Largest unified mobilization in Illinois teacher union history defeats billionaires' teacher bashing

[proud2BlibKansan]

The largest unified political mobilization in the history of teacher unionism in Illinois not only defeated the "Performance Counts" legislation proposed by a cohort of front groups for what historian Diane Ravitch has called "the billionaire boys club," but also provided support for Illinois legislators and Governor Pat Quinn in raising state taxes to begin a responsible approach to funding state services — including public schools — in the fact of escalating national attacks on public service, public workers, and especially teacher unions.

The most pernicious piece of legislation pushed into the state legislature was the "Performance Counts" proposal, which would have effectively abolished teacher tenure and the right to strike for Illinois teachers. Heavy lobbying by corporate interests on behalf of "Performance Counts" included the Illinois Business Roundtable, the Civic Committee of Chicago's Commercial Club, and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, all of whom added their voices to Stand for Children and Advance Illinois, the groups that had actually drafted the legislation. Also speaking in favor of the legislation and distorting Chicago reality were Alicia Winckler (Chief Human Capital Officer, Chicago Public Schools) and Rachel Resnick (Chief Labor Relations Officer, Chicago Public Schools).

During the final hours of the Illinois General Assembly's lame duck session, the legislature approved increases in the state income tax for both individuals and corporations and a plan to reduce Illinois debt, which had a few weeks earlier prompted Wall Street to speculate that Illinois might become the first state to become bankrupt.

In the face of massive pressure to continue to "cut spending" on public services instead of taking responsibility to raise revenues, Illinois bucked a trend that stretches from Democratic governors in New York and California and rabid Republican governors like New Jersey's Chris Christie — all lined up to trash public workers, public worker unions, and especially teacher unions.

more . . . http://www.substancenews.net/articles.php?page=1913§ion=Article

[Jim__]

1. It's great to hear that unions can still, occasionally, beat the billionaires.

We need more of this.

[freshwest]

18. I second that. I never had the disposition to teach; but bless them.

[reggie the dog]

2. as an illinois certified high school history teacher living abroad

i have to say i am very happy to read about this

[madrchsod]

7. the afscme locals followed the illinois teachers unions during the march

they had a band and some really great dancers! not quite a flash- mob but close!

[Reader Rabbit]

3. Awesome news!

This is why Corporate America wants to get rid of unions: When the little guys unite and fight, they can defeat Big Money. And Corporate America is going after teachers because their unions are the biggest.

[Desertrose]

4. Yay! There IS hope!! nt

[WillyT]

5. K & R !!!

:woohoo:

:kick:

[madrchsod]

6. i marched last year in springfield il with the teachers union,..

service union,afscme union,and others to prevent funding cuts. the teachers union was the most dynamic of all the unions.the chicago teachers union is taking no prisoners in their approach that is for dam sure.

we raised our taxes to 5% which is the first raise in almost 20yrs. we raised corporate taxes to 7%. although it won`t cover our debt immediately it will provide the state to pay it`s bills on time.there will be readjustments in other areas of the budget but in the long run illinois will be better off than the rest of the rust belt states run by the republicans.

we are the only state in the rust belt because of the service unions get out the vote drives. contrary to some of people in obama`s crew the unions do matter.

[Stuart G]

8. k & r

[sabrina 1]

9. Good to see some pushback against the wealthy whose interest

in education is to get their hands on some more public funds.

[senseandsensibility]

10. k and r

Good news. Thanks for sharing.

[Omaha Steve]

11. K&R!

[Still a Democrat]

12. What is happening with the Illinois General Assembly? Changing majorities?

It says this was done in lame duck. Is there a big change coming in the party make up?

[Dappleganger]

13. Watch them take this to court next.

They're not going to give up. They'll target elections, too.

[Hannah Bell]

14. kr.

[Starry Messenger]

15. I'm going to give a sweet little schoolmarm

FUCK YEAH! to that. :D

[maryf]

16. Fantastic!!

let's hope this snowballs!! eeeh hah! :fistbump:

[Odin2005]

17. YAY!