* As I told you yesterday, the Senate is coming back to town next week to take up a transit bill and a capital projects proposal. The Pantagraph starts out our coverage…
The General Assembly’s record-breaking overtime session will carry into another week when members of the Illinois Senate convene Monday.
Just a day after the Illinois House rejected a plan to pump millions of dollars into mass transit programs serving commuters in the Chicago region, Senate leaders announced they would descend on the Capitol to try their hand at a solution that also could include a multi-billion dollar statewide road and school construction program.
* The capital plan would be funded with three new casinos. Despite what a few reported, the mass transit bailout would still be funded the same way as the House proposed…
The Senate plan would call for a quarter-cent sales-tax increase in Cook County, a half-cent increase in the collar counties to support transportation and transit, and a provision that would let Chicago increase its real estate transfer tax, said Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson (D-Crete).
* And…
In addition, existing casinos like the Grand Victoria in Elgin would be given the chance to expand by buying the rights to more slot machines and table games.
* But both proposals face uncertain futures…
Although the ruling Senate Democrats say they expect Senate Republicans to support the latest deal, GOP sources said Wednesday they were unaware of details and there’d been no further conversations on the issue since Senate President Emil Jones Jr., a Chicago Democrat, declared the construction deal “dead” and blamed it all on Senate Republican leader Frank Watson of downstate Greenville.
Even if such a deal were to pass the Senate, it faces a dubious future in the Illinois House where both Republicans and Democrats alike have said there’s not enough votes to approve such a massive gambling expansion.
“I think three casinos would be very difficult,” said David Dring, spokesman for House Republican leader Tom Cross of Oswego.
* And…
House Speaker Michael Madigan has said he supports the concept of a capital bill, but has objected to expanding gambling, saying there is no support for such a step in his chamber.
* But Mayor Daley is starting to get antsy…
Blagojevich is against the [transit] funding plan because of the tax increases.
Daley insisted he is not frustrated with the governor, but “you have to make a decision,” he said.
“If he doesn’t like this, then come up with a plan. I just want to see a plan.”
* Meanwhile, the Tribune’s editorial board is blaming Tom Cross for the bill’s defeat in the House…
In blocking a transit deal for Northeast Illinois, House Republican leader Tom Cross is following a tradition, though not necessarily an honored one. He’s logrolling.
You want more money for mass transit, he was saying, you have to give me more money for roads.
Result: A bill to reform and fund the transit system — the first real overhaul in 25 years — fell 10 votes short of the 71 needed. Only five Republicans voted for it. […]
So don’t blame Blagojevich if your bus isn’t running Sept. 17. Right now Tom Cross is in the driver’s seat on this one.
* The Daily Herald’s editorial board begs to differ…
Republican lawmakers in the House who voted against the mass transit bill have different ideas on how to approach transportation funding. They agree mass transit needs a boost. But they want money for bus and rail folded into an overall transportation program that also includes funding for road improvements.
This argument is more reasonable than obstructionist. It has been a long time since the state has approved a comprehensive transportation program that addresses both transit and road improvements. Meanwhile, roads are congested and bridges are crumbling.
* And the Sun-Times edit board wants politicians to take public transit for a week…
That means you, Gov. Blagojevich. And you, House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones, the Chicago Democrats in charge of the Legislature. And you, Rep. Tom Cross and Sen. Frank Watson, the Republican leaders.
See what it’s like for your constituents who maybe can’t afford a car payment, insurance, a $78 state sticker, a $75 city sticker and $9 to $28 a day to park. Oh, and $3-a-gallon, taxed-to-the-hilt gasoline (the answer to so many of the state’s financial shortfalls).
Climb down out of your minivan and climb up 50 stairs to the CTA platform. Join the working people as they walk from train station to bus stop or workplace. If there’s any justice in the world, one day of your week will be windy and raining. You can practice hanging on to your briefcase and your umbrella — while the wind flips it inside-out, of course.
Huddle under a bus shelter. Look for a place to sit while you wait. Run for the bus like your life depends on it. Try arranging your life — just for one week — around a train schedule.
