Government unions invested $10M in Madigan, but could that end in 2021?
Government unions invested $10M in Madigan, but could that end in 2021?
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has funded a lot of campaigns – and his legal defense – with money from government unions. Even if unions still back him in the New Year, members have options.
CTU attempted to bully pension fund into hiring Madigan lobbyists
CTU attempted to bully pension fund into hiring Madigan lobbyists
Madigan already faced similar scandals alleging he asked powerful corporations to hire people at his recommendation.
7 misleading progressive tax claims public unions are telling Illinois members
7 misleading progressive tax claims public unions are telling Illinois members
Government unions and their PACs have spent more than $1 million pushing the progressive tax on the Nov. 3 ballot – and are using misleading information.
By Mailee Smith
Joanne Troesch
Joanne Troesch
“When the most recent strike came around, I felt like I should be the one making the decision, so I said, ‘Forget it.’ I wasn’t going to strike.”
CTU supports use of mock guillotine, ‘wherever’ it was headed
CTU supports use of mock guillotine, ‘wherever’ it was headed
CTU members who don’t support the union’s violent rhetoric have another option: they can opt out of the union. But they must do so today if they want to stop paying dues this school year.
By Mailee Smith
Christian Fogal
Christian Fogal
"My argument is they’re not fulfilling their contract because they’re more focused on politics and political activism than they are on benefits."
Illinois teachers’ unions funnel nearly $3.9 million to Madigan
Illinois teachers’ unions funnel nearly $3.9 million to Madigan
Teachers’ unions have provided lots of campaign cash to Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, who’s been implicated in a bribery scandal. Teachers who don’t want their money sent to a corrupt system can opt out of the union.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois government unions give Madigan $10 million reasons to stay together
Illinois government unions give Madigan $10 million reasons to stay together
The state’s government unions have heavily funded the election committees run by longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan – who then uses his influence to pass union-friendly bills.
By Mailee Smith
Karena Cozad
Karena Cozad
"There’s no benefit to [being in the union.] As far as I’m concerned, union [leaders] seem to be out for themselves."
Illinois state workers receive $1,300 pay raises July 1
Illinois state workers receive $1,300 pay raises July 1
State workers represented by AFSCME Council 31 will see pay increases averaging $1,343 starting July 1. Total cost of the raises is $261 million as COVID-19 continues depleting state revenues.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois lawmakers pass Election Day holiday for government workers only
Illinois lawmakers pass Election Day holiday for government workers only
Election Day 2020 would be a paid holiday for all government workers – at an unknown cost to already ailing local governments.
Illinois bill would make Election Day a holiday, but only for government workers
Illinois bill would make Election Day a holiday, but only for government workers
Tucked into sweeping vote-by-mail legislation is a holiday provision that would make Nov. 3, 2020, a holiday for all state and local government workers.
Nonunion Chicago educators sue CTU, AFT to end forced union dues
Nonunion Chicago educators sue CTU, AFT to end forced union dues
While members can opt out of CTU at any time, the union says they may only stop paying the union if they do so during a one-month period. A lawsuit filed against the union argues this violates teachers’ First Amendment rights.
By Vincent Caruso
Despite economic crisis, Pritzker won’t consider postponing $261 million in state raises
Despite economic crisis, Pritzker won’t consider postponing $261 million in state raises
With more than 755,000 Illinoisans out of work, state employees are still scheduled to get their automatic raises. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is treating those raises as non-negotiable. Governors in other states would disagree.
By Mailee Smith