IL Gov Pat Quinn on Morning Joe... Spreading the BS thick on Pensions

[Gidney N Cloyd]

Sometimes I really wonder what Pat Quinn's deal is. I still think he's basically honest (by politician standards) but more and more I suspect he's simply not the sharpest tool in the shed. He came on Morning Joe to talkabout the state pension deal last week and among other things claimed "we're not cutting the retirement checks of any retirees" that "we have to ensure retirement security" and that the cost of living adjustments "wouldn't go up as quickly." Of course what's really happening is that retiree's pension payments won't keep up with inflation going forward and that is a deep cut to the promised value of state pensions.
Of course Joe then tried to steer the conversation to fed-level entitlements; not mentioning Social Security specifically but clearly referring to it he fed Quinn a compliment saying his work in Illinois could be a model for the country and Quinn took the bait.

Dear god this state is screwed.

Video:
http://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/gov-quinn-on-illinois-pension-reform-86322755929

[CFLDem]

1. Better leave while you still can.

And not just because of the weather.

[Drale]

2. Even though this pension reform bill is complete bullshit

Illinois is still far better off than any of the Red States and this isn't the end of the fight. There are legal challenges and it could be very well ruled unconstitutional.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

3. My worst fear is actually that the courts OK the bill and then the legislators come back for more.

Best case would be if the courts (rightfully) tossed it and then finally the legislators have to listen to some of outside ideas such as We Are One came up with. My most cynical suspicion is that they knowingly threw an unconstitutional bill to the courts with the idea that the courts would tell them they hadn't exhausted alternatives like raising revenue through a progressive (or other) tax and that gives them the political cover to do so.

[CFLDem]

4. Depends on the person.

My quality of life improved dramatically after I left.

Whole lifestyle went from commute-work-commute to less commute-work-play on the beach/enjoy theme parks-and get paid more to do it.

I sure as heck don't miss the state income tax either, plus government seems more efficient down here. Although Florida is more of a purple than red.

Now would I move back if I made a boatload of money so I could afford to love downtown? Heck ya. But until then I'll just enjoy the Florida lifestyle while I can.