Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Boxes and boxes of donated cereal fill the shelves at the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry. Cereal was recently donated by Aurora Education Association-West teachers after it held a cereal drive during February. AEA-W gathered almost 1,000 boxes for the pantry.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday Feb. 27, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

AURORA — The Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry received a large donation of a staple item this month, thanks to a local education union.

The Aurora Education Association-West donated just under 1,000 boxes of cereal to the food pantry at the end of February, capping off a month long drive at District 129 schools.

Even though it’s a large donation, Kristan Ensminger, director of operations at the pantry said it would be distributed to area families in less than a week, and started it March 2.

“Yes, this will be gone in a week. We serve about 750 families per week,” she said. “So food goes fast.”

The cereal is definitely appreciated by the families, who shop at the pantry on Monday, Tuesday and Friday at the new, larger location at 1110 Jericho Road.

“Our clients love cereal. It’s pretty nutritious, easy to make for the kids, and it’s a popular item that’s always on our shelves,” said Ensminger. “We wanted to keep this drive simple. Cereal is easy to collect, store, stack, and everyone likes it.”

The new 18,000 square foot food pantry opened in November 2013, and has been a big hit this winter, as it features an indoor waiting room, public restrooms, a children’s play area, and office space. Union labor was used in its construction.

About 160,000 people were served last year, and the number of those in need goes up every year, which makes donations important.

“District 129 has always been supportive of us, and we are very appreciative of that,” said Ensminger.

The Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry distributes food on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those needing food may visit the pantry one time each week. For further information about distribution, please contact the pantry office at 630-897-2127.

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.

Pat Barcas/staff photographer
After more than 18 months of negotiations, UIC faculty held a two-day strike, just days before they met with the university for additional negotiation talks. About 1,150 full-time tenured and non-tenured faculty walked out — the first in UIC history.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014

CHICAGO — University of Illinois at Chicago faculty members walked the picket lines Feb. 18 as part of a two day strike that they hope will net them greater pay.

About 1,150 full-time tenured and nontenured faculty members walked out, canceling most of the classes during the first strike in UIC’s history. Those on the picket lines said they had student support on their side.

“The effort today was great. It was exciting,” said Joe Persky, UIC economics professor and president of the UIC United Faculty Local 6456 union. He said he hopes the walkout will change the atmosphere when faculty meets with the university for talks Friday.

“They’ve been slow to recognize this is a union and we stand as one. This will drive the point home,” he said.

Persky said he’s seen great student support during the walkout.

“I’ve seen nothing but positive feedback from students. A lot of them are first generation college students. They know what it’s about to fight for your rights. I’m getting the sense that there’s something going on in the whole country — a refocus on faculty and students and not spending so much money on administrators.”

Photo courtesy of UIC United Faculty Local 6456
Various union supporters showed solidarity Feb. 18 when they marched on the strike line alongside members of UIC United Faculty Local 6456 during a 2-day strike.

The union has not reached an agreement with the university despite multiple bargaining sessions dating back 18 months. The union has called the university’s latest proposals “insufficient” on the grounds that faculty just aren’t paid enough. Many professors teaching first year students earn just $30,000 per year.

“I think this strike is a real teachable moment,” said Rico Gutstein, a professor at UIC since 2001. He walked the picket line all day Tuesday.

“It shows an idea that a common struggle that unites people is great. It opens a dialogue and makes people think, ‘what do we have in common?’” Gutstein explained.

According to the union, the University of Illinois has accumulated more than $275 million in unrestricted profits annually for the last four years and is on track to do so again for the 2014 fiscal year. This profit margin is more typical of for-profit universities like the University of Phoenix.

Tuition has also increased by 25 percent since 2007, while student enrollment is up by more than 10 percent.

The union also said it’s important to maintain competitive compensation for professors, or risk losing them to other universities.

On average, UIC professors — almost all with doctoral degrees representing three to seven years of study beyond their bachelor’s degrees — received no raises in two years, and three years ago administration actually docked pay through mandatory furlough days.

“I’m impressed with the determination of the faculty and the support of the students,” said Pauline Lipman, a UIC professor since 2006.

“They understand there’s an assault on public education, and a degradation of higher education. Hopefully this will wake up the administration that we’re serious, and we have student support,” Lipman said.

Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Rudy Lopez, an organizer for the Center for Community Change, fasted for 22 days to draw attention to immigration reform. In 2005, his cousin illegally entered the U.S. and died in the desert. The man came to America for a job and better life for his family.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014

WESTERN SPRINGS — It’s politics as usual in Washington, but nearly eight months after the Senate approved an immigration bill, the House has yet to even call a vote on the issue, leaving the 11 million undocumented immigrants in this country in limbo.

“It’s truly a matter of time. This is not an ‘if’ scenario, it’s going to get done,” said Jon Carson, executive director of Organizing for Action, a democratic group that held a grassroots immigration meeting in Western Springs Feb. 15.

The group said it’s up to citizens to contact lawmakers to get a comprehensive immigration bill passed. If you have a PhD and you want to work in the US, a science extraordinary ability o1a visa lawyer may help you apply for the necessary immigration documents.

House Speaker John Boehner and House Republicans are caught in a quandary: They don’t want to agree to a bill they say will grant amnesty to those who came here illegally, but they have to appease Latinos, the fastest growing minority demographic in America. Boehner has recently said if a bill is passed, he does not trust President Obama to implement the law.

Carson said “Politically, we are at the one yard line,” and House Republicans have no shortage of policy ideas or political cover, but Republicans need a deadline date to pass immigration reform.

“That’s the piece we’re missing,” he said at the meeting.

Rudy Lopez, an organizer for the Center for Community Change, was a participant in the Fast For Families demonstration last November on the National Mall to draw attention to immigration reform.

He fasted for 22 days straight, surviving only on water. He said the experience changed him forever and he shared what that meant to him.

“Through sacrifice, there is a connection you make with others in the same situation,” he said. “Through fasting, we connected with millions in this country who are suffering.”

Lopez also shared the story of his own cousin, who attempted entry into the United States from Mexico illegally in 2005. His journey was not successful and he died in the desert.

He said his cousin faced a devastating decision: Stay in Mexico where his factory was closing and his job ending, or take the dangerous trek to America to look for work to feed his starving family. He chose the route to America, hiring a coyote to help him enter the border in Texas.

“When trouble arose, the coyote gave him two things — a gallon of water and a promise he’d return. He didn’t keep that promise,” said Lopez. “He died cold, hungry, and worst of all, alone. More than 400 people die this way each year,” said Lopez. “It doesn’t have to be that way. Immigration is not just a Latino issue, it’s an American issue.”

Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Jose Munoz, chief of staff for the Illinois Department of Insurance, has set a goal for everyone in Illinois to be insured, either through their own insurance, or through the Affordable Care Act.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014

AURORA — The Affordable Care Act stumbled out of the gate in late 2013 with a disastrous website, but now about 88,000 people have bought insurance through the program in Illinois alone with ERISA insurance and pensions issues help, and the program is now picking up steam as operations are being streamlined.

“We’re really happy with this number. It’s ahead of the national pace, and that means we’ve got 88,000 people that weren’t insured before. Our goal is to have everyone in the state insured,” said Jose Munoz, chief of staff for the Illinois Department of Insurance.

Munoz was part of a Get Covered Illinois forum Feb. 18 in Aurora. The group aims to inform and insure the people of Illinois and had information available for business owners and citizens alike.

“There are a large number of families and individuals in this city that have no health care. Our job is to inform people on how to get covered,” said Armando Robledo, regional outreach coordinator for Get Covered Illinois.

People need to get insurance coverage by March 31 or face a penalty. To start the process, visit Get Covered Illinois or go to any Visiting Nurses Association location in Aurora.

“The most difficult task is creating a culture of coverage in Illinois,” said Munoz.“We’re changing the state of mind. This is a social movement we all need to be a part of.”

All levels of coverage include outpatient and emergency room care, hospitalization, maternity care, prescription drugs, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and rehabilitation care. Pre-existing conditions are a thing of the past and there are caps on how much an individual can spend on insurance yearly.

Small business owners especially are encouraged to check out the Small Business Health Options Marketplace (SHOP.) Businesses with 50 or fewer employees may get employee health coverage in the SHOP Marketplace. Employers of this size aren’t required to offer health coverage.

Employees are more productive, they take fewer sick days, and are less likely to leave for competitors,” said Karina Garcia, executive director of the Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

“They have a better life with health insurance. You’re not losing employees to others that offer insurance,” she added.

