21 Aug 2014

Simon to donate books to Springfield School District

By Ken Lowe

SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will visit Springfield educators Thursday to donate hundreds of books collected as part of a back-to-school book drive her office administered.

Simon will make the donation at a meeting of literacy specialists from schools throughout Springfield School District 186. Simon's office collected the books at the 2014 Illinois State Fair in Springfield. Throughout the 10-day event, Simon asked fairgoers to bring new and gently-used books to her tent.

Simon's office will also collect donated books for DuQuoin schools at the DuQuoin State Fair, which opens Friday.

 

DATE: Thursday, Aug. 21

TIME: 12:30 p.m.

LOCATION: District Office Board Room, 1900 W. Monroe St., Springfield

 

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20 Aug 2014

Simon: Skokie school districts put Classrooms First

By Ken Lowe

Intergovernmental agreement adopts efficiency, effectiveness reforms

SKOKIE – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will celebrate an education reform milestone on Wednesday at Niles West High School. School officials will sign a "Classrooms First" agreement, a step toward educational efficiency and effectiveness at Niles Township High School District 219 and Skokie/Morton Grove School District 69.

Beginning this fall, Niles West High School and its largest feeder district will share faculty and instructional tools in order to maximize resources and reduce remediation. The reforms are largely based on the findings of the Classrooms First Commission, which Simon chaired and which issued a report detailing its recommendations in 2012.

Simon will join District 219 and District 69 officials at the signing ceremony, which will feature a series of talks by district instructors and a tour of the high school following the presentation and signing.

TIME: 9:30 a.m.

DATE: Wednesday, Aug. 20

LOCATION: Black Box Theater, Niles West High School, 5701 Oakton St., Skokie

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05 Aug 2014

Simon to promote Disability Visability Project

By Ken Lowe

CHICAGO – To speak out in favor of equal rights for the disabled and raise awareness of the barriers they face, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will visit Access Living Aug. 5.

The organization advocates on behalf of those with physical, psychiatric and cognitive disabilities in matters of housing, education, and access to health care. Access Living is participating in the Disability Visibility Project, a year-long campaign organized by StoryCorps to raise awareness of the issues facing people with disabilities in advance of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act next summer.

"As we approach a quarter century under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it's important to look at how far we've come, but also how much more we need to do to ensure equality and protection for people with disabilities," Simon said. "I applaud Access Living's work in helping people who have disabilities overcome the barriers to information, services and advocacy they face."

Among other initiatives, Access Living is helping the elderly and people with disabilities living in nursing homes return to their own homes under the expansion of managed care outlined in the federal Affordable Care Act.

The organization's legal department also advocates for tenants and property owners with disabilities.

Simon will visit with organization officers and tour the Access Living facility Tuesday.

DATE: Aug. 5, 2014

TIME: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Access Living, 115 West Chicago Ave., Chicago

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31 Jul 2014

Simon announces 2014 State Fair schedule

By Ken Lowe

Lt. Governor's tent highlights Illinois Reads authors

 

SPRINGFIELD - July 31, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today announced plans for the 2014 Illinois State Fair, which include a Back-to-School Book Drive, a book giveaway and readings by Illinois Reads authors, including Newbery award-winning author Joan Bauer. Simon also will present the annual Agriculture Day awards and make her fourth annual appearance with her band, Loose Gravel.

"The Illinois State Fair is a much-loved tradition, and it is one that my family and I have enjoyed for many years," said Simon. "This year I am excited to showcase Illinois authors, including a recipient of the Newbery Award, in my tent. I encourage families to stop by and promote a love of reading for all generations of fairgoers."

As an ambassador to Illinois Reads, Simon is partnering with the Illinois Reading Council to showcase live readings, a book giveaway and a book drive at her tent during the 10-day fair. Visitors may drop off new or gently used children's books to be donated to Springfield schools, and also register to win the 35 books selected for Illinois Reads 2014, a literacy project aimed at children and adults.

Illinois authors selected for Illinois Reads 2014 and 2013 will appear in Lt. Governor Simon's tent, including Joan Bauer, a New York Times bestselling author, whose awards include the Newbery Honor Medal and the Chicago Tribune Young Adult Literary Prize. She will read from her youth novel "Rules of the Road," named one of the top young adult books of the quarter century by the American Library Association. Bauer is originally from River Forest (see complete reading list below).

On Governor's Day, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and Loose Gravel will perform from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Shed. The Carbondale-based blues band debuted at the state fair three years ago and is the only group fronted by a constitutional officer to perform.

On Ag Day, Simon will celebrate Illinois' rich agricultural heritage by presenting the Ag Day Awards to families who have farmed in the state for at least 100 years. A resident of southern Illinois, Simon is chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council and advocates for agriculture education. Simon's husband, Perry Knop, comes from a family that has farmed over a century near Steeleville.

Lt. Governor Simon's tent is located at the intersection of Main Street and Brian Raney Avenue, across from the Emmerson Building and will be open Friday, Aug. 8 to Sunday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information about Illinois Reads, please visit www.IllinoisReads.org.


LT. GOVERNOR SIMON'S STATE FAIR EVENTS


EVENT: Ag Day Awards
DATE: Tuesday, Aug. 12
TIME: 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Director's Lawn, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield

EVENT: Loose Gravel performance
DATE: Wednesday, Aug. 13
TIME: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: The Shed, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield

 

AUTHOR APPEARANCES AT THE LT. GOVERNOR'S TENT

 

Friday, Aug. 8

 

EVENT: "Hollywood on Lake Michigan" by Michael Corcoran

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A retrospective on a century of Chicago's relationship with the movies. Author Michael Corcoran is a certified Chicago tour guide and lecturer. Recommended for students in grades nine through12.

 

EVENT: "The Fourth Stall" by Chris Rylander

TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.

A humorous tale of crime, betrayal and school. Author Chris Rylander lives in Chicago. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

 

EVENT: "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" by Edward Kelsey Moore

TIME: 3 to 5 p.m.

The New York Times bestseller tells the tale of three small-town Indiana women as they stick together through 40 years of life, love, and the blues. Author Edward Kelsey Moore was born in Indiana and lives in Chicago. Recommended for adults.

 

Saturday, Aug. 9

 

EVENT: "Rules of the Road" by Joan Bauer

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Awkward, 16 year-old Jenna learns life lessons as she drives her crusty old employer cross country in a bid to save the family business in this New York Times bestselling novel. Newbery Award-winner Joan Bauer is originally from River Forest. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

 

EVENT: "Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer" by Carol Brendler

TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.

Winnie Finn is determined to win a prize at the county fair for her worms, even though there's no worm prize... Carol Brendler has lived in Palatine, Oak Park and Mokena. Recommended for students in kindergarten through second grade.

 

Sunday, Aug. 10

 

EVENT: "The Journal of Best Practices" by David Finch

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The New York Times bestselling story of the author's journey of self-improvement after he and his wife learn he has Asperger Syndrome. David Finch lives in Northern Illinois. Recommended for adults.

 

EVENT: "Peep!" by Kevin Luthardt

TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.

A young boy makes a new friend when a baby duckling hatches and starts following him around. Author, muralist and University of Illinois graduate Kevin Luthardt lives in Illinois. Recommended for children up to age 4.

 

Wednesday, Aug. 13

 

EVENT: "Charlie Collier, Snoop for Hire: The Homemade Stuffing Caper" by John V. Madormo

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Twelve-year-old private eye Charlie Collier is on the trail of a lost parrot in this puzzle-filled first installment of an ongoing series. Author John Madormo, lives in Naperville. Recommended for students in grades three through five.

 

Saturday, Aug. 16

 

EVENT: "1 Zany Zoo" by Lori Degman

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Foxes who steal keys, beavers who cook chili and hyenas who play the blues are some of the things you might see before the gates open at this zany zoo. Author, mother and special education teacher Lori Degman lives in Vernon Hills. Recommended for children up to age 4.

 

EVENT: "The Bully Book" by Eric Kahn Gale

TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.

Eric Haskins must find the mysterious Bully Book to figure out how he has been turned into the school's punching bag. Born in suburban Michigan, Eric Kahn Gale lives in Chicago. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

 

EVENT: "Dark Life" by Kat Falls

TIME: 3 to 5 p.m.

Set in a world where the oceans have risen and humanity lives partially undersea, a young ocean floor farmer must defend his home from outlaws. Kat Falls teaches at Northwestern University and lives in Evanston. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

 

Sunday, Aug. 17

 

EVENT: "Dark Life" by Kat Falls

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Set in a world where the oceans have risen and humanity lives partially undersea, a young ocean floor farmer must defend his home from outlaws. Kat Falls teaches at Northwestern University and lives in Evanston. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

 

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16 Jul 2014

Simon to advocate for women's rights at Aurora clinic

By Ken Lowe

Lt. Governor Simon: Protect Women`s Access to Health Care  

 

AURORA – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will tour a health clinic in Aurora on Wednesday and advocate for full access to birth control coverage and preventive care.

