* Apparently, one of these facilities was using some non-union labor and a small union beefed and a business group has its hair all on fire while others are actually trying to work out a more acceptable compromise…

A little-noticed clause that’s starting to pick up steam in Springfield threatens to kneecap what has been a rare Illinois economic development success story of late: the growth of data centers here.

Under terms of a measure awaiting action by the Illinois House, operators of all new and prospective data centers would be required to sign a “labor peace agreement” with a union representing those who work on “but not limited to, pumps, chillers and coolers, fire line safety equipment, backup power generators, building automation system controls and water treatment systems.”

Data centers typically employ such workers, and industry officials say many such agreements in effect elsewhere in Illinois, usually construction jobs, require employers to fill all vacancies from a list of applicants supplied by the union. While it’s not explicit in the legislation, as a practical matter it would mean data centers almost certainly would need to use union-supplied labor.

The Tribune editorial board does what it does…

So what’s got us worked up about data centers? Legislation with an amendment sponsored in the House by state Rep. Mark Walker, an Arlington Heights Democrat, that would require new and prospective data centers to sign so-called peace labor agreements with unions representing workers who maintain typical data center infrastructure, such as cooling and fire safety equipment, backup generators and water treatment systems. The measure is part of an amendment to the state’s 2-year-old tax credit program for data centers, which Republicans pushed, that so far has brought in $5 billion in private investment to Illinois’ data center industry. […]

What was Walker thinking? No clue.

Um, maybe pick up the phone and ask?

Either way, this provision would cover a teeny-tiny number of workers, so the Democrats really need to figure this out and move the heck on.

* Tribune…

A bill that would make Juneteenth National Freedom Day the 13th official state holiday was approved without opposition by the Illinois House on Thursday.

The bill would make June 19 a school holiday and a paid day off for all state employees. If June 19 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday would be on the following Monday.

The Senate previously passed the bill, and it will now head to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk. If signed, it would take effect immediately.

* BFC…

May 27, 2021

Dear friends and former colleagues,

This year, you face a challenge unlike any I ever faced in my decades in state government. COVID-19 has strained state and local budgets, and put huge pressure on all our institutions. This pandemic has also strained families who were already struggling to pay the bills. The virus has hit low-income families and communities of color especially hard. And the economic effects of the virus have been devastating.

For those who need help the most, I urge you to expand the state’s Earned Income Credit (EIC). The EIC, the state’s companion to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), is a targeted and effective tool in the battle against poverty embraced across the partisan divide. It means low-income working families can keep more of the money they earn. At the end of tax season, families receive the EIC in the form of an income tax refund. For most families, this is the largest check they’ll get all year; many build their budgets around it.

Many low-income Illinoisans who pay taxes aren’t currently eligible for the credit. Illinois follows the federal eligibility guidelines. This means workers under age 24 and over 65 are excluded, as are some taxpaying immigrants and family caregivers. This, when many families have had to cut their hours or step away from work to care for others during the pandemic. Other states, like California and Maine, have expanded their state EITC to include these hard-working residents. We should, too.

It’s time to limit the tax burden on our neighbors in need. Let’s take a step toward tax equity and economic security. HB2792/ SB2184 would expand Earned Income Credit eligibility so more hard-working families can get a refund. I respectfully urge you to turn these bills into law.

Sincerely,

Hon. Barbara Flynn Currie
Former House Majority Leader

* More…

* Springfield Legislators Face Long To-Do List Near Session’s End: Budget Negotiations; Hospitality Pandemic Recovery; Parent Notice Abortion Repeal ; Gun Ownership

* Springfield set to act on Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund unrest

* Senate passes ‘sexting’ measure, bill lifting benefit ban for those with drug convictions

* GOP Lawmakers Say ‘National Sex Education Standards’ Are Too Explicit For Illinois Schools