Daley asks where is the money for gov's anti-violence plan

I found this thru the Capitol Fax blog today where it was said that Blagojevich will skip a Holocaust observance and instead attended a rally to promote his program to curb innercity violence. Of course since the governor likes to spend without great consideration to where the money is coming from or even if there is money this presents a problem to at least the mayor. Still the governor presses ahead as if there is no problem:

Saying he's on "a crusade to help Mayor Daley," Gov. Blagojevich staged a West Side rally Tuesday to unveil his $150 million plan to curb youth violence and "stop the killing."

"It's a good proposal. But, you need the money. You need the beef," Daley told reporters. "At least he's proposing this. But, where are you gonna get the money?"

The mayor's statements echoed those by several lawmakers in Springfield, who questioned whether the governor's plans to create 20,000 youth jobs and bolster after-school programs across the state are realistic.

The governor wants his so-called Community Investment Works Initiative to be part of a larger, $25 billion statewide construction program, but lawmakers have yet to embrace his strategies for financing that massive proposal.

Also linked on the Capitol Fax is a story with a telling headline, "Blagojevich's Anti-Violence Proposal Gets a Cold Reception". Let me tell you this is probably an indication of how politically tone-deaf some would say that our governor is. He doesn't seem to understand that his proposals aren't getting the support they might need or deserve. On top of that is not only his proposals but whether or not he's serious.

As a matter of fact and I heard about this during the would overtime budget fiasco last year, the governor cut a program from the budget that served the purpose that the proposal he seeks would have. It's mentions in that cold reception article:

Blagojevich’s announcement was also dampened by his decision to cut spending for a violence prevention program called Ceasefire in last year’s budget.

HARDIMEN: Everybody wants to jump on the bandwagon of all the violence that taking place in Chicago.

Tio Hardimen works with Ceasefire attended the governor’s event—and said he’s skeptical, Blagojevich’s proposal will be funded.

HARDIMEN: It’s a slim chance to be honest with you.

And Hardimen says the only money that counts is money that makes into the state budget.

HARDIMEN: A lot of young brothers and sisters, Latino and African-American and some white people are dying out here, you know, due to gun violence. And some people play it as a political football, and it needs to stop.

The governor’s office defended their decision to cut funding for Ceasefire—saying there were questions about how the money was used. Hardimen says those issues were resolved. In terms of funding Blagojevich’s new proposal—budget talks in Springfield are currently ramping up.

I talk a lot about the Governor of Illinois I suppose he's a man very easy to dislike but attribute that to his actions. I'm sure if I do enough research on another politician I can certainly come up with someone else. Unfortunately he doesn't seem to have learned anything from last year. He doesn't seem like he understands the concept of quitting while you're ahead.

Let me be clear I want to find answers to the problem of violence. One answer to say that the government especially one that can't seem to get their financial house in order to help you the people isn't going to be the answer to the problem of violence in your neighborhood. In other words don't hold your breath on this one!