April, 2008
*The past two weeks have been jam-packed with AFSCME activity in the Illinois General Assembly. The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to approve a number of bills of critical importance to AFSCME members in state government—including a ban on mandatory overtime, increased protection against MRSA infections, and limits on contracting out. But those measures are now stalled in the Senate where Senate President Emil Jones is refusing to allow them out of Rules Committee.
In the coming weeks, the Union will launch a campaign to convince Democratic Senators all across the state to go to their leader and tell him to allow votes on these bills which are so vitally important to so many union members.
*AFSCME’s unity and determination in the fight to prevent the closure of Stateville Correctional Center was front and center when an overflow crowd of more than 250 union members packed a House Appropriations Committee hearing on the IDOC budget on Wednesday, April 9th. Council 31 Executive Director Henry Bayer, Regional Director Buddy Maupin, and Local 1866 President Ralph Portwood presented compelling testimony against the closure.
*AFSCME is also taking the lead in battling Gov. Blagojevich’s attempt to sharply curtail the operations of the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Program. The Governor is refusing to release funds appropriated for the program which supports farmers, 4-H clubs, “greening” projects and other agricultural endeavors throughout the state. The cuts would result in the layoff of some 450 employees, including up to 125 AFSCME members. Council 31 Legislative Specialist John Kohlhepp and Local 3700 members (and Coop employees) Cheryl Westlund and Gloria Lundquist testified against the cuts before a joint House and Senate hearing on Wednesday, April 16.
*The Governor has also refused to include funding in his budget for a wage increase for direct care workers in community agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Jason Kay, Council 31 Political Director, and Yolanda Sims, president of Local 2481, testified before a House Committee about the plight of these employees, who earn barely enough to support their own families even as they do the difficult work of caring for individuals with severe disabilities. AFSCME is leading a campaign to persuade legislators to amend the Governor’s budget plan to add a 50 cts/hr. increase for these workers.
*AFSCME has been playing a leading role in countering the distorted views embodied in a new report on developmental disabilities services, the “Blueprint for System Redesign in Illinois”. The report calls for the closure of five state-operated developmental centers over the next four years. On Wednesday, April 16, Council 31 Policy Director Anne Irving testified before a special legislative panel convened to examine the report. In stressing the vital role that state-operated centers play in a comprehensive system of care, Anne was joined by representatives from parents groups from nearly every state-operated developmental center.
*AFSCME efforts helped to defeat an executive order (EO0801) issued by Governor Blagojevich to institute another reorganization/consolidation in state government that would have jeopardized service delivery and put the job status of affected employees at risk. The EO would have gone into effect automatically unless disapproved by one House of the legislature. Both houses were clearly on track to defeat it, but the Senate got there first by a vote of 40-2.
*Underlying so many of the battles currently underway in the General Assembly is the state’s dire fiscal condition. Gov. Blagojevich is pushing for an expansion of health insurance for the uninsured and an infrastructure improvement program to be paid for by partially privatizing the state lottery, “sweeping” funds dedicated to special state purposes, and bonding.
AFSCME has opposed the lottery plan as currently proposed because it puts the jobs of lottery employees at risk. But even if all of these measures were enacted, they would not address the state’s serious fiscal problems. The Governor’s proposed budget leaves state government drastically understaffed, state universities without any increase to address rising costs, and community disability workers without any pay increase at all.
AFSCME has long argued that such stop-gap measures cannot restore the state to fiscal solvency or meet the needs of its citizens. Our union—along with a broad coalition of forces known as A+ Illinois—supports substantial tax reform that would raise the state income tax while reducing property taxes. This plan is currently embodied in SB 2288. We have also supported other measures that could raise substantial new revenues, but would require a constitutional amendment to enact because they would introduce progressivity into the flat Illinois tax structure.
Unfortunately, the Governor continues to threaten to veto all such sensible reform measures, making legislators wary of voting for them. A+ Illinois is working all across the state to build pressure on legislators to do the right thing—the responsible thing—and vote for such legislation despite the Governor’s opposition. AFSCME members are urged to get involved in this effort.
Below is the status of key bills of importance to AFSCME members.
