Pat Barcas/staff photographer
The who’s who of Democrats turned out Feb. 23 in Aurora for the Harry S. Truman Dinner where Sen. Dick Durbin and others praised organized labor and everything it stands for. Democrats David Moore and Diana Quesada were awarded for their dedication to the party.
By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday Feb. 27, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com
AURORA — It was all election talk and the future of organized labor as Sen. Dick Durbin and Lt. Gov. candidate Paul Vallas spoke at the Harry S. Truman dinner Feb. 23 in Aurora, hosted by the Kane County Democrats.
The key message: Voter turnout is key if Democrats want to win elections.
“If you believe in organized labor and the right for men and women to bargain collectively, there is no more important election than the one in Illinois this year,” said Durbin. To view Sen. Durbin’s talk at the Harry S. Truman Dinner, visit Fox Valley Labor News YouTube Channel.
Durbin criticized embattled Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker and questioned if voters would still vote for him today if he ran.
“If they end up choosing Scott Walker as their gubernatorial candidate, this man, who made $53 million last year, and likes to show off his $18 watch and Carhartt jacket, we’re in for some rough times when it comes to the future of the labor movement in Illinois. That’s a serious mistake,” said Durbin.
He said Walker needs to pick up an American history book and see that the labor movement was responsible for the 40 hour work week, overtime pay, restrictions on child labor and workplace safety.
“That’s what’s at stake this election,” he said.
He talked about the recently announced bid Chicago won for a $320 million digital manufacturing institute, to be located on the northern end of Goose Island.
“We want to lead. To create good paying manufacturing jobs for years to come,” said Durbin of the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute. “Those people who condemn organized labor ought to take a look around. When we put together our successful application, labor was part of that commitment, and that’s the way it should be.”
On the topic of immigration reform, Durbin said it’s one of the national topics that Americans need to fight for.
“It’s time for us to fix this broken system. It’s a simple matter of justice . . . You’re looking at all of us. My mom was an immigrant to this country. And if you look back far enough, you can hear a similar story from everyone in this room,” he said.
He said voter turnout for the 2008 election was 70 percent for eligible voters.
“In the 2010 midterm election it dropped to 52 percent and we got creamed. The lesson is clear — when we bring out the vote, we win. When our people stay home, we lose,” said Durbin.
Lt. Gov. candidate Paul Vallas said he plans to team up with Gov. Pat Quinn in laying out an agenda for the state of Illinois, one that includes long term stability.
“He wants to present a five year blueprint for bringing long term financial stability to the state. For making critical investments, we need to move the state forward. To lay out the type of progressive agenda that can insure that government is providing for those most in need — working families and small businesses.” To view Vallas’ talk at the Harry S. Truman Dinner, visit Fox Valley Labor News YouTube Channel.
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Lt. Gov. candidate Paul Vallas describes the five year blueprint Gov. Pat Quinn has for bringing long term stability to Illinois and to focus on expanding health care coverage.
Vallas said he also wants to focus on expanding health care coverage, investing more in the front end and saving money on the back end. He explained that savings over 30 years could amount to billions of dollars.
A major example is prenatal care and what it can mean to an individual who has proper care.
“What if we found a way to provide prenatal care to everyone? What if we wed Medicaid with our schools and went out and identify those who are at risk?” asked Vallas. “Look at the statistics. When a child is born with major medical problems, how many become special education? How many need long term medical services from the state? How many will struggle economically and be forced to be in a position where they’ll have to receive public assistance?
“This simple initiative is not just about providing children with quality of life, it’s about driving down those type of expenses at the back end, because we had sense enough to provide the investment at the front end. It’s about planning for the future,” he said.
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Kane County Democrats Chairman Mark Guethle presents David Moore, right, with the 2014 Truman Award.Moore’s continuous service and support to the efforts of the Kane County Democrats was key to his selection. He has worked in local and federal government for 50 years.
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Kane County Democrats Chairman Mark Guethle presents Diana Quesada with the Chairman’s Award for Volunteer Excellence. When needed, Quesada knocks on doors, gather’s signatures and donates funds. She also is a AFSCME Local 26 union steward and delegate to the Elgin Trade Council.
To view Sen. Mike Frerichs, candidate for Illinois State Treasurer’s talk at the Harry S. Truman Dinner, visit Fox Valley Labor News YouTube Channel.
To view Rep. Bill Foster’s talk at the Harry S. Truman Dinner, visit Fox Valley Labor News YouTube Channel.