CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointment of state Budget Director Jerry Stermer as Illinois Comptroller following the unexpected passing of Judy Baar Topinka. Stermer will serve as Comptroller on an interim basis to ensure that state operations continue uninterrupted and will resign from the post on Jan. 12, 2015.

"The sudden passing of Judy Baar Topinka left a hole in the hearts of the people of Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "While no one can replace Judy Baar Topinka, government must continue. Jerry Stermer is a respected and experienced budget expert who will carry out the duties of Comptroller with integrity and heart."

Today's appointment follows the Governor's call for legislators to reconvene in Springfield on Jan. 8, 2015, to pass legislation that will allow voters to fill the elected position of Illinois Comptroller. While today's appointment of Stermer is effective immediately, the position of Illinois Comptroller is an elected position and a special election will give voters the opportunity to choose their Comptroller in the next statewide election on Nov. 8, 2016. The primary election is scheduled for March 15, 2016.

Stermer will work closely with Judy Baar Topinka's longtime chief of staff Nancy Kimme and other key members of her administration to ensure that state operations continue uninterrupted.

Jerry Stermer most recently served as Director of the Governor's Office of Management and Budget for Governor Quinn. He joined Governor Quinn's staff in February of 2009 and has served as a senior advisor to the Governor for many years. Stermer has played a key role in the state budget for many years and helped pass major legislation including stabilizing the pension systems and restructuring the state's Medicaid program.

Before joining the Governor's staff, Stermer was the president of Voices for Illinois Children, which he led since its founding in 1987 until 2009.

Stermer, 71, was born in Minnesota and raised in Elmhurst, Illinois. He spent 10 years studying for the priesthood with the Society of the Divine Word order of the Catholic Church. He taught Catholic school for a year on Chicago's South Side. Stermer received his master's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago after studying political science and public administration. He received a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa. He served seven years at the Department of Children and Family Services under governors of both parties and served in the Peace Corps for two years.

Stermer has served as an adjunct faculty member for Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy since 2002. He resides in Evanston with his wife, Nancy.

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CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding the passing of Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka:

"Today is a sad day in the state of Illinois. I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of my friend, Judy Baar Topinka.

?            "As the first female Treasurer of Illinois and a longtime public servant, Judy was a trailblazer in every sense of the word.

?            "Never without her signature sense of humor, Judy was a force of nature. She left her mark on the state she has called home her entire life. Her leadership improved Illinois and paved the way for countless women in politics.

"My deepest sympathies go out to Judy's son, Joe, daughter-in-law Christina, granddaughter Alexandra, her family, friends and devoted staff.

?            "Today the entire state mourns the loss of one of the greats. Judy Baar Topinka will be incredibly missed."

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New Charging Stations to Help Expand Illinois' Sustainable Transportation System

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $1 million to establish a network of charging stations for electric vehicles along historic Route 66 through Illinois. The network will support commuter and tourist driving for the growing electric vehicle (EV) sector. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive Illinois toward a sustainable future.

"We are building a 21st century infrastructure across Illinois and we need to make sure that it is sustainable for future generations," Governor Quinn said. "This new project exemplifies Illinois' place as the innovation capital of the Midwest, with cutting-edge business practices that create jobs and encourage sustainability."

The state has joined local governments and the private sector to create the Illinois Route 66 Electric Corridor, a partnership that connects communities along the 300-mile stretch from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River in the Metro East area with a network of high-power EV charging stations. The network will make it possible for EV drivers to travel between Chicago and St. Louis, two of the key urban markets for EVs in the nation.

The cities of Plainfield, Dwight, Pontiac, Normal, Lincoln, Springfield, Carlinville and Edwardsville will each install one or more fast charging stations that are easily accessible from historic Route 66, allowing EV drivers to retrace its original pathway. Each of the seven charging points in the network will include one fast charging station capable of charging vehicles with either CHAdeMO or SAE connectors within 15-20 minutes and one level 2 (240/120 volt) charging station. Installation of the charging stations will begin this month, with targeted completion by summer 2015.

The project is supported by auto manufacturers, including BMW, Illinois-based Mitsubishi and Nissan, which is contributing the charging station to be installed in Edwardsville.

"The State of Illinois' Route 66 EV corridor is consistent with Mitsubishi Motors North America's desire to affect a broader acceptance of EVs through user-friendly infrastructure," MMNA General Manager of Corporate Communications Dan Irvin said. "It is our belief that projects like this will help our state maximize the possibilities of EVs."

