Legislature’s resistance to data centers, lack of progress on legislative priorities behind Illinois AFL-CIO’s decision to defer election endorsements
The Illinois AFL-CIO has decided to defer election endorsements, citing the legislature's resistance to data center development and a general lack of progress on legislative priorities. Despite a majority of Democrats not backing the move, Governor Pritzker ordered the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to freeze tax incentives for data centers starting July 1.
The Illinois AFL-CIO has opted to defer its election endorsements, with a key reason being the perceived resistance from the state legislature towards data center development and a broader lack of progress on the labor organization's legislative priorities, according to B. Dean Webb, president of the Greater Madison County Federation of Labor. Webb noted strong support for data centers among construction unions, emphasizing the significant job creation and economic benefits that are currently going to other states.
Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea confirmed the decision, stating that affiliates and union members expressed frustration over a lack of advancement on core legislative issues, including data centers, unemployment benefits for seasonal school workers, and striking workers' eligibility for unemployment. While Governor JB Pritzker publicly supported reforming Tier 2 pensions, union-backed proposals failed to advance.
Despite a majority of Democrats reportedly not supporting Governor Pritzker's call to pause tax incentives for data centers, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, under the Governor's order, froze these incentives starting July 1. Governor Pritzker's campaign spokesperson reiterated his commitment to organized labor, citing past pro-union measures. The AFL-CIO's executive board will continue to evaluate candidates and may reassess endorsements in the coming months.