PAINTERS DISTRICT COUNCIL NO. 30 STRENGTH | VISION | FUTURE

GENERAL ELECTION EDITION EDGE

2020 General Election November 3, 2020

The 2020 General Election will determine the future of so many aspects of American life. The U.S. presidential candidates oer very dierent approaches to most of the issues that are important to Americans. This General Election Edition of The Edge considers these issues and the District Council’s endorsements down the ballot, including important state and local elections, and ballot initiatives that will impact the health of the building and construction economy for many years.

PDC 30 EDGE General Election Issue 2020.indd 1 10/7/20 12:27 PM Tough Decisions for Labor Voters

Whichever candidate wins – Donald Trump protect working people. Unlike previous (4) infrastructure, (5) multiemployer or Joe Biden – they will take the nation in years, PDC 30 has decided to oer an pension reform, and (6) immigration. dramatically dierent directions. analysis of the two presidential options This analysis uncovers vast dierences focusing on key labor issues, and leaving in approaches on healthcare, COVID-19, Donald Trump has excited many union aside for you to consider personally many unions/apprenticeships, and immigration, members, bringing them closer to politics other important issues that might factor with the Biden-Harris ticket oering much and making them feel they can reverse into your vote (see page 3). better futures for working families on these the forces that have eroded economic issues. opportunity for families and communities “ VOTE YOUR JOB, hard hit by the 2008 Recession. Some On infrastructure, both have plans and see Trump as the better choice if they’re LOBBY YOUR HOBBY” we suspect they have equally serious concerned with protecting Second intentions. Our analysis suggests In the March Primary Edition of The Edge, Amendment rights or electing a leader that Biden has experience getting we encouraged members to focus on whose judicial appointments and policies infrastructure plans up and running, the issues that are most relevant to their align with their family’s values on matters and his plans are also more focused on livelihoods. In some circles, this advice is such as abortion, border security, and creating good, union jobs that impact being simplified in the slogan: “Vote your other issues. opportunities in the construction sector. job, lobby your hobby.” On the other side, PDC 30 knows that Multiemployer pension reform is less of What this means is vote for the person many union members believe Trump has a serious issue for PDC 30 members, best suited to protect your livelihood; as upset the values and ruined much of the because of the healthy status of the for your preferences, such as protecting hope they had formed during the Obama- PDC 30 pension fund; however, the issue Second Amendment rights and other Biden presidency that America would is critical to the health of unions across non-economic causes and issues, know continue toward a “more perfect union,” the nation. Both candidates appear to that you and others with similar views will a nation where all people, regardless support reform measures; but Biden continue to be able to advocate for those of their race, gender, national origin, appears better positioned to get it done. interests, and – despite the claims of sexual orientation, preferred language, special interest groups – presidents and PDC 30’s analysis points to Biden-Harris or economic status, could realize upward lawmakers rarely alter rights and privileges as the best choice on these key labor social mobility. that have existed, regardless of the party issues. The District Council greatly These members see a Joe Biden victory in power, for decades. respects the right of all its members to as a route to getting the United States form their own opinions and vote based PDC 30 looked at six key issues for labor back on course to a fair economy that on issues that are most important to them. voters: (1) healthcare, (2) the COVID-19 works for Main Street, not just Wall Street. Everyone, if they can, should vote (see pandemic, (3) unions and apprenticeships, They fear that they may once again face below for how to make a plan to vote). the real possibility of losing everything . they’ve earned because of a catastrophic illness, or loss of coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. And, they want to Make a Plan for Voting – There are Four Ways to see an end to policies that put children Vote in the 2020 General Election in cages and tear law-abiding, productive Use one of these helpful websites to make a plan for voting: immigrants from their families. Some are • www.illinoisvotes2020.com (website managed by Vote for Fairness) also concerned that Trump is throwing • www.betterknowaballot.com (website created by Stephen Cobert to help voters register, gasoline on the fire in communities request an absentee ballot, vote by mail, etc.) grappling with social unrest due to police • vote.gov (website managed by the U.S. government that will link you to resources) shootings of people of color. • www.elections.il.gov (website managed by Illinois State Board of Elections) 1. VOTE BY MAIL: You must fill out the form specific to your county (either online or on paper) Many PDC 30 members, regardless of who to request a vote-by-mail ballot. Ballot requests must be made by October 29th. Mail-in ballots they plan to vote for, see over 200,000 must be postmarked on or before midnight, November 3rd. However, USPS recommends Americans dead from COVID-19, and many mailing your ballot no later than October 27th. Use one of the above resources or go to: www.elections.il.gov, under Voting by Mail. families facing the uncertainty and fear over COVID-19. They see experts talking 2. VOTE EARLY: Registered voters can vote early in person at designated locations throughout each county ending November 2nd (start dates of early voting may vary by about a “fall wave” with the potential to county). Go to www.elections.il.gov, under Information for Voters, Early Voting/Grace Period exceed previous peaks, and they worry it Registration Locations. may take many months, even a year, for a 3. GRACE PERIOD REGISTRATION & VOTING: You can register to vote AND submit your safe and reliable vaccine to reach them. vote from October 7th – November 3rd through the Grace Period Registration program. Two forms of identification with at least one showing your current residence address are required PDC 30 is a labor union, so its guidance to register in-person. Go to www.elections.il.gov, under Information for Voters, Early Voting/ to members will always seek to produce Grace Period Registration Locations. outcomes that lead to more work for 4. VOTE IN PERSON ON NOVEMBER 3RD: Polls are open from 6am - 7pm on Election Day. its members, more advantageous and Each voter must vote at their designated polling place. Go to: www.elections.il.gov, under durable collective bargaining agreements, Election Authority Contact Information. and laws and regulations that favor and 2 GENERAL ELECTION EDITION | EDGE

PDC 30 EDGE General Election Issue 2020.indd 2 10/7/20 12:27 PM Analyzing the Key Issues for Labor Voters PDC 30 divided up the following six issues, read about them, and formed brief summaries and discussions of each. You are encouraged to review one, two, or all in thinking about your vote for president and vice president.

