Illinois Becomes First State in America to Divest Public Pension Funds from Foreign Companies that Boycott Israel

 

CHICAGO - Flanked by bipartisan legislators, Jewish community leaders and the Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed historic legislation making Illinois the first state in America to divest its public pension funds from companies that participate in the Boycott, Sanctions, Divestment (BDS) movement targeting Israel.

The Illinois law is the first state-based measure to take specific concrete action against boycotts of Israel.  The legislation, which was modeled after past measures relating to Iran and Sudan, requires state pension systems to terminate direct investment in companies that boycott Israel and issue warnings to fund managers when such companies are held indirectly inside larger portfolios.  The statute defines "boycotting Israel" as "engaging in actions that are politically motivated and are intended to penalize, inflict economic harm on, or otherwise limit commercial relations with the State of Israel or companies based in the State of Israel or in territories controlled by the State of Israel."

"We need to stand up to anti-Semitism whenever and wherever we see it," Gov. Rauner said.  "This historic legislation is an important first step in the fight against boycotts of Israel and I hope other states move quickly to follow our lead.  I want to thank Sen. Silverstein, Rep. Feigenholtz and all the sponsors of this legislation for working with our Administration to take a stand against BDS."

The anti-BDS measure, SB 1761, was initiated by Gov. Rauner and sponsored by Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).  It passed 49-0 in the Senate and 102-0 in the House.

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner took action today on the following bill:

 

Bill No.: HB 163

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 1531

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2731

An Act Concerning Public Aid

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3311

An Act Concerning Public Aid

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3721

An Act Concerning Veterans

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 4007

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 57

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 82

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 751

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1308

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1389

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1688

An Act Concerning Vital Records

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

 

 

Bill No.: HB 341

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 1361

An Act Concerning Housing

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 2554

An Act Concerning Revenue

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2556

An Act Concerning Human Trafficking

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2763

An Act Concerning Insurance

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3587

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3704

An Act Concerning Courts

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3766

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3910

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 43

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1253

An Act Concerning Public Aid

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1312

An Act Concerning Utilities

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1448

An Act Concerning Government

Action: Signed

Effective: July 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 1588

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner took action on the following bills today:

 

Bill No.: HB 1445

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 1666

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2471

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2505

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2811

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3102

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3240

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3268

An Act Concerning Human Rights

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3672

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3680

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3930

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 4137

An Act to Revise the Law by Combining Multiple Enactments and Making Technical Corrections

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 45

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 625

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 681

An Act Concerning Conservation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 793

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1739

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

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CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments to the Illinois Tollway, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, and the Illinois Community College Board.

 

Name: Corey Brooks

Position: Board Member - Illinois Tollway

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Pastor Corey Brooks to the Illinois Tollway Board. He has a strong track record of working with private and public entities to affect positive change in his community.

Currently, Brooks is the Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church in Chicago. He founded the church in 2000. He leads a congregation of more than 2,000 members, including a staff of nearly 70, which has a budget of more than $1 million annually. His leadership has led to the church becoming a resource center for the community.

Previously, Brooks founded Project Hood, where he worked as a community activist. He took steps to combat gun violence in the City of Chicago and provided support to families impacted by the violence.

Brooks is a graduate of Ball State University. He earned a law degree from the University of Florida, as well as graduate degrees from the Dallas Theological Seminary and the Grace Theological Seminary. He lives in Chicago.

 

Name: Rick C. Tanksley

Position: Board Member - Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Oak Park Police Chief Rick Tanksley to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Tanksley will provide an important perspective to the board through his experience as a law enforcement leader.

Tanksley has served the people of Oak Park since 1984, beginning his career as a patrol officer. He rose through the ranks and became the Chief of Police in 2001. He currently oversees 116 sworn officers and 44 support staff in the department. His policies have led to a more transparent, professional and respectful police department in Oak Park.

In addition to his role as the Chief of Police, Tanksley is also active on a number of professional and civic boards that include : the FBI's Regional Forensic Computer Laboratory; the Rotary Club of Oak Park and River Forest; Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, Illinois; and is the past president of the West Suburban Chiefs of Police.

Tanksley holds a bachelor's degree from Concordia University. He also holds master's degrees from the University of Illinois-Chicago in social work and Benedictine University in management and organizational behavior. He lives in Oak Park.

 

 

Name: Suzanne Morris

Position: Board Member - Illinois Community College Board

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed Suzanne Morris to the Illinois Community College Board. She has served Illinois' community college students on this board since 2003, and currently serves as Vice Chair.

Morris' experience with community colleges comes from her work with the College of Lake County, where she served as the college's public relations coordinator. In addition, she served on the College of Lake County Foundation Board. She also is the chair of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact.

