The Capitol Fax Blog » This just in… *** Important update at 10:38 am ***

This just in… *** Important update at 10:38 am ***

Thursday, Jun 21, 2007

* 9:58 am - The House has adjourned until next Tuesday. Just 98 out of 118 members were present.

Today’s leaders meeting is scheduled for 11 o’clock.

Also, it appears that the governor’s flight back to Chicago last night was canceled, and there doesn’t seem to be anything scheduled this morning, so he may have actually stayed in town. Will wonders never cease?

* 10:19 am - There may be a glitch over at FlightAware because, I’m told, the governor did not stay in town last night.

*** IMPORTANT UPDATE *** 10:38 am - An open letter from several House Democratic members was just tossed over the transom.

The letter is addressed to all legislative leaders and the governor, but seems to be clearly aimed at House Speaker Michael Madigan, who refuses to back off the House-passed budget during leaders negotiations.

The letter is signed by 22 House Democrats. It reads in part…

(W)e voted for SB1132 [Madigan’s budget]. We understood this to be a “baseline” budget to serve as a point of departure for further discussion among all concerned parties, but far from an adequate budget to meet our state’s needs in the coming year.

Consequently, we would request that you continue to work for a realistic budget that both provides for the additional necessary investments as well as raising the additional revenue needed to assure that they are funded.

This could be interpreted as: “Hey, Madigan, stop with the ‘The House has passed a budget’ stuff and work out a deal.” At least, I’m pretty sure that’s how the guv’s office will parse it.

I can’t make out all the signatures, but the ones I can decipher are Reps. Ford, Arroyo, Phelps, Acevedo, W. Davis, M. Davis, Dugan, Reitz, Granberg, Verschoore, Mautino, Mays, Howard, Boland, Jeffries, Dunkin and Nekritz.

Click on the pic for a larger image…

* 10:51 am - Speaker Madigan’s spokesman has responded to the letter. His comments are aimed at the guv (whose office leaked the letter)…

“They don’t have a way to import more Democrats into the House or the Senate to pass a bill. That’s a critical reality. You have to pass a bill. [The governor’s office] can say whatever they want… [The governor] could set aside the study group topics and go onto a meaningful discussion of the budget… The House budget is the only thing alive.”

* 10:56 am - I think the governor’s office has found a way to game the FlightAware tracking system because I’m told his plane is about to land as I write this.

* 10:59 am - Here’s the full list of who signed the letter referenced above. It was provided by a major tax-eater group that wants to see lots more state spending…

LaShawn Ford, Luis Arroyo, Brandon Phelps, Edward Acevado, William Davis, Jay Hoffman, Monique Davis, Lisa Dugan, Dan Reitz, Kurt Granberg, Patrick Verschoore, Frank Mautino, Linda Chapa LaVia, Harry Osterman, Connie Howard, Karen May, Michael Boland, David Miller, Elga Jeffries, Elizabeth Hernandez, Elaine Nekritz, Kenneth Dunkin

* 11:02 am - Word is, the letter was circulated by Rep. Jay Hoffman, the governor’s House “floor leader” who is regularly on the outs with Speaker Madigan.

* 12:50 pm - The leaders meeting started about an hour ago.

* 1:00 pm - This could explain some things. FlightAware allows aircraft owners to block their planes from the tracking program.

* 1:09 pm - From the Tribune…

House Republican leader Tom Cross says he will introduce a temporary emergency budget today to avoid a shutdown of state government in early July.

“The reality is somebody’s got to step up,” Cross says.

* 1:30 pm - A fire alarm at the Statehouse is forcing an evacuation. No word yet on whether the leaders meeting will reconvene.

* 1:44 pm - Just as everyone was streaming back into the Statehouse, another fire alarm went off and they were forced to evacuate yet again.

* 1:49 pm - Everyone is now back inside and the leaders are apparently still meeting.

* 2:28 pm - The leaders meeting is over. Audio will be posted after everyone has finished speaking to the press.

* 3:36 pm - [Paul]: The leaders emerged from today’s meeting with the first hint of agreement since beginning discussions. All five are supportive of the concept of a one-month budget aimed to prevent a government shutdown. Budgeteers and staff members from each caucus and the governor’s office will be working over the weekend to put the details together. The governor said that he is still confident that a 12-month budget deal could be reached by the end of the month, but it was necessary to look at other options to prevent a loss of essential services.

* 3:40 pm - Audio following the leaders meeting:

Governor Blagojevich

Speaker Madigan

Leader Watson

Leader Cross

- posted by Rich Miller

114 Comments

- Clara "The Clairvoyant" - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:57 am:
If the voters of the state are lucky, maybe Rod has suddenly developed an aversion to flying because he gets “air sickness”. Don’t anybody tell him about dramamine tablets. Our little secret will save us thousands of dollars in wasted taxpayer dollars.

