South Central Reporter

In a move to reduce what its members see as undue influence in state politics, the Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling on the Illinois Republican Party to enact a rule prohibiting campaign contributions from teachers’ unions.

“It has become increasingly evident over the past few years that the teachers’ unions have a political foothold not only on Democrats, but some Republicans too, the Freedom Caucus wrote in a Sept. 1 tweet. "Today, we are calling on the Illinois Republican Party to implement a new rule preventing campaign contributions from teachers’ unions,” the tweet said.

The tweet attached a copy of a letter from state Reps. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) and Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City). Miller is chairman of the Illinois Freedom Caucus, and Wilhour is vice chairman.

In a letter addressed to the party, the lawmakers cited concerns about teachers’ unions’ political sway over both Democrats and Republicans. The letter said in part:

“In the most recent General Assembly session, Illinois’ lawmakers refused to support several measures promoting school choice, and better educational opportunities for our children. As Republican members of the House, we find it unfortunate that the support was not even unanimous amongst our side of the aisle for these issues, including Invest in Kids. In light of these recent events, we are calling on the Illinois Republican Party to implement this new rule below which would ban the acceptance of teachers’ union money in Republican campaigns. We should be accountable to the children and their families, not special interest money coming from unions. After all, it is these same unions who were responsible for masking our children and shutting down schools to the detriment of our kids.”

“PROPOSED RULE: 

The Illinois Republican Party shall not accept money, in-kind contributions, or anything of value, directly or indirectly, from the National Education Association (NEA) or any of the NEA’s state affiliates, including the Illinois Education Association (IA), Chicago Teachers’ Union (CT) or their related organizations (i) the National Education Association (NEA) or (iii) any of the NEA’s state affiliates or their related organizations.”

“Candidates for Regional Superintendent of Education, and the Illinois General Assembly shall be prohibited from accepting direct or in-kind contributions from the NEA, IEA, CTU, and all affiliated organizations.”

“Any Republican office holder or candidate for the above-listed offices that solicits a direct contribution or an in-kind contribution, or coordinates with the NEA, IEA, CTU, or an affiliated organization shall be condemned and automatically disassociated from the Republican Party.”

“Any unsolicited cash contributions received by candidates for the above-listed offices may avoid the consequences of this standing rule by returning the contribution within 7 days. All contributions received by Republican candidates before the adoption of this requirement shall be exempt from consideration.”

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) played a significant role in influencing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on school reopening guidance during the pandemic, even suggesting specific language for the guidelines, according to emails detailed by the New York Post. The emails were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

The correspondence indicates close collaboration between AFT officials, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, and White House representatives. That collaboration raised concerns about the influence of the powerful teachers' union on scientific guidance and decision-making processes, Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, said in the Post article.

The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich), Chris Miller (R-Oakland), Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville), Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) and Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur).