Bi-Partisan Reforms Will Save Businesses $400 Million, Encourage Growth

SPRINGFIELD - November 10, 2011. Governor Quinn today applauded the passage of bi-partisan legislation to strengthen the integrity of Illinois' unemployment insurance program. The reforms - supported by numerous groups, including the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and the Illinois AFL-CIO - are expected to save Illinois businesses more than $400 million, provide 16 percent unemployment insurance tax reductions for companies that have not laid off workers, and identify and punish those that defraud the unemployment system.

"We are in difficult economic times, and we need to bolster our unemployment insurance program to protect both workers and businesses," Governor Quinn said. "As we did with our workers' compensation overhaul this spring, we brought everyone to the table to find a solution. I want to thank representatives of labor, business and the General Assembly whose hard work and collaboration created a package of reforms that will reward Illinois companies for sound business practices, protect those laid off through no fault of their own and give our companies the confidence to grow."

Illinois' Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF), like all unemployment trust funds, is designed to be resilient to economic movements, running deficits during downturns and building a surplus during times of prosperity. Due to the ongoing national recession, however, the self-correcting unemployment trust funds in more than half of U.S. states currently carry a negative balance. Illinois is expected to end 2011 with $2.4 billion in outstanding loans from the federal government to cover state unemployment benefits. Without the agreement, in 2012 federal penalties would result in increased unemployment insurance taxes for companies throughout Illinois, regardless of whether they have laid off workers.

The legislation allows Illinois to issue non-General Revenue Fund (GRF) bonds during a period of historically low interest rates to keep the fund solvent, without shrinking benefits and preventing additional taxes to businesses. The bonds prevent continued UTF borrowing at 4 percent interest from the federal government, saving the state an estimated $240 million (nearly $82 million in interest payments in 2012 alone). The bonds are paid for entirely by businesses normal contributions to the UTF and require no payments from the GRF, freeing money for other state obligations.

The bill also will save businesses more than $400 million through 2019 by preventing the penalty taxes that further federal borrowing for the UTF would create. In addition, the agreement will provide significant tax reductions to the nearly 46 percent of Illinois employers (more than 143,000) that have not laid off workers during the recession. Under this legislation, companies that have avoided layoffs will see, on average, a 16 percent reduction in their unemployment insurance taxes in 2012.

"Businesses need a degree of tax certainty to successfully grow in this economy. This legislation will provide the tax relief to make that happen while making the trust fund solvent," David Vite, president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, said.

"This bill recognizes the difficult decisions necessary to prime the pump of this economy," Tim Drea, secretary-treasurer of the Illinois AFL-CIO, said. "We recognize that the best economic environment in Illinois occurs when business and labor work together."

The reforms also introduce new tools to prevent and recover fraudulent payments, which will help restore UTF solvency. The legislation will, for the first time, allow the state to garnish federal tax returns of individuals who purposefully collect unearned unemployment insurance benefits and establish personal liability for individuals who defraud the unemployment insurance program of taxes owed.

"This legislation will help our businesses regain their footing and provide certainty so they can appropriately prepare for the future," Illinois Department of Employment Security Director Jay Rowell said. "Although the lingering effects of the national recession echo across our country, we must not let that uncertainty prevent sound proposals that will help our local economy."

The unemployment insurance program is a joint federal-state effort, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Businesses' unemployment insurance taxes fund the UTF, and those contributions fund unemployment insurance benefits to qualified workers. The amount businesses pay is tied to their experience with the program; the more employees a business lays off, the more they must contribute to the fund to support the increased stress on the UTF.

The UTF provides benefits to individuals laid off through no fault of their own based on their income over the previous four quarters. Unemployment benefits provide temporary assistance until an individual is able to find meaningful employment. Temporary payments also help communities in times of economic stress by ensuring continued spending in the local economy.

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Proclaims "Starved Rock State Park Day" at Popular Illinois Destination

UTICA - October 30, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn celebrated the 100th anniversary of Starved Rock State Park in Utica and proclaimed today "Starved Rock State Park Day" in Illinois. The state purchased 280 acres and created Starved Rock State Park in 1911. Today the park includes more than 2,800 acres along the Illinois River in La Salle County, and is one of the state's most popular tourist destinations.

"Our state parks are valuable resources, allowing families to enjoy Illinois' natural, undisturbed habitat," said Governor Quinn. "Starved Rock State Park has been an important part of our history for 100 years, and I want to encourage everyone to see its spectacular rock formations in person."

Starved Rock State Park is home to 18 canyons formed by glacial melt water and stream erosion. The park is best known for its rock formations, primarily sandstone, laid down in a huge shallow inland sea more than 425 million years ago and later brought to the surface. Today, Starved Rock State Park is one of the most visited state parks in Illinois, welcoming more than 2 million visitors each year. The park's visitors provide tens of millions of dollars of direct economic activity and support hundreds of jobs throughout La Salle County and north-central Illinois.

"The topography of Starved Rock State Park is so unique, it almost looks as though it was carved out of different landscape and set here for all to enjoy," Illinois Department of Natural Resources director Marc Miller said. "It is one of the great wonders of our state."

