04 Aug 2014

Braley Endorsed by Alliance for Retired Americans

By Sam Lau
Seniors Group Recognizes Braley for his Commitment to Keeping "Health Care Affordable and Retirement Secure"
Des Moines, IA -Bruce Braley today received the endorsement from the Alliance for Retired Americans for his unwavering commitment to protecting and strengthening Medicare and Social Security at events in Davenport and Cedar Rapids. The Alliance for Retired Americans represents over 4.2 million retirees and community activists, including more than 30,000 members in Iowa.

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Alliance for Retired Americans, and to fight every day to protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security for current and future generations of Iowans," Braley said. "Iowans have worked hard and paid into these important programs their entire lives, and I refuse to let their earned retirement security be threatened by risky privatization schemes. As a U.S. Senator, I will never waver in my commitment to keeping our promises to our seniors."

"Bruce Braley is a champion for Iowa's seniors and can be trusted to stand up for our interests. He is committed to keeping health care affordable and retirement secure, while fighting against efforts to privatize Social Security and end Medicare as we know it.  We are proud to endorse Bruce Braley for U.S. Senate," said Jan Laue, president of the Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 530,000 Iowans were enrolled in Medicare in 2012. TheNational Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare calculates that Iowa has more than 584,000 Social Security beneficiaries, with the average senior receiving a monthly benefit of $1,131.

Braley has strongly opposed efforts to privatize Social Security and transform Medicare into a voucher program. Braley has also opposed efforts to reduce future Social Security benefits for retirees if cost-of-living increases were shifted to a so-called "chained CPI" calculation. This month, Braley successfully led a charge to prevent a cut to important services at Iowa Social Security offices.  

In contrast, State Sen. Joni Ernst has called for privatization of Social Security, a position that would undermine benefits for current retirees, and supports tying retiree benefits to the Stock Market. Sen. Ernst has also supported plans that would transform Medicare as we know it and pave the way for Medicare vouchers, increasing costs for retirees.
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04 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Action to Strengthen Humane Treatment of Animals Law

By Andrew Mason

Signs New Law Proposed by Illinois Third-Graders Devoted to Fighting Puppy Mills; Issues Order to Create Illinois Pet Advocacy Task Force

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action to protect animals across Illinois by fighting puppy mills. The Governor today signed a new law that was proposed by three dedicated third-graders from Arlington Heights and increases penalties for violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Today's action, taken at a Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS) event in Chicago, is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure that all animals are treated humanely in Illinois.

"Our pets are a part of the family, and we must always treat them with care and respect," Governor Quinn said. "Three students from Arlington Heights created this new law because they wanted to make a difference and protect animals across Illinois."

House Bill 4410, sponsored by State Representative David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) and State Senator Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry), increases fines on anyone that violates the state's Animal Welfare Act, which makes it a crime to mistreat animals. A first violation is more than doubled from $200 to $500; a second violation is doubled from $500 to $1,000; and a third violation will result in a $2,500 fine in addition to a probationary status for the violator. The law is effective immediately.

This bipartisan measure was conceived by Claire Hackmann, Brooke Martin and Maddie O'Dell, third grade students from Patton Elementary School in Arlington Heights. Claire, Brooke and Maddie read a book about two students that rescued a puppy from a puppy mill, which led them to research puppy mills and contact Representative Harris about ways to limit these operations. Their lobbying efforts included a presentation at an all-school assembly to members of Patton Elementary School faculty, gathering signatures from students and concerned citizens and even testifying before the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee.

"It is great to see the Animal Welfare Act updated by House Bill 4410 for the protection of all animals, and it is wonderful that the initiative for the bill was started by three third graders from Patton School," Representative Harris said. "I am proud to have been able to help them, and I applaud their dedication in pushing the bill."

"This legislation was an initiative of a class at Patton School in Arlington Heights to ensure that pet stores, dog dealers and those that board cats and dogs properly comply with the Animal Welfare Act," Senator Althoff said. "Most dealers and kennel operators are professionals who take their responsibilities seriously, but unfortunately, there are always exceptions and under current law, the penalties being enforced for those who violate the Animal Welfare Act were too minimal to deter irresponsible breeders and dealers from mistreating or abusing animals in their care. Increasing the administrative fines for those who violate the Act will offer greater protection for animal welfare and ensure that violators are held accountable."

"We applaud the state of Illinois and Governor Quinn for working to deter the abuse and neglect of animals by increasing fines for violators of the Animal Welfare Act," PAWS Chicago Founder Paula Fasseas said. "Animals are defenseless living beings and we must be their voice and protectors."

In addition to signing House Bill 4410, the Governor today also issued an executive order creating the Illinois Pet Advocacy Task Force. The Task Force will study issues of animal cruelty, neglect and abuse and make recommendations that will ensure proper treatment and care of Illinois pets. The Task Force will issue a report to the Governor and the General Assembly within 12 months

The legislation was signed at PAWS Chicago, Chicago's largest no-kill shelter. PAWS is focused on solutions to end the killing of homeless pets. Since the organization's founding in 1997, the number of homeless pets killed in the city has been reduced by nearly 70 percent, from 42,561 to fewer than 14,000 last year. The animal rescue spares animals from this fate and provides them with a forever home. For more information about PAWS Chicago and pet adoption, visit http://www.pawschicago.org.

Governor Quinn is the proud owner of a rescue dog named Rosie, a Yorkshire Terrier mix whom he adopted from PAWS. The Governor has long been a pet lover and advocate for the humane treatment of animals. Last year he signed the "Puppy Lemon Law" to give buyers protection for pet purchases and to help reduce the possibility of emotional trauma that comes from losing a pet. He also signed new laws to help ensure that all dogs in Illinois are treated humanely when tethered outside and to provide humane options for stray farm animals such as adoption or placement in a sanctuary.

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04 Aug 2014

NFL Must Take Action on Bird-Killing Stadiums

By Robert Johns

Things have been going pretty well lately for the National Football League. Revenues this past year were around $10 billion. Arguably, football is the most watched and followed sport in this country. But developments surrounding the planning of a new football stadium for the Minnesota Vikings offer a glimpse of an emerging unseemly indifference by the team's owners and the NFL to wildlife impacts that is disturbing to millions of people who care about the nonhuman species that share our planet.

Plans for the proposed new stadium call for a massive wall of glass that experts say will assuredly kill thousands of birds over the life of the facility. Bird and wildlife advocates have raised this concern with stadium developers and with city planners. Reasonable solutions were offered from conservationists early in the process. The response from the team and the NFL has been as frigid as the Minnesota winters: the glass will go in exactly as planned. And this is in spite of a new resolution from the Minneapolis City Council calling for bird-saving preventative measures.

The stadium, which is expected to open in two years, will cost nearly $1 billion to build. The bird-friendly changes requested- installing "fritted" glass with ceramic dots that birds see and generally avoid?would cost about $1.1 million. For an outlay of one-tenth of one percent of the cost of the stadium, this problem goes away. This is pocket change to the NFL and team owners.

For some reason, team owners and the NFL feel empowered to ignore what in all likelihood will be daily avian carnage at their facility. The irony of that position is stunning: The NFL makes massive marketing use of birds like eagles (Philadelphia), falcons (Atlanta), cardinals (Arizona), seahawks (Seattle) and ravens (Baltimore) while at the same time sanctioning the building of stadiums with features that serve as bird death traps.

How big a problem is bird collisions with glass? Huge. A recent report from federal scientists at the Smithsonian Institution and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revealed that bird-glass collisions are the second-leading human-caused mortality threat faced by birds, with between 400 million and one billion birds killed in the U.S. in that fashion every year. All kinds of birds are affected: hawks, falcons, owls, songbirds. It is one reason why over 200 species of birds are in decline or otherwise in serious trouble.

Team owners and the NFL would do well to recognize that Minneapolis is one of a relative handful of cities that have the laudable distinction of being federally designated as an Urban Bird Treaty city, which means that they have shown uncommon interest in protecting and conserving birds. Somehow, I think some have forgotten what that means? and how inconsistent current actions are with that notable designation.

I hope the NFL will step in and demonstrate some level of common sense and compassion for wildlife, encouraging the Minnesota Vikings (and other team owners with similar problems) to do the right thing. Absent that, about 100,000 Viking football fans will be exposed to a lot of "inconvenient truths" each game: the repeated thud as birds crash into a glass wall at 40 miles per hour, and the sight of birds littering the ground at their feet.

Dr. George Fenwick, 202-234-7181, gfenwick@abcbirds.org

President, American Bird Conservancy

Washington, D.C. 20009

 

 

04 Aug 2014

Loebsack Statement on Border Funding Bill

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House voted on a supplemental appropriations bill for the Southwest border.

