* Republican state Sen. Sam McCann…
Dear Friends,
Last week I had to take a somewhat controversial vote. Governor Bruce Rauner had vetoed a piece of legislation that would have changed how an impasse is handled in state employee pay negotiations. This bill would prevent state employees from going on strike or being locked out, and it would put the ultimate decision on a new contract in the hands of arbitrators.
This wasn’t a perfect bill, though very few truly are, and the situation we find ourselves in is historic. I also don’t particularly care for the vote was rescheduled. That part should have been handled differently by Senate leadership.
But how the vote was handled is a separate question from whether the motion deserved a “yay” or a “nay” vote. In recent days and weeks, I have had more calls, emails, Facebook messages, and face-to-face comments on this vote than nearly any other in my time in the Senate. Of all those thousands of points of contact, an overwhelming number asked me to vote in favor of the motion to override, as I did.
Regardless of the circumstances, I am sent here to vote for the residents of the 50th District, and they made it very clear how I should vote. The number one complaint that I glean from conversations with constituents is that they believe that elected officials don’t hear them. They believe that no one holding elected office really hears or cares about their concerns. Well, I heard my constituents loudly and clearly. These constituents spoke with both clarity and volume. And I did what I have always promised to do: to listen to my constituents and to speak and vote accordingly – and that is exactly what I did.
I am certainly not happy with the current budget process, nor the hyper-partisan stalemate in our Capitol. I think it’s an absolute tragedy that state employees are being used as political pawns in this process. These are taxpayers who earn a living by operating our state government. I have more state employees in my Senate District than any other. I was elected to serve my constituents, not Speaker Madigan, Senate President Cullerton or Governor Rauner. This district said loudly and clearly that they wanted me to vote in favor of the override, and so I did just that.
If you have any questions, or if you need assistance with anything, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at 217-782-xxxx.
Sincerely,
State Senator Sam McCann
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:35 am:
This is a man, on an island…
… now… digging a fallout shelter on the beach.
In politics, Truman suggested a dog if you’re looking for a friend. Truman never suggested burning every bridge, and making your word meaningless.
- Grimm - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:38 am:
Rock on.
- Michelle Flaherty - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:38 am:
Poor Sam. Two terms in the Senate and he still doesn’t know his Capitol office phone number.
- Aldyth - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:38 am:
The sound you hear coming from western Illinois is a slow clap. Well done, sir.
- Concerned - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:39 am:
The bill does not mean an arbitrator absolutely will decide the contract terms. The bills forces BOTH sides (not just the Governor) to be reasonable, becuase one side’s last and best offer will be selected. The mechanism forces BOTH sides to the middle. The only “harm” to the Governor is that it takes away his doomsday weapon of imposing his worst offer or firing everyone.
- Mitch1959 - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:40 am:
It is a great stand that Sen McCann took to do what his voters in his district wanted, and not thinking about his own fears of what Rauner may do to him! I hope my rep. takes this stand also! After all Rauner is wanting term limits so he is already trying to take your job from you! Stand for your constituents!
- Anon - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:41 am:
“Yay”? Seriously?
- Frenchie Mendoza - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:42 am:
Bravo.
Here’s another slow clap from Cook County.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:43 am:
==This bill would prevent state employees from going on strike ==
In other words, Sen McCann didn’t read all of the details of the bill and is misleading his constituents
- Dr. X - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:44 am:
Good luck contacting him. Every email I’ve sent never gets answered. But there’s always a campaign flier.
- Honeybear - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:45 am:
I appreciate his vote so much. I don’t know if he is genuine or not but I really appreciate it. May God bless him
- Constituent - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:45 am:
I live in his district and did not vote for him. If he continues to show his independence from Rauner and Raunerites he has my vote next time!
- Austin Blvd - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:47 am:
Maybe Rauner will get a loyal lapdog to run against McCann. But it’s doubtful anyone, except a non-starter, would step into that controversial challenger role.
Well played, Mr. McCann.
- Mason born - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:48 am:
Anonymous
Perhaps you need to read more carefully. That is what the bill does.
It is refreshing to hear a politician admit he is thete to serve his ditrict and stick to it.
- Georg Sande - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:49 am:
Put a fork in him. He’s done.
