1 00:00:03,400 --> 00:00:07,400 >> AMANDA, THANK YOU. 2 00:00:04,066 --> 00:00:10,700 >> THANK YOU. 3 00:00:05,233 --> 00:00:16,466 >> AND NOW TO EDDIE AND THE 4 00:00:07,400 --> 00:00:18,833 ILLINOIS SENATE LEADERS JOHN 5 00:00:10,700 --> 00:00:21,100 CULLERTON AND CHRISTINE RADOGNO. 6 00:00:16,466 --> 00:00:22,200 >> PHIL, THERE IS AN EFFORT TO 7 00:00:18,833 --> 00:00:23,566 GET A BUDGET DEAL. 8 00:00:21,100 --> 00:00:25,800 STATE SENATE LEADERS ARE HAVE 9 00:00:22,200 --> 00:00:26,166 CRAFTED A SPENDING PROPOSAL THAT 10 00:00:23,566 --> 00:00:29,233 MIGHT END THE 18-MONTH-LONG 11 00:00:25,800 --> 00:00:31,233 STANDOFF. 12 00:00:26,166 --> 00:00:34,300 IT CONTAINS SOME REFORM ELEMENTS 13 00:00:29,233 --> 00:00:36,466 DEMANDED BY GOVERNOR BRUCE 14 00:00:31,233 --> 00:00:37,033 RAUNER AS WELL AS SOME OF THE 15 00:00:34,300 --> 00:00:40,066 REVENUE GENERATION DEMOCRATS 16 00:00:36,466 --> 00:00:40,933 WANT. 17 00:00:37,033 --> 00:00:43,066 A LONG SOUGHT-AFTER COMPROMISE. 18 00:00:40,066 --> 00:00:43,400 HOWEVER THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT 19 00:00:40,933 --> 00:00:46,600 THE PLAN IS NOT YET, QUOTE, 20 00:00:43,066 --> 00:00:47,966 BAKED. 21 00:00:43,400 --> 00:00:49,200 AND THERE'S NO WORD IF THE 22 00:00:46,600 --> 00:00:51,866 SPEAKER IS ON BOARD. 23 00:00:47,966 --> 00:00:55,600 JOINING US TO GIVE US THE 24 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:56,800 INFORMATION ON THIS PLAN IS 25 00:00:51,866 --> 00:01:02,066 ILLINOIS SENATE PRESIDENT JOHN 26 00:00:55,600 --> 00:01:03,266 CULLERTON AND REPUBLICAN SENATE 27 00:00:56,800 --> 00:01:05,500 LEADER CHRISTINE RADOGNO. 28 00:01:02,066 --> 00:01:05,966 SO PRESIDENT CULLERTON, WE HEARD 29 00:01:03,266 --> 00:01:08,666 YOU SAY IT'S TIME FOR 30 00:01:05,500 --> 00:01:08,933 BIPARTISANSHIP. 31 00:01:05,966 --> 00:01:10,633 IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE ACHIEVED 32 00:01:08,666 --> 00:01:11,766 IT. 33 00:01:08,933 --> 00:01:14,233 HOW DID YOU DO IT? 34 00:01:10,633 --> 00:01:14,533 >> IT'S EMBARRASSING THAT WE 35 00:01:11,766 --> 00:01:17,633 DON'T HAVE A BUDGET AFTER TWO 36 00:01:14,233 --> 00:01:18,800 YEARS. 37 00:01:14,533 --> 00:01:20,200 I AM SURE SENATOR RADOGNO IS 38 00:01:17,633 --> 00:01:22,400 FEELING THE SAME. 39 00:01:18,800 --> 00:01:24,200 WE HAVE BEEN BLAMED, THE ONLY 40 00:01:20,200 --> 00:01:26,233 THING WE CAN DO IS TO SEE IF WE 41 00:01:22,400 --> 00:01:28,033 CAN PASS A COMPREHENSIVE BUDGET 42 00:01:24,200 --> 00:01:28,333 BILL WITH REFORMS THAT WE VOTE 43 00:01:26,233 --> 00:01:30,000 ON THOSE TYPES OF THINGS ALL THE 44 00:01:28,033 --> 00:01:30,266 TIME. 45 00:01:28,333 --> 00:01:31,733 THAT'S WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO 46 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:33,233 NOW. 47 00:01:30,266 --> 00:01:34,700 WE HOPE TO PASS THIS NEXT WEEK. 48 00:01:31,733 --> 00:01:36,700 IF WE ARE SUCCESSFUL, WE WILL GO 49 00:01:33,233 --> 00:01:37,700 TO THE HOUSE, WE WOULD HOPE THAT 50 00:01:34,700 --> 00:01:39,400 THE HOUSE LEADERS WOULD 51 00:01:36,700 --> 00:01:41,466 REPLICATE WHAT WE WOULD HAVE 52 00:01:37,700 --> 00:01:43,233 DONE AND PERHAPS WE CAN GET PAST 53 00:01:39,400 --> 00:01:44,166 THIS IMPASSE. 54 00:01:41,466 --> 00:01:45,233 >> WELL SENATOR RADOGNO, AS I 55 00:01:43,233 --> 00:01:46,500 MENTIONED IT SEEMS TO HAVE A 56 00:01:44,166 --> 00:01:47,300 LITTLE BIT OF WHAT THE GOVERNOR 57 00:01:45,233 --> 00:01:49,900 WANTED AND WHAT THE DEMOCRATS 58 00:01:46,500 --> 00:01:51,766 HAVE WANTED. 59 00:01:47,300 --> 00:01:52,733 THAT'S CALLED COMPROMISE. 60 00:01:49,900 --> 00:01:54,133 WHY HAS IT TAKEN TO THAT POINT 61 00:01:51,766 --> 00:01:54,500 TO GET THAT? 62 00:01:52,733 --> 00:01:55,866 >> WELL THAT'S A VERY GOOD 63 00:01:54,133 --> 00:01:57,066 QUESTION. 64 00:01:54,500 --> 00:01:58,300 IT SHOULD NOT HAVE TAKEN TO THIS 65 00:01:55,866 --> 00:02:00,566 POINT BUT ONCE AGAIN WE ARE 66 00:01:57,066 --> 00:02:02,666 FACING A CRISIS. 67 00:01:58,300 --> 00:02:05,466 AS MANY LISTENERS ARE AWARE, THE 68 00:02:00,566 --> 00:02:07,333 STOP-GAP BUDGET THAT WAS PASSED 69 00:02:02,666 --> 00:02:10,033 LAST SPRING EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 70 00:02:05,466 --> 00:02:11,600 31 MEANING THERE IS NOW NO MONEY 71 00:02:07,333 --> 00:02:12,933 FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, HUMAN 72 00:02:10,033 --> 00:02:15,366 SERVICES, AND SOME CRITICAL 73 00:02:11,600 --> 00:02:17,633 STATE FUNCTIONS. 74 00:02:12,933 --> 00:02:20,166 SO, WE HAVE THE OPTION NOW OF 75 00:02:15,366 --> 00:02:22,333 ONCE AND FOR ALL DIGGING IN AND 76 00:02:17,633 --> 00:02:24,400 TRYING TO SET THIS PATH, SET THE 77 00:02:20,166 --> 00:02:24,700 STATE BECOME ON A PATH OF 78 00:02:22,333 --> 00:02:27,400 FINANCIAL STABILITY FOR THE LONG 79 00:02:24,400 --> 00:02:27,733 TERM. 80 00:02:24,700 --> 00:02:29,733 NOT JUST CAREEN FROM CRISIS TO 81 00:02:27,400 --> 00:02:32,966 CRISIS. 82 00:02:27,733 --> 00:02:35,700 I THINK THE FRUSTRATION AMONG 83 00:02:29,733 --> 00:02:37,366 RANK AND FILE MEMBERS AND MYSELF 84 00:02:32,966 --> 00:02:37,766 INCLUDED AND SENATE PRESIDENT 85 00:02:35,700 --> 00:02:39,400 CULLERTON INCLUDED, WE ARE 86 00:02:37,366 --> 00:02:40,566 FRUSTRATED. 