IR EDITORIAL – It's true. Illinois Review is firmly grounded in the viewpoint that businesses and industries are the heart and soul of a state's economy. The weaker the heart and soul of an entity, the less healthy and prosperous that state will be. A state's key source of energy and bounty is healthy businesses – not the state's tax-funded system itself. It's a basic conservative, free market principle.
And one that 11 Illinois Republicans either do not believe or purposely ignored last Friday. And in our opinion here at Illinois Review, their votes to promote a constitutional amendment that would strangle any effort to allow businesses to operate without union bondage demand they be publicly challenged.
Thus this editorial.
First, we want to congratulate and thank the seven Republican senators that stood firm for business freedom, despite making tough votes that could cost them union-funded political challenges in 2022. Those seven Republican senators are: Darren Bailey, Jason Barickman, Dan McConchie, Jason Plummer, Brian Stewart, Jil Tracy, and Sally Turner. Conservatives from throughout Illinois should call each of these folks this week, and offer their help in 2022. They deserve it.
However, we are disappointed that the GOP Senate floor leader Jason Barickman did not say a word in defense of businesses. And evidently, Sen. Barickman either is a weak whip or he didn't see the importance of the vote, because insiders tell us Barickman lifted not one finger to influence his caucus to vote as Republicans – and as conservatives. We will stand corrected if something to the opposite happened – but thus far, our sources confirm that Barickman was inactive and/or impotent in his leadership position on this issue. That is inexcusable – even IF Senator Barickman wants to run for governor next year.
We are also disappointed that announced gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey did not publicly explain his position on the debate floor of the Illinois Senate on this issue. He does want to be governor. Why didn't he express his opinion on this important issue if he's serious about gaining the Illinois business community's support?
But ultimately, folks, the weight of this devastating failure of leadership lies with Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie. He failed to emphasize the importance of this issue to his caucus. He failed to push his floor leader to whip the votes for Republicans to stand arm-in- arm as a line against providing complete public and private sector union control of the state. It is unexplainable. It is embarrassing. It is inexcusable.
We at Illinois Review are calling for Senator McConchie to resign and make way for a more committed, strong, and brave leader. Without such leadership in the Illinois Senate, there is no hope for the already weak and feckless Republican Party.
The 11 that supported Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 11 should be ashamed of themselves – no matter their reasoning. The three "GOP" senators that co-sponsored the effort to embed in the state constitution the protection of organizations that make outrageous demands that cripple Illinois should also consider resignation.
That vote on SJRCA 11 was just that serious. If it passes the Illinois House, the measure will be on the 2022 General Election ballot – making a year when Republicans nationwide could possibly recover one in Illinois that will be fraught with nasty union/non-union campaign rhetoric.
SJRCA 11 will constitutionally ban any law that interferes with, negates, or diminishes union rights to organize and make demands over their wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. That includes protecting unions that require membership as a condition of employment.
In other words, Illinois unions would have the power to deny people jobs if they do not want to be members of unions. We're not talking about just truck drivers, electricians or plumbers. We're talking about teachers, state employees (recall ACORN, now SEIU?), among many, many others.
Want to start a business, no matter how small? Get ready to hear from local union officials on how you must adhere to their demands before you open your doors.
Unhappy with science-denying teacher union controls on your children and their education? Too bad – no more private schools without union-connected teachers.
Slippery slope? Crazy conspiracy theories?
Sorry, in Illinois, those things often become reality. The radical Left politicians funded by these unions are now in control of Illinois – with no challenge, no gubernatorial veto powers, no obstacles whatsoever.
It's time Illinois Republicans take a firm position on something that matters. Opposing SJRCA 11 wouldn't even be a social issue. It is common sense.
Senator McConchie, thank you for your willingness to serve. But the IL GOP needs leadership that sadly, you've proven you can't provide.
Please resign from your leadership position.
And Rep. Durkin, we're watching you as this measure moves to the Illinois House.
11 GOP STATE SENATORS JOIN DEM SUPER-MAJORITY TO BAN RIGHT TO WORK IN ILLINOIS
