13 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Saturday, August 11, 2012

By William Palmisano

SPRINGFIELD -August 11, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

 

Bill No.: SB 3800

An Act Concerning: Education

Allows Illinois Student Assistance Commission to administer wage garnishments on any employee in order to recover student loan debt owned or serviced by the Commission. Also allows for the employee having their wages deducted to have the opportunity to contest the loan obligation.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

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13 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Marches in Bud Billiken Parade, Continues Push for Pension Reform

By Nafia Khan

CHICAGO - August 11, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today marched in the annual Bud Billiken parade and continued his push for public pension reform. Walking alongside hundreds of youth and students, the governor called for a school system and pension system that are built to last for future generations.

The Governor has summoned the General Assembly to a Special Session on Friday, August 17, to focus on pension reform.

"As I march up Doctor Martin Luther King Drive and see all these bright, smiling faces, the importance of bold action on pension reform is crystal clear," Governor Quinn said. "Education is being squeezed out by fast-rising pension costs. We owe it to our kids marching here today and across Illinois to reform our pension system, so they have the education they deserve."

Last week, Governor Quinn's Office of Management & Budget released a study showing that without comprehensive pension reform, Illinois will spend more on pensions than education by FY 2016. The State's 2013 budget is $33.7 billion, with 15 percent going to pensions alone. Each day, Illinois' unfunded pension liability grows by $12.6 million. The Governor has proposed a pension reform plan - which is expected to save taxpayers $65 to $85 billion - that eliminates the unfunded liability over the next 30 years and stabilizes the system.

For legislators' contact information and details on Governor Quinn's pension reform plan, visit SaveOurState.illinois.gov.

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10 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Stiffen Penalties for Sale of Heroin, Flavored Wrapping Paper

By Nafia Khan

CHICAGO - August 9, 2012. As part of his commitment to improve public health, Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to stiffen penalties for the sale of heroin and flavored wrapping paper. The new law lowers the threshold for mandatory imprisonment for the sale of heroin from five grams to three grams, and bans flavored wrapping paper which is often marketed to young people. This issue has been considered by the General Assembly for several years, and a similar proposal was introduced by then-State Sen. Barack Obama.

"One overdose victim is one too many in Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "These products are a public health menace and this new law will help keep people away from illegal substance abuse."

Sponsored by Rep. Dennis Reboletti (R-Addison) and Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), House Bill 3801 is supported by the Illinois Attorney General, Cook County State's Attorney and Illinois State's Attorneys Association. Recent studies have shown a dramatic increase in heroin overdoses throughout Illinois, based on hospital admissions, treatment center statistics and arrest records. Roosevelt University's Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy found in 2011 that heroin usage in the collar counties has increased 200 percent in 10 years.

"This is a scourge afflicting communities across the state of Illinois," Sen. Raoul said. "I am pleased that we are giving law enforcement two additional tools to combat drug use."

The new law also bans the sale of non-menthol flavored wrapping paper, also known as blunt wraps. These cigar wrappers are commonly used to roll illicit drugs such as marijuana, PCP and crack cocaine. With flavors such as chocolate chip and banana, the product is marketed by tobacco companies and other manufacturers to young people and children.

"I have seen first-hand the toll heroin takes on young people here in the suburbs," said Rep. Reboletti, a former narcotics prosecutor who serves on the advisory board of Serenity House, a halfway house in Addison. "We are putting dealers of even small quantities on notice: you will go to prison."

The new law takes effective immediately.