87 00:02:37,766 --> 00:02:42,333 WE BELIEVE THE STATE DESERVES 88 00:02:39,400 --> 00:02:43,566 BETTER THAN THIS. 89 00:02:40,566 --> 00:02:45,100 >> LET'S LOOK AT SOME OF THE KEY 90 00:02:42,333 --> 00:02:47,366 COMPONENTS OF THIS PROPOSAL AND 91 00:02:43,566 --> 00:02:49,600 YOU CAN TELL US WHETHER THEY ARE 92 00:02:45,100 --> 00:02:50,966 STILL IN THERE OR HAVE THEY 93 00:02:47,366 --> 00:02:53,366 CHANGEDED IN THE LAST 24 HOURS. 94 00:02:49,600 --> 00:02:55,766 SO, AMONG THE KEY PROVISIONS IN 95 00:02:50,966 --> 00:02:57,033 THE BUDGET ITSELF ARE A PERSONAL 96 00:02:53,366 --> 00:03:00,433 INCOME TAX INCREASE, A PROPERTY 97 00:02:55,766 --> 00:03:03,200 TAX FREEZE, WHICH THE GOVERNOR 98 00:02:57,033 --> 00:03:05,733 HAS WANTED, A SWEETENED BEVERAGE 99 00:03:00,433 --> 00:03:08,966 TAX SIMILAR TO WHAT HAS RECENTLY 100 00:03:03,200 --> 00:03:10,366 BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN COOK COUNTY, 101 00:03:05,733 --> 00:03:12,633 PENSION REFORM, WHICH IS WHAT 102 00:03:08,966 --> 00:03:15,200 PRESIDENT CULLERTON HAS PUT 103 00:03:10,366 --> 00:03:17,000 FORTH, ALSO, THERE IS A PROPOSAL 104 00:03:12,633 --> 00:03:19,000 TO ADD SIX CASINOS TO THE STATE, 105 00:03:15,200 --> 00:03:21,000 INCLUDING ONE HERE IN CHICAGO, 106 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:22,666 WORKERS COMPENSATION REFORM, 107 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:24,966 PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING REFORM, 108 00:03:21,000 --> 00:03:25,633 AND SENATE TERM LIMITS WHICH 109 00:03:22,666 --> 00:03:28,500 HAVE BEEN ENACTED WHICH EFFECTS 110 00:03:24,966 --> 00:03:30,733 REALLY THE LEADERSHIP. 111 00:03:25,633 --> 00:03:31,266 SO THE TWO OF YOU NOW CAN ONLY 112 00:03:28,500 --> 00:03:32,466 SERVE FOR 10 YEARS IN LEADERSHIP 113 00:03:30,733 --> 00:03:33,966 POSITIONS. 114 00:03:31,266 --> 00:03:36,766 LET'S TALK FIRST ABOUT THAT 115 00:03:32,466 --> 00:03:39,400 PERSONAL INCOME TAX INCREASE. 116 00:03:33,966 --> 00:03:39,700 THE PROPOSAL AS HAS BEEN STATED 117 00:03:36,766 --> 00:03:45,633 SO FAR IS TO INCREASE IT BY A 118 00:03:39,400 --> 00:03:48,166 THIRD. 119 00:03:39,700 --> 00:03:49,266 FROM 3.75% TO 4.95%. 120 00:03:45,633 --> 00:03:50,100 IS THAT STILL PART OF THE PLAN? 121 00:03:48,166 --> 00:03:51,666 >> THAT'S IN THE BILL AS IT'S 122 00:03:49,266 --> 00:03:52,833 BEEN INTRODUCED. 123 00:03:50,100 --> 00:03:54,033 I WANT TO POINT OUT THAT 124 00:03:51,666 --> 00:03:55,333 DEMOCRATS DON'T LIKE VOTING FOR 125 00:03:52,833 --> 00:03:56,600 TAXES ANY MORE THAN REPUBLICANS 126 00:03:54,033 --> 00:03:59,000 BUT WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE NEED 127 00:03:55,333 --> 00:04:00,666 SOME REVENUE. 128 00:03:56,600 --> 00:04:02,266 WE ALSO ARE OPEN TO OTHER 129 00:03:59,000 --> 00:04:02,600 REFORMS THAT WE VOTE ON ALL THE 130 00:04:00,666 --> 00:04:04,600 TIME AND THAT'S WHY IT'S IN THE 131 00:04:02,266 --> 00:04:06,033 PACKAGE. 132 00:04:02,600 --> 00:04:07,500 SO, NOW, THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF 133 00:04:04,600 --> 00:04:08,833 LOBBYISTS HIRED SINCE WE 134 00:04:06,033 --> 00:04:10,133 INTRODUCED THIS BILL TO TRY TO 135 00:04:07,500 --> 00:04:11,900 WORK AGAINST SOME OF THESE 136 00:04:08,833 --> 00:04:14,200 PROVISIONS SO WE ARE OPEN. 137 00:04:10,133 --> 00:04:15,966 OUR GOAL HERE IS TO MAKE SURE WE 138 00:04:11,900 --> 00:04:17,533 HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO HAVE 139 00:04:14,200 --> 00:04:18,233 REASONABLE CUTS IN OUR BUDGET 140 00:04:15,966 --> 00:04:20,533 BUT ALSO A BALANCED BUDGET AFTER 141 00:04:17,533 --> 00:04:22,266 WE DO THAT. 142 00:04:18,233 --> 00:04:26,200 WE HAVE A DEFICIT TO OVERCOME IN 143 00:04:20,533 --> 00:04:27,833 THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR, BUT WE 144 00:04:22,266 --> 00:04:29,033 WANT TO BE ABLE, WHEN WE DO OUR 145 00:04:26,200 --> 00:04:29,966 NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET IN MAY TO 146 00:04:27,833 --> 00:04:31,600 HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO HAVE A 147 00:04:29,033 --> 00:04:33,866 BALANCED BUDGET. 148 00:04:29,966 --> 00:04:34,633 >> THAT PROPOSAL TO INCREASE IT 149 00:04:31,600 --> 00:04:36,100 BY A THIRD WILL BRING IN ABOUT 150 00:04:33,866 --> 00:04:38,733 $1.7 BILLION. 151 00:04:34,633 --> 00:04:41,000 THAT'S PROBABLY NOT ENOUGH. 152 00:04:36,100 --> 00:04:42,533 MIGHT IT HAVE TO GO HIGHER? 153 00:04:38,733 --> 00:04:44,200 >> WE HAVE OTHER PROVISIONS. 154 00:04:41,000 --> 00:04:45,600 PROCUREMENT REFORM SAVES MONEY. 155 00:04:42,533 --> 00:04:46,600 THE BEVERAGE TAX THAT YOU TALKED 156 00:04:44,200 --> 00:04:49,100 ABOUT AND LOOP HOLES THAT WE 157 00:04:45,600 --> 00:04:50,100 CLOSED IN THE TAX CODE. 158 00:04:46,600 --> 00:04:53,200 SO THAT BRINGS IN MONEY AS WELL. 159 00:04:49,100 --> 00:04:54,600 >> PENSION REFORM AND AGAIN, I 160 00:04:50,100 --> 00:04:55,033 WANT TO STRESS THAT WE ARE OPEN, 161 00:04:53,200 --> 00:04:56,366 ASCEND PRESIDENT JUST POINTED 162 00:04:54,600 --> 00:04:58,466 OUT. 163 00:04:55,033 --> 00:05:01,033 ONCE YOU PUT SOMETHING THAT'S 164 00:04:56,366 --> 00:05:02,066 REAL, AND THIS IS A REAL 165 00:04:58,466 --> 00:05:04,000 PROPOSAL, THIS IS NOT A 166 00:05:01,033 --> 00:05:05,766 THEORETICAL WHERE WE ARE 167 00:05:02,066 --> 00:05:07,700 GENERALLY IN FAVOR OF SOME LEVEL 168 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:09,100 OF INCOME TAX INCREASE. 