22 Oct 2013

Simon urges support for marriage equality

By Ted Nelson

Encourages passage of marriage equality during veto session

SPRINGFIELD - As the 2013 fall legislative session gets underway, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today joined supporters of marriage equality for the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality.

"The families gathered here today have been waiting too long for the same rights families like mine have," said Simon. "We will not stop this fight until true equality is the law of the land, and all Illinois families are recognized as being equal."

Today Simon joined thousands of marriage equality proponents, religious leaders and families in Springfield, for a rally at the base of President Abraham Lincoln's statue at the Capitol. Following the rally, Simon participated in a march around the Capitol complex.

"This is a day to show that people across the state of Illinois want marriage equality for all. We are part of every fabric of society and we will come together with our allies to be heard in Springfield," said Tracy Baim, March co-chair.

The March on Springfield for Marriage Equality is part of a grassroots movement aimed at passage of Senate Bill 10, the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. Though Illinois currently has civil unions, only marriage affords couples the ability to file joint tax returns, participate in spousal Social Security and veterans' benefits, and benefit under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Senate Bill 10, sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), passed the Senate in February and is awaiting a vote in the House. Its passage would make Illinois the 15th state in the nation to recognize marriage equality.

"Illinois is home to our nation's greatest president, who believed that all individuals should be treated equally, and we will not stop fighting until President Lincoln's dream is realized," said Steans, Senate sponsor of the bill. "It is time for all Illinois families to be treated equally."

"Every day that passes that all Illinois families are not treated with equality is one day too long," said Harris, House sponsor of the legislation. "I am grateful for the Lt. Governor's longstanding and heartfelt support for equality."

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17 Oct 2013

Lt. Gov. Simon releases military survey recommendations, urges debt ceiling agreement

By Ted Nelson

Simon continues efforts aimed at assisting military families in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD  - October 16, 2013.  Continuing her efforts to assist military families in Illinois, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon on Wednesday released the recommendations and findings of a defense community survey that aims to help retain and strengthen military bases in Illinois. With military communities in jeopardy, Simon also called on the U.S. Congress to work quickly to come to a debt ceiling agreement before potentially devastating cuts take place.

"These survey findings and recommendations provide a helpful blueprint to better serve our Illinois military families," said Simon. "I am eager to work with the Governor and General Assembly to implement this survey's recommendations, and Congress can do their job and come to an agreement to avoid further disrupting military pay."

Simon chairs the state's Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC) which reviewed the survey findings and recommendations at its quarterly meeting on Wednesday in Springfield. The recommendations included:

  • Developing an economic impact study to measure the various benefits military bases have on the community and state;
  • Helping ease the transfer of credits between school districts in Illinois and other states for the children of military personnel;
  • Developing a methodology to improve the transfer of professional licenses across state lines; and
  • Continue developing processes to award credentials for training received in the military.

Over the summer, Simon's office convened listening posts in Metro East, Quad Cities and North Chicago, all of which are home to military installations and that are dealing with the economic impact of sequestration, federal government shutdown and the possibility of future cuts. A statewide online survey followed in the fall. The survey and listening posts were administered for the IMBSEDC in partnership with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA). More than 750 participants answered questions pertaining to business opportunities, education, workforce training and quality of life.

The IMBSEDC coordinates the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois. The committee was established in 2005 in response to U.S. Department of Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) orders to close and realign military bases nationwide.

Simon is calling on the federal government to come to an agreement regarding the debt ceiling before it has a negative impact on military families in Illinois and across the country. In a January letter to Congress, former-Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner noted that benefits like military pay and social security could be at risk without the extension of borrowing authority.

"Military paychecks should not by jeopardized by the dysfunction in Washington, D.C.," said Simon. "With a Thursday deadline fast approaching, I sincerely hope an agreement is reached quickly. The consequences of doing nothing could be devastating."

Following the IMBSEDC meeting, Simon will chair a Governor's Rural Affairs Council (GRAC) meeting. The 25-member council will discuss proposals to boost access to local foods, promote small businesses, strengthen emergency services and assist rural school districts.

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15 Oct 2013

Lt. Gov. Simon hosting meetings to help better serve defense and rural communities

By Ted Nelson

SPRINGFIELD - Building on her efforts to support defense and rural communities, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will lead discussions on how to better serve military families, provide healthy food options in rural communities and assist rural school districts in separate public meetings being held in Springfield on Wednesday.

"I expect many fruitful discussions on important rural and military issues at these meetings," said Simon. "I am looking forward to a productive dialogue on how we can better serve rural and defense communities."

