Manny Flores to Lead Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; Humanitarian Merri Dee Named to Human Rights Commission 

CHICAGO - November 1, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced Manny Flores as Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and former journalist and philanthropist Merri Dee to the Illinois Human Rights Commission. The governor also announced a number of other executive appointments to various boards and commissions that will continue his commitment to making state government more accountable, transparent and effective.

"Mr. Flores and Ms. Dee are proven public servants who have been strong advocates of everyday people," Governor Quinn said. "The stellar citizens I am appointing today will make our state stronger."

Manny Flores most recently served as director for the Division of Banking at IDFPR. He was previously appointed by Governor Quinn as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission. He is a former Chicago alderman and prosecutor in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. He holds a J.D. from George Washington University.

Merri Dee is former Chicago journalist and is the current president of the Illinois chapter of AARP. She was previously appointed by Governor Quinn to the Serve Illinois Commission and played a key role in drafting Illinois' first-ever crime victims' rights legislation. She has spent many years advocating for the United Negro College Fund and other charities.

Other appointments made by Governor Quinn today are below. For more information about Illinois' boards and commissions or to apply for a position, visit www.appointments.illinois.gov.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission: Amber Smock of Chicago is a Director of Advocacy at Access Living and has received several awards for her work as a disability rights advocate. She received her MA in Writing from School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BA in English from University of California Berkley.

Drycleaner Environmental Response Trust Fund Council: Dae Kim is the second generation of his family to work in the dry cleaning industry. He has a bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Paul Kwak has owned a dry cleaning business and has been a member of the Drycleaner Environmental Response Trust Fund Council since 2005. John Bredenkamp works at Wabash Independent Oil Co. in dry cleaning supply distribution, and has been a member of the Drycleaner Environmental Response Trust Fund Council since 2002. Jerome Anthony Lewicki has been on the Drycleaner Environmental Response Trust Fund Council since 1998.

Early Learning Council: Vanessa Rich is the Deputy Commissioner of Children Services at the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services. Daniel Fitzgerald is the Deputy Director of Service Intervention at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Electric Vehicle Advisory Council: Josh Milberg has been actively involved in the development of Electric Vehicle strategy for the city of Chicago and is an advisor to the Citizens Utility Board on Electric Vehicle policy and strategy. He holds an MBA from Yale University.

Governor's Council on Health and Physical Fitness: Clersida Garcia is a leading member of the Midwest and National American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD). Garcia has also published books on the topics of physical development and health and physical education.

Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service: Giraldo Rosales of Champaign was appointed to the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service by the Governor in 2009. He is a former Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with over 30 years of experience working in K-20 education.

Illinois Geographic Information Council: Angela Brooks has an extensive background in urban planning, affordable housing and advocating for homelessness. She received her Master of Arts in Urban and Regional planning from the University of New Orleans. Bishnu Prasad Phuyal has received a Ph. D from Ohio State University in the spatial and geographical field. Phuyal has vast experience in community service, and was awarded the Humanitarian Service Award in recognition of his service to the Illinois Secretary of State. William Dickson has experience with GIS data analysis and has been a county Transportation Planner for nearly fifteen years. Kristen Amaya is a U.S. Navy Veteran who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Illinois and a Master of Public Administration from Southern Illinois University. Keith Yearman has served as the Director of the Illinois Geographical Society for the past six years. He is an assistant professor of geography at the College of DuPage. Michael Rizzitiello is the Director of Information Services at the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association and has an extensive background in urban planning and geospatial technologies. Joseph Hinton received his Master of Arts in Geography from the University of Illinois and has been employed as a Community Relations Specialist with the Center for Economic Success.

Illinois Liquor Control Commission:  Maria Saldana is the chief operating officer at The Resurrection Project and previously served on the Illinois Toll Highway Authority and as president of the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners. She is a graduate of Stanford University and holds a J.D. from the University of California-Berkeley.

Illinois Sports Facilities Authority: Dr. Quentin Young is the former president of the Chicago Board of Health and served as Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Cook County Hospital. A nationally renowned physician and civil rights activist, he previously served as president of the American Public Health Association. Dr. Young founded the Chicago-based Health and Medicine Policy Research Group and co-founded the Physicians for a National Health Program.

