24 May 2010

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Study Energy Performance of State Buildings

By Andrew Mason
Senate Bill 3429 Furthers Illinois' Efforts to Adopt More Environmentally-Friendly Building Standards

CHICAGO-May 22, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that initiates a study of the energy performance of state-owned buildings. This process sets the stage for the state to adopt more comprehensive energy efficiency benchmarks for existing state buildings.

"Illinois is committed to being a leader in the green movement," said Governor Quinn. "This bill is the first step in creating standards for energy efficiency at existing state buildings and further addresses the state's green goals."

The study will be conducted by the Illinois Energy Efficiency Committee, which consists of representatives from the Departments of Central Management Services, Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Capital Development Board.

The team will establish comparative benchmarks of state-owned buildings to assess how Illinois stacks up against other states. The study will focus on existing buildings as a place to begin targeting upgrades to improve the efficiency of those buildings. A report is due to the General Assembly by July 1, 2012.

Senate Bill 3429 was sponsored by Senator Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) and Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville). The bill is effective immediately.

Governor Quinn is committed to improving the efficiency of state government. In July 2009, he signed legislation that requires all new state-funded building construction and major renovations of existing state-owned facilities to meet certain green building practices.

Governor Quinn also supported legislation requiring every state-owned building to use only environmentally-sensitive cleaning products and requiring all state agencies to use compost materials for all land maintenance.

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18 May 2010

Governor Quinn Announces Federal Stimulus Grants for Energy Efficiency and Conservation

By Andrew Mason

Over $13 Million Available to Local Governments

SPRINGFIELD - May 17, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the availability of $13.1 million in federal stimulus funds through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program to help local governments with populations under 35,000 implement energy efficiency and conservation efforts.

"The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program is a great example of how we're using our investments in the green industry to grow our economy and create jobs, while creating a more sustainable living environment," said Governor Quinn.

The competitive grant program is being made available through the State Energy Office at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and will be administered by the Illinois Association of Regional Planning Councils (ILARC). Applications must be submitted to the ILARC by June 11.

Federal EECBG program dollars have been allocated by population to regional planning agencies, to serve cities and counties not entitled to direct grants from the U.S. Department of Energy. Each regional agency will provide a local Request for Application (RFA) for the program to interested grantees, tailored to that region's needs. Possible projects, depending on region, include creation of a strategic energy plan, residential and commercial building audits, energy retrofits, or purchasing hybrid, electric or alternative-fueled vehicles.

"These stimulus grants will help small and medium size cities throughout the state invest in energy solutions that are clean, reliable and affordable while creating needed green sector jobs," said DCEO Director Warren Ribley.

To find out which categories are available in your area, find your regional planning agency online at www.ilarconline.org.

The regional councils and planning commissions in the ILARC membership were created to study regional conditions and needs, and develop strategies which enhance each region's communities. They provide advocacy, planning, technical assistance and project development in areas such as community development, transportation, housing, land use, energy efficiency, sold waste and natural resources.

For more information about the state's energy efforts, please visit the Illinois Energy Office Web site at www.illinoisenergy.org.

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18 May 2010

Governor Quinn Names Acting General Counsel

By Andrew Mason
Deputy General Counsel John Schomberg Gets Top Legal Post
CHICAGO - May 17, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today named Deputy General Counsel John Schomberg as Acting General Counsel for the Office of the Governor effective May 21. Schomberg is replacing General Counsel Theodore T. Chung, who is returning to private practice.
"John Schomberg is an essential member of my office's legal team, and I look forward to working with him as Acting General Counsel," said Governor Quinn. "In addition, I want to thank Ted Chung for all he's accomplished as General Counsel and wish him every success in the future."
Schomberg has been with the Office of the Governor since 2009, when he was hired as Deputy General Counsel. During his tenure, Schomberg has been involved with the major issues the Governor's legal team has managed and worked on.
Prior to joining the Office of the Governor, Schomberg, 37, was an Assistant Corporation Counsel at the City of Chicago Department of Law and an Associate at Chicago-based Mayer Brown LLP (see attached background information).
Before being named General Counsel to Governor Quinn in February 2009, Chung, 43, served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, a Deputy Chief of Staff in the Chicago Mayor's Office, the First Assistant Corporation Counsel in the City's Law Department, and a partner at a private firm in Chicago.
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17 May 2010

Governor Quinn Announces $5 Million in Grants To Train Workers in Smart Grid Technologies

By Andrew Mason

Illinois Institute of Technology Receives Federal, State Awards

CHICAGO - May 12, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) will receive a total of more than $5 million to train and develop workers in smart grid technologies.