* More session-related stuff, compiled by Paul…
* Ginger Ostro: Inaccurate claims about governor’s budget
* Editorial: Governor’s bridge fails to cross real health care issues
* Editorial: Don’t rock the boat
* Tribune Editorial: CeaseFire’s success
- Who is in charge? - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 9:35 am:
Last I checked the democrats are in charge, Hamos is a Democrat, therefore it is a democrate bill. The main problems are in Chicago, i.e. CTA. I beleive there are 66 democrats in the house. 5 Republicans voted for the bill. Whether you are using new math or old math that comes up with a veto proof majority if Madigan could hold his caucus together. Clearly he is trying to shift the blame afawy from democrats in general and him in particular.
The reality is the democrats were given a golden opportunity by the citizens of Illinois to shape government the way they wanted. They failed on all levels.
- Ginger Ostro Letter - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 9:45 am:
I have to take issue with Ginger Ostro’s letter in the Sun Times. She claims the GA overestimated the cost of the COLA for community DD providers, and uses some word smithing to confuse the hell out of you. DHS will tell you every 1% increase for a CODB/COLA for DD providers costs 11.5 M. The budget allocated $29.3 million for a 2.5% CODB. Do the quick math. It basically undermines her argument….
- BLAH - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 9:55 am:
Issue with Ginger’s Statement:
Either way you look at it, the Governor vetoed $50 million from long term care and $40 million from ambulatory care.
If he would not have vetoed that funding the additional $90 million would be there as set by the GA.
It doesn’t matter if the FY 08 appropriation remains level to FY 07 - the FY 07 appropriation was increased in the GA budget for those two line items and then VETOED by the Governor.
Why is health care the only issue the Gov’s office is responding to? Why isn’t he saying anything about all the human service programs he cut?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 9:59 am:
Notice at the bottom of the Ostro op-ed that the Sun-Times stood by its original editorial.
- cermak_rd - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 10:06 am:
Why do some legislators object to casinos? I mean, they’re just businesses that people voluntarily enter. I don’t see the objection, as long as it’s a transparent process who gets the license. So, it can be construed as immoral, that’s noone’s business but the patron; so, it’s addictive to some people, so’s booze, but we sell it on every street corner; so, it’s something poor people do and they can’t afford it, this is patronizing pure and simple–most of the poor folk I know have the judgement to decide what they can and cannot afford.
- CaseyJones - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 10:15 am:
So if Superstar Forby can vote for the CTA package that must mean Jay MaGoo and the KinFolk votes (Phelps,Granberg & Reitz) can back the Hamos bill too. Add them to the vacationers and the honeymooner and we are about over the top.
TrainWreck Tom Cross does not have to swallow anything. (tee hee)
P.S. has anyone kept a list of Ginger’s budget positions. there are lots and they are varied, but hey she is new
- Nort'sider - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 11:01 am:
Who,
You’re right in that the Democrats, “led” by Gov. 22 percent, have many of us pining for the Silly Party of Monty Python fame. But this isn’t just, or even primarily a CTA problem, despite what lazy headline-writing copy editors have led people to believe. Pace has been dipping into its capital funds to cover operating expenses for years, and is going to raise fares on the 16th and start slashing service on the 29th without the RTA bill. Metra is the healthiest of the three services, but it, too, will start raising fares and cutting service starting next year.
This is a regional crisis. SB 572 is a regional solution that also offers more money for downstate transit systems. It provides for the reform and oversight that many legislators have said was necessary. Who cares if Gov. 22 percent is threatening a veto? Who are voters going to remember more “fondly” after all is said and done: the governor who said “My way or the highway” as transit crashed and burned, or the legislators who grew up and grew some stones to get this system fixed?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 12:09 pm:
Question Rich ? Why are we lowering flags on all state buildings for a OHIO Congressman ? No need to post this. Just wondering ?