SUPPORT
Raise Needed Revenues (SB 2288—Sen. Meeks and Cullerton) – This measure would raise desperately-needed new revenues—and help to close the state’s structural deficit. Its sponsors have indicated that they do not intend to move the bill during the Spring legislative session, but hope to bring it to a vote during the Fall Veto Session. Status: On Second Reading in the Senate. Action Needed: Make sure your legislators know that you support this urgently-needed legislation and urge your state senator to cosponsor SB 2288..
Ban Mandatory Overtime (HB 5661—Rep. Dugan) – This legislation would prohibit mandated overtime in 24-hour facilities in IDOC, DJJ, DHS and DVA. It is intended to address the exhausting schedules that thousands of state workers in these agencies have because of being constantly mandated as a result of acute understaffing. The Administration could address this serious problem by simply hiring sufficient staff, but refuses to do so, claiming that employees like working so much overtime. If that’s the case, then why is the state opposing this legislation which would still permit voluntary overtime? The answer, of course, is that the employer is well aware that employees do not want to work the enormous amount of overtime that is being required of so many of them. Status: HB 5661 passed out of the House by an overwhelming 108-2 vote. It is in the Senate Rules Committee. The Senate leadership gave sponsorship of the bill to Sen. Donne Trotter whose only purpose is to kill it. Action Needed: State employees in the above-noted agencies should plan to participate in the Legislative Call-In Week scheduled for May 5-9.
Strengthen Safeguards Against MRSA (HB 4303—Rep. Froelich) – MRSA and other staph infections represent a growing threat, especially to those employees who work in congregate settings, such as prisons or developmental centers. Unfortunately, in too many cases, the State is not taking adequate steps to prevent the spread of these dangerous infections. A number of employees in DOC and DHS have already been diagnosed with MRSA as a result of inadequate precautionary measures. This legislation would ensure that state agencies comply with “best practices” for preventing the spread of such infections. Status: HB 4303 was hijacked by Sen. Ricky Hendon when it came over to the Senate and being kept in Rules Committee at his rerquest. Action needed: Any state employees who have concerns about MRSA in their worksites should contact their State Senators to urge them to support this legislation.
Provide a COLA for Direct Care Workers (HB 4526/HB4597—Rep. Crespo; HB 4596—Rep. Crespo). HB 4526 and HB 4597 are companion measures that would amend the Governor’s proposed budget to include a 50ct./hr. pay increase for direct care workers in state-funded private agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities. The Governor’s original budget plan does not include any wage increase at all for these workers, many of whom are represented by AFSCME. Status: These bills were held in committee because the House has not yet begun its budgetary process. The Union plans to continue to push for the inclusion of the 50 ct./hr. increase in any budget plan that the General Assembly adopts. HB 4596 would establish an “automatic” COLA, requiring that every budget in coming years include a COLA that could fund a pay increase for these direct care workers. Status: In House Rules Committee. Action Needed: Direct care workers should plan to participate in the Direct Care Lobby Day on Wednesday, May 14.
Pension Improvements –Given the financial problems besetting governments at every level—as well as the vigorous propaganda campaign being waged by opponents of public employee pensions—there is strong resistance in the General Assembly to acting on any measure that would improve the pensions of public employees in any of Illinois’ various public sector pension systems. Nonetheless, AFSCME is continuing to support several pension measures which have limited fiscal impact and which can be viewed as matters of fairness, rather than major pension increases. These include:
*Cook County Corrections/Probation Employees Pension Bill (HB 4996--Rep. Flowers) -- This bill adds corrections employees with the Cook County Department of Corrections and County probation officers to the benefit provisions that currently apply to members of the Cook County Police Department. It would allow for retirement at age 50 with 20 or more years of service credit. Status: In House Rules Committee.
*SERS Definition of Final Average Compensation (HB 5011—Rep. Molaro) – This bill would fix a technical problem with the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) regarding the definition of “final average compensation,” so that state employees who have unpaid time off (for any reason, including union business) during their final 48 months of service can make retirement contributions to the pension system to assure that they receive both SERS service credit and earnings credit toward the calculation of their monthly pension benefit, at their normal rate of compensation. The State University Retirement System (SURS) currently does have such a provision. Status: In House Rules Committee.
