Rep. Mah Speaks on Need to Stand for Workers’ Rights, Collective Bargaining

CHICAGO – After Republican Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed SB 1905, a measure to prohibit right-to-work zones from being established in Illinois, the Illinois House was unable to garner the 71 votes necessary to overturn his veto during last week’s House Veto Session. State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, a supporter of the bill, issued the following statement:

“We are living in a time when rich political insiders think that they can bully workers and local governments into taking part in projects without insuring that workers are treated fairly and have the necessary collective bargaining rights. When we allow some places throughout the state to go right-to-work, we’re enabling these local employers and governments to block fair treatment that unions in our state fight so hard to guarantee for workers.

“Billionaires should not be able to buy influence from local government officials, padding their bottom line. I hope that we can come together during the upcoming legislative session to guarantee protections for hard working families while ensuring that large corporations and millionaires pay their fair share to our state’s tax base.”

A vote to override the governor’s total veto of Senate Bill 1905 came up for a vote last week on the House Floor where the bill fell one vote short of the necessary 71 votes needed to override the veto.

Mah represents the 2^nd Legislative District, which includes Pilsen, Chinatown, Bridgeport, Brighton Park and Back of the Yards. For more information please contact Rep. Mah’s district office at 872-281-5775 or rep.theresamah@gmail.com.