Morris holds a bachelor's degree from Barat College. She lives in Grayslake.

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State agencies ready to assist following tornado touchdowns

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rauner this evening activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield to ensure state personnel and equipment are ready to be quickly deployed if needed to help local emergency responders with public safety  issues following reports of at least one tornado touchdown in northwest Illinois and the potential for more severe weather.

"I activated the State Emergency Operations Center to ensure we're ready to act quickly if any local responders need our assistance," said Governor Rauner. "Illinois State Police is already at the scene and we have staff from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency enroute to the area to support local response efforts."

Representatives from several state agencies are reporting to the SEOC. State officials are assessing the storm's impact and communicating with local response officials to determine if state resources are needed to ensure citizen safety.

The SEOC will remain activated as long as necessary.

For updates on the current situation, visit the Ready Illinois website at www.ready.illinois.gov.

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner signed Executive Order 15-16 today to remove a layer of government bureaucracy in hiring civil-service positions (Rutan-covered positions) and to protect the hiring process from unlawful political influence.
Executive Order 15-16 rescinds Executive Order 03-01, which required the Governor's Office to review and approve the hiring and promotion decisions of Rutan-covered positions at state agencies. This system was inefficient, contributing to significant delays in hiring and promotion decisions. It also became a tool for political patronage, which led to an increase in patronage hiring in previous administrations.
Governor Rauner requested Illinois Central Management Services and the Governor's Office of Management and Budget to review this system - known as EPAR - and they recommended it be discontinued. Agencies will be subject to budget and headcount limits, but will be allowed to fill Rutan-covered positions according to the applicable personnel rules and collective-bargaining agreements.
Executive Order 15-16 also requires all employment and personal services contracts going forward to allow the State to terminate the contract without penalty.
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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner will survey the tornado damage in Tazewell and Warren Counties today. He will visit Delavan in Tazewell County and Cameron in Warren County, where he will hold a media briefing.

 

What: Governor Surveys Tornado Damage

Where: Delavan Fire Department

416 Pine Street, Delavan

Date: Friday, July 17, 2015

Time: 10:30 a.m.

 

What: Governor Surveys Tornado Damage and Holds Media Briefing

Where: Central Warren Fire Protection District - Cameron Fire Station

654 Railroad Street, Cameron

Time: Governor Arrives - 12:30 p.m.

Media Briefing - 1:15 p.m.

 

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner took action on the following bills:

Bill No.: HB 330

An Act Concerning Business

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 405

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 1004

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 1015

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 1051

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 2515

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: July 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 2657

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: July 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 2823

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3152

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3374

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 46

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 369

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 800

An Act Concerning Sweet Corn

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1340

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1484

An Act Concerning Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 220

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 398

An Act Concerning Liquor

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1516

An Act Concerning Liquor

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 4115

An Act Concerning Business

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 9

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 51

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Vetoed

Effective: Immediate

Note: Veto Message is below

 

Bill No.: SB 67

An Act Concerning Liquor

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 274

An Act Concerning Finance

Action: Vetoed

Effective: Immediate

Note: Veto Message is below

 

Bill No.: HB 1407

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3079

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

The veto message is as follows:

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

99th General Assembly:

Today I veto Senate Bill 51 from the 99th General Assembly, one of several budget implementation bills, in order to protect Illinois taxpayers from an unbalanced and unconstitutional budget.

The General Assembly's budget makes spending promises that exceed available revenues by nearly $4 billion. I therefore vetoed that budget and am today vetoing its accompanying budget implementation bills.

I again call on the General Assembly to be a partner in enacting a balanced budget, structural reforms inside government, and economic reforms that stimulate our economy and bring new jobs to Illinois.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 51, entitled "AN ACT concerning State government", with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

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SPRINGFIELD - Lance Trover, spokesman for Governor Bruce Rauner, issued the below statement following the Illinois House's partisan vote to pass another unbalanced and unconstitutional budget plan:

"Voting to spend money the state doesn't have is the cause of Illinois' financial crisis. Today, Speaker Madigan and the legislators he controls irresponsibly voted for yet another unbalanced budget plan.

"We saw today that Speaker Madigan can force 70 legislators to join him in voting for an unconstitutional budget.  We also saw the Speaker's unwillingness to hold a vote on a tax increase that, absent reform, would suffer bipartisan defeat.

"The Speaker's failure to take up an accompanying revenue plan is a clear signal that rank-and-file members of the General Assembly understand that reform is necessary. It's time to end the status quo and get serious about fixing our state."