Simon will chair the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC) meeting on Wednesday morning. Findings and recommendations from defense community listening posts and an online survey will be released. Throughout the summer, Simon's office convened listening posts in Metro East, Quad Cities and North Chicago, all of which are home to military installations and are already struggling with the economic impact of sequestration, federal government shutdown and the possibility of future cuts. An online survey followed in the fall.

The survey and listening posts were administered in partnership with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA). More than 750 participants answered questions pertaining to business opportunities, education, workforce training and quality of life. The IMBSEDC is required by statute to coordinate the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois, and provides advice and recommendations for base retention, realignment and reuse.

Later in the day, Simon will chair a Governor's Rural Affairs Council (GRAC) meeting. The 25-member council will discuss proposals to encourage healthy eating in rural communities via double value coupons for food stamps, promote small businesses, improve access to emergency services and assist rural school districts.

Established by Governor's executive order, the GRAC is tasked with improving delivery of state services to rural Illinois and expanding opportunities for rural residents to enhance their quality of life. Under Simon's leadership, the GRAC has worked to expand access to locally grown, healthy foods and emergency medical services (EMS) in rural areas, as well as other rural issues.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 16

EVENT: IMBSEDC Meeting

TIME: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

LOCATION:  State House, Room 214, Springfield

EVENT: GRAC Meeting

TIME: 2 - 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Stratton Building, Room 413, 401 S. Spring St., Springfield

 

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08 Oct 2013

Lt. Governor Simon to discuss Affordable Care Act impact at EMS Summit in Springfield

By Ted Nelson

Focus on providing first-rate medical response in rural Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - October 7, 2013. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will meet with stakeholders and discuss the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel in rural communities as host of the 2013 Illinois EMS Summit on Tuesday in Springfield. More than 100 EMS providers and responders are registered for the summit sponsored by the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, which Simon chairs.

"This summit is a helpful way to share information and get many stakeholders on the same page," said Simon. "Understanding the impact ACA will have on EMS work, discussing best practices and bringing these smart minds together will go a long way toward providing lifesaving care to rural residents."

The 2013 Illinois EMS Summit is an opportunity for EMS providers and other interested parties to come together to examine the conditions of rural EMS in Illinois. In addition to a dialogue on the impact of ACA on EMS work, planned topics of discussion include : caring for stroke patients, partnering with transit organizations to reduce 9-1-1 utilization, pending legislation, the State of Illinois House EMS Funding Task Force Report, best practices and Medicaid/Medicare Reforms for EMS.

As chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council (GRAC), Simon is leading efforts to combat a shortage of emergency responders in many parts of the state, encourage additional EMS training, and improve various classifications and standards. GRAC also established an EMS subcommittee to enhance existing emergency response units, reduce ambulance response times in rural Illinois and make recommendations for improvements and enhanced access.

DATE: Tuesday, Oct. 8

TIME: 1 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

PLACE: Room 1105/1106 of Lincoln Land Community College's Trutter Center at 5250 Shepherd Rd., Springfield

NOTE: Media availability before and following remarks.

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01 Oct 2013

Simon to host Illinois River meeting in Peoria

By Ted Nelson

Simon to host Illinois River Coordinating Council meeting, encourage best water quality practices

Part of three day river conference in Peoria

PEORIA - Sept. 30, 2013. Continuing her efforts to encourage river awareness and protect water quality, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will host an Illinois River Coordinating Council (IRCC) meeting on Tuesday in conjunction with the 14th Biennial Governor's Conference on the Management of the Illinois River System. The IRCC will discuss whether to seek a Blue Trail or other designation to help promote conservation and recreation on the Illinois River.

"By working together we can help protect and preserve our Illinois rivers," said Simon. "This public dialogue is an excellent way to have your voice heard and learn more about our waterways."

Simon is encouraging members of the public to attend the quarterly meeting of the Illinois Rivers Coordinating Council and participate in an open forum for public questions and comments. Members of the Mississippi and Wabash-Ohio River Coordinating Councils will be in attendance as will several mayors from the Mississippi River and Towns Initiative.

Being held from Oct. 1 - Oct. 3, the three day conference will also include an Illinois River Watershed Conservation Tour, drought workshop, Spirit of Peoria River Boat Cruise and discussions on infrastructure needs, community issues, local economy and importance of protecting natural resources.

