Pension Movement Likely This Week

Colleagues:  This is a status report on the pension issue that is 
of such critical importance to IEA members.  It is highly likely that a 
pension proposal, in the form of legislation, will surface at the Statehouse 
next week. It's very possible that, once introduced, a pension bill could 
move very quickly through the legislature. That is why  it is crucial that 
our members are active participants in this fight and that they contact 
their legislators immediately.  We are taking a number of steps to ensure we 
are prepared to act to defend our members' pensions.  Robo calls to members 
A robo call from President Klickna will be placed to all IEA members today. 
It will provide a "heads up" message, alerting members that pension 
legislation is imminent and members will be asked to contact their 
legislators.  A second robo call to all members could be placed throughout 
the next week. This call would have a more specific message and would urge 
immediate calls to legislators.  Call to action A full-blown call to action 
is expected to be issued on Monday or Tuesday in anticipation of the pension 
legislation.  Talking points By Tuesday afternoon, talking points that 
members can use for their contacts with legislators will be available to all 
members via the IEA website.  Statewide pension media campaign The We Are 
One Illinois labor coalition (IEA, IFT, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, etc…) is 
launching a statewide media campaign aimed at defending pensions. The 
campaign, which is expected to include radio, TV and internet advertising, 
is being funded by the unions involved. IEA's contribution comes from the 
IEA media campaign fund.  IEA professional staff meeting The call to action 
is likely to impact many scheduled IEA events, including next week's 
scheduled IEA Professional Staff meeting in Springfield.  It will be decided 
early next week whether it makes sense to go forward with a staff meeting in 
Springfield during what could be an intense week.  Stay connected Please 
check the IEA website regularly for updates and encourage your colleagues 
and all members you meet with to do the same.