14 Aug 2015

Governor Takes Bill Action 8/13/2015

By Catherine Kelly

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

 

Bill No.: HB 228

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 233

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 576

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB2644

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Veto

Note: Veto message is below.

 

Bill No.: HB3104

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB3231

An Act Concerning Animals

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3428

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3577

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 509

An Act Concerning Revenue

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 816

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Amendatory Veto

Note: Amendatory veto message below.

 

Bill No.: SB 1344

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Veto

Note: Veto message is below

 

Bill No.: SB 1360

An Act Concerning Business

Action: Veto

Note: Veto message is below.

 

Bill No.: SB 1714

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1861

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Veto Message HB 2644

 

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois House of Representatives

99th General Assembly:

 

Today I veto House Bill 2644 from the 99th General Assembly, which would limit the rights of condominium owners.

 

Current law permits condominium owners, acting by approval of 75% of unit owners, to limit or restrict certain rights of their board with respect to disputes and legal actions. This bill would remove that right and automatically void any contrary provision in a condominium instrument. This bill is an unnecessary restriction on the rights of condominium owners with respect to their property.

 

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bil 2644, "AN ACT concerning civil law", with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

 

 

Veto Message SB 816

 

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

99th General Assembly:

 

 

Today I return Senate Bill 816 with a specific recommendation for change.

Section 2.1 of the Water Commission Act authorizes a water commission to vote to dissolve itself and consolidate into another unit of government. This authority was only recently enacted into law in 2014 at the recommendation of the Local Government Consolidation Commission. Senate Bill 816 would remove this authority.

Illinois currently has almost 7,000 units of local government, far more than any state in the country. I strongly support the authority of units of local government to take initiative to dissolve and consolidate.

In one particular circumstance, however, this authority is hampering the DuPage Water Commission's ability to effectively serve its constituents. The Commission was created and funded by voluntary participating municipalities. Because the Commission can be effectively dissolved by those municipalities, the additional authority conferred by the 2014 law is not necessary in the limited case of the Commission.

I applaud the efforts of those members of the General Assembly who have championed the consolidation of local government. The change recommended below allows for the dissolution of water commissions best suited to their circumstances.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(e) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 816, entitled "AN ACT concerning local government", with the following specific recommendation for change:

On page 1, by replacing lines 7 through 23 with the following:

"Sec. 2.1. Cessation of commission organization.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a majority vote of the water commission is in favor of the proposition to annex the commission to another commission whose boundaries are contiguous, or consolidate the commission into a municipality with which the commission is coterminous or substantially coterminous, or consolidate the commission into the county in which the commission sits, and if the governing authorities of the governmental unit assuming the functions of the former commission agree by resolution to accept the functions (and jurisdiction over the territory, if applicable) of the consolidated or annexed commission, then the commission shall cease. On the effective date of the annexation or consolidation, all the rights, powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities, indebtedness, obligations, bonding authority, taxing authority, and responsibilities of the commission shall vest in and be assumed by the governmental unit assuming the functions of the former commission.

The employees of the former commission shall be transferred to the governmental unit assuming the functions of the former commission. The governmental unit assuming the functions of the former commission shall exercise the rights and responsibilities of the former commission with respect to those employees. The status and rights of the employees of the former commission under any applicable contracts or collective bargaining agreements, historical representation rights under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act, or under any pension, retirement, or annuity plan shall not be affected by this amendatory Act.

(b) This Section shall not apply to any water commission organized in DuPage County."; and

 

On page 2, by deleting lines 1 through 12.

 

With this change, Senate Bill 816 will have my approval. I respectfully request your concurrence.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

 

 

Veto Message SB 1344

 

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

99th General Assembly:

 

 

Today I veto Senate Bill 1344 from the 99th General Assembly, which lowers the threshold required for common interest community associations to incorporate as municipalities.

 

Under current law, a common interest community association may initiate the process to incorporate as a municipality upon approval by two-thirds of its members. Senate Bill 1344 would lower that threshold from two-thirds to "51%" of the members.

 

The decision to incorporate as a municipality, which implicates a range of tax and local governance policies, should not be taken lightly. Illinois has almost 7,000 units of local government, more than any state in country. As such, we should maintain the higher threshold for initiating the incorporation process.

 

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 1344, "AN ACT concerning civil law", with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

 

 

Veto Message SB 1360

 

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

99th General Assembly:

 

Today I veto Senate Bill 1360 from the 99th General Assembly, which would increase the cost and burdens of doing business in Cook County.

