19 Sep 2011

News from Governor Quinn's office

By Katelyn Tye

Governor Quinn Announces $345 Million Mortgage Assistance Program in Illinois

"Illinois Hardest Hit" Program Leverages Federal Dollars to Help
Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

CHICAGO - September 15, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a program to help approximately 15,000 Illinois homeowners threatened by foreclosure. The Illinois Hardest Hit program utilizes $345 million in federal funds to support working families having trouble making mortgage payments due to unemployment or under-employment.

"The economic downturn has left too many Illinois families at risk of losing their homes," Governor Quinn said. "Everyone suffers when a home goes into foreclosure. The Illinois Hardest Hit program will help keep families in their homes, help them regain economic stability and keep our communities strong."

The program allows eligible participants to receive up to $25,000 over 18 months as a 10-year loan to keep mortgages current and make ongoing payments, including fees and penalties. The loan is forgiven over the last five years of the 10-year term, and carries zero interest. Funds for the program are supplied by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Illinois is among 18 states and Washington, D.C. that received funding for the program earlier this year. The Illinois Hardest Hit program will be administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA).

"The best way to stabilize our neighborhoods is to prevent foreclosures before they happen," said Mary Kenney, IHDA executive director. "This program will make a difference in people's lives and in our communities."

Free applications for the program are available exclusively through IHDA's Illinois Hardest Hit website: www.IllinoisHardestHit.org. Applicants will be matched with a local review agency that will answer questions, pre-screen applicants for eligibility and assist homeowners in preparing the application and assembling the required supporting documentation.

Eligibility criteria for the program include :

  • Property must be located in Illinois;
  • Household must have a documented income reduction of at least 25 percent due to unemployment or under-employment through no fault of their own;
  • Household income must be at or below 120 percent of the area median income;
  • Principal loan balance of a mortgage must not be more than $500,000;
  • Household liquid assets cannot exceed 3 months of mortgage payments;
  • Property, which can be a 1-4 unit building, must be the primary and only residence of all borrowers/owners;
  • Homeowners must carry a fixed or adjustable rate loan; negative amortization or interest-only loans are not eligible;
  • The delinquency and forward payments must fall within available assistance and program guidelines;
  • Applicants must not have been convicted of a mortgage-related felony in the last 10 years.

"The Hardest Hit Fund provides Illinois and other states that were hit hardest in the housing market downturn the funds to implement local programs to assist struggling homeowners," said Treasury Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability Tim Massad. "With these funds, Illinois can provide critical support to homeowners impacted by unemployment so they can remain in their homes and avoid foreclosure."

Governor Quinn has long been a strong advocate for affordable housing, and his administration has championed important legislation and housing initiatives, including:

  • $100 million in federal Hardest Hit funds to form public-private partnership to modify loans to affordable levels
  • $130 million in the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program for affordable and supportive housing, including a development in Springfield for transitional and permanent supportive housing for Veterans and residents facing homelessness;
  • $53 million in federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds to enable communities to revitalize neighborhoods by returning foreclosed or abandoned properties to use through rehabilitation or new construction;
  • Passing the Homeowner Protection Act;
  • Extending the Affordable Housing Tax Credit through 2016 to stimulate additional affordable housing development;
  • Establishing the Illinois Anti-Predatory Lending Database;
  • Creating the Foreclosure Prevention Program;
  • Launching www.ILHousingSearch.org, a bilingual website to match residents with specific rental housing and resources;
  • Partnering with local housing agencies for IHDA's Mortgage Relief Project outreach events;
  • Creating a loan modification program for homeowners who borrowed under the state's first-time homebuyer program;
  • More than $8 million in National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling (NFMC) funds targeted toward foreclosure and mediation through partnerships with local governments and not-for-profits.

The Illinois Hardest Hit program is funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury and does not have a fee for applying. Applicants should be aware of the prevalence for mortgage assistance fraud; no mortgage assistance program requires a fee. The official Illinois Hardest Hit website (www.IllinoisHardestHit.org) is the only website for applications.

About IHDA

The Illinois Housing Development Agency (www.ihda.org) is an independent bonding authority that finances the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout Illinois. Since 1967, IHDA has allocated more than $10.6 billion to finance more than 215,000 affordable housing units for the residents of Illinois. IHDA sells bonds independently, based on its own good credit, to finance affordable housing in Illinois.

 

Governor Quinn to Lead Trade Mission to China

Trip Will Focus on Exports, Foreign Direct Investment, Education and Supporting Emerging Technologies  

CHICAGO - September 15, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn will travel to the People's Republic of China tomorrow in an effort to increase economic opportunities between Illinois and China. The Governor will arrive in China Sept. 17 for an eight-day trade mission designed to strengthen Illinois' exports and foreign direct investment. With Illinois already leading the Midwest in exports and foreign direct investment, the trade mission will build on the state's prior successes as part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs in Illinois.

"Illinois' relationship with China and with Chinese businesses is an extremely important part of not only helping our economy grow but also making sure Illinois continues to be a strong competitor in today's global marketplace," Governor Quinn said. "Trade and investment in China are essential to growing our economy and during this trip, we will promote Illinois' exports and encourage Chinese companies to invest in Illinois."

For his first visit to China, Governor Quinn will lead an Illinois delegation made up of officials representing Illinois businesses and educational institutions, as well as state and local governments. The group will visit Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong in an effort to strengthen the state's exports, foreign direct investment and tourism between China and Illinois.

During his trip, Governor Quinn will preside over the signing of new Illinois export contracts in the agriculture and telecom industries worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Governor Quinn will also meet with Chinese officials in an effort to boost investments in Illinois businesses.

While in Shanghai, the Governor will serve as the keynote speaker at a meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China (AMCHAM). Nearly 30 Chinese companies have already invested in Illinois, including automotive parts and solar panel producer Wanxiang Group and Shenhua International, China's largest coal producer.

Governor Quinn will also sign memorandums of understanding to foster future business exchanges in emerging fields such as biotechnology, clean energy and education. The Governor will also meet with graduates of the University of Illinois now living in China. During the trip, the Governor will sign a sister river agreement to promote pollution control and clean water technology.

Illinois currently leads the Midwest in exports and foreign direct investment. Last year's exports totaled nearly $50 billion, with China as the state's third largest export destination. In recent years, Illinois has seen a 35 percent increase in exports to China. Last year alone exports to China totaled $3.14 billion, with the top products exported ranging from machinery, electronics and appliances to chemicals, plastics and agricultural products.

Overseas visitation from China to Illinois is showing strong growth, up from Illinois being the sixth top overseas market in 2009 to fourth in 2010. Illinois hosted 97,000 visitors from the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong in 2010. The Chinese visitors stayed on average 7.2 nights in Illinois, with the top activities being shopping, dining in restaurants, sightseeing and visiting historical sites, museums and art galleries.

The state of Illinois opened its Hong Kong office in 1983 and later established an office in Shanghai in 2000. Many Illinois cities have established sister city relationships with Chinese cities. Governor Quinn will sign new sister agreements to promote further economic development and tourism during his visit to China.

For updates on Governor Quinn's trip, visit www.Illinois.gov or follow him on Twitter at @GovernorQuinn. More information about Illinois trade and business opportunities can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website at www.illinoisbiz.biz.


16 Sep 2011

Governor Quinn: Illinois Film Industry Boosting State Economy

By Katelyn Tye

Blockbuster Productions Like Superman 'Man of Steel' Put Illinois on Pace for Another Record Year

CHICAGO - September 13, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today visited the production set of the new Superman movie Man of Steel to highlight the impact the film industry is having on the Illinois economy. Illinois' film industry saw a record $161 million in spending in 2010, a 54 percent increase from 2009, and resulted in more than 8,000 job hires. Approximately 550 people in Illinois are being hired for Man of Steel alone.

"With major movie productions like Man of Steel coming to Illinois, the film industry is continuing to strengthen our state's economy and create thousands of jobs," Governor Quinn said. "This film is a great example of how the impact of film and television productions is far-reaching in the Illinois economy, benefiting everyone from local restaurants to the carpenters, truck drivers, caterers and custodial staff who make them possible."

With the filming of Man of Steel, several major television shows and many commercial productions that have already filmed in the state this year, 2011 is promising to be another banner year for the Illinois film industry.

Man of Steel began production in late July in and around Plano, where the city was transformed into Clark Kent's hometown of Smallville. Production moved to Chicago on Sept. 7, where the movie is currently filming. The film stars Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Clark's parents, Laurence Fishburne as Daily Planet Editor Perry White and Russell Crowe as Jor-El, Clark's biological father. Chicagoan Michael Shannon stars as General Zod.

"Illinois continues to make important investments in the film industry as a way to create jobs and cultivate a more sustainable industry, which will help Illinois maintain its competitive edge against other leading production centers," DCEO Director Warren Ribley said. "The state sees an immediate return on investment when productions like Man of Steel film in Illinois, not only by increasing economic activity and adding jobs, but also by showcasing Illinois' great locations and skilled workforce."

"Last year was a record-breaking year for the Illinois film industry and with major productions like Man of Steel filming in Illinois, this is sure to be another successful year," Betsy Steinberg, Managing Director of the Illinois Film Office said. "We're seeing more and more films, TV series and commercials choosing to shoot in Illinois, which is giving our economy a boost and creating jobs."

Illinois' film industry saw a record $161 million in spending in 2010, which topped the $155 million in spending in 2007 and represents a 54 percent increase from 2009.

Earlier this year, Governor Quinn helped dedicate a new soundstage development, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, which will make Illinois an even more attractive filming destination. The new studio, when fully built out, will include 1.2 million square feet of space and is located on 48.2 acres at the site of the old Ryerson Steel property on the near southwest side of Chicago between Ogden and Western Avenues.

 

With many unique locations, talented crews, and ample sound stages, the Illinois Film Office (IFO) actively pursues film projects by promoting Illinois as an ideal location to film. In addition, the IFO administers the Illinois' Film Tax Credit, which has been instrumental in spurring growth of Illinois' film industry. Illinois offers a 30 percent tax credit to filmmakers for money spent on Illinois goods and services, including wages paid to Illinois residents. Since its inception, the Film Tax Credit has helped bring over half a billion dollars in revenue to the state and over 10,000 full time equivalent jobs.

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16 Sep 2011

Governor Quinn Vetoes Senate Bill 1652

By Katelyn Tye

Action Stops State's Electric Utilities from Imposing Billions in Rate Hikes Following Summer of Major Service Disruptions

CHICAGO - September 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Attorney General Lisa Madigan and advocates from across the state to fulfill his pledge to protect Illinois consumers from massive electric rate hikes. The Governor today vetoed Senate Bill 1652, which would have allowed Illinois' utility companies to impose billions of dollars in automatic rate hikes every year for the next decade, while eroding more than a century of consumer protections.

"More than 1.5 million people and businesses have had to deal with power outages and services disruptions this summer," Governor Quinn said. "Now these same utilities are trying to change the rules to guarantee themselves annual rate increases and eliminate accountability.  I will not support a bill that contains sweetheart deals for big utilities, which could leave struggling consumers to pick up the tab for costs such as lobbying fees and executive bonuses. We can ensure innovation and investment in our electric grid, and create new jobs, without compromising core safeguards for Illinois consumers."

The legislation would strike more than 100 years of Illinois consumer protection law and weaken the oversight ability of the Illinois Commerce Commission to reign in excessive rate hikes that will heavily burden consumers and disproportionately harm seniors, minorities and low-incomes households. Without adequate oversight and effective performance metrics, Illinois ratepayers will be forced to pay billions in rate hikes, while potentially receiving the same subpar service they have for many years.

"This bill would have been devastating for Illinois consumers," Attorney General Madigan said. "At a time when people are already struggling to pay their bills, the utilities want to make an end run around the regulatory process and stick consumers with huge annual rate increases for unproven technology?all so they can guarantee their profits for the next decade. That's not a proposal I can support."

Senate Bill 1652 also gives unprecedented advantages to Illinois utilities that have less-than-stellar records for providing reliable service. Recent storms in the Chicago area exposed significant service shortcomings when more than 1.5 million people suffered through lengthy and widespread outages. Local businesses and consumers who depend on regular, predictable electricity suffered enormously.

The stated purpose of the bill is to allow the implementation of Smart Grid technology, which the Governor and many advocates support in concept as part of an overall strategy to make Illinois a leader in the clean energy economy. But Senate Bill 1652 puts too heavy of a burden on consumers at a time when they aren't getting the service quality they are already paying for each month. In addition to locking-in extremely high profits in exchange for lower risk by the utility, the measure also includes provisions that have nothing to do with improving service and could stick ratepayers with the cost of executive bonuses and lobbying fees.

Today's action was supported by AARP, the Citizens Utility Board, Citizen Action/Illinois, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and many business and consumer groups. Along with the state's other leading consumer advocates, Governor Quinn and Attorney General Madigan are urging consumers to contact their legislators and convince them to uphold the veto.

The Governor also announced his support for reforms proposed by the Illinois Commerce Commission that move Illinois towards the goal of modernizing the electric grid, reforming the regulatory system and protecting rate payers. House Amendment # 3 to House Bill 14 represents a good faith effort toward modernizing the grid, reforming our regulatory system, and protecting Illinois' ratepayers.

For more information on how to get involved in stopping rate hikes, visit www.SayNoToRateHikes.org.

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13 Sep 2011

Illinois National Guard Finishes Vermont Relief Efforts

By Katelyn Tye

Mission Complete, Troops Heading Home

SPRINGFIELD - September 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the Illinois Army National Guard members assisting with Vermont flood relief operations have completed their mission and are heading home. Earlier this week Governor Quinn ordered Illinois National Guard helicopters and troops to active duty in Vermont after receiving a request for assistance from the state.

"The Illinois National Guard has again responded when the state and country has called on them," Governor Quinn said. "Our servicemembers are some of the greatest this nation has to offer.  Time and again, they show their dedication by answering the call to duty and we are proud of them."

"We are grateful for the opportunity to help another state in need," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "This shows we are prepared to assist, not just in Illinois, but throughout our country."

Approximately 95 members of the Illinois National Guard set up an operating base in Rome, N.Y., while their helicopters flew into Burlington, Vt. The Illinois Army National Guard assisted delivering food, water and other supplies to several towns in Vermont that were isolated by flooding.

"The Illinois National Guard has done amazing work here in Vermont. The towns I visited today that have been cut off by road for days were cheering when the helicopters started to arrive on Wednesday," said Maj. Gen. Michael D. Dubie, Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard. "We have stocked up the isolated towns and established rough road access to many that will soon support civilian vehicle traffic. A huge thank you to the entire Illinois team that made this happen."

During operations in Vermont, the Illinois National Guard provided the following air movements of critically needed supplies:

  • 58 pallets of water
  • 63 pallets of food
  • 4 pallets of blankets
  • 3 pallets of cots
  • 3 pallets of tarps
  • 1 generator
  • 16 passengers

The six UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, two CH-47 Chinook helicopters, pilots and crew, ground support vehicles, and command and control staff were prepositioned in New York Aug. 29 to 30.  After completing needed operations today, they will head home and arrive in Illinois over the weekend.

Units that provided hurricane relief in Vermont include : Headquarters and Headquarters Company; 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Peoria and elements of Company A, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Decatur; Company B, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Chicago; Company C and Company D, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Peoria; and 2nd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation Battalion in Peoria.

"These Soldiers put aside their daily lives and commitments in a moment's notice to come to the aide of residents more than 1,100 miles from them on the East Coast," Enyart said.  "We also owe their families and employers a thank you for their support."This is the fifth time this year the Illinois National Guard has responded to assist others in need. More than 500 Soldiers were activated for the February winter storms. Approximately 500 Soldiers responded to the southern Illinois flooding this spring. The Illinois National Guard also sent one CH-47 Chinook helicopter with five crew members from Company B, 2nd Battalion 238th Aviation based in Peoria to help the South Dakota National Guard battle flood waters on June 3.  A UH-60 Blackhawk and four crew members with Company A, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Decatur, deployed to Omaha, Neb., in support of flood relief efforts June 21.

For video: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/124512/106th-avn-vermont-b-roll-and-interviews

01 Sep 2011

Governor Quinn Announces $30.5 Million for Community Health Centers Throughout Illinois

By Katelyn Tye

Capital Funds Will Help Improve Health Care Access in Underserved Communities, Create Jobs

CHICAGO - August 31, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced $30.5 million from the capital program to build and renovate 14 community health centers throughout Illinois. The Illinois Jobs Now! funding will help the state to improve health outcomes for medically underserved Illinoisans, reduce health care spending and save taxpayers money. The projects are expected to create around 215 jobs.

"These capital funds are critical in helping us increase community-based health care," Governor Quinn said. "We are investing in the health and wellness of the people of Illinois, and these community health centers reflect the emphasis I have placed on helping people get the care they need as close to where they live and work as possible."

The Community Health Center Construction Act, sponsored by Sen. James F. Clayborne Jr. (D-Belleville) and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), was signed into law by Governor Quinn in 2009. The Act enables communities to renovate dilapidated buildings, convert vacant commercial space, construct new health center sites, and provide equipment for additional health services such as OB/GYN and dental. 

Funding for the projects are included in Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program, and will be administered through the state's Capital Development Board. In addition to providing needed health care facilities, the projects are expected to create about 215 construction jobs.

The 14 community health centers receiving grants include :

  • Erie Family Health Centers Inc.: $2.2 million to improve two existing primary care sites to serve Chicago's greater Humboldt Park and West Town communities.
  • Lawndale Christian Health Center: $3 million to build a health and wellness center that will serve Lawndale and neighboring communities on Chicago's west side.
  • Central Counties Health Centers: $3 million to build a 24,000-square-foot addition to its current facility that will serve Springfield and the surrounding area.
  • Rural Health Inc., Anna: $1.74 million to renovate existing space and build new space to serve Union and Johnson County residents.
  • Asian Human Services Family Health Center, Chicago: $2.18 million to build a new facility adjacent to its current West Ridge site.
  • Christian Community Health Center: $3 million to relocate its Calumet City Clinic.
  • Community Health Improvement Center, Champaign: $363,390 to remodel and expand existing space and purchase dental equipment.
  • Heartland International Health Center, Chicago: $3 million to build a health center in Rogers Park and renovate the Uptown Community Health Center.
  • Greater Elgin Family Care Center: $2.67 million to build a new Streamwood Health Center, expanding the existing Adult Clinic, and expanding the Sherman Hospital Medical Office.
  • Aunt Martha's Service Center: $641,097 to renovate the Carpenters Health Center and the House Comprehensive Resource Center to serve the Carpentersville and Aurora areas.
  • Mercy Family Health Center: $3 million to build a new medical facility at Oakwood Shores Residential Community on Chicago's near south side.
  • PCC Community Wellness Center: $691,299 to relocate and renovate its current facility that will serve Chicago's western suburban communities.
  • Shawnee Health Service and Development Corporation, Carbondale: $1.9 million to build a new dental facility and renovate its existing building into medical exam rooms.
  • Alivio Medical Center, Berwyn: $3 million to build a new medical center with services for a wide variety of needs.

Community health centers are nonprofit entities created by Congress to meet the health care needs of underserved communities and high-risk patients. These centers fill a void by providing care for those who often are not served by other providers, including individuals who are low-income, the uninsured or homeless, or people with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse problems or special medical needs.

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29 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Winner in Open Data App Development Contest

By Katelyn Tye

GoChicago Takes Advantage of Information at Data.Illinois.Gov

CHICAGO - August 27, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the GoChicago app has been named the state winner of the Apps For Metro Chicago contest, which was launched earlier this summer to engage Illinois' high-tech entrepreneurial community with the goal of using public data to improve the lives of millions of Illinois residents.

"Helping people use the information they pay for in new and innovative ways will improve the lives of all Illinois residents," Governor Quinn said. "GoChicago shows what the best and brightest minds in Illinois can do when the private and public sectors work together."

GoChicago contains data from the City of Chicago, State of Illinois and Illinois Department of Transportation, including designated landmarks, parks, police stations, rest areas and street cameras. With GoChicago, users can make a list of the places in Chicago they'd like to see, view directions to each place on a map or call the place for more information. After seeing a place, GoChicago users can mark the place done, concentrating thereafter only on the places they haven't yet seen. At any point in their visit to Chicago, they can share their list of places with their friends via email, including links to related Web pages.

The competition allows developers to create applications using nearly 200 data sets that have been made available by the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago and Cook County, in hopes of creating thousands of new applications that will make profound impacts on the way residents enjoy their lives.

Illinois Open Data site, www.Data.Illinois.Gov, is a searchable clearinghouse of information from state agencies that will help inform residents about the operation of state government and encourage the creative use of state information, including the development of applications for mobile devices that can be built around the data.

The data site is an initiative of the Illinois Innovation Council, created by Governor Quinn in February, to promote economic development through innovation and the engagement of citizens, developers, academia and industry. The council promotes the role and importance of innovation in economic development and quality of life. For more information, please visit www.illinoisinnovation.com.

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29 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Laws to Protect Consumers

By Katelyn Tye

New Laws Strengthen Repossession Regulation, Security Deposit Safeguards

CHICAGO - August 26, 2011. As part of his ongoing commitment to consumer protection, Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will enhance safeguards for borrowers and tenants. The new laws will give the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) increased oversight of entities that repossess collateral in the case of defaulted loans. They will also strengthen tenants' rights to their security deposits after a change in property ownership.

"In these tough economic times, many people are struggling to fulfill a loan or are living in a foreclosed property," said Governor Quinn. "Today's action will increase regulation of repossession businesses and create greater safeguards for tenants following foreclosure."

Senate Bill 1306, sponsored by Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley) and Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago), creates the Collateral Recovery Act and allows the ICC to regulate entities that repossess collateral should a debtor become delinquent on their loans. The new law establishes procedures and sets fees for license application, as well as permits for repossession business employees.

The license and permit procedure will include a criminal background check and will ensure that repossession agencies' names cannot be designed to misrepresent themselves to consumers. The law also includes a number of new consumer safeguards, such as owner notification when personal property is found in repossessed vehicles. 

House Bill 1574, sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero) and Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago), protects tenants in foreclosed properties by requiring a mortgagor to transfer security deposits and accumulated interest to the purchaser of rental properties with five units or more.

Prior to this legislation, the security deposits of tenants in foreclosures that became bank-owned were not protected under Illinois law. The new law requires all new owners of rental properties - including banks following a foreclosure - to assume liability for any transferred security deposits. Residents of the purchased property must be notified within 21 days that their security deposit has been transferred to the purchaser. The legislation was proposed by the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law.

"This legislation represents an important step towards protecting innocent tenants in foreclosed properties," said Sam Tuttle, Housing Staff Attorney from the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law.

Senate Bill 1306 takes effect July 1, 2012; House Bill 1574 is effective immediately.

 

 

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29 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Requests Federal Assistance to Speed Recovery from Flash Flooding in Northwest Illinois

By Katelyn Tye

Would Help Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties

CHICAGO - August 26, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today requested federal assistance to help people, businesses and local governments in Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties recover from flash flooding in late July. In a letter to President Barack Obama, Governor Quinn requested federal assistance to help local governments in the three counties recoup 75 percent of their disaster-related expenses. Governor Quinn also requested assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help people and businesses in Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties that were affected by the 15 inches of rainfall.

"The people in Northwest Illinois have suffered through three major weather-related disasters in the past 12 months," Governor Quinn said. "With many roads washed out and hundreds of homes damaged, federal assistance is needed to help these communities quickly recover."

Earlier this week, representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) met with local government representatives in the three counties to review flood and storm-related expense information, including costs for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repair or replacement of government-owned facilities. That review determined that local government expenses related to the flooding total more than $7.5 million.

Representatives from IEMA, FEMA and the SBA also toured the area this week to assess damage to homes and businesses. Governor Quinn used information from the damage assessments to certify that Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties each had at least 25 homes or businesses that have sustained uninsured losses of 40 percent or more, as required for SBA assistance.

If Governor Quinn's request is approved, low-interest loans would be available to people and businesses in Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties, as well as adjacent Carroll County.

On August 10, Governor Quinn declared the three counties state disaster areas and pledged the state's commitment to helping the area recover.

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26 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Electric Car Coming To Illinois This Fall

By Katelyn Tye

Early Introduction of Nissan LEAF Driven by State's Targeted Green Investments

 

CHICAGO - August 25, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today joined representatives from Nissan to announce that its zero-emissions, all-electric LEAF will arrive early in Illinois, thanks to the Quinn administration's targeted green state investments in car-charging technology and strong interest among Illinois consumers. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's ongoing commitment to ensuring that Illinois continues its leadership in sustainability and the green economy while protecting consumers.

"Illinois is laying the groundwork for electric vehicles and a more green economy, and our efforts are paying off," Governor Quinn said. "By investing in electric vehicle technology, both the state of Illinois and Nissan are making transportation in our state more efficient, sustainable and affordable."

The Nissan LEAF is the first and only 100-percent electric, zero-emission vehicle available on the mass market. Early rollout of the vehicle in Illinois was driven in part by availability of electric vehicle charging stations in the Chicagoland area. Throughout this year, 280 car-charging stations are being installed throughout the metropolitan area thanks to a $1 million investment from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program and an additional $1 million grant secured by the city of Chicago through the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program.

"Governor Quinn, Mayor Emanuel and other visionary Chicago-area leaders have paved the way for mass market adoption of electric cars in their community," Scott Becker, senior vice president, Administration and Finance, Nissan Americas said. "Chicagoland consumers want a transportation solution that uses no gas and produces no emissions, and the introduction of the Nissan LEAF to Illinois makes that a reality."

Nissan has accelerated the timeline for the LEAF rollout in Illinois due to strong consumer demand spurred by rising gas prices, the spread of charging infrastructure and the availability of state incentives to encourage the adoption of electric and other alternative technology vehicles. In addition to a $7,500 federal tax credit for alternative fuel vehicles, Illinois also offers up to $4,000 in state rebates, making the LEAF an affordable option for consumers.

The LEAF is recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the most efficient car it has ever certified, regardless of fuel, rating a gasoline-equivalent of 99 miles a gallon, with a range of over 100 miles per charge. It was named as the 2011 Eco-Friendly Car of the Year by Cars.com, ranked as the top green car of 2011 by the Kelley Blue Book and was chosen by international journalists as the 2011 World Car of the Year.

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23 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Convenes Budget Reform Commission

By Katelyn Tye

Group of Budget Experts Will Recommend Steps to Implement Budgeting for Results; Bring Greater Accountability and Transparency to Budget Process  

CHICAGO - August 22, 2011. In a key step in reforming the state's budget process, a commission named by Governor Quinn held its first meeting Friday in Chicago to help guide the implementation of Budgeting for Results. Enacted last year by the General Assembly, Budgeting for Results (BFR) is a tool to help government agencies set priorities, meet goals, deliver excellent services and achieve the best value possible to taxpayers.  

"Budgeting for Results represents a major step toward smarter, more transparent government and greater accountability across all agencies," Governor Quinn said. "This commission will help Illinois deliver essential services in the most efficient, effective way possible, and ensure that taxpayers are getting the results from government they expect and deserve."  

Private business has long employed a similar management model to improve performance through clearly defining and aligning objectives across organizations. Rather than setting budgets for each agency separately and based on historical funding levels, BFR allocates scarce resources based on government-wide goals. BFR calls on every agency of government to make the case for its budget each year measured in terms of its success delivering results and value to the people of Illinois. The budgeting shift will encourage innovation and performance among agencies, and allow taxpayers to see the true impact of their tax dollars.   

For the fiscal year 2012 budget, the first year of BFR, agencies and departments were required to justify budget requests based on results achieved in the following priority areas set by the Governor:  

 1.     Quality education and opportunities for growth and learning for all Illinois students;  

 2.     Enhanced economic well-Being of citizens;  

 3.     Protection of citizens' lives and property;  

 4.     Protection of the most vulnerable of our citizens;  

 5.     Improved quality of life of citizens; and  

 6.     Improved efficiency and stability of state government.  

The commission will make recommendations on the Governor's priority areas and proposed outcomes, propose a percentage of the overall budget to be assigned to each results area, and review current spending mandates.

The commission is composed of Illinois legislators, executive staff, outside experts and stakeholders. Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) serves as chairman of the commission and was co-sponsor of legislation enabling Budgeting for Results.

"I am honored to be appointed chairman of the Budgeting for Results commission," Sen. Kotowski said. "This bipartisan commission will implement a framework to cut, eliminate, reform and fund agencies and programs based on performance, not politics and self-interest. Illinois families live by these principles every day and now the state government will as well."

The other commission members are:

Hon. Sheila Simon, Lieutenant Governor;

State Senator Tony Munoz (D - Chicago);

State Senator Pam Althoff (R - Crystal Lake);

State Representative Will Davis (D - Hazel Crest);

State Representative Kent Gaffney (R - Lake Barrington);

Hon. Will Burns, Alderman, City of Chicago;

John Bouman, President, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law;

Carole Brown, Managing Director, Barclays Capital;

Larry Joseph, Director, Budget and Tax Policy, Voices for Illinois Children;

Jim Lewis, Senior Program Officer, Chicago Community Trust;

Lyle Logan, Vice President, Northern Trust Bank;

Dr. Roger Myerson, Glen A. Lloyd Professor of Economics, University of Chicago;

Maria de Jesus Prado, President, Prado & Renteria;

Alex Rorke, Co-chair, Illinois Economic Recovery Commission;

Jose Sanchez, CEO and President, Norwegian American Hospital;

Steve Schnorf, Budget Consultant;

Kevin Semlow, Director of Legislative Affairs, Illinois Farm Bureau and;

Donna Sims Wilson, Executive Vice President, Castleoak Securities.

"It is a privilege to serve the state of Illinois on the new Budgeting for Results Commission," Roger Myerson, Noble Prize winning economist said. "This commission reflects a broad commitment by Governor Quinn and the legislature to improve the process by which this state makes tough fiscal choices. We will work to develop better measurements of government performance and budgetary transparency."

"The appointed Commissioners are a good cross-section of private and public sector individuals," Rep. Kent Gaffney (R-Lake Barrington) said. "The task ahead will become more difficult as we work towards a plan to allocate scarce state funds in a manner that will improve the business climate and overall economic situation of our state, while also improving the quality of life for Illinoisans."

Appointees from the Governor's executive staff are Cristal Thomas, Deputy Governor, and John Kamis, Senior Advisor to the Governor.

The commission will issue a report the Governor and the General Assembly by Nov. 1 each year, starting in 2011.

 

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