CHICAGO - July 13, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 3329

An Act Concerning: Liquor

Permits grocery stores to sell liquor in cities with a population over 1 million and within 100 feet of a school if the store meets certain criteria.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4031

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Extends the sunset repeal of the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council from Dec. 31, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2015.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4063

An Act Concerning: Firearms

Exempts airsoft guns from the definition of a firearm.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4076

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Defines cosmetology school so that students can apply for student aid and expands licensing for barbers.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4126

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Extends the Naprapathic Practice sunset an additional 10 years and streamlines the existing act.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4145

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Authorizes a county board to declare by ordinance all inoperable motor vehicles, whether on public or private property and in view of the general public, to be hazardous dilapidated motor vehicles.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4324

An Act Concerning: Liquor

Make a technical correction to statutory language to allow the sale of alcohol at a restaurant that is near a church in the city of Chicago.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4440

An Act Concerning: Public Transportation

Streamlines data sharing between the Illinois Department of Public Health and the RTA to ensure that free and reduced fare transit cards

belonging to deceased individuals are deactivated.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 4545

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Ensures that employees Office of the State Fire Marshal who meet certain requirements, are not prohibited from receiving training certifications on the grounds that they are not employed or otherwise engaged by an organized Illinois fire department.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 4592

An Act Concerning: Government

Exempts from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), records requested by persons committed to the Department of Corrections if those materials are available in the library of the correctional facility; include records from staff members' personnel files, staff rosters, or other staffing assignment information; or are available through an administrative request.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4691

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Adds public and private ambulances engaged in an emergency service or duty that necessitates the use of the toll highway system to the list of vehicles that are not required to pay a toll.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 5234

An Act Concerning: State Government

Removes the Illinois Register of Historic Places and instead provides for all historic places to be registered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5321

An Act Concerning: State Government

Extends the sunset date for the Capital Development Board to charge contract administrative fees from June 30, 2012 to June 30, 2016, and provides that these fees are put into the Capitol Restoration Trust Fund for use by the Architect of the Capitol.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5336

An Act Concerning: State Government

Transfers the Safety Consultation Program from the Department of Commerce and Economic

Opportunity (DCEO) to the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), including the transfer of specified staff,

records, unexpended moneys, and rules.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5444

An Act Concerning: State Government

Creates the Economic Data Task Force to assess the potential uses and users of state data generated by Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the application of the data for economic development and other public uses.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5452

An Act Concerning: State Government

Gives the Illinois Finance Authority the authority to make discretionary changes, instead of mandatory in regards to certain provisions.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5616

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Increases the amount of bonds the Will-Kankakee Regional Development Authority may issue to $250 million.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5632

An Act Concerning: Employment

Removes obsolete language, redirects payments to Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) previously made to the director of IDES, and conforms with federal law.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 5656

An Act Concerning: Finance

Allows all unused federal funds in the Capital Development Board Contributory Trust Fund to remain in the

Fund, and be used only for other capital projects.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 5679

An Act Concerning: Health

Allows the Department of Human Service (DHS) to redirect funds when its developmental disabilities facilities decline in enrollment.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5780

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Exempts fees allowing police departments to transfer license plates from one vehicle to another vehicle.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 968

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Updates the definition of "commercial motor vehicle" to comply with federal standards.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 1286

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Allows animated film production tax credits to be applied beginning when the productions begin.
Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1900

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Changes the deadline for the return of assessment books and workbooks to the supervisor of assessments in order to allow additional time for the proper completion of the appeals process. Allows the supervisor of assessments in counties with less than 600,000 residents to take possession of assessment books and work books that are not submitted within the required time.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 2578

An Act Concerning: Health

Amends qualifications of the director of the Department of Public Health.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2818

An Act Concerning: State Government

Changes definitions to allow more youths to be eligible for scholarships through the Department of Children and Family Services.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2819

An Act Concerning: Corrections

Eliminates specific mandates requiring the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to public and furnish various reports.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 2839

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Requires floatation devices on sailboats and exempts sailboards.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 2844

An Act Concerning: Corrections

Amends bond rating standard for vendors who seek to enter into medical contracts with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).  Also further restricts waivers for medical co-pays at DOC and adds revisory language regarding HIV testing.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2849

An Act Concerning: Children

Expands the definition of "neglected child."