"Residents and visitors alike will soon be able to enjoy the sites, attractions and mystique of the state's Historic Route 66 with easy access to charging stations for their electric vehicles," Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Adam Pollet said. "It's truly an electrifying addition to the 'mile after magnificent mile' to be discovered in Illinois."

The University of California - Davis, one of the world's leading universities on sustainable transportation, provided technical assistance for project planning.

"Illinois has one of the better combinations of price and carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity in the nation," Gustavo Collantes, with the UC Davis Policy Institute and lead of the Zero Emission MAP initiative, said. "This infrastructure has the clear potential to save drivers money while delivering environmental benefits to the state and the nation."

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Governor Participates in Memorial Dedication Service, Announces Additional State Relief Toward Recovery Process

WASHINGTON - One year after deadly tornadoes devastated several areas of Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today visited two of Illinois' hardest-hit communities, Washington and Brookport, to visit with families and participate in the dedication of a new memorial to mark the tragedy. The Governor also announced additional state recovery assistance to aid the two communities who are still in the process of rebuilding and recovery one year later.

"One year ago we saw unimaginable destruction in central Illinois, and today we gather together to reflect on the healing process," Governor Quinn said. "Tragedy struck Illinois last November, but we refused to give up on these towns no matter how long it took for them to get back on their feet. Rebuilding Washington and Brookport has been an amazing demonstration of what can be done when communities come together in the face of hard times. It's important that we continue to support the local governments, businesses and families affected by this disaster until the recovery process is completed."

The Governor's additional investments announced today are from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and total $1.3 million between Illinois' two hardest hit communities. The $398,283 for Washington and the $938,100 for Brookport will help local governments rebuild tornado-damaged infrastructure.

Including today's announced funding, Washington has received $13.4 million and Brookport $2.9 million in state assistance to recover from the November 17, 2013 tornadoes. The investment is the latest in more than $19.5 million in state assistance provided to date for tornado damaged communities from the November disaster.

"Our community thanks Governor Quinn for his commitment to Washington's recovery," Washington Mayor Gary Manier said. "He was here immediately following the storms and has been back frequently to see how we are doing and to provide the assistance we need. We can't say enough about what the Governor has done for our community, and we welcome him here today to help us remember what happened one year ago and to honor those we lost."

"Governor Quinn literally saved our community from bankruptcy, because without this state assistance to help with tornado-related expenses we wouldn't have been able to survive," Brookport Mayor John Klaffer said. "The state relief package has made all the difference in the world. The Governor kept his word, and we welcome him back with open arms today to join us in our day of remembrance."

The state's multi-agency relief package for local governments included assistance from DCEO, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Finance Authority, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The local government entities that have received state assistance to recover from the storms a year ago include :

·         Arcola Township, $380

·         Braceville Township, $219,744

·         City of Brookport, $2,971,202

·         Champaign County, $44,528

·         Champaign County Highway Department, $1,753

·         Claypool Drainage & Levee District, $14,625

·         Village of Coal City, $446,096

·         Compromise Township, $394,546

·         Compromise Township Road District, $17,416

·         City of Danville, $43,258

·         Douglas County, $1,086

·         City of East Peoria, $522,179

·         Village of Diamond, $433,590

·         City of Fairfield, $3,281

·         Village of Garrett, $750

·         Village of Gifford, $750,996

·         Grundy County Sheriff, $7,944

·         Kerr Township, $1,700

·         Massac County, $23,549

·         Metamora Township, $5,581

·         City of Minonk, $12,339

·         Murdock Township, $425

·         Newman Township Road District, $757

·         City of Pekin, $100,688

·         Tazewell County, $33,511

·         Village of Tilton, $1,202

·         Tuscola Township, $1,348

·         Tuscola Township Highway Department, $780

·         Vermilion County, $2,085

·         City of Washington: $13,440,177

·         Washington Community High School, $5,077

·         Washington Park District, $15,658

·         Washington Township Road District, $8,676

·         Woodford County, $26,757

·         Woodford County Highway Department, $6,712

TOTAL:  $19,504,334

Shortly after the deadly storms on November 17, 2013, Governor Quinn surveyed the damaged areas and activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the deployment of state resources and personnel in support of local response and recovery efforts. He ordered state agencies to step in when federal disaster assistance for local governments was denied. However, the Governor was successful in getting federal disaster assistance for families and businesses in 15 Illinois counties which has topped $23.5 million.

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