Legislative Updates



 

 

Chairman’s Corner                                                13 March 2006

 

Brothers and Sisters;

 

The Second half of the 94th General Assembly is about to come to a close, with an April 7, Adjournment.

 

The session has been in what has been called an “Accelerated Session” which means to us little fish in this big pond that there was  a lot of disappointment trying to get Legislation passed. 

 

This year started off with a meeting with Rep. Jay Hoffman on January 5, 2006.  Brother Johnny Oeth III from the Brotherhood of Maintence of Way Employees Division, (BMWED) Teamsters Rail Conference and I, asked for this meeting for two reasons, One, Brother Oeth had been assigned to work on legislation due to the illness of Brother Bob Almugire, and  were both looking for input concerning Rail Security. I had worked with both of these Brothers in the past and it worked well for both of our Union’s.  Brother Oeth had concerns for his members about “Mobile Camp Cars”.  During our meeting we found out about the accelerated session.

 

We were able to get two Bill’s introduced for these issues HB-5275, Mobile Camp Cars and HB-5553 Homeland Security.  After working with the Legislative Research Bearu (LRB) several of Jonny’s issues were address with the Illinois Commerce Commission, (ICC).  Johnny and I work LRB and ICC to find out what he needed that wasn’t already in the Statutes and we found out he could ask for changes by going through Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, (JCAR).  This is why you will find HB-5275 in Rules.

 

A meeting was held in Rep. Hoffman’s Springfield Office concerning HD-5553 in which included Jill Morgenthaler, Deputy Chief of State, Steven M. Green, Legislative Liaison, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Laura Caldron, Staff Assistant, Illinois Department of Transportation, (IDOT), the Illinois Railroad Association, (IRA), John Burner, United Transportation Union, (UTU), Johnny Oeth and myself.  Johnny had passed out about 180 copies of the IBT Survey High Alert.  I had written a letter to Jill Morgenthaler explaining the BLET views about the Survey and some of our concerns.  After this meeting the three Railroad Union members were placed on the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, (ITTF) and we will have our first meeting on March 15, 2006 in Springfield.  HB-5553 will also remain in Rules.

 

With the Budget crunch in Illinois any Bill passed that needs funding, there would be an Approptations Filling attached to it and it couldn’t be passed until funding was found.

 

A recap of legislation concerning Railroads this year were:

 

SB-2848 asked for funding for more Amtrak Trains in Illinois.

SB-2865 asked for auto (camera) railroad crossing violations.

SB-2243 this bill passed out of the Senate and should be in the Transportation Committee on March 14    2006, concerns Railroad Police and is being pushed by the UTU and the IRA and should be on the House Floor this week.   

HB- 4344 asked for passage of the Mid-West High Speed Rail Compact.

HB-4663, requires Public Transit to make additional reports concerning Finances and Performance.

HB-4821 adds the word “Township” to the Statutes in order for them to be eligible for Mass transit Grants.

HB-4978 a companion Bill to SB-2848.

HB-5220 addresses IDOT owning “Rolling Stock”.

HB-5275 and HB-5553 have both been addressed.

 

Fraternally yours,
 
C. Edward Way, Chairman
ISLB ~ BLET ~ IBT

 

Chairman’s Corner                                             27 July 2005

 

Brothers and Sisters:

 

Well I’m sure you all have been fighting the “Heat” this summer as I have.  We have two hot issues to report that HB-2449 and HB-2510 were both signed into law yesterday by Governor Rod Blagojevich.

 

HB-2449 is now Public Act 94-0318 and referred to as “Employee First Aid” and HB-2510 is Public Act 94-0319 referred to as “Insure-Carry Employee”.  You all remember the text of these two bills as we worked them through the General Assembly.

 

Something new for Union Officers to deal with, thanks to the Bush Administration is “LM-10 and LM-30”.  The Department of Labor wants more paper work and I believe an avenue to tighten the screws on Labor just a little more.  This report is due August 15, 2005.