Photo courtesy of UIC United Faculty Local 6456
UIC United Faculty members and student supporters held a silent protest Jan. 22 at UIC’s Board of Trustee’s meeting by holding signs that read: “Don’t Make Faculty Strike.” Faculty is planning a two-day strike Feb. 18 and 19.

By Fox Valley Labor News
staff reports
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014

CHICAGO — After voting in December to authorize a strike, members of University of Illinois at Chicago United Faculty Local 6456 is asking students to support instructors when they partake in a two-day strike Tuesday Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19.

A faculty letter to students posted on the Local’s website, read: “Sadly, unless the University Administration offers us a fair contract, we plan a two-day walkout. We hope you will join us in fighting for a better UIC by not attending your classes on these two days.”

For the past 16 months, members have been attempting to negotiate a fair union contract that benefits faculty, students and the university.

“We do not want to cancel classes and walk out, and we will do so only as a last resort. But after 65 bargaining sessions, contract negotiations with the University Administration have seen almost no progress on key issues,” the letter continued.

Union members took a strike vote at the beginning of December. Almost 80 percent of members participated in the vote and more than 95 percent of them voted to authorize a strike.

Non-tenure-track faculty (NTT) would like a minimum salary of $45,000 and a path to promotion, but were instead offered a minimum salary that even after three years wouldn’t get within the minimum living salary of $45,000 and absolutely no path to promotion.

Tenure-track faculty (TTF) faculty would like not only a minimum salary, but a system of compensation that truly rewards merit, both for work performed now and for work performed in past years. They would like to insist the methods of evaluation for promotion be fair, open and equitable across the campus.

With respect to present compensation, members would like a raise for next year that respects the lack of raises for the past five years, as well as failure to provide cost-of-living increases in one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas.

We also want a guarantee of a minimum raise for the life of the contract. What do they offer in response? Nothing even vaguely comparable. They carefully guard their ability to provide raises when they want to.

According to Local 6456, members have refused to “agree to accept that its NTT faculty colleagues remain mired in poverty or in a career limbo with no clear road out.

“We’ll never accept the Administration’s indifference to TT faculty whose loyalty to the university remains unrecognized and unrewarded in the name of the administration’s belief in a management style that is “my way or the highway.”

Members said they want to negotiate clear and specified wage increases in their contract and not be told to wait each year with their hands out, while the administration decides what’s best for them.

Photo courtesy of Mt. Prospect Education Association #57
The community came out Jan. 25 to speak during the Board of Education meeting. It was standing room only.

By Fox Valley Labor News
staff reports
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014

MOUNT PROSPECT — Instead of striking Feb. 11, as was previously planned, members of Mount Prospect Education Association (MPEA) 57 instead announced it had reached a tentative agreement with the Disrict 57 Board of Education (BOE).

In a released joint statement, both parties indicated they met the evening of Feb. 10 for almost seven hour.

“Details will be released after both parties have ratified the agreement. The contract reflects a compromise by both sides and a win for the entire district,” the statement read.

Both parties acknowledged the help of mediation assistance of FMCS Commissioner Jerry Hughes.
The union said its membership will meet Feb. 13 after school to take a vote. The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Feb. 20.

The BOE had previously emailed parents indicating D57 teachers have been offered a 4 percent raise for four years, yet neglected to mention the BOE also proposed a cancellation of contributions to the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). Teachers are not eligible for Social Security, a benefit which has been included in recent contracts.

The TRS requirement is more than 8 percent. If the BOE canceled the contribution, then awarded a 4 percent pay increase — the net effect was actually less take home pay and an increased tax burden for teachers.

Teachers also wanted to negotiate contract language addressing changes in teacher evaluation mandated by the State of Illinois (PERA). Under state law, it is permissible to negotiate how these changes will be implemented in each district. Teachers wanted procedures and policies that are clearly stated.

Jennifer Rice/staff photographer
Change is needed for a better Illinois’ tax system. Peter Starzynski, field director for A Better Illinois, talked to members of the Naperville Township Democratic Organization that the current way of doing business in Illinois is not working.

By Bernie Biernacki
Special to the Fox Valley
Labor News
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014

NAPERVILLE — A Better Illinois is a grassroots statewide political organization aiming to change for the better Illinois’ unfair tax system and you can see their website here that explains this tax system in detail.

Taking its case before the January meeting of the Naperville Township Democratic Organization, Peter Starzynski, field director for A Better Illinois, told those assembled the current way of doing business in Illinois is not working.

