North Cook News

A Senate vote to criminalize local leaders who enact right to work is a bully move, according to candidate Katie Miller.  

The Republican running to replace retiring Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) responded to an Illinois Policy report about Senate Bill 1905, which would prevent local governments from creating right-to-work zones, telling North Cook News that legislators in Illinois want to intimidate local governments not to enact such laws. The bill would also hold officials criminally liable if they enact right-to-work laws, according to Illinois Policy.

“They want to make sure that no local governments enact right to work and then show how this improves local economies and jobs,” Miller said.

Katie Miller, 53rd District candidate

Seeking the 53rd District seat, which covers Prospect Heights and Mt. Prospect, Miller said laws like these are oppressive to local governments

“Local governments should be able to make decisions in which they believe will improve their local communities,” Miller said. “Lawmakers should never risk being arrested for voting for what they believe in. If their communities don’t agree with them they can vote out their lawmakers. I believe that this is overreaching of state government.”

On the contrary, Miller said Illinois should convert to a right-to-work state, noting the success of the system in Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa.

“Right to work increases wages, jobs, also increases membership in unions,” Miller said. “There have been many companies which have chosen to not build in Illinois due to right to work status.”

If elected, the wife and mother said she will fight against ordinances that prohibit right to work.

“We need this to help grow Illinois economy,” Miller said, adding Illinois needs jobs to help halt outmigration. “Illinois needs to change the course we are on.”

The candidate said lawmakers will not cease in their attempt to criminalize local leaders from voting for the right to work. 

“There is already talk to do this in the next sessions because they just missed overriding Gov. Rauner by one vote,” Miller said “This is why we need strong legislators down in Springfield, who stand up for people in their district and state. I will be an advocate and stand up to special interest groups.”