Healthcare Even with excellent healthcare benefits provided through their unions, many union members appreciate the reforms contained in the AŒordable Care Act (ACA) (otherwise known as “Obamacare”) – protections for pre-existing conditions and extension of coverage of child dependents until age 26, for example. The ACA has also allowed many union members to aŒord coverage during periods of ineligibility under their union plans. WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND ON HEALTHCARE Donald Trump has been consistently rates on applicants’ medical history; and and will not sign in terms of future legislation devoted to eliminating the ACA.1 He has he continues to promote plans created by (after the ACA is eliminated).7 sued to eliminate the entire law, including employers that exclude high-risk participants Joe Biden plans to build on the strengths of all of its protections; and that case is (called “Association Health Plans”).5 Trump the ACA, including adding a “public option” scheduled to go before the Supreme has revived talk of “high-risk pools,” but has for those seeking low-cost healthcare Court just after the election, where the not made clear how those covered by such coverage.8 He reminds voters that 20 million Administration is expected to win its battle plans will receive aŒordable coverage.6 more people have health insurance since the to eliminate the law.2 As the election nears, it is not clear how ACA became law.9 He is obviously concerned Moreover, Trump has presented no Trump’s eŒorts to lower the price of that the Supreme Court may very soon alternative to the ACA,3 and nothing concrete prescription drugs through an executive eliminate the law, leaving the healthcare that would protect people with pre-existing order will actually lower prices, and his environment in chaos in the midst of a conditions.4 Instead, he has sought to expand healthcare “Vision” – announced less than pandemic. the number of short-term plans that exclude 6 weeks before the election – thus far only those with pre-existing conditions and base appears to be a declaration of what he will

The COVID-19 Pandemic At the time of writing this information, a leading COVID-19 forecaster estimates that, by the end of 2020, America’s total death toll will be 360,000.10 The impact of COVID-19 has been particularly felt in “essential services,” which in Illinois includes construction industries. Locally, the Tri-Council Development Fund, a partnership of IUPAT District Councils 30, 14, and 58, has indicated to state and federal lawmakers its serious concerns that COVID-19 healthcare will significantly impact short- and long- term sustainability of its multi-employer health plans.11 WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND ON COVID19 Donald Trump asserts that his Administration social distancing and mask guidelines at reopening of schools and businesses to took the necessary steps early in the events he holds, a practice that appears to follow while a vaccine is safely developed.14 pandemic to bring it under control, but he have led to him and several others in the Biden’s COVID-19 Plan commits to many also admitted not telling the public the truth Administration contracting COVID-19. things that are important to essential about the deadly and contagious nature Joe Biden is critical of the Trump employees and their families (regular of the virus early on.12 He’s demanded that Administration’s public information about and free testing; federal production and business and schools re-open, and there is the virus, lack of respect for the guidance dissemination of PPE; eŒective, equitable strong evidence that he believes the best of health experts, constant feuding with his distribution of treatments and a vaccine; answer may be for more Americans to get own appointees at the CDC and FDA, and rebuilding the defenses that Trump the virus to establish “herd immunity” while a failure to lead the nation by example in terms dismantled to prevent pandemic threats; vaccine is developed and becomes available of social distancing and mask wearing. He etc.).15 Biden also supports legislation that (most experts agree that herd immunity believes that, in a short time, the spread of would provide relief to the unemployed and would require 65-70% become infected; in the virus could be brought under control by to states to support school reopening and the U.S., that could mean as many as 2.13 working with governors and mayors to adopt pandemic response.16 million deaths).13 He continues to ignore mask mandates nationwide, with a gradual

See endnotes at www.pdc30.com/blog/2020CandidateAnalysis. 3

PDC 30 EDGE General Election Issue 2020.indd 3 10/7/20 12:27 PM Analyzing the Key Issues for Labor Voters continued

Unions and Apprenticeships The labor movement advocates for policies that promote a full-employment economy at wages high enough to allow working people to support their families. The main purpose of unions during an election is to back policymakers who support collective bargaining and a broad range of pro-worker policies, including the protection of union apprenticeship programs. WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND ON UNIONS AND APPRENTICESHIPS While Donald Trump has courted union Trump has also directed his Department of Particularly, he seeks to bring back to the members, particularly in the construction Labor (with an executive order) to develop United States’ critical supply chains; build trades, he has made deep cuts to the “Industry Recognized Apprenticeship a modern infrastructure and clean energy Department of Labor and positioned the Programs” (IRAPs), programs that hand future; build a 21st century caregiving and National Labor Relations Board to overturn to employers and their associations the education workforce to assist working a series of Obama-era decisions that were power to set training standards within their parents (child care, care for aging relatives, great for workers who collectively bargain.17 industries. In the construction trades, IRAPs etc.); and advance several major proposals Teachers’ unions are a frequent target of his are a blueprint for the elimination of trade- from the labor movement ($15 per hour criticism, as he has sought to erode funding specific, union-sponsored apprenticeship minimum wage, the Protecting the Right to to public schools in favor of charter schools programs.20 Organize (PRO) Act, pay equity for women, (he refers to public schools as “government paid sick days, etc.).22 Biden will also make Joe Biden’s commitment to the union way schools”).18 Trump’s aggressive tactics in sure IRAPs do not become a popular of life is well-established.21 He has a series Lafayette Square to clear the way for the alternative to union-sponsored construction of policy plans that are designed to lift up president to stage a photo-op, and sending apprenticeship programs. working families and their unions. He also federal agents to sweep up protesters in understands that attacks on public sector Portland signal a fundamental hostility to free unions, by Trump directly or through the Courts speech and peaceful protest – an essential in cases like Janus v. AFSCME, pose a major right labor unions rely on to expand their threat to the middle class in the United States. influence and improve working conditions.19

