The governor has said plenty about Illinois’ problems. In today’s State of the State address, he may have to focus more on solutions.

In previewing his address at different events around the state, the governor mentioned tough times were ahead. State Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) says that’s no idle threat.

“I believe it when he says he thinks shared pain is coming,” Sandack said. “He can’t turn this corner with … anything fun. I mean, that would have already been done.”

While the governor spoke of “shared sacrifice” in his inaugural address, his recent comments have been more about criticizing state employees for making too much money and wanting to change collective bargaining rights for unions.

State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) says that doesn’t sound like sharing the sacrifice. “There are a comfortable few who seem always to be exempt from that sacrifice, and I think it’s time that those folks partook as well,” Guzzardi said.

But the governor seems more intent on going after organized labor, and if those are sort of policies he’ll push after the address, Guzzardi promises he’ll face opposition from legislators.

“I think right-to-work zones are unacceptable, patently unacceptable for Illinois and for Illinoisans,” Guzzardi said, “and I think if you ask the average person in this state what they felt about it, they’d say that they believe in unions, and certainly, there are lot of us in the legislature who are going to stand firm on that principle.” 

Gov. Bruce Rauner is scheduled to deliver his speech at the Capitol at noon today.