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* Background is here if you need it. Looks like the coverage was noticed by the national group…
Pressure reached the top. Now, the local hub is reconsidering their decision to pull disabled workers' paychecks — and end their jobs, which they love.
WATCH our story to meet Nick Braun, the 28-year-old autistic worker who called it his dream job: https://t.co/5euM1zPOHE https://t.co/JlaFW0N3nl
— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) July 17, 2019
* Peoria Public Radio…
Peoria-area Goodwill shoppers and donors can do so knowing that all employees will continue to be paid. That’s according to Don Johnson, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois.
Johnson’s comments come after reports that the Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries — which covers 15 locations in Springfield and Southern Illinois — plans to layoff workers with disabilities in order to offset the cost of Illinois’ rising minimum wage.
WCIA-TV originally broke the story, in which the not-for-profit said it was making changes to the Vocational Rehabilitation Program — even though it collects hundreds of thousands of dollars a year from state contracts, pays no taxes and has a federal waiver that allows it to pay less than the minimum wage to workers with disabilities.
But Johnson said not all Goodwills operate the same.
“That is not us. It’s not our territory,” Johnson said. “We pay our employees. Every year, they qualify for raises — in fact, we start them above the minimum wage line.”
* This morning…
State Senator Andy Manar is calling for a full review of state contracts and funding awarded to Land of Lincoln Goodwill following the nonprofit’s decision to pull paychecks from disabled workers.
The nonprofit recently told dozens of workers with disabilities that they would be laid off due to the state’s increase in the minimum wage even though the one dollar per hour increase doesn’t take effect for five months and it is exempt by the U.S. Department of Labor from paying these employees the minimum wage.
“An organization that eliminates opportunity for the most vulnerable people in the state while simultaneously driving up executive compensation should be ashamed of itself,” said Manar, a Bunker Hill Democrat. “Blaming a minimum wage increase that hasn’t even gone into effect and that does not apply to these workers after receiving an increase in taxpayer funding is unacceptable.”
According to a WCIA report, the executive director of the Land of Lincoln Goodwill is currently making $164,000. Further tax records show that Land of Lincoln Goodwill raised executive compensation for two positions during the height of the budget impasse by $86,155 over 3 years.
Land of Lincoln Goodwill currently receives nearly $400,000 in taxpayer funded contracts and was slated to receive a 3.5 percent funding increase under the state’s new budget.
Manar sent a letter to the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Department of Central Management Services and Governor JB Pritzker this morning asking for a review of all contracts with the nonprofit.
“When I work to craft and vote to support a state budget to increase funding for human services programs to benefit the well-being of the most vulnerable, it is not my intention to line the six figure pockets of executives at non-for-profit entities like Ms. Durbin. Goodwill’s mission statement explicitly states its intent to enhance people’s dignity by eliminating barriers to opportunity,” Manar said. “There seems to be an abundance of opportunity today for Ms. Durbin but not so much for Goodwill’s now unemployed disabled workers. Unfortunately, local Goodwill executives are on the wrong path and we must now take extra steps to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used properly and for their intended purposes.”
* Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living…
We urge Goodwill to change its plan and keep the doors open to hard working people with disabilities so they can lead independent lives.
— Illinois CILs (@IllinoisCILs) July 17, 2019
* Finke…
State records show that Land of Lincoln was paid nearly $585,000 in the 2018 fiscal year and $689,000 in the fiscal year that ended June 30. Most of the money came from the Department of Human Services, which pays Goodwill for pre-vocation skill building services.
“It’s like job readiness. It’s getting people with disabilities ready to be employed,” said DHS spokeswoman Meghan Powers.
When DHS learned of the situation, Powers said, the agency contacted Goodwill to see if there was anything the state could do to help.
“We’re planning to work with them as much as they need,” she said. “Obviously, we don’t want these individuals to be let go.”
* News-Gazette editorial…
Durbin’s message is especially galling because she makes about $165,000 as the agency’s CEO and employs her son, Brian Durbin, as the vice president of retail operations at a salary of more than $95,000 annually.