Infrastructure Many candidates promise to create jobs and improve the nation’s infrastructure. That means investing in a modern, sustainable infrastructure and engines of growth both to increase job opportunities and to protect public health and safety — from roads and bridges, to new schools, to water treatment facilities, and other public works. WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND ON INFRASTRUCTURE Donald Trump has continuously promised public or private funding available.26 Trump’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act union construction workers infrastructure sweeping tax cuts led to some growth, but (ARRA) – the 2009 federal relief package spending. Trump’s plan turned out to be corporations and the wealthiest Americans passed in the wake of the financial crisis – heavily focused on preserving jobs in the did not invest their tax savings into new which included large amounts of money for oil and natural gas economy, encouraging industry, capital improvements, or jobs.27 infrastructure projects.31 He is highly critical private development, and reducing of Trump’s failure to accomplish anything Meanwhile, during the years between his environmental impact reviews before major on infrastructure.32 Biden’s plans include promises and his re-election campaign, projects begin.23 provisions to make it easier for workers to Trump’s relationship with the building trades organize (including the protections sought Despite some early excitement on Trump began to erode, as the Department of Labor under the PRO Act), for public service and infrastructure,24 and despite bipartisan under his Administration sought to dismantle workers to bargain, and to address the support and a Republican-controlled unionized apprenticeships.28 misclassification of workers as “independent Congress, Trump was unable to make a Joe Biden is clear that he seeks to use contractors.” deal on infrastructure. What got in his way infrastructure spending to create “good, appears to be that all infrastructure proposals Biden will also ensure that all companies union jobs” while addressing long-standing he advanced included demands for money to benefitting from his infrastructure and clean environmental concerns.29 Biden’s plan build “the wall,” which killed any chance of an energy investments include labor protections includes a $2 trillion investment in American easy bi-partisan win for working people.25 and strictly abide by Davis-Bacon prevailing infrastructure, transit, power sector, building wage guidelines.33 For federally funded Trump has turned to executive orders upgrades, housing, and other public works projects, Biden also seeks to prioritize to create something he can point to as related to the clean energy economy – to be Project Labor and Community Workforce an infrastructure agenda, but the orders deployed over his first term in o¦ce.30 Agreements and employ workers trained in appear designed to remove environmental These are ambitious plans; but, as vice registered apprenticeship programs. regulations and rush through the permit president, Biden was essentially handed process in pursuit of quick starts of already responsibility for the implementation of the planned projects for which there is little

See endnotes at www.pdc30.com/blog/2020CandidateAnalysis. Continued on page 11

4 GENERAL ELECTION EDITION | EDGE

PDC 30 EDGE General Election Issue 2020.indd 4 10/7/20 12:27 PM PDC 30’s Endorsements

BALLOT QUESTION Jan Schakowsky, U.S. Congress, District 9 , , District 25 Fair Tax Constitutional Jan Schakowsky has served The daughter of immigrant Amendment: Vote YES Illinois’ 9th Congressional District parents, Karina Villa is a tireless since 1998. She is often referred advocate for quality education See page 9 for more on the to as a champion for our nation’s for all, access to a‡ordable Fair Tax Amendment. seniors, spearheading the Task healthcare, immigrant rights, and Force on Aging and Families protection of the environment. U.S. PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT and continuing the fight to save She uses her professional Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Social Security and Medicare. Jan is committed to background, leadership, and life experience to protecting health care, creating jobs, and restoring collaborate through compassionate conversation. the middle class. She is committed to listening to the voices of her constituents and ensuring e‡ective representation. Brad Schneider, U.S. Congress, District 10 Brad Schneider focuses on , Illinois Senate, District 28 strengthening the middle class, Laura Murphy has over two protecting the environment, decades of experience in health and helping small businesses care and social services. Her grow. He believes long-term working-class background investments in infrastructure will and professional experience See pages 3, 4, and 11 for an analysis of the provide the necessary foundation inform her views on government positions of Biden and Harris on key issues of for business development across the nation. He that should work toward the importance for labor voters. promises to remain steadfast on his commitments betterment of the people and reinforce her belief to a stronger, thriving middle class. in the importance of education, public safety, and U.S. SENATE fighting corruption and waste government. , U.S. Senate Bill Foster, U.S. Congress, District 11 Dick Durbin is Illinois’ senior Bill Foster has a proven record , Illinois Senate, District 31 senator and has served as of fighting for working people Melinda Bush has served as Democratic Whip since 2005. every day. He protects the middle Senator for Illinois’ 31st District He believes in strong worker class by fighting for good-paying since 2013. She is a lifelong protections and recently jobs, preserving fair wages for resident of Lake County and a cosponsored a bill to ensure a workers, opposing tax breaks former small business owner. fair process for negotiations of for companies that move jobs Melinda fights to restore collective bargaining agreements. Throughout o‡shore, and standing against tax cuts that only ethics and good government, his years in Congress, he has worked hard to help the richest Americans. support economic development, and strengthen advocate for Illinois’ views on national issues while environmental protections. lobbying for federal support for local initiatives. He Lauren Underwood, U.S. Congress, led the fight to strengthen Illinois’ transportation District 14 , Illinois Senate, District 34 infrastructure, which is a critical factor supporting Lauren Underwood’s agenda Steve Stadelman is an award- economic development and job creation within the is centered on strengthening winning TV news anchor who state. economic security and was first elected to the Illinois opportunity for working families Senate in 2012. During his U.S. CONGRESS while protecting the environment tenure as State Senator, he has Sean Casten, U.S. Congress, District 6 and ending gun violence. She fought for innovative funding Sean Casten is a respected supports a broad approach to job for economic development scientist and independent voice creation and advocates for strategic investments in initiatives; worked to safeguard responsible bidder for the values of the middle class. local transportation infrastructure and biomedical practices; and fought to protect Illinois consumers, He is fighting for job creation, and scientific research. abuse victims, and college students. economic opportunity for all, and Patrick Joyce, Illinois Senate, District 40 responsible ways to reduce the Cheri Bustos, U.S. Congress, District 17 deficit. In Congress, he advocates Cheri Bustos believes unions Patrick Joyce is determined for sensible, targeted investment that spurs are the driving force behind to restore the right values and economic development and job creation. a sustainable middle class. priorities in Springfield. He is She will continue to provide running for the Illinois Senate to Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. Congress, an independent voice in make sure all of his constituents’ District 8 Washington, working to eliminate voices are heard, from making health care more accessible and In Congress, Raja Krishnamoorthi incentives for outsourcing jobs a‡ordable to standing up for our small businesses focuses on strengthening the and ensuring all jobs provide livable wages and that create jobs and support our families. middle class by supporting great benefits. small businesses, rebuilding our ILLINOIS SENATE , Illinois Senate, District 46 infrastructure, and protecting Dave Koehler is a longtime friend Social Security and Medicare. He , Illinois Senate, District 22 of labor and believes that strong knows our economy works best Cristina Castro has stood up for relationships are key to resolving when it works for all of us, and he is fighting to working families and is not afraid important issues. He has worked make college more a‡ordable, expand access to to ask tough questions. She has to obtain state resources to fund paid sick and parental leave, and guarantee equal reached across the aisle on the development initiatives impacting pay for equal work. issues that matter most to the people in her district and works in communities. He is willing to a bipartisan fashion to help solve make the decisions necessary to ensure that problems and to move Illinois in the right direction sustainable jobs are created for working families while protecting the values of the middle class and and schools have adequate resources. organized labor. 5