- Bill - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 12:54 pm:
Who’s in charge,
Hoffman hasn’t been in the Dem caucus for a long time and McCarthy apparently has joined him in the third caucus, the Rod caucus, which usually has about 5 or 6 members in the House.After this vote and his unbelievable vote on the budget, watch for Kevin to get a nice fat place at the governor’s trough real soon! He’s got no chance to get re-elected even if he was stupid enough to try.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 1:06 pm:
Bill, are you totally off the Rod Reservation now?
- Garp - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 2:26 pm:
Sorry if this is too far off point but how come when I look at the State of Illinois site about All Kids the logo reads Governor Blagojevich’s All Kids and when I print the application his name is all over the place? Eight seperate places. I thought pols couldn’t do that anymore?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 2:26 pm:
Um, Garp, where have you been? This has been an issue with AllKids since Day One.
- Gone but Not Forgotten - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 2:36 pm:
McCarthy is not running for re-election and efforts are being made quietly to recruit a replacement “party endorsed” candidate.
I am not sure whether it is the Speaker’s party, or the Governor’s party that are doing the recruiting, or perhaps both, but the prospect exists for a divisive primary, especially if the person selected is not universally acceptable to all “interested parties”.
I am not sure how this plays out; or whether or not the retiring incumbent will have any influence in selecting the “party endorsed” nominee, which could also influence the prospect for a divided primary as well.The incumbent ofice holder looks to have about $85K in the jar to be potentially made available to a candidate of his choosing; or not.
No word yet as to the recruitment of a “party endorsed” challenger from the other side of the aisle, but candidate recruitment is often made easier when there is an open seat; and a heavily contested primary on the other side.
I would not automatically conclude that this district will remain in the D column; especially given the antics of all involved this year. Racial and Township politics could also come into play when seeking a successor candidate, and the ensing divisiveness could tilt the balance in a general election towards “let’s go in a new direction”.
This one will be an interesting one to watch.
- zatoichi - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 2:48 pm:
Ginger Ostro must be dipping the kool-aid. The 2.5% for the COLA for community based develpmental disability providers ($29.3M) got cut to 1.6% ($18.3). For the average $20,000 a year prson, that is a whopping $320 a year increase. At the same time the GA and Administration picked up 13%. Yeah, there is fairness and equality there. That $320 won’t be squat after paying the electric bill. For the organization they work for seeing, a 15% increase to minimum wage makes the 1.6% COLA a joke. Our local DD providers are seeing 5%-6% across the board cost increases each year for the last several years with no state rate increases even though the state decisions (min wage, electric, etc.)are driving most of the increases.
- Bill - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 2:52 pm:
Rich,
Yeah, pretty much, but it is not over yet. If Emil can flip a lot so can I.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 3:38 pm:
With Bill a flippin’, I expect to see the earth’s magnetic poles reverse soon, and the universe begin to collapse…
- Shallow Pharnyx - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 3:45 pm:
Bill,
When did you quit drinking the koolaid? I feel an ice storm coming over the state capitol.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 3:46 pm:
This isn’t the first time he’s done this.
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 4:27 pm:
I’m sorry, but when anyone from OMB whines in the paper about phony numbers, my BS meter hits the peg. Oh well, at least Ginger didn’t go on vacation when it was time to get the budgetary weedwhacker out.
Bill, glad you’ve seen the light.
- anon - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 5:04 pm:
Madigan has no one to blame but himself for the vote going down in flames. The bad thing is, he wasted the members’ time.
- Gregor Samsa - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 5:38 pm:
The senate memnbers are goign to feel themheat when Madgan’s road show of budget horrors takes to the streets next week.Blago’s given him the best kind of ammunition.
- NoGiftsPlease - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 8:13 pm:
Do you think that casinos are a good long term strategy to solve our capital program problems? Even if we took 100% as taxes, would that equal the state’s capital program needs?
- Emily Booth - Thursday, Sep 6, 07 @ 9:30 pm:
As someone who grew up with the CTA and used it as her main transportation for 20 years, that was a GREAT editorial by the Sun-Times!