A press release from Governor Bruce Rauner: Rauner Administration Statement on HB 580 SPRINGFIELD – The Governor’s Office issued the following statement today attributable to Lance Trover, Director of Communications: “Illinois taxpayers cannot afford HB 580 – it’s a $3 … Continue reading
A press release from Governor Bruce Rauner: After AFSCME Rejections, Administration Appeals to Labor Board Labor Board to Determine if Parties at Impasse SPRINGFIELD – Last week, AFSCME refused to seriously negotiate for the 24th bargaining session in a row on … Continue reading
A press release from Governor Bruce Rauner: Rauner Administration Statement on Labor Negotiations with AFSCME CHICAGO – The following statement is attributable to Lance Trover, Director of Communications for Governor Bruce Rauner: “Today marked the 67th day of negotiations with … Continue reading
That’s the headline in the State Journal-Register out of Springfield. That newspaper editorial was aiming at its local Republican State Representatives. Here’s a paragraph from the editorial: “They punted – plain and simple – on an important vote that would … Continue reading
On his blog Illinoyances, Steve Reick, the man who ran against State Rep. Jack Franks last year asks the following questino: Who do you believe? Reick quotes what Franks told the Northwest Herald–sort of a “pox on both sides” to … Continue reading
At Wednesday morning’s House Revenue & Finance Committee meeting, Representative Mike Tryon questioned officials from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget about the financial consequences that could result from SB 1229’s veto override. The bill would unilaterally allow AFSCME … Continue reading
A press release from Governor Bruce Rauner: Statement on SB 1229 SPRINGFIELD – Governor Bruce Rauner issued the following statement following the House’s vote to sustain his veto of SB 1229: “I want to thank every House member who stood … Continue reading
Only if House Speaker Mike Madigan needs Jack Franks to be the 71st vote allowing an override of Govenror Bruce Rauner’s veto of the state union’s bill to require arbitration will Franks be on the leash in Springfield this week. … Continue reading
Below is the House roll call on Senate Bill 1229, the legislation that will pretty much cut Governor Bruce Rauner out of the employee contract negotiation business during his first term in office. Franks did not vote the first time … Continue reading
The Northwest Herald is pretty much a cheerleader for Democratic State Rep. Jack Franks. Sunday, however, an article put the spotlight on what may be the most important vote in Franks’ legislative career. The Illinois Senate easily overrode Governor Bruce … Continue reading
A press release from Governor Bruce Rauner: Will lawmakers stand with taxpayers or special interests? Senate to vote on override of Governor’s veto of SB 1229 Uniion Fair Contract Now sign SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senators will have their chance today … Continue reading
Freshman State Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) has sent out an email, the contents of which I think you might find of interest. It follows: A Series of Firsts While the Illinois budget shutdown is center stage right now, the General … Continue reading
Upwards of 75 union members and sympathizers gathered at the Woodstock Square at noon to condemn Governor Bruce Rauner, billionaires and Republicans. The 60-70 union members marched to the Square where a sign was placed in front of those standing … Continue reading
Local state employees who belong to AFSCME Local 31 will hold a noon rally at the Woodstock Square on Wednesday. Guess that’s lunch time. All state employees will soon be getting a refund for the health premium increase that was … Continue reading
Trying to back Governor Bruce Rauner into a corner on collective bargaining, the Democrats have passed House Bill 1229. Here is a brief description of the bill: Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Provides that with respect to collective … Continue reading
The following two sheets of paper were what Illinois State Representatives and Senators were reading as Governor Bruce Rauner was delivering his State of the State Speech Wednesday. First the policy pitches: 1. Economic Growth and Jobs Package Pass a … Continue reading
When I was on the Prison Reform Committee in the Illinois House during the late 1990’s, I expressed my constituents’ and my lack of belief at why the Illinois Department of Corrections could not keep drugs out of state prisons. … Continue reading
Yesterday, I published a column by attorney William Choslovsky about the Algonquin mom who, after researching how various states treated developmentally disabled adults, decided that Tennessee provided the best care. She drove her 19-year old daughter, whom she was unable … Continue reading
The year the State of Illinois decided to improved the pension system of state employees, Missouri took action on its employee pension system, too. The pension was quite poor compared to other states. Governor Jim Edgar’s administration and the AFSMCE … Continue reading
And here’s the public unions’ response: We Are One Illinois statement on Quinn news conference Responding to Gov. Pat Quinn’s news conference on pensions held Friday, April 20, Illinois AFL-CIO president Michael Carrigan issued this statement for the We Are … Continue reading
