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FOP wants override of AFSCME bill veto

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Illinois

* From a press release…

The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), representing more than 32,000 active duty and retired police officers, is urging the members of the Illinois House of Representatives to follow the lead set by the Senate and vote to override Governor Bruce Rauner’s veto of Senate Bill 1229. This common-sense legislation will allow state employees to continue providing critical state services even if they are unable to reach a collective bargaining agreement with the Rauner administration. Millions of Illinoisans count on the services these state workers provide every day, and the legislation will ensure that these services continue without interruption, regardless of where the collective bargaining process stands.

“Senate Bill 1229 removes the ‘my way or the highway’ mentality from collective bargaining,” said Illinois FOP Legislative Chairman Keith Turney. “It provides a fair and equitable process for resolving disputes while making sure our veterans care, child protection, education, public safety, and many more vital state services continue unabated.”

Senate Bill 1229 provides a fair and independent process by which Illinois can avoid a work stoppage. If an impasse is reached during collective bargaining, the legislation requires both sides to present reasonable proposals to an independent arbitrator rather than go out on strike or institute a lockout. The arbitrator will carefully consider the proposals made by both sides and determine a course of action. The arbitration process typically helps both sides reach some reasonable middle ground in the collective bargaining process.

Mandating the use of an arbitrator in lieu of a strike or lockout, called interest arbitration, has been in place for years regarding contract talks with police, fire and other public safety officers in Illinois, including FOP members. Senate Bill 1229 will extend those provisions to cover contract talks with all state employees for the short term.

“There have been no labor stoppages among public safety sector employees like FOP members in the decades since this process has been in place,” said Illinois FOP Labor Council Executive Director David Wickster. “It works for both sides and keeps public employees at their jobs and off the picket line.”

“There is no doubt that Illinois is in bad financial shape, but we need to remember that state employees have ALWAYS paid their fair share through payroll deductions for pensions and other legally negotiated benefits,” said FOP President Chris Southwood. “The men and women of this state deserve to be fairly compensated for their work, and the citizens of Illinois have a right to expect uninterrupted state services. Everybody wins with this common-sense legislation. We applaud the members of the Senate who voted to override the Governor’s veto, and we urge the members of the House to join their colleagues and do the right thing.“

The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing more than 32,000 active duty and retired police officers - more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 8:48 am

Comments

Thank you FOP!

Comment by Fed up with Rauner Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 8:55 am
The state is at a budget impasse. I don’t think Illinois needs any more strife, so it’s a great idea in my opinion to override the veto and cool things down. Unionized state workers need to be doing the business of the taxpayers, not scurrying to defend their livelihoods via strike preparation or even entertaining the thought of a strike.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 8:55 am
Once Labor realizes that, although the “trades” and industries, skills and duties differ so greatly, there’s one single ideal the Labor Movement, collectively, needs to come to grips with;

Rauner wants to end collective bargaining.

Labor should sll be able to see that one galvanizing point to rally around.

If they ever do…

Rauner is betting… they never will.

The FOP here is “getting it”, but will Labor understand a bigger picture too, before it’s too late?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 8:55 am
“Thank you FOP!”

I second that!

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:01 am
Thanks! I promise not to break any laws all weekend.

Comment by A Jack Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:01 am
Nice!

Comment by burbanite Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:03 am
How’s that Quinn endorsement working out for you Southwood……….. Yea that’s what I thought

Comment by ProudStateTrooper Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:04 am
Thumbs up for the FOP!

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:11 am
Wow.Thank you for the great support from FOP.

OW: I’m hopeful that Labor is “getting it” and that this is one of the signs. At least there’s more awareness generally now than there was in 2011, when Walker was able to pull a fast one and end collective bargaining in Wisconsin.

Comment by Crispy Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:12 am
The House passed SB1229 67-25-3.

Twenty-three members, mostly GOP, did not cast a vote.

Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:12 am
“Senate Bill 1229 will extend those provisions to cover contract talks with all state employees for the short term.”

Right. The “short term”. This is not about anything other than legislating around a new Governor who refuses to give away taxpayers’ money like Blago and Quinn … who barely bargained but rather cut deals for support of those they “bargained” against.

Comment by Georg Sande Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:22 am
Glad FOP is supporting. The sad part is so many members of the FOP supported Rauner. He specifically went to them and promised he would not affected police pensions and employees. Many members believed him. They have a lot of making up to do.

