The in box. “I’m an active Democratic precinct committeeman and a retired teacher.” « Fred Klonsky

The in box. “I’m an active Democratic precinct committeeman and a retired teacher.” « Fred Klonsky:

The in box. “I’m an active Democratic precinct committeeman and a retired teacher.”

by Fred Klonsky

I wrote this message to the governor last Tuesday, May 22.
Dear Governor Quinn:
I’m an active Democratic precinct committeeman and a retired teacher. Speaker Madigan’s and your proposal of reducing our COLA and making us choose between COLA and health insurance is not a choice!!! It’s putting a gun to our heads. Teachers worked very hard for you in the 2010 election and they provided the margin of victory for you in what was otherwise a horrible year for Democrats. Mike Madigan’s speakership is in large measure dependent upon the hard work and dedication of teachers who campaign for all Democratic legislative candidates. His and your proposed actions against our pensions have created tremendous anxiety and ill will among active and retired teachers. I hope that you understand the depth of outrage and anger which you and our other downstate Democratic leaders have created already.  Our Democratic majorities in the House and in the Senate cannot afford that. You, John Cullerton, and Speaker Madigan back off immediately from your insane pension-cutting proposal and start working on a way to increase revenues for the state of Illinois. A graduated income tax which would benefit lower and middle