Be a lifesaver this summer and donate blood

The American Red Cross reminds all eligible blood donors make an appointment to give blood this summer because the need for blood never takes a summer vacation and must constantly be replenished.

While all blood types are needed to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients, right now there is a special need for types O negative, B negative and A negative blood donors. Rh negative blood types are always in high demand because they potentially can be transfused to patients with Rh positive or Rh negative blood types.

To show appreciation to those who help save lives, all presenting donors at Red Cross blood drives and blood donation centers through September 7, 2011 will be entered in the Good to Give. Good to Go. promotion. One lucky person (21 and older) in the Mid-American Blood Services Division will have the chance to win a trip for four to Orlando, Florida.

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.

A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

Blood Donation Opportunities

WHITESIDE COUNTY 

CLINTON COUNTY

Governor's Reforms Empower Citizens with more Access to Democratic Process

DES PLAINES - July 4, 2011.  Governor Pat Quinn today signed election reform legislation that will empower Illinois' residents with better access to democratic process. Senate Bill 1586 creates more opportunities to initiate referenda at the local and statewide levels, and simplifies the election code to make it more consistent and clear.

"On the very day we celebrate our democracy, I am enacting a bill that will put more power in the hands of the people of Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "By giving voters more authority at the ballot box, they will have a better opportunity to hold elected officials accountable and we will continue to create a more vibrant democracy in our state." 

Historically, Illinois has had limited ballot access. This bill contains three major reforms that were led by Governor Quinn to improve access to the democratic process throughout Illinois. 

The legislation allows local school boards to initiate advisory referendum by resolution for the first time in Illinois history. It also lowers the petition signature requirement for initiating referenda to a uniform 8 percent of the gubernatorial vote. 

Additionally, the bill eliminates bureaucratic hurdles in the petition process for constitutional amendments by cutting the requirement that petitions to initiate referenda be segregated by election jurisdiction. This reduces the chance that petitions or an initiative could be thrown out based on a technicality.

The bill also increases voting access for service members by allowing ballots to be emailed to military voters who are overseas. 

Sponsored by Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and Represenative Michael Zalewski (D-Chicago), the new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2012. 

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Bills Prevent Winter Heat Shutoff, Increase Driver's License Renewal Period; Help Injured Veterans Access Needed Services

CHICAGO - July 3, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed three bills to provide more protections for Illinois' servicemembers and help injured Veterans get the services they need. Together, the bills will make Illinois a more supportive place to live for servicemembers and veterans.

"On the day before we celebrate our democracy, we want to remember and protect our heroic men and women who answered the call to service," said Governor Quinn. "When our Veterans and servicemembers return to their homes in Illinois, it is our duty to give them the thanks and respect they deserve."

These bills prevent Illinois utilities from cutting off heat to Veterans and servicemembers during the winter months; extend the driver's license renewal time for servicemembers returning from overseas or out-of state; and create a fund to support public service announcements to increase awareness of Veterans' programs.

Sponsored by Rep. Keith Farnham (D-Elgin) and Sen. Michael Noland (D-Elgin), House Bill 1260 prohibits utilities from cutting off heat to Veterans and Servicemembers during the winter months. Under the new law, gas and electric utility companies are prevented from cutting off gas or electricity to Veterans and servicemember's homes from Dec. 1 through March 31 of the following year.

Many of Illinois' men and women in uniform who serve out-of-state or overseas find it difficult to renew their driver's license within the time required under current law. Sponsored by Rep. Eddie Jackson (D-East St. Louis) and Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights), House Bill 3331 extends the expiration of a servicemember's driver's license to 120 days upon their return to Illinois. Current law only allows for a 90 day deferral.

House Bill 3275 creates a fund to support public service announcements to inform Illinois' Veterans and servicemembers of the benefits and services available for treatment of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. The fund will be administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, which will collect private gifts, donations and charitable contributions to support the fund. The new law was sponsored by Rep. Jason Barickman (R-Champaign) and Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago).

"As a veteran of the Illinois Army National Guard, there are few things more important than helping our men and women in uniform," said Rep. Barickman, who sponsored HB 3275. "I'm proud of this law, which allows people to donate private dollars to promote services available to men and women injured in combat."

The three new laws take effect Jan. 1, 2012.

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CHICAGO - July 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

Bill No.: HB 3500

Amends the Freedom of Information Act to provide that the names and information of people who have applied for or received Firearm Owner's Identification Cards under the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act are exempt from inspection and copying.

An Act Concerning: Safety

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

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