A blatantly false message is being circulated by some sources regarding the role of the Chicago Teachers Union in the fight to stop cuts in State of Illinois rebates on retiree health insurance costs. This is a political attempt to stir up trouble and is akin to the kind of confusion that is being caused at some of the congressional health insurance reform town hall meetings that are being held across the country. Do not believe rumors and half-truths that are being circulated.

FACT: The CTU took an ACTIVE role in fighting all pension-related changes that were before the legislature this past spring, and CTU President Marilyn Stewart was a leader in that work, going to Springfield herself to meet with legislators on several occasions.

FACT: The CTU worked with the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund (CTPF), the Retired Teachers Association of Chicago (RTAC), and the Principals and Administrators Association in opposing pension changes.

FACT: Although health issues kept CTU Legislative Issues Coordinator Traci Cobb-Evans from being in Springfield full-time during the legislative session, she was in continual communication with CTU lobbyists, and did go to Springfield when her doctors permitted. She posted regular updates on the website regarding legislative issues, including information about pension proposals. On May 26, she posted a notice specifically about the health insurance subsidy.

FACT: Legislative Issues Coordinator Traci Cobb-Evans addressed a session of the CTU Retirees on May 14 and advised them that pension-related changes could have an effect on them. She urged them to contact their legislators and passed out cards for members to send in. She also addressed the May House of Delegates meeting and passed out postcards to be sent to legislators.

FACT: During April and May, the CTU engaged in local lobbying by members of the Legislative Committee who visited the district offices of lawmakers and explained the Union?s position on pension issues.

FACT: The cuts in CTPF funding that occurred during final deliberations by legislators were about one-half of what had been proposed; the reduction in the size of cuts resulted from the extensive lobbying done by the CTU, the CTPF, RTAC, and the Retired Principals and Administrators Association.

FACT: The CTPF has not yet decided how it will handle the reduction in funding that is coming from the state. Pension trustees will be making that decision in the near future.

LIES, RUMORS, HALF-TRUTHS, AND INNUENDOS ARE THE WORK OF POLITICAL OPERATIVES WITH THEIR OWN SELF-SERVING AGENDAS.

DO NOT BELIEVE THEM!