* IMRF Benefit Enhancements (SB 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960) -- AFSCME Council 31 is supporting this package of governance and benefit enhancements for members of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), which were developed jointly by IMRF and a committee of public employee unions, including AFSCME. Unfortunately, many local government employers are opposed to some or all of these measures. SB 1957 would make the current non-voting Annuitant (retiree) Trustee a voting member of the IMRF Board of Trustees, and add one new management trustee. SB 1958 would provide interest on separation refunds for those IMRF participants who leave employment with an IMRF employer and elect to take a refund of their contributions. SB 1959 would stabilize the value of the IMRF supplemental benefit (the so-called “13th check”) at 75% of the amount of the normal monthly pension benefit, with the cost to be paid by IMRF employers. This is necessary as the value of the 13th check has eroded over time. SB 1960 would lower the current 8-year IMRF vesting period to 5-years, which is the standard for private defined benefit pension plans. Status: SB 1957 – 1960 have all passed out of the Senate and in House Rules Committee.
Restrict Privatization in State Government (HB 4724—Rep. Hannig) – This legislation would put in place strict standards that would have to be met before any service currently provided by state employees could be privatized, including requiring that any contractor would have to pay comparable benefits as those provided by the state. (NOTE: This measure would not impact the current absolute ban on privatization of security functions in the Department of Corrections, pursuant to the Illinois Private Prison Moratorium Act.) Status: HB 4724 passed out of the House by an overwhelming vote of 109-6. It is in Senate Rules Committee.
Restrict Privatization of University Services (SB 2736—Sen. Halvorson) – This measure includes the same restrictions on privatization as those in the legislation described above and would impact all state universities. Status: SB 2736 is on Third Reading in the Senate.
Revise State Mileage Reimbursement (HB 5534—Rep. Verschoore) – This measure would provide that the mileage reimbursement for state employees would be determined on the same calendar as the federal mileage reimbursement, allowing state reimbursement rates to more accurately reflect rising fuel costs. Status: HB 5534 passed out of the House and is being held in Senate Rules Committee. Action Needed: State employees affected by this legislation should contact their State Senators to encourage them to support this measure.
Bar State Funding to Vendors During Strike (HB 4278—Rep. Graham) – This legislation would bar the state from continuing to fund any DHS contractor who is no longer fulfilling its service requirements due to an employee work stoppage. It was initiated in response to the AFSCME strike at Heartland Human Services in Effingham where DHS continued to fund the agency for over six months even though virtually no services were being provided. Status: Passed out of the House; in Senate Rules Committee.
Improve Nurse Staffing Levels (HB 392—Rep. Flowers) -- Illinois hospitals are becoming ever less safe for patients who rely on them and for the nurses who work in them because nurse staffing levels at the bedside have been steadily reduced. Studies show that inadequate nurse staffing greatly increases the risk of patient mortality. AFSCME is leading a statewide campaign to institute mandated nurse staffing levels in all Illinois hospitals—and has met with intense opposition from the Illinois Hospital Association. Status: On Second Reading pending further discussions with the IHA. Action Needed: In order to overcome the powerful opposition from the IHA, all AFSCME members should let their legislators know that they support legislation to require nurse staffing ratios that would meet patients’ needs.
Expand the Role of State Developmental Centers (HB 4334—Rep. Riley) – This measure would expand the role of state developmental centers to utilize the staff expertise and the more protected setting of these centers in order to provide consultation, guidance and temporary care when community agencies or families are having difficulty coping with developmentally disabled individuals who have extraordinary problems or needs. Unfortunately, a number of organizations are opposing this measure because they want to simply shut all state-operated centers down. Status: Assigned to subcommittee for further study.
Restore Summer UI for Educational Employees (HB 5048—Rep. Boland; SB 2177—Sen. Frerichs) – This measure would restore Unemployment Insurance benefits for those non-instructional education employees—both in local school districts and universities—who are laid off during the summer months. AFSCME is working to build a coalition of all of the unions who have members in educational settings in order to broaden support for this legislation which is strongly opposed by local school districts. Status: Both measures are still in Rules Committee in their respective houses.
Appeal Process for Health Insurance Denial (HB4223 - Flowers) -- This bill requires health insurance companies and managed care plans to create an appeals procedure for any of their insured clients who are denied health care benefits for a treatment referral, procedure or other health care service. It also provides for an independent review process if the initial appeal is denied. Status: Passed out of House; in Senate Rules Committee.
