31 Jan 2011

Governor Quinn Announces First Round of Top Cabinet Appointments

By Andrew Mason

Six Appointees to Help Lead Administration's Continued Efforts to Reform State Government, Address Fiscal Challenges

CHICAGO - January 31, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today made six appointments to his executive cabinet. Today's actions begin a series of appointments Governor Quinn will make over the first quarter of 2011 as he continues fulfilling his commitment to creating jobs, recovering our economy and making state government more efficient and accountable to the people of Illinois.

Today Governor Quinn re-appointed Director Rocco Claps to the Department of Human Rights, Director Brian Hamer to the Department of Revenue, Director Julie Hamos to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Secretary Gary Hannig to the Department of Transportation, Director Erwin McEwen to the Department of Children and Family Services and Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler to the Department of Human Services.

"I am proud to appoint these trusted members of my cabinet to continue their dedicated service to the people of Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "Over the course of my administration they have shown themselves to be unparalleled stewards of the public trust, and I look forward to their continued service."

As Director of the Department of Human Rights, Rocco Claps has led efforts to establish civil unions, prevent sexual harassment on college campuses, reduce bullying in schools and increase gang prevention. Prior to his appointment to head the department, Claps served as deputy assessor for Cook County and held a number of positions within the administration of President Bill Clinton. He previously worked in the Illinois House of Representatives and is a graduate of Illinois State University.

Brian Hamer has led the Department of Revenue's efforts to save Illinois millions of dollars by boosting electronic filing of tax returns as well as collecting tens of millions of dollars from gasoline tax evaders. He also administered the state's 2010 tax amnesty program. He is a former deputy director of the Chicago Department of Revenue and previously served in Chicago's corporation counsel office. Prior to his work in government, Hamer graduated from Yale University and earned a law degree from Columbia University, where he edited the school's law review journal.

As Director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Julie Hamos is leading the state's implementation of national healthcare reform, and negotiated and led passage of Illinois' historic Medicaid reform law. Hamos previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1999 to 2010, representing the 18th District. Prior to her election to the General Assembly, Hamos worked as the legislative counsel and policy advisor to then-State's Attorney Richard M. Daley, before being appointed director of the Child Support Division, which oversees more than 300,000 child support cases each year. Hamos earned a Bachelor's degree from Washington University and a law degree from George Washington University.

As Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Gary Hannig is leading implementation of Illinois Jobs Now!, the largest capital construction and job creation plan in Illinois' history. Previously, Hannig served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1979 to 2009, representing the 98th district, eventually becoming Deputy Majority Leader. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in accounting.

Prior to his appointment to head the Department of Children and Family Services, Erwin McEwen served as child welfare administrator at Lakeside Community Committee, where he oversaw four core child welfare programs. He has committed 20 years of service to youth and families in the Illinois social services community, serving at Kaleidoscope, DCFS, Hull House and Lakeside. McEwen has also served as a member of the Illinois Statewide Foster Parent Advisory Council, the Illinois Child Care Association Board of Directors, the Child Welfare Advisory Committee on Performance-Based Contracting, and the African American Family Commission's Monitoring and Oversight Committee.

Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler has led the Department of Human Services since October 2009, except during a time when she served as Governor Quinn's Chief of Staff from August 2010 to December 2010. Saddler led implementation of the state's nationally-recognized Put Illinois to Work program, which put more than 26,000 people to work throughout the state, giving them valuable job experience to ensure that they are competitive in the workforce. Her  past positions include Vice President for International Adoptions for the Lifelink Corporation and Executive Director of the Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund. She also served as Director of Investments with then-Illinois State Treasurer Quinn and is a Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Protestants for the Common Good.