169 00:05:05,766 --> 00:05:11,433 THIS IS A REAL PROPOSAL. 170 00:05:07,700 --> 00:05:13,066 YOU HAVE PEOPLE COMING OUT OF 171 00:05:09,100 --> 00:05:14,833 THE WOODWORK TO OPPOSE VARIOUS 172 00:05:11,433 --> 00:05:15,700 PARTS OF IT. 173 00:05:13,066 --> 00:05:18,133 SO, WE ARE AT A VERY TRICKY 174 00:05:14,833 --> 00:05:19,400 POINT RIGHT NOW. 175 00:05:15,700 --> 00:05:21,066 WE WANT TO GET THE VOTES TO PASS 176 00:05:18,133 --> 00:05:23,233 TO KEEP THE FORWARD MOMENTUM. 177 00:05:19,400 --> 00:05:26,300 AND WE ALSO WANT TO BE FLEXIBLE 178 00:05:21,066 --> 00:05:26,633 AND OPEN SO IF SOMEONE SAYS THIS 179 00:05:23,233 --> 00:05:28,400 PIECE OF IS IT A NONSTARTER, 180 00:05:26,300 --> 00:05:29,700 GREAT. 181 00:05:26,633 --> 00:05:31,533 WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE THAT WE 182 00:05:28,400 --> 00:05:33,500 MIGHT REPLACE THAT WITH? 183 00:05:29,700 --> 00:05:34,633 >> AND YOU FEEL THAT YOUR 184 00:05:31,533 --> 00:05:35,933 MEMBERSHIP IS COMING THROUGH? 185 00:05:33,500 --> 00:05:36,666 ARE YOU COMMITTING OR 186 00:05:34,633 --> 00:05:38,400 GUARANTEEING ANY VOTES ON THIS 187 00:05:35,933 --> 00:05:40,266 PARTICULAR PLAN? 188 00:05:36,666 --> 00:05:42,566 >> IT IS CERTAINLY OUR PLAN TO 189 00:05:38,400 --> 00:05:45,100 HAVE VOTES ON THIS PLAN AND I 190 00:05:40,266 --> 00:05:47,233 WILL TELL YOU, BOTH OF US MET 191 00:05:42,566 --> 00:05:49,033 WITH OUR CAUCUSES WHEN WE 192 00:05:45,100 --> 00:05:50,466 INTRODUCED THE BILLS IN THE LAST 193 00:05:47,233 --> 00:05:51,866 GENERAL ASSEMBLY JUST TO BEGIN 194 00:05:49,033 --> 00:05:54,466 TO GET THE IDEA OUT THERE. 195 00:05:50,466 --> 00:05:57,800 THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT 196 00:05:51,866 --> 00:05:59,466 OF ENTHUSIASM TO BE ABLE TO BE 197 00:05:54,466 --> 00:05:59,933 PART OF BREAKING WHAT HAS BEEN A 198 00:05:57,800 --> 00:06:01,366 MISERABLE STATUS QUESTION FOR 199 00:05:59,466 --> 00:06:02,700 THIS STATE. 200 00:05:59,933 --> 00:06:04,500 >> EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE VERY 201 00:06:01,366 --> 00:06:05,333 TOUGH VOTES ON BOTH SIDES PEOPLE 202 00:06:02,700 --> 00:06:06,633 HAVE TO TAKE. 203 00:06:04,500 --> 00:06:07,666 >> ABSOLUTELY. 204 00:06:05,333 --> 00:06:08,800 >> IS THERE SOME IRONY OR 205 00:06:06,633 --> 00:06:10,633 WHATEVER YOU WANT TO 206 00:06:07,666 --> 00:06:13,000 CHARACTERIZE IT, THAT THE INCOME 207 00:06:08,800 --> 00:06:15,766 TAX INCREASE THAT WAS 208 00:06:10,633 --> 00:06:18,666 IMPLEMENTED UNDER PATRICK QUINN, 209 00:06:13,000 --> 00:06:20,366 THAT WAS ALLOWED TO SUNSET THAT 210 00:06:15,766 --> 00:06:21,533 WAS HEAVILY CRITICIZED BY THE 211 00:06:18,666 --> 00:06:22,400 CURRENT GOVERNOR, IS SOMEHOW 212 00:06:20,366 --> 00:06:24,233 COMING BACK INTO A PLAN? 213 00:06:21,533 --> 00:06:25,233 >> YOU KNOW WHAT? 214 00:06:22,400 --> 00:06:26,000 IT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT WE 215 00:06:24,233 --> 00:06:27,566 AREN'T NEGOTIATING WITH THE 216 00:06:25,233 --> 00:06:30,133 GOVERNOR OR THE HOUSE. 217 00:06:26,000 --> 00:06:32,533 WE ARE GOING TO SEE IF THE 218 00:06:27,566 --> 00:06:35,833 SENATE LEADERS CAN GET TOGETHER 219 00:06:30,133 --> 00:06:36,966 IN A STRUCTURED ROLE CALL TO GET 220 00:06:32,533 --> 00:06:38,066 ENOUGH VOTES TO PASS A 221 00:06:35,833 --> 00:06:39,533 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN THAT HAS A 222 00:06:36,966 --> 00:06:41,200 FULLY FUNDED BUDGET. 223 00:06:38,066 --> 00:06:42,866 THAT'S WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON. 224 00:06:39,533 --> 00:06:44,533 WHATEVER STEPS NECESSARY TO SEE 225 00:06:41,200 --> 00:06:45,866 IF PEOPLE CAN VOTE, NOT HAVE A 226 00:06:42,866 --> 00:06:49,833 PRESS CONFERENCE BUT HAVE AN 227 00:06:44,533 --> 00:06:50,233 ACTUAL VOTE ON REAL LEGISLATION. 228 00:06:45,866 --> 00:06:51,066 THAT'S WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO 229 00:06:49,833 --> 00:06:52,600 ACCOMPLISH. 230 00:06:50,233 --> 00:06:53,900 >> REPUBLICANS HAVE BEEN PUSHING 231 00:06:51,066 --> 00:06:55,033 BACK ON ANY KIND OF TAX INCREASE 232 00:06:52,600 --> 00:06:56,300 UNLESS THEY GET REFORMS. 233 00:06:53,900 --> 00:06:58,566 DO YOU THINK THAT THE REFORMS 234 00:06:55,033 --> 00:06:59,900 THAT HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS 235 00:06:56,300 --> 00:07:02,300 PLAN ARE ENOUGH TO SATISFY 236 00:06:58,566 --> 00:07:03,100 EVERYONE AND GET ANY KIND OF TAX 237 00:06:59,900 --> 00:07:04,300 INCREASE THAT YOU MIGHT NEED? 238 00:07:02,300 --> 00:07:05,900 >> ULTIMATELY PEOPLE WILL HAVE 239 00:07:03,100 --> 00:07:08,033 TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISION ON 240 00:07:04,300 --> 00:07:08,500 THAT BUT I WILL SAY THIS. 241 00:07:05,900 --> 00:07:10,200 THE GOVERNOR LAID OUT HIS AGENDA 242 00:07:08,033 --> 00:07:11,833 EARLY ON. 243 00:07:08,500 --> 00:07:13,433 WE HAVE HAD WORKING GROUPS OF 244 00:07:10,200 --> 00:07:15,800 RANK AND FILE LEGISLATORS IN 245 00:07:11,833 --> 00:07:16,766 BOTH PARTIES WORKING ON DETAILS 246 00:07:13,433 --> 00:07:18,366 OF THOSE IDEAS, PROPOSALS, FOR 247 00:07:15,800 --> 00:07:20,000 TWO YEARS. 