Pharmaceutical Assistance (HB 4449—Rep. Franks) -- This is an expansion of Rx benefits to seniors. It raises the eligibility amount to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, currently 200%, and makes changes to eligibility programs. Status: Passed House; in Senate Rules Committee.
State Operations Continuity (HB 4767—Rep. Tryon) -- This bill in intended to prevent State government from shutting down if the General Assembly fails to enact a budget by the end of the fiscal year. It provides for continued operation within the framework of the previous year’s budget. Status: On Third Reading in the House.
Strengthen Parole System (HB 2748—Rep. Howard) -- In recent years IDOC has by regulation restricted the instances in which parole agents can violate parolees who commit offenses. This legislation, initiated by Attorney General Madigan, would require the Department to violate parolees who commit specified offenses. Status: On Second Reading in the House.
OPPOSE
State Employee Salaries OnLine (HB 4765—Rep. Tryon) -- This measure would establish a web portal that would provide direct access to information regarding the salaries of all state employees. While there are currently at least two websites that do list this information, neither is an official state website that is readily accessible to the general public. This legislation would list the name and the salary of every state employee, making this information easily available to the general public. While AFSCME recognizes that there may be a justification for providing such information on highly-paid top state officials, we cannot see any reason for making the salaries of frontline employees so readily available. Status: Passed out of the House by large margin; in Senate Rules Committee. Action Needed: Any state employee who objects to having their name and salary published on a state website should ask their State Senator to vote “no” on this bill.
Illinois Youth Centers Threatened (HB 4988—Rep. Hamos; HB 5343—Rep. Collins) – These bills are part of an ongoing effort to shift resources away from state-run youth centers to private, community-based alternatives --and thus bar incarceration of all juveniles. HB 4988 would establish a task force whose purpose is to develop alternative treatment programs for youth offenders with the implicit goal of closing down juvenile correctional facilities. HB 5343 would expand the Redeploy Illinois program with the intent of shifting funding from IYC’s to Redeploy Illinois. Status: HB 4988 is on Second Reading in the House; HB 5343 is on Third Reading in the House.
*The past two weeks have been jam-packed with AFSCME activity in the Illinois General Assembly. The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to approve a number of bills of critical importance to AFSCME members in state government—including a ban on mandatory overtime, increased protection against MRSA infections, and limits on contracting out. But those measures are now stalled in the Senate where Senate President Emil Jones is refusing to allow them out of Rules Committee.
In the coming weeks, the Union will launch a campaign to convince Democratic Senators all across the state to go to their leader and tell him to allow votes on these bills which are so vitally important to so many union members.
*AFSCME’s unity and determination in the fight to prevent the closure of Stateville Correctional Center was front and center when an overflow crowd of more than 250 union members packed a House Appropriations Committee hearing on the IDOC budget on Wednesday, April 9th. Council 31 Executive Director Henry Bayer, Regional Director Buddy Maupin, and Local 1866 President Ralph Portwood presented compelling testimony against the closure.
*AFSCME is also taking the lead in battling Gov. Blagojevich’s attempt to sharply curtail the operations of the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Program. The Governor is refusing to release funds appropriated for the program which supports farmers, 4-H clubs, “greening” projects and other agricultural endeavors throughout the state. The cuts would result in the layoff of some 450 employees, including up to 125 AFSCME members. Council 31 Legislative Specialist John Kohlhepp and Local 3700 members (and Coop employees) Cheryl Westlund and Gloria Lundquist testified against the cuts before a joint House and Senate hearing on Wednesday, April 16.
*The Governor has also refused to include funding in his budget for a wage increase for direct care workers in community agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Jason Kay, Council 31 Political Director, and Yolanda Sims, president of Local 2481, testified before a House Committee about the plight of these employees, who earn barely enough to support their own families even as they do the difficult work of caring for individuals with severe disabilities. AFSCME is leading a campaign to persuade legislators to amend the Governor’s budget plan to add a 50 cts/hr. increase for these workers.