PDC 30 EDGE General Election Issue 2020.indd 5 10/7/20 12:27 PM PDC 30’s Endorsements continued

Meg Loughran Cappel, Illinois Senate, , Illinois House, District 44 Kate Monteleone, Illinois House, District 50 District 49 Fred Crespo strongly believes in Kate is a lifelong Illinois resident As a special education teacher, policy that supports and protects with 25 years of leadership small business owner, AFT-IFT working families, and he credits experience in healthcare Local 604 union representative, unions for keeping our economy and higher education. She and school board member, Meg strong. Fred will fight for a budget understands the challenges Loughran Cappel is heavily that protects our most vulnerable facing middle class families, involved in the community she citizens and encourages economic because she’s experienced hopes to serve. In Springfield, development throughout the state. them, as well. In Springfield, Kate will stand up for she will continue to advocate on behalf of working families and safer communities, and fight against families for a‡ordable healthcare and a strong , Illinois House, District 45 government corruption. public education system. Diane Pappas immigrated to the U.S. from Poland at age 11. As a Marci Suelzer, Illinois House, District 52 ILLINOIS HOUSE State Representative, she has Marci’s business expertise, legal Jaime Andrade, Illinois House, District 40 used her experience working training, and counseling skills First elected in 2014, Jamie as an attorney specializing in make her uniquely qualified to Andrade is a long-time corporate negotiations to help bring fiscal responsibility back community leader and resident opposing parties find common to Springfield. She is passionate of the Irving Park neighborhood. ground and make the compromises necessary to about small business and mental He is the creator and first chair form lasting, successful agreements. She has used health, and she promises to of the new House Cybersecurity, these skills in Springfield to cut through partisan ensure that all voices of the 52nd District are Data Analytics & IT Committee, gridlock and get Illinois back on track. heard and equally represented. established to oversee legislation which seeks to , Illinois House, District 46 Martha Paschke, Illinois House, District 65 protect the people of Illinois from cyber threats, maintain privacy, and expand opportunity in Deb Conroy’s priorities include Martha Paschke believes that it is today’s digital world. creating good jobs through important to have representatives economic development, that reflect the values of the , Illinois House, District 41 providing property tax relief to communities they serve. The Janet Yang Rohr is a mother, homeowners, ensuring state daughter of missionaries, she is business leader, school board government lives within its an ethical and compassionate member, and long-time Naperville means, and protecting local leader whose priorities include resident committed to putting school resources. She will continue to fight for supporting economic growth, fair taxation, high middle class families first. As fiscal responsibility while protecting funding for quality education for all, and access to a‡ordable state representative, she will use education, public safety, health care, and programs healthcare. for seniors and veterans. her background in finance and , Illinois House, District 66 accounting to reduce the tax burden facing hard- Jennifer Zordani, Illinois House, District 47 working families and help make health care and Suzanne is a small business education more a‡ordable. Jennifer Zordani has been a owner, county board member, regulatory attorney for more and mother running to bring Ken Mejia-Beal, Illinois House, District 42 than 20 years. She previously common sense solutions to As a long-time Illinois resident, ran for the U.S. House of Springfield. Coming from community activist, and a leader Representatives (District a working-class family, she in the financial sector, Ken Mejia- 47) and pledges, as a State understands the hardships that Beal has spent the better part Representative, to be accessible many families in the 66th District face. Suzanne of his life helping others in his and hard-working, focused on quality public will work to improve our infrastructure and community. He understands the education, welcoming communities, healthcare, increase access to important community services. and wage and job growth. socioeconomic struggles faced II, Illinois House, District 67 by all communities, and has dedicated a large part , Illinois House, of his career towards alleviating these disparities Maurice is running for re- in common-sense, bipartisan ways. District 48 election in the 67th District. He is Terra Costa Howard advocates heavily involved in his Rockford , Illinois House, District 43 for children, seniors, the disabled, community and makes it his first Anna Moeller is a leader and families in need. She served priority to be accessible to his with integrity and a talent eight years on Glen Ellyn’s constituents. Maurice will work for policymaking. She is District 41 School Board. Terra’s to decrease the skills gap so that committed to working with experiences as an attorney give Rockford becomes a better place to live, work, and local residents, Republicans, her a unique understanding of raise a family. the problems facing Illinois residents and the Democrats, businesses, and Dave Vella, Illinois House, District 68 labor organizations to strengthen role the government plays in strengthening the the local economy, put middle-class families community. Dave is a Rockford native that back to work, and streamline the budget to save will represent constituents of the tax dollars while protecting vital programs that , Illinois House, District 49 68th District with a “community local residents depend on, like education, health Maura Hirschauer is a mother, first” mindset. He is committed to care, public safety, and services for seniors and activist, community organizer, strengthening the local economy veterans. and former elementary educator. by creating jobs that pay a living She is committed to fostering wage, investing in infrastructure and maintaining an economy that to attract new businesses, and partnering works for working class families, with labor unions to incorporate skilled trades and will be a leader in fiscal curriculum in middle schools and high schools. responsibility fighting for a‡ordable healthcare, equitable schools, and common sense measures to end gun violence. 6 GENERAL ELECTION EDITION | EDGE