248 00:07:16,766 --> 00:07:21,933 MOST OF WHAT THE SENATE 249 00:07:18,366 --> 00:07:23,500 PRESIDENT AND I HAVE DONE IS 250 00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:25,766 WORK OFF OF THOSE 251 00:07:21,933 --> 00:07:27,033 RECOMMENDATIONS TO TRY TO FIGURE 252 00:07:23,500 --> 00:07:28,900 OUT, AGAIN, WHAT CAN WE GET 253 00:07:25,766 --> 00:07:30,900 ENOUGH VOTES ON TO PASS? 254 00:07:27,033 --> 00:07:31,900 BECAUSE REMEMBER, WE HAVE A 255 00:07:28,900 --> 00:07:34,633 DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATURE AND A 256 00:07:30,900 --> 00:07:35,733 REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR. 257 00:07:31,900 --> 00:07:36,966 SO, IT'S TRICKY. 258 00:07:34,633 --> 00:07:38,433 >> INCLUDED IN THIS AS WE 259 00:07:35,733 --> 00:07:41,500 MENTIONED IS THIS PENSION REFORM 260 00:07:36,966 --> 00:07:44,233 PLAN THAT YOU HAVE SUBMITTED. 261 00:07:38,433 --> 00:07:45,700 CAN YOU GIVE US MORE THAN THE 262 00:07:41,500 --> 00:07:47,466 CLIFFSNOTES VERSION OF THIS? 263 00:07:44,233 --> 00:07:47,800 >> ABOUT 25% OF OUR WORK FORCE 264 00:07:45,700 --> 00:07:49,400 HAS BEEN HIRED IN THE LAST FIVE 265 00:07:47,466 --> 00:07:51,966 YEARS. 266 00:07:47,800 --> 00:07:55,600 THEY HAVE A MORE LIMITED PENSION 267 00:07:49,400 --> 00:07:58,900 CALLED A TIER 2 PENSION. 268 00:07:51,966 --> 00:08:02,133 WHAT THIS BILL DOES IS A BETTER 269 00:07:55,600 --> 00:08:03,200 PENSION IF THEY GIVE UP THEIR 270 00:07:58,900 --> 00:08:05,266 PENSION, TAKE A LESSER PIER 2 271 00:08:02,133 --> 00:08:08,600 PENSION WE WILL REFUND MONEY 272 00:08:03,200 --> 00:08:10,333 THAT THEY ACTUALLY PAID INTO THE 273 00:08:05,266 --> 00:08:11,600 FUND IN THE STATE AND GIVE THEM 274 00:08:08,600 --> 00:08:14,333 MORE IN THE FUTURE. 275 00:08:10,333 --> 00:08:15,133 THEY WILL GET SOMETHING IF THEY 276 00:08:11,600 --> 00:08:19,966 WANT IT TAKE A LESSER PENSION. 277 00:08:14,333 --> 00:08:21,100 THEY DON'T HAVE TO. 278 00:08:15,133 --> 00:08:22,166 AS A RESULT, EITHER WAY THE 279 00:08:19,966 --> 00:08:23,533 STATE WILL SAVE MONEY. 280 00:08:21,100 --> 00:08:24,700 IT'S CONSTITUTIONAL BECAUSE WE 281 00:08:22,166 --> 00:08:27,300 ARE GIVING THEM A CHOICE, THEY 282 00:08:23,533 --> 00:08:27,733 ARE GETTING SOMETHING FOR IT. 283 00:08:24,700 --> 00:08:28,500 THAT'S WHAT'S CALLED 284 00:08:27,300 --> 00:08:29,533 CONSIDERATION. 285 00:08:27,733 --> 00:08:31,266 >> WHAT IS THE AMOUNT THAT YOU 286 00:08:28,500 --> 00:08:32,766 ARE SAYING? 287 00:08:29,533 --> 00:08:34,600 >> THE AMOUNT WE EXPECT TO SAVE 288 00:08:31,266 --> 00:08:36,100 AT THE STATE LEVEL IS ABOUT A 289 00:08:32,766 --> 00:08:37,266 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR ONCE 290 00:08:34,600 --> 00:08:39,533 FULLY IMPLEMENTED. 291 00:08:36,100 --> 00:08:40,766 THAT'S THE KIND OF MONEY THAT 292 00:08:37,266 --> 00:08:43,333 CAN GO BACK INTO EDUCATION AND 293 00:08:39,533 --> 00:08:45,000 SERVICES AND HIGHER EDUCATION. 294 00:08:40,766 --> 00:08:46,066 THAT'S A REASON TO BE FOR IT. 295 00:08:43,333 --> 00:08:47,233 >> OTHER PROVISIONS IN THE 296 00:08:45,000 --> 00:08:48,933 PENSION PLAN THAT WERE THE 297 00:08:46,066 --> 00:08:50,066 GOVERNOR'S IDEA THAT WILL 298 00:08:47,233 --> 00:08:53,866 PRODUCE SOME CASH ALMOST 299 00:08:48,933 --> 00:08:54,633 IMMEDIATELY THAT ARE NOT EVEN 300 00:08:50,066 --> 00:08:56,133 SUBJECT TO A, TO ANY KIND OF A 301 00:08:53,866 --> 00:08:59,066 COURT CHALLENGE. 302 00:08:54,633 --> 00:09:00,100 THERE'S ALSO THE OPPORTUNITY FOR 303 00:08:56,133 --> 00:09:01,500 PEOPLE TO OPT INTO A VOLUNTARY 304 00:08:59,066 --> 00:09:04,200 401(K) TYPE PLAN. 305 00:09:00,100 --> 00:09:04,533 AS WELL AS THE ELIMINATION OF 306 00:09:01,500 --> 00:09:06,400 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PENSION 307 00:09:04,200 --> 00:09:07,966 SYSTEM. 308 00:09:04,533 --> 00:09:10,633 >> AS I MENTIONED, THE PRESIDENT 309 00:09:06,400 --> 00:09:12,400 OR EXCUSE ME THE GOVERNOR HAS 310 00:09:07,966 --> 00:09:14,100 ALREADY COMMENTED ON THIS AND I 311 00:09:10,633 --> 00:09:15,166 KNOW THAT YOU SAID THAT YOU HAVE 312 00:09:12,400 --> 00:09:16,166 ONLY BEEN WORKING ON THIS IN THE 313 00:09:14,100 --> 00:09:18,033 SENATE, NOT WITH THE GOVERNOR 314 00:09:15,166 --> 00:09:19,800 NOR THE HOUSE. 315 00:09:16,166 --> 00:09:21,733 BUT, HE SAID, AS I QUOTED, THAT 316 00:09:18,033 --> 00:09:23,566 THIS IS NOT YET FULLY BAKED. 317 00:09:19,800 --> 00:09:26,333 THAT IT FALLS NEARLY $5 BILLION 318 00:09:21,733 --> 00:09:27,633 SHORT OF WHAT'S NEEDED TO GET, 319 00:09:23,566 --> 00:09:30,600 TO NOT HAVE A DEFICIT BY JUNE. 320 00:09:26,333 --> 00:09:31,366 DOES THAT IMPLY THAT YOU ARE 321 00:09:27,633 --> 00:09:32,600 GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE MUCH MORE, 322 00:09:30,600 --> 00:09:33,800 MANY MORE CHANGES? 323 00:09:31,366 --> 00:09:34,966 >> WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A 324 00:09:32,600 --> 00:09:36,466 FISCAL YEAR, SPENDING MORE THAN 325 00:09:33,800 --> 00:09:37,300 WE HAVE COMING IN. 326 00:09:34,966 --> 00:09:39,233 THIS BILL THAT WE HAVE WILL 327 00:09:36,466 --> 00:09:39,900 REDUCE THAT DEFICIT. 328 00:09:37,300 --> 00:09:41,566 SO THAT'S FOR THIS CURRENT 329 00:09:39,233 --> 00:09:43,300 FISCAL YEAR. 330 00:09:39,900 --> 00:09:45,066 IN THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR STARTING 331 00:09:41,566 --> 00:09:46,700 JULY 1, WE EXPECT FOR THIS 332 00:09:43,300 --> 00:09:47,700 PACKAGE TO ALLOW US WITH SOME 333 00:09:45,066 --> 00:09:49,366 REASONABLE CUTS TO STILL HAVE A 334 00:09:46,700 --> 00:09:50,766 BALANCED BUDGET. 