 

We have held three of our Regional meeting this year with the Southwestern to be in Oklahoma City in October.  The big issue has been the NS A-Card and what to do about the LM-30.  We have also grown a little even with the UTU maintenance issue.  Just as an update the Executive Committee voted to waive the State Legislative Dues for those members who had to pay the maintenance fee to the UTU and I received the blessing from President Hahs at our State Chairman Legislative meeting in Las Vegas last May.

 

The latest topic is the disaffiliation from the AFL-CIO. Seven unions formed the “Change To Win Coalition” (IBT, LIUNA, SEIU, UFCW, UNITE HERE, Carpenters and United Farm Workers) who believe that labor can grow if we leverage our existing resources and focus clearly on empowering workers.  There is a Conference Call on July 28, 2005 to discuss this and other issues with the National Division (ND).

Fraternally yours,
 
C. Edward Way, Chairman
ISLB ~ BLET ~ IBT

 

 

 

Chairman’s Corner                                                      June 21, 2005

 

Brothers and Sisters:

 

Well the first half of the 94th General Assembly closed without getting into the “Special Session” they had to go through last year.  I think there is still some pain from last year’s events.  This year went by very fast with the Schedule, and the thought that the Budget would drag into the summer months.

 

The two House Bills that were of concern to our members and all railroad employees were both passed out of both chambers.  HB-2510 on May 16, House vote was 86 – 26 – 00 and the Senate was 54-00, and has been sent to the Governor.  This Bill was in reference to Uninsured and Underinsured coverage in the total amounts of not less than $250,000 per passenger.

 

House Bill 2449 passed out of the House 72-41-03 on April 13.  The Senate put a Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 on May 11 by the Senate Sponsor and was passed 58-00 on May 19.  Then it had to come back to the House for Concurrence and was Passed 112-000-000 on May 28, and should be also be sent to the Governor.  This action changed it from a business offence and placed it back under the Illinois Commerce Commission’s exclusive jurisdiction.  Creates the Railroad Employees Medical Treatment Act.  Which basically states that it is unlawful for the railroad or any of its employees to interfere in anyway with a railroad employee’s effort to obtain first aid or medical treatment.  “For each violation, a penalty in an amount not exceeding $10,000 as the exclusive remedy for any violation of the Act.”

 

 If you go to the General Assembly web Page and search for “railroads” in the 94th GA Legislation you will fins 300 results.  Only do this if you can’t get to sleep.

 

Fraternally yours,
 
C. Edward Way, Chairman
ISLB ~ BLET ~ IBT

 

 

 

                                                             March 22, 2005

Brothers and Sisters:
 
The 94th General Assembly is in it's 7th week.  The House seems to be rushing while the Senate seems to understand they will be there well into summer working on the Budget.  There have been a few bills in the House concerning Railroads this year.  Rep. Hoffman, Chairman Transportation has set up four sub-committees one of which is Railroads.  Rep. Elaine Nekrizt is Chairing that committee.
 
In the House 2510 will increase the uninsured and underinsured and add hit and run, to 250,000 per person. We want this and will need you to get those phones ringing in the district's.  House 2473 also a Hoffman bill, provides that a railroad operating in the State may not receive financial assistance from the State during a period of time the RR has any outstanding citation or other notice of violation issued by the Commission or any other State agency.  House 1335 Rep. Miller, provides that the insurance card that is to be carried in the vehicle must indicate the liability coverage limits applicable to the vehicle. (note): If the carrier goes out of State under Federal Law there is a $750,000  liability issue.  House 0389, Rep. Rita provides for increased fines if a railroad causes the obstruction of a crossing for longer than 8 (rather than 10 ) minuets.  Provides that $250 of any fine levied against and paid by a railroad for crossing obstruction shall be deposited into the Local Government Distributive Fund.  I have sliped this one as a proponent. House 0988 Rep. Miller, a billing issue that states that all bill for work must be within 12 months of project completion.  If the department fails to audit  the railroad's bill within 12 months of receiving them, the Department may forfeit its right.  House 0987 Rep. Miller, provides that a rail carrier's duty to maintain fences on both sides of it's road ends when the carrier ceases operations over the line.
 
This coming week some of these bills should make it to the Senate then we will have to work over there.  This year Sen. Antonio Munoz is the Chairperson for Transportation.  Sen. Shadid is Vice-Chairperson.  President Jones this year has taken Leadership off of Committees as Chair-Persons
 
We should get our Legislative Books from the AFL-CIO by the end of this month, so take advantage of our web site and look these bills up and check out the committees.  You will play a large part in getting this work through by your ability to make your voices herd within your local districts.
 
Just for your information, Brother Tony Belscamper has our web page with a new server and the address is, www.bletislb.org.
 
Fraternally yours,
 
C. Edward Way, Chairman
ISLB ~ BLET ~ IBT

 

 

September 30, 2004

 

Chairman’s Corner

 

Brothers and Sisters;

 

It seems like this summer has just flown by and I guess by some it has.  I know for Mary Kay and I with the addition of two new Grandchildren it really has.

 

I was able to attend the International Western Convention and the South West Meeting Association this year and I will try to give updates of both.  The 64th IWC was held in Albuquerque, NM and was well attended.  I had the pleasure of meeting Brother’s Geren and Cook, President and Local Chairman, respectively of Division 184 W.C. now part of the Canadian National.  They are part on the CN Safety Assurance and Compliance Program (SACP) of which I serve as Labor Chairman.

 

One of the topics discussed were changes at Federal Railroad Administration.  Mr. George Gavalla has been fired, reason’s not part of discussion, and Mr. Allen Ruter has resigned and Ms. Betty Munro has been appointed as Temporary Administrator of the FRA.  There was some discussion of a meeting between BLET and Ms. Munro, which didn’t prove to conclude on a positive note.  Ms. Munro I believe stated that there wasn’t any Republicans or Democrats working at FRA just Safety Concerned Public Servants.

 

Amtrak Funding was discussed and as usual the needed dollar amounts were not reached. S-1125 the Asbestos Bill that would reduce claims was mentioned.

 

Brother Bob Harvey gave a detailed power point presentation on changes in 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and some of the parts were, 229, 236, 238, 239, 214, 219, 220, 228, 232 and 240. Just for your information this office had a current copy of 49 CFR from Reg-Trieve, Library of Federal Regulations, Summer 2004.  If any of you need something from 49 CFR I can cut and paste from this program and send it e-mail or snail mail. 

 

We are getting some movement on part 228, work rest issues.  The CN/SACP, Sub-Committee on fatigue and awareness also has meet and I’m expecting info by our SACP meeting in November, if not sooner.  FRA reportable accidents shows 6700 have been filed.  If a reportable accident occurs it must be reported by the end of the following month.

 

The Southwestern Convention was held in Houston, TX at the Woodlands Resort.  National Division Officers discussed what we could do for our Trainman Brothers who have joined the BLE&T.  There was great discussion on current Health and Welfare and where it might be going.  This has been assigned to VP Lee Pruitt.  It seems that across the board this is an escalating problem not only in our Industry.  I suggested we look to the IBT with its greater numbers to see if we can keep our coverage and keep prices in line with what we pay now.  President Hahs said this was a possible solution as well as working with a State-by-State approach and may work in our next round of negotiations.

 

According to Brother Bill Walpert, National Sect. & Tres. as of 31 July 2004 we have 1170 new train service members, with a 371 net gain in membership.  Our finances continue to improve as well.  Some numbers on voters our membership shows that we have 68% registered of which 15% are Republican.

 

Fraternally yours,

 

C. Edward Way, Chairman

ISLB, BLET, IBT

 

 

 

6 August 2004

 

Chairman’s Corner

 

Brothers and Sisters:

 

Well the National Conference of State Legislators meet in Salt Lake City this year and due to the Budget Issue here in Illinois we didn’t have anyone but some Staff people show up.  The high light for the BLET was the work that was done on the Remote Control Issue.  We have a new alley in our battle and he is Rep. Tim Meadows from the 101st District.  Rep. Meadows and Rep. Clint Zweifel 78th District are both members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

 

Rep. Meadows jumped in to take the lead on our RCL issue as soon as the focus groups were assigned.  Brothers Tommy Mayne, KY and Mike Muscha, ND from the BLET was given the task of presenting our RCL Resolution to NCSL.  We meet some strong opposition on this RCL and will revise the “Draft” of our Resolution for the meeting in Savanna, GA in December.  We have Illinois State Senator’s Shadid and Rising scheduled to attend this meeting, I will be speaking to them during the Veto Session.