French explorers built Fort St. Louis at Starved Rock in the winter of 1682-83 to take advantage of its commanding strategic position. They abandoned the area in the early 1700s after conflicts with Iroquois during the French and Indian War (Seven Years War). According to legend, in the 1760s a group of Illiniwek warriors were trapped on top of the 125-foot sandstone butte by opposing Potawatomi and Ottawa fighters. Surrounded and unable to flee, the Illiniwek starved to death, giving rise to the park's name. The butte area was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1960.

The park is also among the state's most popular destinations for bald eagle watching. Starved Rock State Park, and adjacent Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary, provide ideal winter roosting habitat for bald eagles. In 2004, then Lt. Governor Quinn spearheaded an effort with the Illinois Audubon Society and other environmental groups to save the 55-acre island from development.

Governor Quinn has continued his efforts to support state parks since becoming Governor. Within the first two weeks of becoming Governor in 2008, Quinn reopened 11 state parks that had been closed.

To learn more about Starved Rock State Park or other state parks, please visit www.dnr.illinois.gov.

CHICAGO - October 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced two top appointments to his executive cabinet. Today's actions are the latest in a series of appointments Governor Quinn will make as he continues to fulfill his commitment to creating jobs, fostering economic development, and increasing efficiency and accountability in all areas of state government.

Effective immediately, Governor Quinn named Ann Schneider as secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and John Holton as director of the Illinois Department on Aging. The Governor also appointed two acting directors and one interim director: Jim Larkin as acting director of the Department of Agriculture, Andrew Stolfi as acting director of the Illinois Department of Insurance and John Kim as interim director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

"Effective government requires leadership by talented and motivated public servants, and I am pleased to announce these qualified individuals to lead critical state agencies," Governor Quinn said. "These strong directors will serve the people of Illinois well with their skills and commitment to improving state programs and services."

Directors

Ann L. Schneider has served as acting secretary of IDOT since July 2011. Prior to her appointment, Schneider served as IDOT's chief of operations, responsible for managing and overseeing the department's six offices and four divisions. Schneider also spent five years as director and chief financial officer for IDOT's Office of Finance and Administration. Before joining IDOT, Schneider was the chief fiscal officer for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and in the Governor's Office of Management and Budget. Schneider has a bachelor's degree from Augustana College and a master's degree in public administration from Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois-Springfield).

John Holton will apply his expertise in community and human development to Illinois' unprecedented increase in its older adult population. Holton served from 2007 through 2010 as associate director of the Division of Mental Health at the Illinois Department of Human Services. Previously, he served as site director for the Harvard University School of Public Health's Project on Human Development in Chicago's Neighborhoods, and is a member of the American Public Health Association. Holton's experience addressing domestic violence and other issues impacting older adults and their families will strengthen the department's efforts to help older adults live with comfort and dignity. He holds a Ph.D. in human development from Pennsylvania State University, as well as a master's in urban education from the University of Hartford and a B.A. from Howard University.

Governor Quinn Makes Executive Appointments

Fills Terms at Gaming Board, Racing Board, Pollution Control Board, Tollway and More

CHICAGO - October 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today made a number of appointments to the state's more than 320 boards and commissions. In addition to university boards, the Governor's actions include filling positions on the state Gaming Board, the Illinois Racing Board, the Pollution Control Board, the Toll Highway Authority and several more.

"I'm pleased to announce a set of talented, qualified individuals who will bring new skills and new energy to our boards and commissions," Governor Quinn said. "After inheriting a backlog of more than 1,000 vacant and expired terms from the previous administration, we continue to make progress in appointing dedicated public servants while continuing to pursue opportunities for boards and commissions reform."

Of Illinois' more than 320 boards and commissions, 23 are compensated: six of which are full-time, paid positions while the remaining 14 are part-time or per diem. The remaining more than 290 boards are unpaid, volunteer boards. Board salaries are set by Illinois statute. Governor Quinn is currently conducting a top-to-bottom review of Illinois' boards and commissions to seek out ways to increase efficiency and save costs. While protecting essential boards in place that are greatly needed, potential future actions may include reducing board size and/or salary, and merging or eliminating some boards.

Today Governor Quinn made appointments to the state's Gaming Board who bring extensive backgrounds and expertise in oversight, regulation, law enforcement and finance to further strengthen the board's ability to keep Illinois' gaming industry scandal-free. Aaron Jaffe, who has chaired the board since 2005, was reappointed to head the board. Under Jaffe's leadership, the board has increased openness and transparency in the gaming industry, notably revoking the 10th casino gaming license in order to rebid the license through a fair and open process. Jaffe has consistently led efforts to hold entities that violate gaming regulations accountable.