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CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, the Illinois Financial Reporting and Standards Board, the Illinois Finance Authority, and the Illinois Lottery Control Board.  Governor Rauner also made reappointments to the Workforce Investment Board and the Illinois Finance Authority.

Name: Bryan Kibler

Position: Member - Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Effingham County States Attorney Bryan Kibler to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Kibler's experience as a prosecutor and defense attorney will bring a unique perspective to the agency.

Kibler's office prosecutes 250 felonies and 500 misdemeanors a year, as well as advises the county on civil issues. Previously, Kibler owned his own practice where he concentrated on criminal defense and family law.

Kibler earned his bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University and his law degree from Southern Illinois University. He lives in Effingham.

 

 

 

Name: Michael McCoy

Position: Member - Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Peoria County Sheriff Michael McCoy to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. McCoy brings 45 years of experience in law enforcement and private security to the position.

McCoy was appointed as the Peoria County Sheriff in 2002, and has been subsequently elected to three four-year terms. He was previously the chief deputy, having returned to the department in 1994. McCoy originally joined the sheriff's department in 1972 as a correctional officer, then became a deputy sheriff and later was promoted to sergeant.

McCoy's other experience includes six years as the Chief of Police for Peoria Heights, and he began his career at the Beardstown Police Department in 1970. McCoy also spent eight years as the corporate security director at Fleming Packaging Corp.

McCoy is a veteran of the Illinois Air National Guard. He lives in Peoria.

 

 

Name: Pamela Paziotopoulos

Position: Member - Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Pamela Paziotopoulos to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Her experience as an attorney and policy leader in intimate partner violence and domestic violence will bring a necessary perspective to the board.

Paziotopoulos is currently the president of the Paziotopoulos Group, where she consults for the private and public sector on workplace violence and intimate partner violence in the workplace. Her clients include NASA, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Caterpillar.

Prior to her work as a consultant, she worked for the Cook County States Attorney in a variety of roles. In 1997 she established and developed the Domestic Violence Division to prosecute the 100,000 domestic violence cases the office sees annually. In 1999, she became the Director of Public Affairs, serving as the women's issues policy adviser. In this role she traveled to Albania to train Albanian National Police on domestic violence policy and procedures.

Paziotopoulos earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and her law degree from the Chicago Kent College of Law. She lives in Burr Ridge.

 

 

 

Name: Matthew Hower

Position: Co-Chair - Financial Reporting and Standards Board

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Matthew Hower to the Financial Reporting and Standards Board. Hower has more than 30 years of experience in the financial industry, including financial, cost and working capital management, human resources and IT. He is also a certified public accountant and certified management accountant.

Hower spent the majority of his career at AMSTED Industries, Inc. holding positions such as Vice President-Treasurer and Vice President-Audit. He led banking initiatives and cash management through the 1999 recession, and oversaw the implementation of Sarbanes Oxley Reporting standards. Currently, Hower is a principal and founder of TBM Ventures, LLC, which targets early-stage firms for investment.

Hower holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He lives in Palatine.

 

Name: John Yonover

Position: Member - Illinois Finance Authority

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed John Yonover to the Illinois Finance Authority. Yonover brings more than 25 years of experience in business to the position.

Yonover is currently the president and COO of Indiana Sugars, Inc. where he runs the day-to-day operations of the company. He is also a member of the Federal Agricultural Trade Advisory Commission, and was recently reappointed to the board.

Yonover earned his bachelor's degree from Tulane University. He lives in Flossmoor.

 

Name: Elba Aranda-Suh

Position: Member - Lottery Control Board

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Elba Aranda-Suh to the Illinois Lottery Control Board. Aranda-Suh's experience in business through her advocacy work will bring a necessary perspective to the board.

Aranda-Suh is currently the Executive Director of the National Latino Education Institute, which is formally the Spanish Coalition for Jobs. In this position she works to offer high quality education, job training, financial literacy and employment opportunities to underserved communities. She is responsible for the development and creation of an employer-driven education program, which impacts 5,000 families a year.

Aranda-Suh is an advocate for the Latino community in Illinois, serving on a number of boards and commissions including the Latino Advisory Board for U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, the Illinois Latino Family Commission and the Illinois Diversity Council.

Aranda-Suh earned two bachelor's degrees from the University of Illinois-Chicago in political science and Spanish. She lives in Palos Hills.

 

Workforce Investment Board Reappointments

•       Elizabeth Dickson

•       Henry Beards

•       Terry Wilkerson

•       Sandeep Nain

 

Illinois Finance Authority Reappointments

•       James Fuentes

•       Mordecai Tessler

•       Gila Bronner

•       Terrence O'Brien

•       Lerry Knox

 

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