 

Our National Association of State Legislative Chairman meet in Kalispell, MT the first week of August and Elections were held.  Others and myself tried to make a change in leadership and again fell short on our goal.  We will all work for the betterment of our Brotherhood in any capacity we can.  One major issue we will hold our next meeting during the IBT Unity Conference, in Las Vegas, NV, to help off set the cost for our part time Board Chairman.  We haven’t set a date.  It’s my understanding that the IBT has a contract at Bally’s for two more years and they are willing to allow us to work in our schedule with them.

 

Fraternally yours,

 

C. Edward Way, Chairman

ISLB, BLET, IBT 

 

 

February 18, 2004

 

Chairman’s Corner

 

First I would like to congratulate the new Division Legislative Representatives and thank those that have moved on.  We have twelve (12) new LR’s from Division’s 32, 40, 96, 118, 155, 251, 266, 315, 582, 644 and 665.  I will be providing Brother Tony Belscamper with an updated list to post on our website.

 

I will be holding a “Training Class” for these new members as well as those who haven’t been to Springfield for the last two.  The class will be on March 25 & 26, 2004 in Springfield.

*note the date correction

 

I have had two meetings with the Illinois Department of Transportation about our “Van Bill”.  We have found out from the Legislative Research Board that since it was an over-ride of the Governor’s veto it will become law on 1 June 2004.  Jim Burk, Manager, Commercial Vehicle Safety Section (CVSS) is working with our National Division to get an article in our News Letter or the Locomotive Journal.

 

Joan Butler, CVSS is working with the contract carriers within Illinois getting them up to speed on the changes in the Illinois Law as well the changes in the Federal High Way Administration.  The hours of service has changed for truck drivers, which will affect our Illinois Law as well.

 

HB-4881 was posted and sent to “Rules Committee” on February 4, 2004.  This is the bill that will put the part of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) into the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Bureau of Railroads.  This bill is 56 pages long and I’m sending a copy to the National Division, Legal Department for review.  I believe when the Interstate Commerce Commission was placed into the Department of Transportation at the Federal level the Surface Transportation Board (STB) was formed.

C. Edward Way, Chairman
B. of L. E. ~ I. S. L. B. 

 

December 2, 2003

Brothers and Sisters:

 
The last week of veto session is over and HB-313 was passed out of the Senate by a vote of 58-0-0.  I have been working with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Traffic Safety Division, and feel we will finally have something we can use to make our members safer while being transported around the State.  This will affect all companies operating in Illinois.
 
You can get a copy of HB-313 from our webpage and see the language the Governor wanted in when he vetoed it on August 1, 2003.  Both Houses accepted the Governor's recommendations and passed it back for signing.  IDOT has been in contact with one of the major company's about the changes and I have ask that "ALL" companies within the State of Illinois be notified of the changes and they will go into effect on January 1, 2004.  As soon as I can get IDOT to put out some information I will pass it to all of you for posting.
 
I hope everyone has sent their ballots in for the BLE / IBT vote this week, the votes will be counted on December 5, 2003.
 
Fraternally yours,
 
 
C. Edward Way, Chairman
B. of L. E. ~ I. S. L. B. 

 

Nov. 17, 2003

Chairman’s Corner

We have completed the first week of the Veto Session with some success. Governor Blagojevich vetoed HB-313, which is our "Van Bill", this year because of concerns that the State could lose some Federal money. Well HB-313 passed out of the House by a vote of 116-0-0 on November 4, 2003, with the changes the Governor wanted. I’ve been in touch with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Traffic Division, and the feeling is we can all live with the changes. This week it will go to the Senate and if they don’t make any changes it should become law effective January 1, 2004.

I’m sure you all understand the State is in a serious budget crises and there will still be more belt tightening before we can get to where we were two years ago.

