In an effort to raise awareness about the potential cuts to education if the state doesn't raise new revenue, the Illinois Education Association is urging its 133,000 members to wear pink this Friday -- symbolizing the thousands of "pink slips" that may land on teachers' desks in the coming months.  From union president Ken Swanson:

“These layoffs not only are a tragedy for the employees and their families, but they are devastating to education quality in Illinois.  It would mean bigger class sizes and the elimination of key programs, such as arts, language and sports,” Swanson said.

“Mass layoffs will delay Illinois’ economic recovery for years.  By wearing pink, we’re sending an SOS to House Speaker Michael Madigan and House Minority Leader Tom Cross and telling them to put the people first, Save our Schools and Save our State.”