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Unions Hit Road To Combat Rauner 'Pro-business Agenda'

IPR's Brian Mackey

Labor unions are going on the road to make their case against Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner’s pro-business agenda. The latest in a series of events took place in Springfield. IPR's Brian Mackey has more.

For months, Rauner has been pushing proposals he says would improve Illinois’ economy - such as by lowering the cost of workers’ compensation insurance and restricting lawsuits. But the governor is also pushing to weaken labor unions - like by creating right-to-work zones. Several union leaders and members held an event at a Springfield church to voice their concerns. Andrew Fuchs has been a union plumber for 19 years.

“The unions are not the problem with the economy in this state. … I have a hard time believing anybody that’s a working person would not support unions."

For his part, Rauner says Illinois cannot afford to maintain its social safety net without making the state more attractive to business.

Brian Mackey formerly reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois and a dozen other public radio stations across the state. Before that, he was A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
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