Comment by illlinifan Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:25 am
@George:

Not give away taxpayers monies? What do you call the Prison Industrial Complex south of I-80? Oh, and by the way the Bologna Sandwich Servers that work there are union…complete with Free Government Healthcare and Pensions. A drain on taxpayers your friend Bruce is too chicken to address.

Comment by Jack Stephens Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:26 am
A union wants a bill written by another Union to become law. Shocking.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:27 am
“like Blago and Quinn … who barely bargained but rather cut deals”

I don’t know about Blago but in the last round of negotiations, Quinn cancelled raises. Then in his own version of the “my way or the highway” approach, he terminated the contract, nearly forcing the first strike in Council 31 history.

Comment by Nick Name Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:29 am
SB1229 is the worst bill of the session. Poor unions don’t want to actually ya know, negotiate. Spoiled whiners now gaming the system to get their way. If this override goes through, and it looks like it will, I hope the Governor does whatever he can to stick it to AFSCME, SEIU and now the FOP.
We are broke people and you’re not helping the middle class here, you’re throwing another shovel-full of dirt on our grave!

Comment by Anon2U Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:31 am
“Quinn … who barely bargained but rather cut deals” So Quinn got booed at the State Fair for being too nice?

Comment by Skeptic Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:32 am
Jack

What in the world are you talking about? Inmates aren’t union and state employees don’t get free healthcare? Are these mystical bologna sandwich fairies?

Comment by Mason born Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:33 am
===I hope the Governor does whatever he can to stick it to AFSCME, SEIU and now the FOP.===

So…

SB1229 is really about good faith, and you suggest “sticking it” to unions “if…”

It’s as though some can’t see their nose in front if their face, lol.

Making Rauner more polarizing… that ain’t helping the GOP.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:34 am
I think Quinn got booed because he signed contracts and the ink was barely dry when he tried to renege on the contract.
As far as Southwood endorsing Quinn, do you really think things would be any better if he had endorsed Rauner?

Comment by The Dude Abides Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:40 am
- Crispy -

Think if Rauner had Raunerite Caucuses in the GA. Rauner wants the Walker Agenda points passes and over his signature, including the complete dismantling of collective bargaining in Illinois.

Will the Labor Movement be wise to the idea a Rauner GA member is one vote closer to their collective bargaining demise?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:40 am
Willy

Careful now don’t you know all state wokers are Volgon’s who’s only job skills are holding up shovels and moving forms from one box to the other? They’re lucky the state even pays them minimum wage. /S

Comment by Mason born Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:40 am
I recall quite well under Blago having a AFSCME demostration around the capital and having Barack Obama giving us a speech because Blago was too chicken to show.

So Blago did cave eventually, but it wasn’t as easy as all that.

Comment by A Jack Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:42 am
Dude

Actually the AFSCME contract was not signed till after the state fair last time. At least that’s how I remember the conversation going.

Comment by Mason born Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:42 am
Jack - in principle, I agree that prison reform and staffing issues need to be addressed. But this will all take time. Overall prison reforms don’t happen overnight. Think about how long it took Senator Raoul to finalize and muscle through the body cam bill - and that’s something most parties could actually agree upon. Governor Rauner has already signed a few reforms into place, and my guess is that he will eventually negotiate an agreement on HB 217.

Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:43 am
- Mason born -,

You keep me in line!

I always forget those details.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:43 am
OW,
So the unions have no polarizing effect in this? How about the Dems that support this? There has been no indication at all that Rauner doesn’t want to negotiate. In fact the opposite is true. Has he inked deals with other unions? He has.
AFSCME and their puppet Smiddy don’t like the fact that there is now someone playing defense in what has historically been a game with just one team on the field. They don’t like it so they are taking their ball and going home.
Much respect but the polarization is stemming from AFSCME and Dems who support this bill.

Comment by Anon2U Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:47 am
===They don’t like it so they are taking their ball and going home.===

Is that what SB1229 says? News to me.

===Has he inked deals with other unions? He has.===

Are the specific parameters… and agreements… in line with what Rauner offered to AFSCME?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 9:50 am
The Union Bosses stick together.

Comment by huh? Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:00 am
Metaphor. It’s a metaphor.
They don’t want any part of Rauner and they are removing him from the process.

Teamsters inked a deal. Why can’t AFSCME? Because they don’t want to IMHO.

Comment by Anon2U Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:03 am
“The Union Bosses stick together.” And Rauner and the Republicans he’s bought … ?