- annoyed all the time - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 10:08 am:
he doesn’t care - he is egotistical and doesn’t care - it’s all about him getting back to his family for the night - THISIS YOUR JOB and just because you have aplane at your disposal doesn’t mean you should take advantage of it - other legislators and workers want toget back to their families too - but doing this at a cost to the taxpayers? come on Gov, step up and understand we all have a job to do… we appreciate your love of your family and your own bed but seriously, the ridiculous wate of $$ is embarrassing, from a press standpoint at the least for you not to look like a doofus stop taking advantage of the plane ride home and the complete disregard of the cost - you make teachers, nurses, and hourly workers feel sooooo small - step up man…

- Mr. W.T. Rush - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 10:09 am:
Hey what gives…did he flee the country with the House of Lords? Did IDOT turn off the transponder
The flight left at 6:22 p.m.
Maybe he is driving down

- fed up - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 10:24 am:
All the news outlets have finally reported the amount of money Gov elvis has wasted flying around in the taxpayers plane. Maybe if there wasnt waste of taxpayers dollars like this we would have a tax surplus like most states.

- He makes Ryan look like a saint - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 10:28 am:
He probably chartered a Black State Police SUV and a trooper to drive him back.

- WTF! - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 10:44 am:
I’m fortunate that I have a company car to use but each year I have to declare a certain portion of the its use as personal income. Does the Governor have to declare a portion of the use of the state’s plane as personal income? If not, how is this different?

- Mr. W.T. Rush - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 10:50 am:
Sources at O;Hare say the plane should be landing right about NOW
Maybe he had Wyma charter a jet
Rep. Franks had a great idea by asking if the government should be paying taxes on the value of the benefit he gets for communting to work.
That would be a lot of buckerooooos

- Little Egypt - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 10:53 am:
18 days until the first group of State workers go without a paycheck.

- Macbeth - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:01 am:
So now the governor’s plan is a secret?

- Macbeth - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:02 am:
whoops — I mean to say, “So now the governor’s *plane* is a secret?”

- Patriot - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:04 am:
Illinois voters were warned about Blago. Do not cry now.

- Leigh - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:05 am:
SO the governor finally gets that it is wrong for him to waste taxpayer money flying back and forth each day to Chicago, but instead of staying in Springfield, he tries to hide his flights instead? The media won’t notice that, guv, good thinking. While these silly boys play their silly games, we have a few big baseball games to enjoy……

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:07 am:
It is about time!!!!
Thanks to the 22 courageous legislators who listened to their constituients and signed the letter. Now, let’s get a budget done. Raise some revenue and put it to work for the people of this state.

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:09 am:
People without health insurance don’t care where the governor lives. They need help and they are counting on the Governor.
Stay strong, Rod!

- Jaded - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:12 am:
Last time I checked, a budget now needs 71 votes in the House in order to pass. Not 22. They are only 49 short.

- This Guy - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:23 am:
Some people’s unfailing tunnel vision is so very unfortunate. With childlike eyes they seem to see only what they want to see and insist on turning a blind eye to anything else.

Unlike many of the other regular posters here, these individuals never seem to indicate even the slightest hint of awareness of any other side of an issue except that which is geared toward painting the gov in a positive light.

Man, I wish I could ignore reality and live in that kind of world. However, my soul is a bit too high a price to pay.

Oh well. Guess it takes all kinds, huh?

- Captain America - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:24 am:
The letter seems entirely appropriate. I’m sure many other Democratic legislators feel the same way about the current inadequate Madigan budget. But since Republican votes are needed to achieve the required 60% support, there is some limit to how many budget increases can be initiated (as pointed out by Schnorf yesterday).

- fed up - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:25 am:
All the money the gov is wasting on these flights would pay alot of health insurance premiums, maybe we could add it up with the money he wasted on flu shots that were out of date but cost the state millions. Keep wasting money rod and then tell me we need higher taxes. Blago has to go.

- Fan of the Game - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:32 am:
- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:09 am:

People without health insurance don’t care where the governor lives. They need help and they are counting on the Governor.
Stay strong, Rod!
————————————————

They should help and count on themselves.

- michael_k - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:35 am:
Awesome. Absolutely awesome. It’s feels good to at least *hear* some action is happening. It’s nice to hear our representatives actually stand up for something. Leaders or not I’m tried of this being an interest battle between Jones, Madigan, and Blago. They all need to learn that what THEY want doesn’t keep the government, our government as the residents of Illinois, running!

As for hiding out plane vs car, it’s all bull**** and he needs to be down there until this crap is finished. The senate and house need to stop adjourning for 5 days at a time. They could fix this, and they need to act like it.