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2935

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Extends the Wholesale Drug Distribution Act for an additional 10 years.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3242

An Act Concerning: Insurance

Provides that no insurer may issue a service provider contract that requires a dentist to provide services to the insurer's policyholders at a fee set by the insurer unless the services are covered under the applicable policyholder agreement.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3262

An Act Concerning: Liquor

Allows for the issuing of a liquor license to certain premises within 100 feet of a school following certain stipulations.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3277

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Extends the Glenwood tax increment financing redevelopment project.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3318

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Gives the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) quick take power for the Illiana Expressway Project. Makes technical changes.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3450

An Act Concerning: Gaming

Provides that investigators appointed by the Illinois Gaming Board shall have authority to conduct investigations, searches, seizures, arrests and other duties imposed under the act and the Riverboat Gambling Act, as deemed necessary by the board.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3484

An Act Concerning: Government

Increases the membership of the State Board of Health from 19 to 20 and adds an optometrist as a member of.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3530

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Defines and provides for registration of former military vehicles with the Secretary of State (SOS).

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3607

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Eliminates tiers of complaint dates for assessments under the Property Tax Code.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3798

An Act Concerning: State Law

Makes technical corrections, stylistic changes, and compile sections affected by multiple public acts.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

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Headquarters ESGR Names Holub 2012 Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/13/2012)(readMedia)-- Headquarters Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recently announced Michael Holub, Public Affairs Director for the Illinois Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, as the ESGR Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year for 2012. Holub of Berwyn, received the award in recognition of his outstanding support to ESGR in helping the Illinois Committee publicize its many activities throughout the state over the past year.

The Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year Awards is a national-level ESGR award established to recognize the Public Affairs volunteer who has made the most significant contributions to his or her ESGR State Committee during the previous calendar year.

"We recognize the significance of your valued service and dedication of personal time to the Illinois Committee for ESGR," said James Rebholz, ESGR National Chair, in a letter congratulating Holub on his selection for the award. "Your active participation in this vital program has done much to enhance ESGR overall. Your hard work and dedication to our organization and our nation are deeply appreciated."

As the Public Affairs Director for the Illinois ESGR Committee, Holub works to publicize and promote the activities of the committee's more than 150 volunteers throughout the state on behalf of the men, women and employers of the National Guard and Reserve. He also maintains the committee's social media presence on its Facebook page.

"I want to thank Mike Holub for his continued outstanding support to the Illinois ESGR Committee and the ESGR mission to create a culture in which employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve," said Dr. Michael Ayers, Ph.D., State Committee Chair for Illinois ESGR. "His support to the Illinois Committee as our Public Affairs Director has been invaluable in helping us spread the word about ESGR, who we are and what we do on behalf of Guard and Reserve service members and those who employ them. This national recognition of his efforts is very well-deserved."

Holub will receive the 2012 ESGR Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year Award at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. in September. He has been a volunteer member of the Illinois ESGR Committee since 2004. Holub is the Chief of Police of the Village of La Grange.

Nearly 5,000 volunteers serve on ESGR State Committees across the nation. The 54 ESGR State Committees conduct employer support programs, including informational briefings, neutral mediation and recognition of employers whose policies support or encourage participation in the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR is the lead advocate within the Department of Defense for Reserve Component employers.

DES MOINES, IA (07/13/2012)(readMedia)-- "Nothing Compares" to the heart-stopping thrill rides on the Midway at the 2012 Iowa State Fair. With a new ride and a variety of amusement savings packages, Fairgoers can enjoy even more entertainment. The Fair is set August 9-19.

Fairgoers can save big at the Midway by planning ahead for this year's Fair. Purchase a set of five Midway tickets for $13; each ticket is good for one ride. For an even bigger day of Midway excitement, purchase a Mega Pass wristband for just $25. It includes unlimited mechanical rides any one Fair day from open to close, including weekends. These Midway special savings must be purchased by August 8 and are available while supplies last at iowastatefair.org or the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office, as well as statewide Walgreens and Des Moines area Hy-Vee stores.

The Iowa State Fair welcomes back Belle City Amusements for 11 days of twists, turns and thrills that are guaranteed to delight Fairgoers of all ages. New this year, ride the Space Roller and experience lateral G Force and head-over-heel action with massive hang time and horizontal flips as the enormous boom rotates the satellite to heights of 70 feet. Young Fairgoers can experience age-appropriate thrills on two mini coasters, take a spinning carousel ride, soar through the air on the Yo-Yo Swings and more.

For more heart-pounding action, try the thrill rides located, west of the Varied Industries Building. The Area 51-Scare Zone will be on site to test Fairgoers' level of thrill. The haunted attraction will send Fairgoers into a neon-green trailer for a variety of amusement and freights while inside. The Crazy Mouse rollercoaster returns sending riders speeding down a zig-zagging track while simultaneously spinning each car around in a complete circle. Fairgoers' thrills will reach new heights with the other returning rides Sky Scraper, Ejection Seat, Turbo Trampoline and Climbing Experience. Ride costs may vary.

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair set August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

SUNDAY, JULY 22:  3:00pm  Kirstyin Synnestvedt presents an organ recital followed by a hat show and singing at the piano.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26:  3:00pm  Lisa Crews plays the flute with Ellen Bowlin on the organ and piano.

The recitals are free and open to the public.

