A few questions have come our way. Here are some answers:
I attended the CARE Rally of 2007, when 8,000 people participated. Can Wednesday’s Rally come close to that experience?
We are cautiously optimistic that this will be the biggest rally Springfield has seen in decades, with more than 13,000 attendees. The reason for this projected turnout is the IEA involvement with the Reasonable Budget Coalition (RBC), which includes all of the major unions in Illinois (including IFT, AFSCME, SEIU) as well as scores of agencies that provide human services support to children, the mentally ill and senior citizens.
It’s going to be big.
What’s the weather forecast for Wednesday?
At this writing: sunny and 71 degrees.
Since this is a rally, will I still get to see my legislator?
If you have arranged in advance to meet with your senator and representative, there is a good chance you will have the face-to-face meeting. However, the Statehouse has limited capacity. If the turnout is as large as expected, at some point the State Fire Marshal might bar any new people entering the building until some have left.
Regardless, participating in Wednesday’s rally sends a clear, powerful message to every office-holder in state government: YOU BROKE IT, NOW FIX IT!
If I meet with my legislator, or if a reporter asks me a question, what should I say?
It is important that you speak from the heart about what you see in your district/building/classroom/higher education institution. Paint a picture about what failing to fund education means to you, your students and your community.
Suggested talking points for Wednesday include:
- We need a balanced approach to this crisis: That means budget cuts AND increased revenue.
- We support the one percent income tax increase for education but that is NOT an adequate solution. We need comprehensive tax reform such as that found in HB 174.
- HB 174 would eliminate the need for layoffs in education. It would allow the state to reduce the budget deficit while preserving services for children, the mentally ill and the elderly. Pass HB 174!
Why are we pushing for HB 174 and not focusing solely on the one percent increase for education?
We have been down this road before. Until the state addresses the needs of all citizens, education will be pitted against human services and employees of state government in a fight over an ever-shrinking fiscal pie. We need a comprehensive solution such as that found in HB 174 or its equivalent.
Is this going to make a difference?
Yes. The state cannot forever ignore the needs of the citizens. The only question is when will we reach the point that the members of the General Assembly (particularly Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) decide that it is worse for them to refuse to address the needs of the state than it is to raise taxes.
It’s not a question of whether to meet the needs of Illinoisans. It’s a question of when the will to do so will be found.
On April 21st, thousands of IEA members, joined by many thousands of other concerned citizens, will deliver the message that Illinois needs responsible action from its elected officials. This action is a step that is absolutely necessary in order for the policymakers to come to their senses.
A big turnout Wednesday will help.
Heavy lobbying (via phone or email) by IEA members and others who aren’t able to make the trip to Springfield on Wednesday will help.
Every IEA member can participate. If every member does, we will be successful. It’s a matter of when.
No question.
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