- Tournaround Agenda - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:50 am:
A crack in the armor?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:50 am:
===Put a fork in him. He’s done.===
Why, because of this single vote?
- Very fed up - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:52 am:
Disagree with his vote but have a lot of respect for him after reading this
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:52 am:
Bravo!
- Nick Name - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:53 am:
His constituents can really show their gratitude by turning out to vote for him in the primary.
- Robert the Bruce - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:54 am:
Seems like a sincere letter. He was in a tough place.
- Joe M - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:56 am:
===Put a fork in him. He’s done.===
I’d say just the opposite. If he hadn’t voted the way he did he would be toast. I think he has firmly established with his constituent majority that he is listening to them. I can only hope that some members in the House who represent many state and state university employees will have the same courage that Sen McCann had.
- Roamin' Numeral - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:57 am:
He did the right thing. He was voting his district.
Not everyone strives to be Raunerbot.
- GOP Veteran - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:00 am:
We got your back Sam! Illinois needs elected officials who are not always pawns of the leadership, both sides if the aisle.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:00 am:
Remember,
McCann has an undercurrent that is also still very real, and still very much in play from well before Rauner took the oath.
There are more moving parts than choosing to side with his constituents. Food for thought.
- Former Merit Comp Slave - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:01 am:
This is how it’s supposed to work. Refreshing when it actually does. Kudos Senator!
- Mama - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:03 am:
I admire a public figure who cares about standing up for what is right - by voting for his constituents (the voters & taxpayers).
“I was elected to serve my constituents.” I wish my rep from Bloomington understood what McCann stands for.
- Team Sleep - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:03 am:
Sorry for being cynical, but President Cullerton and then-COS Andy Manar knew what they were doing when they drew Sam into a district with more state employees than any other district.
- Buzzie - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:05 am:
Every Republican and Democratic leader must feel a shiver of fear run down their spine when they read or hear such statements from a legislators. They must hope that such actions are merely isolated incidents and will not be repeated by other elected individuals.
- South Central - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:07 am:
Dear Governor and all elected types:
Please read this letter.
Notice the attitude.
Notice the professed commitment to the citizens that elected him.
This. More of this please…and a lot less of what you’ve been offering.
- A. Staller - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:07 am:
Yea, “independent” arbitrators appointed by the same self-serving cabal who drove the state off a cliff and whose decisions can’t be undone. The future looks bright for Illinois finances.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:08 am:
===appointed by the same self-serving cabal===
Um, whom do you think appoints those arbitrators?
- Coach - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:09 am:
Congrats! He will be re-elected! More should follow his lead!
- Norseman - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:10 am:
If you appreciate his vote, back it up with money and effort. He’s looking at a primary opponent.
On the subject of responsive legislators, Bernie had a story about a Rauner sycophant considering a run against Sherer. A quote talks about how Rauner’s anti-union efforts are not actually anti-union.
- The Equalizer - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:14 am:
How refreshing.
- downstate commissioner - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:14 am:
Hope my Springfield area Representative (Tim Butler), and others from the surrounding areas, with many state employees in their districts, are paying attention… (And I am not a state employee!)
- The Muse - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:14 am:
= Put a fork in him. He’s done =
McCann is going to be fine. Sure his parking spot isn’t as good as it used to be, but hey, the guy knows his district and he seems to have voted his conscience. Nothing wrong with that and given Radogno’s weakness (if Jacobs would have won she’d be toast) supporting Righter probably wasn’t a bad move.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:16 am:
==Perhaps you need to read more carefully. That is what the bill does.==
Perhaps you need to re-read this part:
“except that the right to strike shall not be considered waived pursuant to Section 17 of this Act, until the actual convening of the Arbitration hearing”
In other words, depending on how much the arbitrator wants to draw out the hearing date, there absolutely is a provision of the bill allowing for a window for a strike (but not the same provision for a lockout).
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:17 am:
Praise and deep gratitude to Sen. McCann, for standing with his constituents and recognizing the vital services they provide for the state.
Praise and great thanks also to the union members who so got so involved, and who are so involved, in lobbying for their economic security and collective voice in the workplace. This is what grassroots looks like, and not the union-stripping efforts of a few multimillionaires and billionaires.