Refreshments will be served following each recital.

St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church Preschool now accepting enrollment for Fall preschool classes.

Sessions:  Preschool hours are 9am until 1:30pm.

Level II:  Age 3 by September 15, 2012.  Tuesday - Thursday OR Monday-Wednesday-Friday OR Monday through Friday.

Pre-Kindergarden:  Age 4 by September 15, 2012.  Monday-Wednesday-Friday OR Monday through Friday.

Children are gouped in "classes" which are subject to availability.  They must be potty-trained and ready for group experience. Please enroll early.

Tuition:  See below plus a one-time $35 registration fee.

2-day classes: $110 per month.          3-day classes: $160 per month.          5-day classes: $260 per month

Note:  Kid's Crossing Day Care available Monday through Friday 7am until 5:30pm ages 3 through 5.

Save the Date! Tuesday, July 17, 2012. Come join Quad Cities Interfaith Taco Night Fundraiser at Azteca, 4811 N. Brady St (Walnut Center) in Davenport. From 5pm - 8pm. $10 per person for the buffet-style dinner. Drinks not included. Get your tickets at QCI 563-3622-4910.  Thanks Azteca for sponsoring QCI.

The City of Davenport required King's Harvest Ministries to install a $57,000 new fire sprinkler system.

King's Harvest needed to raise the money for the new system or shut their doors. Through the Capital Campaign called Saving King's Harvest they raised $110,000 in 6 1/2 weeks. King's Harvest serves the poor and homeless in the Quad Cities and is located at 824 W. 3rd Street in downtown Davenport.

Anne McVey, Fundraising Coordinator for King's Harvest, stated "We are wanting to reach out and thank the community for coming to our aid. We had wonderful people who organized fundraisers and many people who just gave as individuals. Many, many people from the community and outlying areas called to help as volunteers. We want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts. It has been an outpouring of love and support from the Quad City community and outlying areas."

King's Harvest received an Emergency Grant from SCHC (Scott County Housing Council) for $28,500 and received approximately $81,500 through private donations.

King's Harvest will use $57,000 for the new fire sprinkler system. Another approximately $20,000 will go towards a new fire alarm system (the panel was donated by Deco Davenport Electric Company), new emergency exit lights and building repairs resulting from the installation of the new fire sprinkler system.

They plan to use the remaining money towards day-to-day operations of the organization and hope to possibly expand some of their services to help more people in need. Anne McVey stated "We hope to use some of the money to help reach more people in need. In the past we have had to turn people away due to limited resources."

King's Harvest does not want to leave God out of this endeavor. Anne McVey stated "God loves every person that passes through our doors, no matter how broken. Obviously God wanted to keep King's Harvest open and so did the community because they gave us the money to save our organization. It has been a beautiful thing to be a part of and we feel very blessed."

DECORAH, IA (07/13/2012)(readMedia)-- Luther College held commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2012 Sunday, May 20 at 10 a.m. in Luther College's Carlson Stadium.

Anne Kuttler of Davenport, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in nursing.

John Stender of Davenport, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in religion and music.

Tyler Zinnecker of Davenport, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in biology.

Dallas Wulf of Durant, Iowa, received the bachelor of arts degree in mathematics and physics, summa cum laude.

Commencement speaker was Ambassador Hans Brattskar, Norway's director general and special envoy for climate change.

Tory Hegrenes, a U.S. Navy lieutenant and flight officer, was presented with the Luther College Young Alumni Award.

Mallory Heinzeroth was awarded the Luther College Jenson Medal.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,500, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and pre-professional programs.

Business Offers Insights for Future IT Job Candidates

"Do what you love" has been the advice embedded in American commencement speeches for decades. Now, however, it's "do STEM'' -- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

"We have the brains, we have the educational capability and I'm pretty sure students want a job when they graduate high school and college. We do not have to go overseas to find our talent," says decorated Army Ranger and entrepreneur Matthew Brosious, co-founder of FreightCenter.com. The third-party logistics company and freight software technology provider does for freight shipping what Expedia does for travel.

Brosious' company is hiring and, for students and people interested in new careers, what it's seeking in job candidates offers valuable insights.

"A formal STEM education is not necessarily crucial to obtaining a job in a STEM career," says Doug Walls, FreightCenter.com's chief information officer. Walls initially started as the company's IT administrator and after seven years is now CIO. According to Walls:

Often times, the best developers are the ones who have a natural aptitude and an ability to comprehend emerging technologies.

Web development and IT offer stable careers with plenty of opportunity for placement straight out of college.

Web technology is increasingly going more mobile as users access the Internet via smart phones and tablets, so it's important to continue to learn about new techniques to reach this group of users.

Following development or IT blogs and news is an excellent way to stay ahead in a progressive field.