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27 Jan 2011

Statement from the Office of the Governor

By Andrew Mason
CHICAGO - January 26, 2011. The Office of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today issued a statement in response to the Illinois Appellate Court decision regarding the 2009 capital bill:
"The administration intends to appeal the Appellate Court's decision and to seek an immediate stay from the Illinois Supreme Court.
"The Illinois Jobs Now! capital program is an important part of Governor Quinn's plan to put Illinois back to work. Capital bill projects are putting thousands of people to work in every corner of the state, while supporting local businesses, improving our infrastructure and increasing energy efficiency.
"While the administration's request for a stay is pending with the Illinois Supreme Court, capital projects already in progress will continue as scheduled. We would expect the Supreme Court to rule on the request for a stay in the very near future."
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24 Jan 2011

Statement from Governor Quinn in Support of Affordable Care Act

By Andrew Mason

CHICAGO - January 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement in support of the federal Affordable Care Act:

"The Affordable Care Act has already provided Illinois with many of the tools and resources needed to ensure that more of our families and employers have access to important health care benefits and consumer protections.

Through Illinois' federally-funded high risk pool, we have secured health coverage and financial security for more than 1,000 people who were denied coverage by health insurance companies because of pre-existing conditions. We are currently expanding that program to ensure access to affordable and comprehensive health coverage for even more individuals who have been denied private coverage.

We have seen 121,000 Illinois seniors receive $250 rebate checks to help cover the costs of prescription drugs. And health insurance companies must now cover immunizations, mammograms and other important preventative care procedures without charging the high deductibles and co-payments that once deterred consumers from routine checkups.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more students graduating from college in Illinois can remain covered under their parents' health insurance policies. And children in Illinois can no longer be denied health coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

We intend to implement the Affordable Care Act so that our families and employers have appropriate health care options and much-needed financial security. Everyone in Illinois deserves access to meaningful and affordable health care.

I urge the 112th Congress to move this country forward in positive, constructive debate focused on affordable health care for all Americans, rather than re-visiting the politics of the past."

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24 Jan 2011

Governor Quinn Takes Action

By Andrew Mason

Governor Quinn Announces Leading Scrap Metal Recycling Company Will Move to Illinois; Relocation to Create Around 40 Jobs, Support 198 Construction Jobs

 CHICAGO - January 21, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn announced today that one of the Midwest's leading scrap metal recyclers, Becker Iron & Metal, Inc., will relocate its headquarters from St. Louis, Missouri to Venice, Illinois. The company's move will help create at least 42 permanent Illinois jobs and support another 198 construction jobs as part of an overall $4 million investment in Madison County.

"We are continuing to take the necessary steps to increase our competitiveness in the global economy, which is why more businesses are choosing to move to Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "We are stabilizing our fiscal climate, investing in state-of-the-art transportation infrastructure and supporting emerging green technologies - and it's giving us an edge over competing states."

The $4 million construction project will be partially financed by a $928,400 grant administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation's Freight Rail Program. The grant will help finance construction activities, including new rail track, radiation detection and lighting.

Becker Iron & Metal is a fourth-generation, family-owned company that has served the scrap metal industry for more than a century. The new state-of-the art facility in Venice will accommodate the shipment of more than 500 railcars of scrap metal per year. Becker is currently preparing final engineering plans for the site, and occupancy on the new facility is expected in June 2011.

"This agreement exemplifies a great partnership between the private and public sectors to stimulate the regional economy," Becker Iron & Metal President Mike Becker said. "We look forward to our continued partnership with the state of Illinois."

"The cooperation among state and company officials was critical in this success story," Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. "Most importantly, however, this move again proves that Illinois' robust transportation network is one of many advantages our state offers businesses."

"This is a great example of how our collective efforts are helping to bring greater economic development and creating jobs in all areas of the state," said Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Warren Ribley. "I would like to congratulate Becker on their expansion and look forward to their continued growth in Illinois."

Becker Iron & Metal is the second company this week to relocate to Illinois. Governor Quinn announced yesterday that steel producer Evraz Inc. will relocate its North American headquarters to Chicago. The Governor also announced major agreements between Chinese government officials and a dozen Illinois soybean producers to sell their products to China.

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Governor Quinn Announces Agreement toBoost Trade Between Illinois and China; Continues State's Efforts to Remain at Forefront of Global Marketplace

CHICAGO - January 21, 2011.  Governor Pat Quinn today announced an agreement to strengthen Illinois' trade with China. Under the agreement, the Beijing International Brand Management Center (BIBMC) will set up "American Goods Distribution Centers" in Beijing and Shanghai to promote Illinois products and services in China, and an "American Goods Purchase Center" in Chicago to encourage Chinese investment in Illinois.

"Today's agreement will boost small- and mid-sized businesses throughout Illinois, while ensuring that our state remains a leader in the global marketplace," said Governor Quinn. "This partnership will provide Illinois businesses with the tools they need to enter the Chinese market and continue to grow our economy."

Under the agreement, the state will recommend Illinois products to the BIBMC - particularly in the agricultural, auto parts and construction machinery sectors - and will assist with the establishment of the American Goods Purchase Center in Chicago. Through the distribution centers, BIBMC will provide intellectual property rights protection, Chinese distribution development, channel construction, marketing and other comprehensive services to Illinois companies in China.

"By setting up two American Goods Centers in the Chaoyang District of Beijing and the Changning District of Shanghai, the International Brand Management Center will provide a 'one-stop-shop' to promote Illinois products and services to be sold in the Chinese market. The centers will also be an important platform to promote Chinese investment to Illinois," said Mr. Tan Li, Vice Director, China Association of International Trade, Beijing International Brand Management Center.

"Establishment of these distribution centers in Beijing and Shanghai is a strategic decision that will help put the state in an extremely competitive position as we continue our efforts to market Illinois globally," said Warren Ribley, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "These centers give us an opportunity to further investment and trade in China and around the world."

China is Illinois' third largest export destination, and Illinois is among the top five states in agricultural exports to China. Illinois agriculture exports to China have increased each year since 2007, from $149 million to $552 million in 2009. Illinois' overall exports to China in 2009 reached $2.47 billion. In the first nine months of 2010, Illinois' exports to China reached $2.33 billion, representing a 37.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2009. More than 30 Chinese companies have invested in Illinois, employing thousands of Illinois residents.

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Governor Quinn Welcomes Chinese Delegation, Announces Global Business Agreements; Chinese Businesses Sign Agreements to Purchase Illinois Soy Products

CHICAGO - January 20, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today welcomed a delegation of Chinese government and business leaders to Illinois and announced that more than a dozen Illinois providers of soy products have entered into sales agreements with buyers from 24 Chinese companies.

"We are doing everything we can to ensure that Illinois remains a leader in the global marketplace. We are the transportation hub of the Midwest; we have the best farmland in the world; and we are committed to growing green technologies," said Governor Quinn. "These important agreements with China will further grow our economy, and we will continue to show the world why Illinois is a premier place to do business."

China is Illinois' third-largest export destination, and Illinois is among the top five states for agricultural export to China. Farmers and companies with operations in Illinois, including ADM, Bunge, Cargill, CHS, Columbia Grain Trading and Louis Drefyus, participated in the agreements with Chinese firms.

Governor Quinn was joined at today's event by China's Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Chao, Danny Murphy, Chairman of American Soybean Association Trade Policy and International Affairs Committee and Treasurer of U.S. Soybean Export Council, entrepreneurs from China and the representatives of the Illinois Soybean Association.

"The Chinese government highly values and supports the Sino-U.S. business cooperation that aims at a win-win result, and it is the mission of the Chinese delegation to encourage more Chinese purchase from and Chinese investment in the United States," said Vice Minister Wang.

Agriculture export to China from Illinois has increased each year since 2007, from $149 million to $552 million in 2009. Illinois' overall export to China in 2009 reached $2.47 billion. More than 30 Chinese companies have invested in Illinois, employing thousands of Illinois citizens.

"The Illinois Soybean Association is very pleased to have Governor Quinn be part of this signing ceremony with China, our number one customer of Illinois soybeans," said Ron Moore, Illinois Soybean Association chairman.  This is a testament to how the Governor recognizes the value and importance of Illinois soybean production, which ranks second in the U.S. with 466 million bushels harvested in 2010."

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Governor Quinn Makes Three Appointments to University of Illinois Board of Trustee: All Three Appointees are Alumni of State's Flagship University

CHICAGO - January 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today made three appointments to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Patricia Brown Holmes and Ricardo Estrada will join the board as new appointees, while Karen Hasara will continue to serve following her September 2009 appointment.

"Students from all over the world come to Illinois because they know that they will receive the highest quality of education from the University of Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "I am confident that today's appointees will help ensure the continued integrity and quality of our state's flagship university."

All three appointees are alumni of the University of Illinois. Holmes, a partner at Schiff Hardin LLP, has been named one of Illinois' "Top 50 Women Lawyers" by Illinois Super Lawyers. She received both her bachelor of science and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Illinois. Estrada currently serves as the first deputy commissioner in the Department of Family and Support Services for the City of Chicago. He received his master of business administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Governor Quinn also reappointed Karen Hasara to the university's board. Hasara, a current trustee for the Springfield Mass Transit District, served as mayor of the city of Springfield from 1995-2003. She received both her bachelor of science and master of arts degrees from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

The primary governing body of the university, the board is responsible for maintaining and overseeing the use of funds appropriated by the General Assembly. It exercises jurisdiction over all matters except those which it has delegated to the president of the university or other officers or agencies.

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees consists of 13 members, including the Governor as an ex officio member. Nine are appointed by the Governor and serve six year terms. Three student trustees, one from each University of Illinois institution, are elected by referenda on their respective campuses for one-year terms. One of these student trustees is designated by the Governor to have an official vote.

 

CHICAGO - January 18, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:
Bill No.: SB 2814
Regulates fire equipment suppression systems and employees who work on those systems through licensure requirements.
An Act Concerning: Professional Regulation
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately
Bill No.: SB 3461
Extends the Emergency Budget Act until June 30, 2011.
An Act Concerning: State Government
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately
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11 Jan 2011

Statement from Governor Pat Quinn On the Legislative Passage of Major Medicaid Reform

By Andrew Mason

SPRINGFIELD - January 6, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today issued a statement on the General Assembly's passage of Medicaid reform legislation.

"Today is an important day for our state. For too long we have simply talked about Medicaid reform; today we are following through with legislation that will help stabilize our budget and rebuild the foundations of our economy. This bill will streamline services and eliminate inefficiencies, saving the state hundreds of millions of dollars. In addition, it will improve efficiency in the program to ensure that Medicaid patients in Illinois are receiving the highest quality of care.

"This bill reflects a truly bipartisan effort by our General Assembly. I would like to thank the Medicaid reform committees, as well as bill sponsors Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Representative Patti Bellock, Senator Heather Steans and Senator Dale Righter for their dedication; their support was critical in my administration's drive to pass this legislation. Thanks also to my healthcare advisor Michael Gelder and Healthcare and Family Services Director Julie Hamos for their tremendous work in crafting and helping pass this bill.

"This is a powerful example of the reforms Illinois needs to stabilize its budget, and the kind of legislation I will continue to work with the General Assembly to pass. I look forward to receiving this bill from the legislature and acting on it soon."

