CapitolFax.com: This just in… *** Important updates in “red” *** Mass transit deal delayed? *** Governor could imperil lower electricity rates ***
A Citizen
· 2 years ago
Comment? comment? We don't need no stinkin comment! We need a governor!!!
Mr. W.T. Rush
· 2 years ago
Apparently Giggles dragged out mostly MIA Mary Cohen to babble about taking 60 days to review the bill and the Ameren deadline not being real. They also confirmed they failed to get involved in the development of the bill. I guess this means Peter "I'll Sign the Bill" PressRelease is not in town. Oh, I forgot. Now we call it "working at the Mansion." Last night he waited until dark to take The Run and needed to two air conditioned cars.
OneManBlog
· 2 years ago
In terms of at least the Plan B thing, at least OneMan saw it coming...
Some comments were made on the House floor today about the Minneapolis bridge disaster demonstrating the need for adequate bridges and roads... and hence, a capital bill. Will this increase pressure for such a measure, either now or next month?
Belle
· 2 years ago
If the Ameren deal falls apart maybe she can reinstate the charges against them. I never liked the 'it's a crime, now it's not' deal anyway.
moz104
· 2 years ago
I disagree with the way you worded the section on Plan B and pharmacists. You say the lawsuit calls into question the legality of the statute itself (which is different from the article that you quote), when the lawsuit actually calls into question the legality of Wal-Mart disciplining the pharmacist under the statute.
moz104
· 2 years ago
I recant my last comment, I read the original post incorrectly. Sorry.
rachel
· 2 years ago
We're getting robo calls in the district office. They say they're against a tax increase in the budget..... Do you think it's the Gov's office trying to scare people? From what I've heard, there is no tax increase in the budget.
Jerry
· 2 years ago
there's gonna be hell to pay in Springfield if the RTA doesn't get the funding. Just wait until september, and all the sudden people start showing up to work later and later, commuting times jump, and all sorts of hell breaks loose. Not to mention fare hikes. Rush hour fares on CTA jumping 112.5%. That's gonna go over well.
And we all know who to blame - Tom Cross and Rod Blagovich.
Ghost
· 2 years ago
I have an oddball conspiracy theory.
Years ago, under Ryan as I recall, he came up with budget money by doing forced furlough days for state workers. These were challenged in court and ultimatly held to be illegal so the workers got paid. However, if the gov send most workers home for a few days do to the lack of a budget (lack of appropriated money) this would not run into the legal issues Ryan did. So a shutting down a portiong of government for a few days helps build up cash for other projects, a sort of stealth furlow.
off to put on my tin foil hat...
OneManBlog
· 2 years ago
Tom Cross?
You didn't need Tom Cross to do jack for mass transit until July 1st... This is all Milorods making.
Greg
· 2 years ago
Rich-
After reading through today's comment board on the New York Times on the MN bridge stories, I can now appreciate your goal of keeping your comment boards relatively whack-job free, or at least correcting them. I don't even understand why these papers have comment sections: they provide zero insight for the reader, though they're great at feeding delusions. Appreciate the higher bar here.
Captain America
· 2 years ago
I'm still confident that the RTA-PACE-CTA mass transit funding plan will be approved sooner or later. The Governor won't be able to veto a bill in September - the public would be too outraged.
There will be "heck to pay" if there are any draconian reductions in services or fare increases even if they are temporary. It will make the rate relief issue downstate pale by comparison.
If anything goes wrong on the rate relief bill or the mass transit bill Blago will be primarily responsible for enabling the Republicans to have a seat at the table.
But I would not want to be a suburban Republican legislator running for reelection next November if any mass transit service cuts are implemented.It's clear that Tom Cross will bear a major responsibility given that Republican supporters of the Hamos bill are dropping offo like flies. Cross is jeopardizing his suburban Republican legislators by playing games. Of course, Cross and Blago are personal friends.
For example, there's a sharp young guy, Daniel Biss, running against incumbent Republican Beth Coulson. Republican obstruction could play right Biss's hands. Goodbye, Beth Coulson!