There is a Transportation hearing on Tuesday November 18, at 1:30pm with a resolution coming out in support of Amtrak. Also we are watching HB-2750, an appropriations bill for Amtrak funding from the State, Speaker Madigan sponsors it.

Myself and Brothers Don Little, Paul Piekarski and Bill Kruspe meet with Congressman Lipinski on November 6, 2003 at Chicago Union Station aboard a BNSF Passenger train. Congressman Lipinski represents the Il 3rd District and is working very closely with the Governor’s Transportation Transination Team, of which I served as a member of the "Freight Rail Sub-committee", more on this later.

Brother Don Little and I meet with Brother Jerry Conner, from Decatur, IL, and is President of IBT Local 279. Jerry also has the duty of serving as the Local’s Legislative Representative. We have agreed to work together in the future.

I would hope all of you have received your BLE/IBT merger information and have had time to read it. If anyone has any questions feel free to call me and I will answer your question or find someone who can. I want to ask all of you to exercise your right to vote in this process and that you will be able to say down the road to the "New Guy’s" that you help in this process and am proud you voted the way you did.

C. Edward Way, Chairman

Illinois State Legislative Board

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers

 

 

                   August  23, 2003

Well Brothers and Sisters we finally had our Chicago Rally on Monday August 4, 2003.  Thanks to all of the hard work from the committee and the help of the “Mobilization Team” consisting of Brother’s Jeff Cheney, Kent Confer and David Grimes.  Co-Chairs of the committee were Brother Paul Piekarski and Jim Miles.  I know Brothers Dan Bailey, Doc Watson and Ralp Shulz and 1st Vice Chairman Don Little also spent a lot of time working with the committee.  There were also members of other Chicago area Divisions working with the committee that I didn’t get to meet.

 

We had three International Officers present, 1st VP Ed Rodzwicz, GST Bill Walpert and Rick Radek.  We had a line up from the International AFL/CIO.   President John Sweeny, IBT President James Hoffa, TTD Executive Director Edward Wytkind and United Mine workers President Cecile Roberts.  Unfortunately there was an Article XX vote and they couldn’t make our Rally.  I hope everyone read the results of that vote on the BLE WebPages.  We are still working on the City of Chicago to adopt a Resolution banning RCO’s, as well as a statewide plan.

 

I went by Galesburg IL after the Rally and met with Brother Jim Nelson the S&T for the BNSF GCA. Jim and I had a good meeting and are working on a new project.  On Friday August 14, BNSF held a meeting with the Local Chairmen and the General Chairman to discuss “Train Sentinel”, I call Phase II.  It’s my understanding this is a program where the use of Satellites and wayside signals will give input to the onboard computers to “assist” the crew in Dark Territory.

C. Edward Way, Chairman

Illinois State Legislative Board

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers

 

 

July 18, 2003

Chairman’s Corner

Well a lot has happened since I last visited this page.

The week of the July 12, 2003 I was in Chicago with the Positive Train Control (PTC) Regulatory Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC). The Federal Railroad Administration in Washington DC is trying to clear out and put into Regulation all open RSAC Committees.  While there the University of Virginia held a session on Railroad Human Factors.  We only had a short notice but were able to get 9 Brother’s to participate.  They were Del Druse, Div.575, George LaMore, Div. 815, Roger Haemker, Div. 683, K. J. Cummins, Div. 683, Ralf Schulz, Div. 458, Paul Piekarski, Div. 683, Ray Cook, Div. 131, Bill Kruspe, Div.582 and Jim Gessing, Div. 131.  I want to thank the Brothers for their time and effort in this project.  This type of program will help us with information not just from the Railroad Industry.

I just returned from the International Association of Legislative Board Chairman (IALBC) meeting in Wilkes-Barre, PA.  We had a very good meeting and Brother Don Little, 1st Vice Chairman, was also in attendance.  Information about the upcoming merger between the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) was high on the agenda.  The State Chairman, General Chairman and Division Presidents should receive their copies the week of July 21, 2003.  This will start the 135-day time frame of Section (E) of the Constitution and By-Laws.  I have offered to help with Town Hall Meetings to discuss the BLE / IBT merger.  They are planned to be held throughout the Country.  The International said we would probably have a meeting with the State and General Chairman before the Ballots are sent out.  This will be at the expense of each Chairman said President Hahs. 

