Labor unions to pay electricity bill for Christmas lights on Capitol dome (Illinois)

[Siwsan]

http://www.sj-r.com/article/20151109/NEWS/151109601/13406/NEWS

The tradition of Christmas lights on the Capitol dome will live on this year.

A week after the Illinois secretary of state’s office announced it would not put up the lights this year to save money amid the state budget impasse, a group of local labor unions will cover the $7,300 electric bill associated with the lights.

The Basic Crafts Council of Mid-Central Illinois is making the payment to Springfield’s City Water, Light and Power.

The council is made up of three local unions: Operating Engineers’ Local 965, Laborers Local 477 and Carpenters Local 270.
“I commend the Basic Crafts Council of Mid-Central Illinois for their generosity and holiday spirit,” Secretary of State Jesse White said in a statement on Monday.

Brad Schaive, business manager of the Laborers’ Local 477, said having lights on the Capitol is a tradition in Springfield and it didn’t seem right it was being taken away due to the budget impasse.

“It’s important for us to be part of the community,” he said. “Those lights have been shining on the Capitol for over 50 years.”

White’s office can’t pinpoint the exact year the tradition began, but said it can be traced to the 1960s.

[Person 2713]

1. Rauner seems more like Scrooge as every day passes. Good on the union

[Omaha Steve]

2. Thanks for posting

K&R!

OS

[Siwsan]

3. My cousin, who lives in Springfield, emailed me the link, this morning

I thought about you, right away, and figured it might raise some interest, here!