 

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03 Jan 2011

Governor Quinn Seeks Delegates for Summer Science Education Camp

By Andrew Mason
CHICAGO - January 1, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn is calling on graduating high school seniors to apply for an opportunity to attend the National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) in West Virginia this summer.
Students from across Illinois are encouraged to apply for a full scholarship to the month-long NYSC program. Two students will be selected as official Illinois delegates, allowing them to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, regardless of financial status.
"I want to encourage young people to learn the value of education - and particularly the sciences - not just during their time in school, but all throughout their lives," said Governor Quinn. "A good education is the foundation for a good job, and good jobs are the foundation of a productive, healthy and vibrant society."
The NYSC program gathers outstanding science students from all 50 states to participate in a month-long academic retreat. Lectures and hands-on research projects are presented by scientists from a wide variety of scientific fields. Delegates are challenged to explore new areas in the biological and physical sciences, art, and music with resident staff members.  Delegates also present seminars covering their own areas of research and interest.
The National Youth Science Camp was first held in 1963, established in the Monongahela National Forest in the mountains of West Virginia. With support from the National Youth Science Foundation, the State of West Virginia and corporate sponsors, each Governor can select two graduating high school students for an all-expenses paid scholarship to attend the NYSC.
In Illinois, representatives from the Governor's Office and the Illinois State Board of Education will review applications from high school students who: are eligible to graduate before June 30, 2011; have shown exceptional achievement in the math or science fields; have shown leadership in school and community activities; have demonstrated skills outside of the sciences and academic pursuits and those who have demonstrated a curiosity and eagerness to explore many and varied topics.
Students who would like to be considered for this opportunity should complete the application and return it to: Illinois State Board of Education, Attn: Gil Downey, NYSC Selection Coordinator, 100 North First Street, C-215, Springfield, Illinois 62777-0001 or via email at gov.youthsciencecamp@illinois.. More information about the camp and electronic copies of the application can be found at http://www.nysc.org. For a paper copy of the application, or questions, please call 217-557-7323.
Applications are due January 28, 2011. The camp will run Thursday, June 30 through Sunday, July 24, 2011.
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03 Jan 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Continue Pension System Reforms

By Andrew Mason
New Laws will Help Preserve Benefits, Save Taxpayer Dollars
CHICAGO - December 30, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will help further stabilize pension systems for law enforcement officers and firefighters throughout Illinois, while protecting their retirement benefits.
"Firefighters and police officers put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe," said Governor Quinn. "These men and women who serve so selflessly must continue to have access to quality pension benefits that are also affordable for municipalities throughout the state. I would like to thank the Illinois General Assembly for their broad bi-partisan support in passing this critical legislation."
Senate Bill 3538, sponsored by Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan) and Rep. Kevin McCarthy (D-Orland Park), is an important step toward stabilizing pension systems for police officers, sheriffs' employees and firefighters. The new law makes changes to pension requirements for individuals hired on or after Jan. 1, 2011.
Some reforms under the law include : a normal retirement age of 55 with 10 or more years of service; and an early retirement age of 50 with 10 or more years of service and with a 0.5 percent reduction for each month the pensioner's age is under 55. Other changes include : the maximum pension of 75 percent of an individual's average salary; the pensionable salary maximum will be capped at $106,800, with annual increases as outlined in the law; and monthly cost-of-living adjustments will begin at age 60 for retirees and survivors, and will be either 3 percent or one-half of the urban consumer price index, whichever is less.
As cities and towns throughout the state struggle to recover from the effects of the nation's economic recession, municipalities face the increased challenge of funding pensions. The changes made under Senate Bill 3538 will help ease that burden. The legislation will stabilize municipal pension systems, protect current municipal employees and provide attractive pension benefits to future police, sheriff's employees and firefighters.
Today Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 550, sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and Rep. McCarthy. The technical law will enable public employee retirement systems to administer the two-tier pension system Governor Quinn signed into law during the spring.
This past spring, Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 1946 into law. The law was a historic pension reform which will help save Illinois taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars while preserving public employee pension benefits.
Senate Bill 3538 and Senate Bill 550 both go into effect Jan. 1, 2011.
06 Dec 2010

