Nothing about property taxes in Amendment 1? There’s nothing about the cost in most of what Illinois politicians pass, but there’s usually a surprise for taxpayers hidden somewhere.
Child deaths, contempt of court citations and an employee facing child porn charges beleaguer the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Now government unions are pushing Amendment 1, which could void 11 child protection laws.
Crain’s Chicago Business’ editorial board is endorsing a ‘no’ vote on Amendment 1. Two Crain’s columnists did so, also, because of the unchecked power it would grant government unions.
Down to the wire, and three myths are still being pushed by 'Workers' Rights Amendment' advocates. Affects all workers? False. Other states do it? False. Won't increase property taxes? False.
Government workers with six-figure salaries are already common in Illinois. Amendment 1 promises to boost membership in the $100K Club.
The Illinois Manufacturers Association president warned Amendment 1 would tie lawmakers’ hands from pursuing fiscal reform. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce president said it would decrease business investment and the Technology and Manufacturing Association of Illinois is worried about property tax increases.
Linda Ekendahl hoped buying property for her business would be the best move – until her $30,000 property tax bill came. Another tax hike under Amendment 1 would further damage her business.
Former Democratic Chicago Ald. Michele Smith said she recommends a ‘no’ vote on Amendment 1. She said the Illinois Constitution doesn’t need another restriction to keep state lawmakers from fixing the state.
Illinois voters are faced with a change to the Illinois Constitution that would give government union bosses the power to essentially decide how high taxes should go. That’s not how democracy should work.
"The teachers union already has far too much say and power regarding what goes on in our schools. We've gone so far past the original idea or purpose of a union."
“We must do our best to vote ‘no’ or vote out any politician or amendment that gets in our way or diminishes those freedoms.”
“Illinois doesn’t have a revenue problem. Illinois has a spending problem. And Amendment 1 is just going to compound that because they can’t get enough of our money and they’re doing all they can to get more of it.”
Cook County College Teachers Union leaders said they will announce a strike date to members Oct. 24 ahead of planned informational pickets at city colleges and a strike rally set for Oct. 27. The work stoppage would keep 77,000 students out of classes.
“That’s basically what Amendment 1 is, a cover-up by being renamed ‘Worker’s Rights.’"