Recognizing Lt. Gov. Simon's efforts to promote river health and protect drinking water, Alton Main Street and the Sierra Club recently presented Simon with the prestigious Confluence Conservation Leadership Award. Simon chairs the Mississippi, Illinois, and Wabash and Ohio River Coordinating Councils, which are charged with reviewing state and federal programs that impact the watersheds and working with local communities to raise awareness of and address watershed issues.

TIME: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

PLACE: Four Points by Sheraton, Peoria

NOTE: Simon is available for interviews before and after the council meeting.

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01 Oct 2013

Lt. Governor Simon to host EMS summit

By Ted Nelson

Focus on improving emergency medical responses in rural Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - September 27, 2013. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will meet with stakeholders and discuss the ongoing challenges faced by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel in rural communities as host of the upcoming 2013 Illinois EMS Summit in Springfield on Oct. 8. She is encouraging EMS experts and health care providers to register now through next week.

"Bringing together EMS experts and health care professionals from across the state is a terrific way to help ensure first-rate care for the rural residents of Illinois," said Simon. "By creating this important dialogue we can assist rural communities, make our emergency services even better and save lives."

The 2013 Illinois EMS Summit organizers tout the event as an opportunity for EMS providers and other rural stakeholders to come together to examine the conditions of rural EMS in Illinois. Participants will be able to discuss potential solutions for ongoing rural EMS challenges such as recruitment and retention of personnel, continuing education requirements and the misalignment of licensure with national standards.

Lt. Governor Simon is the chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council (GRAC). As GRAC chair, Simon is leading efforts to combat a shortage of emergency responders in many parts of the state, encourage additional EMS training, and improve various classifications and standards. GRAC also established an EMS subcommittee to enhance existing emergency response units, reduce ambulance response times in rural Illinois and make recommendations for improvements and enhanced access.

The summit will be held in Room 1105/1106 of Lincoln Land Community College's Trutter Center at 5250 Shepherd Rd., in Springfield. Those interested in participating can register online at www.siumed.edu/cme/tracker.html. The registration rate is $15 per person. The fee includes refreshments, lunch, and summit materials.

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25 Sep 2013

Simon to honor women business leaders; highlight importance of health care for women

By Ted Nelson

CHICAGO - Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon will address the 27th Women's Forum at the Entrepreneurial Woman's Conference on Thursday morning, and Thursday evening will encourage suburban women to enroll in a new health insurance marketplace.

At the morning conference, Simon will honor Hedy Ratner and Carol Dougal, founders of the Women's Business Development Center (WBDC), who led the way in supporting women as entrepreneurs.

"Since 1986 the Women's Business Development Center has been providing the tools generations of women need to help their businesses get started and grow," said Simon. "I would like to thank the founders and staff of the center for their dedication to empowering women business leaders."

The Women's Business Development Center was founded in 1986 by Hedy Ratner and Carol Dougal to address what they saw as a lack of support for women in the business world. Since then, the WBDC has helped more than 66,000 women in the Chicago area and grown to include 14 assistance centers in six different states.

The Entrepreneurial Women's Conference, now in its 27th year, is the oldest conference for women in business in the country. Simon will address members at the conference's Annual Women's Forum Breakfast where she will honor Ratner and Dougal, as they prepare to retire, for their work to support women in business.

Later tomorrow, Simon will participate in The ABCs of the ACA (Affordable Care Act) in order to encourage residents, especially women, to consider health coverage options. The free event, co-sponsored by the Kane County Women in Government and VNA Health Care, will explain how to enroll for health insurance coverage and access tax credits under the Affordable Care Act as of Oct. 1.

Thursday, Sept. 26

 

EVENT: Entrepreneurial Women's Conference, Women's Forum Breakfast

TIME: 8 - 9:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Lakeside Ballroom (E354), Lakeside Center, McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

 

EVENT: The ABCs of the ACA

TIME: 7 - 8 p.m.

LOCATION: Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles

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25 Sep 2013

Simon urges civic engagement while speaking at Wittenberg University Leadership Luncheon

By Ted Nelson

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO - September 25, 2013. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon returned to her alma mater, Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, on Wednesday to encourage civic involvement, promote Illinois and discuss the important role of women in government as the keynote speaker at the university's second annual Women in Leadership Luncheon.

"Whether in Springfield, Illinois or Springfield, Ohio, we need more strong and smart female leaders to ensure all our voices are heard," Simon said. "Women leaders broaden the debate and help advocate for people who may otherwise be forgotten."

