CHICAGO - August 16, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:  

   

Bill No.: HB 79  

An Act Concerning: Liquor  

Provides that alcoholic liquors may be delivered to and sold at Veterans Memorial Hall in Rockford.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 332  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Changes the definition of minority and removes and replaces current racial classifications.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 350  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Allows a notary public to verify the signature of a person based upon documents provided by a consulate.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 464  

An Act Concerning: Finance  

Allows the Department of Veterans' Affairs to transfer any property under $100 in value that was donated to residents of facilities operated by the Department to any civic organization.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 585  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Directs the Regional Transportation Authority to fund Americans with Disabilities Act Paratransit needs.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 700  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Requires any state licensing agency to assign a customer identification number to each licensee regulated by the agency.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1272  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Requires circuit clerks to return confiscated FOID cards to the Illinois State Police.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1298  

An Act Concerning: Finance  

Directs Circuit court clerks to remit electronic citation fees designated for ISP to the State Treasurer for deposit into Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) Maintenance Fund.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1470  

An Act Concerning: Public Aid  

Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to establish a process for nursing homes to submit reports and assessment payments electronically, instead of by mail.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1526  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Allows counties to maintain the ordinances, control, and jurisdiction of property that is the subject of an annexation agreement if  the property is located more than 1.5 miles from the annexing municipality's corporate limits, and the county has voted to maintain such control by a 2/3 vote of the county board.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1703        

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Streamlines the Illinois Commerce Commission certification process for oil pipeline companies who attempt to construct a pipeline and operate as a common carrier  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2073  

An Act Concerning: Finance  

Creates the Small Business Development Grand Fund under the administration of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity          

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2267  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

Increases the fine for driving without insurance to a minimum of $2,500 for a third conviction when an accident causes bodily harm  

Action:  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 2922  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Creates the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which requires state agencies to report the Comptroller all necessary financial information in order for the Comptroller's office to compile and publish a comprehensive annual financial report.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2938  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

Would nullify any authority to create a new special license plate and permit the discontinuation of existing specialty license plates if the Secretary of State has not received the required number of applications within two years.  

Action:  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3010  

An Act Concerning: Human Rights  

Expands the definition of "disability" used in the public accommodations provision of the Human Rights Act to include any mental, psychological, or developmental disability, including autism spectrum disorders.  

Action:  

Effective Date: Jan. 1   

   

Bill No.: HB 3158  

An Act Concerning: Finance  

Extends the prohibition on contractors making political contributions to the Governor to the Lieutenant Governor.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3256  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

Creates a new class of vehicle called "expanded-use antique vehicle," and allows such vehicles to drive without restriction on highways during certain months of the year  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3257  

An Act Concerning: Business  

Makes a violation of the federal John Warner National Defense Authorization Act also a violation of the Illinois Payday Loan Reform Act, which protects military members against payday loan companies.         

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3315  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Amends the Veterans' Affairs Act to add prosthetics to the list of areas which the Discharged Servicemember Task Force shall investigate in fiscal year 2012.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan 1.  

   

Bill No.: HB 3334  

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits  

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) by removing a provision requiring an application for leave-of-absence credit to be filed within 2 years after termination of the leave and adding criteria that must be met for a person to be eligible for either temporary or permanent disability benefits.    

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3428  

An Act Concerning: Employment  

Repeals the Illinois Farm Labor Contractor Certification Act, the Illinois Street Trades Law, and the Industrial Home Work Act.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 41  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Allows township trustees, by ordinance, to dispose of brush and leaves in unincorporated areas of their township without having to hold a referendum.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 172  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Allow the Department of Agriculture to approve the consolidation of soil and water conservation districts in Lake and McHenry counties brought by a joint petition, bypassing a referendum requirement.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 262  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Changes the composition of the Commission to End Hunger from two at-large members to three and gives ex-officio membership status to the Director of the Department of Natural Resources and the Local Food Farms and Jobs Council.    

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 674  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Makes a change to the definition of "affiliate" within the Consumer Installment Loan Act.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1133  

An Act Concerning: Business  

Limits finance charges for any extra days in the first installment period of a payday loan.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1236  

An Act Concerning: Public Aid  

Deletes the requirement to consider the number of children in care when calculating a family's co-payment for childcare under the Public Aid Code.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1342  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Requires that a copy of the written staffing plan for nursing care services be provided to any person upon request.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1945  

An Act Concerning: Health  

Creates the Comprehensive Healthcare Workforce Planning Act and establishes the State Healthcare Workforce Council within Department of Public Health to provide an ongoing assessment of health care trends, issues, and financing policies and to recommend appropriate state government and private sector solutions to identified needs.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: July 1, 2012  

   