Also appointed to the Illinois Gaming Board was Zaldwaynaka Scott, who was Illinois' first executive inspector general. Scott, who holds degrees from Indiana University and UIUC, also served as a criminal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago before joining the private sector as a licensed attorney. Maribeth Vander Weele is a certified Illinois inspector general with a strong financial and oversight background that includes service on the audit committee for Chicago Public Schools and experience in investigative services to the public and private sectors. Also appointed to the Gaming Board was Lee Gould, an attorney with more than 30 years of experience as an auditor and accountant. Gould specializes in forensic accounting investigations, locating unreported or hidden assets and identifying misappropriations. Mike Holewinski, who received degrees from both John Marshall Law School and the University of Illinois at Chicago, is a former Illinois State Representative and now serves as the president of Ace Industries.

Additionally, Governor Quinn made appointments to the state's Racing Board, whose members represent a set of diverse perspectives that will improve the board's ability to effectively oversee horse racing in Illinois. Their combined legal expertise, rural economic development and law enforcement experience will help strengthen the board's oversight. Benjamin Reyes graduated from UIUC, is currently the president of DSR Group, Inc. and has public and private sector experience with construction and program management. William Berry, an attorney who resides in downstate Collinsville, is a former board member of Southwestern Illinois Tourism Bureau and graduate of Millikin University and Washington University Law School.

Governor Quinn also appointed Kathy Byrne, an attorney who owns race horses based out of state. She is a graduate of Saint Mary's College of Notre Dame and the Loyola University School of Law. Patricia Beauvais is a horse breeder who has served on the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Foundation. She also holds an Illinois Horse Racing License. Roger Whalen of Chicago is a retired Chicago Police Department captain, where he was commanding officer of the citywide gambling unit and supervisor in the organized crime division. For the past 35 years, he has also been in charge of off-duty police officers and security for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Governor Quinn announced five new appointments to the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. The new members will bring the important legal, construction and financial expertise that is essential for the Tollway's continued and anticipated growth. Mark Peterson, president of Bridgeview Bank, a former member of the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board and director of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, handled transportation matters for former Governor Jim Edgar. Jim Sweeney is president and business manager of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, the state's largest trade union. His technical expertise in construction projects landed him on the Tollway's Strategic Advisory Team in 2010 to assist with its comprehensive capital plan.

Governor Quinn also appointed Mayor David Gonzalez of Chicago Heights who will serve as a strong voice for the south suburbs, an area expected to experience significant growth. Gonzales also owns his own accounting firm. Attorney Jeffrey Redick has served on the DuPage County Board since 2006, where he is chairman of the environmental committee and vice-chairman of the development committee. Terrence D'Arcy is a former chairman of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and the current president of D'Arcy Buick and GMC in Joliet.

Governor Quinn also named William Morris to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. Morris, a former mayor of Waukegan who was appointed by Governor Quinn to the Toll Highway Authority, will replace Chuck Scholz, the former mayor of Quincy.

In addition, Governor Quinn named Tom Holbrook to head the Pollution Control Board (PCB). Holbrook previously served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives since 1995, where he represented the state's 113th District and focused on environmental and regulatory issues. As chairman of the House Environment & Energy Committee and vice chair of the Registration and Regulation Committee, Holbrook was heavily involved in crafting most of Illinois' environmental legislation for the past decade.

Governor Quinn also named Deanna Glosser to the board. Glosser has a doctorate in urban and regional planning from UIUC and is currently a natural resources planning specialist at Purdue University.

In addition, Governor Quinn appointed Tanner Girard of Chicago as the Executive Director of the Pollution Control Board. He has served on the Pollution Control Board since 1992, filling in as acting chairman in 2005, where he played a key role in shaping environmental rules and regulations in Illinois. Girard received a bachelor's degree in biology from Principia College, a master's degree in biological sciences from the University of Central Florida and a Ph.D. in science education from Florida State University.

As a result of Governor Quinn's unprecedented efforts to make the executive appointment process more accessible and transparent, citizens who are interested in serving on boards and commissions can now apply online. The Governor also signed legislation this summer to reform the appointment process and supports many of the reforms recommended in September by Auditor General William Holland.

For more information on all of the state's boards and commissions, please visit Appointments.Illinois.gov.

Full List of Appointments

Civil Service Commission:

Susan Krey of Des Plaines has been a trustee for Maine Township since 2007 and worked as a real estate broker for 22 years. She holds a degree from Northeastern Illinois University and is a member of the Illinois Library Association.

Chris Kolker of Fairview Heights has served as chairman of the Illinois Civil Service Commission since 2004. He is a private practice attorney and graduated magna cum laude from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where he served as Law Journal editor.

Garrett Fitzgerald of Chicago is the executive director of the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce.

Education Labor Relations Board:

Michael Prueter of Lisle has served on the IELRB since 2000. He holds a B.A. and an M.B.A. in business administration from Columbia State University.

Employment Security Board of Review:

William McClusky of Harrisburg is a former Saline County Clerk and Recorder. He previously served as president of the Progressive Mine Workers of America Union and is a Veteran of the United States Navy.

William Nolan of Chicago has served on the ESBR since 1998 and spent more than 40 years as a police officer for the City of Chicago. He is also an active member of the Chicago Metropolitan Easter Seal Society.