* When people who work for their mom complain about patronage…
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:02 am
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I imagine Brian Durbin will be spending some time on Facebook today deleting some old posts, maybe updating some privacy settings…
Comment by Notorious R.B.G. Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:11 am
Durbin joins Rauner in phony tears about the stare’s financial condition while gorging from it. That’s a big reason why Rauner was the worst governor, because he slammed others and waged war while gorging at the public employee pension trough and causing more financial and human damage than anyone, per capita.
With many right wingers, government is horrible when it benefits other people, especially those of color.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:11 am
===When people who work for their mom complain about patronage…===
“When Facebook is The Onion”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:12 am
=One estimate is that the additional minimum wage increase will cost the state another 1.1 billion dollars a year=
Is there no end to the fact-free blathering we see on a daily basis?
Comment by Bourbon Street Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:13 am
Senator Durbin stating he is no relation in 3..2..1
Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:15 am
Asking without looking myself, but asking for the sake of asking.
Sen. Manar, a downstate legislator, has spoken to this situation.
Have the former Raunerites made any statements.
If they have, I’ve passively looked. I haven’t seen any.
My hope is I plum missed them, and the “GOP” members including those of the 99th GA made a point of their feelings to this.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:17 am
“Businesses need a voice at the table…” Elections have consequences.
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:19 am
Bourbon Street- Facebook is where the figures are made up and the facts don’t matter. Especially for folks like Durbin.
Comment by Fixer Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:20 am
Wow the privilege blindness of Brian Durbin
Hired by his mom.
I’m super surprised that
Goodwill does not have
policies against this.
Their whole focus is hiring folks who have trouble being hired…..
oh wait….
well maybe it is consistent.
The Durbins MUST be fired
No quarter till then.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:21 am
Hooboy you have to walk such a fine line when your business relies upon the good will (har) of employing people with disabilities while also making the arguably exploitative practices that come along with it as the core part of your business model.
They are not walking it.
Comment by lakeside Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:23 am
==Their board & executive team is currently re-examining the original decision. Updates will be provided.==
2 giant sentences from the National HQ.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:23 am
@OW
Good point on who you have not heard from. And I have not heard publicly from any of the Board members. Disappointing from some of my friends.
Comment by I Miss Bentohs Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:25 am
While other private social service agencies were shutting their doors during the
Rauner Perfidy Impasse
Land of Lincoln
serviced the top
and raised executive salaries.
Malignant Callousness
Privilege Blindness
Intentional Cruelty
Perfidy is feature
not bug.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:26 am
Wouldn’t the local board need to approve a decision like this? Where were they? Plenty of disgust to go around.
Comment by Pessimistic Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:27 am
Somehow Goodwill of Peoria can afford more than minimum wages and can afford to keep their workers. Perhaps Durbin and son should take job training lessons from Don Johnson. After all isn’t on the job training what Goodwill does?
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:31 am
Soooooo, Brian Durbin was born on third base and thinks he hit a triple.
Something tells me you could take a month explaining the hypocrisy to him and he still wouldn’t get it.
Comment by efudd Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:31 am
===I have not heard publicly from any of the Board members. Disappointing from some of my friends===
It confusing.
Maybe it’s not confusing.
I’ll let others decide.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:33 am
On one hand you have people on this board saying that the state is severely underfunding social services… while at the same time everyone is getting their torches out because social services are saying that they can’t keep up with the new requirements and policies enacted.
Comment by Ryan Salesman Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:33 am
I Miss Bentohs- I did note your comment about board members yesterday. I understand your need for discretion in relationships with board members. And…I hope that you will keep applying pressure to them.
This is “fighting our corner” as they say. It seems you have some influence. I hope you will apply pressure as hard as you can to push for the board to fire the Durbins. It is the only acceptable outcome that I can see to preserve the integrity and good name of an important institution.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:34 am
If we ran a business like HIS household, we’d just ask mom for another raise when we needed more revenue. The ignorance of these folks will have a far greater impact to the business than raising minimum wage will. I wont step into one of these stores, or make any donations to them, while they are still employed.
Comment by Cent IL guy Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:36 am
I would be willing to bet that this family truly believes they are the victims in this situation.