Having a well-designed and developed personal site offers employers like us an insight into your skill level and allows us to determine how job seekers apply the knowledge they've learned in school or on the job.

Located in Florida's Tampa Bay area, Freightcenter.com does well attracting qualified professionals, Brosious says. But job creators in other parts of the country may not be so lucky.

National statistics reveal a gap between STEM jobs and potential employees that will only grow wider if trends continue unchanged:

Only about 6 percent of U.S. graduates leave college with a STEM-based degree, compared to 28 percent in Germany, 37 percent in South Korea and 47 percent in China, according to National Center for Education Statistics.

STEM jobs are projected to grow twice as quickly as jobs in other fields in the next five years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics.

Eighty percent of jobs in the next decade will require significant technical skills.

Of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected in 2014, 15 will require considerable science and/or mathematics preparation, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Brosious says getting young people interested in following a STEM track of education will require changes in the classroom beginning at an early age.

"Only one in five college students feel that their grade-school education prepared them very well for their STEM college courses," he says, citing a recently published survey by Microsoft.

That study also indicates students who pursue STEM degrees do so because they're inspired by a class or a teacher. And 16 percent more males than females are interested in those fields thanks to video games and clubs.

About FreightCenter.com

FreightCenter.com is a third-party freight logistics company that uses web-based tools to help businesses and individuals with their shipping needs. It has garnered numerous awards, including Best Companies to Work For (2011, Florida Trend); Service Industry of the Year (2010, Pasco Economic Development Council) and Top 10 Websites (2010, BtoB marketing news magazine.) Matthew Brosious and his father, James, co-founded American Freight Cos. - the parent company of www.FreightCenter.com - in 1998 to facilitate freight shipping for household, business and enterprise shippers. The service enables customers to compare carriers' rates, book LTL, truckload and specialized freight transportation and track shipments online.

By Wendy Rubicam

Everyone needs a braincation now and then, and some of us more than others!  Urban Dictionary defines a braincation as "a vacation for your brain to escape stress."  There is no better escape from the stresses of everyday life than a Grand Canyon rafting trip on the Colorado River.  Imagine a vacation full of incredible natural wonders, relaxation, reconnection, a splash (or two) of exhilaration and adventure, time for both introspection and interaction, and absolutely none of the stresses of your life back home.

There are no cell phones or pagers, no emails, no traffic, no bad TV shows or noisy neighbors.  You don't have to decide what to cook for dinner or how to entertain the kids for another week this summer.  You don't have to answer the phone, or worry about the bottom line of your business.

Arizona River Runners has been operating on the Colorado River since 1970, and has seen the restorative effects of those taking a braincation on a rafting trip. One recent Arizona River Runners customer summed up his river rafting braincation, saying, "The moment I stepped onto the raft, the river had a decompressing effect from all the tension built up by work and the modern world.  Not a care in the world except what hike or adventure awaits you around the next river bend."  He goes on to say, "My fellow passengers, although strangers, became instant friends. The peace and relaxation I got while I was on the river was astounding! I plan on making this a yearly pilgrimage."

Believe it or not, all you need to do for a fabulous river rafting experience is show up and just relax.  The rafting outfitters and guides do the rest for you - from camping gear to incredible meals to river and canyon know-how, you will be in good hands.  You are free to decide whether you'd rather take in a side-hike or simply chill out on the beach.

Asked to define braincation for those considering a Colorado River rafting adventure, the veteran outfitters at Arizona River Runners came up with the following explanation:

B is for the Brilliant blanket of stars that fills the Grand Canyon night sky

R is for the exhilarating Rapids of the mighty Colorado River

A is for Awe-inspiring rafting experiences and Grand Canyon scenery

I is for Incredibly delicious, fresh food enjoyed in the great outdoors

N is for Nature's many gifts on a Grand Canyon river trip

C is for Camping along the shores of the Colorado River

A is for Amazing vistas and sights

T is for Terrific guides to lead you on your adventure

I is for the Invaluable friendships you'll make

O is for the Outdoor activities on a Grand Canyon rafting trip - and there are many

N is for Native American history and canyon folklore

This summer, instead of planning a plain old vacation or a "staycation", where you try to relax but really can't, do something great for yourself.  Colorado River rafting trips are perfect for singles, couples, families, friends, extended families that want to reconnect, or anyone who wants an unforgettable experience that benefits not only the brain, but the heart and soul as well.

About Arizona River Runners
White water rafting through the Grand Canyon offers a unique view of one of the most popular natural wonders of the world. Experience the vacation adventure of a lifetime on a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Arizona River Runners.  Since 1970 they have provided all-inclusive Grand Canyon whitewater trips with customized rafts, all the camping and rafting gear, and food for your Colorado River trip.
Contact Information
Arizona River Runners
P.O. Box 47788
Phoenix, AZ 85068

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