Executive Ethics Commission:

Gil Soffer of Chicago was appointed to the Executive Ethics Commission by Governor Quinn in 2009. He is a former associate deputy attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice and previously worked in the Chicago U.S. Attorney's Office. He holds a degree from Brown University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Illinois Gaming Board:

Judge Aaron Jaffe of Evanston has served as chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board since 2005. Under Jaffe's leadership, the board has increased openness and transparency in the gaming industry, most notably revoking the 10th casino gaming license in order to rebid the license through a fair and open process. Jaffe has consistently led efforts to hold entities that violate gaming regulations accountable. He sat on the Circuit Court of Cook County for 30 years and served 14 years in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Maribeth Vander Weele of Chicago is the owner and founder of the Vander Weele Group, which provides investigative, security and integrity program services to the public and private sectors. She is also a certified Illinois inspector general with a strong financial and oversight background that includes service on the audit committee for Chicago Public Schools.

Lee Gould of Chicago has more than 30 years of experience as an accountant, auditor and tax preparer. Gould specializes in forensic accounting investigations, locating unreported or hidden assets and identifying misappropriations. Gould holds a degree in accounting from UIUC and a J.D. from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

Michael Holewinski of Chicago is the president of Ace Industries and is a former Illinois state representative. He sits on the board of directors for the Illinois Manufacturer's Association and previously chaired the Chicago Mayor's Task Force on Youth Crime Prevention. He holds a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School.

Z (Zaldwaynaka) Scott of Chicago was Illinois' first executive inspector general and previously worked as a criminal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago. She is currently a partner at Kaye Scholer and a commissioner for the Chicago Housing Authority.

International Port District Board:

Dean Maragos has served on the Illinois International Port District Board since 2007. He was previously the assistant director for the City of Chicago Department of Revenue and served in the Legal Division of the Chicago Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. He holds a J.D. from the Northern Illinois University College of Law.

Victor Crivello has 30 years of experience in air, water and land regulatory compliance and management for government and private industry. He holds a master's in Public Administration from Roosevelt University and was a Captain in the United States Army reserves.

Labor Relations Board:

Paul Besson of Chicago previously worked for more than 20 years at General Electric Company, rising to the position of global vice-president of human resources. He also served as senior vice president and chief administrative officer at American Commercial Lines. He holds an M.B.A from Cornell University and a J.D. from the Northwestern University School of Law.

James Brennwald of Chicago has been a labor lawyer for 24 years, and represented both management and union clients before the ILRB and the NLRB in numerous collective bargaining negotiations and labor arbitrations. He was formerly an attorney for the city of Chicago and was the city's chief labor negotiator.

Michael Coli of Chicago has served on the LRB since 2006. Prior to his appointment, he was president of Teamsters Local #727 for 20 years, and was involved in all aspects of contact negotiations, labor changes and grievance proceedings.

Illinois Liquor Control Commission:

Bill Morris of Grayslake was appointed to the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority by Governor Quinn in 2009. He was formerly mayor of the city of Waukegan, where he also served as city liquor commissioner and Illinois state senator, representing the 31st District. He earned a master's degree in public administration from Webster University.

Mid-America Intermodal Authority Port District Board:

Charles Hood of Frederick retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after 45 years as lockmaster at the LaGrange Lock and Dam.

Henry Brownback of Ashland is a founding director of the Port District Board and been vice president of Southwestern Illinois College since 1974.

Mining Board:

David Webb of Raymond has served on the Mining Board since 2003. He has worked and been a manager in the coal mining industry for more than 30 years in nine different mines. He holds a degree in mining engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla.

Don Stewart of Gillespie has served on the Mining Board since 2005. He has worked in the coal mining industry for 31 years and previously served on the Illinois Miners Examining Board from 2003-2006. He has also been the local president of the United Mine Workers in Gillespie since 1999.

Fred Frederking of Coulterville previously served on the Mining Board from 2007 to 2009 and retired after 32 years in the Illinois coal industry. He has also been a member of the Randolph County Farm Bureau for more than 53 years.

George Teegarden of Harrisburg has been a member of the Mining Board since 2003 and is a dozer operator in Equality, Illinois. He is a certified surface mine supervisor and has more than 40 years of experience in the coal industry.

Jerry Cross of Marissa has been a member of the Mining Board since 2003 and has worked in the coal industry for more than 30 years. He was a representative for the United Mine Workers in Benton, Illinois for more than 20 years.

Tim Kirkpatrick of Johnston City was appointed to the Mining Board by Governor Quinn in 2010. He has 35 years of experience in the coal industry and is a certified mine examiner, mine manager and E.M.T.

Pollution Control Board 

Deanna Glosser is the president of Environment Planning Solutions in Riverton and a natural resources planning specialist at Purdue University. She previously spent 13 years as a manager for the Illinois Department of National Resources. She holds an anthropology degree from Illinois State University and a Ph.D in environmental planning from UIUC's Department of Urban Regional Planning.

Tom Johnson of Urbana has served on the Pollution Control Board since 2001. He was a special assistant in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General and a special prosecutor in the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State.  He previously served on the Champaign County Board from 1994-1998. He holds a J.D. from Northern Illinois University.