 

Under current law, a business that operates with an assumed name is required to register that name with the Secretary of State and each county in which the business operates. The business is also required to renew that registration with the Secretary of State - and pay a renewal fee to the State - periodically. This bill would require the business to also renew its registration with Cook County, but no other county, every five years and pay a renewal fee to Cook County.

 

This new mandate and fee would apply mostly to small businesses. The economic climate in Illinois is already detrimental to business, particularly small business. Over and over, we hear small businesses report that they are overburdened with regulations and fees, which hamper their ability to expand and impose barriers to entry.

 

Moreover, the need for the bill is not apparent. The Secretary of State maintains a thorough and current online database of business registrations and assumed names. We should be exploring ways to consolidate and eliminate redundant filing requirements between the State and local governments, rather than expanding them.

 

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 1360, entitled "AN ACT concerning business", with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

 

 

 

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14 Aug 2015

Debunking 8 Social Security Myths on Its 80th Birthday

By Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
August 13, 2015
August 14 marks the 80th birthday of the Social Security program, which was established in the Social Security Act of 1935. Over the past 80 years, Social Security has provided important cash benefits and income security to seniors, survivors, individuals with disabilities, and their families - including to nearly 60 million people today.
Yet Social Security is on a financially unsustainable course - and is not on track to be able to pay full benefits through its 100th birthday. Last year, the program paid $73 billion more in benefits than it raised from taxes. As the more of the baby boom population retires and Americans continue living longer, that gap is projected to grow - depleting the trust fund reserves of the disability program late next year and the old age program in the early- to mid-2030s. Failure to address the gap between spending and revenue could result in an immediate 19 percent cut to all workers with disabilities, and a 20 to 30 percent across-the-board cut to retirees.
Sadly, instead of identifying solutions to prevent depletion of the trust funds, many commenters have relied on myths and half-truths to avoid having a conversation about the necessary choices. In this paper, we identify eight such myths - though there are many more:
Myth #1: Social Security does not face a large funding shortfall
Myth #2: Today's workers will not receive Social Security benefits
Myth #3: Social Security would be fine if we hadn't "raided the trust fund"
Myth #4: Social Security cannot run a deficit
Myth #5: Social Security has nothing to do with the rest of the budget
Myth #6: We don't need to worry about Social Security for 20 years
Myth #7: Social Security reform is code for slashing benefits, especially for the poor
Myth #8: Social Security is too hard to fix
14 Aug 2015

Welcome Guidance from Federal Trade Commission for Businesses

By Grassley Press

Thurs., Aug. 13, 2015

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley today made the following statement after the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) announcement that it was providing more guidance for businesses under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.  Section 5 provides authority for the FTC to enforce "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce...."

Grassley and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, along with other members of the Senate and House, sent a letter to the commission urging it to issue specific guidelines on the FTC's authority under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.   In the letter, the members wrote, "The absence of clear parameters for the FTC's Section 5 authority based on empirical and economic justifications engenders uncertainty in the business community.  This uncertainty acts as a deterrent to innovation and creativity, which are critical drivers of the American economy and are vitally important in today's challenging economic environment.  Accordingly, articulating a standard by which the FTC intends to utilize its Section 5 unfair method of competition authority should be a high priority."

Here is Grassley's comment on today's actions.

"Today's announcement is a welcome development and a step forward for business owners who want to abide by the law.  It's hard for businesses to comply with Section 5 if it isn't clear what constitutes a violation of the law. Although I wish the commission had allowed for public comment, I appreciate the FTC taking the concerns of Congress into consideration as they wrote this new guidance.  We'll continue to monitor the FTC's enforcement of Section 5 to ensure that the commission is exercising its authority in an appropriate and consistent manner."

14 Aug 2015

Genesis Fall Foot Race Will Benefit Children's Health Projects

By Rick Martin

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Aug. 13, 2015 - The third annual Fall Foot Race to benefit children's health projects of the Genesis Health Services Foundation will be run Saturday, Sept. 12 at Prairie Heights Park in Davenport.

The one-mile fun run/walk starts and 8:30 a.m. and the 5K will start at 9:00 a.m.  Prairie Heights Park is located off 53rd Street and Eastern Ave. in Davenport.

The event is coordinated by Genesis Health Promotion Department, Genesis Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine and is co-sponsored by  Tri-City Electric of Iowa and Kimberly/Courtesy Car Centers.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Camp Genesis, a free camp experience for children who have someone in their family fighting cancer; Flu-Free Quad Cities, free seasonal flu vaccinations for elementary school students throughout the region; and, the needs of the Genesis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

There will be trophies for the top three male and female finishers. Medals will be awarded to age group winners. Long sleeve t-shirts will be available to everyone registered on or before August 28.