PDC 30 EDGE General Election Issue 2020.indd 6 10/7/20 12:27 PM Paul Stoddard, Illinois House, District 70 , Illinois House, Jay HoŠman, Illinois House, District 113 Paul Stoddard is a DeKalb District 83 Jay Ho­man is a former County Board member and a Barbara Hernandez has focused prosecutor and law enforcement retired Northern Illinois University on quality education and making ocial who puts Illinois’ families professor. He believes elected Illinois safer and healthier by first. He is committed to ocials should be accountable fighting for common sense gun protecting our jobs, our schools, to their constituents. Paul will laws, access to more a­ordable our seniors, and our veterans. advocate for policies that protect health care, and better, high- Jay believes in cutting state and promote the hard working citizens of Illinois, wage jobs. In her time in spending, closing corporate tax loopholes, and such as tax reform, a­ordable higher education, Springfield, she has distinguished herself as an increasing tax rates on multi-millionaires so they and accessible health care. independent voice for her Aurora-based district. pay their fair share. Joan Padilla, Illinois House, District 71 Stephanie Kifowit, Illinois House, District 84 COUNTY GOVERNMENT Joan Padilla is the Executive Stephanie Kifowit is a U.S. Paula Deacon Garcia, DuPage County Director of Home of Hope Cancer Marine Corps veteran focused Board, District 2 Wellness Center. Her focus as on promoting growth for local Paula Deacon Garcia believes State Representative will be to area businesses, improving that productive and positive support growth by focusing on infrastructure, creating jobs, and businesses are important in jobs, education, infrastructure, balancing the state’s budget. helping a county grow and and public safety. Other priorities Her background as a substitute evolve. She believes job growth include reducing property taxes, cutting taxes teacher has led to her strong commitment to for the County is critical and the for the middle class, and enacting mandatory building successful schools and communities. County should be working to performance audits of state agencies. attract companies that are responsible and forward Jehan Gordon-Booth, Illinois House, thinking – progressive companies that pay a living , Illinois House, District 76 District 92 wage and respect workers and their unions. Lance Yednock previously Jehan Gordon-Booth has served as a business agent dedicated much of her public Amy Chavez, DuPage County Board, and executive board member service to education and criminal District 5 with Operating Engineers Local justice reform. Her commitment Amy Chavez a candidate for 150, where he spent his career to preserving people’s dignity DuPage County Board. She fighting for the rights of working and their ability to contribute is a proven business leader men and women. As a State to their communities informs and passionate advocate for Representative, he is committed to continuing the her push for reform in education, the tax code, Democratic values, promising fight for more a­ordable health care, better wages, sentencing regulation, re-entry programming, and more transparency and and property tax relief. economic opportunity. accountability through actionable , Illinois House, District 77 initiatives. Her extensive professional business , Illinois House, District 96 and leadership experience will make her an asset Kathleen Willis’ key priorities Sue Scherer is a former public to the DuPage County Board. are to improve access to school teacher who has outstanding education, provide represented the 96th District Greg Schwarze, DuPage County Board, greater property tax relief to since 2013. As a lifelong resident District 6 local homeowners, eliminate of Macon County, she promises Greg Schwarze is a proud union government waste, and work to to bring common sense to Firefighter/Paramedic for over get Illinois’ economy back on the Springfield by working with 25 years and a dedicated public right track. She vows to protect funding for vital members of both parties to improve public safety, servant. He’s been a resident programs and services while avoiding disastrous strengthen schools, restore fiscal balance, and of Carol Stream since 1999 and cuts to education, public safety, healthcare, and create jobs. has served as a Carol Stream services for veterans and seniors. Village Trustee since 2007. As Harry Benton, Illinois House, District 97 Anne Stava-Murray, Illinois House, the Carol Stream Fire District Public Education Harry Benton is a member of District 81 Coordinator, Greg has had first-hand contact on Ironworkers Local 444 and an everyday basis with the real people who live Anne was first elected to the a Trustee for the Village of in his community. Illinois House of Representatives Plainfield. He hopes to lead in November, 2018; she is e­orts to lower property taxes, Jennifer Bankert, Fulton County Clerk/ currently seeking a second term. help small businesses succeed, Recorder She promises to focus on the create more jobs, and build Jennifer Bankert is the current key issues a­ecting residents in stronger local economies. He is also a strong Fulton County Clerk/Recorder her district, including increasing proponent for expanding quality healthcare for and hopes to continue to help health and safety, strengthening public education, local families, children, seniors, and veterans. Fulton county take advantage ensuring economic opportunity, and creating of its opportunities and address financial stability for Illinois. , Illinois House, District 98 its problems. She comes from a Natalie Manley is serving her strong union family and supports second term as Representative the right of workers to organize, because that for Illinois’ 98th District. She is a is what helped her family thrive through many certified public accountant who generations. draws upon her strong financial background to make fiscal responsibility in state government a priority. She advocates for creating jobs for local residents, a­ordable college tuition, and legislation to freeze property taxes. 7

PDC 30 EDGE General Election Issue 2020.indd 7 10/7/20 12:27 PM PDC 30’s Endorsements continued