Tom Holbrook of Belleville represented the 113th District in the Illinois House of Representatives since 1995, where he served as chair of the Environment and Energy Committee and was heavily involved in crafting most of Illinois' environmental legislation for the past decade. Holbrook worked in the private sector for more than 15 years, and helped develop state of the art instrumentation that is used for monitoring emissions and quality control.

Prisoner Review Board 

Charles Bowers of Edwards has served on the Prisoner Review board since 2006. He is a former officer in the Peoria police department where he earned a polygraph examination license. He is a Veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, where he served from 1966 to 1972.

Edith Crigler of Chicago is the president of the Chicago Jobs Council's Board of Directors and sits on the City Wide Restorative Justice committee. She holds a master's degree in Administration and Social Policy from the University of Chicago and teaches in the criminal justice department at Chicago State University. She was appointed by Governor Quinn to the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission in 2010.

Eric Althoff of Effingham has served on the Prisoner Review Board since 2004. He spent more than 20 years as the Effingham County coroner and a volunteer firefighter. He holds an associate's degree in law enforcement from Lake Land College.

Property Tax Appeal Board:

Jim Bilotta of Lockport has served on the Will County Board since 2002. He has also served on the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission and the Zoning Board for the village of Bellwood. He is a certified residential appraiser and operates his own appraisal business.

Illinois Racing Board 

Benjamin Reyes of Chicago is president of DSR Group, where he oversees over $100 million in retail in residential development projects. He is a former executive director of the Public Building Commission of Chicago and chief operating officer for the Chicago Public Schools.

William Berry of Collinsville is an attorney and former board member for the Southwestern Illinois Tourism Bureau. He holds a J.D. from the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis and has been admitted to the bar for the United States Supreme Court.

Kathy Byrne of Chicago is an attorney and racehorse owner. She is a graduate of Saint Mary's College of Notre Dame and the Loyola University School of Law.

Patricia Beauvais of Des Plaines is a former horse breeder and prior to her appointment, served on the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Foundation. She also holds an Illinois Horse Racing License. She served as an alderman for the city of Des Plaines from 1993-2007.

Roger Whalen of Chicago retired as a captain in the Chicago Police Department following 40 years of service, where he was commanding officer of the citywide gambling unit and supervisor in the organized crime division. For the past 35 years, he has also been in charge of off-duty police officers and security for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Illinois State Police Merit Board:

A. George Pradel has served as the mayor of Naperville since 1995. Prior to his election, he spent 29 years as an officer with the Naperville Police Department, achieving the rank of lieutenant. He previously sat on the board for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority:

Carl Towns of Rockford has served on the board of for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority since 2002. He spent more than 38 years in human resource management at Ingersoll Mining Machine Co. and Chrysler in Belvidere and is a member of numerous Rockford-area community organizations.

David Gonzalez of Chicago Heights is a named partner of Gonzalez and Associates Accounting. He previously served as the superintendent and chief financial officer for the Chicago Heights Park District and as police and fire commissioner for the city of Chicago Heights.

James Banks of Chicago is an attorney concentrating in zoning and land use, and has served on the Toll Highway Authority since 1993, where he is chairman of the audit committee. He holds a J.D. from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

James Sweeney of Chicago was appointed to the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority's strategic advisory team in 2010, where he assisted with the agency's comprehensive capital plan. He is vice president of the International Union of Operating Engineers and president of Local #150 in Countryside.

Jeffrey Redick of Elmhurst has served on the DuPage County Board since 2006, where he is chairman of the environmental committee and vice-chairman of the development committee. He holds a J.D. from the Drake University School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Eastern Illinois University.

Mark Peterson of Lincolnshire is a former member of the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board and is president of Bridgeview Bank. He is a former director of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority and handled transportation matters for former Governor Jim Edgar He holds a degree from the University of South Florida.

Terrence D'Arcy of Shorewood is a former chairman of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and served as chairman of the Chicago Auto Show in 2007. He is a founder and board member of Joliet Community Bank and president of D'Arcy Buick and GMC in Joliet.

Tom Weisner is the mayor of the city of Aurora and was appointed to the Toll Highway Authority in 2009 by Governor Quinn. He is president of the Metro West Council of Government and founding chairman of the Northwest Water Planning Alliance.

Inspectors General:

Denise Kane (DCFS) of Chicago has served as inspector general for the Department of Children and Family Services since 2003. She previously worked in the Public Guardian's Office of Cook County, Juvenile Division and was a juvenile court probation officer.  She holds a Ph.D. in social service administration from the University of Chicago.

Bradley Hart (HFS) of Hillsboro is the deputy bureau chief of Medicaid fraud and nursing home abuse/neglect in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney-Central District. He graduated cum laude from the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale School of Law.

William Davis (DHS) of Palos Hills has served as inspector general for the Department of Human Services since 2006. He previously spent 25 years in the Illinois State Police, where he rose to the rank of commander.  He is a Veteran of the 173rd Airborne Brigade of the United States Army, where he served in South Vietnam from 1963-1966.