Registration is available at www.genesishealth.com. Race day registration will also be available.  Cost is $20 for adults entered by Aug. 28 and $15 for children. Families can register for $50 by Aug. 28. For questions, call (563) 421-3871.

Packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. at Genesis Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Eastern Ave and 53rd Street, Davenport.

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14 Aug 2015

Loebsack Announces More Than $1 Million to Strengthen Manufacturing in SE Iowa

By Joe Hand

Funding will establish a workforce training facility at Southeastern Community College

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that Southeastern Community College in Keokuk will receive $1,000,308 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). These competitively awarded funds will be used to construct a new Industrial Maintenance Technology facility. The facility will provide training in advanced manufacturing and industrial technologies to meet the demands of the local and regional industries.

Loebsack has been a longtime supporter of establishing similar partnerships between businesses, labor organizations, local stakeholders, and education and training providers to help close the gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and skills that businesses need. Last year, large portions of his jobs and workforce investment bill, the SECTORS Act, was signed into law as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

"I have long believed that community colleges are the principal intersection between education and workforce development. When traveling around Iowa meeting with business leaders, I hear time and time again that they can't find workers with the skill set they need to be able to hire, despite high unemployment rates. I am very pleased that Southeastern Community College has received this funding to help close the gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and the skills local business need."

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14 Aug 2015

Thank The Seals Motorcycle Ride 2015

By Mark McLaughlin
IA/IL QUAD CITIES - Thank The SEALs Motorcycle Ride 2015 goes farther than thanking Robert O'Neill of SEAL Team 6, the man who killed Osama bin Laden and the same SEAL part of the team that eliminated the terrorists who took Captain Phillips, his ship and crew hostage. This ride will create awareness about the SEALs and Special Forces who protect and keep America free.
Thank The SEALs Motorcycle Ride 2015 will begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2015, at Veterans Memorial Park, 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf, IA. Participants will then ride across the country for four days to Texas. The opening ceremony will be led by the Mayor of Bettendorf and City Administrator and followed by a police escort.
In addition to generating awareness, the ride will also raise much-needed funds for Robert O'Neill's foundation, Your Grateful Nation, which was set up not for just Navy SEALs but for all special forces and their families. For more information on the event, or to donate, shop for gear, or get involved with this important cause, visit thanktheseals.com.
13 Aug 2015

Illinois National Guard welcomes new Adjutant General at Change of Command Ceremony

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

CHATHAM, IL (08/13/2015)(readMedia)-- The gymnasium at Glenwood High School in Chatham, Illinois was the backdrop for a ceremony filled with tradition as the Illinois National Guard bid farewell to the outgoing Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei of Springfield, Illinois and welcomed the new Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes, Jr., of Chatham, Illinois August 9, 2015.

The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition which signifies the passing of a unit's colors and the transfer of command authority from one commander to another. The ceremony also pays homage to the outgoing commander while, at the same time, demonstrates loyalty to the incoming commander.

Soldiers and Airmen, friends, family, and distinguished guests joined to participate in the event. Among the distinguished guests was Illinois' Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti who presided over the event.

Sanguinetti bid a fond farewell to Krumrei.

"General Krumrei has devoted his life, his energy, his faith, and his force of courage and distinguished leadership to our military, our state, and our country," said Sanguinetti. "As lieutenant governor of the state of Illinois, I say thank you, gracias. Illinois is forever grateful to you and your family for your service and sacrifice."

Sanguinetti went on to welcome Hayes into his new position as Adjutant General.

"From a personal standpoint, I noticed right from the get-go his incredible humility and, at the same time, his immense leadership skills," she said. "Due to his strategic vision, his vast strategic knowledge, and proven judgement, Governor Rauner and I are confident General Hayes is the right person in command at a time of change and challenge in the state."

Following the lieutenant governor, Krumrei thanked everyone who he said gave him opportunities to succeed in his career.

"I thank all off the general officers, the staff, the commanders, the NCOs, the Soldiers, and the Airmen for all of your support over these many years," said Krumrei.

Krumrei also thanked Hayes' mother for raising the "the right man" for the job.

"He's a good boy," said Krumrei. "You done good; and as my first act as a retired adjutant general, on behalf of the Illinois National Guard, I would like to give you my coin. Thank you."