Juvenile Justice Commission: Rick Velasquez is the Executive Director at Youth Outreach Services, Inc. He holds a Master's degree of Social Work from Jane Addams College at University of Illinois-Chicago, and a BA in Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University. Patrick Nelson is a Cook County probation officer in Cook County with a BS in Business Administration from Lane College, and his Teaching Certificate from Citywide Colleges. Lisa Jacobs is the Program Manager for Models for Change Initiative at Loyola University and holds a J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law. George Hill, Jr. is the President of Mid-States General and Mechanical Contracting Group and holds a BS in Civil Engineering and Business Administration from University of Minnesota. Shelley Andrea Davis of Chicago is a Lecturer at University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy and a National Advisor for Women's Initiative for Self Employment, with over 20 years of nonprofit and philanthropic work experience helping to improve public policies. She holds an M.A. of Urban Planning with an emphasis in Community Development and Economic Development from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a B.A. in Psychology from Lawrence University. Dr. Toni Irving is a deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to Governor Pat Quinn. She is co-chair of the Illinois Human Services Commission and holds a Ph.D. in English and American Literature from New York University. Arthur Bishop was appointed by Governor Quinn as director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice in 2010 following a 35-year career in child welfare and community health administration.

Mid-America Medical District: Roy Lantry has worked in Biopharmaceuticals at Amgen Inc. and has over 30 years of experience in the health care field. He is currently working towards a PhD in Public Health with a concentration in Health Care Finances at St. Louis University, and has received an MBA from Southern Illinois University and a BA from Quincy College. Larry McCulley works at the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation and has over 20 years of experience in health care, with extensive experience in the development, expansion and positioning of health care services in the Southwestern Illinois area. He received his MA in Gerontology and BS in Health Studies from Eastern Illinois University.

Municipal Clerks Training Institute Committee: Jo Anne Ragona is the City Clerk of Darien and has 23 years of experience in municipal government. She holds a BA from DePaul University.

P-20 Council: Jane Anne Russell is a union president and a Professional Development Instructor at Governors State University. She has served as Chair of Illinois Federation of Teachers P-20 Education Policy Council.

Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board: Salvador J. Lopez of Chicago is an attorney at the Legal Assistance Foundation, helping low-income residents, minorities and senior citizens in real estate and consumer rights related cases. He received his B.A. from University of Illinois at Chicago and his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, and is also a U.S. Navy veteran who assisted in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sex Offender Management Board: Shawn Albert is a Bloomington police officer with experience working on sex offender cases in collaboration with the Illinois Attorney General's Office and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Taskforce: Valerie Lies is the president and CEO of Donors Forum, an association that promotes philanthropy and a strong nonprofit sector in Illinois. She was named by the Nonprofit Times as one of the sector's "Top 50 Power and Influence Leaders" in the United States. Chinwe Onyeagoro is the co-founder and CEO of O-H Community Partners, an economic development firm. She is also the co-founder and editor of New Equity Business, a small business financing portal. She is also a graduate of Harvard University and is an active member of several Chicago-area civic organizations. Patricia Morrissey, a manager at Groupon, a board member of the Corporate Responsibility Group of Greater Chicago and an advisor to Impact Engine, an accelerator for impact entrepreneurs. Brandon Bodor is the executive director of the Serve Illinois Commission and is a U.S. Army Veteran, having served in in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a graduate of West Point and is pursuing his MBA from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business.

State University Retirement System (SURS) - Paul R. T. Johnson Jr. is an investment expert and owner of LSU Trading. He is a former CEO at Boston Cabot LLC and a former member of the board of directors for the Chicago Board of Trade. Craig McCrohon is a partner at Burke, Warren, MacKay and Serritella where he specializes in corporate, securities and mergers and acquisitions law. He is a graduate of Harvard University and holds a JD/MBA from the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School of Business. Richard Figueroa is the director of Capital Markets for The Opus Group. He is a graduate of Yale University and holds a MBA and a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago.

Tri-City Regional Port District Board: Edward Hagnauer is a current member of the Tri-City Port District Board and is the Mayor of Granite City. He served on the Madison County Board for seven years, and worked as a Granite City firefighter and fire chief for nearly 30 years.

Tri-County River Valley Development Authority: Laraine E. Bryson has served as president of the Tri-County (Peoria) Urban League for nearly 20 years and holds a J.D. from the St. Louis University School of Law. Michael Thomas Everett is the business manager for IBEW Local #34 and serves on the board of directors of several Peoria-area community organizations including the Heart of IL United Way and the Peoria Economic Development Council.

GALESBURG - October 26, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today joined Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider, local leaders and rail officials to announce the completion of a new $16.1 million Illinois Jobs Now! transportation infrastructure project that will dramatically improve traffic conditions in the area. The new grade separation in Galesburg eliminates the at-grade crossing along Main Street, and creates a new overpass spanning from east of Academy Street to west of Garfield Avenue and over the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) tracks. This collaborative endeavor between the Federal Highway Administration, State of Illinois, City of Galesburg and BSNF created or supported nearly 140 jobs, and is set to reduce traffic congestion and emissions and improve roadway and rail safety in the region. The project is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to modernize Illinois' transportation infrastructure.

"If we want to compete in the global economy, Illinois must have a world-class transportation system," Governor Quinn said. "This grade separation improvement will cut down travel times, alleviate traffic and rail congestion and improve safety in Galesburg for decades to come. Not only did this project boost the regional economy and put hundreds of people back to work, it provides a solid foundation to address traffic demands well into the 21st century."

This grade project separated the current at-grade crossing at the double set of BNSF tracks located on West Main Street by constructing a new roadway overpass for vehicles. The new West Main Street segment also consists of five lane approaches, retaining walls on overpass, new traffic signaling, street lighting and a four-lane bridge deck with additional pedestrian improvements including a safety fence, sidewalks, curb cuts, aesthetics and landscaping. In addition to reducing congestion and auto emissions from idling, the new overpass will also improve capacity and traffic flow, and prevent emergency vehicles from being delayed. Construction on the project started in July 2011.

"Today we proudly stand here to announce the successful, timely and efficient completion of the Main Street Grade Separation project, and we also want to highlight how this joint public-private partnership helped grow the local economy and greatly improve the quality of life for both travelers and residents," Secretary Schneider said. "Thanks to Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! program, this major grade separation project will undoubtedly decrease current travel times of motorists and rail commuters, improve reliability and boost logistical benefits to local businesses."

Main Street is the second busiest street in Galesburg, with nearly 100 trains utilizing the crossing at speeds of 30 miles per hour each day. Approximately 9,400 vehicles drive on West Main Street each day. Prior to the project, the average time for a vehicle to wait at a train crossing was 4-5 minutes.

"These grade separations will shave commute times and improve safety by completely separating road and rail traffic at busy railroad crossings," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).  "Transportation investment is one of the best ways to spur business development, which is why, in 2010, I secured $2.92 million in federal funding to support this project. Beginning with West Main Street today, these grade separations will allow businesses to more easily move products in and out of the area, making Galesburg a more attractive place to live and work."

"This is the day when a dream of many decades becomes reality," State Representative Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) said. "Because of the efforts of local, state and federal officials working with citizens of the community, we have built a bridge to the future - a future that improves public safety and increases economic opportunity."

This project received an investment of $14.5 million from Governor Quinn's six-year, $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program. Those funds supported $809,000 from the Federal Highway Administration and $806,150 from BSNF.

Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in state history. Of the $14 billion in the program dedicated for transportation needs, $11.3 billion has been spent on projects that have improved more than 6,600 miles of roads and more than 1,000 bridges, creating approximately 140,000 jobs from highway projects alone.

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110-mile per hour Rail Demonstration A Milestone For Midwest High-Speed Rail Network, Thousands of Jobs Created from Work

JOLIET - October 19, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo, Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider, Amtrak Chairman Tom Carper, and local leaders to celebrate the start of 110-mph rail service in Illinois. Today's demonstration of 110-mph speeds between Dwight and Pontiac on the critical Chicago-St. Louis rail corridor represents a historic step towards the establishment of a high-speed rail network that will secure Illinois' position as the Midwest's transportation hub.

The project - part of a $2 billion federal and state investment in high-speed rail - has created and supported more than 6,000 construction jobs and many more related to production and equipment manufacturing.

The 15-mile demonstration segment showcased major infrastructure improvements, state-of-the-art signaling, and significant technological and safety advancements. Trains will start carrying Amtrak riders at the higher speed between Dwight and Pontiac before Thanksgiving of this year. The 110-mph service is projected to be in place along nearly 75% of the Chicago-St. Louis corridor by 2015, reducing travel time by more than an hour. Today's demonstration is part of Governor Quinn's vision to bring high-speed rail to Illinois and modernize the state's transportation infrastructure.

"A 21st century rail system in Illinois will create jobs and drive economic development throughout the Midwest, while making travel across Illinois faster, safer and more reliable," Governor Quinn said. "This demonstration of high-speed rail service would not be possible without the unwavering commitment of President Obama, Secretary LaHood, Senator Dick Durbin, and many others. High-speed rail is coming to Illinois and these long-term investments in our transportation system will benefit the citizens of our state for generations to come."

"Investing in passenger rail means more options for the traveling public, new jobs and expanding economic opportunities for communities all along the Chicago to St. Louis corridor," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "With next generation rail equipment, new track structures, and renovated and new rail stations, passengers will be able to enjoy faster travel times aboard a greater number of trains. Today's achievement is just one more example of how rail investments are transforming communities across America."

Illinois has become a national leader in passenger rail expansion. Total ridership on Amtrak's four Illinois routes has grown nearly 75% over the past six years, rising to more than 2.1 million passengers last year. Ridership on today's Chicago-St. Louis Lincoln Service alone has doubled in that time period, despite relatively slow speeds and aging equipment. When completed, trains traveling from Chicago to St. Louis will reach top speeds matching those of trains now traveling between Chicago and Detroit, the fastest passenger trains in North America outside of the East Coast.

