07 Jun 2011

Governor Quinn Names Gery Chico to Chair Illinois State Board of Education

By Andrew Mason

Appoints Seasoned Education Professional to Oversee Landmark Reform of Education in Illinois

CHICAGO - June 7, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today named Gery Chico as the chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Today's action is the latest in a series of appointments the Governor is making as he continues to fulfill his commitment to increasing efficiency and accountability in all areas of state government, fostering economic development and creating jobs today and in the future.

"Gery Chico's decades of experience in education and administration will help keep our schools competitive and prepare our students to succeed in the global economy," said Governor Quinn. "His leadership will be vital as Illinois prepares to implement ground-breaking education reform that we hope will become the model for the entire country."

Chico previously served as president of the board of trustees for the Chicago Public Schools and chairman of the City Colleges of Chicago board. He is also a former chief of staff in the Chicago mayor's office. Chico holds a juris doctorate from Loyola University Chicago and is active in numerous community organizations including the Chicago Urban League, After School Matters and the Illinois Education Foundation.

As President of the Chicago Public Schools, Chico led an effort that improved student performance and teacher confidence for six consecutive years, turned a projected deficit of $1.3 billion into a $345 million surplus, and invested money to build 65 new school facilities and renovate another 375 existing school structures.

Chico also pushed for extended school day programs that allowed over 125,000 students to get more time in the classroom. In addition, he oversaw the creation of afterschool and summer programs that provided nearly 200,000 students with constructive activities to prevent youth crime.

The Illinois State Board of Education is composed of nine members appointed by the Governor to serve four-year terms. The board sets educational policies and guidelines that benefit Illinois' more than two million students attending for public and private schools, preschool through grade 12, as well as vocational education.

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06 Jun 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Key Appointments

By Andrew Mason

Names Jay Rowell to Lead Department of Employment Security, Jack Messmore as Acting Director of Department of Insurance

CHICAGO - June 3, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced several top appointments to state agencies. Today's actions are the latest in a series of appointments the Governor is making as he continues to fulfill his commitment to creating jobs, fostering economic development and increasing efficiency and accountability in all areas of state government.

Governor Quinn today named Jay Rowell as director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Rowell is a former deputy director in the Chicago City Clerk's Office, where he modernized operations and dramatically enhanced transparency by making 27 years of searchable city information available online. He holds a juris doctorate from Loyola University Law School, and is a former writer for the school's Consumer Law Review and Public Interest Law Reporter. Rowell replaces Maureen O'Donnell, who now serves as Director of Human Resources for Cook County. His appointment takes effect Monday.

The Governor also announced that Department of Insurance Chief Deputy Director Jack Messmore will serve as the agency's Acting Director. Messmore steps into the role following the departure of Michael McRaith, who will become the first director of the United States Federal Insurance Office. Messmore has been with the agency for 25 years and has previously served as Deputy Director, Assistant Deputy Director and Examiner-in-Charge. He holds an accounting degree from Eastern Illinois University and is an active member of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Messmore's appointment takes effect Monday.

Grace Hou was also re-appointed as Assistant Secretary for Programs at the Department of Human Services (DHS), a position she has held since 2003. Prior to joining DHS, Hou was the Executive Director of the Chinese Mutual Aid Association, a nonprofit social service agency that serves Chinese immigrants and refugees. Hou has a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Illinois and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

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06 Jun 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Partnership with University of Illinois to Study 220-mph Rail Service

By Andrew Mason

Partnership will Include Advisory Group to Study New Illinois High-Speed Rail Line

CHICAGO - June 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a partnership between the University of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation and a special advisory group to study the feasibility of 220-mph passenger rail service between Chicago, Urbana-Champaign and beyond. The study will complement the ongoing construction of a regional 110-mph network that will connect Chicago to 40 cities in the Midwest, while supporting Governor Quinn's vision to create jobs, enhance regional mobility and improve the environment by expanding passenger rail in Illinois.

