February 13, 2012

OBAMA FOR AMERICA TO LAUNCH IOWA TRUTH TEAM TO PROMOTE THE PRESIDENT'S ACHIEVEMENTS AND HOLD REPUBLICANS ACCOUNTABLE

CHICAGO, IL - Today, OFA IOWA will hold a press conference call to launch the Truth Team, a new effort by President Obama supporters to promote the President's achievements, respond to attacks on his record and hold the republicans accountable. The effort includes three websites, KeepingHisWord.com, KeepingGOPHonest.com, AttackWatch.com all available through Barackobama.com/truthteam and a network of state and local officials serving as truth team members, including Iowa Treasure Mike Fitzgerald, State Senator Jack Hatch, State Representative Tyler Olson and Former State Senator Steve Warnstadt.

The Truth Team is a network of supporters of the President who are committed to promoting the President's accomplishments, defending his record against unfounded attacks and holding the republicans responsible to their record.  The Truth Team websites will serve as a quick, comprehensive resource to help set the record straight and share that message with others, including fact checks on republican claims, personalized emails to friends and family and other social media tools.  This effort is part of the Obama campaign's commitment to engaging supporters at the grassroots level to spread the word about the President's record and help voters find the facts to pushback on Republican attacks.

WHO: Iowa Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald, State Senator Jack Hatch, State Representative Tyler Olson and Former State Senator Steve Warnstadt. 

WHAT: Press Conference call to launch the Truth Teams, a new effort to promote the President's record and hold Republicans Accountable  

WHEN: February 13, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. CT. 

To RSVP to this event, please email  press@barackobama.com.

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Measure Empowers Citizens to Enact Ethics Laws for Public Officials Through Popular Initiative and Referendum

CHICAGO - February 12, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today proposed an amendment to the Illinois Constitution that would allow state voters to enact ethics reforms through popular initiative and referendum. As Illinois today observes the 203rd anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln, Governor Quinn called for the passage of the Lincoln Amendment to give voters the power to directly implement stronger ethics laws for the first time in state history. This proposed amendment follows Governor Quinn's successful 2010 push for an amendment to the Illinois Constitution allowing for the recall of corrupt governors.

"There is no greater force than every day people banding together for a cause they believe in," Governor Quinn said. "Our citizens must always have a role in keeping our government honest and ethical."

Sponsored by Sen. Annazette Collins (D-Chicago), the amendment gives citizens the power to enact fundamental ethics reforms to local governments, school districts, and the legislative, executive and judicial branches of state government by gathering 8 percent of the total votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election. The Lincoln Amendment would be limited to changes that establish and enforce ethical standards, including campaign finance reform, conflict-of-interest voting, pay-to-pay abuses, patronage abuse and misuse of taxpayer funds.

Currently, voters may only propose, by popular initiative, amendments to the Illinois constitution that deal with the structure and procedure of the General Assembly. If the Lincoln Amendment is approved this spring by the General Assembly, voters would have the opportunity to enact through referendum a permanent change in the Illinois Constitution during the November 2012 general election. Once approved by three-fifths of those voting on the question or a majority of those voting in the election, the Lincoln Amendment would become law, giving voters more power than ever before to improve honesty and integrity in government.

"As elected officials, we are accountable to the people we represent, and it is vital that their voices be heard," said Sen. Collins. "I am proud to sponsor this amendment, which will allow people to be even more involved in their government, and I would like to thank Governor Quinn for his support of ethics in government."

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has signed landmark campaign finance reform that instituted Illinois' first-ever limits on campaign contributions from candidates, political parties and political action committees. Governor Quinn also launched Appointments.Illinois.Gov, Accountability.Illinois.Gov and Data.Illinois.Gov to bring more transparency to state appointments, contracts and salary information and public data collected by state and federal agencies.

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"Pride Illinois" Offers LGBT Travelers Detailed Information on Navigating Illinois' Destinations and Attractions

CHICAGO - February 11, 2012. One year after signing historic civil union legislation, Governor Pat Quinn today announced the launch of a new section of the state's official tourism website tailored toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered (LGBT) travelers. "Pride Illinois" features LGBT-friendly and/or owned travel destinations, attractions, accommodations, events and more throughout Illinois.

"Our tourism website helps visitors map out their visits to Illinois by giving them information about the great places and activities Illinois has to offer," Governor Quinn said. "Tailoring the site to meet the needs of LGBT travelers will help them make the most of their visit while supporting the growing Illinois tourism industry."

The new "Pride Illinois" section of the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) website - www.EnjoyIllinois.com - furthers Governor Quinn's efforts to boost tourism and foster equality in Illinois by highlighting the variety of sites, entertainment and activities for LGBT travelers visiting Illinois. "Pride Illinois" is organized by each of the state's four travel regions.

"Pride Illinois" offers yet another resource for people traveling throughout the state," said Illinois Office of Tourism Deputy Director Jan Kostner. "We are excited to offer more detailed information to assist LGBT travelers as they discover Illinois."

The "Pride Illinois" section provides a listing of TAG Approved® accommodations throughout Illinois.

A TAG Approved® property enforces non-discriminatory policies, treats heterosexual and domestic partners equally in personnel policies, and provides LGBT diversity and sensitivity training for employees. In addition, the property employs staff reflective of the diversity of their community, gives back to its community, and empowers customers and employees to act as watchdogs of its LGBT business practices.

According to the LGBT 2020 Study conducted by OutNow Global, LGBT travelers spent an average of $1,974 on leisure travel over the past twelve months. The study also showed that 78 percent of LGBT consumers prefer to stay at "gay-welcoming" hotels. OutNow Global is an LGBT marketing agency formed to better understand the lives and concerns of the LGBT community.

Illinois is the sixth state in the nation to allow civil unions. In January 2011, Governor Quinn signed historic legislation providing same-sex couples with the same full state legal rights as married couples.

For additional information on "Pride Illinois" and to find attractions, destinations and events statewide, visit www.EnjoyIllinois.com.

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