335 00:09:47,700 --> 00:09:51,633 WE WILL GO BACK AND LOOK AT 336 00:09:49,366 --> 00:09:53,100 THOSE ASSUMPTIONS THAT THE 337 00:09:50,766 --> 00:09:54,966 GOVERNOR'S OFFICE PUT OUT THERE 338 00:09:51,633 --> 00:09:56,533 TO SEE IF WE AGREE WITH THEM. 339 00:09:53,100 --> 00:09:58,033 IF WE HAVE TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS 340 00:09:54,966 --> 00:09:59,366 TO OUR PROPOSAL, WE WILL DO SO 341 00:09:56,533 --> 00:09:59,800 SO THAT WE HAVE THE PRINCIPLE OF 342 00:09:58,033 --> 00:10:01,100 HAVING A BALANCED BUDGET FOR 343 00:09:59,366 --> 00:10:03,000 NEXT YEAR. 344 00:09:59,800 --> 00:10:03,333 WE AREN'T GOING TO GO THROUGH 345 00:10:01,100 --> 00:10:04,866 ALL THIS AND NOT HAVE A BALANCED 346 00:10:03,000 --> 00:10:06,133 BUDGET. 347 00:10:03,333 --> 00:10:08,000 >> THE PROPOSAL TO ADD MORE 348 00:10:04,866 --> 00:10:08,333 CASINOS IN ILLINOIS INCLUDING 349 00:10:06,133 --> 00:10:09,900 HERE IN CHICAGO HAS BEEN FLOATED 350 00:10:08,000 --> 00:10:11,666 BEFORE. 351 00:10:08,333 --> 00:10:14,233 HOW IS THIS ONE ANY DIFFERENT? 352 00:10:09,900 --> 00:10:15,466 >> CAN I JUST TALK ABOUT THAT? 353 00:10:11,666 --> 00:10:17,033 I'M NOT A BIG FUND OF GAMBLING 354 00:10:14,233 --> 00:10:19,066 BUT WE HAVE BEEN FUNDING SCHOOLS 355 00:10:15,466 --> 00:10:19,566 IN INDIANA INSTEAD OF ILLINOIS. 356 00:10:17,033 --> 00:10:21,200 THAT'S WHY WE RELUCTANTLY 357 00:10:19,066 --> 00:10:23,566 ADVANCED THIS. 358 00:10:19,566 --> 00:10:24,900 THE POINT IS, WE WILL GET 359 00:10:21,200 --> 00:10:26,466 UP-FRONT FEES FOR NEW CASINOS 360 00:10:23,566 --> 00:10:27,233 PROBABLY CLOSE TO A BILLION 361 00:10:24,900 --> 00:10:28,966 DOLLARS WHICH WILL BE USED TO 362 00:10:26,466 --> 00:10:30,666 PAY DOWN OUR OLD BILLS. 363 00:10:27,233 --> 00:10:32,066 PART OF OUR PACKAGE HERE, BY THE 364 00:10:28,966 --> 00:10:33,533 WAY, IS WE HAVE ALREADY BORROWED 365 00:10:30,666 --> 00:10:35,133 MONEY FROM OUR VENDORS. 366 00:10:32,066 --> 00:10:37,666 WE WOULD LIKE TO BORROW FROM 367 00:10:33,533 --> 00:10:38,433 BANKS AND PAY OUR VENDORS OFF. 368 00:10:35,133 --> 00:10:39,000 >> WILL THAT BE A ONE TIME $1 369 00:10:37,666 --> 00:10:39,700 BILLION FEE? 370 00:10:38,433 --> 00:10:40,966 >> THAT'S CORRECT. 371 00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:43,500 AFTER THAT, WE WILL SEE WHAT 372 00:10:39,700 --> 00:10:44,566 HAPPENS WITH THE NEW REVENUES. 373 00:10:40,966 --> 00:10:45,700 BUT WE HAVE VIDEO GAMING 374 00:10:43,500 --> 00:10:47,200 MACHINES ALL OVER THE STATE 375 00:10:44,566 --> 00:10:48,333 ALMOST AND THAT MAY HAVE CUT 376 00:10:45,700 --> 00:10:49,200 DOWN ON THE AMOUNT OF MONEY, 377 00:10:47,200 --> 00:10:50,800 BECAUSE WE ARE ALREADY GETTING 378 00:10:48,333 --> 00:10:52,433 SOME MONEY FROM THEM. 379 00:10:49,200 --> 00:10:53,900 >> I GUESS THE QUESTION THERE 380 00:10:50,800 --> 00:10:56,633 IS, IS IT WORTH IT TO EXPAND 381 00:10:52,433 --> 00:10:57,833 GAMBLING AND HAVE SIX NEW 382 00:10:53,900 --> 00:10:59,166 CASINOS JUST FOR A ONE-TIME, $1 383 00:10:56,633 --> 00:11:01,533 BILLION INFUSION OF CASH? 384 00:10:57,833 --> 00:11:01,800 >> WELL THERE'S A SMALL AMOUNT 385 00:10:59,166 --> 00:11:03,200 OF MONEY THAT CONTINUES TO COME 386 00:11:01,533 --> 00:11:05,533 IN. 387 00:11:01,800 --> 00:11:06,600 QUITE FRANKLY VIDEO GYMING HAS 388 00:11:03,200 --> 00:11:09,033 HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE 389 00:11:05,533 --> 00:11:10,266 CASINO BUSINESS IN THE STATE. 390 00:11:06,600 --> 00:11:12,066 BUT THOSE UP-FRONT LICENSE FEES 391 00:11:09,033 --> 00:11:12,933 ARE IMPORTANT IN ORDER TO BE 392 00:11:10,266 --> 00:11:13,700 ABLE TO BEGIN TO PAY DOWN THOSE 393 00:11:12,066 --> 00:11:15,066 BACK BILLS. 394 00:11:12,933 --> 00:11:16,200 >> LET ME ASK YOU ABOUT 395 00:11:13,700 --> 00:11:17,900 SOMETHING ELSE THAT THE GOVERNOR 396 00:11:15,066 --> 00:11:20,300 PROPOSED DURING HIS CAMPAIGN AND 397 00:11:16,200 --> 00:11:21,700 THAT WAS AN EXPANSION OF THE 398 00:11:17,900 --> 00:11:23,900 SALES TAX TO INCLUDE SERVICES ON 399 00:11:20,300 --> 00:11:24,833 EVERYTHING FROM DOG GROOMING TO 400 00:11:21,700 --> 00:11:26,100 AUTO REPAIRS TO ANY NUMBER OF 401 00:11:23,900 --> 00:11:28,033 OTHER THINGS. 402 00:11:24,833 --> 00:11:29,866 WHATEVER HAPPENED WITH THAT? 403 00:11:26,100 --> 00:11:30,133 >> WE ACTUALLY, UM, CONSIDERED 404 00:11:28,033 --> 00:11:32,800 THAT AND WE MAY GO BACK TO IT 405 00:11:29,866 --> 00:11:34,166 YET. 406 00:11:30,133 --> 00:11:34,466 I MEAN IT'S AN INTERESTING IDEA. 407 00:11:32,800 --> 00:11:35,933 FRANKLY IT'S EASIER SAID THAN 408 00:11:34,166 --> 00:11:38,333 DONE. 409 00:11:34,466 --> 00:11:38,633 WHEN YOU DECIDE WHICH SERVICES 410 00:11:35,933 --> 00:11:41,433 DO YOU PICK, WHICH DO YOU LEAVE 411 00:11:38,333 --> 00:11:42,400 OFF? 412 00:11:38,633 --> 00:11:44,133 AND THE PUBLIC REACTION TO IT. 413 00:11:41,433 --> 00:11:45,900 POLICYWISE, IT MAKES SENSE. 