I recently obtained a document distributed by the governor’s office detailing the membership list and meeting times and locations of the secret state legislative “working groups.” The governor’s office has insisted that not only should legislators dummy up about what goes on at the groups’ meetings – which are designed to forge compromises on the […]
Rich Miller
Posted inOpinion
Dissecting Schock’s downfall
Congressman Aaron Schock’s resignation is not only a blow to national Republicans, for whom Schock raised millions, but also to Illinois Republicans. Just eight weeks ago, Schock was widely believed to be next in line to chair the National Republican Congressional Committee. But his rapid fall from grace ruined his career and deprived the NRCC […]
Posted inOpinion
A softer, neo-liberal form of Raunerism
A newly formed group of self-described “center-left” Democrats claims to have secured $20 million in commitments to spend on state legislative races here. But that $20 million apparently isn’t meant to counter Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s infamous $20 million campaign stash, which he says will be used to support his allies and punish his enemies. […]
Posted inOpinion
Bruce’s budget address boo-boo
A rookie mistake has led to some big problems. House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton both believed that Gov. Bruce Rauner would ask to postpone the scheduled Feb. 18 budget address. The current fiscal year’s outlook was so incredibly dire (by the Democrats’ own making), that the veteran Democratic leaders figured Rauner […]
Posted inOpinion
Another reckless, delusional budget
After he was elected, but before he was sworn in to office, Bruce Rauner repeatedly lambasted Gov. Pat Quinn and the legislative Democrats for passing a “booby trap” budget that was about to blow up in the state’s collective face. Rauner was absolutely right. Last year’s budget was irresponsible and didn’t deal with the reality […]
Posted inOpinion
Rauner’s labor attacks continue
More than a few Statehouse types have been wondering aloud for weeks what Gov. Bruce Rauner is up to with his almost daily attacks on organized labor. Just what, they ask, is the end game here? His people say that the governor feels “liberated” since the election to speak his mind about a topic which […]
Posted inOpinion
A liberated Rauner lets loose
I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a governor openly and loudly laughed at on the House floor. At least not while he was present. Gov. Bruce Rauner was doing pretty well with his legislative audience during his first State of the State address last week, delivering strong applause lines with his refreshing calls for bipartisanship. […]
Posted inOpinion
Legislators looking to move up
Illinois State Sen. Daniel Biss appears to be the first Democrat to actively float his name for the 2016 special election for state comptroller. The Evanston Democrat is known as a policy wonk around the Statehouse, but he’s also a prodigious fundraiser, ending the fourth quarter reporting period with $721,000 in the bank. The special […]
Posted inOpinion
Illinoisans want Statehouse peace
A solid majority of Illinoisans want newly inaugurated Gov. Bruce Rauner to find common ground with the Democratic legislative majority rather than be confrontational, a new poll finds. However, most aren’t confident that the state’s leaders can avoid gridlock, and a majority believes the Democrats will be to blame. “Do you think Republican Gov. Bruce […]
Posted inOpinion
Remembering Judy Baar Topinka
Judy Baar Topinka PHOTO BY GINNY LEE As you already know, Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka passed away last week. Topinka had a stroke the morning of Dec. 9 but that’s not what killed her. In fact, by the afternoon, she announced she was going to walk to the restroom. Her Chief of Staff Nancy Kimme […]
Posted inOpinion
Low-wage laborers deserve better
Months ago, Emanuel scheduled a vote on raising Chicago’s minimum wage for the week after the General Assembly’s annual fall veto session. After the election though, retailers, restaurant owners and other business groups agreed to an eventual $11 an hour statewide minimum wage but only if Chicago and other home rule municipalities were not allowed […]
Posted inOpinion
Nobody is a sure thing in Rauner administration
Whenever a new governor is about to be sworn in, one of the most popular Springfield “parlor” games (which are usually not played in parlors, but in taverns, restaurants and friendly offices) is figuring out who is on their way out and who is on their way in. Of course, when a new governor is […]
