Pantagraph.com | News | Schools, hospitals fuming over governor's budget action

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Smell a Rat? wrote on Aug 25, 2007 1:42 PM:

" We have a Governor who is a Chicago politician first and only. Any money going for needed improvements south of I80 is considered "pork". The voters in the "flyover" country of central and southern Illinois have no voice in statewide politics no matter whether you voted democrat or republican. When election results come in the winner is declared 15 minutes after the close of polling in Chicago. The Governor has a well deserved reputation of getting along with no one. If things start to smell downstate, I am sure he will be quick to blame the whole mess on Bush and the Republicans! "

"cash cows" wrote on Aug 24, 2007 7:00 PM:

" what do schools, medical treatments and polititians have in common ?? can anyone say "mooooo"..(oh yea,,the incarceration/judicial system "too"),(oh yea,,and the fuel monopoly "too").. "

Get over it!! wrote on Aug 23, 2007 5:04 PM:

" Gov. Blagojevich tried to fix the short fall in funding by trying to pass his tax based on sales bill, and none of our legislators did because all the business's crying wolf. so this is the outcome.. If you did not support the bill this is what happens.. Get involved and make a difference. Where was your voice when he was trying to get this Bill passed? Mine was heard. The tax law now, allows companies to spend down their profits ( MILLION DOLLAR bonuses) to reduce their taxes. Less taxes = less funding for schools. Make some calls get this bill on the table again. If not; well, to be blunt... DEAL WITH IT! "

An intellect question wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:29 AM:

" I'm curious of Obama is worried about having such a terrible governer in his own state affecting his run for presedancy... Things that make ya go hmmm... "

Jan wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:05 PM:

" Well join us who are already fuming. This non-smoker and smokers are about the ban (segregation and discrimination). "

OUCH!!!!! wrote on Aug 20, 2007 3:42 PM:

" Blago, gave himself a pay raise? for what? this makes me cry, :-(. "

To: Laugh Out Loud wrote on Aug 16, 2007 4:11 PM:

" Please read your constitution - It is up to the General Assembly to impeach the Governor and they can even in Illinois (and they should). The Illinois General Assembly...takes responsibility for impeachment and conviction of executive and judicial officeholders in the state. ARTICLE V THE EXECUTIVE SECTION 6. GUBERNATORIAL SUCCESSION (b) If the Governor is unable to serve because of death, conviction on impeachment, failure to qualify, resignation or other disability, the office of Governor shall be filled by the officer next in line of succession for the remainder of the term or until the disability is removed. "

I believe... wrote on Aug 16, 2007 2:35 PM:

" Thomas jefferson said it best, when he said "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." "

Blago blows wrote on Aug 16, 2007 1:16 PM:

" WoW!! I want that job. To be the gov in Ill. Job Qualifications : No Morals/Value, Ability to fly where you want for free without TSA hassle. Must be able to lie through your teeth and have no conscience. Candidate salary will be your choice (not joking), Salary is NOT based on performance. Corrupt ties with Cook County "associates" is a must. It's too bad that the phrase "honest politician" is an oxymoron. How bout making Chicago its own state, and let a real downstate person get in office to take care of the job. "

Thomas Jefferson wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:51 AM:

" "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God" "

Ulysses S. Grant wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:50 AM:

" "The right to revolution is an inherent one. When people are oppressed by their government, it is a natural right they enjoy to relieve themselves of the oppression, if they are strong enough, either by withdrawal from it, or by overthrowing it and substituting a government more acceptable. " "

Declaration of Rights, Maryland wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:50 AM:

" "Whenever the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of a right ought to reform the old, or establish a new government; the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind." "

Henry Clay wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:49 AM:

" "An oppressed people are authorized whenever they can to rise and break their fetters" "

Frederick Douglas wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:48 AM:

" "He who would be free must strike the first blow." "

Abraham Lincoln wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:47 AM:

" "This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or their revolutionary right to dismember or overthrow it. " "

RFK wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:46 AM:

" "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope...build(ing) a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance" "

John Adams wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:45 AM:

" "The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people. This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments and affections of the people was the real American Revolution. " "

Ronald Reagan wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:45 AM:

" "Revolution means democracy in today's world, not the enslavement of peoples to the corrupt and degrading horrors of totalitarianism." "

TO: VIVA LA REVOLUTION FROM Gov't Opressed Mule wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:42 AM:

" 60 years? More like 200. LET'S HAVE EVERY MAN,WOMAN, AND CHILD STAND UP AND FIGHT THIS OPPRESSION. TAKE THE FIGHT TO THE STREETS! Stand up and tell them "I WILL NOT BE TRAMPLED UNDER YOUR BUREAUCRACY" DON"T TREAD ON ME!!! "

TO: JUST CURIOUS wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:39 AM:

" Illinois constitution does not allow recall elections, HOWEVER you can go to a website listed by Jimmy the Greek and contact your rep and senator-Mine is Dan Brady and Bill Brady and let them know they will not have your vote if they do not add a recall election amendment to the IL constitution. DON'T WAIT UNTIL MORE RIGHTS ARE TRAMPLED! "

An all time low wrote on Aug 16, 2007 8:16 AM:

" Tax payer--you are so right. The people have to take back our state govt. Unfortunately, people in power like Blago, Jones and Madigan keep getting re-elected. Well meaning new legilslators with good intentions get instantly neutered when they go to Springfield. "

Reader wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:35 PM:

" I would of been surprised if they hadn't given themselves a raise.What do you expect from crooks? "

Just Curious wrote on Aug 15, 2007 8:19 PM:

" Several years ago California held a recall election, and Gray Davis got the boot. How do we do that in the state of Illinois? Let's get this party started!!!!! "

out a stater wrote on Aug 15, 2007 7:50 PM:

" Anyone that has a pear shaped head has something wrong with them. You guys should have noticed that right off the bat! "

Leland Lesher wrote on Aug 15, 2007 7:35 PM:

" All I have to say is that all of the complainers better translate the complaints into action next election. Vote for any 3rd Party candidate. They cannot possibly be any worse than all of the REPUBLOCRATS and DEMOPUBLICANS. "

VIVA LA REVOLUTION!! wrote on Aug 15, 2007 7:12 PM:

" Screw voting the tyrants out! Excersise YOUR 2ND AMENDMENT RIGHTS!!! Let's be AMERICANS for the first time in 60 years and TAKE BACK OUR GOVERNMENT!! "

Dr Q wrote on Aug 15, 2007 6:42 PM:

" You voters in Illinois need to raise your standards a little and quit electing these crooks. I can't tell if I'm reading about Blago or Hugo Chavez at times! Here in New Mexico, our state legislators are not paid a salary, only travel expenses. Now that's what I call a "public servant." "

It's wrote on Aug 15, 2007 5:51 PM:

" time for a coup. Remove Blagojevich and Jones from power, throw out any republican or democrat who won't cede to the will of the people of Illinois and start over. Enough is enough. Hey Rod, remember what the Italians did to Mussolini when they had enough of him? "

to the people of IL wrote on Aug 15, 2007 4:43 PM:

" You voted him in twice. "

Very Upset!!!! wrote on Aug 15, 2007 4:16 PM:

" I'm from Mattoon also, and I really agree with Sen. Righter. I also work at ISU, and we have the same budget that we had in 1986. This doesn't include two cuts the departments took after 9/11. Grow up Gov. Rob. I'll be glad to cut that mop you call hair for free. We can save the state $600 that way. "

LAUGH! wrote on Aug 15, 2007 3:55 PM:

" This guy was a hero last week when he signed the non-smoking bill... I would like to point out some of the quotes from the smoking Nazi's... "We (non smokers) elected and lobbied these officials because they are going what is best for our communities" LAUGH!!! "

Happy wrote on Aug 15, 2007 3:24 PM:

" I'm going to impeach a can of peaches! Mmmmm..... Delish! Our Governor rules when it comes to peaches. (Is this article about peaches, I can't read) "

Native wrote on Aug 15, 2007 3:17 PM:

" To quote a founding father "A little revolution is a good thing! We need one about every twenty years to keep the government honest" "

TO: OBSERVER from Gov't Opressed Mule wrote on Aug 15, 2007 2:29 PM:

" I hate to say it, but this is EXACTLY what I've been talking about w/ the smoking ban. This is another example of our opressive gov't flexing their biceps, letting us "weaklings" know that we will do WHAT THEY WANT, WHEN THEY WANT and their is nothing you can do about it, except contact your rep and let them know you will not vote for them unless they add a recall election amendment to our constitution. VOTE OUT ALL TYRANTS! "

TO: EVERYONE wrote on Aug 15, 2007 2:25 PM:

" PLEASE!!! Take Jimmy the Greeks advice. I checked out the website he listed and have sent both my senator and representative a letter encouraging them to add a recall election bill to our constitution, with the promise that if one was not delivered they WOULD NOT receive my vote. PLEASE we need to STAND TOGETHER. If you have time to write a 3 minute blog, you can write a 3 minute letter. DON'T LET THIS INJUSTICE CONTINUE. "

Tax & Spend! wrote on Aug 15, 2007 1:55 PM:

" It doesn't take too much imagination to see Blago as a little fascist dictator, intent of forcing his will on the public. We just don't know what's good for us! "

AWSOME!!!!! wrote on Aug 15, 2007 1:43 PM:

" Way to go Dems., way to go!!!!!!!!!!! Woo hoo, we'll show those damn Bush loving Republicans we'll vote for, and keep an even worse Democrat as our Governor. That will show em. "

funny wrote on Aug 15, 2007 1:40 PM:

" During the last election, posted on here many, many times about how Blagojevich, was just going to get Illinois further in debt. There are very few people who would argue against the fact that Ryan was a screw up. For that reason the majority of the voters in Illinois wanted a change in Springfield, and I was no exception. Yes, I voted for Blagojevich the first time. Then seeing that he was no different than Ryan was, I voted for Judy Topinka last year. She was the only one that had a chance to beat him. I know allot of people voted for the Green Party candidate, Russ Whitney. rather than vote for someone who had a chance. All that did was put Blago. in office for another 4 years. The Ryan excuse can no longer be made. Blagojevich has been in office longer than Ryan was, and our state is no better off now. In fact, it's worse. In 2010 I encourage you all to vote for someone who has a chance to beat Blagojevich. "

Observer wrote on Aug 15, 2007 1:02 PM:

" If this kind of government oppression was going on in some third world country, the U.S. would send in military troops to restore order. "

To:Fatso wrote on Aug 15, 2007 12:51 PM:

" "Pretty *&^%$# UP! Maybe? "

Bottom Line wrote on Aug 15, 2007 12:47 PM:

" How do we get this "idiot" out of there? Who do we write/call to voice the opinions on what this person is doing with OUR HARD EARNED MONEY? Enough of this. We need to get together and do something about this...Our children will pay for this "

Can we.... wrote on Aug 15, 2007 12:26 PM:

" impeach a Governor? I didn't vote for the jerk the second time around. I am very po'd that he gave himself and the top dogs a 9.6% raise and everything else is going to pot. "

666 wrote on Aug 15, 2007 11:43 AM:

" I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO VOTED FOR THIS CLOWN. AND TO PUT US ALL DEEPER IN DEBT. GREAT JOB!!!!!!!! "

666 wrote on Aug 15, 2007 11:39 AM:

" WILL THIS PAY FOR HIS MAKE-UP PERSON. LOOKS LIKE SHE MISSED THE ZIT ON HIS SHOULDERS "

New Headline wrote on Aug 15, 2007 11:37 AM:

" The headline for this story should be "Governor wears shoes to work on his feet for walking in and around places." "

flounder wrote on Aug 15, 2007 11:28 AM:

" it's not about being a republican or democrat, this is about elected officials who have demonstrated complete disdain for their constituents. it is about a governor who believes he is above the law and legislative process. this is bad for all of us and it is time for all of us to do something about it. how many of your elected reps turned down the pay raise?????????????????? lets start holding them accountable at this very moment and see how many turn their raises down. this will be a true test of their character of lack thereof. if we, the constituents, don't do anything about this injustice, then we deserve the screwing our reps and the governor are giving us. it is never too late but it is up to us!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

TIRED wrote on Aug 15, 2007 11:19 AM:

