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CTU: $200 Million In Cuts Will Do 'Real Damage'

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Teachers Union was quick to respond to Mayor Emanuel, and to challenge the mayor's assertions about the budget.

"What cuts have been specified would do real damage to our schools," said CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey.

Interim Schools CEO Jesse Ruiz said Wednesday that few teachers will be among those laid off, but Sharkey said the support services classroom teachers need will be slashed.

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"It's just not accurate to claim that these (cuts) are really being kept away from students," Sharkey said. "These cuts will affect students."

Sharkey said special education students will be among those hit the hardest.

He said the mayor's plan, "includes a claim that special education is overfunded. Anyone who is familiar with the conditions for special education students, and our most vulnerable learners, that's a laughable proposition."

Sharkey said teachers won't agree to pick up the seven percent of pensions the board now pays, calling it a "pay cut" and "a fighting position." He repeated the union position that Emanuel should ask the legislature to enact a millionaire's tax and close corporate loopholes, declare a TIF surplus of at least $200 million and to either sue or arbitrate with banks over some of the board's failed investment strategies.

CTU members are planning to picket City Hall Thursday morning.

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