The Continuing Crisis

UIC faculty members at the Illinois Labor Board filing requesting recognition of their union.

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the state budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

FOUR RETIRED public sector employees win another phase in their legal case claiming any change in their health benefits violates the Illinois constitution. See July 28 Herald-News, http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/6722069-418/police-fire-health-benefits-case-moves-ahead.html.

UIC FACULTY unionize over working conditions. See August 5 Gazette, http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/2011/08/uic-faculty-unionize-over-working-conditions/.

ILLINOIS PENSION money may run out by 2018, says Rockford Register Star of Aug. 4. See http://www.rrstar.com/carousel/x782937124/Our-View-Illinois-money-will-run-out-unless-pension-reform-a-priority.

ILLINOIS HOUSE leaders say they still are working on legislation that would ease the State’s crushing pension burden, although they are closed-mouthed about what those changes will be and when the General Assembly will be asked to consider them. See Rockford Register-Star of Aug. 14 at http://www.rrstar.com/top_stories/x1852614313/Illinois-House-leaders-mum-on-pension-reform-negotiations.

ILLINOIS BUDGET doesn’t address payment backlog, Moody’s says. See Aug. 12 Bloomberg Businessweek, http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-08-12/illinois-budget-doesn-t-address-payment-backlog-moody-s-says.html.