Comment by Skeptic Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:03 am
==There has been no indication at all that Rauner doesn’t want to negotiate.==

He used government shutdowns and labor strife as applause lines in his stump speech. The indications are as obvious as klieg lights.

==Much respect but the polarization is stemming from AFSCME and Dems who support this bill.==

Support for the bill is bipartisan.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:04 am
Georg sande quinns last contract negotiation was the longest session ever because the quinns refrom demands. Quinn actually got the union to agree to retirees kicking in to the cost of their health care! Its not a giveaway when you get the union to add payments of fees to their memebers that they never paid before.

Yes yhe supreme court through out those fees, but quinn was not giving away at all

Comment by Ghost Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:06 am
- Anon2U -

With respect,

Was AFSCME given the same very specific parameters as the Teamsters? Why or why not? What differences preclude a similar agreement that you see as AFSCME just holding out?

I appreciate your back and forth, as always.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:06 am
==Teamsters inked a deal. Why can’t AFSCME? Because they don’t want to IMHO.==

AFSCME hasn’t been offered the Teamsters’ deal.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:07 am
@mason:

Prison workers are union workers.

Comment by Jack Stephens Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:14 am
“What do you call the Prison Industrial Complex south of I-80?”

I called it the Republican Jobs Program of 1976-2002

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:14 am
Arsenal is correct. And the offer to the remainder of Teamsters Joint Council 25 is pretty good. AFSCME’s?! Compared to the Teamsters offer(s), not so much.

Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:18 am
@joe:

Agreed. The Republican Patronage Army of Illinois.

Comment by Jack Stephens Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:20 am
No surprise here at all. Police officers and firefighters have fared well with interest arbitration.

Comment by Anon Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:24 am
Wow, now the FOP and its police members are corrupt, too.

Comment by D.P.Gumby Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:26 am
This needs to be overridden as a lesson to the frat boys that they need to negotiate.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:29 am
Why does Rauner hate the teachers and AFSCME unions?

Comment by Mama Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:31 am
…The men and women of this state deserve to be fairly compensated for their work, and the citizens of Illinois have a right to expect uninterrupted state services…

That covers the service offered and the compensation for the people providing the product, but leaves out the all-important price of the service. Fair is a subjective term, depending on who’s buying or selling.

I wonder if the FOP Executive Director applies that same practice to his personal purchases. Does he try to get the best deal for himself at the Chevy dealer? Does “fair compensation” come up in the conversation at the Wendy’s counter? Or does lowest price rule the day when it’s his money?

Comment by nixit71 Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:33 am
Anon2U - you really don’t know what you’re talking about. Rauner opposes this bill not because it takes away the ability to negotiate but because it takes away his ability to NOT negotiate. Under current law, he can diddle around on pseudo-negotiations and then stick it to the union with a last best offer. Under the bill, he risks losing in an arbitration, so he HAS to negotiate. But, my guess is, you actually do know that . . .

Comment by Rasselas Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:33 am
“Mandating the use of an arbitrator in lieu of a strike or lockout, called interest arbitration, has been in place for years regarding contract talks with police, fire and other public safety officers in Illinois, including FOP members.”

Ask local governments how that has worked out for them before everyone goes jumping on the bandwagon. Arbitrators can’t be independent because to get work, they have to make sure there are giveaways for both sides, even when there is no room sometimes.

Comment by Shemp Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:36 am
- nixit71 -

If the FOP ED is negotiating with Wendy’s for a 3 year deal for a “single”, you update us how that goes.

If the Chevy he buys is from a wholesaler or factory direct, update us on that too.

Thanks.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:37 am
Jack

Yes they are as I stated however they do not get free healthcare. So just who do you think your alluding too?

Comment by Mason born Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:38 am
==Why does Rauner hate the teachers and AFSCME unions?==

Might have something to do with the $1M they collectively dumped into Dillard’s gubernatorial campaign last March.