How long until they start crying about the fake news media? I give it until 2pm…
Comment by Cognitive Dissonance Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:37 am
==Somehow Goodwill of Peoria can afford more than minimum wages and can afford to keep their workers.==
I was thinking the same thing. There’s a Goodwill of Metropolitan Chicago. What are they doing?
Goodwill operates nationally. How does HQ direct their state affiliates to handle similar wage increases? Maybe call branches in CA or NY for advice?
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:39 am
The Brian Durbin post is pretty target-rich.
I don’t want to lose sight of the fact that implicit in his complaint is the belief that he is running a business at Land of Lincoln Goodwill.
Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:40 am
==while at the same time everyone is getting their torches out because social services are saying that they can’t keep up with the new requirements and policies enacted.==
Why are they firing disabled people now if the new policies take effect in January? And disabled people are exempted from minimum wage requirements.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:40 am
Ummmm…. “the State has went”?? Did this guy go to school?
Comment by Artman Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:41 am
Although it would be possible to find even less suitable CEO and “VP of retail operations” candidates than this pair, it wouldn’t be easy. Perhaps suitable replacements might be found in the “Boycott Du Quoin” Facebook group if even more nutso is the board’s intent.
Comment by former southerner Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:44 am
@Ryan -
All the evidence suggests that the layoffs have nothing to do with state funding. Goodwill was handing out executive raises during the state budget impasse. Not a single other Goodwill in Illinois is laying folks off because of the new law, nor did Goodwill in Chicago fire it’s disabled workforce when CHI raised its minimum wage.
It’s unclear whether Durbin is firing her staff with disabilities out of spite/anger/ideology, or whether getting rid of people with disabilities was always part of her business plan and she is now seizing the opportunity.
But what’s eminently clear is that the firings have nothing to do with a minimum wage hike that has not even taken effect and will not even apply to these workers.
Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:45 am
For those who raised their eyebrows over the exec salaries be aware Guidestar reports Peoria exec got $153K +10 for benefits and Rockford got $173 + 659 for expenses.
Not questioning any number for anyone just adding some context.
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:51 am
Interesting thought just occurred to me
Are we seeing a purge of
Raunerite Collaborators
by the
Private social service network?
Now that we have a budget
and the State funds are flowing again.
I have to wonder
if we’ll see more “outings and oustings”?
Ounce of Prevention
Comments?
Thoughts?
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:51 am
===Sen. Manar, a downstate legislator, has spoken to this situation.
Have the former Raunerites made any statements.===
Rep. Davidsmeyer? Rep. Murphy? Sen. McCLure? Sen. Brady? Rep. Bourne? Tick-tock…
Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:52 am
* When people who work for their mom complain about patronage…
Brian Durbin writes: “It’s evident that many people in leadership have never run a business.”
From a 2012 profile of his mom/boss:
“Sharon Durbin, who had never run a business or a charity before she was hired as Goodwill’s CEO and president in 2006, is smiling at a transformation that has made Goodwill much more than a place that runs thrift stores and employs the developmentally disabled.
https://illinoistimes.com/article-10333-goodwill-power.html
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 10:53 am
Annonin’ - Check the Metropolitan Chicago (which is affiliated with SE WI).
This whole situation has made everyone question the very “corporate” structure of Goodwill. Probably not what they intended.
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 11:04 am
I gave it 24hrs
Nick Name would you hold my O’Douls?
Rep. Davidsmeyer? Rep. Murphy? Sen. McCLure? Sen. Brady? Rep. Bourne
Your silence on this matter
confirms
beyond all shadow of a doubt
that you believe
that profit is
more important
even for a 501c3 non-profit
dedicated to hiring those with hiring difficulties
than
paying subminimum wages
to disabled workers.
profit over mission and purpose
profit over ethics and decency
profit over people and community
profit uber alles
Profit Supremacists the lot of you.
Look away Raunerites
Look away
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 11:05 am
- Honeybear -
You held your powder, and then delivered the words.
It’s confusing.
Why *not* be on the right side of this issue, if only on the social service side, hurting the working disabled by the nepotist and her son?
Is being against $15 an hour, (in the coming years) really a better look?
