On Friday night, Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed Senate Bill 777, the same bill that was part of Rauner’s own pension proposal less than one year ago, and single-handedly forced a $300 million property tax increase on Chicago taxpayers.

The governor has thus far not faced media questions on his harmful and contradictory action. Here are the questions the Governor has thus far refused to answer.

THE 9 QUESTIONS GOVERNOR RAUNER SHOULD ANSWER, BUT CAN'T

1. If the reason for vetoing the bill is that it includes "irresponsible funding,” why did the Governor include SB 777 in his own pension proposal?

2. If the Governor is proposing a freeze on property taxes, why is he forcing a property tax increase?

3. If Governor Rauner is against “borrowing” from the pension funds, why is he OK with borrowing to fund the State’s basic operations?

4. If the Governor is against “borrowing,” is he going to pay off all the State’s pension obligation bonds?

5. Will the Governor put state pension funds on a 25-year pension ARC?

6. Will the Governor require suburban and downstate pension plans to go on a 25-year ARC?

7. Does the Governor support downstate police and fire pension plans re-amortizing their ARC so that they never reach financial stability?

8. Why did the Governor praise the pension agreement if he was eventually going to veto it?

9. Why is the Governor forcing Chicago taxpayers to close in one year a funding crisis that was created over decades?

Contradiction Defined: Governor Rauner on Police and Fire Pensions

Nearly 48 hours ago Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed Senate Bill 777, the same bill that was part of Rauner’s own pension proposal less than one year ago. The governor has thus far not faced media questions on his contradictory action.

“On Friday the Governor single-handedly forced a $300 million property tax increase on every Chicago taxpayer, and he owes them some basic answers for his callous decision,” said Mayor Emanuel. “The governor has advocated for a cap on property taxes for years, advocated for local control since taking office, and even advocated for the exact proposal he just vetoed. He should have the courage to stand behind his decision and give Chicago taxpayers the answers they deserve.”

Below are media accounts from the day Governor Rauner announced his own pension plan which, according to the materials his own administration provided to the public “Adopts Mayor Emanuel’s pension bill.” (http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/sites/default/files/article/file-attachments/Summary%20of%20Rauner%27s%20Pension%20Plan.pdf)

Also below are nine questions Bruce Rauner should answer, but can’t, and to date hasn’t.

July 8, 2015 – Governor Rauner announces support for Senate Bill 777,
inserts it in his own pension proposal

“Rauner unveiled a mammoth, cost-cutting pension bill he said was aimed at solving government worker retirement system funding problems from the Capitol to City Hall to Downstate and suburban village halls… Also included in Rauner's pension measure is Emanuel's approach to the city’s police and fire pension shortfall that would allow the mayor to stretch out the payments needed to restore financial health to the systems.” Chicago Tribune, July 8, 2015

“The new bill also would give downstate and suburban systems that cover police and firefighters more time to ramp up to full funding levels, Rauner said.” Crain’s Chicago Business, July 8, 2015

“Rauner, a Republican, said the bill, crafted with input from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Democratic Senate President John Cullerton, would ease contributions to local police and firefighter pensions for Chicago and other cities.” Reuters, July 8, 2015

“The governor’s offer to give Chicago 15 more years to ramp up to 90-percent funding levels for the police and fire pension funds has already passed both houses.” Chicago Sun Times, July 8, 2015

“Rauner has now embraced much of Chicago’s formula for solving a $30 billion pension crisis… Now that the governor is on record as supporting Chicago’s ambitious wish-list, he can’t renege without looking like he’s flip-flopping and turning his back on the city.” Chicago Sun Times, July 8, 2015