This is what I hope happens in relevant Republican House districts, where many union members and state employees reside. I hope that enough legislators listen to their union constituents/voters and have the courage to vote for the override.
- Robert the 1st - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:18 am:
“The bills forces BOTH sides (not just the Governor) to be reasonable”
Yet one side wrote & lobbied for this bill. The same side that hasn’t moved one inch in their demands since they started pushing this “neutral” bill.
- Facts are Stubborn Things - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:21 am:
Good man….I wish I could vote for him.
- Concerned - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:25 am:
And Robert, here’s the rub–that one side you don’t like will have to moderate their proposal, too, or risk having the arbitrator select the Governor’s. See how that works?
Or, here’s an alternative, the pressure of handing the selection of the two competing proposals over to an arbitrator could bring the parties to an agreement!
- walker - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:26 am:
This isn’t about the bill or the override.
It’s about a politician’s dilemma: Do I represent my constituents or my political party allies?
Always admire the choice to do the former.
- Truthteller - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:27 am:
Blagojevich got in trouble for attempting to sell a US Senate seat. Rauner will now try to buy an Illinois Senate seat because one senator had the temerity to vote for his constituents. You can bet the Rauner backed candidate would never do that.
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:34 am:
– the future looks bright for Illinois finances–
I don’t think so. As we speak, money is going out at a rate of $6 billion more than is being taken in.
Tnis wouldn’t be happening if Bruce Rauner was governor.
But, by law, he is the only one who can be governor at this fme.
- PravdaOnThePrairie - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:36 am:
“Yet one side wrote & lobbied for this bill. The same side that hasn’t moved one inch in their demands since they started pushing this “neutral” bill.”
THIS
- Pacman - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:39 am:
First of all well done Senator! Arbitration is not all that bad, contrary to A. Stalker’so assertion that an arbitrator decision can’t be undone they can be undone by the courts. An arbitrators decision can be appealed. I’m a retired Police Officer and have been on the unions negotiating team and my experience has been that both sides want to avoid arbitration, neither side wants to roll the dice. In my entire career we never went to arbitration over contract negotiations.
- Mason born - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:41 am:
Anonymous
Fair catch. However I wonder if going to the arbitrator is such a sure win for AFSCME as the governor claims why would they strike?
The governors rhetoric doesn’t match his actions. If he is truly devoted to negotiating a contract In good faith and absolutely never lockout those hard working folks. (His words) Why wouldn’t he sign this? Ask yourself this if GM or Cat was handed the option to sign a legally binding agreement taking lockout and a strike off the table (or limiting the possible length) in favor of binding arbitration would they sign? They’d be signing before it could cool from the copier.
- SAP - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:42 am:
As the saying goes: “Only Nixon could go to China”.
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:44 am:
Citizen Rauner thought no-strike and arbitration was a swell idea for CPS.
- PolPal56 - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:51 am:
McCann is much more admirable than my senator, who tucked his tail between his legs and didn’t even vote. Neil Anderson was voted in in part because Mike Jacobs voted for pension theft. Anderson lied his way through the primary as pro-Union, and he’s making a one term bed for himself.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:51 am:
==why would they strike?==
Why don’t they want to call this bill what it really is, a no lockout, possible strike, forced arbitration mandate?
- Ottawa Phil - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:53 am:
Finished.
- Hedley Lamarr - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 10:58 am:
With a leader like Radagno, you have nothing to fear.
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:03 am:
==Every Republican and Democratic leader must feel a shiver of fear run down their spine when they read or hear such statements from a legislators. ==
Not so sure about that. The good leaders get to stay where they are (and get certain votes when they really need them). It’s because they recognize that their members need to vote their districts. Madigan knows this, that’s part of how he keeps his majority. Rauner isn’t quite there yet.
- Joe M - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:03 am:
AFSCME is willing to take the chance that an arbitrator will find their final offer more reasonable than the Governor’s final offer. Obviously, the Governor doesn’t want to take that chance - which makes one think that the Governor doesn’t want to negotiate a reasonable offer in good faith. All the more reason the bill is needed.
