Harris v. Quinn detractors are missing the point
Harris v. Quinn detractors are missing the point
Since the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Harris v. Quinn, union supporters – including many politicians who have benefitted from union support themselves – have written articles and statements bemoaning the decision. These pieces have been notable for the things they don’t talk about: who the plaintiffs actually were and what the court...
By Paul Kersey
‘Lewis for mayor’ is a fundraising force to be reckoned with
‘Lewis for mayor’ is a fundraising force to be reckoned with
For years the left has complained about the influence that money has on politics. And almost without fail, they have focused on money held and used by private businesses. But money is money, whether it comes from companies or some other source, and it can be used to buy political influence, or political office, just...
By Paul Kersey
Harris v. Quinn aftermath: Respect the rule of law
Harris v. Quinn aftermath: Respect the rule of law
On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court rendered its final decision in Harris v. Quinn. Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion, approved by a majority of the court, is the last word. There will be no further appeal. But there are still loose ends for the lawyers to tie up. The case of Harris v. Quinn will...
By Paul Kersey
State Rep. Durkin’s advocacy helps lead to historic ruling in Harris v. Quinn
State Rep. Durkin’s advocacy helps lead to historic ruling in Harris v. Quinn
This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn was wrong to issue and enforce his 2009 executive order that forced the unionization of Illinoisans who are not state workers. This groundbreaking ruling on the Harris v. Quinn case asserts that state governments cannot force-unionize participants in state entitlement programs or force...
By Matt Paprocki
Victory: Harris v. Quinn
Victory: Harris v. Quinn
The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a groundbreaking ruling today on the case of Harris v. Quinn. The court’s ruling states that state governments cannot force-unionize participants in state entitlement programs or force them to pay union dues as a condition of receiving help from the state. The court’s 5-4 decision was in favor of the plaintiff...
By Paul Kersey
Harris v. Quinn: Everything you need to know
Harris v. Quinn: Everything you need to know
As early as tomorrow, the U.S. Supreme Court could announce its decision in the case Harris v. Quinn. Legal experts and unions across the country are closely watching this case because it could be a landmark decision on the issues of unionization and freedom of speech. The lead Plaintiff, Pam Harris, is a suburban Chicago...
By illinoispolicy
What’s at stake in Harris v. Quinn
What’s at stake in Harris v. Quinn
As early as today, the U.S. Supreme Court could announce its decision in the case Harris v. Quinn. Legal experts and unions across the country are watching closely as it could be a landmark decision on the issues of unionization and freedom of speech. The lead plaintiff, Pam Harris, is a suburban Chicago mom whose...
By Paul Kersey
State threatens to ‘fire’ moms and dads caring for children with disabilities
State threatens to ‘fire’ moms and dads caring for children with disabilities
In 2003 and 2009, governors Rod Blagojevich and Pat Quinn, respectively, issued executive orders to unionize parents who receive a modest Medicaid benefit to help pay for the cost of caring for their disabled children. Suburban Chicago mother Pam Harris has bravely taken this decision to the U.S. Supreme Court in what could be a...
By Paul Kersey, Austin Berg
Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags
Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags
Illinois is a party to a landmark federal lawsuit, Harris v. Quinn. In this case, the state has been forced to defend before the U.S. Supreme Court its decision to permit the unionization of people who are not state workers. The people in question participate in a state-administered Medicaid program that allows them to provide...
By Paul Kersey
Are unions the answer to Chicago taxi drivers’ problems?
Are unions the answer to Chicago taxi drivers’ problems?
It’s hard to make a living as a Chicago taxi driver. A recent study showed that Chicago drivers make an average of just $5.40 an hour, far below minimum wage, and just over $20,000 per year. Some cab drivers have tried to change this by suing the city of Chicago. They argue that because the...
By Bryant Jackson-Green
Have teachers unions become instruments of injustice? One judge in California thinks the answer is ’yes’
Have teachers unions become instruments of injustice? One judge in California thinks the answer is ’yes’
In a ruling that has already sent shockwaves through public education, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Rolf Treu found in Vergara v. California that five California laws governing the hiring, firing and laying off of teachers – laws that teachers unions favor – violated the California Constitution’s equal protection clause, and should be struck...
By Paul Kersey
‘Fight for $15’ puts workers at risk
‘Fight for $15’ puts workers at risk
The Chicago Tribune recently reported on the links between the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, and various community organizing groups behind the campaign to increase Chicago’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. In her story, reporter Alejandro Cancino found that SEIU and its affiliates had spent at least $2 million on a campaign to organize...
By Paul Kersey
How union leaders have added to the VA crisis
How union leaders have added to the VA crisis
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, is coming under fire for providing poor care to veterans who rely on it. Wait lists for essential medical procedures have extended for months, and veterans of the armed forces have lost their lives as a result. Administrators at VA hospitals have made matters worse by faking...
By Paul Kersey
Looming AFSCME negotiations means big battle for Illinois’ next governor
Looming AFSCME negotiations means big battle for Illinois’ next governor
With everyone arguing about the minimum wage, taxes and pension reforms, many people may not realize the most important battle Illinois’ next governor will face: negotiating the state’s largest government union contract. Whoever is elected governor will be stuck with a partisan and bitter legislature, making his ability to push through bold legislative reforms extremely...
By Justin Hegy