"I have long said that the status quo isn't working and bipartisan action is needed to address the immigration problem that our nation is facing. Unfortunately, Republicans in the House have continued to play political games and have not actually fixed the problem. The Ted Cruz and Steve King wing of the Republican Party are more interested in scoring political points than dealing with the children who came to this country alone to escape the violence they were facing back home. The legislation voted on today was not a serious attempt to secure our border and address the real humanitarian crisis that is happening.

"On top of that, nearly two-thirds of this bill is paid for by taking over $400 million away from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Fund. Iowans are still recovering from the severe storms and flooding that crippled our state earlier this month and to take this funding away will have a direct impact on our communities. Thirty five counties in Iowa have already received a Presidential Disaster Declaration and Governor Branstad has requested this declaration for 22 more."

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04 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Outlaw Cyberbullying of Illinois Students

By Andrew Mason

Law Helps Protect Illinois Students from Bullying Outside the Classroom

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed a law to protect students across Illinois by banning cyberbullying outside the classroom. The new law, which builds on previous legislation banning cyberbullying in schools, will help ensure that Illinois' students aren't bullied through electronic means whether they are at school or home. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure the safety of students in every community across Illinois.

"Bullying has no place in the state of Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Every student should feel safe from harassment, whether that's in the school hallways or when using the internet or a cell phone. In our technology-driven age, bullying can happen anywhere. This new law will help put an end to it."

House Bill 4207, sponsored by State Representative Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and State Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago), prohibits bullying of students through technology outside the classroom or school. The law applies to devices not owned or used by a school, and requires a school's anti-bullying policy to include an investigation for any act of bullying that causes a disruption to a school's operations or educational process. This legislation expands on previous legislation signed by Governor Quinn which banned cyberbullying of students within schools. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2015.

"Children need to understand that whether they bully a classmate in school or outside of school using digital devices, their actions have consequences," Representative Fine said. "Students should not be able to get away with intimidating fellow classmates outside of school. I will continue to work with school officials, parents and students to create safe learning environments for our children."

"A safe, supportive environment is vital for students' learning and growth," Senator Silverstein said. "This law gives educators more tools to discipline and prevent out-of-school cyber bullying when it hurts others' ability to learn at school."

Governor Quinn has taken a strong stance against bullying in all forms. He recently signed House Bill 5707, which requires all public schools to develop and implement an anti-bullying policy. He signed a law that expands the definition of bullying, requires gang prevention training in Illinois schools and created the School Bullying Prevention Task Force to examine the root causes of bullying. The Governor also signed a law that allows the Chicago Board of Education to develop a program to establish common bonds between youth of different backgrounds and ethnicities.

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04 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, August 1, 2014**

By William Palmisano
CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 4407

An Act Concerning: Children

Allows children to receive early intervention services and continue to receive services during state proceedings.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4495

An Act Concerning: Minors

Authorizes the Juvenile Courts to grant custody to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for certain delinquent minors.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 4636

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Updates definitions in the Adoption Act and Child Care Act and expands accessibility for adoption proceedings.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 4652

An Act Concerning: State Government

Increases the number of college tuition waivers the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services can award to current and former foster youth.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 4773

An Act Concerning: State Government

Requires that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services maintain a statewide and regional youth advisory boards for the purpose of determining how to best serve the children and wards in current and former care.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 4916

An Act Concerning: Children

Clarifies the Department of Children and Family Services review process for unfounded reports.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5598

An Act Concerning: State Government

Prevents families from relinquishing custody of children to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services solely because of serious mental illness or serious mental disturbance.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 5990

An Act Concerning: Government

Updates The Children's Advocacy Center Act   to adhere to current operational practices and national accreditation standards.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 119

An Act Concerning: Government

Makes technical changes to the Secretary of State Merit Employment Code.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 333

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Clarifies recovery process for certain erroneously granted homestead exemptions.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 506

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Allows a coroner to disqualify him or herself in the event of a conflict of interest.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 643

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Makes technical changes to the Genetic Counselor Licensing Act and extends its sunset to Jan. 1, 2025.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 646

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Provides additional consumer protections for certain fraternal society organizations

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 822

An Act Concerning: Health

Specifies how the proceeds from sales of certain state facilities are to be allocated.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1841

An Act Concerning: State Government

Makes changes in the non-practice information posting requirements on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation website.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1999

An Act Concerning: Government

Expands licensure requirements opportunities for individuals seeking to operate a day care home.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2598

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Allows certain road districts to use road taxes collected from a subdivision for additional road improvements.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2608

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Makes technical changes to the Illinois Insurance Code.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2633

An Act Concerning: State Government

Establishes additional exemptions and reduces fee for Off-Highway Vehicle Usage Stamps.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2656

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Provides for efficient and expedited transfers of certain property upon the death of the owner.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2657

An Act Concerning: Safety

Institutes statutory clean up provisions from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately; one provision takes effect Jan. 1, 2015.