A Citizen
· 2 years ago
If they do pass the budget/appropriation bill does the gov still have 60 days to sign or veto if they make it an "Emergency" status bill? Also is a veto override effective immediately or does the 60 day limit also apply?
anon
· 2 years ago
so glad they were able to agree to have a Cheap Trick day declared that'll help pay the bills when the state workers aren't being paid.
Plutocrat03
· 2 years ago
"claims House Republicans are holding it as a political hostage in order to get a plan to build new roads and schools passed."
Can someone clarify this phrase to me? I have examined several local school building projects and fail to see any State participation.
Whose schools are being built with State money?
for the People?
· 2 years ago
anon 3:45 ... and don't forget their raises!
Plutocrat03
· 2 years ago
Additionally, what's with the 60 day nonsense?
An example is the ATT cable agreement which as I recall was touted as a great thing by both the House and Senate?
Why is the Gov waiting on this as well as many other seemingly routine bills?
Machiavelli, where are you?
amy
· 2 years ago
judge scott just gave the Gov another opportunity to become a hero to the pro choice community since he will undoubtedly figure out some way to do as he wrote. if he does not figure it out quickly, Lisa will, stealing his thunder. but, get over it anti choicers, the judge's opinion will not rule the day in Illinois.
ids
· 2 years ago
The rate deal is another closed-door, smoke-filled room with not public discussion and not for the people. Blago should say so and point to Jones for the trouble and a freeze to work it out.
L.S.
· 2 years ago
ids - you obviously have not paid the least bit attention to the rate relief issue for the past six months. This deal is the product of an extremely difficult negoiation and, while not perfect, is the best deal to get money back in people's pockets and do away with the rotten reverse auction. Calling for a rate freeze now would be the single most counterproductive thing the guv could do.
curious george
· 2 years ago
Blago is cleaning house at IDOT to save a few bucks... two "double exempt" employees ( BIP and TS) have been given their pink slips... are there more coming???
NoGiftsPlease
· 2 years ago
Are the IDOT bridge inspectors still on the job today?
Pawn
· 2 years ago
It's hard to believe the considerable work done to come up with some type of Utility relief is now in danger of being pushed back to square one. Is there some way to force Blago to be examined to determine if he's mentally competent to "continue" his job.
Mr. W.T. Rush
· 2 years ago
About time to head for the run route. Look for those big black, air conditioned SUVs creeping along. Let's cheer PeterPressRelease for all his work
maybe?
· 2 years ago
Mr. W.T. Rush -
You saying the Gov is still working while everybody else is gone?
Shatner
· 2 years ago
If nothing is happening why are we talking about it?
A Citizen
· 2 years ago
- maybe? - " . . . still . . ." that's too presumptuous. Do you have proof he's ever worked on the budget? Jogging doesn't count, it only helps him get in condition to run away from the feds.
Governor on a stick
· 2 years ago
He's waiting to sign bills during the state fairs, witha crowd and cameras all around, he loves that stuff. If the electric utility situation is unresolved by the time DuQuoin rolls around, it will probably be a very truncated PR tour of Southern Illinois this year. He got booed there in previous years, this year it may sound like the hog-calling contest!
Anonymous
· 2 years ago
A message to the Governor. As a state worker I'm insulted that you think you can play us against Madigan. We do not need your phony compassion. You made it perfectly clear in your first term what you thought of state workers. So cut the bull. I don't know anyone in my department that will be unable to pay their bills if there is a shutdown. It's called budgeting your finances. We do not live paycheck to paycheck. So buddy your own your own. Leave us out of you PR crap.
Anonymous
· 2 years ago
Sorry -your PR crap.
state worker A
· 2 years ago
To - curious george - Thursday, Aug 2, 07 @ 6:03 pm: Give cles - what District/Region were they from. First guess - Springfield (CO)- is this correct?
A Citizen
· 2 years ago
When Blago's thugs pull these terminations they succeed in getting that person(s) out of the way (or a political message sent) for a significant period of time. A lot of pain and hardship befalls the victim. When eventually the crude action is reversed the taxpayer pays the entire tab. The gov and the other perpetrators skate free. This is how the Chicago patronage machine works . . . and keeps potential witnesses for the feds "in line". No budget and the dependent employees keep working. Why? Fear of the retribution of Blago's machine.