Statement from Governor Pat Quinn on Passing of Cubs Legend Ron Santo

By Andrew Mason
CHICAGO - December 3, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today issued a statement regarding the passing of Chicago Cubs legend Ron Santo.
"Anyone fortunate enough to meet Ron Santo met a man who cared about everything important in life," said Governor Quinn. "Ron Santo cared deeply about his family, the Chicago Cubs and their fans throughout the world. Not only did he play major league baseball while suffering from diabetes, he also dedicated his life to finding a cure for the disease. Ron Santo was more than a great baseball player and announcer - he was a great person and all of Illinois mourns his passing."
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30 Nov 2010

Governor Quinn Calls on Illinois Residents to Support Our Troops This Holiday Season

By Andrew Mason

Launches Annual Holiday Card Drive for Wounded Troops, Urges Support for Homeless Veterans at Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

CHICAGO - November 29, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today joined local schoolchildren to light the state of Illinois' annual holiday tree and launch the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive. Governor Quinn encouraged schoolchildren from across the state to take part in the annual drive by making holiday cards for servicemembers at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany. Governor Quinn will personally deliver the cards during a visit to troops at LRMC later this year.

"We want every servicemember who is spending the holidays at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center to know that we are all thinking of them and are grateful for their courage and sacrifice," said Governor Quinn. "I encourage everyone in Illinois to join me in supporting our servicemembers and Veterans this holiday season."

This year will mark the sixth time that Governor Quinn has visited Illinois troops and their families at LRMC. The center is the largest American hospital outside of the United States. For more information on how to participate in the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive, please visit OperationHomefront.org.

Governor Quinn was also joined at the tree lighting ceremony by Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Director Dan Grant and representatives from a number of Veterans' organizations to encourage residents throughout the state to support homeless Veterans during the holidays. The IDVA operates the Prince Home for Homeless and Disabled Veterans, a facility that has become a national model for supportive housing and therapeutic services for homeless Veterans.

"Everyone always asks what they can do to help Veterans, especially at this time of the year," said Director Grant. "Supporting the organizations that are providing essential services for homeless Veterans and helping them to rebuild their lives is one of the best ways you can do it."

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that approximately one-third of the nation's adult homeless population is made up of Veterans, with many suffering mental illness and alcohol and/or substance abuse problems. In Illinois, nearly 10 percent of the homeless population is made up of Veterans.

Governor Quinn was also joined at the tree lighting ceremony by the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center Inspirational Choir and Chase Bernardi, a formerly homeless Iraq War Veteran.

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01 Nov 2010

Governor Quinn Announces Nearly $90 Million for Transportation Enhancement Projects

By Andrew Mason
Federal Investment to Fund 120 Statewide Bicycle, Pedestrian and Landscape Improvement Projects; Support More Than 900 Jobs

CHICAGO - October 29, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced nearly $90 million in federal transportation enhancement funds for bike paths, streetscape beautification and other improvement projects in communities across Illinois. The funding is a part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), a federally-funded competitive grant program that promotes alternative means of transportation. The latest round of awards includes a total of 120 Illinois projects and is expected to create or retain 900 jobs.

"This federal funding will give communities throughout Illinois the opportunity to beautify their streets, develop bike paths and improve hiking trails," said Governor Quinn. "These community-based projects will create jobs, expand travel choices, enhance safety and improve the quality of life for Illinoisans."

The ITEP is designed to improve transportation safety and the quality of life and in Illinois by promoting alternative transportation, bike and pedestrian travel, and streetscape beautification. The federal funds are awarded competitively, and any local or state government with taxing authority is eligible to apply. Local matching funds are required, and work must begin on the projects within three years.

"We are pleased to announce this federal special project funding for communities across the state," said Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "Thanks to this funding, transportation enhancement projects will make Illinois a better place to work, live, do business and raise a family."

The Illinois Department of Transportation received 391 applications requesting ITEP funding totaling just under $370 million.

Last year, Illinois received funding for 68 transportation projects totaling $22 million through the ITEP. The program is funded through SAFETEA-LU, the federal surface transportation funding bill.

A full list of projects is attached. For more information please visit www.dot.state.il.us/opp/itep.html

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