- Lee - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:39 am:
Jay Hoffman is on the same sinking ship as Blagojevich. Hoffman will have a serious Republican candidate running against him in the 08. This stance or stunt only makes it easier for the Republican opponent to go after Hoffman. Remember Hoffman only got 61% of the vote in 06 against a third tier candidate in down year for Republicans . Historically, Hoffman got about 68% of the vote. of couse, Hoffman has no choice, but to support the Governor’s failed effort.

- Fan of the Game - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:40 am:
Posted this under another heading, but it fits here, as well:

The Madigan budget is not in line, but it is a budget that has been passed by “real votes.” Sen. Jones and the rest of the upper house need either to amend the Madigan budget and pass it, so the two houses can negotiate or to pass their own budget and start the negotiating process.

As it is, the Senate’s resolution is simple posturing and does nothing to bring about a final budget.

- zatoichi - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:41 am:
I thought Madigan’s budget was supposed to simply be a starting point to get discussion going. If there are no other written alternatives voted on or any other options provided, it becomes the defacto end only because there is nothing else. Instead of just verbally saying how bad or inappropriate the House version is, provide changes that fill in the missing pieces (costs and revenue sources to pay for them) or provide a completely new written budget that you think is better. If you are negotiating, why would anyone put their best package on the table without knowing where the other sides are coming from?

- Bluefish - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:47 am:
Tax increases and massive pork spending to buy the votes to support them…here we come. Which tax eater group put out the list?

- DeepFriedOnAStick - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 12:30 pm:
How exactly have Blago’s people managed to manipulate a flight tracking system?

- air force one - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 12:39 pm:
i’m sure the gov’s office will say for security reasons the state police have requested that info should not be avaialable to the public!

- Tom - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 12:42 pm:
you can have the information “turned off” at the request of the plane owner so others cannot track your whereabouts.

- State Girl - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 12:56 pm:
How am I going to pay my bills when I don’t get a paycheck - I work for the state. You go without one pay check when you make $30,000 a year and tell me how it works out for you. If you say SAVINGS then I say hahahaha.

- Huh? - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 1:03 pm:
State Girl -

Check with your local credit union. Many state offices/agencies have credit unions that are a tremendous help to the members. If your office/agency does not have a credit union, there was a posting a day or so ago about Credit Union 1 (?) that was gearing up to offer 0% interest loans to bridge the no pay check gap.

- RMWStanford - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 1:07 pm:
I do not really have a problem with more gambling in Illinois, but I do have a problem with the way license are given out and the idea of the city of Chicago owning a Casino. What this state does not to do is increase the tax burden on it citizens or business, yes we need to look at the existing loop holes in the corporate income tax, but we do not need 7+ billion dollars in a gross receipts tax and a payroll tax that would discourage business from adding new employees.

- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 1:14 pm:
Dear Gov.
i know you really dont care but I was wondering if I could use the state plane for a family vacation. I was thinking garden of the gods state park, Im sure you have never been there its south of that hillbilly town ou try to avoid springfield. Well with my electric rates going up and gas being so expensive and I keep hearing my taxes are going to go up, I was hoping I could use the state plane to save myself a little money and make a quick trip. I know you like to use the plane everyday but if there is ever a day your not flying let me know please. P.S. do you have anymore state contracts or commision appointments laying around please let me know I’m willing to contribute to your legal defense I mean campaign fund. Thanks hope to hear from you soon.

- game plan - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 1:14 pm:
Way to go Tom. Keep the game going. Stalemates are broken by those willing to make changes. At least it wasn’t about not supporting a budget plan like the Senate did the other day. What leadershp was THAT!! Where’s that young talent there? If they all keep going till July, here’s what voters will say back in their districts, what did you do to make this process move forward? What did you offer and why couldn’t you make that happen if yo did offer up ideas?

- Where's the FAA - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 1:17 pm:
Isn’t turning off the transponder in his highness’s plane a security issue amd dangerous?
But what heck, when your living on the edge.

- Mrs. Fisher's Chips - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 1:23 pm:
1:20 P.M.: Someone apparently did step up. A fire alarm’s begun sounding in the Capitol.

- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 1:27 pm:
“WTF,” if you had bothered to look at the 1 pm update, you would see that the plane owners (in this case the state) can block the tracking on that private website we’ve been using. It has nothing to do with the transponders.

- A Citizen - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 1:28 pm:
The Fire Alarm is just to announce a Fire Sale on the State’s assets, like the Lottery and Thompson Center.

- This Guy - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 1:37 pm:
Smokescreen. Meeting’s probably over and Blago’s tryin’ to “legitimately” avoid the press.

- pjs - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 1:55 pm:
So what did that un-named legislator find out about the impeachment process? Please share.

- Team Sleep - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:02 pm:
Does Granberg want John Cavaletto to run against him again?

