Corporate attack on Chicago public workers, defined benefit pension plans escalates in Illinois… Mayor, Republicans propose legislation to destroy Chicago Teachers Pension Fund Board of Trustees and replace it with mayoral appointees

After at least six secret meetings, another of which was held during the first week of October, Illinois politicians have quietly introduced legislation that would destroy the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund Board of Trustees as an elected entity with ten members elected by those affected by the Fund. The new legislation would replace the current trustees with a seven-member Board of Trustees, four of whose members would be appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. (More)

Teachers get temporary restraining order against dues bill – News & Observer

A Wake County judge granted the state’s largest teachers association a temporary restraining order Monday, effectively putting a hold on a law approved by the Republican House in an unexpected midnight session. (More)

Teachers group takes on Republican businessman – Source: WRAL

Raleigh, N.C. — The North Carolina Association of Educators has called for a boycott of stores owned by Raleigh businessman Art Pope, saying he poses a threat to the state’s public schools.

Pope, a former lawmaker, uses his personal fortune to fund conservative advocacy groups, such as the John Locke Foundation and Civitas Institute. (Read more)

Divide and Conquer

I had a nightmare last night. Yesterday, during a conversation with a local professional, it was stated that the average salary for teachers in Wisconsin is $90,000. We agreed that $90,000 for a teacher is a lot of money. When in reality, teachers should probably make a heck of a lot more.

The very rich conservatives (Republicans) have convinced us that people who make $90,000 should be willing to sacrifice their earnings to balance troubled State budgets. This is very calculated and effective demogouery that is intended to convince us that teachers are the "haves" and we are the the "have-nots"; because, I don’t make anything near that amount.

Bottomline, the Republicans are causing us to fight among ourselves, while diverting attention away from the many who make millions and billions in this country. There is truly class warfare being fought in this country. Let’s be on the right side. Don’t let them divide us.

Quincy Robinson

Note:

You are right on target my friend. This is what happens 99% of the time they (Republicans) will try to make themselves look good by saying one thing and doing another. 

It is not about the budget but about looking out for the real big wheels. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

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Wisconsin