Comment by nixit71 Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:41 am
Nixit, that sounded a lot like you think my work is equivalent to a Wendy’s worker. How about you tell me what you do and I’ll evaluate your value. I get that there are lazy state workers out there. But having spent 98% of my career in the private sector, I can also point to an equivalent amount of lazy private sector middle management. Both of us can point to the good and bad members of our sector. But don’t throw rocks at my glass house and I won’t throw at yours. Let’s hold up the good ones, motivate and strive to get all our employees and managers to be like them.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:43 am
So, OW, a few questions:
1) Is it your understanding that arbitrators can support increasing wages and benefits when it is clear that the governmental unit has no money to pay for it with current revenues without failing to provide other necessary funding? It’s my understanding, and experience, that they often do. This is the recipe for fiscal disaster. I recall one “arbitrator” who was previously a negotiator for a union, ordering an increase for fire department compensation for which no revenues were available. The arbitrator just told the district to raise taxes or fail to maintain equipment or facilities to provide raises for workers already making far above state average for their job titles. Taxpayers can’t accept this kind of ‘arbitration”.
2) Are you aware of any guidelines issued by the labor relations board that set limits on compensation based upon ability of government to pay? I’m not.
3) Are you aware of any mechanism, and experience, of arbitrators suggesting a pay or compensation CUT for government workers already making above average compensation? I haven’t, but if you have please educate me.

Comment by Arizona Bob Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:44 am
Nice get for the AFSCME team.

Now let’s see a Teamsters endorsement for the override.

Comment by walker Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:45 am
@OW - UPDATE: Per the GM Website…

Q. Can I purchase a Chevrolet directly from the factory?
A. No.

UPDATE

Comment by nixit71 Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:45 am
An agreement was reached with one Teamsters Local so far not even all the Teamsters. This Teamsters Local did not have to negotiate over insurance because they don’t use the State plan. AFSCME is the only union that negotiates insurance for everyone covered by the State plan. There is no legitimate comparison to be made.

Comment by Bibe Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:48 am
@mason:

I’m alluding to an out of touch governor who thinks that union workers start the grill in the backyard with discarded $100.00 bills!

The man wants class warfare….

Comment by Jack Stephens Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:48 am
Can Teamsters be far behind?

Comment by Anonin' Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:50 am
- Arizona Bob -,

1) The pension ruling indicated that “crisis” by not choosing other avenues to find solutions isn’t a real crisis.

What you are “asking/saying” about “2 & 3″… if you have a point, make it, because who are you arguing with, and what’s your argument?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:52 am
OW: As always, thanks for clarity, and for your points about the consequences to labor if Raunerites were to take over the GA. I meant to say that I hope labor figures this out before it’s too late, and I hope the FOP letter is a sign that they are getting it. I realize this may be wishful thinking on my part. …

Comment by Crispy Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:53 am
Nixit

What willy is talking about are dealers who sell at wholesale prices. I assure you they are out there I don’t know your zipcode or I’d give you a name. Got my ‘15 Sierrra for less than a ‘13 preowned.

Comment by Mason born Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:54 am
Jack

I apologize my snark filter missed it.

Comment by Mason born Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:54 am
Best way for the Governor to shut down 1229 is to offer the equivalent of the Teamsters deal. Negotiations would be done.

Comment by Mason born Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 10:57 am
@Honeybear - Sorry, I wasn’t equating any state workers to fast food workers. It wasn’t my intent, and I apologize. And I don’t subscribe the the lazy state worker stereotype either.

My comment is meant towards the FOD ED’s comment, which I hear consistently from other labor leaders. They talk up the service. They talk up the compensation of those providing the service. But they never mention the price of the service. Which makes me wonder, when it’s THEIR money - and not their money in a giant pool of everyone’s money - what is their behavior? Getting the best deal? Do they ask those same questions?

Comment by nixit71 Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 11:02 am
Nixit - you’re on the right track. That’s why it’s not “wrong” to question the real costs of overall pay & benefits. It’s not “chicken” or “unpatriotic” to ask if a police or firefighter CBA is hosing (sorry for the pun) local taxpayers. It’s not off-base to ask if AFSCME’s contract is bad for the state taxpayers. You’re talking about tens of thousands of employees who not only receive a salary but also receive health & life insurance and, most importantly, a pension guarantee.

Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 11:10 am
Looks like that union-splitting plan of divide and conquer is on the ropes, huh Bruce. Good on you, FOP.

Comment by PublicServant Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 11:17 am
Once Rauner loses arbitration, his next move will be to issue layoffs to balance the budget. I believe he is already doing this and employees are looking at their bumping rights.

Comment by The Colossus of Roads Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 11:32 am
Colossus

Layoffs are going yo be hard for Rauner to gain anything for these reasons.
1. Blago and Quinn both chose to restrict hiring and leave positions unfilled to save money. In otherwords all ready done.
2. If somehow Seniority rights aren’t addressed the end result will be less tier 2 pension payments and more tier 1 cost. As Rnug has explained tier 2 is “fixing” the pensions by over paying.
3. Finally at some point we will run critically low on bodies and services will suffer.

