New Law Ends General Assembly Tuition Waiver Program Plagued by Abuse

CHICAGO - July 11, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law abolishing the century-old political scholarship program in Illinois, one of his ethics reform goals since taking office. The Governor proposed to abolish this troubled program in 2009, 2010 and in 2011, and worked with the General Assembly to get it done this spring. Governor Quinn is committed to increasing college scholarships to students with merit who are in true financial need as well as restoring integrity to state government.

"There is no place for political scholarships in Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "I believe in the power of education, the importance of ethics and integrity, and the idea that you can get ahead in life with a little hard work. That's why today I enact this long-overdue reform and redouble our efforts to increase scholarships for deserving college students."

House Bill 3810, sponsored by Representative Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), provides that members of the General Assembly may no longer award higher education scholarships after September 1, 2012. Recipients nominated for the 2012-2013 school year will still be awarded their scholarship. The legislation was passed following numerous news reports documenting abuse of scholarships and advocacy from the Governor, Lt. Governor and good government groups.

The General Assembly Scholarship program allowed legislators to annually award eligible persons from their district with scholarships waiving tuition fees at state universities. Legislators were found to have awarded scholarships to relatives, political insiders and to people living outside their district. During the 2010-2011 school year, the program cost 11 of 12 public state universities an aggregated $13.4 million in waived tuition fees.

"While legislative scholarships help a small number of students, the program's abuse comes at an incredibly high cost in terms of trust in government and absorbed tuition at colleges and universities," Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said. "By eliminating the legislative scholarship program, Illinois can take a meaningful step toward improving our ethical standards, while focusing our efforts on making college more affordable for all students."

"Abolishing the political scholarship program ends a needless waste of taxpayer dollars and helps to alleviate state universities from an unfair financial burden," said Rep. Crespo. "Signing this legislation into law stops these abuses in the General Assembly and restores faith in our government."

HB 3810 also creates a task force to review all tuition and fee waivers offered by state universities, ensuring that taxpayer dollars funding these public institutions are being spent appropriately and helping those of merit in financial need. The task force must report its findings on or before April 15, 2013.

"It is unfortunate that the legislative scholarship program was misused by legislators, taking away what for some students was their only way of attending college," said President Cullerton. "This new law will allow us to take a comprehensive look at all tuition waivers and how we can make higher education more accessible for those who need the most help."

The new law is supported by the Better Government Association and numerous reform advocates. The law is effective immediately.

Governor's Action to Ensure Safety of Adults with Disabilities in Domestic Settings

CHICAGO - July 6, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today issued an executive order to strengthen protections for adults who have disabilities. The Governor's action today will ensure that potential cases of abuse and neglect of adults with disabilities who live in domestic settings will be investigated and referred to the appropriate authorities.

"In Illinois we believe that every life deserves respect and dignity," Governor Quinn said. "My action today will strengthen the protection of adults with disabilities and ensure the necessary steps are taken if abuse or neglect takes place."

Under Governor Quinn's executive order, the state will strengthen protections for adults with disabilities who are suspected victims of abuse and neglect. The order will ensure referrals to the appropriate authorities are made and follow-up occurs after any death of an adult with disabilities who is the subject of a pending complaint investigation by the Department of Human Services' (DHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG), regardless of the circumstances.

Starting immediately, such cases will be reported, in writing, to local law enforcement and local coroners or medical examiners, and referrals will be documented. The OIG will follow-up on the cases to determine and document what actions have been taken and what determinations have been made by the law enforcement agency. In the past, the Office of the Inspector General referred many of these cases to local law enforcement and/or the medical examiner/coroner. In some cases, contact was made but not documented by OIG staff or the receiving entity, which is unacceptable. The OIG has also swiftly taken steps to strengthen policies and procedures to ensure referrals/notifications are properly documented.

The EO also calls for a review of all deaths of an adult with disabilities who was the subject of a pending investigation by the OIG since 2003.  In such cases where documented referrals were made to law enforcement agencies, the OIG will follow up on the outcome.  For all other cases, the OIG will undertake a detailed review of each file to determine whether further DHS OIG action or referral is required.

In the future, all cases, regardless of allegations, will be referred to local law enforcement.

"We recognize the deficiencies within the program and are committed to improving it," said DHS Secretary Michelle R. B. Saddler. "We support the Governor's swift action, and we will work with the OIG to immediately implement the reforms outlined in his Executive Order."

Full text of Governor Quinn's executive order follows.