Chicago State University:

Adam Stanley of Chicago is global chief technology officer with AON Corporation and former senior vice-president of business transformation and technology for LaSalle Bank. He holds degrees in finance and international business from Washington University in St. Louis and received his master's in business administration in strategic management and management of electronic commerce at the Wharton School in Philadelphia.

James T. Joyce of Chicago was appointed Chicago Fire Commissioner following 34 years of service to the CFD. He graduated from Chicago State University and holds a master's degree in public administration from Governor's State University. He is a Veteran of the U.S. Army.

Anthony Young of Chicago is a former Cook County Circuit Court judge and represented the 17th District in the Illinois House for seven years. He is Veteran of the United State Air Force and earned a M.B.A. from Golden Gate University and a J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law.

Eastern Illinois University:

William Dano III of Oswego has more than 20 years of business experience in sales management for Extreme Networks, Avaya, Fujitsu, Lucent Technologies and AT&T. He holds a degree in business administration from Aurora University.

Joseph Dively of Charleston is the president of First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust and is a former chairman of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. He holds a degree from EIU and is a past president of the university alumni association.

Robert Webb of Mattoon was appointed chairman of the Eastern Illinois University Board of Trustees by Governor Quinn in 2011. He has been a teacher, principal, district superintendent and community college president. He holds a doctorate in education from UIUC.

Rene Hutchinson of Chicago is a member of the Eastern Illinois University Board of Directors. She graduated with a degree in business and management from EIU and has worked at Allstate Insurance Company in Northbrook for almost 30 years.

Roger Kratochvil of Mt. Olive was a teacher and principal at Mt. Olive High School for 34 years. He holds a bachelor's degree in education from EIU and master's degrees in educational administration and secondary education from Sangamon State University (now UIS) and Southern Illinois University, respectively. He was inducted into the EIU Hall of Fame in 1998.

Kenneth Goetz of Elmhurst has been an attorney for more than 20 years and has served on the Cook County Mandatory Arbitration Commission for more than 15 years. He holds a J.D. from the Illinois Institute of Technology's Chicago Kent School of Law.

Governor's State University:

Brian Mitchell of Flossmoor is the administrator of the village of Matteson. He was previously a manager for the Cook County Bureau of Human Resources and program director for PSI Services. He holds a master's degree from the Spertus College of Jewish Studies and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Northern Illinois University

Eileen Durkin of Chicago has been president and chief executive officer of Neumann Family Services since 2000. She was previously executive director of the Howard Brown Health Center. She was appointed by Governor Quinn to the Illinois Human Services Commission in 2009 and serves on numerous state and city boards. She holds a M.B.A. from Loyola University in Chicago.

Jack Beaupre of Bourbonnais has served on the board for Governor's State University since 2000. He is a former Illinois House Representative and was a special assistant attorney general from 1977-1987. He was also a nominee to the 1960 Illinois constitutional convention and a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1958 to 1968.

Illinois State University:

Rocco Donahue of Tinley Park has over 30 years of experience at Pace, where he rose from an analyst to director of government affairs, and to his current position as deputy executive director for external relations. He holds a master's degree in public administration from Roosevelt University and earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Illinois State University.

Northeastern Illinois University:

Carlos Azcoitia of Chicago is assistant professor of educational leadership at National-Louis University and previously served as an administrator at numerous educational institutions, including as assistant superintendent of the Chicago Public Schools. He is a frequently-published author and holds a doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University.

Barbara Fumo of River Forest is a former middle school teacher and was assistant principal of Hanson Park School for 13 years. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Northeastern University.

Jin Lee of Des Plaines is the director of business planning for the Albany Park Community Center. He sits on the Illinois Secretary of State's Asian Advisory Council and the city of Chicago's Human Relations Council. He holds a degree from UIUC.

Omar Duque of Chicago has served on the Northeastern University Board of Trustees since 2007 and is the president and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Bob Biggins of Wheaton represented the 78th District in the Illinois House for 18 years. He previously served on the board of directors for the Suburban Bank of Elmhurst and worked as a property tax consultant for 20 years. He is a former public school teacher and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from Northeastern University.

Western Illinois University:

Donald Griffin of Macomb was a professor and director at the Institute for Regional and Community Studies at WIU from 1971 to 1993. He was a former military instructor for the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He received a Ph.D. in Geography from Clark University.

Lyneir R. Cole of Chicago graduated from WIU with a degree in law enforcement administration and is president of the Western Illinois University Black Alumni Association and a member of the WIU Alumni Council.

William L. Epperly of Chicago has served on the WIU board of trustees since 2004 and was chairman from 2006-2008. He is the owner and president of Stoneage Marketing and the recipient of the WIU Distinguished Alumni Award in 2002.

Grants to Support 1,100 AmeriCorps Members 

CHICAGO - September 10, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn announced today that 32 organizations in Illinois have received AmeriCorps grants from the Serve Illinois Commission. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the Governor has proclaimed Sept. 11, 2011 as a day of service and remembrance. The announcement of grants to support more than 1,100 AmeriCorps members is part of the Governor's call for citizens all across Illinois to commit to community service.