Lainer
· 2 years ago
What is HE thinking? You, Rich, told us months ago that the guv relished a good fight... but for cryin' out loud, now he's on the verge of sinking at least the Ameren part of the rate relief deal AND holding up paychecks/shutting down government at the SAME TIME? Perhaps he just wants to prove that he can win the next election without a single vote from anyone south of I-80?
Six Degrees of Separation
· 2 years ago
The Hamos thing is pure puffery. Cross will get his beloved capital bill and Hamos will get her beloved transit bailout. Details are being worked out as we speak.
anon2
· 2 years ago
grod is now directing IDOT to inspect critical bridges. Is he going to do that with the political hacks that replaced the qualified engineers?
A Citizen
· 2 years ago
And J.Luc Picard says "The Gov is Irrelevant" - "Make it so, Speaker". And the Universe is restored to order.
Tired of this session
· 2 years ago
No sighting of him jogging tonight. And believe me, I'm watching closely after 5 pm and my neighbors report any activity during the day.
Concerned Voter
· 2 years ago
A previous poster mentioned state employees not living paycheck to paycheck. He must be on the guvs staff. There are many state employees that might not be living paycheck to paycheck, but surely don't have the resources set aside that many of the politicians in springfield or chicago have. A late payday might not be too bad, but start missing a few and all hell could break loose in many families. Not only that, but in many state agencies, morlae has steadily been going down hill, this will only make it worse.
anon
· 2 years ago
To curious george and IDOT engineer: As they keep saying: You ain't seen nothing yet!!!!!Believe them- it is not going to be pretty.
Lainer
· 2 years ago
To "tired of this session": I seem to remember hearing or reading something years ago about Washington reporters knowing that a crisis was probably brewing if they noticed a spike in late-night pizza deliveries to the White House, Pentagon or State Dept. Maybe we'll be able to tell that a deal (or a shutdown) is on the way if we see a surge in evening pizza deliveries to the Capitol or the Mansion?
Fed Up State Employee
· 2 years ago
CV - Morale, morale? We don't need no stinking morale!
In my agency, it has hit rock bottom. I am hearing so many people lately say they absolutely hate coming into work and I've never heard that in 20 years. And Governor "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is not helping. This has to be the most ridiculous, childish display of leadership I've ever seen.
It's Just Me
· 2 years ago
The State of Illinos is getting exactly what it deserves for the horrible way its citizens voted in November. I say it serves them right. Maybe next time they will look past the flashy campaign commercials and focus for more than 30 seconds.
IDOT Engineer
· 2 years ago
Rich:
Was it something I said?
Mr. W.T. Rush
· 2 years ago
If there was no run he must have flown back to Chitown for the nite. Probably to comfort distressed state workers in the 312 area code. Oh yeah,...and have dinner with Wyma.
"Working from the Mansion" is code for Blaggo and JayMagoo and "Fumbles" Harris tossing the Nerf Football around, While Giggles and Dunk cheer them on. That is usually on the schedule from 5:30 to 7:00.
Tollway Engineer
· 2 years ago
- IDOT Engineer Hang in there dude, the Feds will be coming to take Rod Blagojevich away very soon.
truth
· 2 years ago
Everytime Blago steps in it, some unsuspecting state employee(s) gets their pink slip(s).
Truthful James
· 2 years ago
Like most of you I wish this were just a mad, mad dream and we would wake up soon to find the sun was shining and the birds were chirping. But it isn't.
If you want to see the State school construction funding, go to the Capital Development Board, which forces projects down taxpayers throats.
Regarding education and mass transit, see my comment on John Fritchey's site. It regurgitates what I have been saying here. The crisis in each offers thoughtful legislators (is that an oxymoron?) the opportunity to craft new solutions for the betterment of all, instead of providing rewards to underperforming systems.
The Democrats have a chance, given their strength to provide for the future of this state instead of concentrating on funding their own reelections.
All Comments
They also confirmed they failed to get involved in the development of the bill.
