McHenry County Blog

And here’s the public unions’ response:

The "We Are One" union pension protection web site's masthead. "Don't let the politicians cut public employee's pensions," reads the headline.

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 One Illinois coalition of unions that represent public employees:

The unions representing public employees are committed to working with Gov. Quinn and the members of the General Assembly to find a solution to the pension funding crisis caused by the state’s failure to pay its share.

It is crucial that the pension problem not be compounded by an unconstitutional solution that is unfair to public employees who have always paid their share. The average public employee pension is just $32,000. Because most public employees do not receive Social Security, this modest pension is their life savings.

Despite the willingness of the unions to engage in substantive discussions, our organizations were not asked to be part of Governor Quinn’s pension working group. We were invited to just four meetings and only a few days ago received any data by which to judge its proposals.

We strongly disagree with the proposals made today. Considering that the subject at hand is the ability of hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans to support themselves in retirement, we believe the proposals are insensitive and irresponsible.

By appearing to endorse these unfair and unconstitutional cuts, the governor has made the process of finding common ground much more difficult.

Forcing public servants to choose between two sharply diminished pension plans is no choice at all. It is a clearly illegal attempt to solve the problem caused by past governors and the legislature solely on the backs of teachers, caregivers and other public workers.

Public employees must be treated and heard as full partners in any substantive discussions. No one has a greater stake in solving the problem than we do. A serious problem deserves a serious effort at a solution. The unions are ready.

Gone is the informal cook's characterture of last year's invitation.

The invitation is out for State Rep. Jack Franks October fund raiser. That’s the one where he solicited all over McHenry County and beyond building a political base for his anticipated run for the United States Congress in 2012.

As McHenry County Blog did last year, the names of the hosts will be published.

The invitation this year does not use the characterture that graced last year’s invitation.  This one looks more dignified.

The 2010 fund raising invitation is more dignified.

Here are the special interest groups who have signed on to State Rep. Jack Franks’ fund raising 2010 Host Committee:

• Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois
• BNSF Railway
• Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen
• Carpenters Local 2087
• Elevator Constructors Local 2
• Fraternal Order of Police, IL State Lodge
• IBEW Local 117
• IBEW Local 134
• Illinois AFL-CIO
• Illinois Bankers Association
• Illinois Education Association
• Illinois Pipe Trades
• Ironworkers Local 1
• Labors Local 1035
• Laborers’ International Union – Midwest Region
• Local 11 Cement Masons
• McHenry County Building Trades Council
• Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association
• Northern Illinois Fire Protection Districts
• Plumbers Local 93
• Police Benevolent PAC
• Rockford-Area United Auto Workers 265
• Sheriff of McHenry County
• United Transportation Union

The invitation says that Lisa Madigan and Jesse White will be attending Franks’ breakfast fundraiser on October 2nd at the Bull Valley Country Club.

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Compare the logo on the golf ball with the Jack Franks’ sticker being distributed at the Johnsburg Saufen und Spiel Parade.

AFL-CIO Endorses Gentes

The Illinois AFL-CIO represents a rich and diverse group of 1,500 local unions across the state which amounts to one million union men and women in Illinois. The AFL-CIO has a long history of fighting for the rights of working men and women and constantly works for strong labor laws in Springfield.

The AFL-CIO cited Mayor Gentes support of issues benefiting working families as the central reason for its endorsement of his campaign.

In response to this key endorsement, Mayor Gentes issued the following statement:

“The AFL-CIO has worked tirelessly on behalf of working families in Illinois and I am extremely grateful for their support. I look forward to continuing this great tradition in Springfield.

“With working families hit the hardest by the current economic downturn, it is crucial, now more than ever, that Illinois workers receive the support they need from their representatives in Springfield. Illinois workers cannot afford representatives who will support big business interests over the working men and women who are the backbone of our economy. I have the experience and knowledge to give Illinois workers the support they need as they continue to work hard to support their families and our state.

“Republicans have consistently shown that they have no interest in the rights of working families in Illinois. I will not allow Republicans to place Illinois workers on the chopping block when economic struggles continue to plague working families. I will ensure that workers in the 26th district are provided with the tools they need to help put our economy back on track.”

AFL-CIO Endorses Gentes

The Illinois AFL-CIO represents a rich and diverse group of 1,500 local unions across the state which amounts to one million union men and women in Illinois. The AFL-CIO has a long history of fighting for the rights of working men and women and constantly works for strong labor laws in Springfield.

The AFL-CIO cited Mayor Gentes support of issues benefiting working families as the central reason for its endorsement of his campaign.

In response to this key endorsement, Mayor Gentes issued the following statement:

“The AFL-CIO has worked tirelessly on behalf of working families in Illinois and I am extremely grateful for their support. I look forward to continuing this great tradition in Springfield.

“With working families hit the hardest by the current economic downturn, it is crucial, now more than ever, that Illinois workers receive the support they need from their representatives in Springfield. Illinois workers cannot afford representatives who will support big business interests over the working men and women who are the backbone of our economy. I have the experience and knowledge to give Illinois workers the support they need as they continue to work hard to support their families and our state.

“Republicans have consistently shown that they have no interest in the rights of working families in Illinois. I will not allow Republicans to place Illinois workers on the chopping block when economic struggles continue to plague working families. I will ensure that workers in the 26th district are provided with the tools they need to help put our economy back on track.”

16th congressional district Democratic Party candidate Robert Abboud has sent out a press release announcing the Illinois AFL-CIO endorsement of his candidacy against incumbent Congressman Don Manzullo.