414 00:11:42,400 --> 00:11:47,200 BUT IT IS EASIER SAID THAN DONE. 415 00:11:44,133 --> 00:11:50,133 AND THERE MAY BE, ACCORDING TO 416 00:11:45,900 --> 00:11:50,966 OUR OWN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, 417 00:11:47,200 --> 00:11:52,500 SOME ISSUES WITH RESPECT TO 418 00:11:50,133 --> 00:11:53,900 IMPLEMENTING THAT IF YOU START 419 00:11:50,966 --> 00:11:55,800 BEING VERY PICKY AND CHOOSEY 420 00:11:52,500 --> 00:11:58,766 ABOUT WHICH SERVICES ARE 421 00:11:53,900 --> 00:11:59,900 INCLUDED AND WHICH ARE NOT. 422 00:11:55,800 --> 00:12:02,700 >> IS THERE ANYWAY TO MAKE SOME 423 00:11:58,766 --> 00:12:05,066 SORT OF DETERMINATION OF THAT 424 00:11:59,900 --> 00:12:06,166 SORT OF THING TO SAY SERVICES OR 425 00:12:02,700 --> 00:12:07,300 COMPANIES THAT MAKE A CERTAIN 426 00:12:05,066 --> 00:12:07,600 AMOUNT -- 427 00:12:06,166 --> 00:12:09,233 >> IT'S SOMETHING WE LOOKED 428 00:12:07,300 --> 00:12:10,266 INTO. 429 00:12:07,600 --> 00:12:12,000 WE DON'T TAX SERVICES AS MUCH AS 430 00:12:09,233 --> 00:12:12,333 OTHER STATES DO. 431 00:12:10,266 --> 00:12:14,200 >> HAVE YOU LOOKED AT OTHER 432 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:15,533 MODELS? 433 00:12:12,333 --> 00:12:17,733 >> WE HAVE AND IT'S, AGAIN, AS 434 00:12:14,200 --> 00:12:19,866 CHRIS SAID, IT'S DIFFICULT 435 00:12:15,533 --> 00:12:22,200 SOMETIMES TO IMPLEMENT THIS. 436 00:12:17,733 --> 00:12:24,333 THERE'S AN ARGUMENT, THOUGH, TO 437 00:12:19,866 --> 00:12:25,566 ACTUALLY BROADEN THE BASE AND 438 00:12:22,200 --> 00:12:27,600 EVEN PERHAPS EVEN BE ABLE TO 439 00:12:24,333 --> 00:12:28,233 LOWER THE TAX RATE WHICH WOULD 440 00:12:25,566 --> 00:12:30,433 BE SOMETHING THAT WE WILL 441 00:12:27,600 --> 00:12:31,200 DEFINITELY LOOK AT. 442 00:12:28,233 --> 00:12:32,233 IT'S NOT IN THIS PACKAGE. 443 00:12:30,433 --> 00:12:33,500 NOT SOMETHING WE CAN PUT 444 00:12:31,200 --> 00:12:34,500 TOGETHER IN A WEEK. 445 00:12:32,233 --> 00:12:36,433 AS A RESULT IT'S SOMETHING WE 446 00:12:33,500 --> 00:12:38,366 WILL CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT. 447 00:12:34,500 --> 00:12:39,900 >> THIS PENNY AN OUNCE TAX ON 448 00:12:36,433 --> 00:12:40,233 SUGAR SWEETENED BEVERAGES, 449 00:12:38,366 --> 00:12:42,433 RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED IN COOK 450 00:12:39,900 --> 00:12:44,400 COUNTY. 451 00:12:40,233 --> 00:12:46,900 I KNOW THAT THE LOBBYISTS FOR 452 00:12:42,433 --> 00:12:48,766 THE INDUSTRY HAVE BEEN ALL OVER 453 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:50,066 IT HERE AND PROBABLY KNOCKING ON 454 00:12:46,900 --> 00:12:51,633 DOORS IF NOT KNOCKING DOWN DOORS 455 00:12:48,766 --> 00:12:52,266 IN SPRINGFIELD. 456 00:12:50,066 --> 00:12:53,600 DO YOU THINK THAT IT'S GOING IT 457 00:12:51,633 --> 00:12:55,366 MAKE IT -- 458 00:12:52,266 --> 00:12:56,700 >> WE GOT THIS IDEA FROM THE 459 00:12:53,600 --> 00:12:58,500 WORKING GROUPS OF RANK AND FILE 460 00:12:55,366 --> 00:12:59,700 MEMBERS THAT ARE WORKING ON THIS 461 00:12:56,700 --> 00:13:01,866 BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR TWO YEARS. 462 00:12:58,500 --> 00:13:04,833 IT'S OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING THAT 463 00:12:59,700 --> 00:13:06,666 PASSED IN COOK COUNTY, OTHER 464 00:13:01,866 --> 00:13:08,033 JURISDICTIONS THAT PASSED IT. 465 00:13:04,833 --> 00:13:09,766 IT'S NOT JUST THE REVENUE. 466 00:13:06,666 --> 00:13:11,333 ADVOCATES SAY IT HAS TO DO WITH 467 00:13:08,033 --> 00:13:12,666 HEALTH ISSUES AS WELL. 468 00:13:09,766 --> 00:13:14,900 SINCE WE INTRODUCED THE BILL, I 469 00:13:11,333 --> 00:13:16,133 KNOW ONE GOOD THING FOR THE 470 00:13:12,666 --> 00:13:17,933 ECONOMY IS A BUNCH OF LOBBYISTS 471 00:13:14,900 --> 00:13:19,800 HAVE BEEN HIRED. 472 00:13:16,133 --> 00:13:20,966 SO WE WILL SEE IF IT WITHSTANDS. 473 00:13:17,933 --> 00:13:21,666 >> WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THAT? 474 00:13:19,800 --> 00:13:23,600 >> HERE'S WHAT I WOULD SAY TO 475 00:13:20,966 --> 00:13:24,933 THOSE FOLKS. 476 00:13:21,666 --> 00:13:25,733 COME UP WITH $560 MILLION TO 477 00:13:23,600 --> 00:13:28,933 REPLACE IT ANNUALLY AND WE WILL 478 00:13:24,933 --> 00:13:29,333 TALK TO YOU. 479 00:13:25,733 --> 00:13:30,633 >> AND SO $560 MILLION ANNUALLY 480 00:13:28,933 --> 00:13:31,833 -- 481 00:13:29,333 --> 00:13:33,500 >> THAT'S WHAT WE EXPECT. 482 00:13:30,633 --> 00:13:35,033 >> THE OTHER THING THAT'S STILL 483 00:13:31,833 --> 00:13:35,400 BEING AWAITED IS THIS OVERHAUL 484 00:13:33,500 --> 00:13:36,600 OF PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING IN 485 00:13:35,033 --> 00:13:39,466 ILLINOIS. 486 00:13:35,400 --> 00:13:40,600 THERE'S BEEN A WORKING GROUP AT 487 00:13:36,600 --> 00:13:42,066 IT FOR QUITE A WHILE NOW SO 488 00:13:39,466 --> 00:13:43,500 FEBRUARY 1 I BELIEVE IS THE 489 00:13:40,600 --> 00:13:44,766 DEADLINE FOR THEIR PROPOSAL. 490 00:13:42,066 --> 00:13:45,933 ANY ANTICIPATION OF WHAT THEY 491 00:13:43,500 --> 00:13:46,266 MIGHT OFFER AND AGAIN -- 492 00:13:44,766 --> 00:13:47,000 >> VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THIS 493 00:13:45,933 --> 00:13:48,566 PACKAGE. 494 00:13:46,266 --> 00:13:52,333 >> FINANCIAL PART OF IT. 495 00:13:47,000 --> 00:13:53,566 >> VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THIS 496 00:13:48,566 --> 00:13:55,266 PACKAGE, THE GOVERNOR HAS A 497 00:13:52,333 --> 00:13:56,400 BIPARTISAN, BICAMERA COMMISSION. 