Executive Order Strengthening Reporting Requirements and  

Protective Services for Adults with Disabilities

WHEREAS, the State has an obligation to protect its most vulnerable citizens from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and

WHEREAS, adults with disabilities living in domestic settings throughout Illinois communities must be protected from being the victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation by others; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being "created to investigate and report upon allegations of the abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of individuals receiving services within mental health facilities, developmental disabilities facilities, and community agencies operated, licensed, funded or certified by the Department of Human Services," the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Human Services (DHS OIG) is also charged with investigating "alleged or suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of adults with disabilities living in domestic settings in the community under the Abuse of Adults with Disabilities Intervention Act (AADIA), 20 ILCS 2435; and

WHEREAS, the DHS OIG must immediately report the death of an adult with disabilities to the coroner or medical examiner and cooperate fully with any subsequent investigation when it "has reason to believe that the death of the adult with disabilities may be the result of abuse, neglect, or exploitation;" and

WHEREAS, as part of the statutory Adults with Disabilities Abuse Project, if the DHS OIG "has reason to believe that a crime has been committed, the incident shall be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency;" and

WHEREAS, immediate improvements must be made in the DHS OIG's referral of, documentation of, and follow-up on the deaths of adults with disabilities that may be the result of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; and

WHEREAS, the effort to provide protective services to adults with disabilities living in domestic settings requires an integrated network of resources from the DHS OIG and community service providers;

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, pursuant to the supreme executive authority vested in me by Article V, Section 8 of the Illinois Constitution, do hereby order as follows:

I. Reporting of Deaths of Adults with Disabilities by the DHS OIG

In addition to its already-existing statutory obligations under the Abuse of Adults with Disabilities Intervention Act, the DHS OIG shall: 

A.    For any death of an adult with disabilities who is the subject of a pending complaint investigation by the DHS OIG, regardless of the circumstances, immediately report the matter to both the appropriate (1) law enforcement agency and (2) coroner or medical examiner.

Such reports shall be in writing and, at a minimum, shall contain information regarding (a) the incident(s), victim(s), and subject(s), (b) the reporting of the incident to the DHS OIG, (c) the DHS OIG personnel involved, and (d) as available and applicable, case numbers for the DHS OIG, law enforcement, and the coroner or medical examiner.  The DHS OIG shall also maintain a copy of the report and shall document subsequent action, if any, by the appropriate law enforcement agency.

B.    Between 30 and 45 days after reporting the death of an adult with disabilities who is the subject of a pending complaint investigation by the DHS OIG to the appropriate law enforcement agency, contact that law enforcement agency to determine whether any further action was taken.  If no further action was taken at the end of 45 days following the DHS OIG's report, the DHS OIG shall notify the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, in writing.

C.    In evaluating past cases, contact the applicable law enforcement agency to follow up on all death referrals made by the DHS OIG to a law enforcement agency under the AADIA since 2003.  For all other deaths of an adult with disabilities who was the subject of a pending complaint investigation by the DHS OIG since 2003, the DHS OIG shall undertake a detailed review of each file to determine whether further DHS OIG action is required.

2. Enhancing Protective Services for Adults with Disabilities

A. Developing an Integrated State and Local Network for Adults with Disabilities

To supplement the current investigatory work of the DHS OIG under the Abuse of Adults with Disabilities Intervention Act and to ensure enhanced protective services through an integrated State and local network, the DHS OIG shall utilize and develop relationships with and, as necessary, contract with, regional and local provider agencies to provide (a) regional and local intake, outreach, and investigatory resources to the DHS OIG and (b) additional regional and local options for protective services for adults with disabilities in domestic settings.

B. Leveraging the Already Existing Network and Resources

The DHS OIG shall consult with and, to the extent practicable, use the Department on Aging's Protective Services for Seniors Unit as a model.  Likewise, to the extent permitted by law, in order to build an integrated State and local protective services network, the DHS OIG may initially utilize the existing contracts that the Department on Aging has with regional and local providers.

3. Savings Clause
   Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to contravene any state or federal law.

4. Severability
   If any provision of this Executive Order is found invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

5. Effective Date
   This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.

Law Will Help Protect Dwindling Shark Populations Worldwide

CHICAGO - July 1, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law that bans the sale, trade, or distribution of shark fins in Illinois. The practice of harvesting shark fins, most commonly for shark fin soup and Asian cuisine, usually results in the shark's death. As part of Governor Quinn's efforts to stop animal cruelty and preserve natural resources in Illinois, this new law will help end the killing of sharks for their fins and prevent the collapse of shark populations worldwide.

"Sharks have roamed our oceans for millions of years but the practice of harvesting them for their fins poses a great threat to the species," Governor Quinn said. "By limiting the market for shark fins, we will protect ocean ecosystems and shark populations around the world."

House Bill 4119, sponsored by Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and Sen. Antonio Munoz (D-Chicago), bans the selling and trading of shark fins in Illinois, which are harvested and typically used in shark fin soup and Asian cuisine. Frequently, sharks are caught and their fins cut off to be sold or traded. The shark is then thrown finless back into the ocean where it bleeds to death or drowns.

