Lawmakers cannot continue to push their own political agendas and make backroom deals. Illinois parents of adults with special needs said so in an October NO union election.
It’s wrong for the government to interfere with people’s lives.
Here in Illinois, Gov. Quinn made a policy decision simply to advance his own political agenda.
It seems to us Mr. Quinn made a deal. Pat Quinn signed Executive Order 09-15 and made his own deal with SEIU – here’s a few thousand more people to add to your union, thanks for your endorsement and support and million dollars.
As soon as the order was signed, the SEIU received the names and addresses of personal support workers in Illinois’ Home-Based Support Services Program from the Illinois Department of Human Services.
SEIU organizers showed up at our doors, trying to convince us to sign their card, promising more money, vacation time and better services for our sons and daughters, adults with an intellectual/developmental disability.
There was an election. An overwhelming 66% voted NO UNION REPRESENTATION. Personal support workers have first hand experience about how the Illinois Home-Based Support Services Program works. There are valid reasons why we voted for no union representation.
Pat Quinn will not listen. He refuses to rescind the order. Quinn pushed his own political agenda, likely made a deal with SEIU and is failing thousands of Illinois citizens with intellectual/developmental disabilities, their families and the people who provide their supports and services.
It’s wrong for the government to interfere with people’s lives.
Several of us have dedicated countless hours since the election trying to share this information, contacting policymakers, legislators and media. The union is going to continue to organize until they are successful.
Every Gubernatorial candidate has been contacted numerous times for support.
Our legislators in the General Assembly who sit on Disability-related committees have been contacted.
Attached are a single page Fact Sheet and a List of Champions who agree that Pat Quinn must rescind Executive Order 09-15. Look at the list. The families involved as well as the disability community believe the order needs to be rescinded. Several Illinois legislators as well as Gubernatorial candidates agree as well.
Look at who isn’t on the list. This is Illinois and it’s less than two weeks before the primary. You would think more people would listen. It’s wrong for the government to interfere with people’s lives.
We are available to answer any questions.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Pam Harris, 708-246-3880
[email protected]
Gordon Stiefel, 708-246-5151
[email protected]