Comment by Mason born Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 11:44 am
Nixit/ Team sleep, my apologies as well. And it is a legitimate question. I really wish that Management would negotiate hard towards what the military has fitness reports for all. I think there needs to be at least annual evaluations of employees and management. I’ve got coworkers who aren’t competant and frankly worthless and a 2nd in command of my shop that is the dumbest individual that I have ever met. I’d love to see a fair process of evaluation weed out the bad folks. The military has it. Why can’t public servants have the same.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 11:47 am
Colossus, I’m afraid you’re right. He’ll lay off folks as vengeance.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 11:50 am
But layoffs were in the plan for year 2 I bet.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 11:51 am
So, Quinn got some Union givebacks last round of negotiations. And there was no interest arbitration law in place. Maybe it was the strike/lockout threat that got the union to agree to give up some of their outrageous perks.

Comment by Bored Chairman Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 12:08 pm
What everyone over looks is that the Teamster Contract that was signed does NOT involve the healthcare issue. While actively working for the State, these employees get their healthcare through a Teamster healthcare plan, it is only after they retire that they rejoin the State healthcare plane. The healthcare issue is a BIG issue in the negotiations with the other unions.

Comment by Frank Ambrose Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 12:16 pm
==Maybe it was the strike/lockout threat that got the union to agree to give up some of their outrageous perks.==

I mean, there’s a factual record here, no need for “maybes”. Did Pat Quinn threaten to lockout AFSCME?

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 12:31 pm
==Teamsters inked a deal==

Has anyone seen that those 300 or so Teamster members actually voted to ratify that contract? The Teamster leaders obviously reached an agreement with the Governor, but I’ve never seen the results of the member’s ratification vote published anywhere.

Comment by Joe M Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 1:53 pm
The facts are in.
We have witnessed how Rauner “negotiates”.
He has earned every veto override vote he gets.
He worked hard to shoot himself in both feet and look thoroughly ungubernatorial, vindictive and unethical. Instead of being above the fray - Bruce Rauner has lowered the bar of acceptable public hatred towards the very government he leads.

Defeat him. Perhaps then, he might just listen to reason. We’ve tried everything else. We have to try making him pay a price higher than what he can afford. Overturning his veto will give Illinois hope again.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 3:06 pm
Question to ALL: how is an override going to help this state out of its financial mess?

Comment by Blue dog dem Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 3:11 pm
– how is an override going to help this state out of it’s financial mess?–

How are the issues related? Numbers and logic, please.

Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 3:42 pm
Blue Dog, if SB 1229 is overridden the state will hobble along as best it can with a workforce. It will force Rauner to give up his plans for a final showdown with labor. With his pet project gone he’ll have to get a budget done. We’ll raise taxes, cut spending, do a good deal of layoffs and pull out of the nosedive. He’s never really wanted to govern. He from the start only wanted to break labor. If he is thwarted he’ll retreat to his man cave and plot revenge. The turnaround agenda only vaguely had anything to do with being business friendly. When you talk to site selection folks, the issues on the turnaround agenda in a business moving here are low down on the list. Yes if fully implimented it might make Illinois more competative but not to the extent that would make it worth it. Companies move for very complex reasons. Plus Illinois’ growth needs to be made by empowering our midsized companies, our “gazelles”. Not by placating large ones by tax incentives forced by threat of moving to Indiana.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 4:15 pm
Blue Dog: Please provide economic analysis that shows any of the Rauner techniques aiding in clearing unpaid bills, or budget stability, or provides $ to cover unfunded pensions?

NOTHING in the Rauner plan solves the 3 basic budget problems.

Why, Blue Dog, should state employees be the ones to solve the state budget problems? Because you are to fr**king cheap to pay appropriate taxes?

Even if Rauner’s fantasy about increased state employee costs is true, that is far better than ANYTHING in the Rauner BS!

In fact, Blue Dog, increased income to state employees STAYS IN THE STATE and will be taxed (income, sales, cig, etc.)!! Rauner’s BS is a LOSS to state revenues since many biz pay little or nothing in income tax, i.e., Caterpillar, and most pay zero sales tax (equipment or retail inventory). Laffeer economic ideas are fraudulent!

Comment by IL17Progressive Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 4:19 pm
Blue dog

How does the veto help?
Does a strike help the state?
How about if its 30+ days how does that help the state economy?

Comment by Mason born Friday, Aug 28, 15 @ 4:20 pm