Jamie Mosser, Kane County State’s Attorney Mary Kay Crantz, Kane County Board, Ryan Kau†man, Kendall County Circuit Clerk Jamie Mosser’s recent legal work District 10 Ryan Kau›man believes it is time has focused on helping survivors Mary has lived in Kane County for an upgrade in the Kendall of domestic violence and sexual for over 25 years and is seeking County Circuit Clerk’s oŠce. assault. She worked for 20 years her first term on the Kane County Drawing on his deep background as a Kane County prosecutor. She Board. She is an experienced in finance and digital technology, supports programs that identify educator and a trusted member of he has proposed a slate of and divert individuals accused her community. Mary is committed innovative ideas for increasing of a crime who have mental health or substance to providing complete transparency eŠciencies and reducing waste in the Circuit abuse issues to treatment programs rather than and hands-on representation to the Board. Clerk’s oŠce while allowing the oŠce to better jail, and seeks to eliminate racial disparity in serve the residents of Kendall County. charging and bonding decisions. Ruth Kuzmanic, Kane County Board, District 12 Abbi Sorrells, McLean County Coroner Theresa Barreiro, Kane County Circuit Clerk Ruth is a retired public-school Abbi Sorrells has a background As a Kane County Board Member, teacher and coach who has lived in emergency and critical care Theresa Barreiro has fought in Kane County since 1987. She is nursing, and she looks forward to to increase transparency and running to provide a supportive serving the diverse population of accountability. As Circuit Clerk, voice for everyone in her District. McLean County as its Coroner. She she pledges to continue this fight Ruth promises to make decisions knows the value of collaborating and to bring innovation to the responsibly and transparently and with an interdisciplinary team and position while reducing waste to focus on health, economy, and local businesses understands the importance of helping families that and increasing transparency. She has a strong in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. have experienced a traumatic event in their lives, knowledge of the oŠce and will strive to bring having compassion for everyone, no matter their more services to community residents. Sandy Kaczmarski, Kane County Board, social status. Penny Wegman, Kane County Auditor District 18 Joe Chiarelli, Winnebago County Chairman Sandy Kaczmarski is a media As Kane County Auditor, Penny Joe Chiarelli believes that consultant who works with Wegman will draw on her government functions conservation organizations experience as a member of the at its highest level when regionally and statewide. She Kane County Board, and pledges representation is inclusive, grew up in a solid union family to provide the most honest, and that we must find common that worked in construction. She eŠcient, and transparent County ground while standing firm on our worked as a public information government possible, while principals. As an Alderman for manager at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage providing the necessary services as expeditiously the City of Rockford, he has been at the forefront County. She hopes to make our communities safer and economically as can be done. of every major issue facing the city since 2013. He and improve quality of life in Kane County. is committed to aggressively pursuing economic Corinne Pierog, Kane County Board Chair Cherryl Fritz Strathmann, Kane County development for all within Winnebago County. See page 10 for more on Corinne Pierog. Board, District 20 J. Hanley, Winnebago County Cherryl Fritz Strathmann has State’s Attorney lived in District 20 since 1977 J. Hanley promises to restore and has been a small business trust to the oŠce of Winnebago owner since 1991. She has been County State’s Attorney. He will active and engaged throughout e›ectively collaborate with law her adult life, with a wealth enforcement and the judiciary of knowledge in the areas of Dale Berman, Kane County Board, District 2 while aggressively prosecuting infrastructure, transportation, and open spaces in Long-time President of the Village the most dangerous criminals. In Kane County. She’s focused on clean, safe drinking of North Aurora, Dale Berman will so doing, he will work to restore a sense of peace water, and the e›ects of climate change. draw on his four decades of civic to County residents. involvement in the Kane County Vern Tepe, Kane County Board, District 22 area. He hopes to see the County Rob Young, Winnebago County Board, explore revenue sources, such as Current Elgin Township Trustee District 17 Vern Tepe has demonstrated grants, as opposed to removing Rob Young believes his skills the freeze on the tax levy, and he supports a toll he deserves the opportunity to represent the residents of District and experience can bring much for the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge to help pay needed stability and vision to for the building of the bridge. 22 on the Kane County Board. For the past twenty years he has the Winnebago County Board. Mavis Bates, Kane County Board, District 4 helped several companies grow He believes the communities and develop, and has taken his knowledge of data of the County are experiencing Mavis is a healthcare a period of incredible success, professional, small business processing, distribution, and programming into his public service. growth, and development; what is needed now is owner, and public servant collaborative leadership to seize new and ongoing with deep roots in the Aurora opportunities. community. She promises to be an advocate for organized labor and has earned endorsements from many Aurora-area unions and building trades councils. Mavis will bring truth, integrity, and transparency to the Kane County Board.

8 GENERAL ELECTION EDITION | EDGE

PDC 30 EDGE General Election Issue 2020.indd 8 10/7/20 12:27 PM Working Families and the Fair Tax Plan: Some Questions Why This is a Must for Illinois and Answers about the Fair Tax Plan

Will the Fair Tax plan increase taxes you pay? The state ALREADY can increase taxes. The question is whether voters want to make it possible for the state to spare 97% of the state’s taxpayers the burden of increased taxes. Only tax filers who make $250,000 or more per year will see any increase in their state income taxes under the proposal. Will this cause more people to leave Illinois? The Fair Tax plan is consistent with the way most other states tax their residents, and there are many reasons why Illinois residents settle elsewhere.7 In 2020, 41 states and the District Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker speaks to the public about the Fair Tax Constitutional Amendment, April 9, 2019. of Columbia levied a broad-based individual income tax; and 32 states In Illinois, those at the low end of the “Yes” also recognizes that COVID-19 has use graduated income taxes, which income scale currently pay almost twice made the problem worse, prompting many tax higher incomes at a higher rate.8 as much in state and local taxes, as a – including opponents of the Fair Tax plan – The inability to fund public services to percentage of income, as those at the top. to question how the State’s current tax attract and retain good employees is Over the past 35 years, the wealthiest structure will generate enough income to a more likely reason residents might 10% percent of Illinois households saw run the state.5 leave Illinois. their incomes grow by 108%, while the If you vote “No” on the Fair Tax plan, remaining 90% of households experienced Will your retirement income be taxed perhaps you have been convinced that a reduction of income of 8%.1 under the Fair Tax plan? There is your taxes will not go up if the Fair Tax NOTHING in the Fair Tax plan that Meanwhile, current tax revenue cannot plan fails, or that the economy will improve contemplates or would lead the state pay for core services provided by the and wealthier Illinoisans will use their to taxing retirement incomes. The state. The percentage change in funding additional wealth for capital investment, state legislature can ALREADY, if they since 2000 in higher education has been job creation, and this will generate more wanted to, tax retirement income. -52%; in healthcare -22%; in human services revenue. More likely, if it fails, the state will In fact, if the Fair Tax plan fails, the -29%; and in public safety -21%.2 Shoring have no option other than raising the flat legislature would likely have to raise up public pensions and state infrastructure tax rate for all taxpayers. (The “rising tide tax rates for everyone AND might also funding are also urgent priorities, and will float all boats” theory has not proven need to tax retirement income. progress cannot be made on these true; even with all the tax cuts passed by matters without additional revenue. the federal government, income inequality Didn’t someone say the state would has only gotten worse across the nation).6 tax retirement income? Illinois If the resolution is ratified by voters on Treasurer Michael Frerichs clarified he Election Day, the Fair Tax is projected to Check the Facts: Enter your was referring only to a long-standing raise $3.6 billion in new annual revenue argument by some that high-dollar from the wealthiest 3% of tax payers in information in the Fair Tax pensions could probably be subject Illinois while cutting the income tax liability, Calculator to see what the Fair to some taxation, but the Fair Tax plan or making no change, for the remaining Tax plan means for you. Search would still protect low- and moderate- 97% of state filers.3 for “Illinois Fair Tax Calculator” retirement incomes from taxation. If you vote “Yes” on the Fair Tax plan, you “What we were talking about when recognize that, for the state to properly or connect using the link below: we talked about retirement income fund public pensions, state infrastructure, https://www2.illinois.gov/ was people like a university doctor at education, public safety and human a teaching hospital drawing about a services, etc. (and thus also to reduce sites/gov/ half a million dollars a year in pension the amount local taxing districts assess income,” he said.9 in property taxes), the state will inevitably JOIN US FOR A TOWN HALL MEETING See endnotes at www.pdc30.com/ need more revenue. “Yes” means you ON THE FAIR TAX PLAN blog/FairTax. believe wealthier Illinoisans can and should cover a larger share of those costs than October 22, 2020 4 See back cover for details low- and moderate-income taxpayers. 9