"Citizen service is essential to strengthening and addressing challenges in communities throughout Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "As we reflect and remember September 11, 2001, we must reaffirm our commitment to service for our great county. These AmeriCorps members will meet pressing local needs and strengthen our communities as they develop civic and leadership skills will last a lifetime."

The grants announced today will support more than 1,100 AmeriCorps members across the state who will help adults and children improve reading skills, tutor and mentor at-risk youth, provide health services, provide environmental education and help nonprofits recruit volunteers and achieve their missions.

The Serve Illinois Commission will distribute more than $8.3 million in federal funding to organizations chosen in a highly competitive national process and highly selective statewide formula competition. The 32 state AmeriCorps programs will match these dollars with $8.4 million in local and private funds.

The grants focus AmeriCorps resources on six key areas: strengthening education, fostering economic opportunity, preparing for and responding to disasters, improving health, meeting environmental and energy efficiency needs, and assisting veterans and military families.

On a national level, AmeriCorps engages 80,000 Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to meet critical needs. Its members serve through more than 14,000 nonprofit and faith-based organizations in rural and urban communities throughout the nation. Among other accomplishments, AmeriCorps members last year mobilized 2.6 million community volunteers and tutored, mentored or served more than 2.5 million disadvantaged youth.

Since 1994, more than 700,000 Americans have provided more than 860 million hours of service to their communities and country through AmeriCorps. In Illinois, more than 78,000 people participate in national service each year through 159 national service projects and programs.

A list of AmeriCorps grants in Illinois is below.

AmeriCorps Competitive Grants:

• Academy for Urban School Leadership was approved for $72,000 and 90 member positions. Through this organization, AmeriCorps members serve as teachers in low-performing, "turnaround schools" in Chicago.

• Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, MORE: Making Opportunities for Reading Enrichment was approved for $222,884 and 27 member positions.  Members provide tutoring and support in English as a Second Language, family literacy, financial literacy and GED attainment to low-income parents in Chicago.

• Board of Trustees of Western Illinois University: Peace Corps/AmeriCorps Project was funded for $130,000 and 13 member positions. AmeriCorps members address locally identified economic development needs and by mobilizing volunteers to help build local capacity in rural communities.

• City Year-Chicago was awarded $1,550,000 and 145 member slots. City Year AmeriCorps members provide small group and one-on-one tutoring to identified students in grades 6-9 at low performing schools in Chicago.

• Literacy Volunteers of America - Illinois VOCAL was awarded $313,066 in funding and 38 member positions. AmeriCorps members provide one-on-one and small group tutoring to increase literacy levels among adults and incarcerated youth in Illinois.

• PCC Community Wellness Center was awarded $194,992 and 15 member positions. AmeriCorps members at the center help children and adults adopt healthy habits and educate new mothers about the health benefits of breastfeeding.

• Public Allies, Inc. - Chicago was awarded $637,000 in funding and 49 member positions. Public Allies' members serve in direct service and capacity building roles at a variety of Chicago-area non-profit organizations to meet education and economic opportunity community needs, build the capacity of non-profits, and promote civic engagement.

• Rend Lake College: Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps was awarded $499,536 and 65 member positions.  AmeriCorps members provide tutoring, mentoring, technology support and environmental education in rural southern Illinois.

• Southwestern Illinois College: Belleville AmeriCorps was awarded $458,106 and 90 member slots.  Belleville AmeriCorps members support education by promoting computer literacy and developing safe, educational places for youth during out of school time, and support volunteering in the community.

AmeriCorps Formula Grants

• Alternatives, Inc. was awarded $104,800 and 8 member positions. Alternatives AmeriCorps members provide college and career readiness training, tutoring, and alcohol/drug prevention counseling.

• American Red Cross- Chicago was awarded $222,700 and 17 member positions. The American Red Cross AmeriCorps members will help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond effectively to emergencies. AmeriCorps members teach American Red Cross health and safety classes (First Aid/CPR, HIV/AIDS education, water safety, disaster education).

• Asian Human Services was awarded $144,100 and 11 member positions. Asian Human Services AmeriCorps members provide culturally appropriate services to Chicago's low income pan-Asian and other immigrant and refugee communities. The members provide community health, employment, adult and family literacy and legal services.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi Valley was awarded $104,800 and 10 member positions. Big Brother Big Sister AmeriCorps members serve in the areas of enrollment, match support, and recruiting to bring mentoring services to populations previously not served. The program is delivered through one-to-one matches in the community-based, school-based and site (college)-based programs.

• Children's Home Association of Illinois was awarded $117,900 and 23 member positions. Children's Home AmeriCorps members provide one-on-one and small group skill building sessions to help transitioning clients make gains in basic skills critical to independence. Members also work to engage disadvantaged individuals in service to help them apply the skills they are learning. All members of our Corps are current/former recipients of social services, thus while they are serving, they are also gaining career and educational opportunities through their service experience

• Coalition of African, Asian, European, and Latino Immigrants (CAAELI) of IL was awarded $104,800 and 16 member positions. CAEELI AmeriCorps members provide culturally appropriate services to Chicago's low income pan-Asian and other immigrant and refugee communities. These services include community health, employment, adult and family literacy and legal services.