What are these reps thinking? Do they really want to be in session until Christmas?

And what is the deal with those things at the end of shoelaces? They don’t have a name!

- South of I-80 - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:08 pm:
The second Fire Alarm was the announcement of the Governor’s Manison being coverted into a Bed & Breakfast and the selling off of his parking space!

- Little Egypt - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:16 pm:
Bill, I know you are always coming to Elvis’ defense in your posts. However, you really cannot believe that people without health insurance don’t care where the governor lives. People without health insurance and jobs, without decent housing, without money to put decent clothes on their backs and food in their mouths certainly DO care about the money Elvis is needlessly spending. For crying out loud, the money he has spent on state planes alone would be more yearly salary than 4 families put together. Some of us lose track that the little amounts add up to big dollars and it’s the little amounts that really honk off the poor people, not to mention those of us who have a decent life.

Regardless of your politics, we should all be outraged at wasteful spending of our tax dollars. And do you really think it would hurt Elvis to be away from his girls and spend a couple of nights a week in the Executive Mansion? I’m betting you have to do a little overnight travel in your job. Me too. And it hasn’t hurt the relationship with my spouse or children one bit. Perhaps that’s what he’s afraid of, hmmmmmmm.

- Rep. John Fritchey - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:17 pm:
Team Sleep,

The things at the end of shoelaces are called aglets.

- Little Egypt - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:19 pm:
Team Sleep - Aglet - thingie at the end of a shoelace.

- Newbie - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:19 pm:
Why doesn’t Madigan stop playing Hot Rod’s games and go on offense? I suggest he announce in public that he will only attend future leader’s meetings if the subject is the budget and/or the rate freeze. Then, when Hot Rod starts to talk about anything else, Madigan should immediately get up and leave the room, telling the press why he left. Repeat the process at every meeting until Hot Rod gets the message. The time for letting Roddo (rhymes with dodo) waste meeting time on anything else is gone until these 2 issues are resolved. Nothing is accomplished by sitting there and listening to Roddo read his talking points about the GRT. Madigan could be doing something more important with his time. Virtually anything would qualify!

- Little Egypt - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:28 pm:
Newbie, I like the name Roddo almost as much as I like the name Elvis to describe our GoverNOT.

- the Other Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:33 pm:
Couldn’t a clever lawyer make the argument that by blocking the flight information, the state is violating FOIA?

FOIA specifies that exempt information is the exception, not the rule. Flightaware presumably gets its information from somewhere — the FAA, I guess. FlightAware is clearly requesting information from the state, even if the request is not through a traditional FOIA. So it seems that the only way to block the information is by invoking a FOIA privilege.

I understand that FOIA by its terms applies only to government generated documents. But the information FlightAware uses is generated in the first instance by the state pilots and passed on through FAA.

In any event, it seems like a huge loophole to allow the state to prevent a private vendor from publishing publicly available records. I hope the Governor’s legal team looked into this.

- jwscott72 - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:33 pm:
At this rate, Cross should introduce a three month budget just to be safe. That said, kudos to him for having the guts to do anything but posture and preen for the cameras!

- Judgement Day Is On The Way - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:41 pm:
Bet that Cross’s budget plan looks a whole lot like Madigan’s budget?

This looks to me like Cross is signaling that he doesn’t expect a budget deal in place before the 19 days tick off, and he wants to have his people covered when everything crashes and burns.

- Crimefighter - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:46 pm:
I wouldn’t even bother with a temp budget…a shutdown is a better idea to shock people into reality.

- Buck Turgidson - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:47 pm:
@Lee

“Hoffman will have a serious Republican candidate running against him in the 08. ”

You’re kidding, right? Or clueless. There is no door #3.

- OneMan - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:48 pm:
J-Day
Not a bad move on Cross’ part if that is the case.

The question is, if Rod does not get a budget that has health care the way he wants it does he veto even if it shuts government down.

- So Ill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 2:57 pm:
OneMan –

Yes. But who cares what Cross’ budget looks like? It still has to actually get CALLED for a vote. And Emil won’t let that happen, barring a real change in plans.

- OneMan - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:05 pm:
True,
But sometimes saying ‘I tried’ is worth something.

- cermak_rd - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:05 pm:
Folks it isn’t that much money in the greater scheme of things. The fact that Springfield is the capitol of the state is a historical oddity given where the bulk of the people actually live. I don’t see why, other than security, and that has been improving, they don’t simply have the legislators able to vote and debate remotely without actually having to be in Springfield. Live video could stream when they have witnesses etc. for hearings; impromptu hallways conversations could be held via IM and with the legislators all dispersed, it would be harder for lobbyists to do their job (which is a good thing, IMO). And the legislators would be with the people they actually represent which IMO would be a good thing.