- A Jack - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:17 am:
I should move back to the 50th and out of Bill Brady’s district since Brady is ignoring his constituents in Menard County. I hope someone runs against him because all Rauner’s money in the world won’t get me to ever vote for Brady again.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:17 am:
If McCann makes this his reelection issue, it is a winner. Because he sure doesn’t want voters thinking about his business money problems.
What Sam did was create a political opponent who doesn’t want him to be reelected, and is about as popular in his district as Ebola. Sam can play David to Rauner’s Goliath. Standing up for his district is a more attractive campaign message than explaining away his tax problems.
Good move Sam. Make Rauner the issue, not you.
- Precinct Captain - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:18 am:
This just goes to show how impotent the rest of the GOP legislators are. Maybe the cookies Rauner feeds his lapdogs just weren’t doing it for McCann?
==- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 9:50 am:==
We know Rauner doesn’t like someone going against him–principled or not–so McCann and his family better watch out.
- Anonin' - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:19 am:
The best part was Sam cashed the May rental payment from TeeamBungle…..maybe we should meet him at the Fish Fry
- john - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:24 am:
Anon - The arbitrator can’t “drag out the hearing date”. The timetable for every single phase of the arbitration process is set out clearly in 5 ILCS 315/14.
Also, if you read the whole section, you will see that only the Governor has the ability to appeal to the Labor Board if he thinks the arbitrator’s decision is unfair. State employees have to go to court to the “arbitration panel was without or exceeded its statutory authority; the order was arbitrary, or capricious; or the order was procured by fraud, collusion or other similar and unlawful means” in order to get the arbitration decision reversed.
You will also see that the Labor Board has a lot of power in arbitration. And who appointed 3 of the 5 members of the Labor Board - Governor Rauner did. And a fourth worked for Gov. Edgar.
Arbitration isn’t a “slam dunk for the unions,” as the Governor is trying to portray.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:24 am:
- Precinct Captain -
Maybe that island fallout bunker is big enough for them all(?)
Funny thing is (ironic actually) is his many times Madigan has House allies run against him (Madigan).
Then again, Madigan is all about “60+”, and not too concerned how he gets “there”
- RNUG - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:28 am:
Although he has some business / tax issues, Illinois citizens need more people like Sam McCann in the General Assembly. He does listen to his constitutients. I’m glad he is my State Senator; I voted for him the first time and will be doing so again. As Norseman said, we will all need to vote in the primary and give financial support to keep him in office.
Now I just hope my State Representative, Raymond Poe, votes the same way when the override vote is taken in the House. I expect he will because he is very well liked in his district and represents lots of state workers; he shouldn’t need Rauner’s money to win re-election.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:32 am:
Oswego says -
“This is a man, on an island…
… now… digging a fallout shelter on the beach.
Truman never suggested burning every bridge, and making your word meaningless.
Remember,
McCann has an undercurrent that is also still very real, and still very much in play from well before Rauner took the oath.
There are more moving parts than choosing to side with his constituents. Food for thought.”
Please fill us in on what you are winking and nudging at here. I am truly curious.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:33 am:
- RNUG -,
I always appreciate your take and especially appreciate, with deference, your pension knowledge and understanding of Illinois’ fiscal house.
If McCann would’ve made right with Radogno and would’ve stayed right with his word in Caucus politics, I’d be more of a fan, maybe even at the level you are.
I will say, your loyalty and understanding speaks to you and reinforces for me why I do hold you in high esteem.
- Seren - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:34 am:
“I also don’t particularly care for the vote was rescheduled.”
Huh?
- Perses - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:37 am:
I voted for him. Will never repeat that mistake.
- GOP Extremist - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:38 am:
Sam did exactly what a politician is supposed to do, be the voice of his people, not just another puppet legislator that Rauner controls. Regardless of the lies the Administration keeps telling, contract negotiations haven’t even reached monetary considerations. They are still stuck negotiating non monetary items (work/contract rules) which these items are usually non controversial and done early in talks (Feb, March, April). Rainer says the union is demanding pay raises, additional vacation and more generous benefits. This is simply untrue, AFSME would be ecstatic just to hold the line. Step raises, vacation earning rates are already in the existing contract but the Governor doesn’t believe that the old contract should be any kind of a starting point for negotiations on a new contract. He would like a fresh start (turn back the clock), so he considers these long standing gains by AFSME to be completely new demands and he knows that an arbitrator will most likely not conform to this extremist point of view. More tough votes to come!! Rep. Poe, you’re on deck.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:43 am:
” - Anonymous - “,
I walk it around the barn a few times with my comment to - RNUG -
- Mason born - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 11:51 am:
Anonymous 10:51
I can’t think of a better way to poison an arbitration hearing than striking for the days or weeks before the first meeting. I’m pretty sure that always makes the other side look reasonable.