Bill No.: SB 1949  

An Act Concerning: Courts  

Requires a juvenile court to hold a permanency hearing within 12 months of a minor being placed in protective custody, regardless of whether an adjudication or dispositional hearing has been completed within that timeframe.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2046  

An Act Concerning: Public Aid  

Allows the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to use brand name drugs (in addition to generic) with a 90 day supply if it is cost efficient  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 2069  

An Act Concerning: Process Servers  

Requires private process servers to share licenses with county sheriffs and maintain a list of employees to be made available upon request and allows processes to be served by licensed employees of a private detective agency in counties with fewer than two million inhabitants.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 2145  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Makes various changes to Petroleum Equipment Licensing Act and extends the sunset date to 
January 1, 2022.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2149  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Strengthens the authority of Financial Oversight Panels administered by the State Board of Education and gives greater authority to the Illinois Finance Authority to approve emergency financial assistance loans that have been requested by an FOP for a financially distressed school district.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2162  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

Provides that county-owned vehicles operated by or for any county sheriff and designated deputy sheriffs shall be exempt from fees related to the transfer of registration plates from one vehicle to another.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2190  

An Act Concerning: Wildlife  

Allows the Department of Natural Resources to devise a list of wild species and feral livestock which DNR may prohibit or regulate.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2270  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Exempts juveniles from having to register as violent offenders if convicted of misdemeanor domestic battery and revises the types of aggravated battery that trigger registration for both adult and juvenile offender.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2271  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Creates the Racial and Ethnic Impact Research Task Force to collect and analyze data on the racial and ethnic identity of arrestees.  

Action:  

Effective Date: Immediately  

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Roxanna Moritz, Scott County (Iowa) Auditor and Commissioner of Elections, will be designated as a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA), the highest professional achievement, in ceremonies conducted by the Election Center at the Westin on the Riverwalk Hotel, San Antonio, TX, at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, August 19, 2011.

CERA designation is achieved only through a multi-year course of study conducted by The Election Center's Professional Education Program and completion of twelve core courses taught by the Master's in Public Administration faculty of Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama) ranging from ethics, to voter registration and elections law, planning, communications, and voter participation, among others.  The intent of the program is to professionalize the management of voter registration and elections administration in promoting and preserving public trust in the democratic process.

"This is the highest designation available to elections and voter registration officials," said R. Doug Lewis, director of the Center.  "Of more than 21,000 elections and voter registration officials throughout America, this graduating class of 88 professionals takes us to 677 election officials who have achieved the CERA status.  This is an outstanding accomplishment."

"Scott County is indeed fortunate to have Roxanna as one of the top designated professionals in America.  Obtaining and maintaining CERA status means that she has committed to a career long process of continuing education to improve the electoral process in Iowa and the nation," he stated.

"These truly are the people who make democracy possible," Lewis said.  "Auditor Moritz and other CERA professionals serve as the nation's protectors of the democratic process.  Because of them, Americans have a trust and public confidence in the election process.  They have assurance that the system is fair, free, honest and accurate.  In many parts of the world, their citizens have no faith in the form of democracy offered in their home countries. The importance of what Roxanna does for Scott County is incredible but rarely noticed...unless something goes wrong."

Moritz was first elected county auditor in 2008.  She served a partial four year term on the Scott County Board of Supervisors before being elected auditor.  She also served for six years on the Davenport City Council as First Ward Alderman.

"This is one of the most challenging education programs I have ever participated in, Moritz said. "We covered the law, and ethical considerations in how to better serve the public.  We also became more aware of how important it is to nurture and care for the democratic process."

"Rich or poor, weak or strong, young or old, we all count the same when we vote," said Moritz.  "What can be more equal than that?  The CERA program elevates our thinking about the process and the people we serve."

"It is my great honor to assure that the public's will is accurately reflected in our elections," Moritz said.  "I see my role to dignify all potential voters and to remove as many barriers as possible to participation in the democratic process.  Our office cannot be responsible for how many actually turn out for each election, but we can certainly be sure that they have the opportunity to vote and have their votes counted accurately."

The Professional Education Program is sponsored by The Election Center, a non-profit association of voter registrars and elections administrators throughout America.  Its membership is comprised of township, city, county and state elections officials.  The Center's primary purpose is education for local and state voter registrars and elections officials to promote and improve the democratic process.

Professional Education Program participants receive continuing education credit from Auburn University as well as professional training credits from The Election Center.

The Professional Education Program was recognized in 1996 as the top continuing education program in America by the National University Continuing Education Association.

"Normally most Americans don't even know the election officials exist in their community and that they work constantly to protect the democratic process for its citizens," Lewis said. "Due to Election 2000, we now know just how important and complicated elections can be. In my opinion, the elections officials deserve the highest recognition that a community can give.  If they don't do their job well, then citizens have no faith in the democratic process itself.  Without faith in the process, it is almost impossible to believe in government itself - and that is a very large responsibility."