" HERE IS AN IDEA. LETS SELL THE MANSION, LINCOLNS TOMB, AND THE REST OF THE THINGS THE STATE USED TO STAND FOR, AND GIVE IT TO THE GOV, REPS AND SENATERS THAT REALLY NEED THE MONEY. AND WE WILL FORGET ABOUT THE REST OF THE STATE, SCHOOLS, NEEDY PEOPLE AND THE WORKING CLASS. YOU ARE ALL DOING SUCH A GOOD JOB FOR US ALL, THATS WHY THE STATE DOESN'T NEED ANY ENEMIES. OUR GOV MUST HAVE TAKEN HIS BALL HOME BECAUSE HE DID NOT GET WHAT HE WANTED. "

@@@@@ wrote on Aug 15, 2007 11:14 AM:

" TYPICAL POLOTICIAN. I WILL DO EVERYTHING TO MAKE MY LIFE BETTER. EVEN IF THIS MEANS STICKING IT TO THE MIDDLE CLASS (TO BAD). IT MUST BE NICE TO GET A RAISE AND BY NOT SIGNING THE BUDGET. THEY ARE ALL A BUNCH OF CROOKS. "

Jimmy the Greek wrote on Aug 15, 2007 11:12 AM:

" Its time for Illinois to get the recall enacted. This would give the voters an avenue to remove crooked politicians from office rather than have to endure their shananigans till the end of the term. Sign a petition to enact the recall in Illinois. Contact your representatives office. WWW.Illinois.gov under contacts has a list of representatives and senators in Illinois. Its time the voters of Illinois took back the state and demanded responsible government. "

CrankyMammy wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:57 AM:

" Children of Illinois: If you do happen to get a decent education after Blago is done, I suggest you run for public office; I hear the pay is pretty decent. "

WE NEED.. wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:55 AM:

" ADAM KINSINGER for Gov!!! He was contemplating running for Tim Johnson's seat but backed down, but if we need a hard working, honest, loyal man, he's the man for the job. I had the pleasure of being in a position under his leadership and he is a man I would fight through the gates of hell for. He is TRULY the common man, who puts EVERYONE else's needs before his own. Please join with me in trying to convince him to run. "

TO: Captain Fantastic from Gov't Opressed Mule wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:46 AM:

" I COMPLETLEY agree (except I never voted for this -explexitive deleted-) I have stated the SAME thing, but beware! When you say "I love my country, but hate my Gov't", as I have several times, people will be ALL over you. WE NEED A REVOLUTION NOW!!! Whether it's an armed revolution or a peaceful one does not matter, however if something doesn't happen soon-we may be only left with the armed option. Let's get back to the basics in this country and help each other instead of stepping over others to better yourself. "

Brenstalka wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:43 AM:

" We need someone like George W. Bush to directly run this state. Then we wouldn't have things like this happening. "

Wow wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:31 AM:

" Please tell me why I voted for this man?? Oh well at least I can say I never voted for Bush!! "

Gotcha wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:27 AM:

" I really would like to know how Obama feels about how his Dems are running this state. You would think someone like he is portrayed as could put pressure on lawmakers to do something right like help the schools instead of Pay raises. "

abby wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:51 AM:

" I don't get it-I get a raise at work only if I have done a good job all year long & have shown to be an important part of the company. This guy is a complete f~up & he gets a 9% raise??? Sounds ridiculous to me! "

Electric Bill wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:49 AM:

" Where is my electric rate hike refund? Oops he didn't sign it either.. Just more $$ in his pocket from some lobbyist. "

sue wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:48 AM:

" gov. blah and emil jones are for chicago only. look downstate and see how bad the condition that the schools are in. they are falling apart. when my husband got a job away from our hometown i followed him. everything keeps going up and its hard to make ends meet. but the big-wigs got a raise for doing what??? nothing i have to work hard for my money too bad the the governor and law makers dont "

Evil Jones ... wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:45 AM:

" .... has said he will not allow a vote to override the governor's changes! It's time for that clown to go, too. "

Bookworm wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:40 AM:

" With all the corruption, infighting, and grandstanding going on in Illinois government, this would make a fine novel. However, it could be sold as a documentary. "

Country Girl wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:32 AM:

" I think some of you have made an error. The payraise was not part of the budget but a seperate item. The payraises would have gone into effect unless Gov. Rod vetoed it. A 9.6% increase is outrageous. I would not have liked it but could understand a cost of living increase. Gov Rod is willing to do anything to get his health care plan but that will not really help because the state is not paying the Dr.s hospitals,and pharmacies now. If you add more you will see many of these shutdown or not except these people. He is trying to force his WILL on everyone, dems and reps alike. If it was The D against the R the budget would have been passed but many Dems could see the errors in the budget. If he forces his way the D and R will have to unite to veto his budget. This could become very nasty. "

X wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:31 AM:

" All of this is just the icing on the cake. They should have had the state budget for the year worked out at the end of May. Did they? Heck no. In the meantime, the gov and the state goonies have been paid overtime while forcing sessions (that not all members even attend) to try to come to some sort of budget. In the meantime, schools, taxpayers, businesses, sick people, and whoever else I don't have room to name here are suffering. State folks weren't being paid on time. Schools aren't funded for the school year yet. Public transit through the state isn't going to get funding, and who knows what else. The gov is going to take 500 mil and apply it to healthcare. That's money already budgeted elsewhere and money not even accounted for yet. This state's politics are a crock! "

??????? wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:28 AM:

" Is that hair or a helmet. Does he realize what that looks like? He is raising children. They will catch on what a deceitful person he is. What goes around, comes around. I don't envy him at all! "

We've got him... maybe wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:26 AM:

" The governor says he has the power to take funds earmarked for line items that he vetoes, then spend that money on other programs. This ABSOLUTELY is the most abominable hijacking of the legislature's power to make the budget and has to be UNCONSTITUTIONAL. If the Governor follows through on this plan we've got him in position for impeachment... if the legislature will show some backbone and move beyond mere rhetoric. "

to Fatso: wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:21 AM:

" Pretty? You have got to be kidding. A crooked person does not a pretty person make. Your opinion as to him being pretty on the outside, however, he is a very, very ugly, selfish person on the inside. He is a crook from the word go. When he got re-elected (and I couldn't believe people were so stupid a second time to put him back in) I said then that the state of Illinois was going to be totally sorry and screwed. Well, guess what folks, we are being screwed big time. Am I surprised? _ _ _ _ no. I did not vote for that crook, but apparently we had a lot of people who did, because he managed to get back in. Totally unbelievable. "

An all time low wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:17 AM:

" Stratton, Koener, Walker and Ryan!!! We have quite a gubernatorial legacy in Illinois. But this guy is the worst of all!! This is not about Dem or Rep.--this is about leadership, decency and common sense. And doesn't Emil Jones inspire great hope for downstate Illinois? Its time for term limits!! Dont know what we can do about RB. Looks like we are stuck with him for 3 more years. Perhaps by then he can give himself and our completely ineffective state legislature a couple more 10% raises!!! "

Raise??? wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:06 AM:

" And just think..the people of this State voted this idiot into office...where Edgar??? "

We're All Disposable wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:03 AM:

" When are you going to wake up and stop with this democrat v republican thinking. You have been so brainwashed you are a great example of thinking exactly the way the politician want you to think. I can’t believe after all these years you can not see the forest for the trees. These people are ALL criminals. You only have the illusion of choice. The politician use the two parties like a play. One party gets in and loots, then loses favor. The next election they pass the baton off to the other party for their turn to loot. WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! Google REX84, CFAR, SPP, Bilderberg, Amero, North American Union, Alex Jones, Ron Paul, PDD 51, terrorstorm, police state, NACSCO!!! Buy Guns, Food, and Gold! Long live the republic. "

Fatso wrote on Aug 15, 2007 8:49 AM:

" Well, since all posts have been negative, I'd like to be just a little positive. Y'all have to admit: at least Rod is pretty. "

OMG wrote on Aug 15, 2007 7:39 AM:

" i want george ryan back...atleast his corruption was under the table... "

If you read the AP wrote on Aug 15, 2007 7:29 AM:

" Story on this it explains how this happened the state was actually going to take out a loan to cover the hospital expenses which they are still going to try to work out and that the deadline to get the money to the schools was actually June 30th he received this bill to late for them to get thier money anyway so he signed it at the last possible minute! maybe to prevent those same lawmakers from getting a pay raise for doing such a bad job!!!!! I don't know why they can't get budget work done but come on people read more than they pantagraph before you go making emotionally charged statements like lets impeach him!!!!! "

