Gov. Bruce Rauner wants legislators to approve his entire agenda

Posted on February 17, 2015

Rauner delivers his budget address Wednesday. (WJBC File photo)

By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – When he was before the legislature for the State of the State message, Gov. Bruce Rauner announced he wants legislators to approve his entire agenda – not just part of it. And there are reports he has taken an intimidating tone to the lawmakers behind closed doors.

What kind of negotiating is this?

“The problem that exists is in our state,” State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said, “and I think Gov. Rauner is providing tremendous, necessary, needed leadership that we just haven’t had.”

Approve everything the governor asks for? “Realistically, that’s not going to happen,” said State Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill). “Legislating and governing is about compromise. It’s about finding common ground.”

It would appear that the new governor will find lawmakers from both parties warm to his ideas, and lawmakers from both parties uncomfortable.

“I think he’s in the governing business,” said Barickman.

The budget address is Wednesday.​

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…