Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis hit back at Gov. Bruce Rauner’s characterization of teachers’ unions, likening the Republican to the “Simpson’s” wealthy character “Montgomery Burns.”
“It’s ridiculous to say he’s out of touch because it’s a cliche. But he’s such a cliche. He’s got that whole Montgomery Burns thing going on,” Lewis told the Sun-Times.
Lewis’ comments were in response to Rauner’s remarks before an education writer’s conference in Chicago on Monday. Rauner accused teachers unions’ of running public education in Illinois and said CPS was layered in bureaucracy. Rauner said the schools should be run by parents, communities and taxpayers.
“I agree with that. Power to the parents and power to the community,” Lewis said. ”When he says ‘taxpayers’ I don’t know what that means because I don’t know anybody who doesn’t pay taxes — except for his class.”
Rauner has described himself as a member of the “.01 percent” and reported $60 million in earnings last year. He has filed for an extension to this year’s income taxes and is expected to release them in October, his office said.
Lewis criticized Rauner for slashing funding for the indigent while refusing to consider revenue options, including a millionaire’s tax, graduated income tax or financial transaction tax.
“Cutting Autism programs on World Autism Day? Who does that?” she said, in reference to Rauner’s “The problem is revenue. If members of his class pay their fair share,” the state would be better off, she said.