Following his speech, Krumrei, Hayes, Sanguinetti, Illinois' Land Component Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman of Plainfield, Illinois and Illinois' Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant, Chief Master Sgt. John Jordan conducted the passing of the colors.

After receiving the colors, Hayes addressed the attendees.

"Humbled and honored beyond all belief I guess that's how I would categorize this," said Hayes. "I couldn't be here without all of you here, and all of the Soldiers, Airmen, NCOs, and officers that have supported me."

Hayes said his vision for the Illinois National Guard to be a relevant, integrated, community-based joint force; always ready and always there to protect our state, defend our homeland, and fight our nation's wars when called upon.

Hayes also took a unique opportunity to present his challenge coin to Krumrei as a symbol of gratitude.

"This rarely happens in the military, where you actually get to coin your boss," said Hayes. "I haven't ever been able to coin a two-star, so I'm going to take advantage of it today. Thank you for your service to the state and to the Guard, general Krumrei."

13 Aug 2015

Camp Courageous Receives a Mint 1966 VW Cabriolet

By Charlie Becker
MONTICELLO, IOWA   Camp Courageous, a year-round camp for individuals with special needs, recently received a donation of a 1966 VW Cabriolet by Michael Verst of Union, Kentucky, in honor of his late wife, Karen Verst.

Michael modified the vehicle for Karen and installed an automatic transmission, after she lost a leg to a rare form of bone cancer.  The project took eight-years to complete, and was a "real labor of love," according to Michael Verst.

Camp Courageous plans to raffle the car. For more information, story and pictures, go to camp's webpage at:  www.campcourageous.org or call 319-465-5916 ext.#2100 or Facebook Page.
13 Aug 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 8/14 - 8/20/2015

By QC Chamber

Even though summer vacation is almost over, it doesn't mean baseball season has to end! Cheer on your Quad City River Bandits as they play the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers this week. Enjoy unbeatable promotions such as Dew for Twosday and Modern Woodmen Half-Price Night this Thursday. The new bumper cars have arrived, so plan on bringing your bad driving habits, too.

The River Music Experience has a busy week coming ahead. Strike the right note with Friday Live at 5 featuring Wicked Liz & the Belly Swirls, and continue the show with Devon Allman with Zach Harris Band. On Saturday, stop by for a FREE Studio 8 Showcase, and vote for local bands competing to play for a slot at River Roots Live. Check out more RME events here.
River Roots Live is only 2 weeks away! Now that you're familiar with our line-up, we're proud to add a new showcase to the event. Ragged Records and Daytrotter have teamed up to bring you, RAGGEDTROTTER! Mosey on down to the second floor of the Freight house, and listen to some great music in an intimate setting. Tickets are only $10 per show, but hurry because space is limited.  Purchase your tickets today!
Get outside and join Live Uncommon's FREE summer events at the Figge Betchel Plaza. Start your Saturday morning with Yoga UNCOMMON, and unwind while listening to live music. Can't make it this Saturday? Don't sweat! Visit after work on Wednesdays or Thursdays for their 5k practice at 5:30pm. Remember, admission to the Figge is FREE all summer.
The Freight House Farmers Market is in full bloom!  Visit on Saturday, Sunday, or Tuesday, and savor fresh produce from local farmers. Also, stop by the canning series every Tuesday brought to you by the QC Food Hub.
Have you checked out The Full Kit yet? It's been part of our downtown family for about 5 months now, and you've been missing out if you've yet to pay them a visit. With specialty hats, clothes, and customized shoes, you're wardrobe will be all set. Grab your back to school clothes right here downtown!
See you downtown! For more activities and events, click HERE.
13 Aug 2015

Geneseo Park District Holds Groundbreaking for New Aquatic Facility

By Logan Nolin

WHAT: The Geneseo Park District is celebrating the construction of a New Aquatic Facility with a public groundbreaking ceremony.

WHY: The current pool is over 35 years old and at the end of life expectancy for a traditional pool of this type and era. The bathhouse is the original bathhouse that was built in 1953. The Pool has been well maintained, however, the time has come for a new facility. The new aquatic facility will include zero depth entry, diving boards, drop slide, lap swimming, splash pad, and a modern bathhouse with family changing rooms. Through participation and support from residents and businesses, the Park District's mission of providing a Positive Recreational Experience can be realized with an improved aquatic facility.

WHEN: Thursday August 20, 2015, 5:00 pm at the , Geneseo Community Center West Parking Lot, 541 E. North Street, Geneseo IL

HOW: For more information call (309) 944?5695 or visit www.GeneseoParkDistrict.org

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