"Illinois is leading the nation with our work to expand high-speed and passenger rail," said Governor Quinn. "This study will provide greater insight into how we can make 220-mph rail service a reality. An expanded and improved rail network will boost our position in the global economy and create thousands of jobs."

The study will explore the potential costs and benefits of establishing 220-mph service between O'Hare International Airport, downtown Chicago, McCormick Place, and Champaign-Urbana. It will also look at extending the corridor in the region to cities south of Champaign-Urbana, including St. Louis and Indianapolis.

Leading the study will be University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign professor Christopher P.L. Barkan, director of the school's railroad engineering program and one of the nation's top rail scholars. Contributing will be University of Illinois at Chicago Urban Transportation Center director Stephen Schlickman, former executive director of the Regional Transportation Authority. Their findings, made possible through a $1.25 million contribution from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, is expected to be complete and presented to Governor Quinn in late 2012.

"I'm delighted that the University of Illinois can lend its vast expertise to this crucial study, and I'm grateful to the governor and other leaders in the state for their support of this important work," said University of Illinois President Michael Hogan. "High-speed rail is transformational in its effect on economic development, personal mobility and on our society, in general. It's an idea that is well worth a hard look. The benefits to the University of Illinois alone cannot be overstated."

In addition to offering corridor location recommendations, the study will offer estimated ridership projections, economic impacts, construction costs and financing options. Assisting in the effort will be an advisory group composed of transportation experts, rail advocates, labor leaders, and regional planners who will provide input during the course of the study.

The members of the special advisory group include :

  • State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago)
  • State Representative Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook)
  • Rick Harnish, Midwest High Speed Rail Association
  • Kevin Brubaker, Environmental Law & Policy Center
  • Joan Murphy, Cook County Commissioner (6th)
  • Bob Guy, United Transportation Union
  • J.D. Ross, Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors
  • MarySue Barrett, Metropolitan Planning Council
  • Jack Guthman, Shefsky & Froelich Ltd

          Governor Quinn and IDOT broke ground last year on the state's signature high-speed line between Chicago and St. Louis. Speeds of 110-mph along parts of the corridor will be reached as early as next year.  A completed Midwest network will create over 57,000 jobs, including 24,000 in Illinois. In addition to Chicago-St. Louis, the Obama Administration has provided funding for the Chicago to Iowa City via the Quad Cities and Chicago to Detroit corridors. Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation also awarded additional funding to expand the Midwest's new equipment fleet with modern, domestically-built locomotives and railcars.

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02 Jun 2011

STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR ON THE PASSAGE OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION REFORM

By Andrew Mason

Months ago, the Governor called for a major overhaul of Illinois' broken workers compensation system. Reforms to this overwhelming burden on our businesses were crucial to maintain Illinois' economic competitiveness, which is why he made it one of his top legislative priorities this session. The Governor brought everyone to the table with a proposal to save our business over $500 million, while protecting injured workers. And today, after months of work, we have seen these reforms come to fruition.

The legislation approved by the General Assembly today will also achieve significant saving for the State of Illinois, as well as attacking fraud and abuse. We have fundamentally changed our system, allowing Illinois to become more competitive and a better place to do business.

We want to thank the members of the General Assembly - especially sponsors Rep. Bradley and Sen. Raoul - for their commitment to Illinois' businesses and workers. They have passed a package of true reforms that will have a profound effect on our state.  We also express our appreciation to Director McRaith for his tireless work on this reform.  This is a proud day for the State of Illinois, and, especially, for Illinois' business community and workers. The Governor looks forward to signing it into law.

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31 May 2011

Governor Quinn Statement on Illinois DREAM Act

By Andrew Mason

SPRINGFIELD - May 30, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement on Senate Bill 2185.

"I believe everyone has the right to a first-class education, and the Illinois DREAM Act strengthens Illinois' commitment to ensuring education for all. The legislation allows private funding to be used to help students pay for higher education and to train high school counselors to assist undocumented children forward their educational careers."

"I would like to thank the numerous sponsors of this bill for their dedication to Illinois' children and their education. This legislation will support our next generation of scholars, business leaders and innovators, and I look forward to signing it."

