Over $13 Million Available to Local Governments

SPRINGFIELD - May 17, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the availability of $13.1 million in federal stimulus funds through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program to help local governments with populations under 35,000 implement energy efficiency and conservation efforts.

"The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program is a great example of how we're using our investments in the green industry to grow our economy and create jobs, while creating a more sustainable living environment," said Governor Quinn.

The competitive grant program is being made available through the State Energy Office at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and will be administered by the Illinois Association of Regional Planning Councils (ILARC). Applications must be submitted to the ILARC by June 11.

Federal EECBG program dollars have been allocated by population to regional planning agencies, to serve cities and counties not entitled to direct grants from the U.S. Department of Energy. Each regional agency will provide a local Request for Application (RFA) for the program to interested grantees, tailored to that region's needs. Possible projects, depending on region, include creation of a strategic energy plan, residential and commercial building audits, energy retrofits, or purchasing hybrid, electric or alternative-fueled vehicles.

"These stimulus grants will help small and medium size cities throughout the state invest in energy solutions that are clean, reliable and affordable while creating needed green sector jobs," said DCEO Director Warren Ribley.

To find out which categories are available in your area, find your regional planning agency online at www.ilarconline.org.

The regional councils and planning commissions in the ILARC membership were created to study regional conditions and needs, and develop strategies which enhance each region's communities. They provide advocacy, planning, technical assistance and project development in areas such as community development, transportation, housing, land use, energy efficiency, sold waste and natural resources.

For more information about the state's energy efforts, please visit the Illinois Energy Office Web site at www.illinoisenergy.org.

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DES MOINES, Iowa, May 17, 2010 – The representative group for the Iowans who employ more people and generate more jobs today named a new state director. In selecting Kristin Kunert, the National Federation of Independent Business has chosen someone who brings to the job that vital blend of skills all associations need in this modern era, according to Dave Brasher, NFIB's regional state public policy director.

"The speed at which information travels in our hyper-communicative age, and the much greater transparency and public accountability of official proceedings, have required a variety of talents from people representing associations such as ours," said Brasher, "and I'm delighted we found them all in Kristin Kunert. She brings a mix of legal, policy, lobbying, and communications experience that will supremely aid our members."

Prior to joining NFIB, Kunert had been director of government relations for the Iowa Telecommunications Association for three years. Along her professional path, she has been an assistant general counsel for West Bank and a research analyst for the Iowa House Republican Caucus.

A native Iowan, Kunert was born in Dubuque. After graduating from the University of Iowa in 1997 with a double major in journalism and English, she took a job with the Temerlin/McClain advertising agency in Dallas and worked numerous states for one of its major clients, American Airlines.

After returning home, Kunert attended Drake University to study law and graduated with her J.D. Degree in 2004 and passed the Iowa Bar Association that same year. Kunert's husband, Mitch, is also an attorney, and together with their two children make their home in Ankeny.

For NFIB/Iowa she will direct its lobbying, public affairs, and political operations, as well as member requests.

Law Follows Superintendent's Indictment on Public Corruption Charges

CHICAGO - May 16, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation into law that eliminates the Suburban Cook Country Regional Office of Education in the aftermath of its superintendent being arrested and indicted on 16 counts of official misconduct, theft and misapplication of funds.

"When it comes to the vital task of educating our children, we can never tolerate any doubts about the ethics and practices of public servants," said Governor Quinn. "In this situation, the new law will put to rest any concerns taxpayers have about the operations of the Suburban Cook Country Regional Office of Education, while enabling the system to move forward."

The legislation (House Bill 16) closes the Suburban Cook Country Regional Office of Education and transfers its responsibilities to three intermediate service centers throughout suburban Cook County. Those responsibilities include : processing teacher certifications; providing bus driver training; and performing background checks on employees. The office was the largest of its type in Illinois and served more than 140 school districts and approximately 25,000 teachers.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook) and Sen. Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forest). It goes into effect on July 1.

The legislation was spurred by the January 16 arrest and indictment of Suburban Cook Country Regional Office of Education Superintendent Charles Flowers on 16 counts of official misconduct, theft and misapplication of funds. The indictment alleges that, in the span of two years, Flowers skimmed nearly $400,000 from the office. In March, Flowers pleaded not guilty to the charges.

On May 7, Flowers resigned as superintendent and agreed to be relieved of his administrative certificates for the next four years, preventing him from holding any administrative positions in Illinois public schools. The agreement was approved by the Illinois State Teacher Certification Board. If convicted of a felony, Flowers will permanently lose his teaching and administrative licenses in Illinois.

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Encourages More Illinois Residents, Employers To Participate By Visiting PutIllinoistoWork.Illinois.gov

PEORIA - May 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today visited the Peoria YWCA to announce that 577 employers across the state have agreed to hire more than 3,886 workers through the Put Illinois to Work (PIW) employment program.  Peoria's YWCA has signed on to participate in the anti-poverty program that is expected to create more than 15,000 jobs statewide.

"Put Illinois to Work will create more than 15,000 good-paying jobs in our state," said Governor Quinn. "I applaud the hundreds of Illinois employers that have signed on to this program, and I encourage businesses and residents across the state to visit PutIllinoistoWork.Illinois.gov and fill out an application."

Through Put Illinois to Work, eligible Illinois residents will be placed in subsidized employment positions with participating worksites for up to six months, learning valuable skills and supporting their families. The program is expected to create more than 15,000 jobs statewide and to help stimulate Illinois' ailing economy. Put Illinois to Work will develop a healthy state workforce by providing meaningful work experiences for participants.

Private, public and non-profit businesses are encouraged to participate in Put Illinois to Work. Eligible participants are matched to subsidized employment opportunities with these worksites. The hope is that when the program concludes, many employers will permanently hire the workers they trained.

Put Illinois to Work is a collaborative effort of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and Heartland Human Care Services (HHCS). Funding is provided through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF), which was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Eligible worksites and participants must meet program criteria and agree to adhere to specific programmatic requirements. Participants must be age 18-21, or 18 and older and the parent (custodial or non-custodial) of a minor child. All participants must have a household income below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level ($2,428 per month for a family of two) and be legally present and authorized to work.

The Peoria YWCA serves around 150 children each day in their child care program and 100 children in health promotions activities. They house an average of 50 children each night either in the emergency shelter, transitional housing or permanent supportive housing. The YWCA also provides services to more than 10,000 different individuals annually and provides space to a local high school for their women's sports and junior varsity athletic programs.

For eligibility criteria and additional information on Put Illinois to Work, visit PutIllinoistoWork.Illinois.gov.

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