498 00:13:53,566 --> 00:13:58,233 WE HOPE TO HAVE THEIR 499 00:13:55,266 --> 00:14:00,133 LEGISLATION THAT WE ASKED THEM 500 00:13:56,400 --> 00:14:00,633 TO DEVELOP AND HAVE IT SCORED 501 00:13:58,233 --> 00:14:03,766 AND READY FOR US TO GO ON 502 00:14:00,133 --> 00:14:05,400 FEBRUARY 1. 503 00:14:00,633 --> 00:14:06,433 WE HAVE A BILL, SENATE BILL 1, 504 00:14:03,766 --> 00:14:09,100 WHICH WE WILL HOLD UNTIL THAT 505 00:14:05,400 --> 00:14:10,700 LANGUAGE COMES. 506 00:14:06,433 --> 00:14:13,766 HOPEFULLY WE CAN AGREE ON THEIR 507 00:14:09,100 --> 00:14:15,333 RECOMMENDATIONS AND WE CAN 508 00:14:10,700 --> 00:14:17,133 BECOME NOT THE WORST MOST UNFAIR 509 00:14:13,766 --> 00:14:18,500 SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA IN THE 510 00:14:15,333 --> 00:14:20,266 NATION AND HAVE A BIG 511 00:14:17,133 --> 00:14:20,633 IMPROVEMENT, ESPECIALLY HELPING 512 00:14:18,500 --> 00:14:23,066 OUT SOME OF THE POORER SCHOOL 513 00:14:20,266 --> 00:14:23,533 DISTRICTS. 514 00:14:20,633 --> 00:14:25,200 THIS IS SOMETHING WHICH IS VERY 515 00:14:23,066 --> 00:14:26,933 IMPORTANT. 516 00:14:23,533 --> 00:14:28,233 REPUBLICANS HAVE ALSO AGREED TO 517 00:14:25,200 --> 00:14:30,166 THAT PENSION PARITY SO CHICAGO 518 00:14:26,933 --> 00:14:31,633 SCHOOLS WILL ALSO HAVE THE STATE 519 00:14:28,233 --> 00:14:33,666 PAY SOMETHING TOWARD THEIR 520 00:14:30,166 --> 00:14:35,266 PENSIONS WHICH WE THINK IS FAIR. 521 00:14:31,633 --> 00:14:36,866 WHEN WE PUT THOSE TOGETHER WE'LL 522 00:14:33,666 --> 00:14:38,133 HAVE A BIG IMPROVEMENT IN THE 523 00:14:35,266 --> 00:14:38,833 WAY WE FUND OUR SCHOOLS. 524 00:14:36,866 --> 00:14:40,466 SOMETHING THE GOVERNOR HAS 525 00:14:38,133 --> 00:14:42,700 MENTIONED AS WELL. 526 00:14:38,833 --> 00:14:44,166 >> AND YOUR MEMBERS ARE ON BOARD 527 00:14:40,466 --> 00:14:46,433 WITH PENSION PARITY? 528 00:14:42,700 --> 00:14:47,200 >> OUR OBJECTION WAS THAT 529 00:14:44,166 --> 00:14:48,366 CHICAGO HAD ACCESS TO MONEY THAT 530 00:14:46,433 --> 00:14:50,100 OTHERS DIDN'T HAVE. 531 00:14:47,200 --> 00:14:51,766 THIS SCHOOL FUNDING COMMISSION 532 00:14:48,366 --> 00:14:54,000 WHICH HAS BEEN MEETING AT LEAST 533 00:14:50,100 --> 00:14:57,266 TWICE A WEEK AND SPENDING LOTS 534 00:14:51,766 --> 00:14:58,833 AND LOTS OF TIME ON IT IS TRYING 535 00:14:54,000 --> 00:15:01,000 TO GET TO A FARM YOU LA THAT IS 536 00:14:57,266 --> 00:15:01,400 FAIR ACROSS THE BOARD IN WHICH 537 00:14:58,833 --> 00:15:03,333 CASE THEN PENSION PARITY MAKES 538 00:15:01,000 --> 00:15:04,466 SENSE. 539 00:15:01,400 --> 00:15:05,933 SO, YOU KNOW, IT'S SORT OF ONE 540 00:15:03,333 --> 00:15:07,966 OF THOSE TRADEOFFS. 541 00:15:04,466 --> 00:15:09,666 WE WOULD BE IN FAVOR OF IT 542 00:15:05,933 --> 00:15:11,700 PENDING THE SCHOOL REFORM. 543 00:15:07,966 --> 00:15:12,866 >> LET ME ASK YOU ABOUT A 544 00:15:09,666 --> 00:15:14,333 PROPOSAL THAT'S CERTAINLY 545 00:15:11,700 --> 00:15:16,000 CONTROVERSIAL BUT COULD BRING IN 546 00:15:12,866 --> 00:15:16,933 QUITE A BIT OF MONEY. 547 00:15:14,333 --> 00:15:17,633 YOU PROBABLY KNOW WHAT IT IS. 548 00:15:16,000 --> 00:15:18,500 LEGALIZING MARIJUANA. 549 00:15:16,933 --> 00:15:20,733 ANY THOUGHTS? 550 00:15:17,633 --> 00:15:22,300 >> SHOULD HAVE THOSE PEOPLE TALK 551 00:15:18,500 --> 00:15:23,900 TO THE SODA POP PEOPLE AND MAYBE 552 00:15:20,733 --> 00:15:25,600 THEY CAN COME UP WITH A PACKAGE. 553 00:15:22,300 --> 00:15:27,200 >> THEY MIGHT HAVE QUITE A PARTY 554 00:15:23,900 --> 00:15:29,066 DOWN THERE IN SPRINGFIELD. 555 00:15:25,600 --> 00:15:30,400 HAS THAT ALL BEEN THOUGHT ABOUT 556 00:15:27,200 --> 00:15:33,000 IN SPRINGFIELD? 557 00:15:29,066 --> 00:15:35,933 >> IT HASN'T COME UP RECENTLY. 558 00:15:30,400 --> 00:15:37,233 I THINK IT'S A TYPE OF A THING 559 00:15:33,000 --> 00:15:37,866 LONG TERM, WE HAVE JUST PASSED 560 00:15:35,933 --> 00:15:41,000 MARIJUANA USE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE 561 00:15:37,233 --> 00:15:42,000 REALLY ILL. 562 00:15:37,866 --> 00:15:42,966 AND THAT'S BEING IMPLEMENTED. 563 00:15:41,000 --> 00:15:45,433 >> BUT NOT QUITE SUSTAINABLE 564 00:15:42,000 --> 00:15:46,333 BECAUSE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE 565 00:15:42,966 --> 00:15:47,633 THAT ARE REALLY TAKING PART IN 566 00:15:45,433 --> 00:15:49,100 THAT IS VERY SMALL. 567 00:15:46,333 --> 00:15:50,966 >> I THINK ONE OF THE BIGGEST 568 00:15:47,633 --> 00:15:51,400 ISSUES THAT I PERSONALLY HAVE 569 00:15:49,100 --> 00:15:53,566 WITH IT IS IT'S IN CONFLICT WITH 570 00:15:50,966 --> 00:15:54,566 FEDERAL LAW. 571 00:15:51,400 --> 00:15:55,866 SO IT IS MY HOPE THAT THE 572 00:15:53,566 --> 00:15:56,133 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MAKES A 573 00:15:54,566 --> 00:15:57,533 DECISION ON WHERE THEY WANT TO 574 00:15:55,866 --> 00:16:00,600 GO. 575 00:15:56,133 --> 00:16:03,566 AT THAT POINT, THINK IT WILL 576 00:15:57,533 --> 00:16:04,500 PROBABLY END UP BEING A MATTER 577 00:16:00,600 --> 00:16:05,466 OF WHEN, AS OPPOSED TO IF. 578 00:16:03,566 --> 00:16:05,933 >> AND YOU WILL CONSIDER IT AT 579 00:16:04,500 --> 00:16:07,666 THAT TIME? 580 00:16:05,466 --> 00:16:08,200 >> CORRECT. 581 00:16:05,933 --> 00:16:10,833 >> SO, THE SENATE SEEMS TO BE IN 582 00:16:07,666 --> 00:16:11,566 AGREEMENT HERE. 583 00:16:08,200 --> 00:16:14,466 YOU SEEM TO HAVE SUPPORT AND BE 584 00:16:10,833 --> 00:16:17,300 WORKING TOGETHER. 