It is expected that over 49,000 power industry employees, union workers, teachers and students will be trained in the first three years of the program. The funding is made possible through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and Illinois Jobs Now! program, the job and capital construction plan signed into law by Governor Quinn last year.

"Illinois' economic recovery must include the development of a more robust green sector that supports job creation and sustainable economic growth," said Governor Quinn. "With the help of this funding, Illinois will have a pipeline of workers who are trained in 21st century green careers and smart grid technology, further addressing our energy independence goals."

IIT will receive nearly $5 million in funding to develop a World-Class Smart Grid Education and Workforce Training Center, including a $2.5 million funding commitment by the state through the Illinois Jobs Now!.

The Center will use IIT's strong Smart Grid and power engineering infrastructure to engage utilities, corporations, labor, veterans, K-12 educators and community colleges in a collaborative, statewide initiative to train the strongest workforce in the world to meet the global challenges in Smart Grid, energy independence, clean tech and sustainable energy.

Illinois Jobs Now! is a $31 billon program which will revive the state's ailing economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over the next six years. For more information go to jobsnow.illinois.gov.

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10 May 2010

Governor Quinn Appoints Interim Director For Illinois Emergency Management Agency

By Andrew Mason

Veteran Manager Joseph Klinger to Lead Public Safety Agency

SPRINGFIELD - May 6, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointment of Joseph Klinger, assistant director at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), as interim director of the agency effective immediately.  Klinger replaces outgoing Director Andrew Velasquez III, who was recently appointed as regional administrator for FEMA Region V by President Barack Obama.

"Joseph Klinger is a professional and experienced manager, who will continue to keep this fine agency ready and able to handle any emergencies or problems that may arise anywhere in our state," said Governor Quinn.

Klinger is also Assistant Director at IEMA, a position he's held since 2007, and has worked for the state's nuclear safety program, which is housed within IEMA, for more than 20 years.  As IEMA Assistant Director, Klinger oversaw nearly two dozen programs to ensure public safety from the hazards of ionizing radiation. These include programs to monitor conditions at the six operating nuclear power stations in Illinois, plan for emergency response actions for incidents involving radiation and ensure the safe use of radiation-producing machines, such as x-rays

"IEMA has a critical mission, and I'm honored that Governor Quinn has asked me to lead the agency," Klinger said.

Klinger is also a Marine Corps Vietnam combat veteran and recently retired as a Captain in the U.S. Navy, Reserve Component, after serving 23 years commissioned service, which included a deployment to the Middle East in 2004-2005.

Velasquez has served as IEMA Director since March 2007.  During his tenure, he oversaw several state responses to major disasters, including the 2008 floods, the Northern Illinois University campus shooting and the 2009 derecho in southern Illinois.  As administrator for FEMA Region V in Chicago, Velasquez will direct FEMA activities for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency is responsible for preparing the state of Illinois for response and recovery from any natural, manmade or technological disasters or acts of terrorism.  During disasters, IEMA coordinates with state and federal agencies on response efforts.  IEMA, through the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, develops and implements the state's homeland security strategy and administers federal preparedness funding.

For more information go to www.iema.illinois.gov.

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06 May 2010

Governor Quinn Announces Ground-breaking Consumer Health Insurance Reform Legislation

By Andrew Mason
Taps nearly $200 Million in Federal Funds, Protects Consumer's Rights
CHICAGO - May 4, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced legislation that will expand insurance coverage for uninsured people with pre-existing conditions by tapping into nearly $200 million in federal funds. As part of this legislative push, Governor Quinn is also introducing a measure to create a Health Consumer's Bill of Rights.
Both bills will help Illinois to quickly implement significant aspects of the recently-passed federal health insurance reform law.
"We must act now to increase health insurance protections for Illinois families and ensure that the state receives nearly $200 million in federal funds to help cover those who are uninsured and have pre-existing conditions," said Governor Quinn. "The state is committed to meeting President Obama's vision of expanding health coverage, making it more affordable and ensuring health insurance companies are more accountable."
The first bill allows the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan to form an expanded high-risk pool with approximately $200 million in federal funds that will be made available starting this summer. The high-risk pool will provide affordable coverage for uninsured persons with pre-existing conditions and is required under the federal health insurance reforms.
The second bill creates the Health Insurance Consumer's Bill of Rights. That bill will:
  • Guarantee coverage for children with pre-existing conditions;
  • Guarantee residents the ability to have health insurance rescissions reviewed by the state - the same  protection available now for home and automotive insurance policyholders;
  • Guarantee women's access to obstetrical and gynecological care;
  • Ensure that all dependents under the age of 26 are eligible to remain covered under a parent's plan;
  • Require insurance companies to cover wellness and prevention benefits such as immunizations and screenings at no cost to the policyholder;
  • Require health insurers to publicly disclose important information about premiums, health care costs, enrollment and claims information.
"Illinois families and businesses invest hard-earned dollars into health insurance premiums and reasonably expect financial security in exchange," said Michael McRaith, Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance. "As health insurers impose unrestrained premium increases and more frequently deny coverage, Illinois families and businesses deserve enhanced protection from abusive practices."
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03 May 2010