PDC 30 EDGE General Election Issue 2020.indd 9 10/7/20 12:27 PM Corinne Pierog for Kane County Board Chair

Corinne is a longtime friend and frequent a realistic minimum wage, and ensuring visitor to Painters District Council No. 30. equitable educational possibilities for “We are excited about Corinne’s children – from early childhood to aspirations for Kane County,” says Ryan workforce development. Corinne is also Anderson, PDC 30’s Business Manager/ committed to preserving programs that Secretary-Treasurer. “She knows us well support veterans and senior citizens. and we have long considered the Kane Corinne currently serves as the 1st Vice- County Board to be an important local chair of Age Guide of Northeastern Illinois, government authority whose decisions as 1st Vice-chair of the Kane County a‰ect public construction in the region Democrats, and previously served two that is home to our District Council.” terms on the St. Charles D303 Board Indeed, the Kane County Board has been of Education, the board of the United important to PDC 30. District Council Way of Central Kane County, and as a Business Representative and Director of gubernatorial appointee to the Illinois Membership Services Brian Dahl spent Business Enterprise Program Council. several years as an appointed and later elected member of the Board. A former university professor and college administrator, she holds degrees from Corinne intends to accomplish her the University of California, Irvine, from objectives with a commitment to San Francisco State University, and stakeholder input, proven best-practices, from Roosevelt University. She is also and sensitivity to the property tax impact The daughter of a Union carpenter, and the principal of Sustainable Leadership of County business and programming founder and current chair of the Kane Solutions, which provides board- on residents. In many of Corinne’s public County Democratic Women of Illinois, development and financial leadership service activities, she has shown her Corinne M. Pierog believes that Kane support to non-profit organizations. County leaders must begin to make dedication to investing in long- and short- substantive and strategic plans to address term solutions that will create and sustain the County’s future, as compared to good Illinois jobs. She believes in the focusing on the past. protection of the middle class, establishing

Congratulations Mark Guethle on Your Retirement!

Mark Guethle retired on September 1, 2020, leaving a legacy of candidates and influence that has changed the political composition of the Collar Counties and elevated PDC 30’s standing in local, state, and national politics. On behalf of a grateful membership, congratulations Mark on your years of service to the industry, PDC 30, and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. You are an inspiration to us all. PDC 30 will celebrate Mark’s contributions in more detail in a future regular issue of The Edge. For now, we can all honor Mark’s achievements by joining him in the crucial final weeks of a critical General Election. Volunteer to call voters, help others get to the polls, and, most importantly, VOTE!

The Edge is the ocial publication of Painters District Council No. 30, 1905 Sequoia Drive, Suite 201, Aurora, IL 60506; Ph. 630-377-2120 / Fax 630-377-2384; pdc30.com. The development of each edition of The Edge is a collaborative e‰ort. It is co-edited by John Butler and Marisa Richards, with contributions by Steve Kulovits. PDC 30 and its aliated organizations provide content and perspective during its production. Opinions expressed in this General Election Edition are those of the PDC 30 organization and are not intended to reflect the views of any endorsed candidates. Graphic design is by Gregg Rojewski of Rojo Design. Printing and distribution is provided by Fuse Printing (Mittera ). Feedback and suggestions welcome at [email protected] or PDC 30’s mailing address (c/o Edge). 10 GENERAL ELECTION EDITION | EDGE

PDC 30 EDGE General Election Issue 2020.indd 10 10/7/20 12:27 PM Analyzing the Key Issues for Labor Voters continued