585 00:16:11,566 --> 00:16:18,433 ANY WORD FROM THE HOUSE AND 586 00:16:14,466 --> 00:16:18,900 SPECIFICALLY SPEAKER MADIGAN? 587 00:16:17,300 --> 00:16:20,366 >> WE HAVEN'T EVEN TALKED TO THE 588 00:16:18,433 --> 00:16:21,400 HOUSE YET. 589 00:16:18,900 --> 00:16:23,000 WE WANT TO MICK SURE WE CAN DO 590 00:16:20,366 --> 00:16:23,900 IT OURSELVES. 591 00:16:21,400 --> 00:16:25,633 THIS IS HARD ENOUGH TO SEE IF WE 592 00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:26,000 CAN DO IT. 593 00:16:23,900 --> 00:16:27,033 IF WE DO IT, THIS IS REALLY 594 00:16:25,633 --> 00:16:28,433 IMPORTANT. 595 00:16:26,000 --> 00:16:29,666 PIECES OF LEGISLATION. 596 00:16:27,033 --> 00:16:31,733 PEOPLE WOULD BE VOTING, NOT JUST 597 00:16:28,433 --> 00:16:33,033 HAVING A PRESS CONFERENCE. 598 00:16:29,666 --> 00:16:35,300 I WOULD SUGGEST IF THIS PASSES 599 00:16:31,733 --> 00:16:39,466 THIS WOULD BE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA 600 00:16:33,033 --> 00:16:42,266 ABOUT WHAT THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION 601 00:16:35,300 --> 00:16:42,700 WOULD BE TO OUR FUNDING CRISIS. 602 00:16:39,466 --> 00:16:44,666 >> BUT YOU -- SPEAKER MADIGAN ON 603 00:16:42,266 --> 00:16:46,500 BOARD -- 604 00:16:42,700 --> 00:16:47,200 >> JUST LIKE THE HOUSE IF THEY 605 00:16:44,666 --> 00:16:49,266 PASSED THE BILL NEEDS THE SENATE 606 00:16:46,500 --> 00:16:49,566 ON BOARD. 607 00:16:47,200 --> 00:16:50,700 BOTH CHAMBERS HAVE TO PASS THE 608 00:16:49,266 --> 00:16:52,566 BILL. 609 00:16:49,566 --> 00:16:54,666 >> THESE WILL BE DIFFICULT VOTES 610 00:16:50,700 --> 00:16:56,900 SO AS I SAID, ONCE WE LAY OUT 611 00:16:52,566 --> 00:16:58,133 WHAT'S ACTUALLY IN THERE, OUR 612 00:16:54,666 --> 00:16:59,033 MEMBERS ARE BEING INUNDATED BY 613 00:16:56,900 --> 00:17:01,433 PEOPLE THAT DON'T LIKE THIS 614 00:16:58,133 --> 00:17:03,100 PIECE OR ANOTHER. 615 00:16:59,033 --> 00:17:04,833 SO, THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE 616 00:17:01,433 --> 00:17:06,766 TONIGHT TO TALK WITH YOUR 617 00:17:03,100 --> 00:17:09,800 LISTENERS WHO WANT TO SEE THE 618 00:17:04,833 --> 00:17:11,566 STATE MOVE FORWARD, AND 619 00:17:06,766 --> 00:17:13,933 ENCOURAGE THEM TO CALL THEIR 620 00:17:09,800 --> 00:17:17,400 LEGISLATORS AND ENCOURAGE THEM 621 00:17:11,566 --> 00:17:18,833 TO TAKE TOUGH VOTES SO THAT WE 622 00:17:13,933 --> 00:17:20,033 CAN GET OUR STATE BACK ON TRACK. 623 00:17:17,400 --> 00:17:21,300 >> BUT DO YOU EXPECT DECISIONS 624 00:17:18,833 --> 00:17:22,433 ON THIS BY NEXT WEEK? 625 00:17:20,033 --> 00:17:23,733 >> WE WILL VOTE ON THIS ON 626 00:17:21,300 --> 00:17:25,166 TUESDAY AND ON WEDNESDAY AND 627 00:17:22,433 --> 00:17:26,066 HOPE TO HAVE THIS PASSED WITH 628 00:17:23,733 --> 00:17:27,233 THE EXCEPTION OF THE SCHOOL 629 00:17:25,166 --> 00:17:29,566 FUNDING THING WHICH WILL 630 00:17:26,066 --> 00:17:30,500 PROBABLY BE A WEEK LATER. 631 00:17:27,233 --> 00:17:32,900 SO WE NEED TO PASS THIS. 632 00:17:29,566 --> 00:17:33,266 THERE'S A PROBLEM. 633 00:17:30,500 --> 00:17:34,800 ON JANUARY 1, PART OF OUR BUDGET 634 00:17:32,900 --> 00:17:37,033 EXPIRED. 635 00:17:33,266 --> 00:17:38,333 WE HAVE TO PASS SOMETHING IN 636 00:17:34,800 --> 00:17:40,566 THIS BILL AS A FULLY FUNDED 637 00:17:37,033 --> 00:17:41,700 BUDGET FOR THE REST OF THIS 638 00:17:38,333 --> 00:17:43,666 FISCAL YEAR AND IT'S, THE 639 00:17:40,566 --> 00:17:44,833 CLOCK'S RUNNING. 640 00:17:41,700 --> 00:17:46,033 >> LET ME ASK YOU ABOUT THE 641 00:17:43,666 --> 00:17:48,266 INCOMING PRESIDENTIAL 642 00:17:44,833 --> 00:17:49,366 ADMINISTRATION AND HOW THAT 643 00:17:46,033 --> 00:17:50,333 MIGHT IMPACT ILLINOIS' FINANCES? 644 00:17:48,266 --> 00:17:52,600 WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? 645 00:17:49,366 --> 00:17:53,133 >> WELL I THINK WE ARE ALL 646 00:17:50,333 --> 00:17:54,733 WAITING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS 647 00:17:52,600 --> 00:17:56,000 THERE. 648 00:17:53,133 --> 00:17:57,100 OBVIOUSLY DRAMATIC CHANGES COULD 649 00:17:54,733 --> 00:17:58,233 HAVE AN IMPACT. 650 00:17:56,000 --> 00:17:58,733 >> ESPECIALLY IN MEDICAID 651 00:17:57,100 --> 00:18:00,200 FUNDING. 652 00:17:58,233 --> 00:18:01,600 >> ABSOLUTELY. 653 00:17:58,733 --> 00:18:03,766 >> IF THERE IS SOME SORT OF 654 00:18:00,200 --> 00:18:05,133 FLASHING OF MEDICAID FUNDING HOW 655 00:18:01,600 --> 00:18:06,800 IS THAT GOING TO IMPACT. 656 00:18:03,766 --> 00:18:09,300 >> WELL IT CLEARLY WOULDN'T BE 657 00:18:05,133 --> 00:18:11,600 HELPFUL TO US AND WE WOULD BE 658 00:18:06,800 --> 00:18:14,433 BACK AT THE DRAWING BOARD BUT I 659 00:18:09,300 --> 00:18:18,400 THINK IT'S DIFFICULT TO COMMENT 660 00:18:11,600 --> 00:18:18,766 UNTIL WE KNOW WHAT IS PROPOSED. 661 00:18:14,433 --> 00:18:19,866 >> ARE YOU BRACING FOR ANYTHING 662 00:18:18,400 --> 00:18:20,433 POSITIVE? 663 00:18:18,766 --> 00:18:22,166 >> I JUST WANT IT MAKE ILLINOIS 664 00:18:19,866 --> 00:18:23,766 GREAT AGAIN. 665 00:18:20,433 --> 00:18:25,200 >> DO YOU HAVE CAPS FOR THAT? 666 00:18:22,166 --> 00:18:26,366 >> IF WE CAN PASS THIS BILL THAT 667 00:18:23,766 --> 00:18:27,833 WOULD BE A NICE FIRST START. 668 00:18:25,200 --> 00:18:29,433 >> WE HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU 669 00:18:26,366 --> 00:18:30,933 AGAIN SOON AFTER NEXT WEEKEND.