* A few years ago, AFSCME showed up to the Governor’s Day event and some members jeered Gov. Rod Blagojevich after he taunted them over their health insurance benefits. This time, things will be more tame. The union and its allies won’t actually be on the fairgrounds this time around, but will set up pickets carry signs and hand out fliers at every entrance to protest Gov. Pat Quinn’s decision to do away with contractually obligated union pay raises.

[Headline and lede changed because “picket” is a term of art. This isn’t a picket. It’s a protest.]

From a press release….

Calling attention to Governor Pat Quinn’s refusal to honor legally binding labor contracts, the We Are One Illinois coalition of the Illinois AFL-CIO and its affiliate unions representing public employees will hold activities to coincide with Wednesday’s Governor’s Day events at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.

“We are disappointed and frustrated by Governor Quinn’s failure to keep his word to the men and women who do the real work of state government,” Illinois AFL-CIO president Michael T. Carrigan said. “They are police and caregivers, prison staff and emergency workers and thousands of other state employees who serve their fellow citizens every day. They deserve to know that the governor respects them and will honor his commitments. What’s at stake is the collective bargaining process for all working people in Illinois.”

* An AFSCME official told me a few minutes ago that his union has printed up 500 picket signs and he didn’t think there would be enough to go around. The schedule…

STATE FAIR (midday)
WHAT: Hundreds of state employees carry signs, hand out informational flyers, balloons and fans urging Gov. Quinn to keep his word and respect collective bargaining rights
WHO: Members of Police Benevolent & Protective Association, Laborers, Illinois Federation of Public Employees/Illinois Federation of Teachers, AFSCME Council 31 and more
WHERE: Outside public gates to Illinois State Fairgrounds
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 17

* In other State Fair-related news, Democrats usually gather in Springfield the night before their Fair day for fundraisers and receptions. This year, however, there’s only one (maybe two) events that aren’t closed to the public. The county chairmen are hosting a funder at Brown’s this evening. Another event at the Governor’s Mansion is closed to the public.

I assume, however, that lots of folks will be out and about at the usual session hangouts. I’ll probably meander around until I find some people. Where will you be?

* In other labor news, the CTU is displeased, again, with Mayor Emanuel…

The Chicago Teachers Union blasted Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plan to reward high-performing principals with merit pay, saying it could bring about the same kind of cheating that took place in Atlanta schools after principals were tempted with more money for higher test scores.

“The research is conclusive—merit pay does not work and can have troubling side effects—cheating, narrowing of curriculum and competition between teachers where collaboration is needed,” CTU President Karen GJ Lewis said. “Think Atlanta, New York City and Los Angeles: student standardized test scores were never intended to be nor should they be used for any personnel decision.

“Independent studies, including in Chicago, show that teaching to the test does not improve student achievement. An investigation in Atlanta concluded that pressure to meet testing targets led to widespread cheating in 44 schools. Similar investigations are underway across the country. Chicago and our students deserve better.”

In the Atlanta case, $17 million in bonuses were paid out over a 10-year period. One principal received $580,000. But to achieve the high test scores — and the bonuses — schools held “social gatherings in which answers were erased and corrected,“ according to The New York Times. “At Toomer, in the residential Kirkwood neighborhood east of downtown, the report claimed that some teachers either told students the answers or suggested them with voice inflection during testing.”

* Related…

* Today’s fair harness racing card features 15 races

* Illinois State Fair champion livestock to be sold

* Great weather, big concert draw throngs to state fair

* Help Abe and POTUS in a virtual kayaking showdown

* Stage collapse doesn’t deter Illinois State Fair Grandstand patrons

* State police: No major problems at the fair so far

* Husband And Hog Calling Winners Crowned

* Vose named Illinoisan of Day at state fair

* Press release: Recognition Wall To Be Erected On Illinois State Fairgrounds - Monument will pay tribute to those who have made the fair a premiere event, its patrons, vendors and exhibitors