2.  Reduced retirement benefits imposed on new employees.  Voucher proposal for Chicago schools narrowly defeated.  Input from IEA helps shape ISBE application for Race to the Top grant.  Higher ed borrowing legislation passed.  Bill requiring teachers administer medication to students passes despite IEA opposition.

3.  Influential voices are calling for pension benefits for current members to be reduced/ eliminated.  Supporters of private school vouchers are likely to try again.  Lack of state revenue continues to put pressure on districts to cut staff, increase class sizes.  Due process protections and contract seniority provisions are under attack.

4. SENATOR BILL BRADY JASON PLUMMER  Oppose any increase in personal or corporate income tax  Oppose “progressive” tax system based on ability to pay  Support tax cuts and elimination of fees, further reducing revenue available for education GOVERNOR PAT QUINN SHEILA SIMON  Support increasing state revenue through the personal and corporate income tax  Support “progressive’ tax system  Support property tax relief and an increase in the personal exemption for individuals

5. BRADY-PLUMMER  Support fully funding the 5 retirement systems but only by using current revenues  Support reduced retirement benefits for current employees  Support replacing the current pension system with a defined contribution funded ONLY by employees QUINN-SIMON  Support fully funding the 5 retirement systems  Oppose any reduction of current employee retirement benefits  Oppose imposing a defined contribution plan for state employees

6. BRADY-PLUMMER  Support anti-union “right to work” legislation  Support cutting Illinois’ minimum wage  Oppose law mandating equal pay for men and women QUINN-SIMON  Fully support the Collective Bargaining Act  Support maintaining Illinois’ current minimum wage  Proclamation for Equal Pay Day; April 20, 2010

7. BRADY-PLUMMER  Support elimination of the State Board of Education  Seeks total control of education for governor.  Support imposition of vouchers statewide  Would divert hundreds of millions of dollars from public to private schools QUINN-SIMON  Support full funding of the State Board of Education  Vow to veto voucher proposal if passed by lawmakers.

8.  October 5 th : Last Day to Register to Vote  October 11 th : First Day of Early Voting  October 28 th : Last Day of Early Voting  November 2 nd : General Election Day!