Senator Chuck Grassley will be in Cedar Rapids and Bettendorf tomorrow, Wednesday, August 17.  He will attend a General Aviation Manufacturers Association rally in Cedar Rapids and speak to the Bettendorf Rotary Club. 

Here are the details for Grassley's visits.

9 -10:30 a.m. General Aviation Manufacturers Association rally at the Eastern Iowa Airport, Rockwell Collins Flight Operations Center, 2815 Lippisch Place, SW, Cedar Rapids (Grassley is scheduled to speak at 9:45)

Noon - 1 p.m. Bettendorf Rotary Club meeting at the Fortune Garden Restaurant, 2211 Kimberly Road, Bettendorf

DES MOINES, IA, August 16, 2011- On Friday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will hold a White House Rural Forum at the Iowa State Fair with businesses and community leaders, farmers, ranchers, and Tribal leaders to explore ways federal, state and local officials can work together to improve economic conditions and create jobs.  As chair of the White House Rural Council, Secretary Vilsack will discuss the Rural Council's new policy recommendations, which focus on key areas of need in rural America including helping rural small businesses access capital, expanding rural job search and training services, and increasing rural access to health care workers and technology.

Friday's event follows on President Obama's White House Rural Economic Forum today in Peosta, IA, and allows attendees at the Iowa State Fair to participate in a Rural Forum.  Secretary Vilsack will give a recap of what was discussed with President Obama today.

Friday, August 19, 2011
10:00 a.m. CDT

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Vilsack will hold a Rural Forum with businesses leaders, farmers, ranchers, and Tribal leaders  to explore ways federal, state and local officials can work together to improve economic conditions and create jobs.

WHERE: Iowa State Fair
Penningroth Media Center in the Cattle Barn
Des Moines, IA

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New Laws Promote Agriculture Tourism, Expand Homemade Food Sales and Ensure Consistent Regulation at Farmers' Markets

CHICAGO - August 16, 2011. In honor of Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair, Governor Pat Quinn today signed three pieces of legislation to support Illinois' agriculture industry and increase access to farmers' markets for the growing cottage food industry. Senate Bill 840 allows certain homemade foods to be sold at Illinois farmers' markets, and Senate Bill 1852 creates a task force to recommend statewide farmers' market regulations. The Governor also signed House Bill 3244 requiring the state to develop a plan for increasing agriculture-related tourism opportunities in Illinois.

"The best way to celebrate Illinois' agricultural strength is by making it easier for Illinois residents to buy fresh foods and support farmers and local economies," Governor Quinn said. "Farmers' markets allow us to buy fresh, healthy produce and other homemade goods directly from the people who make them, and this legislation will enable those business owners to sell directly to consumers while making sure safety standards are consistent for all markets throughout the state."  

The popularity of farmers' markets has surged in recent years, and a lack of consistent regulation at the increasing number of markets has created confusion about how products may be sold. Senate Bill 1852, sponsored by Sen. David Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) and Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro), creates a task force to review the rules and laws defining what products can be sold at farmers' markets, as well as sanitation and food preparation requirements. The 24-member task force will then assist the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in developing and implementing administrative rules ensuring consistent statewide farmers' market regulations.

Senate Bill 840, sponsored by Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria) and Rep. Lisa M. Dugan (D-Kankakee), allows homemade foods like jams, cookies and cakes to be sold at farmers' markets. Cottage food vendors must meet the following conditions for their products to be sold at Illinois' farmers' markets:

  • ·         Foods, such as baked goods, preserves, dry herbs or teas, must be safe for consumption;
  • ·         Food is sold only at a farmers' market;
  • ·         Seller does no more than $25,000 a year in sales;
  • ·         Follows specific labeling requirements;
  • ·         The cottage food operation is registered with the local health department;
  • ·         The person preparing and selling the food has a valid Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate; and
  • ·         A placard that states, "This product was produced in a home kitchen not subject to public health inspection that may also process common food allergens" is located where the food is sold.

Under House Bill 3244, sponsored by Rep. Kay Hatcher (R-Yorkville) and Sen. Kirk W. Dillard (R-Westmont), the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will develop and implement a statewide strategic plan to increase agricultural tourism. This builds upon existing efforts by the Quinn administration to strengthen Illinois' agri-tourism industry.

DCEO and the Illinois Department of Agriculture have a long-standing partnership with the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA) to promote the Illinois wine industry. Through the state's tourism site, www.EnjoyIllinois.com, visitors can learn more about the dozens of wineries and other natural and agriculture-related attractions nestled throughout the state. DCEO also assists in marketing agri-tourism tours that have been created among its industry partners, both domestically and internationally, and promotes the use of locally grown foods in its marketing efforts.

Senate Bill 1852 and House Bill 3244 go into effect immediately and Senate Bill 840 takes effect Jan. 1.