- So Ill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:09 pm:
OneMan –

Oh, absolutely. The “I’m trying to lead” is worth a lot of capital at the capitol. And probably elsewhere.

I’m just saying, Cross’ budget probably has the same ‘official’ effect as the Senate’s resolution yesterday.

- Macbeth - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:12 pm:
Blagojevich is dense. That’s not nice. But it’s true.

Part of what goes along with “power” is the symbols of power. Anyone read Shakespeare’s Richard II?

Blagojevich doesn’t understand that the symbols of power are usually more important than the power itself. Illinois has a rich political history — and a rich set of political symbols. For Blagojevich to ignore the traditional symbols and choose to focus in on his own perception of “power” is a mistake — a costly one, it appears — and demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of political leadership.

Someone — Carville? who knows? — has given him peculiarly bad advice in this area. Something along the lines of: “The more you choose to ignore and rise above, the more you demonstrate your ability to maintain control.”

This is what Blagojevich is doing — attempting to represent power by ignoring the traditional symbols and expecting to “rise above it all.” But Blagojevich lacks the presence — and the intellect — to make this work. Again: look at Richard II. He made the same, fundamental error.

- Mr. W.T. Rush - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:17 pm:
Biggest laugh from the show & tell was when one of GRod lawyers whipped out a MOU on the 30 day budget and everyone roared. Caught off guard the Governor started talking about dark chocolate
Huh?
What is he thinking?

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:19 pm:
Macbeth,
The governor promised to end “business as usual”. I think you would have to agree that he has done so with respect to budget negotiations.
What was the show and tell topic today? Did they have a lot of powerpoints?
I heard there was a demonstartion by Rick Neilson on the multi-necked guitar that he uses so he can play out of tune in several different keys at the same time.

- Team Sleep - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:19 pm:
Thanks guys. I was referencing the Seinfeld skit on “Saturday Night Live” when he hosted the comic game show.

- OneMan - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:23 pm:
So Bill,

Do you think the Gov will veto any bill without his healthcare stuff even if it leads to a shutdown?

- Team Sleep - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:25 pm:
Yes, Bill, he has ended business as usual in the sense that he doesn’t believe in negotiating and working with others. He sounds like my little cousins.

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:31 pm:
OneMan
I think a pilot program,maybe with a sunset, which won’t cost as much, but would get the ball rolling on health care might be acceptable.
My guess is that he will veto anything with an income or sales tax increase.
I do think that he is not bluffing and he will veto a budget that he feels does not meet the needs of the working men and women of Illinois. We need school funding reform,progress in health care and help for mass transit aqlong with a capital plan.
I don’t think Jones will allow a vote on a plan without these components.
The Governor might agree to a series of temporary budgets while the negotiations continue.
Who knows?
There needs to be some movement on the part of the House.

- OneMan - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:35 pm:
Thanks

- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:40 pm:
bill (nix):

there needs to be some movement on the part of the House?

are you kidding me?

the guv is ushering in ’speakers’ to discuss the merits of universal health care and TIF districts?!?!?!

while he (nix) trades barbs with the speaker and questions the house’s work ethic while the senate is taking time off?

the senate prez hasn’t passed a budget.

granted, the speaker passed a budget..its flawed, but at least he did something.

tell us bill what has the guv and emil have done so far as the budget process is concerned besides F’ING it up?

- So Ill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:44 pm:
Did…Blagojevich just compare Madigan to Hitler?

- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:45 pm:
Bill - I know you’re an apologist for the guv, but you have to admit that he should have ‘gotten the ball rolling on health care’ about a year ago. Not in mid-June. Duh.

And as far as you saying that “My guess is that he will veto anything with an income or sales tax increase.”

Uh, everyone knows that an increase or sales tax increase is not on the table. The guv has been saying that since he took office.

And…

With your “I do think that he is not bluffing and he will veto a budget that he feels does not meet the needs of the working men and women of Illinois. We need school funding reform,progress in health care and help for mass transit aqlong with a capital plan.”

Guess what, Bill. We all want those things. The Speaker wants them, Emil wants them, we all do.

But they cost money. And unless the Guv gets serious about budget negotiations, shows some real leadership and tries to find some common ground on new revenue sources, then none of that will happen.

- steve schnorf - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:58 pm:
Leader Cross’budget can’t look too much like the Speaker’s because the Speaker’s is, as I understand it, balanced on closing $200m worth of corporate “loopholes”, something that is easier to do in a D caucus than an R.

- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 3:58 pm:
Not to beat up on “Bill” but I think that the Guv has everything backwards. I understand that the Guv likes telling everyone that he’s going to get the CTA their $100 million and more money for schools and more money for cap projects and more money for health care and more money for Aeronautics to keep AirRod flying.

