Many lawmakers are praising Governor Rauner's state of the state speech for its shift in rhetoric to more conciliatory tones. But, Democrats note there was little actual movement on the governor's turnaround agenda.
As a result of the more than seven month deadlock, many social service agencies are no more or have had to cut jobs and services. But, GOP Senate Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont says that harm has been worth it to advance the state. Radogno said following the address that many of those agencies would have had to close or cut back any way. She says if the GOP simply capitulates to the Democrats and raises taxes the state will be right back where it was.
Democratic State Senator Dave Koehler of Peoria disagrees. Koehler calls the statement unfortunate. Koehler says communities depend on the network of social service agencies. He says to say that those programs are expendable is just nonsense. Koehler says some of the best money the state spends goes to social service programs.
Koehler says the Governor's turnaround agenda amounts to giving all of the state heavy and highway contracts to out of state non union businesses. Koehler asks how that benefits the state of Illinois. He says the prevailing wage rules are what keeps Illinois families working.
Republican State Representative Keith Sommer of Morton says he noted a lingering tension in the capital during the speech with Democrats not responding much to the Governor's overtures. Sommer says a break in the standoff has yet to come and he's not sure what will produce movement.
Sommer says he hopes that the Governor and Democratic Senate Leader John Cullerton can close a possible deal on pension costs and change the atmosphere. Sommer says he looks forward to the budget speech next month to provide more details in getting out of the mess.
Democratic Senate President John Cullerton says there were some things in the speech that the Governor and Democrats can work on together, but, there was no progress on the main roadblock. Cullerton says he wants to hear more about how Rauner wants to close the budget gap. Cullerton says his party does not have enough votes to override a veto, so a budget compromise will have to be bipartisan and Governor Rauner has yet to say how much of a tax increase he could accept.
House Speaker Michael Madigan says he's open to considering a new pension overhaul and is ``anxious'' to see legislation. Gov. Rauner is backing a plan pushed by Democratic Senate President John Cullerton. It would give state workers and retirees a choice in retirement benefits. Rauner says it would save $1 billion annually. Cullerton proposed a similar plan several years ago. Madigan rejected that proposal in favor of legislation he sponsored that cut retirement benefits. The Illinois Supreme Court later found the measure unconstitutional. The Chicago Democrat says he's ``open on all the pension questions'' and is ``anxious to see the governor's language.''
Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus say the Governor's speech neglected urgent issues impacting the state's most vulnerable populations. The group's chairwoman Sen. Kimberly Lightford says the Republican spent his time pointing the finger and ``playing the blame game." The Maywood Democrat says Rauner talked more about his pro-business agenda items and not about college and social service cuts. Other black lawmakers mentioned their proposals on education and criminal justice as solutions to the problems facing black communities during the budget impasse. Lightford said she agreed most with Rauner's stance on education. Rauner said he wants to work with legislators on improving Illinois schools.
Illinois labor leaders are reacting strongly to Gov. Bruce Rauner's continued calls for changes that would weaken unions. In a statement , a coalition of unions said Rauner ``has been an unmitigated disaster for the working people and most vulnerable citizens of Illinois.'' Rauner said Illinois' largest public-worker union (AFSCME) is pushing in contract negotiations for compensation he described as ``out-of-touch with reality.'' Democrats and their union allies have said Rauner's agenda would drive down wages and hurt the middle class.