*AFSCME has been playing a leading role in countering the distorted views embodied in a new report on developmental disabilities services, the “Blueprint for System Redesign in Illinois”. The report calls for the closure of five state-operated developmental centers over the next four years. On Wednesday, April 16, Council 31 Policy Director Anne Irving testified before a special legislative panel convened to examine the report. In stressing the vital role that state-operated centers play in a comprehensive system of care, Anne was joined by representatives from parents groups from nearly every state-operated developmental center.
*AFSCME efforts helped to defeat an executive order (EO0801) issued by Governor Blagojevich to institute another reorganization/consolidation in state government that would have jeopardized service delivery and put the job status of affected employees at risk. The EO would have gone into effect automatically unless disapproved by one House of the legislature. Both houses were clearly on track to defeat it, but the Senate got there first by a vote of 40-2.
*Underlying so many of the battles currently underway in the General Assembly is the state’s dire fiscal condition. Gov. Blagojevich is pushing for an expansion of health insurance for the uninsured and an infrastructure improvement program to be paid for by partially privatizing the state lottery, “sweeping” funds dedicated to special state purposes, and bonding.
AFSCME has opposed the lottery plan as currently proposed because it puts the jobs of lottery employees at risk. But even if all of these measures were enacted, they would not address the state’s serious fiscal problems. The Governor’s proposed budget leaves state government drastically understaffed, state universities without any increase to address rising costs, and community disability workers without any pay increase at all.
AFSCME has long argued that such stop-gap measures cannot restore the state to fiscal solvency or meet the needs of its citizens. Our union—along with a broad coalition of forces known as A+ Illinois—supports substantial tax reform that would raise the state income tax while reducing property taxes. This plan is currently embodied in SB 2288. We have also supported other measures that could raise substantial new revenues, but would require a constitutional amendment to enact because they would introduce progressivity into the flat Illinois tax structure.
Unfortunately, the Governor continues to threaten to veto all such sensible reform measures, making legislators wary of voting for them. A+ Illinois is working all across the state to build pressure on legislators to do the right thing—the responsible thing—and vote for such legislation despite the Governor’s opposition. AFSCME members are urged to get involved in this effort.
Below is the status of key bills of importance to AFSCME members.
SUPPORT
Raise Needed Revenues (SB 2288—Sen. Meeks and Cullerton) – This measure would raise desperately-needed new revenues—and help to close the state’s structural deficit. Its sponsors have indicated that they do not intend to move the bill during the Spring legislative session, but hope to bring it to a vote during the Fall Veto Session. Status: On Second Reading in the Senate. Action Needed: Make sure your legislators know that you support this urgently-needed legislation and urge your state senator to cosponsor SB 2288..
Ban Mandatory Overtime (HB 5661—Rep. Dugan) – This legislation would prohibit mandated overtime in 24-hour facilities in IDOC, DJJ, DHS and DVA. It is intended to address the exhausting schedules that thousands of state workers in these agencies have because of being constantly mandated as a result of acute understaffing. The Administration could address this serious problem by simply hiring sufficient staff, but refuses to do so, claiming that employees like working so much overtime. If that’s the case, then why is the state opposing this legislation which would still permit voluntary overtime? The answer, of course, is that the employer is well aware that employees do not want to work the enormous amount of overtime that is being required of so many of them. Status: HB 5661 passed out of the House by an overwhelming 108-2 vote. It is in the Senate Rules Committee. The Senate leadership gave sponsorship of the bill to Sen. Donne Trotter whose only purpose is to kill it. Action Needed: State employees in the above-noted agencies should plan to participate in the Legislative Call-In Week scheduled for May 5-9.
Strengthen Safeguards Against MRSA (HB 4303—Rep. Froelich) – MRSA and other staph infections represent a growing threat, especially to those employees who work in congregate settings, such as prisons or developmental centers. Unfortunately, in too many cases, the State is not taking adequate steps to prevent the spread of these dangerous infections. A number of employees in DOC and DHS have already been diagnosed with MRSA as a result of inadequate precautionary measures. This legislation would ensure that state agencies comply with “best practices” for preventing the spread of such infections. Status: HB 4303 was hijacked by Sen. Ricky Hendon when it came over to the Senate and being kept in Rules Committee at his rerquest. Action needed: Any state employees who have concerns about MRSA in their worksites should contact their State Senators to urge them to support this legislation.
