04 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Laws to Address Urban Flooding and Ensure Cleaner Drinking Water

By Grant Klinzman

Legislation Will Help Protect Health and Wellness of All Illinois Residents

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed critical legislation to address urban flooding and to help ensure clean drinking water supplies and a cleaner environment. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to protect our natural resources and ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.

"Water is a tremendous resource except when you have too much of it or it's not fit to drink," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws will help us better control the damaging urban floods we've had recently, and will help maintain our clean drinking water systems."

"These laws continue to support the Governor's work to provide additional protections for the state's cities and our water resources," Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director Lisa Bonnett said. "They include additional environmental protections that will provide for clean and healthy water for Illinois residents."

"Urban flooding is an equal opportunity problem," Ryan Wilson, Stormwater Program Manager at the Center for Neighborhood Technology, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on sustainable cities, said. "Our own research shows that urban flooding can happen anywhere, not just in floodplains. The legislation Governor Quinn signed today will help Illinois communities better understand urban flooding, and identify innovative stormwater solutions that can protect our homes, our investments and our environment from the threat of increasingly frequent and severe storms."

Senate Bill 2966, sponsored by State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), creates the Urban Flooding Awareness Act. The new law forms a working group with representatives from state, federal and local agencies and other interested parties who will review and evaluate the latest research, policies and procedures regarding urban flooding. The group will then submit a report by June 30, 2015 to the Governor and General Assembly with recommendations on how best to prevent and control urban flooding. The law is effective immediately.

"Flooding in urban areas is a growing challenge that demands the combined expertise of local, state and federal agencies," Senator Steans said. "We're taking the problem seriously and making sure we know what's happening and why so we can adopt effective measures that protect lives and property."

"With recent heavy rainfall, our neighborhoods, cities and state saw a dramatic increase in flooding, causing serious damage to property," Representative Cassidy said. "This bill will bring together stakeholders, experts and State agencies to examine the causes of urban flooding and how our infrastructure and technology can mitigate the impacts in the future."

In addition, Senate Bill 2770, sponsored by State Senator Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) and State Representative Michael Tryon (R-Crystal Lake), requires each community water supply system to designate an operator who will be directly responsible for that system's water supply and distribution. An initiative of the IEPA, it also updates the duties and responsibilities of operators to ensure they hold the proper certification and skills to operate the community water supply. The law is effective immediately.

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 2928, sponsored by State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) and State Representative JoAnn Osmond (R-Antioch), which allows law enforcement agencies to collect pharmaceuticals and other controlled substances from residents and safely store and transport them for disposal at IEPA-approved sites. Increased options for residents to safely and properly dispose of pharmaceuticals and controlled substances will help ensure that fewer unused medications are flushed down the toilet, which has serious negative impacts on water supplies. The law is effective immediately.

Governor Quinn has a long record of support for measures that ensure a clean and healthy environment. On July 23 Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 2780, which expands the Governor's Clean Water Initiative to include stormwater and green infrastructure projects. In 2013, Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 1869 which gives Illinois municipalities greater ability to build and invest in innovative stormwater management infrastructure to help mitigate damaging floods such as green roofs, rain gardens, bioswales, tree boxes, porous pavement, native plantings, constructed wetlands and more. The law expanded existing law to include these items, among others.

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04 Aug 2014

Braley and Harkin Call for Minimum Wage Increase

By Sam Lau
Braley and Harkin visited a local business in Norwalk to highlight the importance of raising the minimum wage to $10.10 and restore its purchasing power

Des Moines, IA - Bruce Braley and Senator Tom Harkin today discussed the importance of raising the minimum wage and providing 300,000 Iowans with a pay raise during a visit to the La Quercia company plant in Norwalk.  Braley and Harkin have both been fighting to increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour to restore its purchasing power and strengthen Iowa's economy.

In contrast, State Sen. Joni Ernst has repeatedly said that she does not support a federal minimum wage and that she thinks $7.25 an hour - which means roughly $15,000 a year for a full-time worker - is an appropriate minimum wage for hardworking Iowans.

Braley said, "No one in Iowa should work a full-time job and live near or below the poverty line.  It's been over five years since the last federal minimum wage increase, and the minimum wage buys less and less for Iowa's workers. Small businesses like La Quercia know raising the minimum wage is good for working Iowans, good for business, and good for the economy - and yet my opponent thinks $7.25 is an appropriate wage for Iowa's workers. Senator Harkin has been a champion on this issue, and I am committed to continuing his efforts to raise the minimum wage, boost Iowa's economy, and provide 300,000 Iowans with a raise."

A report from Progress Iowa earlier this year found that increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour would provide 300,000 Iowans with a pay increase and infuse more than $270 million into Iowa's economy.

Since reaching its peak in 1968 at $10.69 an hour (in 2013 dollars), the minimum wage's purchasing power has steadily declined and left working Iowans struggling to support their families. 

"Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour is an issue of basic economic fairness and opportunity," said Harkin. "There's a clear choice in this election - Bruce Braley knows that a fair minimum wage is good for Iowa's working families, and good for the economy.  Iowa families need a U.S. Senator like Bruce who will fight for them."

Braley is a sponsor of the Fair Minimum Wage Act that would increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10/hr and then tie future increases to inflation. According to a Des Moines Register poll, 65% of Iowans believe the minimum wage should be increased.
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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.

###
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.

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