Being angry, old, white, rural means siding with those willing to hurt the working disabled?
Where are your voices?
“See you in church”.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 11:15 am
Land of Lincoln GW has a troubled history and needs a reboot. Durbin’s predecessor left under a cloud of alleged Medicaid fraud.
https://www.sj-r.com/x1921996941/Land-of-Lincoln-Goodwill-turns-self-around
Comment by Sangamo Girl Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 11:24 am
I would be happy if these two Durbans decided to quit their jobs and move out of Illinois. Having said that it is only fair to note that the exemption from the minimum wage was a federal exemption, not a state exemption. The individual mentioned in the story was being paid $8.25 per hour, the Illinois minimum wage. The federal minimum wage is $7.25. I doubt Ms Durban paid more than she was required to pay.
Comment by Bigtwich Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 11:27 am
I wonder if those two will get the chance to find that jobs with those salary levels don’t exactly grow on trees.
Secondly I wonder how many people have lost their job because of Facebook and Twitter.,.
Comment by Fav Human Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 11:31 am
I guess I am confused about exactly who are the “investors” in LLGW. Other than the durbins, who is expecting that LLGW will make a “profit” to be distributed to the “stockholders”? Is something funny going on with the corporate books?
Perhaps Kwame needs to be looking at the tax exempt status of LLGW.
Those who are questioning whether the board approved these layoffs, how often do personnel decisions make it to board level? In addition, does the board rubber stamp all the durbin decisions?
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 11:43 am
“See you in church”
What is sad is that I always thought
this phrase was powerful
and yet
it seems to have no power
over Raunerites
and the new conservatives
The followers of Trump
Church has changed
Morality is relativistic
and that’s coming from me
a Unitarian Universalist.
God help us when a UU
can lecture many Christians
from the right side of them.
The irony is overpowering.
And yet
I feel (to use their terminology)
The anti-Christ is amongst us.
It makes me very thankful for conservatives like you. Please keep the faith.
It’s unfair
But conservatives like you have a huge burden to bear.
I pray for your strength and decisiveness.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 11:48 am
I have to go along with those who question the actions or lack of by the Board of Directors. I understand these positions are often uncompensated. This being the case, one can legitimately ask why they accept the responsibility. Is it to flesh out a resume or to actually ride herd on those who work for the organization. In some cases the board can be stacked with those who will rubber stamp the Directors desires. Someone should have questioned at least how the Nepotism would look.
Comment by Bemused Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 12:02 pm
== how often do personnel decisions make it to board level? ==
Individual personnel decisions, not often unless a high ranking public person.
But this more a policy decision as to how to treat an entire class of employees. That should have rightfully been a board level concern.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 12:10 pm
Brian Durbin is apparently spending his day deleting his social media accounts. I hope he’s not doing that on Goodwill’s dime.
Comment by Flynn's Mom Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 12:15 pm
“If anyone of us ran our household the way the state runs its business, we would be bankrupt.”
Better:
“If any non-profit ran its agency the way my Mom and I do, they would not be able to pay their employees.”
Comment by Medvale School for the Gifted Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 12:20 pm
@medvale school for the gifted….spot on.
Comment by Flynn's Mom Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 12:22 pm
==Have the former Raunerites made any statements.===
Rep. Davidsmeyer? Rep. Murphy? Sen. McCLure? Sen. Brady? Rep. Bourne? Tick-tock…==
So strange. This would be such an easy win to say something.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 12:50 pm
==This would be such an easy win to say something.== Clearly you arent a downstate conservative. They are still a bit high on the Rauner money and cognitive dissonance is a powerful drug.
Comment by Harvest76 Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 7:39 pm
Davidsmeyer only speaks when told to do so.
Comment by Jaxon Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 7:43 pm
===Clearly you arent a downstate conservative. They are still a bit high on the Rauner money and cognitive dissonance is a powerful drug.===
Meh.
Doing the right thing, if driven by monies won’t change, if you weren’t apt to do/say the right thing naturally.
You’re giving them an out by saying it’s still being high on Raunerbucks.
With respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 17, 19 @ 7:47 pm