- RNUG - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 12:13 pm:
-OW-
Sam isn’t perfect, but he was better than the other choices we had. In the end, they are all politicans. Personally, I prefer a bit of a maverick as opposed to a party line toadie. I may not always agree with them but I do respect the ones who take time to listen, generally vote their district, and when they don’t, have a solid conviction on why they didn’t.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 12:15 pm:
- RNUG -
You are looking at it in the micro, as I try to maket case in the macro. Micro wins districts. Micro wins votes in the districts too.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 12:17 pm:
I hope Adam Brown reads this letter and does likewise. It would restore the confidence I had in him prior to his cashing of the Governor’s check.
- Honeybear - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 12:31 pm:
I think another factor to put in the gravy is the Freidrichs v CTA decision coming out of the Supreme court. AFSCME is not hopeful. If unions lose fairshare it will be an awful blow nationally. Ironically, Rauner has so galvanized Illinois unions that the blow may be blunted in the state. Frankly if I were Rauner I would have backed off and waited to see if the Supreme court took the heavy load.
- Honeybear - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 12:33 pm:
Friedrichs v CTA is expected to come out in Dec
- Mama - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 12:35 pm:
“If McCann would’ve made right with Radogno and would’ve stayed right with his word in Caucus politics, I’d be more of a fan, maybe even at the level you are. ”
OW, How can he stay right with Radogno and would’ve stayed right with his word in Caucus politics, & still be able to vote with his people?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 12:36 pm:
- Mama -,
It’s internal caucus politics well before Rauner.
It’s an old, old, OLD story.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 12:40 pm:
===OW, How can he stay right with Radogno===
Pretty easily.
Just keep your word. If you say you’re voting for her reelection as leader, do so.
- PublicServant - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 12:44 pm:
Late to the Party today, but while giving kudos to Senator McCann for his vote, and honest letter, I want to take this opportunity to say that commenter Very Fed Up has earned kudos too, for acknowledging his respect for the senator’s honesty even though he might disagree with him. Good for you VFU…even though we disagree pretty consistently.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 12:45 pm:
Rich “parked” it.
- burbanite - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 12:54 pm:
Because of the voters and the legislators they control! Kudos to Sen. McCann!
- Mama - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 1:57 pm:
Ok… now I understand. I was thinking you were referring to keeping his word on voting against SB1229.
- Team Sleep - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 2:05 pm:
I wonder how he would have voted if he were Vote 36 instead of Vote 38. Kind of like Ahn Cao at the tail end of the ACA vote in early 2010.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 2:08 pm:
Thank you Willy and Rich for answering my question from 11:32. Still appreciate his vote but will now temper my appeciation for the pure nobility he wraps himself in.
- Mason born - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 2:08 pm:
Sleep
Somehow I don’t think Rauner cares that his vote wasn’t the deciding one. Have to keep 100% loyalty.
- Team Sleep - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 2:12 pm:
Mason - I question the veracity of McCann’s vote, not Rauner’s concern. Would he have cast it if the green tabs totaled 35?!
- Anon - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 3:38 pm:
I’ll take him at face value. His constituents probably do want more largesse for AFSCME that will somehow come free of more taxes.
As someone keeps saying, this is Illinois.
- sal-says - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 6:46 pm:
Mr. McCann.
Be proud. Great job!
Thank you.
sal-says
- cdog - Thursday, Aug 27, 15 @ 7:45 pm:
Let’s make Sam the Grand Marshall for the Springfield Labor Day Parade!! (I would love to see some front and center press leading up to the parade.)
Any more Raunerbots going to remember their God-given Free Will and vote to override?!!
Get that bill through the House! Keep backing Queen Rauner in to the corner! (no innuendo other than chess intended