As Illinois' budget stalemate continues, Democrats continue to dispute whether the governor's office is spending too much on staff. Just how much Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration is costing taxpayers was supposed to be the subject of a hearing, called by House Revenue Chairman John Bradley.
"Is there anyone from the governor's office here to testify?"
Why the silence? No one from the governor's office showed. That's a breach of legislative decorum that's virtually unheard of.
Some clues on why are found in a letter to Bradley from one of Rauner's top aides. He calls the hearing a "sham," and an attempt to distract from Democrats' unbalanced budget.
But Bradley says it's justified given the cuts Rauner's making to state programs.
"If you're asking for significant sacrifices form the rest of the state you need to be tightening your own belt."
Bradley contends Rauner's office is spending at least a million more than the previous governor. Rauner's office disputes that - but a list of the governor's staff submitted as proof omits some of Rauner's highest-paid advisors.