Why is New York teachers' pension fund helping Penny Pritzker, Illinois union buster

[Hannah Bell]

.....when I read that one of my favorite non-favorites, Penny Pritzker, has started up a new private equity firm which has just received a $50 million commitment from the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System.

As teacher-blogger Fred Klonsky pointed out last fall, Penny is a prominent member of Chicago’s Civic Committee, which wants to get rid of teacher pensions. She is also an owner of Hyatt Hotels, which refuses to grant its workers decent salaries or benefits. After Klonsky protested, the Illinois Education Association moved its March conference from the Hyatt O’Hare to the Rosemont Convention Center, but he reports that the IEA’s local delegation to the National Education Association’s annual meeting, to be held here in July, is set to stay at the Hyatt in downtown Chicago.

Penny is also a major contributor to teacher-bashing Stand for Children and the school-closing, teacher-and-staff-firing Renaissance Schools Fund.

But all you teachers out there, why not demand a thorough review of where your pension funds are being invested, and make sure it’s not enriching your enemies? Oh, and in case you didn’t already hate Penny? The Tribune reports that her private equity firm will focus on buying distressed property (i.e. foreclosures). Perfect. She wants your job AND your home.

http://www.substancenews.net/articles.php?page=2016§ion=Article


They use *our* money to undercut us -- this is one of many ways.

[Smarmie Doofus]

1. Hmm.... we (UFT) just voted on the teacher rep to the pension board.

Actually on a motion to "endorse" her. ( The full membership has to vote) I abstained despite the president's support of the incumbent.

Sounds like she's got some splainin' to do first.

[unc70]

2. Obama's National Finance Chair

She lead the fund raising for the Obama campaign. Follow the money.

Also check out the other candidates she has supported financially (includes many Repubs).

[glinda]

4. There is an interesting link. hmmmmmmm.

[glinda]

5. Oh and kick.

[unc70]

7. Another one of those wonderful Chicago connections that make me so POed

Note the various articles that explain away her various little problems. The Chicago Way.

[Starry Messenger]

6. Ouch. n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Damn