Governor Quinn Announces Astellas Pharma U.S. Chooses Illinois for New Headquarters

By Andrew Mason
GLENVIEW, IL - April 29, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced an approximately $4 million investment package to assist Astellas Pharma US, Inc in establishing their new corporate headquarters for the Americas in Glenview. The state's business package will leverage $140 million in private investment and will create 150 new jobs, further strengthening the economy of Northeast Illinois.

"I am pleased Astellas selected Illinois for its new headquarters for the Americas," said Governor Quinn, who attended the company's groundbreaking ceremony. "This major investment will create new jobs and generate economic activity throughout the region. At the same time, this decision highlights Illinois role as a Midwestern leader in the life sciences business and its emergence as a vital base of operation for the biopharmaceutical industry's future growth."

Construction of the new headquarters is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2012. It will include two six-story buildings totaling 425,000 square feet. The buildings and site will emphasize sustainability and the complex is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. The company's current Deerfield-based employees will be relocating to the new headquarters.

"At Astellas, we measure success not only by bringing innovative and effective pharmaceuticals to patients and physicians, but also by our contributions to local communities and protection of the environment," said Seigo Kashii, President and CEO of Astellas Pharma US, Inc. "Today we are fulfilling our vision for continued growth through our groundbreaking for a new corporate headquarters."

The state's investment package, administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will consist of Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) corporate income tax credits, which are based on job creation, and Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds that will help enhance the skills of its workforce.

"In order for our economy to continue growing, we must continue making strategic investments on the local level that will create jobs and support long-term sustainable growth," said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. "Our investment in Astellas will pay dividends for this region and the state."

Astellas' expansion will also support Illinois' growing life sciences industry. Illinois' biopharmaceutical industry, which is supported by the state's highly-regarded federal labs and top-notch research universities, directly employs more than 40,000 people and supports more than 112,000 indirect and induced jobs.
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27 Apr 2010

Governor Quinn Announces New 'Put Illinois to Work' Employment Program

By Andrew Mason

State, Federal Plan Seeks to Create More Than 15,000 Jobs

CHICAGO - April 26, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today unveiled the Put Illinois to Work (PIW) program, an anti-poverty program aimed at building a healthy workforce by putting unemployed and underemployed Illinois residents back to work. The new program is expected to create more than 15,000 jobs.

"Put Illinois to Work will provide good-paying jobs that will help support families and strengthen communities," said Governor Pat Quinn. "The program will also assist in building a workforce that possesses the skills, abilities and experiences that Illinois employers need to remain competitive in the U.S. and global marketplace."

Put Illinois to Work is a collaborative effort of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Heartland Human Care Services (HHCS). Funding is provided through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF), which was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Through Put Illinois to Work, eligible Illinois residents will be placed in subsidized employment positions with participating worksites for up to six months, learning valuable skills and supporting their families. The program will help stimulate Illinois' ailing economy and develop a healthy workforce by providing meaningful work experience for participants.

"Put Illinois to Work is an exciting opportunity to employ thousands of Illinoisans during a time of economic downturn and high unemployment," said IDHS Secretary Michelle R. B. Saddler. "The program will draw down federal funds that will stimulate the Illinois economy and even more importantly, will help the citizens we serve to gain critical skills in the workforce."

Private, public and non-profit businesses are encouraged to sign on with Put Illinois to Work. Eligible participants will be matched to subsidized employment opportunities with these worksites in hopes that they might transition into an unsubsidized position at the program's conclusion.

Eligible worksites and participants must meet program criteria and agree to adhere to specific programmatic requirements. Participants must be age 18-21, or 18 and over and the parent (custodial or non-custodial) of a minor child. All participants must have a household income below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level ($2,428 per month for a family of two) and be legally present and authorized to work.

For eligibility criteria and additional information on Put Illinois to Work, visit www.PutIllinoistoWork.Illinois.gov.

