Quigley, poised to become what is nicknamed a “Cardinal” on the Appropriations Committee, told me on Thursday that with his new power, “I can help dramatically bring resources back to the region, into the state.”

Schakowsky is in line for three influential spots: chair of an Energy and Commerce subcommittee; chief Deputy Whip; and as a member of the Democrats’ Steering and Policy Committee, which controls crucial committee assignments and shapes policy and message.

Included are links to a presentation and video of James Spiotto, a nationally recognized insolvency expert, whose work we often refer to here.

Comment: We’re positively perplexed why J.B. wouldn’t have included us on this budget team. Devastated. Totally devastated. Then again, with Ralph Martire of the CTBA included, they’ll have all they need.

Comment: Salute to Chris Krug and his team. This is true: “INN journalists take an earnest and sincere reporting approach that helps taxpayers understand the complexities and mundane inner workings of government so that they can see for themselves how their contribution to the welfare of the state is spent.”