ILLINOIS AFL-CIO ENDORSES ROBERT ABBOUD FOR CONGRESS IN THE 16TH DISTRICT

Barrington Hills, IL – Robert Abboud, who is running to unseat eighth-term Republican Rep. Don Manzullo in Illinois 16th Congressional District, announced today his endorsement by the Illinois AFL-CIO.

“The Illinois AFL-CIO is pleased to endorse Robert Abboud for Congress in the 16th District. Unlike current Rep. Don Manzullo who has a five percent life-time voting record with the AFL-CIO on working family issues, Mr. Abboud will be a true advocate for workers in Illinois,” Michael Carrigan, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO said. “Whereas Rep. Manzullo continues to support policies that outsource American jobs overseas and weaken our manufacturing competitiveness, Robert Abboud is committed to protecting and expanding good jobs here in the U.S.A. to strengthen our working middle class families.”

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Illinois AFL-CIO, which recognizes my commitment to put America’s working and middle class families first,” Abboud said. “As Congressman, I will champion legislations to secure and expand good jobs in America and work tirelessly to ensure that all Americans can have access to affordable quality health care.”

The Illinois AFL-CIO’s endorsement of Abboud comes as no surprise. Abboud’s Republican opponent Rep. Don Manzullo has a long history of opposing legislations that support American working families while siding with corporate special interests.

Rep. Manzullo voted against legislation to raise the minimum wage several times.[1] He also voted against the Family and Medical Leave Act saying, “family leave is just another government program.”[2] It is notable that while Manzullo decried the loss of manufacturing jobs to China, he voted several times to grant it trading privileges with the United States.[3]

He facilitated the outsourcing of America’s manufacturing jobs to countries like China and Japan[4], voted to keep tax breaks for U.S. manufacturers that moved to foreign countries, and supported tax breaks for corporations that went overseas to avoid paying U.S. income taxes.[5]

The 16th Congressional District encompasses part or all of Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, JoDaviess, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties. The current incumbent for the seat, Rep. Don Manzullo, was elected in 1992 with the pledge to serve only three terms ending in 1998 but he is now serving his eighth term.

Robert Abboud is a nuclear engineer, business owner, and the President of the village of Barrington Hills.

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[1] HR 3846, 3/9/00; HR 3846, 3/9/00; HR 5672, 6/27/06; HR 5970, 7/29/06.

[2] Chicago Tribune, 9/22/94.

[3] Chicago Tribune, 2/12/04.

[4] Rockford Register Star, “Building Ties with China”, 9/19/07.

[5] Chicago Tribune, 2/12/04; House Vote 258, HR 4520, 6/17/04.

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Congressman Don Manzullo is seen on the left, while challenger Robert Abboud is seen on the left.

16th congressional district Democratic Party candidate Robert Abboud has sent out a press release announcing the Illinois AFL-CIO endorsement of his candidacy against incumbent Congressman Don Manzullo.

ILLINOIS AFL-CIO ENDORSES ROBERT ABBOUD FOR CONGRESS IN THE 16TH DISTRICT

Barrington Hills, IL – Robert Abboud, who is running to unseat eighth-term Republican Rep. Don Manzullo in Illinois 16th Congressional District, announced today his endorsement by the Illinois AFL-CIO.

“The Illinois AFL-CIO is pleased to endorse Robert Abboud for Congress in the 16th District. Unlike current Rep. Don Manzullo who has a five percent life-time voting record with the AFL-CIO on working family issues, Mr. Abboud will be a true advocate for workers in Illinois,” Michael Carrigan, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO said. “Whereas Rep. Manzullo continues to support policies that outsource American jobs overseas and weaken our manufacturing competitiveness, Robert Abboud is committed to protecting and expanding good jobs here in the U.S.A. to strengthen our working middle class families.”

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Illinois AFL-CIO, which recognizes my commitment to put America’s working and middle class families first,” Abboud said. “As Congressman, I will champion legislations to secure and expand good jobs in America and work tirelessly to ensure that all Americans can have access to affordable quality health care.”

The Illinois AFL-CIO’s endorsement of Abboud comes as no surprise. Abboud’s Republican opponent Rep. Don Manzullo has a long history of opposing legislations that support American working families while siding with corporate special interests.

Rep. Manzullo voted against legislation to raise the minimum wage several times.[1] He also voted against the Family and Medical Leave Act saying, “family leave is just another government program.”[2] It is notable that while Manzullo decried the loss of manufacturing jobs to China, he voted several times to grant it trading privileges with the United States.[3]

He facilitated the outsourcing of America’s manufacturing jobs to countries like China and Japan[4], voted to keep tax breaks for U.S. manufacturers that moved to foreign countries, and supported tax breaks for corporations that went overseas to avoid paying U.S. income taxes.[5]

The 16th Congressional District encompasses part or all of Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, JoDaviess, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties. The current incumbent for the seat, Rep. Don Manzullo, was elected in 1992 with the pledge to serve only three terms ending in 1998 but he is now serving his eighth term.

Robert Abboud is a nuclear engineer, business owner, and the President of the village of Barrington Hills.

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[1] HR 3846, 3/9/00; HR 3846, 3/9/00; HR 5672, 6/27/06; HR 5970, 7/29/06.

[2] Chicago Tribune, 9/22/94.

[3] Chicago Tribune, 2/12/04.

[4] Rockford Register Star, “Building Ties with China”, 9/19/07.

[5] Chicago Tribune, 2/12/04; House Vote 258, HR 4520, 6/17/04.

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Congressman Don Manzullo is seen on the left, while challenger Robert Abboud is seen on the left.