 

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26 Apr 2010

Governor Quinn Opens Illinois Warrior Summit

By Andrew Mason
Encourages Illinois' Veterans to Take Advantage of Available Services

CHICAGO - April 24, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today attended the third annual Illinois Warrior Summit resource fair and encouraged Illinois' veterans to access available state and federal services. The event is a first-of-its-kind welcome home celebration for servicemembers returning from deployment and provides them with information about housing, healthcare, education, jobs and other benefits.

"Here in Illinois we work hard to provide some of the nation's best benefits and services for our servicemembers when they return home," said Governor Quinn. "The Illinois Warrior Summit is the perfect 'one-stop shop' for our veterans to take advantage of all that is available."

More than 100 veteran organizations, 50 employers, 20 universities and other organizations participated in the summit, which was hosted by the local chapter of the Student Veterans of America. Available services included health and wellness screenings, as well as workshops on the Yellow Ribbon Program, the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill educational programs.

"We are proud to participate in the Illinois Warrior Summit and to help provide essential information on benefits for returning servicemembers, and all veterans who need it," said IDVA Director Dan Grant, who joined Governor Quinn at the event.

In 2009, Governor Quinn signed more than two dozen bills creating or expanding veterans' benefits, including the Veterans Higher Education Bill, which provides greater access to resources for veterans attending public colleges and universities statewide.

The third annual Illinois Warrior Summit was held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Forum, located at 725 South Roosevelt Road in Chicago.

For more information on programs available to Illinois veterans, please visit www.Veterans.Illinois.gov.
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22 Apr 2010

Governor Quinn Urges Illinois Residents "Get Counted" in Crucial 2010 Census

By Andrew Mason

There's Still Time to Respond to Neighborhood Census Workers

SPRINGFIELD - April 20, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today encouraged individuals who haven't responded to their 2010 U.S. Census questionnaire to get counted. As of April 15, 73 percent of Illinoisans had mailed in their response cards for the Census. Friday was the last day Illinois residents could mail in census forms, but Governor Quinn encouraged those who hadn't yet responded to welcome the census workers who will soon be knocking on their doors.

"During an economic downturn, it's more important than ever that we take advantage of federal dollars available for schools, public works projects and other critical needs," said Governor Quinn. "Being counted by your neighborhood census worker is one way to do your part to make sure Illinois is not left behind."

Illinois is currently tied for the sixth highest response rate across nation. Four Illinois municipalities (over 50,000) are among the top 50 cities in the nation for response rates: Orland Park, Wheaton, Arlington Heights and Tinley Park.

Governor Quinn stressed that providing family data for the census is safe, secure and confidential. Every Census Bureau employee must pass a background check before being hired and must swear under oath to protect the confidentiality of census responses. Any employee who reveals personal census information is subject to severe penalties, including a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both. Finally, individual census data can't be released publicly until after 72 years.

If a resident isn't home when a census worker knocks on their door, they will find a door hanger featuring a phone number, which they can call to schedule a visit and be counted.

Governor Quinn noted that Illinois is currently at the same response percentage as the state achieved overall in the 2000 census. Both in 2000 and 1990, Illinois lost a congressional seat because the census showed a smaller population.

The Governor was joined at today's Census Rally in the State Capitol rotunda by Frank Smith, Earnfare Director for East St. Louis Township; Sandy Smith, Director of the Office of Community Relations, City of Springfield; Danny Stover, Marion County CCC Chair; and Mary H. Schaafsma, True Census Count Project Manager for the League of Women Voters of Illinois.

How to Identify a Census taker

  • They must present an ID Badge which contains: U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date.

  • They will provide you with supervisor contact information and/or the regional office phone number for verification, if asked.

  • They will provide you with a letter from the director of the Census Bureau on U.S. Census Bureau letterhead.

  • They may be carrying a laptop and/or bag with a Census Bureau logo.

Ensuring your Confidentiality

  • By law, no other government agency, law enforcement agency, national security agency, court, or anyone else can access your responses -- not anyone for any reason.

  • No law overrides the confidentiality law that protects personal information collected by the Census Bureau, or can force the Census Bureau to share census responses.

  • Only after 72 years have passed, individual records of a census can be released. (This figure was chosen based on the average lifetime of Americans some years ago.)  So, in 2082, if current laws continue, the individual records of the 2010 census will be released for genealogical research. This has happened for several decades now.  The 1930 census is the latest census to be so released

  • This year's 10 question form only asks how many people live at the address, whether the home is rented or owned and whether it has a mortgage, and the telephone number of the residence. It asks seven additional questions about each individual at the address, including name, sex, age and date of birth, race and whether the person is of Hispanic origin or not, and whether that person sometimes lives or stays at another address.

(Courtesy U.S. Census Bureau, Chicago Regional Census Center)

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