Chicago teachers joined lobbying against 'pension reform' during heated day in Springfield
On December 3, 2013, dozens of CTU members were in Springfield lobbying against the vote for so-called "pension reform." In addition to days of telephone lobbying by members of the CTU, the union sent one bus (about 35 people) to Springfield, and several CTU members drove to Springfield (Including this reporter).
Kurt Hilgendorf, Howard Heath, Jackson Potter and Brandon Johnson were among the CTU members who joined their fellow teachers and public workers from across Illinois on December 3, 2013 in Springfield to work against corporate "pension reform." Substance photo by Jean Schwab. We all gathered to lobby against the pension reform even though the legislation in question on December 3 -- "SB 1" -- did not immediately affect Chicago. (The Chicago Teachers Pension Fund, CTPF, is separate from the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) that covers teachers across the rest of Illinois).
The vote was close. One of the speakers was Senator William Delgado, from Chicago's northwest side, who voted against the bill. Daniel J. Montgomery of the (IFT) Illinois Federation of Teachers, and the We are One Illinois Coalition were mobilized. John Cusick of the American Federation of Teachers members of the Chicago Teachers Union were also talking to legislators about opposing the bill. Christine Boardman, President of SEIU Local 73 was also attending there.
Norine Gutekanst, Jackson Potter, Brandon Johnson, Kurt Hilgendorf, Debby Pope, and Matthew Ritter spent most of the day talking to legislators along with CTU members who came to Springfield. There were legislators that were not available to talk to CTU members.
Debby Pope discussed with her Representative Greg Harris (D Chicago) the impact of the bill on Chicago Teachers. Debby stated, � While he didn�t come out and say it, it was clear that Harris was supporting the bill. He couldn�t explain, despite a pile of official papers in his hand, how this would actually affect my pension should a similar bill focused on Chicago be passed in the near future."
According to State Senator William Delgado�s (D. Chicago) web site www. Senator Delgado.com- news, the senator "Voted against a measure today that will rob retirees of their constitutionally guaranteed pension benefits. This is morally corrupt, we should not be robbing the benefits of hardworking people,� said Delgado. �This will only punish retired teachers, janitors and the women who serve lunch to children in school.�
The measure, voted on today, will diminish retirees Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), increase the retirement age for current employees and delay the COLA for future retirees for up to five years.
The final Vote:
House 62 yes and 53 no and 1 excused absence
Senate : 30 yes and 24 no