But when it comes to finding ways to pay for these initiatives, the Guv has totally dropped the ball. Anyone with a bit of common sense knows that if you really want these ambitious programs to happen, you have to find the revenue. Trying to ram the GRT for example down the collective throat of the General Assembly is not the way you go about ginning up support for a very significant and new way of producing revenue.

My advice to Blago is to put your tall between your legs this session, admit you messed up, didn’t calculate things as you should have, ticked everyone off and pass a slow growth budget based on natural growth and focus your efforts ahead to the 09 budget.

If the Guv can reach some common ground with the four tops on new revenue sources and how its going to be appropriated, great.

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 4:01 pm:
The Governor and President Jones HAVE identified new sources of revenue. They ARE negotiating. The answer is always “… well, the House passed a budget…”.
That budget is not good enough. Until there is some meaningful movement, bring on the power points!

- RMWStanford - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 4:01 pm:
Bill,
Why didn’t Governor start negation on the budget months ago? Or discuss his health care proposal and tax increase with legislative leaders and public months ago instead of going around the state painted his opponents as going against God? Better yet why didnt he run for re-election on expanded health care, the GRT and payroll tax, and give voters a chance to make their voices heard on the issue?

- Bluefish - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 4:20 pm:
Did Blago really just try to compare Madigan’s budget to the Nazi bombings of England?

- This Guy - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 4:23 pm:
RMWStanford: I can’t WAIT to read Bill’s spin on this one.

Prepare to get dizzy, y’all.

- Macbeth - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 4:24 pm:
The governor didn’t run on the GRT tax because he would lost, plain and simple.

I’m not sure if this is a bait-and-switch or what, but it sure *isn’t* business-as-usual.

And yet … yet — I still cannot find a single person — anywhere — who will admit to voting for Blagojevich.

Everybody did it, but no one will admit it.

- Team Sleep - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 4:32 pm:
Macbeth is correct. If he had come up with details on the total cost of his projects, coupled with the way he would raise the revenue, probably would have cost him the election.

My father-in-law freely admits that he voted for Blago. I think that’s the only one I know.

- Get Real - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 4:36 pm:
These guys have pension, health care, and now a pay increase. The only person that will fight for people is the governor. Congrats to the 22 who signed the letter. We will never stop until health care and education are truly funded. The media (most in Springfield) are too scared to be cut out of the loop so they report and spin things so they can stay in the loop. July is going to be a great and exciting month. The tables will be turning.

- cermak_rd - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 4:37 pm:
I voted for him! I wasn’t particularly enthused about the prospect due to the Gov’s obvious lack of attention span, but the GOP ticked me off for good after choosing Alan Keyes. And I liked Judy, I just couldn’t vote R, and Whitney didn’t impress me.

- Gene Parmesan - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 4:40 pm:
You will never see Bill try and spin why the gov didn’t campaign on the GRT. How can you possibly explain spending the money Rod did during the campaign and not talking about the most ambitious tax increase in Illinois history?

I guess maybe he could use Rod’s “helping people” slogan, but that doesn’t explain not mentioning the GRT as the revenue stream.

- Belle - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 4:41 pm:
Bill, I know you have blind devotion to anything Blago but you crossed the line with reference to Rick’s guitar playing. The multi neck guitar is a 56 pound guitar he still plays at shows and is never out of tune. I know. I have gone to his shows. Have you? Stick to the wishful ‘Rod as God’ thinking. The internet news sources have picked up Rod’s ‘flights of fancy’. Looks like nationally he is a fool. Thats the thing about putting people on a pedastal. The fall is just that much more pronounced. And a legacy of creating a middle class system of welfare is not something to be proud of. AND LAY OFF CHEAP TRICK!! And, have a good day now ya hear?

- Southern Illinois Voter - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 4:45 pm:
I think there should be bumper stickers “What were you thinking? I didn’t vote for Blago!”

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 4:58 pm:
Belle,
Yeah I’ve been to a few. They were ok 30 years ago. Now, they are just caricatures of themselves. Time to retire fellas…and lose the stupid looking hat.
To the point, blogsters;
We should work toward democratic goals and principles…health care, education, mass transit, without taxing the working people of this state out of their homes and businesses. That is why we are here. We will be true to our democratic ideals. We will settle for nothing less! We are working for the people. To make sure that they have a safe, healthy, and a shot at a prosperous life. Education is the key. Health care is the key. President Jones and Governor Blagojevich are our champions and our leaders. We. the people , shall prevail!

- Some former legislative intern - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 5:03 pm:
southern ill: agreed 100%. My main regret is having voted for the Green Party guy for Governor last year. That was the first time I did not vote for a Democrat for a statewide office.

