Rauner takes pensions hostage in his war on working families
We Are One Illinois, the coalition of unions representing public service workers and retirees, issued this statement in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner's Jan. 21 news conference on public pensions:
"Rather than address his failure to enact a state budget or take a new approach by showing a willingness to work together, the Governor promotes cutting constitutionally-protected pensions in an effort to further attack working people and their unions he considers his political enemies.
"Rauner's latest proposal is irresponsible and divisive. Slashing retirement security by forcing workers to choose between two diminished options is clearly unconstitutional. And to no one's surprise, poison pills in the governor's plan would wipe out the right of working people to have a collective voice on the job on behalf of their families and those they serve.
"Our coalition has always advocated a responsible solution to the pension funding issue that is both constitutional and fair. We urge the governor to abandon unconstitutional attacks and put the people of this state ahead of his political agenda. His disregard for working families is causing irreparable harm to children and communities across Illinois."
US Supreme Court hears case aimed at silencing the voice of educators
On Monday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Friedrichs vs. California Teachers Association lawsuit which could have a profound impact on the ability of IEA-NEA members to advocate for students. Read more...
New online voting for IEA statewide spring elections
Election instructions (tri-fold mailer) will arrive in your mail the first or second week of April. The mailer will include unique voting credentials, the website to vote online, and instructions for how to request and vote a traditional paper ballot.
As in the past, nomination forms and election timelines were mailed to every member on Jan. 6 in the Advocate.
Click here for additional information and online nomination forms.
Retired members will be electing retired delegates to the NEA RA, three at-large Retiree Council members for a 3-year term, and a Retiree Council Ethnic member for the remaining 2-years of this term.
2016 Voting Timeline
Feb. 24 - Nominations due
Mar. 2 - Sample ballots and bios sent
Mar. 16 - Deadline for changes
Mar. 30 - Ballots mailed*
Apr. 27 - Voting closes/ballots due
Apr. 29 - Ballots counted
*If you have not received this mailing by Apr.14, contact Kim Trader at [email protected] or call her at 217.321.2250.
Batinick says he has bipartisan support for pension reform
Republican State Rep. Mark Batinick is ready to file new legislation which proposes offering a lump sum buyout to current and future annuitants nearing retirement. This would not affect current retirees.
Do you think its fair that those with low retirement income who have to earn extra money are getting taxed, while those retirees with a sizable state pension do not need to work for extra money are not taxed?
Union-friendly businesses offer quality goods without exploitation
We all know that when we buy a union made product, we're making a conscious decision to be pro-Labor and support our union brothers and sisters. An article on the IEA website lays out a union-friendly list of which companies we might consider patronizing and supporting with our hard-earned dollars.
Who deserves the IEA's Friend of Education Award?
Nominations due Feb. 17
The Illinois Education Association Friend of Education Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated commitment to the success of public education and to the ideals and mission of the IEA-NEA.
Click here for details and a nomination form. Nominees can not be IEA members or staff.
South Suburban Retired chapter
More than 60 members of the South Suburban Retired chapter out of the Matteson area, gathered on Dec.10 to enjoy one another's company as they welcomed in the holidays. They had a "Know Your Caller" presentation, and enjoyed a "Songs of the Season" program presented by Fermatta D' Aria.
Events that affect you as a retired TRS member
Click here for a list of annual events that affect you as a TRS member.
If you have not yet set up your online TRS member account, please watch this video to learn how.
IEA is pleased to announce the formation of the IEA Foundation, a new and charitable arm of the IEA.
Money donated to the foundation will be used to:
Award grants to individual educators and education institutions in Illinois for charitable and educational causes;
Fund specific activities that improve education for students throughout, such as encouraging investment in education in economically distressed areas of the state;
Convene or fund conferences and seminars to develop solutions to educational problems in Illinois;
Provide financial resources to other organizations that address educational challenges in our state.
All donations made to the IEA Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Contributions can be made payable to the Illinois Education Foundation or the IEA Foundation and mailed to the attention of Doug Barringer, 100 E. Edwards St., Springfield, IL 62704-1999.