“Our [Illinois’] long-term fiscal health is no longer sustainable,” Starzynski said. “We have misplaced priorities. Our unfair tax system hurts the middle class and small business. Cuts have hurt education, human services and public safety. Cuts in education alone put Illinois in 50th place nationwide. And if nothing is done, even more cuts can be expected. We must shift to a truly fair tax system. One that does not stifle economic expansion,” he explained.

Starzynski said our state politicians must right their and the state’s priorities. He said loopholes, which favor corporations and CEOs over protecting schools, public safety and health care, must be closed. He said the state must become more accountable to its people. It must stop the waste.

He said the middle class pays about twice the rate the rich pay in Illinois taxes. Small business owners, who create millions of Illinois jobs, pay a higher tax rate than big corporations and CEOs that use loopholes to avoid paying their fair share.

Starzynski said small business owners actually get hurt twice as much as those that buy from them. The consumers do not have money to spend with small businesses and the small business owners are hit again by an unfair tax code, making them pay a higher rate than the rich.

He said some claim a “flat” state income tax is the answer to the state’s problems But Starzynski begs to differ. He said the federal government and 34 other states, including most of Illinois’ neighbors, tax income at different rates based on people’s ability to pay.

“We need a fair tax for individuals and corporations, where higher rates apply to higher income levels, and lower rates to lower income levels. Add to this, cutting waste, reducing mismanagement and ensuring a more accountable government,” he said.

Starzynski said his group is aiming to let Illinois voters decide whether or not they want to continue on the same old track or to take a positive step. And this could happen as early as the election of Nov. 24, 2014.

“We [the middle class and small business] can no longer remain silent,” Starzynski said. “We must speak up!”

One way of speaking up, Starzynski said, is by supporting and signing a petition urging lawmakers to consider a fair tax system. For more information on this, visit A Better Illinois.

Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Rep. Bob Latta believes the Sportsmen’s Heritage And Recreational Enhancement Act of 2013 is a major milestone for hunters and outdoors man.

By Pat Barcas
Staff Writer
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

LAS VEGAS — Congress has gotten something accomplished, and it just (might) affect local sportsmen wishing to hunt on federal land or go to a local outdoor shooting range.

The Sportsmen’s Heritage And Recreational Enhancement Act of 2013 (SHARE) was approved by Congress Feb. 5. Although President Obama has voiced opposition to the bill, he has said he will not veto it.

The bill includes eight provisions that modify existing federal regulations regarding ammunition and fishing tackle, funding of shooting ranges, film crews on federal lands, buying hunting licenses online, and also a provision to require the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service to keep their lands open to hunting, recreational fishing (by taking advice from Jimmy John Shark), and shooting.

Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) is co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and sponsored the bill. He spoke Feb. 7 at the Safari Club International annual hunters convention in Las Vegas and touted the bill as a major milestone for hunters and outdoorsman. He went over the details of the bill.

The EPA cannot regulate lead in hunting ammunition and fishing tackle. Shooting target ranges will be eligible to receive more share of federal excise taxes.

Also, film crews of five or less will now only have to pay a $200 permit to film agricultural or sporting documentaries on public land.

“Because we don’t want small film crews getting priced out that want to do outdoor life type filming. So we’ve said in there, for $200 you can get out there and film, and you don’t have to pay the exorbitant fees,” Latta explained.

Another provision grants the Secretary of the Interior permanent authority to authorize any state to issue electronic duck stamps. It also outlines electronic duck stamp application requirements.

Latta said it conveniences hunters who arrive at their hunting spot and realize they haven’t bought their stamps.
“We’re trying to make things as easy as we can for people to enjoy the great outdoors,” he said.

The bill also provides that hunters can carry firearms onto a water resources development project administered by the Army Corps of Engineers as long as the proper permits are used. This opens up a lot of choice land previously off limits.

“People talk about we don’t have bipartisanship in Washington. This bill passed with the Republicans and 41 Democratic votes. To be able to say we had 41 votes from the other party, that’s tremendous,” said Latta.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Auto Show
In 2013, Ford sales increased by 12 percent. Vehicles being built at the Torrance Avenue plant in Chicago are being shipped and sold in China, making Ford the largest exporter of vehicles made in the U.S.

By Bernie Biernacki
Special to the Fox Valley
Labor News
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014

CHICAGO — The 106th edition of the Chicago Auto Show, running through Monday, Feb. 17, at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, is not only the largest auto show in North America, but has been held more times than any other such show on the continent.