"A woman`s decision to use birth control is a personal one, and her boss should not be able to interfere with it," Simon said.

Simon`s visit comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled June 30 that some corporate employers can use religious objections to deny access to birth control coverage. Legislation to override the decision is expected to move on Wednesday, and Illinois voters will be asked to weigh in on an advisory referendum in November asking whether any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides prescription drug coverage should be required to include prescription birth control.

TIME: 2:15 p.m.

DATE: July 16

LOCATION: Aurora Health Center, 3051 E. New York St., Aurora

NOTE: Simon`s tour will be private due to patient confidentiality. The media availability will take place in the clinic waiting room.

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11 Jul 2014

Simon: Elder rights are human rights Joins international coalition in supporting seniors

By Ken Lowe

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will support a global approach to protecting the rights of seniors in an address Friday to human rights lawyers in Chicago.

"Elder rights are human rights," Simon said. "I support a cooperative, international approach to protecting our aging populations from abuse, neglect and indignity. I commend the hosts of this conference for leading the way."

Simon will be among the advocates and experts from around the world to speak about the challenges faced by the world's elderly population during the 2014 International Elder Law and Policy Conference at John Marshall Law School. Two billion people will be over age 60 by 2050, nearly 22 percent of the world's population, according to the World Health Organization.

John Marshall and conference co-hosts Roosevelt University, and East China University of Political Science and Law are using the conference to unveil a Chicago Declaration on the Rights of Older Persons. The model declaration promotes equal participation in civil, political, economic, social and cultural life in developing and developed countries.

Simon, a former Jackson County prosecutor and founder of a domestic violence legal clinic at Southern Illinois University, is scheduled to speak on a panel regarding advocacy and access to justice alongside legal professionals from Cook County and China.

She said technology is one key to legal access. The Virtual Legal Clinic, established by her office for rural domestic violence shelters, can connect disadvantaged populations with legal experts online for free.

TIME: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

DATE: Friday, July 11

LOCATION: John Marshall Law School, 315 S. Plymouth Ct., Chicago

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30 Jun 2014

Lt. Governor Simon-backed military education reform becomes law

By Ken Lowe

Law to assist military students goes into effect today

MASCOUTAH - June 28, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today joined Governor Pat Quinn who signed legislation crafted by her office to ease the transitions of military students moving in and out of Illinois schools. House Bill 3939 sponsored by Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson (D-East St. Louis) passed the General Assembly almost unanimously.

"Military families make tremendous sacrifices for our country, and today we are taking steps to support them. This law shows that Illinois is a state that protects military families and protects good jobs," said Simon, who chairs the state's Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC). "This new law is the result of a lot of hard work, and I commend Rep. Jackson and Sen. Bush for their leadership in the legislature. I would like to thank Governor Quinn for quickly signing it into law."

In 2010, Illinois joined the Interstate Compact for Military Children and adopted the state's first-ever law recognizing the unique educational challenges of military students. With today's action, Illinois joins other Compact states in ensuring that military students enter the same grade level at their new schools, retain previously earned credit and are offered opportunities for extracurricular activities.

"I am proud to represent many of Illinois' military families, who call this community home," said House sponsor Rep. Jackson. "Military families and military communities face unique challenges, and it is important that we as a state demonstrate our commitment to supporting the men and women - the families - who sacrifice on our behalf."

"These families give up so much in order to serve in our military. The least we can do is ensure that school transfers are as easy on their children as possible," said Sen. Bush, who sponsored the measure in the Senate.

The Simon-backed law brings Illinois into alignment with other Compact states, providing protections military students deserve while also preserving local control. They include :

• Grade Level: Students must be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the receiving state at the time of transition; subsequent evaluation to verify placement is allowed.

• Course & Program Placement: Schools shall initially honor course and program placement for military students at the time of transition, including Advanced Placement and ESL, provided that the courses are offered and space is available; subsequent evaluation to verify placement is allowed.

• Extracurricular Activities: Schools shall facilitate the opportunity for inclusion in sports and other activities to the extent that children are qualified and space is available as determined by the school principal.

The state of Illinois is home to approximately 10,000 military students, most of whom have at least one parent on active duty at major installations in North Chicago, the Quad Cities and Metro East. They may transfer schools up to nine times between kindergarten and high school graduation, a rate three times that of their civilian peers.

Simon added that with potential federal defense spending reductions and potential base closures on the horizon, this measure positions our bases for expansions, not drastic cuts.

During a series of listening posts hosted by the Simon-chaired Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC) held last year near Scott Air Force Base, Naval Station Great Lakes and the Rock Island Arsenal, families and military leadership consistently raised the issue of improving school transition.

As chair of the IMBSEDC, Simon helps coordinate the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois. This spring, Simon joined U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), members of Illinois' congressional delegation and officials from the U.S. Air Force to discuss the future of Scott Air Force Base in Belleville. This fall, her office intends to release an economic impact study of the state's military industry with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

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30 Jun 2014

Simon applauds LGBT community this Pride Weekend

By Ken Lowe

Simon celebrates Pride Weekend; Marks first month of marriage equality in Illinois

"It is with celebration and congratulations that we mark the first Pride Weekend with marriage equality here in Illinois," Simon said. "It has been a month since gay and lesbian Illinoisans have been allowed the legal protections that come with the state's recognition of their unions. While this is a great victory for acceptance in our state, the real joy is in knowing our loved ones, friends and colleagues who are in committed same-sex relationships can finally stop planning rallies and start planning receptions."

The new law, effective since June 1, allows marriages of same-sex couples in the State of Illinois and legally recognizes same-sex marriages from other states. Illinois had previously instituted civil unions that gave same-sex couples some marriage-like legal protections.

Simon publicly supported marriage equality in Illinois and was honored this month by Equality Illinois along with other state and city officials for their support of the law establishing marriage equality in Illinois. She applauds the efforts of activists throughout the state whose words over the years convinced the legislature to do right by its fellow Illinoisans.

Last summer, Simon joined U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago to officiate "mock" weddings of same-sex partners at North Halsted Market Days. This summer, Simon will be officiating the real wedding of two friends who are now legally allowed to marry.

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19 Jun 2014

Simon to Girls State: We need more women to be trailblazers in government

By Ken Lowe

CHARLESTON – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will officially swear in the new members of Eastern Illinois University's Girls State student government in a 7:30 p.m. ceremony tomorrow. Simon, the second woman to hold the position of Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, will also deliver a speech about the importance of women running for office and being a part of the legislative process.

The American Legion Illini Girls State is an EIU program that, since the 1950s, has given young women the chance to participate in a microcosm of state and local government. Students run for offices like governor and mayor, are sworn in and craft legislation. Simon's father, Paul Simon, then a state senator, was a regular speaker at the program during the 1950s. Other speakers from state government have included notable female officeholders like former Lt. Governor Corrine Wood, as well as Govs. James Thompson and Jim Edgar.

The ceremony will take place in the Dvorak Auditorium of the Doudna Fine Arts Center at Eastern Illinois University, 1860 Seventh Street.

TIME: 7:30 p.m.

DATE: Thursday, June 19

LOCATION: Dvorak Auditorium, Doudna Fine Arts Center at Eastern Illinois University, 1860 Seventh Street

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17 Jun 2014

Lt. Governor Sheila Simon: More bike lanes and sidewalks mean healthier, safer transit

By Ken Lowe

CARBONDALE – To stress the importance of more walking, biking and public transit opportunities, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will deliver opening remarks at a "Complete Streets" training event at the Carbondale Civic Center at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Simon will call for strategic investment in bike lanes and sidewalks across Southern Illinois.

The Complete Streets planning policy is a new approach to local infrastructure that highlights the importance of public transit and pedestrian access as a means of making local transportation safer, healthier and more sustainable. Representatives with the Active Transportation Alliance will provide the free training to local planning and zoning board members.

In Carbondale, the project promotes the use and improvement of bike lanes and sidewalks, said Angie Bailey, Director of Health Education for the Jackson County Health Department.

The project is developed by Smart Growth America. Nine public health agencies throughout downstate Illinois have signed on to the initiative, covering Bond, Boone, Champaign, Clay, Clinton, Crawford, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Fulton, Henderson, Jasper, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Macon, Madison, Marion, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Mercer, St. Clair, Wabash, Warren, Washington, Wayne and Winnebago Counties.

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