SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Nov. 13, 2019) – A bill to restrict public sector employee rights, expose their private information and limit their access to information heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk today, following a 45-9 concurrence vote by the Illinois Senate.

Senate Bill 1784 allows for opt-out windows of only 10 days each year, while giving unions unprecedented access to all workers’ contact information and control of all membership- and dues-related communication.

It also restricts the public or media from accessing information previously available through the Freedom of Information Act, such as Illinois union membership performance or number of retirees.

Statement on SB 1784 from Mailee Smith, staff attorney and director of labor policy:

“Senate Bill 1784 is a union wish list. It’s designed to cut off public sector workers from factual information about their employment and union membership information, while making it extremely difficult to exercise their rights related to membership.

“Gov. Pritzker should oppose this bill to protect the privacy and freedoms of public sector workers instead of handing more power over to unions. Opposing this bill would also show Pritzker’s commitment to transparency with the public and media, which is vital amidst the surge of corruption in Illinois.”

For more information on SB 1784, visit: https://illin.is/2JvEiS2.

For bookings or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.