"Amtrak is a lynchpin in Illinois mass transportation and a vital component in the economic development of communities from Chicago to St. Louis, and with ridership up 6 percent this year, its popularity only continues to grow," U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said. "Recognizing high-speed rail's outstanding potential to create jobs and drive growth, as well as our state's leading role in transportation infrastructure, the federal government invested close to $2 billion out of a total $8 billion made available nationwide through the Recovery Act into Illinois projects. High-speed trains will help move residents quickly and comfortably across the state and ensure Illinois remains a top passenger rail provider. Today's test is a major step toward that goal."

Today's demonstration began at the soon-to-be renovated Joliet Union Station and ended at Normal's brand new multi-modal train station, where transportation officials highlighted the modern upgrades, accommodations and benefits Amtrak travelers will experience first-hand in the near future. Before it was complete, the new Normal station and promise of 110-mph service had attracted more than $200 million in private investments to its downtown area, an example of how rail investment attracts economic growth.  Future rail investments along the Chicago to St. Louis corridor will spur economic activity across Illinois in Springfield, Dwight, Pontiac, Lincoln, Carlinville, Alton and Joliet where new or newly-renovated stations are under development or in the planning stages.

"This remarkable 110-mph segment demonstration serves as a testament to exceptional teamwork among all levels of government and the private sector, and exemplifies the dedication to enhancing viable, cost-effective and essential transportation improvements needed to compete effectively in the decades ahead," Secretary Schneider said. "We are proud to unveil this high-speed rail segment test as a landmark step in rail history and share what travelers may experience in the very near future."

Today's high-speed rail demonstration follows the recent announcement of a $352 million multi-state procurement to design, build and deliver 130 bi-level passenger railcars for use in California and the Midwest, including the Chicago to St. Louis corridor. The Notice of Intent to Award identified Rochelle, Illinois-based vendor Nippon-Sharyo/Sumitomo Corporation of America as the expected builder of the railcars, the first of which are slated for delivery in fall 2015.

"We have worked in partnership with the state of Illinois to make 110-mph service a reality and Amtrak is continuing to bring high-speed rail service in an expanded Midwest network," said Tom Carper, chairman, Amtrak Board of Directors. "When this project is complete, we anticipate the Chicago-St. Louis corridor will be one of the busiest in the country."

"I want to congratulate Union Pacific's field engineering team that has produced some very impressive numbers since this project started in 2010," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific Railroad's executive vice president - operations. "The team has laid more than 2.5 million linear feet of rail, spread nearly 1.3 million tons of ballast to help provide a more stable roadbed and installed nearly 620,000 concrete ties. Thank you for a job well done."

Existing Amtrak Amfleet cars have been refurbished to include new coach and business class seating, new café cars, healthier menu items and Wi-Fi service. Additional upgrades underway on the Chicago-St. Louis corridor route include installation of safer quadrant and pedestrian gates at urban crossings, gates at farm crossings, and new signals and road surfaces at crossings.

To follow progress, updates and completed improvements along the signature Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail corridor, please visit www.idothsr.org.

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Findings Will Guide Governor's Comprehensive Solution to Strengthen Protections of People with Disabilities Across Illinois

CHICAGO - October 12, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today received the official report from Michael McCotter following his special investigation of the Office of the Inspector General of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). Earlier this year, Governor Quinn appointed McCotter, a 40-year law enforcement veteran, as Special Investigator to review cases and develop recommendations to reform the investigative operations of the Inspector General's office.

"I thank Special Investigator Michael McCotter for his diligent work in conducting this report," Governor Quinn said. "We will immediately review the findings and work with members of the General Assembly and advocates to implement a comprehensive solution that reforms the operation of this office and ensures all people are treated with dignity and respect."

Following reports of abuse and neglect, Governor Quinn took immediate action by issuing an executive order to strengthen protections for adults with disabilities who are suspected victims of such mistreatment and ensure that potential cases will be properly reviewed and referred to the appropriate authorities. The governor also directed a comprehensive overhaul of the office to ensure accountability and the protection of our most fragile citizens. He appointed Michael McCotter to probe the operations of the Inspector General and develop recommendations for reform.

As Special Investigator, McCotter was charged with reviewing the OIG's investigative procedures and policies. The recommended reforms included in the report are designed to ensure the OIG fulfills its mission of protecting people with disabilities.

McCotter was previously appointed by Governor Quinn as chief public safety officer for the Illinois Department of Corrections and has served in several senior positions at the Chicago Police Department, including chief of patrol, deputy chief of detectives, commander of special events and district commander. He has had professional training with the FBI, United States Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, among other law enforcement agencies.

After reviewing the McCotter report, the governor's staff will move quickly- working with members of the General Assembly and advocates - to implement a comprehensive solution that best protects citizens with disabilities.

Please see the attachment for a copy of the full report.

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