Dear Neighbor,

As a father and grandfather, the events that happened in Newtown, Connecticut were truly heart wrenching.  Our entire nation's thoughts, prayers and gratitude went to the first responders, teachers and administrators who acted so heroically to protect the children. 

In the wake of this tragedy, I called for a national conversation to begin about how to address the troubling frequency with which lives have been cut short by senseless violence.  This conversation needed to start at home, which is why I have hosted a series of meetings and roundtables with folks from across the state; have talked with sheriffs and police chiefs; sat down with teachers, administrators and school officials; and heard directly from mental health experts.

Now I want to hear from you.  As your representative, my first priority is to make sure that the voices of the Second District are heard.   My office has received thousands of emails, letters and phone calls about school safety, the need to address mental health issues, and gun safety. Now it is time to talk directly with you.  Your input and insight are important to me. 

That is why I am holding a telephone town hall on Wednesday, February 13^th at 6:00 PM CST. You are invited to save the date, sign up here, and join in a conversation about gun safety, school safety and mental health care.

Thank you for placing your trust and confidence in me to be your voice.  I am committed to working for Iowans and look forward to hearing from you about this important topic.Also, feel free to forward this to your family and friends, I want to hear from as many Iowans as possible. 

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

CHICAGO- February 4, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

Bill No.: SB 281

An Act Concerning: State Government

Allows for the continuation, validation and re-enactment of a provision authorizing the Capital Development Board to charge certain contract administration fees that were inadvertently repealed on June 30, 2012.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 1543

An Act Concerning: Safety

Extends Wireless 911 Sunset from April 1, 2013 until July 1, 2013.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

###

SPRINGFIELD, IL - To ensure that law-abiding gun owners have a voice to defend their Second
Amendment rights, state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) has joined a new legislative working
group designed to lead the conversation about gun rights in Illinois. Smiddy has also signed
on as a co-sponsor for HB 997, a bill that would provide guidelines for the concealed carry of
firearms in Illinois.

"For too long in Illinois, law-abiding citizens have been denied their basic Second Amendment
rights because of a vocal and influential minority," said Smiddy, a critic of the state's gun
control laws. "This is an opportunity for gun rights advocates to finally play a role in shaping
firearms policy in Illinois.

In December, a federal appeals court ruled Illinois' ongoing ban on concealed carry
unconstitutional and gave the state a 180 day deadline to pass a concealed carry bill. While the
state's Attorney General is appealing the decision, gun rights supporters are confident that the
ruling will be upheld.

The bipartisan firearms working group, led by Lt. Governor Sheila Simon, is comprised of new
lawmakers from all regions of the state and all sides of the gun rights debate. The group will
meet with stakeholders and be a vital part of the debate in Springfield.

"Gun owners who have followed the law and played by the rules deserve to have a voice in
any proposed changes, "said Smiddy. "I intend to be that voice. I will be a strong activist in this
working group to make sure that we're not left with a watered down version of a concealed
carry law."

For more information, contact Smiddy's office at (309) 848-9098 or RepSmiddy@gmail.com.
Residents can also call toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

###

Investment Will Fund 54 Community Projects, Including Bike Paths, Walking Trails, Beautification and Support More Than 400 Jobs

CHICAGO - January 30, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann  Schneider today announced a nearly $50 million investment in community transportation projects throughout Illinois. The latest round of funding through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) will support more than 400 jobs through 54 projects, including bike paths, walking trails, historic preservation and streetscape beautification projects in communities across Illinois. The ITEP is a federally-funded, competitive program that encourages transportation-related enhancement projects in a variety of categories.

"This major investment in community transportation projects throughout Illinois will help improve the quality of life for everyone," Governor Quinn said. "These projects will create hundreds of jobs while preserving our heritage, beautifying communities and creating new transportation options across our state for pedestrians, bicyclists, and others. I want to thank our Congressional delegation for securing the funds so that we can reinvest them back into our cities, towns and counties."

"Over the years, funding for bike and pedestrian infrastructure has improved street safety and quality of living in Illinois communities," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). "Incorporating bike paths, bike lanes and sidewalks into the transportation system encourages physical activity and healthy lifestyles by providing a safe place to walk, jog and bike close to home.  And today's announcement by Governor Quinn ensures that these federal funds will be spent creating jobs in Illinois communities."

"Trails and bikeways make Illinois communities better places to live," Ed Barsotti, executive director, League of Illinois Bicyclists said. "For over a decade, Governor Quinn has worked for better bicycling and walking conditions for Illinois residents. He recognizes this as one part of many solutions, for problems we face with health care costs, transportation equity and safety. Today's grants will help communities across Illinois build these popular and important facilities."

The ITEP program is designed to promote and develop alternative transportation options, including bike and pedestrian travel, along with streetscape beautification. The federal funds are awarded competitively, and any local or state government with taxing authority is eligible to apply. Local matching funds are required, and work must begin on the projects within three years.

"We are very excited to help move these very important projects forward," Secretary Schneider said. "This community-based program will expand travel options, improve safety and enhance the quality of life of residents throughout Illinois."

For the current round of funding, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) received 328 applications requesting ITEP federal funding totaling nearly $327 million. Beginning this year, IDOT will move this program to be awarded annually instead of every two years.

A full list of projects is attached. For more information, please visit www.dot.state.il.us/opp/itep.html.

###