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10 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Thursday, August 9, 2012

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - August 9, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No: SB 3287

An Act Concerning: Government

Creates the Illinois Service Member Civil Relief Act to protect the financial security of Illinois soldiers.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No: SB 3555

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Allows Professional Sports Team License Plates to be issued to motorcycles.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

 

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10 Aug 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding to Improve Rural Electric Service to Thousands of Customers in 18 States

By USDA Office of Communications
Almost $29 million in Smart Grid Projects Included

WASHINGTON, August 9, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that rural electric utilities in 18 states will receive loan guarantees to make improvements to electric lines, transmission facilities and to reduce peak electric loads by deploying smart grid technologies. USDA Rural Utilities Administrator Jonathan Adelstein made the announcement on Vilsack's behalf while visiting the offices of one of the recipients, Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) in Crewe, Virginia. The cooperative is using funds to build and improve a distribution line, transmission line, and will invest almost $7.4 million for smart grid system enhancements. In all, service will be upgraded for about 1,500 SEC members.

"Maintaining and upgrading rural electric systems improves system reliability, creates jobs and supports economic development," Vilsack said. "With these loans, we are continuing to help cooperatives provide reliable service to rural residents. A significant portion of this funding will go to smart grid technologies, helping consumers lower their electric bills and reducing peak demand for producers."

With this funding, USDA Rural Development moves closer to reaching Secretary Vilsack's goal to fund more than $250 million for smart grid technologies. Today's announcement includes support for nearly $29 million in smart grid projects. In all, USDA is investing more than $420 million in rural electric infrastructure.

The following is a list of rural utilities that will receive USDA funding, which is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan agreement.

Idaho/Oregon/Washington

  • Clearwater Power Company -- $13,524,000. Funds will vey used to serve about 500 consumers, build and improve 132 miles of distribution line and 5 miles of transmission line, and make other system improvements.

Indiana

  • Whitewater Valley Rural Electric Membership Corporation - $12,000,000. Funds will be used to serve 240 consumers, build and improve 121 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan includes $519,405 in smart grid projects.

Kansas

  • Leavenworth-Jefferson Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $7,580,000. Funds will be used to serve 375 consumers, build and improve 100 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $104,028 in smart grid projects.

Kentucky

  • Pennyrile Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation - $22,894,000. Funds will be used to serve about 2,800 customers, build and improve 248 miles of distribution and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $232,800 in smart grid projects.
  • Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation - $13,000,000. Funds will be used to serve about 3,300 consumers, build and improve 216 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements.

Minnesota

  • Lake Region Electric Cooperative - $27,151,000. Funds will be used to serve about 1,300 consumers, build and improve 151 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $3,297,855 in smart grid projects.

Mississippi

  • Coast Electric Power Association - $51,766,000. Funds will be used to serve 9,240 consumers, build and improve 246 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $128,000 in smart grid projects.

North Carolina

  • Central Electric Membership Corporation - $22,000,000. Funds will be used to serve about 2,800 consumers, build and improve 102 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $278,800 in smart grid projects.

New York

  • Steuben Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $9,362,000. Funds will be used to serve 318 consumers, build and improve 121 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $706,050 in smart grid projects.

Oklahoma

  • Northwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $18,306,000. Funds will be used to serve 912 customers, build and improve 134 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $843,400 in smart grid projects.

South Carolina

  • Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. - $44,347,000. Funds will be used to build 77 miles of new transmission line.

South Dakota/Minnesota

  • East River Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. - $62,207,000. Funds will be used to build 44 miles of transmission line, three new substations, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $3,951,000 in smart grid projects.

South Dakota/Iowa/Minnesota

  • Sioux Valley - Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc - $39,098,000. Funds will be used to serve over 1,400 consumers, build and improve 618 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $3,585,806 in smart grid projects.

South Dakota/Montana/North Dakota

  • Grand Electric Cooperative, Inc. -$14,164,000. Funds will be used to serve 153 consumers, build and improve 185 miles of distribution line and 1 mile of transmission line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $1,480,903 in smart grid projects.

Texas

  • Comanche County Electric Cooperative Association - $18,469,000. Funds will be used to serve 1,068 customers, build and improve 143 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $6,551,790 in smart grid projects.

Virginia

  • Southside Electric Cooperative - $44,881,000. Funds will be used to serve 1,460 customers, build and improve over 700 miles of distribution line and 9 miles of transmission line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $7,352,881 in smart grid projects.