Provide a COLA for Direct Care Workers (HB 4526/HB4597—Rep. Crespo; HB 4596—Rep. Crespo). HB 4526 and HB 4597 are companion measures that would amend the Governor’s proposed budget to include a 50ct./hr. pay increase for direct care workers in state-funded private agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities. The Governor’s original budget plan does not include any wage increase at all for these workers, many of whom are represented by AFSCME. Status: These bills were held in committee because the House has not yet begun its budgetary process. The Union plans to continue to push for the inclusion of the 50 ct./hr. increase in any budget plan that the General Assembly adopts. HB 4596 would establish an “automatic” COLA, requiring that every budget in coming years include a COLA that could fund a pay increase for these direct care workers. Status: In House Rules Committee. Action Needed: Direct care workers should plan to participate in the Direct Care Lobby Day on Wednesday, May 14.
Pension Improvements –Given the financial problems besetting governments at every level—as well as the vigorous propaganda campaign being waged by opponents of public employee pensions—there is strong resistance in the General Assembly to acting on any measure that would improve the pensions of public employees in any of Illinois’ various public sector pension systems. Nonetheless, AFSCME is continuing to support several pension measures which have limited fiscal impact and which can be viewed as matters of fairness, rather than major pension increases. These include:
*Cook County Corrections/Probation Employees Pension Bill (HB 4996--Rep. Flowers) -- This bill adds corrections employees with the Cook County Department of Corrections and County probation officers to the benefit provisions that currently apply to members of the Cook County Police Department. It would allow for retirement at age 50 with 20 or more years of service credit. Status: In House Rules Committee.
*SERS Definition of Final Average Compensation (HB 5011—Rep. Molaro) – This bill would fix a technical problem with the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) regarding the definition of “final average compensation,” so that state employees who have unpaid time off (for any reason, including union business) during their final 48 months of service can make retirement contributions to the pension system to assure that they receive both SERS service credit and earnings credit toward the calculation of their monthly pension benefit, at their normal rate of compensation. The State University Retirement System (SURS) currently does have such a provision. Status: In House Rules Committee.
* IMRF Benefit Enhancements (SB 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960) -- AFSCME Council 31 is supporting this package of governance and benefit enhancements for members of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), which were developed jointly by IMRF and a committee of public employee unions, including AFSCME. Unfortunately, many local government employers are opposed to some or all of these measures. SB 1957 would make the current non-voting Annuitant (retiree) Trustee a voting member of the IMRF Board of Trustees, and add one new management trustee. SB 1958 would provide interest on separation refunds for those IMRF participants who leave employment with an IMRF employer and elect to take a refund of their contributions. SB 1959 would stabilize the value of the IMRF supplemental benefit (the so-called “13th check”) at 75% of the amount of the normal monthly pension benefit, with the cost to be paid by IMRF employers. This is necessary as the value of the 13th check has eroded over time. SB 1960 would lower the current 8-year IMRF vesting period to 5-years, which is the standard for private defined benefit pension plans. Status: SB 1957 – 1960 have all passed out of the Senate and in House Rules Committee.
Restrict Privatization in State Government (HB 4724—Rep. Hannig) – This legislation would put in place strict standards that would have to be met before any service currently provided by state employees could be privatized, including requiring that any contractor would have to pay comparable benefits as those provided by the state. (NOTE: This measure would not impact the current absolute ban on privatization of security functions in the Department of Corrections, pursuant to the Illinois Private Prison Moratorium Act.) Status: HB 4724 passed out of the House by an overwhelming vote of 109-6. It is in Senate Rules Committee.
Restrict Privatization of University Services (SB 2736—Sen. Halvorson) – This measure includes the same restrictions on privatization as those in the legislation described above and would impact all state universities. Status: SB 2736 is on Third Reading in the Senate.
Revise State Mileage Reimbursement (HB 5534—Rep. Verschoore) – This measure would provide that the mileage reimbursement for state employees would be determined on the same calendar as the federal mileage reimbursement, allowing state reimbursement rates to more accurately reflect rising fuel costs. Status: HB 5534 passed out of the House and is being held in Senate Rules Committee. Action Needed: State employees affected by this legislation should contact their State Senators to encourage them to support this measure.