I guess this means Peter "I'll Sign the Bill" PressRelease is not in town.
Oh, I forgot. Now we call it "working at the Mansion."
Last night he waited until dark to take The Run and needed to two air conditioned cars.
http://htsblog.blogspot.com/search?q=Illinois+H...
Do you think it's the Gov's office trying to scare people? From what I've heard, there is no tax increase in the budget.
And we all know who to blame - Tom Cross and Rod Blagovich.
Years ago, under Ryan as I recall, he came up with budget money by doing forced furlough days for state workers. These were challenged in court and ultimatly held to be illegal so the workers got paid. However, if the gov send most workers home for a few days do to the lack of a budget (lack of appropriated money) this would not run into the legal issues Ryan did. So a shutting down a portiong of government for a few days helps build up cash for other projects, a sort of stealth furlow.
off to put on my tin foil hat...
You didn't need Tom Cross to do jack for mass transit until July 1st... This is all Milorods making.
After reading through today's comment board on the New York Times on the MN bridge stories, I can now appreciate your goal of keeping your comment boards relatively whack-job free, or at least correcting them. I don't even understand why these papers have comment sections: they provide zero insight for the reader, though they're great at feeding delusions. Appreciate the higher bar here.
There will be "heck to pay" if there are any draconian reductions in services or fare increases even if they are temporary. It will make the rate relief issue downstate pale by comparison.
If anything goes wrong on the rate relief bill or the mass transit bill Blago will be primarily responsible for enabling the Republicans to have a seat at the table.
But I would not want to be a suburban Republican legislator running for reelection next November if any mass transit service cuts are implemented.It's clear that Tom Cross will bear a major responsibility given that Republican supporters of the Hamos bill are dropping offo like flies. Cross is jeopardizing his suburban Republican legislators by playing games. Of course, Cross and Blago are personal friends.
For example, there's a sharp young guy, Daniel Biss, running against incumbent Republican Beth Coulson. Republican obstruction could play right Biss's hands. Goodbye, Beth Coulson!
Can someone clarify this phrase to me? I have examined several local school building projects and fail to see any State participation.
Whose schools are being built with State money?
An example is the ATT cable agreement which as I recall was touted as a great thing by both the House and Senate?
Why is the Gov waiting on this as well as many other seemingly routine bills?
Machiavelli, where are you?
to become a hero to the pro choice community
since he will undoubtedly figure out some way
to do as he wrote. if he does not figure it
out quickly, Lisa will, stealing his thunder.
but, get over it anti choicers, the judge's opinion will not rule the day in Illinois.
Look for those big black, air conditioned SUVs creeping along.
Let's cheer PeterPressRelease for all his work
You saying the Gov is still working while everybody else is gone?
" . . . still . . ." that's too presumptuous. Do you have proof he's ever worked on the budget? Jogging doesn't count, it only helps him get in condition to run away from the feds.
I don't know anyone in my department that will be unable to pay their bills if there is a shutdown. It's called budgeting your finances. We do not live paycheck to paycheck.
So buddy your own your own. Leave us out of you PR crap.
In my agency, it has hit rock bottom. I am hearing so many people lately say they absolutely hate coming into work and I've never heard that in 20 years. And Governor "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is not helping. This has to be the most ridiculous, childish display of leadership I've ever seen.
Was it something I said?
Oh yeah,...and have dinner with Wyma.
"Working from the Mansion" is code for Blaggo and JayMagoo and "Fumbles" Harris tossing the Nerf Football around, While Giggles and Dunk cheer them on. That is usually on the schedule from 5:30 to 7:00.
Hang in there dude, the Feds will be coming to take Rod Blagojevich away very soon.
If you want to see the State school construction funding, go to the Capital Development Board, which forces projects down taxpayers throats.
Regarding education and mass transit, see my comment on John Fritchey's site. It regurgitates what I have been saying here. The crisis in each offers thoughtful legislators (is that an oxymoron?) the opportunity to craft new solutions for the betterment of all, instead of providing rewards to underperforming systems.
The Democrats have a chance, given their strength to provide for the future of this state instead of concentrating on funding their own reelections.