"I would like to thank Governor Quinn for signing legislation and putting Illinois at the forefront of this important issue," said Rep. Feigenholtz. "In addition to being inhumane, the practice of harvesting shark fins has had a devastating impact on worldwide shark populations and put at risk the balance of our global oceanic ecosystems."

"In Illinois and Chicago, where we value our beautiful Lake Michigan, our rivers and natural resources we understand the importance of preserving and saving delicate ecosystems," said Sen. Munoz. "Thank you, Governor Quinn, for helping us do what's right and protect these animals."

Shark populations worldwide have declined by an estimated 90 percent or more during the past 50 years. The demand for shark fins has increased along with the popularity of shark fin soup. This new law will help protect shark populations by prohibiting the fins from being distributed in Illinois. Illinois is the first non-Pacific state to enact such protections. The ban takes effect on Jan. 1.

The Governor signed the law at the Shedd Aquarium's Wild Reef, which is 25 feet below street level. A re-creation of Apo Island, an Indo-Pacific island in the Philippines, the Wild Reef brings one of North America's largest and most-diverse shark habitats to the shores of Lake Michigan. More than 20 sharks reside in a curved-overhead 400,000-gallon habitat, including blacktip reef, spotted and japaense wobbegong, and sandbar sharks. Other large reef fish, such as the 40-pound Napoleon wrasse share the habitat.

"This is a historic day for sharks around the world. We applaud Governor Quinn, State Representative Feigenholtz, the Illinois General Assembly and our coalition partners for enacting this law," said Ted A. Beattie, Shedd Aquarium president & CEO. "Each year millions of sharks are killed, many only for their fins. As a global conservation and education organization, and leader in shark research, this is welcomed news for these amazing and very misunderstood animals."

"The unsustainable demand for shark fins has had a devastating impact on shark populations worldwide, and this decisive action makes it clear Illinois will no longer contribute to the cruelty," said Kristen Strawbridge, Illinois state director for The HSUS. "We thank Governor Quinn for signing this bill into law and making Illinois the first Midwestern state to join the international movement to protect sharks by shutting down the market for shark fins."

Shedd Aquarium

The John G. Shedd Aquarium, a nonprofit organization dedicated to public education and conservation, is among one of the world's largest indoor aquariums. The facility houses over 32,500 aquatic animals representing some 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the world.  Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium is known as "The World's Aquarium."  Since its opening in 1930, the aquarium's mission has been to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the aquatic world.  Shedd Aquarium is committed to a number of projects designed to preserve threatened or endangered aquatic species. For more information visit www.sheddaquarium.org.

New Law Creates Natural Disaster Homestead Exemption to Provide Property Tax Relief to Families Hit by Tornado

CHICAGO - June 28, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed two new laws to strengthen state recovery efforts in Harrisburg and support economic growth in Southern Illinois. House Bill 4242 creates a new Natural Disaster Homestead Exemption, which will provide much-needed tax relief for families who are rebuilding their homes after a wide-spread natural disaster. The new law is designed to aid families by allowing them to apply for a property tax exemption that is equal to the current value of their homes minus the value of the home when the disaster occurred.

"After a natural disaster, families need all the help we can give them, and we will continue to aid the people of Southern Illinois in their recovery" said Governor Quinn. "While nothing can replace what they lost, a break on their property taxes will relieve the financial burden of rebuilding their homes and their lives."

House Bill 4242, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) and Sen. Gary Forby (D-Benton), continues the state's efforts to aid Southern Illinois' recovery following a deadly Feb. 29 tornado that devastated the area. Governor Quinn directed state officials to provide aid and assistance to homeowners and businesses in their recovery. Although the Governor's requests for federal assistance were denied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration approved a request for a disaster declaration. The declaration made low-interest loans available to homeowners, renters and businesses in nine Southern Illinois counties.

Under the new law, each county's chief assessor will establish the rules, timeframes and application deadlines for applying for the Natural Disaster Homestead Exemption. The new law creates two standards that applicants must meet in order to qualify for the exemption. First, the residential structure must be rebuilt within two years after the date of the natural disaster. Second, the square footage of the rebuilt residential structure may not be more than 110 percent of the square footage of the original residential structure as it existed immediately prior to the natural disaster. The exemption will remain valid for as long as that family lives in the house. If the property is sold or transferred, the exemption becomes invalid. The law goes into effect immediately.

Governor Quinn also signed House Bill 4445, sponsored by Rep. David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) and Sen. Dale Righter (R-Charleston), to continue efforts to grow the economy of downstate Illinois. The new law expands the Southeastern Illinois Economic Development Authority to include 27 members, an increase of the authority's current 10 member body. The authority promotes industrial, commercial and residential development, as well as transportation and other services in Southeastern Illinois. The new law goes into effect immediately.