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Political Action
(Nov. 16, 2009) All the candidates for governor in both parties have expressed their concerns on whether state pensions should be changed and if the 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) should be changed. Check this analytical Nov. 15 story from a downstate newspaper to see who stands where on these issues. Of them all, only Democrat Dan Hynes stands for maintaining the status quo on pensions and the COLA. Click on the hyperlink headline for the story. |
(Oct. 27, 2009) Three thousand unionists, social activists and members of the religious community responded to AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka’s call for the Showdown in Chicago. The rally, which called for bank reform, was held outside of the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers where the American Bankers Association Convention was being held. For the full story, click on the hyperlink headline. For more photos, follow the Smugmug link toward the top of this homepage to the Local 1600 Smugmug pages under “Politics.” |
(Oct. 4) State Representative Joe Lyons (D-19) held his fundraiser at the Copernicus Center on Lawrence Ave., Chicago on Oct.1. Things have been a bit different at Lyons’ fundraisers; lately, he has been showing a sense of fun. See how by clicking on the hyperlink headline. |
(Sept. 23, 2009) Every year following Labor Day, the Illinois AFT-CIO and the Chicago Federation of Labor host a Labor & Politics Reception to raise money for COPE and to introduce political heavyweights to the leadership and the members. This year, as in the past, President Perry Buckley was there with the politicos. For the full story, click on the hyperlink headline. |
(Sept. 20, 2009) State Rep. Connie Howard’s constituents and other political activists filled Harambee House at 119th St. & S. Loomis St. on Sept. 20. Though the site was a good distance from the Loop, the experienced state representative was no slouch in working the room and helping out her Democratic allies. For the full story, click on the hyperlink headline. For more photos, follow the Smugmug link to the Local 1600 Smugmug pages under “Politics.” |
State Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) has tabled amendments to House Bill 2643 that would have established a two-tier pension plan for all state-funded systems and instituted reductions in pension funding and retiree health insurance.
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Illinois Governor Pat Quinn delivered his first budget address to the General Assembly on March 18. He called for a much-needed income tax increase, but asked public employees to bear the brunt of cuts to address the state's burgeoning $11.6 billion deficit. Email your legislators today to urge them to oppose changes to public pension systems. |
(Feb. 20, 2008) The Il. Community College Coalition for Funding is now active in Illinois with members from administration, trustees, unionized teachers and staff, and students. Local 1600’s Perry Buckley is one of the movers. For the full story, click on the hyperlink headline.
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Visit the AFT Legislative Action Center
Make your views known to those in Congress and state legislatures who represent you on the issues that affect working families every day. Click here to visit the AFT's Legislative Action Center. |
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The level of state funding for higher ed is the same as it was nearly a decade ago.
In 2000, a statewide poll found that 88% of Illinois residents strongly or somewhat agree that a college degree has become as important as a high school diploma used to be.
Unfortunately, the level of state funding for higher education is the same as it was nearly a decade ago. It is essential that higher education funding is not lost in the shuffle.
An investment in public higher education will grow leaders in business, education, social services and the private sector, as well as good consumers, good taxpayers and good citizens. We must turn the tide this year and provide additional funding for higher education in Illinois.
Higher education in Illinois is many things to many people:
- 355,684 students attend 48 community colleges-
- 202,236 students attend 9 public universities on 12 campuses
- 31,775 bachelor’s degrees conferred in 2005
- 25,158 associate degrees conferred in 2005
- 11,826 master’s degrees conferred in 2005
- Public institutions of higher learning employ more than 54,000 full time employees.
Making sure that higher education is affordable and provides the highest level of career preparation for Illinois citizens is the common goal that we all must work toward. |
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HIGHER ED LEGISLATIVE COALITION |
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AFSCME ||| American Association of University Professors, Illinois Conference ||| Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600 ||| Illinois Community College Trustees Association ||| Illinois Education Association - NEA ||| Illinois Federation of Teachers ||| IFT Community College Council ||| IFT Universities Council ||| SEIU Local 73 ||| State Universities Annuitants Association ||| University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100 ||| | |
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