C. Edward Way, Chairman

Illinois State Legislative Board

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers

 

 

May 31, 2003

CHAIRMAN'S CORNER

Brothers and Sisters:

The first half of the Illinois 93 General Assembly is winding up this week and it has been a strange. I’m sure most of you know this is the first time in 30 years that we have had a Governor, Senate and House all in the hands of the Democratic Party.

Despite all the issues with the Budget and appropriation Bills and Revenue Bills that had to be reworked two bills did get through that affect you and our members.

House Bill 313 and Senate Bill 392 are waiting for the Governor to sign. HB-313 was introduced by Rep. Hoffman, Chairman House Transportation Committee, which will take out the loophole we missed in our Van Bill last year. When you look up HB-313, look at paragraph (K) and the changes. SB-392 was sponsored by Sen. . Larry Woolard worked on funding for the Illinois Commerce Commission. The dollar amount for ICC was supposed to be reduced this year under a Sunshine rule, it has been extended for a year. That means we will work it again next year.

You should all have your State Legislative Directories and I will mail out your U. S. Directories when I return from the IWC next week.

Fraternally yours,

C. Edward Way, Chairman

Illinois State Legislative Board

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers

 

 

March 9, 2003

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER

There has been a lot going on in Springfield since I last made a report. One I lost a few points with the AFL/CIO because I didn’t sign the letter on "Moratorium’s" this year.

I was able to get a few minutes of time from Rep. Hoffman, who is trying to help Gov. Blagojevich with some of the needed appointments. The fact that the FRA has "Lowered the Bar" and turned a blind eye towards the RCL issue the State and the ICC feel there is nothing they can do. I feel if we get enough public support they might change their minds. I have ordered 3000 more of the Tri-Folds per member’s request.

We have a new champion in our fight with the RCL issue in Brother Ralf Schulz from Division 458. Ralf will be in Washington DC, on his owe, to help with the Rally. Ralf also has come across a video about Remote Control in the private sector that we plan on showing to Brother Bob Harvey while in Washington this week. It is a tape interview with Connie Chung.

I will be in Washington DC with Brothers and maybe Sisters of our BLE along with Brothers and Sisters of the IBT. Brother Little will be in Springfield.

We worked with Sen. Larry Woolard, (D-59) on HB-392. This would keep money for the Illinois Commerce Commission to keep the Inspectors on just in case the FRA doesn’t have time to keep the Railroads in line. The bill was passed out of Revenue Committee this past week but was only allowed to go one more year pending an investigation into the ICC.

Just a note of interest HB-213 was passed out of committee also last by a vote of 8-4-1. HB-213 is a Bill to abolish the "Death Penalty" in Illinois.

I want to thank Brother’s Druse, Kresse and Piekarski for helping the Illinois State Legislative Board and me, also a big thank you to Brother Belscamper for a great job on our Web Page.

Fraternally yours,

C. Edward Way, Chairman

Illinois State Legislative Board

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers

 

 

Feb. 9, 2003

Chairman’s Corner

Brothers Don Little, Mike Kresse and Maurie Lehmkuhl were in to help with the assignment. We passed out the Tri-folds to every member of the 93rd General Assembly. The Governor, Sect. of State, Comptroller, Treasurer and Press Room also were given a copy of the letter, Tri-fold and one of my "Safety Task Force" business cards.

Don Little and I also meet with Rep. Joe Lyons (D-15), Chairman of the Railroad Sub-Committee and Senator George Shadid (D-46), Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.

Don also reported that in the Chicago area papers it was announced that Senator Dick Klemm, (R-32) has resigned for health reasons. I’ll let you know who his replacement will be when I find out.

Public Act 92-0108, our Van Bill, has an amendment to close the loophole that we found in 625 ILCS 5/13-101(k). HB-313, introduced by Rep. Jay Hoffman, (D-112). is in its 2nd reading on the House Floor.

Fraternally yours,

C. Edward Way, Chairman

Illinois State Legislative Board

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers