Rauner dismisses 'anti-union' criticism in Lombard
Gov. Bruce Rauner on Sunday shot back at critics who've characterized him as being "anti-union."
During a speech at the Westin hotel in Lombard, Rauner said he has heard the accusation since suggesting last week that voters be allowed to decide if they want their municipality or county to become what he's calling "employee empowerment zones," or right-to-work areas where workers wouldn't be required to join a union.
"People are saying, 'Oh Bruce, you're just anti-union,'" Rauner told a crowd of about 200. "Let me be clear: I am not anti-union. I do believe you should be able to join a union or not join a union. You should have the freedom to choose."
Rauner said several times that he did not care which choice voters made, but the governor warned that if voters kept the status quo Illinois will be less able to compete with other states. At one point he characterized it as a choice between having or not having jobs.
"If we're losing jobs and companies are leaving and going to more flexible states, let me ask you which is worse for us, to have some jobs that have maybe slightly lower wages or having no jobs," Rauner said. "I want you to be able to choose and have that option."
The employee empowerment zones are part of Rauner's plan to improve the state's finances. He's also proposing a two-year freeze on property taxes.
When asked how a freeze might affect school districts, which rely on property taxes more than any other revenue source, Rauner said he would increase education funding from the state. His "employee empowerment zones" plan would also help keep school districts' costs down, he added.
"I want local voters to control the elements that are in collective bargaining," Rauner said. "(School districts) can save costs that can allow them to lower the tax burden."
The near-capacity crowd on hand included residents from Lombard and surrounding communities, as well as local elected officials. Rauner was introduced by Republican state Rep. Peter Breen of Lombard, state Sen. Chris Nybo of Elmhurst, U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam of Wheaton and Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti. also of Wheaton.
Sanguinetti made reference to her time as a city council member in Wheaton.
"I'm here as a local girl, but for the Wheatonites, if you have a problem with your neighbor's fence please do not come to my front door any more. Bruce and I have bigger fish to fry now," she said.