State Universities Annuitants Association
January 26, 2010
The General Primary Election is Tuesday, February 2^nd (Groundhog Day). During the next several days there will be an overwhelming number of campaign ads heard through TV, radio, Twitter, Facebook, and even telephone calls.

The following websites will provide information to those of you who are undecided (be sure to check out the comments relating to pensions, health care, income tax increase, sales tax, state borrowing/funding and cuts).

http://www.thechicagovoter.blogspot.com/

http://www.sj-r.com/news/x1158541844/Governor-hopefuls-State-pension-needs-work  (Article from State Journal Register posted November 15, 2009)

http://www.pjstar.com/featured/x29009395/Governor-hopefuls-focus-on-health-care  (Article from Peoria Journal Star posted December 06, 2009)

http://il.aft.org/local1600/index.cfm?action=article&articleID=a5a13e11-1657-4d06-b478-af721068a0af  (Article posted on IL AFT’s website/includes information from SJ-R article named above)

http://www.uselections.com/il/il.htm (Website that offers many links for information on all the general primary candidates)

The Daily Herald (Suburban Chicago): http://www.dailyherald.com/news/politics/elections/2010/primary/

Chicago Sun Times: http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/1977439,2010-candidate-questionnaires.article

The State Journal Register: http://thedome.sj-r.com/

The Chicago Tribune: http://elections.chicagotribune.com/editorial/#STATEWIDE

We know there are other local newspapers throughout the state that provide information also. To date, those above are our picks.

To know how legislators are voting on bills check out:
http://www.votesmart.org

Going to the Polls Might Take More Time - according to the Illinois State House News, this will be the first Illinois election where voters are notified when they undervote. Undervoting is when a voter does not vote for every race in a state-wide election. In 2007 a law was passed in Illinois requiring notification if a voter does not vote for each race. The law went into effect January 1 of 2010, making Illinois the second state (New York, first) that has such a notification.

When undervoting has been detected the tabulator will beep. The beep will continue for no less than 30 seconds and most likely in the neighborhood of 2 minutes. The biggest problem with this, besides being annoying, is that the voters who intentionally undervote could lose their right to a secret ballot if they require a judge to explain this process as the voter’s screen will most likely be in view.

This should not discourage a voter from undervoting. As a side-note - not all precincts will have this type of tabulator. Please share this information with your peers, family, friends and neighbors. As we all know, voting is important. We want to make sure that everyone is informed even about the voting machines.
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Recently, during a regional meeting of chapter leaders the question was asked if SUAA was affiliated with any other organizations or coalitions. The answer is yes!

SUAA is a member of the following:

Illinois Retirement Security Initiative (IRSI). The members are: SEIU Local 73; AFSCME Council 31; Illinois Federation of Teachers; Illinois Education Association; Illinois Retired Teachers Association; AFSCME Illinois Chapter 31; State Universities Annuitants Association; UPI 4100; Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois. Pending membership is Fraternal Order of Police.

Higher Education Legislative Coalition (HELC). This coalition brings representatives from the unions, campuses, independent lobbyists acting on behalf of higher education clients, community colleges, the State Board of Higher Education, IRSI, SURS and other interested parties.

Illinois Society of Association Executives (ISAE). (SUAA’s Executive Director, Linda Brookhart, was installed as President for 2010). ISAE is an association of statewide associations. The latest feat has been the stoppage of the new lobbying law that was to take effect on January 1; decision is pending.

Business and Industry Federation of Economic Concern (BIFEC). A non-profit association composed of regional and statewide businesses, trade and professional associations, corporations or corporate departments interested in following the legislative process in Illinois.

The Illinois Policy Academy on the Civic Engagement of Older Adults. Sponsored by the National Governors Association, Governor Pat Quinn, the Illinois Senate, the Serve Illinois Commission, and 200 organizations representing education, aging, business, and communities.

Governmental Research Association (GRA). (Linda served on the Board of Trustees for 5+ years) The purpose of the Association is to encourage individuals and organizations to engage in governmental research in the general interest. Governmental research involves the collection, analysis, and distribution of factual information on governmental activities to citizens and officials for the improvement of government and the reduction of its cost.

The Illinois Legislative Education Caucus. Linda, as the Executive Director of SUAA, is a non-voting member of the Caucus. The intent of the Caucus is to provide bipartisan leadership, support and innovation in addressing and advancing educational issues in the legislature. The By-Laws of the group state its intent is to share information, foster discussion and only take a stand on issues receiving 80 percent voting member approval. Our only agenda is helping students learn and progress in Illinois.

State Universities Retirement System Member Advisory Committee (SURSMAC). A committee formed with representation from all community colleges and universities to advise the SURS Board of Trustees on retirement system matters. SUAA also holds a seat as a member.

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These legislative bills are on watch. More information is forthcoming.

HB 174 - INC TX-TUITION SAVINGS REFUND
HB4622 - REVENUE-TAX AMNESTY
HB 4688 - U OF I TRUSTEES-TERMS
HB4706 – HIGHER ED-REP-TUITION WAIVERS
SB 51 - STATE MONEYS-GOVMT SECURITIES now PA 96-0795 potential trailer procurement

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SUAA Regional Meetings – at this time are scheduled for University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign on Tuesday, April 6^th; Moraine Valley College on Thursday, April 8^th; and, William Rainey Harper College on Friday, April 9^th.

Additional information will become available when the details are finalized.
Other chapters are encouraged to host Regional Meetings, especially those in the mid – to southern part of the state.
Your participation is encouraged!

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It has become evident that the community colleges are now being plagued by unpaid health care claims. If you or anyone you know is having a problem please either email suaa@suaa.org or call the SUAA office 217.585.2370 to let us know. We will combine this information with the universities health care problem of non-payment of claims.

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