The following op-ed is written by Henry Bayer, executive director of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31.
Wherever we live and whatever political party we identify with, most Americans agree on a few basic things.
We
believe that those who work hard should have decent pay, affordable
health care, security in retirement and respect on the job — and that
government should provide essential services, like good schools for our
children, safe streets for our families and a safety net for the most
vulnerable, including the elderly, disabled, at-risk kids and unemployed
workers.
Despite this common-sense consensus in support of vital
public services and the men and women who provide them, a chorus of
corporate special interests are echoing extreme attacks on workers and
their rights. And far too many politicians are listening.
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Miles south of Springfield, much less Chicago, the 59th district
state senate race at the southern tip of Illinois between incumbent
Democrat Gary Forby (pictured) and Republican challenger Mark Minor is often a
contest of who can best criticize Gov. Pat Quinn, the state’s Democratic
governor who hails from the Windy City.
Gov. Pat Quinn scored a big victory Friday in his plan to balance
the state budget. Arbitrator Steve Biereg ruled that the state acted
reasonably in the June ordering of the shut down of seven different
corrections and juvenile justice facilities.
A class action lawsuit filed Monday by twenty Chicago area Walmart workers is just the latest action against the retail giant. Walmart is also subject to a lawsuit by Chicago area supply workers and a 
On Election Day, Illinoisans will see a referendum on the ballot that would, if approved by voters, install a state constitutional amendment that would boost the number of legislative votes
needed to pass statewide pension increases for public employees.