Funding is provided by USDA Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service (RUS). The loans help electric utilities upgrade, expand, maintain and replace rural America's electric infrastructure. USDA Rural Development also supports energy conservation and renewable energy projects.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy and strengthening small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $170 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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10 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Wednesday, August 8, 2012

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO -August 8, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

 

 

Bill No.: SB 3597

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits

Establishes a policy for Chicago Public Schools which allows retired teachers to return to work on a temporary basis without losing their pensions.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

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08 Aug 2012

Keep the Light Shining on What's Happening in Washington

By Rep. Bobby Schilling
Last week I joined 264 of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in voting against a resolution to adjourn the House for the August district work period.  Public service is about serving the people.  While the House has acted to prevent tax increases on all Americans, expand energy production here at home, and reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses, our work for you is not done.  We need the Senate to get moving on these priorities.

Friday we learned that unemployment in July rose to 8.3 percent, and has now been above 8 percent for a record 42 straight months.  Too many folks are out of work and the Senate continues to sit on more than 30 House-passed jobs bills.  We need to provide a stable tax rate and reduce regulations so our job creators feel a sense of certainty.  Also, farmers and producers across the United States need a five-year Farm Bill that provides certainty, cuts spending, and gives them the tools they need to do what they do best:  feed our country.  

Another issue important to our region that remains unresolved is Thomson Prison.  Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and I are working together to develop a bipartisan path to open Thomson Correctional Facility as a federal maximum security prison.  This isn't a new issue - it's been around for 10 years.  Neither Republicans nor Democrats were able to solve it when they held both the White House and Congress.  Despite recent disappointing setbacks, we remain focused on the economic realities in Illinois and Iowa, and our constituents' need for good jobs.  

Back in 2009, President Barack Obama attempted to order the federal government to acquire Thomson to house Guantanamo detainees. However, it is the bipartisan position of Congress that Thomson not be used to house terrorist prisoners and the House Armed Services Committee, on which Congressman Loebsack and I both sit, has barred transfer of detainees to the United States.  That debate doesn't change the fact that the federal prison system is overburdened and that our region is missing out on what could be a significant job creation and economic development tool.  Put simply, that debate should not stop the purchase of Thomson for use as a federal prison system for federal prisoners.

Opening Thomson as a federal maximum security prison could have a positive impact on our entire region.  The operation of Thomson would bring good jobs to both Illinois and Iowa, potentially creating up to 1,100 jobs in our region.  It would boost the surrounding economy with expenditures over $122 million per year, and is expected to bring approximately $19 million in labor income and $61 million in business sales locally.  Total annual local economic impact, both direct and indirect, is expected to be at least $202 million.  As it stands right now, Illinois taxpayer dollars are going towards maintaining an empty prison.

 Do you support my legislation that seeks to keep Congress in Washington to tackle the big issues (budget, jobs, farm bill) before they are allowed to go home? 
  • Yes
  • No
  • Unsure
Do you agree that it's past time to get to work and open Thomson Prison?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Unsure

Click here to let me know your thoughts.
* By filling out this survey, you are subscribing to receive my e-mail updates.

Remember that you can always send me a more detailed message with your thoughts or questions on this survey topic or any other issue that is important to you by clicking here.

After this week, I will be prohibited from sending out communications to folks who haven't subscribed to my regular updates during the pre-election "black out" period.  To ensure you aren't left in the dark, I encourage you to sign up for my regular e-newsletters by clicking here.  If you have ideas on how to improve our e-newsletters and outreach, feel free to email me and share your ideas.

It is an honor to serve you in Washington, and I value your engagement and input.  Don't hesitate to contact me if I can answer questions or help you in any way.  I encourage you to visit my Facebook and Twitter pages for other ways to stay up to date with what I'm doing in Washington and in our neighborhood, or to share your thoughts.

