The man behind Senate Bill 7, retired IEA President Ken Swanson, emerged from retirement to offer his support for the Cullerton/We Are One pension cutting bill.
On the IEA website:
My heartiest congratulations to the We Are One coalition and all in IEA who worked with Sen. Cullerton and the Senate to pass this fair, reasonable, and constitutional pension bill. It is too bad the loud voices who oppose this union supported bill ignore a very simple reality. The ONLY way to stop the Madigan/Civic Committee bill is to pass the Cullerton bill. You cannot defeat something with nothing. And if anyone believes the IL Supreme Court majority who were elected with Madigan’s help and will want that help for re-election will absolutely and undoubtedly strike down the Madigan pension bill they don’t live in the real world. Take no chances. Let’s get 2404 to the Governor’s desk ASAP.
Swanson who as IEA President never met an enemy of teachers he wanted to fight or an anti-teacher bill he wanted to oppose.
He was the IEA President behind the notorious collaboration with Stand for Children that produced Senate Bill 7.
He has been pretty quiet since his term as the state’s teacher union leader ended.
But he is one of the few voices of support for SB2404 that can be found even on the IEA’s own website.
Meanwhile our loud voices will continue to oppose it.
Fred Klonsky 
Just one more reason to send it to the Illinois Supreme Court if necessary-see if those four court justices are political or judicial.
Ken Swanson? An endorsement by Ken Swanson? Really!
Now, THAT in itself is one of the most nauseating bits of information to enter the sewer of inside IEA politicking that I have ever encountered. An endorsement by Ken Swanson.
Doesn’t anyone ever flush in that building?
-Ken PREVITI
“And members who may not like the proposed SB2404, are nothing but a bunch of Moleholes,” commented the former IEA President.
Ken Swanson. The man who also never saw a buffet he didn’t like and who embraced Pat Quinn at the 2009 RA, squealing “Now here’s a Real Governor!” Compared to Rod, perhaps. Methinks he has a problem with recognizing friends and enemies.
He also had high praise for Michelle Rhee, describing her as a real change agent in education.
Got to fight…The unions are selling us out! What does Dan have to say? I like him…No words for Kindra…
The tea leaves in spfld read that the SC will uphold SB 1. If that happens then what? Cat food?
Read “Timing is everything” in the May 10, 2023 Capital fax blog.
So Ken thinks we have to give up constitutionally guaranteed benefits because the Illinois Supreme Court Judges cannot rule on law, but are only beholden to politicians who help them get elected. If that is true then why have a court system. That is probably one of the most worrisome comments I have ever heard. I would like to know if Cindna feels this way. If so, we should use our media funds to ouster the corrupt Supreme Court Judges.
Fred! I thought I had commented on this Post — but I can not find it and it disturbs me so much at the risk of responding to it twice –I must respond!
YOU (Fred) said —
“…Former IEA President Ken Swanson endorses SB2404. Do you need another reason to oppose it?….”
“….Swanson who as IEA President never met an enemy of teachers he wanted to fight or an anti-teacher bill he wanted to oppose.”
…. I could not disagree with you more. You obviously had a strong disagreemnt with ken. Sounds like on a personal level you had animus toward Ken. I think you are misjudging my friend Ken Swanson! Despite the drum beat of negativity from this Blog Page about every decision Ken — I know Ken took his job extremely serious, Ken cared deeply over teachers losing rights on his watch.
You can disagree with Ken’s decisions and/or his positions but please never, never impugn his motives . I know Ken Swanson. Ken Swanson is a friend of mine. We have not always agreed on every issue but he has been and always will be a teacher’s advocate. He has always felt deeply about his responsibility toward the profession of teaching and teachers. He has a very astute and sophisticated understanding of Springfield’s byzantine ways as well.
I know by sticking up just one hand to defend the IEA or Ken or Cinda on these pages — will not be a popular view! I’m sure now I will open myself up further to Fred’s bitterly sharp scalpel of sarcasm …. OH! Well!
Fred,yours was an incorrect characterization of a good man! Bob Haisman