Multiemployer Pension Reform While PDC 30’s Pension Fund is well-funded, many pension funds within unionized industries are not faring as well. Of the 10 million workers in multiemployer plans, roughly 1.3 million are in plans that are dangerously underfunded. Labor-backed pension reform measures were passed by the Obama Administration in 2014 (Kline-Miller Multiemployer Pension Reform Act, or MPRA), but that law required that individual reform plans be approved by the U.S. government, which has rarely occurred under the Trump Administration. This measure also offered no source of funding (loans or otherwise) to help struggling plans reform. WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND ON MULTIEMPLOYER PENSION REFORM Donald Trump is reportedly willing to sign reform measure passed in 2014 (MPRA). plans, and it would provide an additional multiemployer pension reform legislation; Where that Act has been used to restructure $71 billion in direct cash assistance. Biden’s however, the Republican-majority in the a small number of struggling pension plans, running mate Senator Kamala Harris was U.S. Senate apparently is not, owing to their however, it has also led some participants in also a cosponsor of the Senate Democrats’ traditionally anti-union ideology.34 For his those plans who naturally found the benefit- companion legislation to the Butch Lewis part, for whatever reason, Trump is either not reducing reforms undesirable to criticize Act.39 willing or able to pressure Senate Republican Biden directly during the campaign.37 Biden is also strongly committed to a leadership to join him.35 Progress under The Democratic-led U.S. House of comprehensive plan for older Americans, Trump on this issue will require bipartisan Representatives passed a multiemployer including a plan to preserve and protect cooperation.36 pension bailout measure (Butch Lewis Act), Social Security, which is the only backstop If Joe Biden wins the presidency, it is fair to and also included it in their now sidelined participants in struggling multiemployer assume he will seek to pass a multiemployer economic relief package – the HEROES Act.38 pension plans will have if their plans become pension plan bailout and restructuring plan, That pension reform plan included nearly insolvent.40 as it is a key legislative priority for labor $100 billion in low-interest loans to the unions. He supported the last major pension nation’s most underfunded union pension

Immigration Labor unions are naturally drawn to help exploited workers, and often the most exploited are newly arrived immigrants. Consequently, some labor organizations represent ethnically diverse memberships and strive to organize the unorganized, so that area-standard wages and benefits are maintained in their industry. Moreover, labor organizations know that their capacity to bargain effectively requires unity across multiple unions representing workers in all fields. Being on the progressive side of the immigration debate is thus crucial to the success of these union activities. And then there is a simple, practical matter: Bad immigration policy negatively impacts real people every day. An inhumane immigration policy produces real trauma for mix-status families, their breadwinners, and their communities. Such trauma makes jobsites unsafe, destabilizes education for children, and erodes the potential of communities to mobilize around urban planning and economic development. WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND ON IMMIGRATION In 2015, Donald Trump made clear his support for a wall and refusal to properly process legally-arrived seekers,45 and convene the leaders of Canada wall across the entire expanse of the U.S. southern asylum seekers) and “a new merit-based legal and Latin American nations from which migrants border. “The Wall,” he argued, would reduce immigration system” (abolition of the long-standing originate to address the factors driving migration U.S. crime, drug use, drug overdose, and human right of settled legal residents and citizens to and propose a regional resettlement solution. trafficking. Unable to build a wall, he announced sponsor their immediate family members for Much of Biden’s plan on immigration focuses on a ban on immigrants from Muslim nations, put U.S. entry) blocked any potential for political 42 labor issues – protecting the rights, wages, and in motion policies that turned away or forcibly compromise. working conditions of all workers, and holding returned all border crossers, and adopted a “zero Trump’s recent campaign strategy also appears employers accountable if they don’t play by the tolerance” policy that authorized the separation of to be to continually (and incorrectly) claim that rules.46 This includes his support for the Protect Our children from their parents. Joe Biden wants “open borders,” to “expand” Workers from Exploitation and Retaliation (POWER) Trump’s hardline anti-immigration policies and the asylum system, for Americans to pay for Act, which provides critical labor protections for behaviors are well known. With children locked undocumented immigrants’ healthcare coverage, immigrants and contains vital safeguards against in cages and sprawling refugee camps formed on and other groundless assertions.43 retaliation by employers.47 the Mexico side of the border, all sides referred 41 Joe Biden will direct federal resources to smart While formulating comprehensive immigration to it as a “humanitarian crisis.” Anti-immigrant border enforcement efforts, like investments in reform, Biden will also protect Dreamers (who are violence inspired by the words of the president improving screening infrastructure at U.S. ports legally permitted to work) from deportation and also emerged in El Paso and other cities. And, of entry. He will also strive to build a flexible and prioritize the removal of individuals deemed threats despite professing support for some legal status humane immigration system that supports an to national security, public safety, and border for “dreamers” (childhood arrivals brought to the effective U.S. economy, and safe communities and security. He will restore sensible enforcement United States by their parents), Trump continually workplaces. priorities and end workplace raids to ensure that sought to terminate the deferred action program Biden will halt practices that separate parents from threats based on workers’ status do not interfere (DACA), until the Supreme Court declared that he with their ability to organize and improve their had improperly halted the program. their children (the practice continues44), increase resources to support an efficient adjudication wages and working conditions. On DACA and other common-sense reforms, of asylum claims and humanely treating asylum Trump’s demands for “full border security” (the

See endnotes at www.pdc30.com/blog/2020CandidateAnalysis. 11

PDC 30 EDGE General Election Issue 2020.indd 11 10/7/20 6:22 PM Painters District Council No. 30 1905 Sequoia Drive, Suite 201 Aurora, IL 60506

How would the Illinois Join the TCDF Virtual Town Hall on the Fair Tax Plan* Fair Tax work? How Thursday, October 22, 2020 would it aect you, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (5:45 login) For more information and to register, go to: your family, and your https://tcdfillinois.org/news. This event is free, but registration is required. Space is limited. community? * Learn more about the Fair Tax plan inside, page 9

Get the plain facts from Presented by expert speakers… The Tri-Council Development Fund (TCDF) is a partnership of Painters District Councils 14, 30, and 58; learn more at tcdfillinois.org. Congratulations Finalists

On Saturday, September 26, 2020 PDC 30 conducted a live Special thanks to the Prize Oversight Committee, made up of Virtual STARs Finalist Drawing to draw finalists for the 2020 PDC 30 members from each Zone, who certified that every STARS Grand Prize and Secondary Grand Prize drawings. qualifying member was properly entered into each drawing. On Tuesday, October 20th, the 10 finalists will participate in Stay tuned for the follow-up video and announcement of our the STARs Award Ceremony at PDC 30’s headquarters, to oŠcial 2020 STARs Winners! determine the oŠcial 2020 winners.

Pictured (left to right): Ryan Anderson, PDC 30 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer; Marisa Richards, PDC 30 Outreach & Engagement Program Manager; and Brian Dahl, PDC 30 Director of Membership Services.

PDC 30 EDGE General Election Issue 2020.indd 12 10/7/20 12:27 PM