Thank you for placing your trust in me.  It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,
Bobby Schilling
Member of Congress
Please do not reply to this e-newsletter. To send Congressman Schilling an e-mail, click here
08 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Tuesday, August 7, 2012

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - August 7, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 4573

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Provides for the regulation of CO2 pipelines to be under the jurisdiction of the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration of the federal Department of Transportation, instead of the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4819

An Act Concerning: Wildlife

Amends the Wildlife Code to permit all individuals to use a crossbow during the second half of archery deer hunting season.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3047

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Allows a municipality that is part of a road district in a county that is not under township organization to organize into a separate road district.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately
07 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Monday August 6, 2012

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - August 6, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: SB 820

An Act Concerning: Children

Changes the composition of the Illinois Interagency Council on Early Intervention by increasing the number of members and adding specified advocacy organizations as members.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2847

An Act Concerning: Employment

Amends the Equal Pay Act of 2003 to impose personal liability on officers of a corporation or agents of an employer who willfully and knowingly evade payment of a final judgment or final award.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 2869

An Act Concerning: Certain Court Orders

Requires counties to notify the Department of Corrections when an order of protection, a civil no contact order or a stalking no contact order is entered against an individual who is committed to the department, who is on parole or mandatory supervised release.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

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07 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Laws to Increase Fire Safety in Illinois

By Nafia Khan

New Legislation to Help Communities Purchase Emergency Vehicles and Strengthen Dormitory Fire Safety

CHICAGO - August 6, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn continued his commitment to increasing public safety in Illinois by signing several new laws that will help local fire departments purchase equipment and assist universities in installing sprinkler systems in student dormitories. Legislators, Illinois Fire Marshall Larry Matkaitis and representatives from the Chicago Fire Department joined the governor at today's ceremony.

"We must support our first responders whenever possible so they can continue to keep us safe," Governor Quinn said. "With thousands of students returning to college in the coming weeks and our ongoing response to historic drought conditions, fire prevention efforts are more important than ever."

Senate Bill 3373, sponsored by Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan) and Rep. Eddie Jackson Sr. (D-East St. Louis) will help fire districts across Illinois by consolidating and streamlining state funds used to finance local equipment purchases like trucks, ambulances and station upgrades. Under this legislation, three state funds used to support revolving loans for local emergency equipment purchases will be combined and jointly administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Illinois Finance Authority. This consolidation will simplify these loan programs, promote the efficient use of state resources and result in a larger and more stable base of support for local fire protection districts. The law is effective Jan. 1.

"This law is a great example of what can happen when two agencies work together to increase efficiency and help local communities by making tax dollars go farther for the people of Illinois," said Matkaitis.

House Bill 5283, sponsored by Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Sen. John Sullivan (D-Quincy) will encourage fire protection districts to buy equipment built in Illinois by providing for lower interest rates on loans to purchase certain fire vehicles that are partly or fully manufactured in state. If a vehicle is fully built in Illinois and meets other requirements, the local fire district could qualify for a 0% interest loan. The law was supported by the Illinois Association of Fire Chiefs and passed the General Assembly unanimously. It goes into effect immediately.

House Bill 4757 also sponsored by Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Sen. Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) will ensure all post-secondary schools in Illinois with dormitory housing have sprinklers installed by 2014. While the Fire Sprinkler Dormitory Act of 2004 required all dormitories to have sprinkler systems installed by Jan. 1, 2013, planning and financing complications have prevented some public and private universities from meeting this deadline. This legislation requires these institutions to submit a full compliance plan this fall to the State Fire Marshall detailing their actions to have sprinklers installed in their dormitories no later than Sep. 1, 2014. Institutions who do not meet this deadline will face a $1,000 a day fine.

The governor today also signed House Bill 4715, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee) and Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), which streamlines the testing and hiring process of local firefighters and makes other technical changes to examination procedures. The law passed the General Assembly unanimously and is effective immediately.

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