Tax payer wrote on Aug 15, 2007 7:22 AM:

" Perhaps it is truly time to get the politicians out of the IL. government and get a few real working folks in there. We deserve to be represented by someone that has a real clue to what living in Illinois as a "regular" person is all about. You know, be concerned with things like a school's ability to educate, the health of the general population as well as the right of the people to live a good life and not be "robbed" by their elected officials! 9.6 pay raise... these folks are nothing short of legal criminals at this point! I wonder how many folks have to add YEARS of their own raises to even come close to that percentage range. It's really to bad the present administration can not go back in time... they would have fit in real good with tax the peasants to the hilt so they can live the good life styles from back then. We have the power to change the path our state goverment is taking ... we just need to USE it! "

Bleep wrote on Aug 15, 2007 7:19 AM:

" Well all I know is that for the second year he does not care about the mentally ill population of our state BIG SHOCKER !!!!!! AND HE IS PLANNING ON SHUTTING DOWN ANOTHER STATE MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL. GUESS EVERYONE WILL BE STAYING AT HIS MANSION WHEN THEY NEED TO BE ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL. "

Why wrote on Aug 15, 2007 7:18 AM:

" Why is it Illinois has had greedy, self-absorbed crooks for Governers. We haven't had a decent one in a loooong time. "

State renamed wrote on Aug 15, 2007 7:09 AM:

" It was rumored that the state of "Illinois" must be renamed due to native Americans protests. The timing couldn't have been any better. It was decided that since they have so many clowns running the government on the state and federal level that the new name of the state would be Bozo. "

T wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:51 PM:

" It's time to change the constitution right now!!! Lets push our lawmakers to get a recall vote in the Illinois constitution and get this bozo OUT of here "

The Joker wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:43 PM:

" In any job I have ever worked, it is the employer that evaluates the performance of the employee and decides what raise (if any) may be given, and in what amount. Since the Governor works for me, as does both houses, it should be WE, his employers, who decide this. This is a perfect example of the nuts running the nut-house. And...trust the Happy Cynic to bring a national war into state government. I swear this clown sees republican demons and boogey men hiding behind every tree. GIVE IT A REST! Give us ALL a rest! "

Is it possible... wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:35 PM:

" that all of Blago's lofty talk about his vision for the state of Illinois (what happened to his insistence for affordable healthcare for all citizens) was just a smokescreen and that all he really wanted was this pay raise? If he had any integrity he should have refused to sign the budget for that reason alone. Obviously Illinoisians are stuck with a government without integrity at all levels. "

It Doesn't Matter wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:34 PM:

" It does not matter whether we have a R or D Gov. No one should be giving their selves pay raises when the state of Illinois is in trouble. We have our school sitting and waiting to make decisions as to how our children will be taught this year. And guess what? We do not live in Chicago or a bigger city in Illinois. We live in a small town with a small town school. I did not vote for this Gov. exactly because of the choices he is doing now. I did not think he would keep his word. He has proven that. Unfortunately. "

One sided? wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:32 PM:

" I'm sure Blago is not the greatest of governors, but this article and others about him seem to be written by someone who hates him. Aren't newspaper articles supposed to be more neutral? "

I feel sorry wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:31 PM:

" For Supt. Ray Bergles of Silva! He is just trying to do his job and since I know him, he is doing it very well. But when state government pulls the rug out from under the needs of kids and communities, it is a sad day in Lincoln Land. Governor, I didn't think you could get any worse, but you have proven that their is no depth that you can not reach. That means you are lower than whale poop. "

Grass Roots Campaign wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:29 PM:

" I think the people of Illinois need to step up and form a protest in front of the Governor's mansion in response to this nearly double-digit percent pay raise! Unfortunately, I'm sure Rod wouldn't even be there to know there was a protest! "

Captain Fantastic wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:26 PM:

" Man...I can't believe I voted for this joker the first time (went Green in re-election)...I thought he was the lesser of two evils, but maybe I was wrong. Why do we keep putting ourselves through this? Can't we find and then elect an honest person to lead our state? We need to secede from the State of Chicago and find us a good, honest, sensible downstater to lead the rest of us out of this cesspool. We need a revolution. More and more, at both the state and federal levels, it's turning into a case of 'love your country but hate your government.' Let's start the revolution now! Who's with me?? "

Cynic wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:17 PM:

" Yes the happy cynic can not make a post with out showing his hate filled views. Even if they do not relate to this article. "

Charles wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:16 PM:

" Just remember this at the next election's, both state and national. The Democrats will tell you they have a plan and will not raise taxes. You can see for yourself what happens when you listen to them. "

To: Meh wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:08 PM:

" It does not matter what party they belong to. They do not deserve a raise. I did not think our Gov. could get any worse then George Ryan. But Gov. Blago sure proved me wrong. What party did they represent? It was not the Illinois people. "

Laugh Out Loud wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:05 PM:

" Illinois is 1 of 14 states that does not allow impeachment of a govenor "

Native wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:03 PM:

" Now everyone together, Thank you Gov. Blagovich! You are doing a fine job of showing everyone how not to do your job. "

Dire Straits wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:02 PM:

" That ain't workin', that's the way you do it, money for nothing and your trips are free. "

? wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:51 PM:

" why should he be in charge of deciding if he gets more money. what..does he need more makeovers? because he sure isn't going to look any better! "

Taxpayer in this state. wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:51 PM:

" Voted for a pay raise for himself & the rest of these politicians in the state gvt. How ridiculous is that? One thing Illinois is noted for & that is CORRUPT Governors! Here we go again! Think every one in last??? yrs. was a crook except for Jim Edgar. What a bunch of NGsob's! "

Meh wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:46 PM:

" Waiting for the complainers about Blago's raise.... I'll bet most of them would be ok if a (R) gave himself a huge fat raise. Myself, I don't think any of them deserve raises. "

Thank you Gov wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:44 PM:

" Could you please speak to my employer concerning a 9.6 percent pay increase for me. I can be a slacker and not meet my deadlines too. (Although if I did that I would be unemployed instead of rewarded with a pay increase.) Then we would both be in the same boat. More money for doing nothing. "

Joe wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:37 PM:

" Yeah, they get a raise and cannot even get their jobs done. What a bunch o LOSERS! Let's vote them all out and start over. If I don't get my job done I don't get a raise the same should be for them. LOSERS, every one of them!!!!! "

BIGRED wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:34 PM:

" Nice GOVernor we have .... NOT. IM not that old but he is by far the worst governor we have ever had. Thye need to have him removed from office asap! I believe there are alot of croooked things that go along with BLOJACK! "

Surprise, Surprise wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:21 PM:

" Being a state employee who has seen meager, at best, pay raises over the past several years, why am I not surprised by this? Perhaps it is because the "gov" supposedly sent out e-mails to ALL state employees about continuing to work in August. I did not get one. Perhaps I have to take an ethics test annually and if I finish it too quickly there is no way I could have done it without cheating, according to our "gov". What a great example we have in this state. "

MRS. wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:21 PM:

" I don't think it is a joke Maroney, I think it is dispicable. Any of these clowns that don't donate that raise to a chairaty should not be re-elected. Blago and Jones shouldn't be elected to dog catcher. "

Maybe wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:14 PM:

" Pelosi will fire Rod and send Dick D. to mop up this mess. I tike to be optimistic. "

He's an idiot... wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:13 PM:

" But, unfortunately, there is not much we can do until the next election. I'm sure he realizes all the mistakes he's made, but I'm sure he's just in it for the money. He's a crook just like a majority of our governors have been, with the exception of Jim Edgar! "

Pay Hike??? wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:12 PM:

" He is not doing the job why does he deserve a pay hike? If I don't do my job I sure as hell am not going to get a raise. nothing more than a bunch of criminals!!! "

Me wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:10 PM:

" Can a governor be impeached? If so, let's start a movement to do so. This is horrendous, giving himself a pay raise for doing what? Spending tax payers money on travel and hair cuts? "

Take Names wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:08 PM:

" In our time of fiscal crisis, those who accept the pay raises for the incompitent job they have done should be removed from office at the next election. We can't find the money now to pay the bills, but a 9%+ pay raise is ok? "

what an idiot wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:08 PM:

" he can't pass a budget but can give himself a pay increase? and schools didnt have the paperwork by july 1st? i'd say send it in anyways since they can't get the budget on time why should anything else in the world be restricted by time. "

Laugh Out Loud wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:07 PM:

" I thought you got a raise when you do a good job!!!! Pay Blago more to fly back and forth at our cost!!! Can anyone name 1 possibly 2 Demo or Rep that deserves a pay raise???? "

O rly? wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:04 PM:

" Is anyone really shocked? I'm sure no one is happy about this except maybe those getting the raises, but really.. Are you shocked? "

Blago's corruption wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:56 PM:

" He gives himself and friends a raise, but leaves Illinois high and dry. And Illinois voted to reinstate this con man. Are we smart enough not to do it again? Something must be done about his and his cronies' blatant irresponsible use of our money? "

Sounds like B.S. to..... wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:44 PM:

" me. WHY and HOW can a Governor NOT provide for schools and hospitals yet can provide a raise for himself??????? People of Illinois - you need to OUST this S.O.B. - like YESTERDAY! I'm of the opinion that when a Governor, or a President for that matter, start taking for themselves and taking away from schools and healthcare, it's time to GET RID OF THEM!! Send his sorry butt back to Chicago without a penny!! "

OMG wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:38 PM:

" Nothing like a 3x the cost of living adjustment for government workers when Illinois is broke! Hope the Democrats that complain about Bush are happy with Rod! "

The Happy Cynic wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:37 PM:

" Ahhhh!!! Gods help us! The Republicans are trying to bring on the apocalypse by starting wars to enrich themselves and the Democrats will sell out their espoused values to enrich themselves. This country is rotting from the inside out on all levels because of greed! Is there ANYONE willing to be a penny poorer for a greater cause? Hello? Hello? I didn’t think so. "

Believe it or not... wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:34 PM:

" Blagojevich at his best. Just another crooked Cook County lawmaker (and I say that loosely) running OUR state. Money in his own pocket and not our taxes doing what they should be doing, helping our students of all ages!! "

ARE YOU KIDDING?!?!? wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:32 PM:

" We can't approve a budget OR figure out HOW to lower our DEFECIT, yet we give USELESS lawmakers a 10% pay increase??? EVERY job I've worked at has, at tops, given a 3% annual raise. This is cr*p! "

Hey Elvis wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:31 PM:

" YOU ain't seen nuttin yet. "Blagojevich, who is under federal investigation..." "

Unbelievable wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:30 PM:

" How dare he (Blagojevich) sign in a pay increase when the Illinois Government can not even do their work RIGHT or get it done on time. How many of our employers' would do that for us? How dare he give this government body a pay raise when people of median income can barely afford to eat and pay bills because our taxes keep going up to pay for them to live VERY comfortably. I, for one, am looking to move out of Illinois and I know others that are concidering it too. Who wants to live where there is no chance of making a decent living because of our government. "

Vote Em ALL OUT wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:28 PM:

" Next Election. Clean house with every incumbent regardless of party affiliation. Enough of this non sense! "

Adam wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:28 PM:

" Its about time the people that actually do something get a pay raise!Way to go Rod, you truely are a king among men! (/endsarcasm) "

That's my blago wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:28 PM:

" And this surprises anyone? Blago likes himself a lot. Unfortunately, he is not willing to give promised money to schools. But he has a jet to fly to Springfield. "

Devil's Advocate wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:24 PM:

" Does anyone need anymore evidence that our Governor doesn't have a clue. After clearly stating that he wouldn't sign anything that didn't include his pet budget busting projects, he signs a budget that includes pay raises for him and his cronies. I do have a question for the Pantagraph. Can you get one of your intrepid journalists to find out exactly which of our great legislators inserted the pay raise clause? Way to go Democrats... it is no wonder you have to lie and manipulate the media about everything to get elected. "

sick of this! wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:22 PM:

" unbelievable "

Despicable wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:22 PM:

" That is all. "

GoingGreen wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:17 PM:

" Let's hope the Green Party can kick these jokers out of office! "

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