Janus decision means some Illinois state workers effectively see 2017 tax hike reversed
Janus decision means some Illinois state workers effectively see 2017 tax hike reversed
The 2017 permanent income tax hike took $732 from the median Illinois household, roughly the same as the $737 that will be returned to state workers who were previously forced to pay “fair share” fees to government unions.
Just 20% of AFSCME Council 31 spending goes toward representing workers
Just 20% of AFSCME Council 31 spending goes toward representing workers
The union’s own reporting shows only 20 percent of its overall spending is on “representational activities,” which should cause members to question what they are paying for.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois state workers who opted out of union membership see pay increases
Illinois state workers who opted out of union membership see pay increases
State workers previously paying “fair share” fees no longer have money deducted from their paychecks on behalf of a union.
By Mailee Smith
Government unions cry foul over Janus, but ignore solution to ‘free rider’ claims
Government unions cry foul over Janus, but ignore solution to ‘free rider’ claims
A bill freeing government unions from representing nonmember workers has been filed multiple times in recent years. But rather than rally around it, government unions stand in the way.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois state workers who opted out of union should see pay hikes by July
Illinois state workers who opted out of union should see pay hikes by July
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Janus v. AFSCME means state workers previously paying “fair share” fees will no longer see any money deducted from their paychecks on behalf of a union.
By Mailee Smith, Joe Tabor
How an Illinois mom set the stage for monumental Janus decision
How an Illinois mom set the stage for monumental Janus decision
What Harris has in common with Janus is immense courage. Both show the power of a single individual, an Illinoisan, to change the course of the state and the nation.
By Austin Berg
Illinois state government stops collecting ‘fair share’ fees for AFSCME, other government worker unions
Illinois state government stops collecting ‘fair share’ fees for AFSCME, other government worker unions
The state will stop deducting agency fees from workers who have opted out of the union, effective immediately.
By Joe Tabor, Mailee Smith
Opting out of your union: A ‘how-to’ guide for Illinois teachers, public safety workers and other public employees
Opting out of your union: A ‘how-to’ guide for Illinois teachers, public safety workers and other public employees
A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision marked a new era of freedom for public servants in 22 states, including Illinois. Here’s what public sector workers need to do to secure their newly restored rights.
By Mailee Smith
Janus v. AFSCME ruling confirms that government unions are inherently political
Janus v. AFSCME ruling confirms that government unions are inherently political
Illinois Policy Institute research finds government unions often spend more on politics than representation, and political giving skews Democrat
By illinoispolicy
John Tillman: Statement on the Janus v. AFSCME decision
John Tillman: Statement on the Janus v. AFSCME decision
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision today in Janus v. AFSCME, confirming that forced union fees are unconstitutional.
By John Tillman
U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of Janus, restores First Amendment rights to government workers
U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of Janus, restores First Amendment rights to government workers
In a landmark labor case, the court ruled that forced union fees are unconstitutional. The decision marks the first step toward worker freedom for 5.5 million government employees across the United States – including 370,000 in Illinois.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois government worker unions spend millions on political activities and lobbying
Illinois government worker unions spend millions on political activities and lobbying
Government workers’ union dues are passed on to state and national affiliates, which spend millions of dollars on political activities and lobbying every year.
By Mailee Smith
Meet the Illinoisan at the center of a historic Supreme Court case
Meet the Illinoisan at the center of a historic Supreme Court case
A Janus victory would end forced fees for government workers nationwide.
By Austin Berg
Government union lobbying turns legislation against students
Government union lobbying turns legislation against students
SB 2838 was meant to aid school districts – and students – by providing a means for schools to recruit substitute teachers. But government union lobbying transformed it into a pro-union, pro-strike bill that hinders educational opportunities for students during teacher strikes.
By Mailee Smith