 

Bill No.: SB 2662

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Diversifies the types of financial instruments in which farm mutual insurance companies may invest.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2709

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Provides that the donation of blood or undertaking labor at a blood bank are excluded from the community service that may be performed by juvenile offenders.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2773

An Act Concerning: State Government

Creates a Long-Term Services and Supports Disparities Task Force.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2783

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Adheres procedure for witness fees for witnesses to actions involving abused, neglected or dependent minors to that of other criminal cases.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2811

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Modifies provisions of the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2814

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Clarifies appointee requirements for sanitary district trustees.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2852

An Act Concerning: Criminal law

Allows search warrants to be issued by use of electronic mail.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2909

An Act Concerning: State Government

Requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to provide all caregivers with a safety plan.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2937

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Modifies the Freedom From Drone Surveillance Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2947

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Provides that an application for registration of a title insurance agent will be considered if the applicant accurately discloses a felony or misdemeanor involving a crime of theft or dishonesty.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2955

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Bars individuals that have engaged in financial exploitation of an elderly person or person with disability from benefitting from the estate of the victim.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2968

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Provides the administrator of a care facility 60 days to notify the required individuals about the closing of the facility.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2975

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Changes the amount of indebtedness that the Byron Forest Preserve District may incur.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2985

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Requires persons executing a small estate affidavit to pay the decedent's creditors before making any distribution to heirs.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2998

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Requires that an advance practice nurse (APN) hold and maintain a national certification in nursing in order to be licensed.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2999

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Strengthens licensing requirements in the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3009

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to submit a Day Care Licensing Report to the General Assembly annually.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3036

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Allows a property tax collector's books to be created, transmitted and stored in an electronic format.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3048

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Affords long-term care facilities the same status and protections as other health care providers under the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Act and the Managed Care and Patient Rights Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3057

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Modifies certain rules pertaining to Common Interest Community Associations.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3103

An Act Concerning: Business

Clarifies what is covered under the Beer Industry Fair Dealing Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3149

An Act Concerning: Public Health

Allows a person with diabetes to self-administer insulin in any location, including public locations, where he or she is authorized to be.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3217

An Act Concerning: Children

Charges the Illinois Children's Justice Task Force with providing recommendations on a multi disciplinary team approach for investigating reports of abuse or neglect of children.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3283

An Act Concerning: State government

Expands the definition of "relative" with respect to youth wards of the state being placed in foster care.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015 with certain provisions taking effect June 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3290

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Clarifies liability of off-road riding facilities.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3302

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Provides a religious exemption from the photograph requirement for professional license applications.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3406

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Allows applicants for licensure as a clinical psychologist to be a graduate from a doctoral program in clinical, school or counseling psychology accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3421

An Act Concerning: Children

Makes continuing education credit available for licensees attending mandated reporter training for reporting child abuse.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3432

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Ensures the notification of private emergency medical services providers in cases of dangerous or infectious diseases.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3495

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Allows McHenry County to acquire certain property.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3532

An Act Concerning: Health

Provides direction to the courts when an independent medical examination is requested.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

 

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04 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Announces Completion of Cutting Edge Broadband Network

By Grant Klinzman

*** UPDATED ***

$100 Million Illinois Century Network Construction Brings Ultra-Fast Access to Communities Across 55 Counties

NORMAL - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the completion of a nearly $100 million, four-year project to install more than 1,000 new miles of high-speed fiber-optic broadband infrastructure across 55 Illinois counties. Supported by the Governor's Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the project created nearly 700 jobs expanding access to high-speed broadband services for schools, libraries, hospitals and internet providers throughout Illinois. The network is part of the Governor's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"High-speed internet access is a proven economic engine," Governor Quinn said. "This expansion of Illinois' broadband backbone will create jobs and drive economic growth for generations to come."

