Our beloved governor Pat Quinn is traveling around the state this week in a pick-up truck.
It's nothing but an ill-conceived publicity/political stunt.
Centered around the debate as to whether the minimum wage should be increased from $8.25 per hour to $10 per hour.
He's trying to demonstrate to everyone how hard it is for someone to live on $79 per week.
As he's being driven around the state.
In a pick-up.
Read more about Pat's road trip, from the perspective of The National Review:
The most ironic thing I find about this is the "driving across Illinois in a pick-up with 79 bucks" part. $79 won't buy much gas. Let alone enough gas to travel the announced route: Kankakee, Champaign, Decatur, Peoria, Galesburg, Moline, Rock Falls.
Although I did catch this quote in the Chicago Tribune that somewhat explains it:
"Quinn's budget is based on Illinois' minimum wage of $8.25 and was calculated after transportation costs, meaning he can continue to travel the state for official duties and campaign events without counting those costs against his budget."
And remember, he makes approx. $3,400 per week doing his governor gig. So while he may be "getting by" on $79 this week, his bank account is well-stocked with greenbacks.
My favorite parts of this stupid show-off saga (so far):
Quinn said he expected to be watching "every single penny" and was already feeling the constraints of the budget. His niece had a birthday Sunday and would be getting a birthday note but no card, Quinn said.
“Had a banana for breakfast, that’s three days in a row. You know, you have to watch your pennies." (PQ)
"Yesterday, I went to a place and maybe I would’ve gotten an iced tea, but I got a water. You don’t go in and get a double cheeseburger, I got a junior cheeseburger.” (PQ)
“I had graham crackers — for dinner I guess. I’m planning to have macaroni & cheese tonight. I already bought it.” (PQ)
Yeesh.
Here's more what the Guv says about what he's doing:
“Those who think that this challenge is a gimmick should spend one day in a minimum wage workers' shoes."
Mr. Governor: while it is not a gimmick to have compassion for those living at or below the poverty level, this little road trip of yours most definitely is a gimmick.
Get back to Springfield and do some real work, you silly little man.
Out for now.....
Matt