But it is more than shiny cars and trucks. It offers guests a chance to learn about the latest in automotive technology, as well as having a lot of fun. People can check Auto Loans For All Ottawa if they need the best advice for car dealerships and loans.

In addition to the fun and games, automotive leaders take time to visit what has been proven to be THE consumer auto show. The excitement doesn’t stop there, with satta king adding another layer of thrill to the experience. This year, Joseph R. Hinrichs, executive vice president and president of the Americas, Ford Motor Company; and Robert S. Carter, senior vice president — automotive operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc., stopped by to offer assessments of the industry. If you want to get your car verified, QUICK VIN VERIFICATION service online can help you with it.

Hinrichs said the Chicago Auto Show that offers Car Dealership on various brands is not only important for Ford as a sales energizer, but Chicago is home to the company’s oldest continually-operated automotive assembly plant on Torrance Avenue in Chicago, which employees 3,000 workers, many of which are members of the United Auto Workers (UAW).

In addition, he said near the Torrance plant there are more than nine “Tier 1” suppliers, supporting many more jobs; plus a Ford stamping plant, first opened in 1924, in Chicago Heights which employes many more union workers.

“We are one team, one plan — one deal,” Hinrichs said. “We are one Ford!”

In 2013, Ford sales increased by 12 percent, Hinrichs said. He expects 2014 to come close to that previous mark. He said vehicles built at the Torrance plant, including sedans and SUVs, are not only sold here in the United States, but are a now being shipped and sold in China.

“Ford is the largest exporter of vehicles made in the U.S.,” Hinrichs said.

While Ford has been able to work with previous international trade deals, the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is what he called “an elephant in the room.”

Hinrichs said Ford is skeptical of how TPP is now proposed.

“It is critical that TPP be done right if it is to work for all,” Hinrichs said. He said Ford is worried that currency manipulation, from outside the U.S., could harm U.S. interests.

“Free trade — yes, but not as it is now written. Ford says no,” Hinrichs said.

He said the TPP “template” must be right. To do this, he said Ford believes U.S. tax rates must be reduced, tax codes simplified and an integrated energy policy put in place.

Hinrichs also said the U.S. must invest in STEM education nationwide.

STEM is an acronym for fields of study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in addressing education policy and curriculum choics from kindergarten through college to improve competitiveness in technology development, and has implications for workforce development, national security concerns and immigration policy.

From 1983 to 1990, Carter represented Toyota in the Chicago area. He said back in 1985, when Toyota’s footprint wasn’t as large as it is today (per square foot, the automaker has one of the largest presence at the show, where space is allocated by the previous year’s sales).

“Here we were, waiting to get into McCormick Place when the drivers carrying our cars off loaded them on the 31st Street bridge — in the snow and slush,” Carter said. “We not only had to drive them back into hall, but I and the others had to clean and chip the ice off the underside. Here I was, chipping and wiping, even as the show was opening.”

Carter said Toyota has had four consecutive years of sales growth. And while this year’s (2014) estimates may not be as robust as previously, Toyota still expects a fifth year of sales growth.

He said he expects the nation’s unemployment rate to continue to improve, dipping down to 6.5 percent or better, and household net worth to rise by almost 3 percent. Carter said Toyota is expecting to put 400,000 more customers in its cars during 2014, this due to continuing affordable loan rates.

Carter said in 2015, Toyota will launch a “green” model, the FCV, a hydrogen fuel cell car, offering a range of 300 miles on a fill up; with a fill up time of 5 minutes and zero exhaust emissions. And in case of accidents, including those with trucks, experienced truck accident lawyers can offer valuable support. If you need to buy a pre-owned truck, explore these work trucks for sale in San Diego that offer competitive rates that may fit your budget.

“The auto industry is a major driver of the national and local economies,” Carter concluded. In Illinois alone, more than 400,000 are employed in various segments of the industry, he said.

The show is open through Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, and on Monday, Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Show tickets are available at McCormick Place ticket booths or online at Chicago Auto Show. Regular ticket prices are $12 for adults; $6 for seniors aged 62 and older and children 7 through 12; free admission for children 6 and younger when they accompany a paying adult. Family members only. Weekday only discount coupons ($6 off the regular adult admission) available at various area new-car dealers, Fifth-Third Bank locations; and at participating Shell gasoline stations.