I should have voted for Judy. If enough of us had went for Judy instead of the protest vote, we may have had a Republican governor but at least we would have had a competent one. I’m a lifelong Dem and at the time couldn’t bring myself to vote for a Republican so I went with the Green guy-even though I knew he didn’t have a chance to win.

This overtime session, with Rod’s antics and juvenile behavior, has proven to me that the guy is simply not capable of governing. I would have hoped that he would have learned something from the 2004 overtime and the past four years, but he seems to have gotten worse, not better.

What was I thinking?

- RMWStanford - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 5:31 pm:
“We should work toward democratic goals and principles…health care, education, mass transit, without taxing the working people of this state out of their homes and businesses”

What do you think that the GRT and Payroll Tax that the Governor proposed would do? It would be taxing some companies out of business, slowing economic growth, lowering employment and raising prices in the state, which is going to affect the working class the most. All the goals you mentioned maybe nice, but the state like everyone else has limited resource and raising has strong negative tax effects on the economy, so one has to be certain that the benefit of any new spending that is financed by taxes out weight its cost to the economy.

- A Citizen - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 5:44 pm:
I listened to the audio clips, Thanks Rich. I swear the gov “implied” that Madagin’s approach was akin to Nazi Germany! Whoa! He who first invokes Hitler LOSES. The Nixblago is toast. I have complained about the gov not speaking to the press but using Nix etc. I need to take that back. I’d rather listen to Sheila than yet another tired rant from the gov a la campaign style and excoriating Madagin - over and over and over. Bring Sheila back or just ignore the guv’s office completely - their participation is counter productive. The guv was heard to say “I can fly, I can fly, but will I crash?” YES

- Southern Illinois Voter - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 5:49 pm:
Some former legislative intern - thank you! I voted for JBT, was very proud I did, even more so now.

- Winston Churchill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 5:56 pm:
Did the Gov actually try to quote me by saying “When England and Britain were being attacked….?” Will someone please clue him in to the foolishness of his statement.

- Ellinoyed - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 6:24 pm:
I’ll admit it, I held my nose & I voted for GRod, and the lesson here is to never, ever to that again. Same reasoning as former intern, I couldn’t bring myself to vote R and I was leery of Whitney. Either would’ve been better than what we have now.

And I know Rich doesn’t like us to mock each other so I’ll try not to, but it makes my blood boil to read the Blago apologists here carry on about his concern for the working people of IL and this “We. The people.” He flies a PLANE on the people’s time every day!!!! How is that progressive in any way, shape or form??? If you are truly progressive and truly committed to not just democratic ideals but democratic government you should be embarassed by the shenanigans in Springfield right now, not defending the person almost entirely responsible for them.

- Ellinoyed - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 6:25 pm:
…oh, and I meant “dime,” but time works, too considering the situation.

- A Citizen - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 6:34 pm:
- Ellinoyed - All is forgiven - if you just remember to vote Rep next time. And thank you for your integrity.

- Little Egypt - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 7:15 pm:
Bill, once in a while you and I agree 100% on something. Blago has campaigned on the promise of “no more business as usual” and that is the absolute truth. He has not broken that campaign promise either. Everyone is ganging up on you today buddy, but not me. I’m in absolute agreement with the above statement.

- Little Egypt - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 7:16 pm:
Has anyone recently read the book, “The Peter Principle”? A website generalizes the premise of the book as follows:

“The Peter Principle was first introduced by L. Peter in a humoristic book (of the same title) describing the pitfalls of bureaucratic organization. The original principle states that in a hierarchically structured administration, people tend to be promoted up to their “level of incompetence”. The principle is based on the observation that in such an organization new employees typically start in the lower ranks, but when they prove to be competent in the task to which they are assigned, they get promoted to a higher rank. This process of climbing up the hierarchical ladder can go on indefinitely, until the employee reaches a position where he or she is no longer competent. At that moment the process typically stops, since the established rules of bureacracies make that it is very difficult to “demote” someone to a lower rank, even if that person would be much better fitted and more happy in that lower position. The net result is that most of the higher levels of a bureaucracy will be filled by incompetent people, who got there because they were quite good at doing a different (and usually, but not always, easier) task than the one they are expected to do.”

I know several who fall into this category. Unfortunately, our top bureaucrat is the poster boy for the book.

- Huh? - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 7:23 pm:
Little E - Unfortunately, the “Chief Executive Officer”, airbored governot, “achieved” his promotion via an election. He did not work his way to the top through the organization.

- A Citizen - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 7:32 pm:
Aha! Dick Mell, that rascal kingmaker. Never underestimate a Chicago Machine Alderman! Never! His performance was pure artistry, only misguided, but how would he have known that he had created a monster that would turn on him and devour him and his close knit family? Loyalty be damned, what’s good for RB. Sad, very sad.