"Investing in technology strengthens our public education system," Illinois State University Board Chairman Rocky Donahue said. "I want to thank Governor Quinn for his vision, leadership and partnership with ISU on this project."

To finish the project, engineers, equipment operators, technicians, splicers, laborers and electricians worked together to bury more than 1,000 miles of new fiber optic cable, and "light up" about 750 miles of existing "dark" fiber. All told, about 1,800 miles of fiber-optic cable are now in use across Illinois because of this project.

The new network directly connects approximately 400 anchor institutions, including community colleges, universities, libraries, health facilities, K-12 schools and public safety agencies. Local internet providers can connect to the network to extend Internet service into communities with few or nonexistent high-speed options.

Students throughout the state are already benefiting from faster access to online learning tools made available through the ICN investment.

"Our Internet speed is 25 times faster than before, with plenty of room for future growth," Iroquois West Community Unit School District #10 Information Technology Director Brian Eggemeyer said. "The ICN's increased capacity will have a positive impact on every student in our district for years to come."

The project was funded by a $62 million competitive award from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) which was made possible by a $24 million commitment from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program and nearly $10 million in other university, local and private resources.

The 55 Illinois counties included in the new broadband network are Adams, Bond, Brown, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Coles, Cook, Crawford, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, DuPage, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Fulton, Grundy, Iroquois, Jasper, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, Lawrence, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, McLean, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Peoria, Piatt, Pike, Richland, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, St. Clair, Tazewell, Vermilion, Will and Woodford.

The project was coordinated by the Illinois Broadband Opportunity Partnership (IBOP), a statewide consortium of public and private sector partners organized by Governor Quinn and led by Illinois State University's Central Illinois Regional Broadband Network (CIRBN) and the State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS).

Governor Quinn has invested more than $71 million in broadband infrastructure throughout the state as part of his Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program. This investment has leveraged more than $250 million in additional federal and private funding. Through these projects, more than 3,000 miles of fiber optic cable have been installed across Illinois.

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04 Aug 2014

Illinois Air National Guard Security Forces Airmen return from overseas mission

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/01/2014)(readMedia)-- PEORIA, Ill. - Eighteen Illinois Air National Guard Security Forces Airmen with the 182nd Airlift Wing are scheduled to return August 4, after a seven-month deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Illinois Air National Guardsmen were assigned to the 405th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron (ESFS) overseas, where they were responsible for law enforcement and security missions.

"The men and women of the 182nd Airlift Wing continue to step up and provide a high level of mission accomplishment for our call to duty around the world," said Col. William P. Robertson, 182nd Airlift Wing commander. "I want to thank the families and the community for their support of our Airmen. Our Security Forces unit is top notch and we can't do the mission without the support of the home front. They have performed in an outstanding manner and completed the mission. They went to do a job and excelled in all aspects of the mission."

The deployed personnel are members of 182nd Security Forces Squadron, a component of the 182nd Mission Support Group.

"This deployment demonstrated the value of the Air National Guard capability to our country and the fact that our members deploy globally serving our nation's call," said Col. Cory K. Reid, the 182nd Mission Support Group commander. "They performed flawlessly. Now we are able to welcome them safely back home and congratulate them on a job well done."

The Airmen's home station commander was also pleased with their achievement.

"I cannot be more proud of the accomplishments these men and women of the 182nd Security Forces Squadron achieved while deployed," said Lt. Col. Todd M. Leach, commander of the 182nd Security Forces Squadron. "They represented Peoria well on the global stage."

The 405th ESFS leadership overseas praised the unit for making improvements to the air base during its tour. Accomplishments included boosting the security infrastructure, building strong relationships with the host-nation military forces and advancing the air base's physical and electronic force protection capabilities.

"I am confident that we have left behind a better squadron than how it was handed to us," said Air Force Maj. William Englebert, the 405th ESFS commander. "Our goal was to leave behind a legacy and I am confident we have obtained our goal."

The Airmen will arrive at Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport at 10 p.m., August 6th.
04 Aug 2014

Illinois Guardsmen receive reserve component transportation corps recognition

By Robert Jackson Jr.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/01/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Two members of the Illinois National Guard's 1244th Transportation Company received recognition as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) and Officer of the Year for 2013. Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, gathered at the annual Army Transportation Ball held at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, Virginia, to honor the accomplishments of the award recipients, July 25.

Sgt. 1st Class Jose R. Sanchez of Romeoville, Illinois, 1244th Transportation Company (TC) platoon sergeant, in North Riverside, Illinois, was selected as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year for 2013.

