07 Jun 2013

Governor Quinn Announces Honorary Street Naming for Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick

By Grant Klinzman

Joined by Alderman Pat Dowell to Welcome Governor Patrick Home to Third Ward

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Chicago Alderman Pat Dowell to announce an honorary street named for Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, an Illinois native. The street - Wabash at the intersection of 53rd Street - is near where Governor Patrick grew up and has been unveiled as "Honorary Gov. Deval Patrick Ave."

"I am honored to welcome my friend, Governor Patrick, back home and to present him with this symbol of our gratitude for his dedication to public service," Governor Quinn said. "Governor Patrick's roots are right here in Illinois and we are proud of him and what he has accomplished. Honorary Governor Deval Patrick Avenue will stand as a reminder to the community of where life can take you and the importance of giving back."

"The efforts of Governor Quinn and Alderman Dowell to rename this portion of Wabash Avenue are extremely humbling," Governor Patrick said. "Hope is a tangible thing. This only matters if it can inspire the children along Wabash Avenue to imagine their own possibilities if they work hard and hope for the best."

Governor Patrick grew up in the Robert Taylor Homes on the south side of Chicago and attended Terrell Elementary School at 54th and State Streets. At the age of 14, Governor Patrick moved to Massachusetts to attend Milton Academy and was the first of his family to attend college at Harvard University. Governor Patrick is also a graduate of Harvard Law School.

"Governor Deval Patrick is a son of Bronzeville. The people of Bronzeville and the 3rd Ward of Chicago are proud of him and his accomplishments. His story inspires us all," Alderman Dowell said. "Governor Deval Patrick Avenue will serve as a daily reminder that your life can take you from Wabash Avenue and 53rd Street to the Governor's Mansion."

Governor Patrick's life has charted a path from the South Side of Chicago to the U.S. Justice Department, Fortune 500 boardrooms, and now the Massachusetts State House. In each of these capacities, Governor Patrick has been guided by the advice of his grandmother - hope for the best and work for it. Governor Patrick was first elected as Massachusetts governor in 2006 on a platform of hope and change, and is currently serving his second term.

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03 Jun 2013

Governor Pat Quinn Statement on House Bill 1346

By Grant Klinzman

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn released the following statement on the Illinois Senate's failure to pass House Bill 1346, a bill that would prohibit the sale of high capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois.

"I met with the families of Newtown, Conn., as did many lawmakers, and we have seen the devastation that high capacity ammunition magazines have done to families across our nation.

"Today lawmakers had the opportunity to minimize the chance of this unthinkable violence happening in Illinois.

"I am very disappointed that members did not pass common sense legislation that would have no impact on hunting.

"I will continue to fight for limits on high capacity ammunition magazines in our state."

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28 May 2013

Governor Quinn Honors Fallen Servicemembers During Memorial Day Weekend

By Grant Klinzman

"Portrait of a Soldier" Memorial Exhibition on Display at

Illinois Tollway Oases through Independence Day Weekend

DES PLAINES - Governor Pat Quinn today commemorated Memorial Day by unveiling the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibition at the Des Plaines Oasis and announcing the summer exhibit schedule at multiple Tollway oases in Northern Illinois. The exhibit features a series of hand-drawn portraits of nearly all of the 306 Illinois men and women who died in the 9/11 terrorist attack, Iraq, Afghanistan or in combat service to our country since September 11, 2001. The exhibit is part of Governor Quinn's long-standing commitment to honor Illinois' men and women in uniform.

"With 'Portrait of a Soldier,' we pay a special tribute to our state's brave servicemembers who gave their lives to protect our freedom," Governor Quinn said.  "From Memorial Day to Independence Day, visitors to Illinois Tollway oases will have the opportunity to view the faces and read the names of our state's true heroes who remain in our hearts every day."

The exhibit, on display at the Des Plaines Oasis Saturday, May 25, through Sunday, June 2, will then travel to the Belvidere Oasis through Sunday, June 9. The exhibit will also be on display at the DeKalb, O'Hare, Lake Forest and Chicago Southland Lincoln oases, ending with the July 4 holiday weekend.

"We are honored to again highlight the service of Illinois' remarkable men and women by displaying these portraits at oases throughout the Illinois Tollway system," Illinois Tollway Board Chair Paula Wolff said.  "We invite Tollway customers to see this poignant exhibit and join us in commemorating the lives and sacrifices of our servicemembers."

Governor Quinn founded the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit to honor fallen servicemembers in 2004 after artist Cameron Schilling of Mattoon, a student at Eastern Illinois University, drew the first portrait of Army Spc. Charles Neeley, also of Mattoon, who was killed in Iraq. Schilling then committed to drawing a portrait of every Illinois servicemember who has fallen during the Global War on Terror.

"Memorial Day is an important opportunity to reflect on and express thanks for the sacrifice that thousands upon thousands of military men and women have made in serving our country," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Erica Borggren said. "This sacred day also reminds us of our shared obligation to honor and remember our fallen heroes and their families."

 

Portrait of a Soldier Memorial Exhibit Schedule

Saturday, May 25 - Sunday, June 2

Des Plaines Oasis, Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90)

Monday, June 3 - Sunday, June 9

Belvidere Oasis, Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90)

Monday, June 10 - Sunday, June 16

DeKalb Oasis, Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88)

Monday, June 17 - Sunday, June 23

O'Hare Oasis (Schiller Park), Tri-State Tollway (I-294)

Monday, June 24 - Sunday, June 30

Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis (South Holland), Tri-State Tollway (I-294/80)

Monday, July 1 - Sunday, July 7

Lake Forest Oasis, Tri-State Tollway (I-94)

Governor Quinn has made commitment to our Veterans, servicemembers and their families one of his top priorities throughout his career in public service. He has led programs including the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program and the Veterans Cash lottery ticket, which has awarded more than $10 million to not-for-profit organizations across the state that provide health care and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, housing assistance, disability benefits and other services to Illinois Veterans. He also championed numerous Veterans' causes during his service as Lieutenant Governor and Illinois Treasurer.

For more information on the "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit or to view the portraits online, visit www.OperationHomefront.org.

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24 May 2013

Governor Quinn Honors Memorial Day and Classmate at Grammar School Alma Mater

By Grant Klinzman

Remembers Former St. Isaac Jogues Classmate and Congressional Medal of Honor Awardee Lance Corporal Lester Weber, USMC

HINSDALE - In honor of Memorial Day Weekend, Governor Pat Quinn today joined students at his grammar school alma mater, St. Isaac Jogues in Hinsdale, to remember our servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Ten years ago this week, then-Lt. Governor Quinn dedicated a plaque at the school to honor a former classmate, Congressional Medal of Honor Awardee Lance Corporal Lester Weber of the United States Marine Corps.

"Memorial Day is a time for everyone to remember and honor our servicemembers who put their lives on the line each day to protect our freedom," Governor Quinn said. "Lance Corporal Lester William Weber, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, is a true American hero. I encourage everyone in Illinois to take a few moments this weekend to reflect upon our servicemembers, and give thanks for their service and sacrifice."

Lester William Weber, who attended St. Isaac Jogues Grammar School with Governor Quinn, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in September of 1966 and in the U.S. Marines Corps in January of 1967. He served a tour in Vietnam as an ammunition carrier and squad leader with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division as a Private First Class, and was promoted to Lance Corporal in 1967.

In January 1969, Lance Corporal Weber extended his tour and assumed duty as a squad leader with the 2nd Platoon, Company M, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. On February 23, 1969, he led a search and clear operation in Vietnam, where his platoon was attacked by a heavily-armed North Vietnamese Army battalion. Weber was mortally wounded while attempting to save the lives of two of his comrades from enemy fire, after having overwhelmed at least eleven enemy troops.

Lance Corporal Weber received the Medal of Honor, the military's highest honor, in 1969, for his "conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and unwavering devotion to duty." His decorations also include the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In 2003, then-Lt. Governor Quinn dedicated a plaque to Lance Corporal Weber for sacrificing his life in Vietnam. The plaque is affixed to a granite boulder outside of St. Isaac Jogues Grammar School and reads:

"Semper Fidelis. Lance Cpl. Lester Weber, USMC. 1948-1969. Congressional Medal of Honor Winner.  Lance Cpl. Lester Weber, USMC, a St. Isaac Jogues parishioner and graduate was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously in 1969 for his "conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and unwavering devotion to duty." On February 23, 1969 in South Vietnam, Lance Cpl. Weber saved his platoon before sustaining mortal injuries. Dedicated this 25th day of May, 2003."

Governor Quinn is a longtime champion of Illinois' Veterans and servicemembers. As State Treasurer, he launched Operation Homefront to inform National Guard members and reservists of their rights under the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act. As Lt. Governor, his Illinois Military Family Relief Act to aid the spouses and children of those called to active duty became a model for other states. As Governor, he has visited Illinois troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Germany, and is committed to the goal of getting 100,000 Veterans hired in Illinois by 2020.

For more information on how to support Illinois' Veterans and servicemembers and their families, please visit OperationHomefront.org.

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21 May 2013

Governor Quinn Praises Final Ratification of Best Contract for Taxpayers in Illinois History

By Grant Klinzman

Three-year Agreement Receives Final Union Approval After 15 Month Negotiation

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today praised American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 members' final ratification of a new union contract covering approximately 35,000 state employees. Negotiations took more than 15 months and the agreement received final ratification by AFSCME members in a vote that concluded yesterday. The agreement is part of the governor's agenda to restore fiscal stability to Illinois.

"This contract is a win for every taxpayer in Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "At a time when our state is facing unprecedented fiscal challenges, this contract will save the state $900 million in healthcare costs and help restore fiscal stability to Illinois. I thank the many hard-working public workers who approved this agreement after many months of difficult negotiations. By coming to the table in good faith we were able to find common ground on a fair and responsible contract."

AFSCME announced final ratification of the contract today. The approved agreement will result in $900 million in healthcare savings over the life of the contract. The contract implements a new law requiring retirees to begin paying a modest portion of their health insurance premiums starting July 1. In addition, it includes modest Cost of Living Adjustments at a rate of 0 percent, 2 percent and 2 percent. The contract calls for new hires to start three steps lower, which amounts to about 9 percent less starting salary, which will save taxpayers money for years to come.

As part of the agreement, the union and the administration are seeking approximately $140 million in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 wages from the previous contract that remain an obligation of the state. The legislation is House Bill 212, House Amendment 2. The vote for final ratification comes after an agreement was unable to be implemented regarding pay raise litigation that has been tied up in court.

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