Rauner responds to GOP critics

Posted on October 23, 2015
Bruce Rauner
Gov. Bruce Rauner is firing back at other Republicans who have criticized him lately over, among other things, how he’s handling this year’s budget process. (Photo by Adam Studzinski/WJBC)

By Alex Degman/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Bruce Rauner is responding to some Republicans who’ve disagreed with his approach.

Former Gov. Jim Edgar suggested Rauner and lawmakers get a state budget together before addressing his, admittedly, good ideas. Jim Thompson said state government is more dysfunctional than he’s ever seen.

Rauner shot back with some words of his own.

“I don’t spend any time criticizing my fellow Republicans,” Rauner told reporters Thursday at Charlie Parker’s Diner in Springfield, which he was visiting to promote its standing in a national breakfast food contest. “I do not spend any time criticizing decisions made in the past that created the mess we’re dealing with.”

Rauner’s likely referring, at least in part, to the pension ramp implemented in 1995 which requires annually increasing payments. He notes the state’s now paying more than $7 billion a year into the system, compared to less than $1 billion 20 years ago.

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…