Thursday, December 22, 2005
Part II--SEIU Candidate Questionnaire--Privatization, Hospitals and Tax Hikes
As probably the only person in the United States who has chaired a “Privatization” legislative committee, I’d figure out from page 1 that this was not a questionnaire that was worth my time. I do wonder, however, if Mayor Richard Daley, the Illinois politician who has done more privatization than any other is endorsed by the SEIU anyway.
In any event, the union “has drafted legislation that would establish accountability standards for contractors and wage protections for state employees who are affected…The bill...would require documented proof of at least 10% savings…and also requires..”the hiring of the “displaced state employees.”
“If elected, would you sponsor or otherwise support a similar bill? Yes, No or Depends.”
“If elected, would you oppose legislation or budget measures that would encourage or mandate the contracting out or privatizing or public service? Yes, No or Depends.”
And you might need Depends, if you don’t agree with them.
And, while we won’t tell you that this is about our attempt to organize hospital workers, we want to know if you will support legislation to keep “employers who receive millions of state tax dollars (that) spend large sums of money funding anti-union activities when their employers are trying to form a union” “from spending those dollars on activities opposing their employees’ efforts to form a union.”
Apparently whoever drew up this questionnaire has no clue about corporate accounting. Think creative accounting. I’ve only had one accounting class and I can figure out how the proposed legislation would have no purpose but producing a headline in a union newsletter.
Now, on to page 2 and “revenue shortfalls.” Or the “We want more money from the taxpayers. Will you help us by raising taxes? Oh, by the way, we aren’t particular which taxes you hike.”
“If elected how will you address such a budget shortfall (“more than $4 billion” “by FY 2008”) if it should persist in FR 2008 and beyond?
“SEIU is a part of…”the A+ Coalition that advocates fundamental tax reform in Illinois.”
Why can’t those who want to raise our taxes just say so?
The SEIU likes Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 750 so much, it has “attached the” tax hike-advocating “Center” for Tax and Budget Accountability’s “outline of the legislation.” (It’s the only sentence in boldface in the entire questionnaire. Must be important.)
Of course, the SEIU wants to know if the candidate will support SB 750 or something similar. That BIG question is on the top of page 3.
Just as a reminder, here is a Chicago Tribune “calculator” on which you can figure out about what your tax bill would be if SB 750 passes.
The average Crystal Laker household would see a 13.3% increase in their combined income and property tax bills.
Think any opposed candidate will post his or her answers to this questionnaire on the campaign web site?
To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.
In any event, the union “has drafted legislation that would establish accountability standards for contractors and wage protections for state employees who are affected…The bill...would require documented proof of at least 10% savings…and also requires..”the hiring of the “displaced state employees.”
“If elected, would you sponsor or otherwise support a similar bill? Yes, No or Depends.”
“If elected, would you oppose legislation or budget measures that would encourage or mandate the contracting out or privatizing or public service? Yes, No or Depends.”
And you might need Depends, if you don’t agree with them.
And, while we won’t tell you that this is about our attempt to organize hospital workers, we want to know if you will support legislation to keep “employers who receive millions of state tax dollars (that) spend large sums of money funding anti-union activities when their employers are trying to form a union” “from spending those dollars on activities opposing their employees’ efforts to form a union.”
Apparently whoever drew up this questionnaire has no clue about corporate accounting. Think creative accounting. I’ve only had one accounting class and I can figure out how the proposed legislation would have no purpose but producing a headline in a union newsletter.
Now, on to page 2 and “revenue shortfalls.” Or the “We want more money from the taxpayers. Will you help us by raising taxes? Oh, by the way, we aren’t particular which taxes you hike.”
“If elected how will you address such a budget shortfall (“more than $4 billion” “by FY 2008”) if it should persist in FR 2008 and beyond?
“SEIU is a part of…”the A+ Coalition that advocates fundamental tax reform in Illinois.”
Why can’t those who want to raise our taxes just say so?
The SEIU likes Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 750 so much, it has “attached the” tax hike-advocating “Center” for Tax and Budget Accountability’s “outline of the legislation.” (It’s the only sentence in boldface in the entire questionnaire. Must be important.)
Of course, the SEIU wants to know if the candidate will support SB 750 or something similar. That BIG question is on the top of page 3.
Just as a reminder, here is a Chicago Tribune “calculator” on which you can figure out about what your tax bill would be if SB 750 passes.
The average Crystal Laker household would see a 13.3% increase in their combined income and property tax bills.
Think any opposed candidate will post his or her answers to this questionnaire on the campaign web site?
To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.
# posted by Cal Skinner : 7:10 AM