At the Women in Leadership Luncheon, Simon addressed a large crowd of leaders from across the campus, community and Ohio. Following the event, Simon visited an urban politics class, fielded questions, discussed Illinois government and her office's duties.

As lieutenant governor, Simon has acted as the governor's point person on education reform and is leading efforts to increase college completion, inspire ethical government, protect military bases from closure, improve services in rural areas, advocate for survivors of abuse and keep waterways clean and safe.

While at Wittenberg, Simon was an All-American high jumper as well as president of the Student Senate, the university's student governing body. She was also the recipient of the prestigious M. Alice Geiger Award for outstanding contributions to the university community. Simon graduated summa cum laude and received a coveted NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship in 1983.

The Women in Leadership Luncheon was held in the Joseph C. Shouvlin Center for Lifelong Learning at 737 N. Fountain Ave. in Springfield, Ohio.

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18 Sep 2013

Simon celebrates role of women in politics at League of Women Voters of Illinois State of the State event

By Ted Nelson

CHICAGO - September 17, 2013. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon on Tuesday joined a panel of elected officials including Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno and State Representative Patricia Bellock in a spirited panel discussion celebrating the role of women in politics. The dialogue was part of the League of Women Voters of Illinois' (LWVIL)State of the State event at the Union League Club of Chicago.

"I am honored to participate in this panel," said Simon.  "Over the last 100 years, women have gone from not being able to vote to holding some of the most important positions in the state. We have made tremendous progress and yet we still have more to do to build a better state for our daughters."

In an effort to commemorate the dedicated work of the courageous Illinoisans who worked to grant women the right to vote in Presidential elections over 100 years ago, the LWVIL hosted  a luncheon featuring a prominent panel of four female elected officials, including Simon, moderated by Chicago Tribunecolumnist Mary Schmich.  Proceeds from the State of the State benefit the organization's education fund and its mission of promoting civic education and voter service.

Due to the hard work and efforts of the Illinois Equal Suffrage Associationand many others, Illinois became the first state east of the Mississippi River to grant women the right to vote in Presidential elections with the signing of the Presidential and Municipal Suffrage Act on June 26, 1913. Seven years later the women's suffrage movement culminated with the ratification of the 19thAmendment to prohibit any United States citizen from being denied the right to vote on the basis of sex.   

 

"From Lottie Holman O'Neill being elected to the statehouse two years after the ratification of the 19th amendment to Dawn Clark Netsch being the first woman to win statewide office, Illinois has a history to be proud of," said Simon. "Now it's up to us to keep improving that record."

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17 Sep 2013

Simon encourages civic engagement, working together while speaking to female leaders in Chicago

By Ted Nelson

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will urge civic involvement and highlight the importance of women in politics while speaking to the Chicago Bar Association (CBA) Alliance for Women and League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) in separate events on Tuesday.

Simon will join a panel of female elected officials including Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno and State Representative Patricia Bellock at the LWVIL State of the State event at the Union League Club of Chicago. Later Simon will provide the keynote address at a CBA Alliance for Women event.

"I am excited to be participating in a dialogue with this great group of women," said Simon.  "We should be thankful for the dedicated work of the women that paved the way for us and continue carrying on their efforts to help future generations of leaders."

In an effort to commemorate the dedicated work of the courageous Illinoisans who worked to grant women the right to vote in Presidential elections over 100 years ago, the LWVIL is hosting a luncheon featuring a prominent panel of four female elected officials, including Simon, moderated by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich.  Proceeds from the State of the State benefit the organization's education fund and its mission of promoting civic education and voter service.

Founded in 1992, the Alliance for Women credits itself for working within the Chicago Bar Association to advance the interests of women in the legal profession and the larger community. Through monthly programs, special projects, networking events and professional development the Alliance brings together the talents of its members to implement strategies that effect change. As an Assistant State's Attorney in Jackson County, Simon prosecuted domestic violence cases, and as professor at Southern Illinois University's School of Law, she helped launch a domestic violence clinic to train law students and to serve clients at no cost.

The Alliance for Women event is its annual kick-off meeting designed to welcome new members and promote involvement over the upcoming year.  Previous speakers have included Dawn Clark Netsch and Illinois Supreme Court Justice Hon. Anne Burke.

 

EVENT

DATE: Sept.17

TIME: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

PLACE: Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago

NOTE: Simon is available for interviews following the event.

 

EVENT

DATE: Sept.17

TIME: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

PLACE: CBA Building, 321 S. Plymouth Ct., Chicago

NOTE: Simon is available for interviews following the event.

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