Bar State Funding to Vendors During Strike (HB 4278—Rep. Graham) – This legislation would bar the state from continuing to fund any DHS contractor who is no longer fulfilling its service requirements due to an employee work stoppage. It was initiated in response to the AFSCME strike at Heartland Human Services in Effingham where DHS continued to fund the agency for over six months even though virtually no services were being provided. Status: Passed out of the House; in Senate Rules Committee.
Improve Nurse Staffing Levels (HB 392—Rep. Flowers) -- Illinois hospitals are becoming ever less safe for patients who rely on them and for the nurses who work in them because nurse staffing levels at the bedside have been steadily reduced. Studies show that inadequate nurse staffing greatly increases the risk of patient mortality. AFSCME is leading a statewide campaign to institute mandated nurse staffing levels in all Illinois hospitals—and has met with intense opposition from the Illinois Hospital Association. Status: On Second Reading pending further discussions with the IHA. Action Needed: In order to overcome the powerful opposition from the IHA, all AFSCME members should let their legislators know that they support legislation to require nurse staffing ratios that would meet patients’ needs.
Expand the Role of State Developmental Centers (HB 4334—Rep. Riley) – This measure would expand the role of state developmental centers to utilize the staff expertise and the more protected setting of these centers in order to provide consultation, guidance and temporary care when community agencies or families are having difficulty coping with developmentally disabled individuals who have extraordinary problems or needs. Unfortunately, a number of organizations are opposing this measure because they want to simply shut all state-operated centers down. Status: Assigned to subcommittee for further study.
Restore Summer UI for Educational Employees (HB 5048—Rep. Boland; SB 2177—Sen. Frerichs) – This measure would restore Unemployment Insurance benefits for those non-instructional education employees—both in local school districts and universities—who are laid off during the summer months. AFSCME is working to build a coalition of all of the unions who have members in educational settings in order to broaden support for this legislation which is strongly opposed by local school districts. Status: Both measures are still in Rules Committee in their respective houses.
Appeal Process for Health Insurance Denial (HB4223 - Flowers) -- This bill requires health insurance companies and managed care plans to create an appeals procedure for any of their insured clients who are denied health care benefits for a treatment referral, procedure or other health care service. It also provides for an independent review process if the initial appeal is denied. Status: Passed out of House; in Senate Rules Committee.
Pharmaceutical Assistance (HB 4449—Rep. Franks) -- This is an expansion of Rx benefits to seniors. It raises the eligibility amount to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, currently 200%, and makes changes to eligibility programs. Status: Passed House; in Senate Rules Committee.
State Operations Continuity (HB 4767—Rep. Tryon) -- This bill in intended to prevent State government from shutting down if the General Assembly fails to enact a budget by the end of the fiscal year. It provides for continued operation within the framework of the previous year’s budget. Status: On Third Reading in the House.
Strengthen Parole System (HB 2748—Rep. Howard) -- In recent years IDOC has by regulation restricted the instances in which parole agents can violate parolees who commit offenses. This legislation, initiated by Attorney General Madigan, would require the Department to violate parolees who commit specified offenses. Status: On Second Reading in the House.
OPPOSE
State Employee Salaries OnLine (HB 4765—Rep. Tryon) -- This measure would establish a web portal that would provide direct access to information regarding the salaries of all state employees. While there are currently at least two websites that do list this information, neither is an official state website that is readily accessible to the general public. This legislation would list the name and the salary of every state employee, making this information easily available to the general public. While AFSCME recognizes that there may be a justification for providing such information on highly-paid top state officials, we cannot see any reason for making the salaries of frontline employees so readily available. Status: Passed out of the House by large margin; in Senate Rules Committee. Action Needed: Any state employee who objects to having their name and salary published on a state website should ask their State Senator to vote “no” on this bill.
Illinois Youth Centers Threatened (HB 4988—Rep. Hamos; HB 5343—Rep. Collins) – These bills are part of an ongoing effort to shift resources away from state-run youth centers to private, community-based alternatives --and thus bar incarceration of all juveniles. HB 4988 would establish a task force whose purpose is to develop alternative treatment programs for youth offenders with the implicit goal of closing down juvenile correctional facilities. HB 5343 would expand the Redeploy Illinois program with the intent of shifting funding from IYC’s to Redeploy Illinois. Status: HB 4988 is on Second Reading in the House; HB 5343 is on Third Reading in the House.
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