to be enough, well lots of luck
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 6:53 pm
All of the people who say cut spending are very quite when you ask them for specifics.
Comment by A 400lb. Guy on a bed Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 7:58 pm
5% across the board is a good starting place.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 3, 19 @ 8:13 pm
My buzz. Not cut LGDF, roll into general fund,
Raising property taxes at least gets me to a vote closer to home,
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Thursday, Apr 4, 19 @ 6:01 am
==5% across the board is a good starting place.==
That’s lazy budgeting. And it’s also a horrible idea. If you are going to cut you need to target the cuts. You “across the board” people have a gross lack of understanding of the budget.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Apr 4, 19 @ 8:12 am
I believe in fairness and it’s only fair to have across the board budget cuts at each state agency. Cut headcount, tech, paper buying, I could careless. All must feel the pain of decades of fiscal mismanagement.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 4, 19 @ 8:57 am