- headsupchicagoland - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 7:59 pm:
Some of you guys make some good points. But what’s the word for some of these other guys…the brand new good government guys that lump “Da Guv” only cause he can’t muscle his way around like “Da Mare” when he gives’em that look that makes’em wet their pants and forget how to talk?

- 4d3 - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 8:01 pm:
The Governor does not live in the real world. What a joke.

- A Citizen - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 8:43 pm:
- 4d3 - Be careful, some of us know that 4d3 means Exempt - serves at the will - can be terminated for no cause, etc. This administration does not tolerate independent thinking. Group Think is how you survive, but, feel free to vent here. We’re all friends, just some more so than others.

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 8:49 pm:
A,
Pass the prok chops,please!

- A Citizen - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 8:52 pm:
Bill, 3 or 4, and you want mashed potatoes too?

- Truth - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 8:52 pm:
I hear Rod came out of his hole today and talked to the media. Unfortunately, he saw his shadow. Six more weeks of session.

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 8:53 pm:
A,
You are right about 4d3. Double exempts will be the first to go.

- MIDSTATE - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:01 pm:
The 4d3’s of this administration should be renamed to r2d2’s they are all a bunch of robots.

- A Citizen - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:01 pm:
Bill, watch the lists - seniority doesn’t apply. Last hired will probably survive. Cynical maybe but a probable fact.

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:04 pm:
“…On the one hand there is President Jones and I. On the other hand you have Speaker Madigan and the republicans…”
Good one, Rod! That pretty much sums it up.

- MIDSTATE - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:04 pm:
Should have said I-Robots, that is Idiot’s

- A Citizen - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:09 pm:
“…and ME…” CPS product, huh?

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:11 pm:
I think he went to Schurz…maybe Steinmetz.

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:13 pm:
Whoops,
Lane and Foreman.

- A Citizen - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:17 pm:
I’m 8 years older than you - we shall have no memory contests, okay?

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:24 pm:
OK old timer!

- and it's mellow tones are these - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:29 pm:
Rod and the budget deadline:

“I dare you to cross that line!”

(next week)

(scuffle-scuffle, scrub…”THIS line!”

(next month)

“This line for SURE!”

- Frat Boy - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:42 pm:
I miss campaign season. How quickly people forget what a joke the state GOP is. G-Rod is doin the right thing by standing up for the working men and women of Illinois on the issues of health care and education. AS FOR COMMENTS ABOUT REP JAY HOFFMAN ARE YOU KIDDING ME. A SERIOUS REPUBLICAN?
Jay Hoffman carries the flag of the working man in a house of representatives that has a leader who has lost touch of his democratic values. I say take it to the speaker Jay. Good work.

- Bill - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:44 pm:
Frat Boy,
Long time, no blog, dude!

- A Citizen - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 9:48 pm:
Bill, I think you are talking to yourself again!

- Values Matter - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 10:49 pm:
Jay Hoffman can’t make a move without the Governor’s approval. He has lost all credibility in Springfield and is a joke.

- Mrs. Fisher's Chips - Thursday, Jun 21, 07 @ 11:51 pm:
Hey Frat Boy, how about you call me when the shuttle brings you and the boy governor back to earth. Yeah, stand up for the working men and women. How? By proposing a budget that can’t pass and spending the next 6 weeks in the seclusion of his home?
Either put down the bong or pass it around buddy. Nobody’s riding your trip. Two words for Hoffman, the would-be speaker: John Shimkus.
Yeah, that’s gotta be humiliating. I got beat by the guy who couldn’t keep perverts out of the congressional intern program. Hey, but now I’m the floor leader for the governor.
GREAT!
You and the rest of the Blagojevich House caucus should hop in your stretch Miata and start a statewide victory tour.
Keep in mind, the speaker weathered a federal investigation to pull lil Jay’s fat from the frier of having to find a real job after big, bad John Shimkus put Hoffman in unemployment line. Anyone recall a Mr. Glen Bradford occupying that seat?
The last few weeks have been the maraschino cherry atop a joke of a waste of time of epic porpotions. Quite the defining moment for Democratic power. OOOOOOOHHHHHH the big bad Senate with it’s super majority is going to save the world. Wonder Twin powers activate. Form of a wet noodle and an empty bottle of Frebreeze. What a joke.
Hey, and dont think the Speaker’s without blame. Mr. I’m prepared to do what’s unpopular. Yeah, not enacting a budget is pretty unpopular so I guess that follows.
If this is how we’re going to decide policy at least reverse the session cycles so during the fall (winter) session the leaders could meet outside and try to spell their names in the snow since this is pretty much what all this wasted time is about anyway.

Year one of the 94th General Assembly will forever be known as the “year of the resolution.”

Golly, Abe would be proud.
I can only hope statues will be erected on the lawn.

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