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02 May 2011

Governor Quinn Statement on Federal Court Decision

By Andrew Mason

MARION, IL - April 29, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement in response to the recent federal court decision regarding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' ability to avert crisis in southern Illinois.

"I thank the court for making the right decision in allowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take the steps it deems necessary to ensure public safety during this crisis. We must now continue to work together to protect the lives of everyone affected by this severe flooding. My hope is that this decision will be upheld as it proceeds through the judicial process."

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02 May 2011

Governor Quinn Activates Illinois National Guard Troops for Flood Assistance

By Andrew Mason

Visits State Emergency Operations Center

SPRINGFIELD - April 26, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today activated the Illinois National Guard to support flood-fighting and life safety missions in southern Illinois.  The initial activation includes up to 125 Guardsmen who are deploying to Marion to assist the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) with emergency response planning.  Additional troops may be activated if needed.

"The Illinois National Guard is a valuable asset to the state during disasters," said Governor Quinn.  "During the February snow storm, the men and women of the Guard helped save many lives and I am very grateful for their assistance during the flooding."

"The Illinois National Guard fully supports Governor Quinn's activation of our Guardsmen for flood relief," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Illinois National Guard Adjutant General. "These Guardsmen are fully trained and motivated to assist in this mission to ensure Illinois citizens are safe from harm's way. As always, we stand ready to answer the call for additional support if needed."

Governor Quinn has received frequent updates on the situation from IEMA Director Jonathon Monken and today visited the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield where he was briefed on the current flood outlook and the state's assistance efforts.  Representatives from more than a dozen agencies and organizations are working in the SEOC to assure a coordinated response of state assets and personnel to communities affected by flooding.

Also attending the SEOC briefing today were state Reps. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg), Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville) and Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro).

Governor Quinn on Monday issued a disaster proclamation to ensure state resources are readily available to support local governments affected by a series of severe storms that have affected southern Illinois during the past two weeks.

State assistance provided to southern Illinois communities includes more than 210,000 sandbags, 89 rolls of plastic, two inmate crews from the Illinois Department of Corrections, several barricades and generators.  In addition, inmates at four Illinois Department of Corrections facilities filled more than 6,000 sandbags that were transported to communities by trucks from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

On Tuesday, IEMA deployed the agency's Unified Area Command vehicle to Marion, which will enable representatives from several state and local agencies to work together on a coordinated response.

Earlier this spring, IEMA pre-positioned 325,000 sandbags and 200 rolls of plastic at an IDOT facility in Carbondale to facilitate quick deployment if floods threatened.

More information about the state's flood response and flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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26 Apr 2011

Governor Quinn Announces New Performing Arts Center at Western Illinois University

By Andrew Mason

$67.8 Million Capital Project Will Create Around 400 Jobs; Leverage Private Investment

MACOMB - April 26, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today joined state and school officials for a ceremonial groundbreaking on the $67.8 million Performing Arts Center at Western Illinois University (WIU) in Macomb. This is one of the largest university construction projects in the Governor's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, and construction work is expected to create approximately 400 jobs. The state's investment will help WIU leverage a significant private donation to support the center's operation.

"This project is an investment in the future of Western Illinois University, and in this region's economy," said Governor Quinn. "Not only will this project create jobs during construction, it will also enable WIU to increase its educational offerings and provide the people of Macomb with a state-of-the-art facility for music, dance and theater productions."

The Performing Arts Center will include a 1,400-seat auditorium, a 250-seat thrust stage and a 150-seat studio theatre; dance, jazz and theatre rehearsal studios; dressing rooms; a scenery/design workshop and costume shop; and a loading dock to accommodate large vehicles for touring companies and orchestras.

The design phase of the project is underway, with construction bids scheduled for later this year and completion in 2014. A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, Silver certification will be sought for the project, a testament to its energy efficient and environmentally friendly design. The project is administered by the Capital Development Board (CDB), which manages all state-funded, non-road construction projects.