• Fulfilling Our Responsibility Unto Mankind (FORUM) was awarded $104,800 and 16 member positions. FORUM Members engage in education, training and service that directly affect local communities. Members deliver training, engage in direct outreach with youth and their families, and promote participation in community garden projects intended to not only beautify vacant city lots, but also enable the community to literally begin "feeding itself".

• Greater Chicago Food Depository was awarded 104,800 and 8 members. GCFD members work to increase the food supply in communities. In addition, members provide client access, links to services, and volunteer networking.

• Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) was awarded $340,600 and 26 members. IPHA members help meet locally identified needs at health departments across the state through community service in the following focus areas: health promotion and outreach for programs serving youth, women, children and families; volunteer coordination; and assistance with community emergency preparedness.

• Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House was awarded a grant for $917, 917 and 190 members. Lessie Bates Davis Members improve the academic skills of a minimum of 300 elementary students, provide nutritional support for over 2,500 persons per month, recruit and manage over 1,000 volunteers, and build technological competence in the East St. Louis community.

• Logan Square Neighborhood Association was awarded a grant for $104,800 and 21 members. Logan Square members improve academic performance of Chicago Public students. The members increase performance by engaging parents from low-income households in school and community activities.

• Lutheran Social Services of Illinois was awarded a grant of $117,900 and 18 members. AmeriCorps members provides direct service to those incarcerated, their families and those returning home from prison in five locations: Chicago, Marion, Rockford, Springfield and Metro East St. Louis area. AmeriCorps members are creating and giving presentation on reentry at all sites, encouraging partnerships and recruiting volunteers.

• McHenry County Mental Health Board was awarded a grant of $144,100 and 40 members. AmeriCorps members will build academic and social supports for identified youth with risk factors such as diagnosed mental illness, gang involvement, Latino youth, and those eligible for free and reduced lunch. AmeriCorps members provide tutoring, and mentoring activities in after school programs throughout the County, as well as promote interaction with the community through service projects. Members benefit by developing marketable job skills in the social service/education field, and develop leadership and teambuilding skills overall.

• Northwestern University Settlement Association was awarded a grant of $464,890 and 71 members.  AmeriCorps Members serve the community through mentorship, educational, service, artistic, and recreational activities. The opportunities are offered through in/out classroom programming and our community service projects. The goal of the program is to support the student's academic achievements, provide them with positive alternatives to destructive behaviors, and foster an ethic of service in the entire community.

• Sauk Valley Community College was awarded a grant of 288,200 and 61 members. Sauk Valley AmeriCorps members tutor/mentor children, youth, and families through educational programming to increase academic performance and life skills.

• Schuler Family Foundation was awarded a grant of $170,300 and 13 members. Schuler Family Foundation members provide college counseling, leadership and personal development, cultural exposure, and civic and social experience to students who are eligible for financial scholarships.

• Springfield Urban League was awarded a grant of $131,000 and 42 members. Urban League members address community needs by tutoring, mentoring, literacy education, and service learning. Members serve as tutors and mentors for the 21st Century After-school program as well as other afterschool entities.

• Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center was awarded a grant of $104,800 and 9 members. Media Center members alleviate poverty in Champaign County by connecting community members with resources available at the IMC and our partner organizations. The IMC fosters the creation and distribution of media, art, and narratives emphasizing underrepresented voices and perspectives, and promotes empowerment and expression through media and arts education.

• West Suburban PADS was awarded a grant of $124,450 and 10 members. West Suburban Pad members provide an employment program for homeless individuals preparing to enter the workforce.  Members assist clients with finding emergency shelter as well as job and counseling referrals.

• Volunteers for America Illinois was awarded a grant of 104,800 and 16 members. VOA of IL members provide housing and employment services to homeless veterans through its True North Project (TNP). AmeriCorps members, recruited from graduates of our TNP program, assist 75 more homeless veterans on their path to self-sufficiency with resources and tools to regain independence.

• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights was awarded a grant of $235,800 and 18 members. AmeriCorps members will work in partnership with ethnic community-based organizations (CBOs) to recruit native-born and immigrant volunteers from local communities to serve as English and Civics volunteer tutors to immigrants in their communities

• Jobs for Youth was awarded a grant of $104,800 and 16 members. The members will assist local non-profit organizations with their transition to electronic health records; while promoting health, providing community outreach, culturally appropriate health education and the promotion of healthy behaviors to underserved low income populations. 

AmeriCorps is a national service program administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service that engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to meet critical needs. Members tutor and mentor youth, expand health services, build affordable housing, run after-school programs, support veterans, help communities respond to disasters, and recruit and train volunteers. Interested individuals can learn about available opportunities and apply online by visiting AmeriCorps.gov.