THE LATEST
Memo to Washington: Infrastructure Costs Money
March 31st, 2017
If Congress wants to upgrade America’s creaking roads, rails and bridges, members need to admit a simple truth: They can’t do it for free. By Rahm Emanuel The recent crisis at the Oroville Dam in California brought the challenge of America’s aging infrastructure front and center to living rooms across the country. Today there […]
Read moreClosing the water infrastructure investment gap creates jobs and strengthens the economy
March 31st, 2017
According to an economic impact analysis commissioned by the Value of Water Campaign (VOW), closing the water infrastructure gap in the U.S. would create 1.3 million jobs and spur total economic activity to $220 billion annually. The report, “The Economic Benefits of Investing in Water Infrastructure” will be shared for the first time today, World […]
Read moreWhy 5 Million Apprenticeships Will Make America Great Again
March 31st, 2017
The White House roundtable last week has shone a spotlight on the countries job, skills and training needs for the 21st century workplace. With German Chancellor Angela Merkel and leading American and German industrial CEOs seated at the Cabinet table, President Donald Trump praised Germany’s long-term approach in using on apprenticeships programs to develop its workforce’ […]
Read morePresident Trump compiles infrastructure priority list
January 25th, 2017
President Trump has compiled a list of 50 top infrastructure projects nationwide, totaling at least $137.5 billion in infrastructure investments. Projects in Illinois include Chicago Union Station redevelopment, Red and Purple Line modernization, and Illinois River Locks rehabilitation. Click the link below to view the list. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3409546-Emergency-NatSec50Projects-121416-1-Reduced.html
Read moreThe Third House: State Lobbying Essentials 2017
January 25th, 2017
The Third House: State Lobbying Essentials 2017 The Third House: State Lobbying Essentials is a day-long seminar on how to lobby the Illinois General Assembly effectively. Participants will receive vital information on practical lobbying skills and resources, advanced strategies and tactics, state budget insights and considerations, and winning grassroots efforts from various experienced and successful […]
Read moreThe Monitor-Fall/Winter 2016
January 4th, 2017
Key Articles –America’s Infrastructure First Policy–Illinois Safe Roads Amendment Passes in Landslide–Construction and the Benefit of Registered Apprenticeship Programs
Read moreAurora bridge improves safety at once-deadly railroad crossing
December 20th, 2016
A new bridge carries Route 34 over the Canadian National railroad in Aurora, where two teens were killed when a train struck their car in 1999. Now, two lanes of traffic in each direction as well as bicyclists and people on foot can continue on their way while an average of 42 trains a […]
Read moreHow prevailing-wage laws help veterans
December 9th, 2016
In about six weeks, President-elect Donald Trump and the two houses of Congress will own responsibility for delivering on some big promises. Two featured repeatedly in his campaign were fixing our infrastructure and “taking care of vets” who are being treated “horribly.” These two issues are not as disconnected as you might think. Veterans work […]
Read moreIllinois Safe Roads Amendment Passes in Landslide
November 28th, 2016
In a landslide result, nearly 80 percent of voters approved the Illinois Safe Roads Amendment on Election Day. This will amend Illinois’ Constitution to ensure that transportation revenue, including motor fuel tax and vehicle registration, cannot be spent for purposes other transportation. This effort was spearheaded by Local 150 and partners in labor, business, agriculture […]
Read moreThe Monitor-Spring/ Summer 2016
August 21st, 2016
Key Articles –Road Fund Lock Box –Prevailing Wage repeals hurt Veterans most –Will County, Illinois acts responsibly to population growth
Read moreIII FFC at Pipefitters Local 597
August 12th, 2016
On August 9-10th, the III FFC participated in a two day training at Pipefitters Local 597 on fair contracting and responsible bidding. The workshop focused on establishing a sound foundation for labor activists to help keep signatory contractors competitive and protect Union jobs. Thank you to everyone who participated and stay tuned for upcoming events.
Read moreStand strong against ‘right to work’ laws
June 21st, 2016
Teachers, firefighters, nurses and other public servants dedicate their careers to helping others. They deserve the unfaltering support of a grateful nation. Yet some extremists want to undermine these hard-working public servants’ ability to negotiate a fair wage and essential benefits by touting so-called “right to work” laws. Don’t be misled by these extremists’ […]
Read moreIllinois roadwork projects at risk in budget standoff
June 21st, 2016
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois’ transportation secretary says the state faces the unprecedented prospect of missing a road construction season if lawmakers fail to approve a stopgap spending plan that Gov. Bruce Rauner has proposed. “We’re on the brink of what was once unthinkable: the suspension of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s construction program,” IDOT chief Randy […]
Read moreFix Illinois Roads and Bridges
May 19th, 2016
Over 4,200 Illinois bridges and half of Illinois roads were found to be in poor condition. That puts us in danger of bridge collapses like we saw in Minnesota and Indiana. Bad roads mean more traffic and cost drivers up to $400 a year in vehicle damage. Tell your state legislator to fund Illinois roads […]
Read morePrevailing Wage for Veterans & Their Families
May 13th, 2016
Check out this VoteVets Action Fund video. Prevailing Wage is for Veterans and their Families. https://www.dropbox.com/s/t4sfcvee21jlun1/VoteVets%20Action%20Fund%20-%20Job%20YouTube.mp4?dl=0
Read moreMeet the government guys standing up for franchise workers and contractors
March 10th, 2016
How labor agencies are targeting worker bargaining power in an increasingly outsourced world. By Lydia DePillis March 9 National Labor Relations Board general counsel Richard Griffin has started to restore worker bargaining power in a “fissured” workplace. (Photo by Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post) Richard Griffin swears he had no agenda when he came to serve as […]
Read moreUnions Sue Little Lincolnshire Over Right To Work Ordinance
February 24th, 2016
Four labor unions are suing suburban Lincolnshire to overturn a December ordinance meant to bar private employers from requiring workers to join unions or pay their dues. A suit in Chicago federal court centers on whether a local government even has the power to do that. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued a formal opinion […]
Read moreIllinois Spends Less on Higher Education and Transportation than Almost Every Other State
February 22nd, 2016
By Frank Manzo IV Two weeks ago, I wrote about how more infrastructure investment would kickstart the Illinois economy. Transportation infrastructure investment is one government spending item that conclusively boosts employment and reduces costs over the long run. Investment in human capital– in education and skills– is another. Unfortunately, data from the Social Science Research […]
Read moreWhich road funding option is the best for Indiana?
February 17th, 2016
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — Indiana roads are at a crossroads when it comes to upkeep and funding. One Purdue road expert is pushing for a solution, but it will need political backing. Purdue civil engineering professor Kumares Sinha said Indiana once had some of the best roads in the world. But now he says, […]
Read moreCourier-Journal: Why Right to Work Is wrong
January 25th, 2016
I wasn’t surprised to see Kent Oyler’s commentary extolling the benefits of so-called Right to Work. After all, Mr. Oyler’s salary is paid by business owners, for whom busting unions and lowering wages is a long-sought dream. For the rest of us, though, Right to Work (better called Right to Freeload) is a nightmare. And let’s get […]
Read moreIllinois Economic Policy Institute: Fix the Budget
January 25th, 2016
It is time to Fix the Budget in Illinois. The Problem Illinois is experiencing a budget crisis. The State of Illinois now faces a $9 billion annual deficit, according to the Institute of Government & Public Affairs at the University of Illinois. The Governor and the General Assembly are at an impasse, leaving the state […]
Read more