"The WIU Performing Arts Center has become a reality. I cannot thank enough our legislators, campus community and many friends, including Governor Pat Quinn, for their support of this cultural center, which will be an incredible asset to this region," said WIU President Al Goldfarb, who is retiring this month.

"The Performing Arts Center project will employ hundreds of construction workers and provide enhanced educational opportunities for Western students once it's complete," said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. "This will be CDB's largest ongoing construction project, and we are thrilled that Governor Quinn is moving it along."

Joining Governor Quinn, Goldfarb and Underwood at today's ceremonial groundbreaking were State Sen. John Sullivan (D-Rushville), State Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), and Macomb Mayor Mick Wisslead.

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25 Apr 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Increased Bicycle Safety Reporting

By Andrew Mason

New Tracking of "Dooring" Crashes Will Identify Problem Areas

CHICAGO - April 25, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn announced today that the state will begin tracking "dooring" crashes - accidents involving bicyclists who are struck by opened doors from parked cars. The change will take effect immediately to help determine locations where road improvements and public outreach efforts may be necessary to protect bicyclists from these dangerous collisions.

"As more people are riding bicycles and embracing other green modes of transportation, we need to ensure that Illinois collects data that presents a complete picture of what is happening on our roads," said Governor Quinn. "This new initiative will address a major safety issue for bicyclists and drivers, and will make our roads safer for everyone."

The new policy is the result of collaboration between Governor Quinn, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Active Transportation Alliance. Prior to the change in policy, dooring collisions went unrecognized in IDOT's annual reporting of traffic statistics because a moving motor vehicle was not involved.

The data collected and analyzed by IDOT can be used to plan for improved roadway designs and additional communication with motorists in areas with high concentrations of bicyclists.

"We appreciate Governor Quinn's action on this issue," said Ron Burke, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance, an advocacy organization that works to improve conditions for walking, biking and transit. "Data on dooring problem spots will help communities take steps to reduce these collisions. We are grateful IDOT will track these crashes, and look forward to working with them to increase safety and education surrounding dooring."

To assist police in submitting the correct information, IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety is reaching out to law enforcement agencies across the state with instructions on how to begin recording dooring crashes. Police departments that have already have begun tracking dooring collisions, including Chicago, will have their data included in the state's traffic statistics, retroactive to May 2010.

"We are committed to working with our partners in law enforcement to make roads safer for bicyclists," Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. "Safety always will be a top priority at IDOT. The recognition of dooring accidents is another step in the right direction."

 

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11 Apr 2011

Governor Quinn Unveils $11.5 Billion Multi-Year Construction Program

By Andrew Mason

Continued Infrastructure Investment will Create 155,000 Jobs

CHCAGO - April 7, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today unveiled the state's new $11.5 billion multi-year construction program. The program will create 155,000 jobs and spark economic development throughout the state while improving safety and reducing congestion. Driven by the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, the statewide multi-year plan for fiscal years 2012 through 2017 will improve 3,248 miles of road and replace or rehabilitate 611 bridges. In the upcoming fiscal year, the state is expected to improve 490 miles of road and 105 bridges.

"The last two construction seasons have been the busiest in Illinois' history, thanks to Illinois Jobs Now!," said Governor Quinn. "This plan will ensure that we continue this momentum in 2012 and beyond, that exemplifies my commitment to creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery through critical investment in our roads and bridges."

Of the $11.5 billion program, $7.2 billion is from federal funds and $3.6 billion from state funds, including $2 billion through the six-year, $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! capital program passed by Governor Quinn and the General Assembly in 2009.

State highways will see $8.3 billion in improvements over the life of the program, with $3.2 billion available for the local highway system. In the state portion of the multi-year program, $3.5 billion will be for reconstructions, resurfacings, widenings and other safety projects; $1.9 billion for bridge needs; $2.1 billion for congestion mitigation and $774 million for new roads and increased access for economic development.

"We are excited to move forward with these projects that will create jobs and make our roads safer," Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. "We believe they will spark economic development and enhance the quality of life for residents across the state."

The entire multi-year program is available online at www.dot.il.gov.

 

 

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