HEADLINES

AFSCME is opposing measures that Gov. Ryan has put forth to address the shortfall in this year's state budget. Forced furloughs would deprive state employees of income and disrupt vital state services. Closing Joliet Correctional Center, a part of Elgin Mental Health Center, and the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education would increase prison overcrowding, place dangerous, mentally ill individuals in non-secure settings, and threaten the safety and well-being of multiple and severely handicapped children—and could result in the layoffs of hundreds of employees. Privatizing dietary and housekeeping services at prisons and mental health centers would also cause hundreds of layoffs. There are alternative ways to address the budget shortfall that do not place the burden of sacrifice on state employees. more

The U.S. Congress is now debating an economic stimulus package that will have a significant impact on AFSCME members. The House of Representatives has passed a bill that gives large tax breaks to big business, which will drain the federal as well as state governments of billions of dollars for urgently needed vital services. The Senate Leadership Bill, however, would provide assistance to laid off workers and would provide state governments with additional federal funds to prevent cutbacks in staff or services. Please click "more" for more information and to contact your legislators now! more

State representatives and senators headed out of Springfield leaving nothing behind to make the holidays brighter for those interested in city of Chicago and Cook County pension bills, affordable health insurance for IMRF retirees and deprivatization of the Anna Veterans’ Home. more

The 12th Biennial Council 31 Convention met in Springfield on Nov. 8-10, with 481 delegates representing 171 locals. Executive Director Henry Bayer got a strong vote of confidence as delegates unanimously reelected him to serve another term at the helm of Illinois AFSCME. The convention also elected new officers, executive board members and trustees to four-year terms, passed policy resolutions and amended the Council 31 Constitution. more

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