People Conference

1/31/2009

Governor Pat Quinn and US Representative Phil Hare were guest speakers this year. Both speakers were inspiring and optimistic about issues despite the current state of affairs for our state and nation. Henry Bayer, Executive Director Council 31, expressed concern over developments in other states due to budget problems. Major take backs are being requested at the cost of current and past employees, pay , benefits, vacation time, furloughs, layoffs, pensions, and retiree health insurance. Governor Pat Quinn when speaking about the State of Illinois stated, “[This is] the most serious budget crisis ever”. The governor is soliciting help on all issues at http://www.reformillinoisnow.org/. The consensus seems to be that budget cuts will not fix the problem; the state needs new sources of revenue. In a practical sense, this means increasing taxes. For more information on the budget and solutions go to http://www.ctbaonline.org/.

The 2009 Legislative Agenda for AFSCME Council 31 PEOPLE includes:

Address revenue shortfalls in state and local government

Adequate staffing levels for state agencies

Oppose facility or site closures or downsizing

Ban forced overtime

Funding COLA for direct care workers in community agencies

Adequate funding for state universities

Protect public employee pensions and retiree health care benefits

Address inequities in pension systems

Fight privatization of public services and assets

Improve health care quality and access

Oppose efforts to reduce care and services for individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities.

Restore and expand union rights

Bring greater equity to Unemployment Insurance program.