"Sanchez compiled a record that established him as a pacesetter in our battalion," said Lt. Col. Jose B. Jaques of DeKalb, Illinois, 1144th Transportation Battalion commander in Delavan, Illinois. "His mentorship and example provided a solid foundation for the future of his Soldiers, while also providing outstanding operational results."

Sanchez was nominated for the award by his company commander and received endorsement from Jaques, as well as each level of command up to National Guard Bureau.

"His contributions will surely continue to benefit many and I firmly believe the prestige of this award will be bolstered by his addition to the roles of recipients," said Jaques.

Capt. David Tanner of Williamsport, Indiana, commander of the 1244th TC in North Riverside, Illinois, said Sanchez is an expert in his field.

"Sanchez sets the example as a highly dedicated and professional noncommissioned officer," said Tanner. "He is a key member of the 1244th TC who utilizes his experience from two previous combat deployments and vast occupational knowledge to make his Soldiers and the 1244th TC as a whole, more ready, more resilient and more adaptable."

The Transportation Corps National Guard Officer of the Year for 2013, was Lt. Linden Allen of Chicago, former executive officer with the 1244th TC and recently named commander of the 1644th TC in Rock Falls, Illinois.

"Allen's leadership, coupled with his emphasis on safe execution and the development of Soldiers, improves individual and unit capabilities," said Col. Michael Glisson of Festus, Missouri, 65th Troop Command Brigade commander. "In turn, the Illinois National Guard and United States Army become stronger."

Allen learned many lessons from his deployment to Iraq in the harsh and hazardous environment of the desert, said Jaques.

"Allen consistently demonstrated his knowledge of transportation operations, planning, execution and development," said Tanner. "He epitomizes the selfless service all commissioned officers strive toward in supporting and serving their Soldiers."

Allen and Sanchez are strong examples of what it means to be a Citizen Soldier, said Tanner.

"One of the strengths of the National Guard is our connection to 'Main Street,'" said Tanner. "These awards recognize the value the winners provide in their contributions to those communities, not just their performance within their unit. The 1244th TC is extraordinarily proud of this recognition for two of our own."

These awards, established decades ago by the U.S. Army Chief of Transportation are to recognize outstanding performers in the transportation corps. They are evaluated on nominees' contributions both in and out of uniform. Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers compete against the U.S. Army Reserve for the awards.

"Two Soldiers from the same state, honored in the same year is an outstanding accomplishment," said Tanner. "Both also being from the same unit is remarkable."

Sgt. 1st Class Jose R. Sanchez of Romeoville, Illinois, 1244th Transportation Company platoon sergeant, in North Riverside, Illinois, received recognition as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2013. Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, gathered at the annual Army Transportation Ball held at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, Virginia, to honor the accomplishments of the award recipients, July 25.

Lt. Linden Allen of Chicago, former executive officer with the 1244th Transportation Company and recently named commander of the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls, Illinois, received recognition as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Officer of the Year for 2013. Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, gathered at the annual Army Transportation Ball held at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, Virginia, to honor the accomplishments of the award recipients, July 25.

01 Aug 2014

Seniors Group to Endorse Braley for U.S. Senate at Medicare Anniversary Celebration

By Midge Slater

U.S. Senate Candidate to Appear at Saturday Membership Event

Alliance for Retired Americans members will celebrate Medicare's 49th anniversary on Saturday, August 2, at 10 a.m. in Davenport and endorse Bruce Braley, U.S. Senate candidate for Iowa.

Braley's strong opposition to privatizing Social Security and Medicare and support for strengthening Social Security and Medicare?which was signed into law on July 30, 1965?confirm his commitment to improving the quality of life for older Americans.

Alternatively, Braley's opponent, State Sen. Joni Ernst, supports the Ryan Budget that ends Medicare as we know it and dramatically cuts Medicaid- all while increasing tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and corporations. She also supports privatizing Social Security and tying benefits to the Stock Market. Ernst's support for radically reforming Medicare & Social Security programs could dramatically increase out-of-pocket costs for seniors.

The Alliance for Retired Americans represents over 4.3 million retirees and community activists, including more than 30,000 members in Iowa.

Where: Blackhawk Hotel, Bettendorf Room, 200 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801

When: Saturday, August 2, 10:00 AM

What: Celebration of Medicare's anniversary and endorsement of Bruce Braley for U. S. Senate

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