Lobby Day 2006

Kathy Setlak, Deneen Pajeau, Ava Harston and Tavey Wright attended Lobby Day in Springfield on March 15. Our goal was to speak with as many Senators and Representatives as possible to discuss key IFT issues. One of the issues for discussion was the clarification on some aspects contained in SB 27. This was the new pension bill passed last spring. Other key topics included IFT supported pension funding proposals, school funding reform, as well as support for the money allocated in the budget designated for class size reduction and for the Kindergarten Plus program.

Many of the legislators were attending committee meetings and were unavailable. However, Kathy and Deneen were able to speak with Representatives Robert Rita and Renée Kosel as well as with Senators Kevin Joyce, Ed Maloney and Maggie Crotty. They also were given a small group tour of the Capitol building by Senator Crotty. It was very gracious of her to spend time with us and some of our brothers and sisters from CTU Local 1. The day concluded with lunch at the Governor's mansion.

Lobby Day is a very well organized event by the IFT and is a great experience. We encourage our members to attend with us next year. We can never have enough contact with our legislators who are making the decisions regarding education in Illinois and regarding our professions.

  AFT Local 943
  15521 South 70th Court
  Orland Park, Illinois 60462
  (708) 633-0943
  (708) 633-0944 (Fax)

  Kathy Setlak, president

  IFT Field Staff