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AZUSA, CA (08/16/2011)(readMedia)-- Bettendorf, IA resident and Azusa Pacific University student Matthew Shawn Atha made the academic Deans' List at APU. Atha is honored for a spring 2011 academic standing of 3.5 or better grade-point average. Atha is A Political Science Major, who is joined by more than 1,575 students receiving the same honor.

Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical, Christian university committed to God First and excellence in higher education. With 53 undergraduate majors, 37 master's degrees, 21 credentials, 7 doctoral programs, and 5 certificates, the university offers its more than 9,200 students a quality education on campus, online, and at seven regional centers throughout Southern California.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Matthew-Atha-of-Bettendorf-Makes-the-Grade-at-Azusa-Pacific/2947108.

Roundtable discussion focuses on ways to get Guard members back to work

Johnston, IA - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) met with Iowa National Guard leaders and their partners at Camp Dodge to discuss employment initiatives for returning Iowa service members.  Representatives from the Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve agency, Iowa Workforce Development, and Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs participated in the briefing.

"This is a critical moment to support our friends and neighbors in the Iowa National Guard, Reserves, and other military branches," said Rep. Braley.  "Thousands of Iowans have returned home after serving overseas this past year.  Now we must support them and bring their experience and talent back into the Iowa workforce."

"In the coming months, I will take additional steps to create job opportunities for returning service members and incentives for employers who hire service members.  Let's get to work, and make sure that these brave Iowans have access to job training, educational opportunities, and good-paying jobs."

Congressman Braley has worked closely with the Iowa National Guard throughout his time in Congress.  Last year, he secured long-overdue back pay for nearly 650 members of the Iowa National Guard and over 22,000 National Guard troops nationwide.  Prior to that, Congressman Braley led an investigation that resulted in nearly 3,500 members of the Iowa National Guard receiving their GI Bill education benefits, after these benefits were initially denied by the Pentagon.

Congressman Braley currently serves on the U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs, and as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

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Waterloo, IA - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after President Obama announced new Rural Economic Initiatives while traveling in Iowa:

"We've lost 54,000 manufacturers in the last decade, unemployment remains at nine percent, and many Iowa families have seen tremendous challenges over the last three years. While I have disagreed with President Obama on a number of policies, including the most recent Deficit Deal, the continuation of the costly war in Afghanistan, and the extension of the Bush tax bonuses for the rich, I'm pleased to see that today he announced investments in rural small businesses and job growth. I look forward to working with the President to make sure these proposals are implemented in a way that creates jobs in Iowa and gets our economy back on track."

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Law Will Help Protect Communities from Undue Environmental Harm  

CHICAGO - August 16, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation calling for an assessment of Illinois' environmental laws and policies to ensure that no segment of the population will disproportionately bear the adverse environmental and health effects caused by pollution.  

"Race, income or nationality should not determine the quality of the air one breathes or the water one drinks," Governor Quinn said. "We want to make sure that all Illinois families live in healthy communities. This commission will help us strengthen environmental laws so that every Illinois resident has clean air and clean water."     

Senate Bill 2193, sponsored by Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) and Rep. Will Davis (D- East Hazel Crest), creates the Environmental Justice Act and the Commission on Environmental Justice.  The commission is tasked with reviewing and analyzing current state laws and policies. Based upon review, the commission will make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly to address environmental justice concerns.  

"As a mother of three, I'm personally committed to making sure that all children grow up in communities where clean air and water are protected so that they can develop into health adults," said Sen. Hutchinson. "The aim of this council will be geared towards ensuring that a person's income, age, race or nationality does not mean they must be relegated to living in an unsafe environment. I thank Governor Quinn for recognizing this fact by signing this bill into law."  

The new law addresses concerns about rising asthma rates and other health indicators in parts of the state, especially in minority communities. Medical researchers have observed a connection between types of industry present in a community and childhood asthma rates.   

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is tasked with providing the commission with administrative and other support. The membership will comprise designated members of the General Assembly, community members, environmental and business organizations, health experts, local government and members of the public with expertise in environmental justice. In addition to IEPA, the council includes members from the Departments on Aging, Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Natural Resources, Public Health and Transportation.  

The new law goes into effect immediately. 

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Moline, IL... State Representative Rich Morthland will join with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) to host a phone bill analysis clinic. Senior citizens are encouraged to bring their phone bills to be analyzed by CUB staff. A CUB expert will be at the clinic to analyze phone bills one-on-one and show seniors how to save money. Free energy-efficient light bulbs will be provided by CUB (while supplies last).

 

Who:             Rep. Rich Morthland & the Citizens Utility Board

What:           Phone Bill Analysis Clinic

When:          Wednesday August 24th, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Where:        Moline Public Library, 3210 41st Street, Moline, IL

 

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