14 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Monday, August 13, 2012

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - August 13, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 4029

An Act Concerning: Education

Expands the selection criteria for school boards in order to enable them to consider factors such as student safety and comfort, rather than just cost, when awarding transportation contracts.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4615

An Act Concerning: Housing

Clarifies that existing caps on operating expenses for distributing Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) grants are annual caps, and establishes caps on operating expenses if grants are awarded for multiple years.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 4665

An Act Concerning: Residential Construction

Creates the Radon Resistant Construction Act to mandate that all new residential construction in Illinois include passive radon resistant construction. The law also changes reporting requirements for the Task Force on Radon-Resistant Building Codes as outlined in the Radon Industry Licensing Act.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: June 1

Bill No.: HB 4689

An Act Concerning: Business

Changes the definition of "gift certificate" to include credit slips issued for returns.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

###

14 Aug 2012

Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz to Address Board of Supervisors About Plans to Investigate Voting Fraud Allegations from Secretary of State

By Roland Caldwell
Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz will inform Supervisors about the status-to-date of the recent allegations of possible voter fraud made by Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz. She has requested that Secretary Schultz release the names of up to 180 individuals from Scott County who are under state investigation so that her staff can begin the process of locally investigating the named individuals and retrieving voting records out of storage. As of Monday afternoon the Auditor's Office had not received any records from the Secretary's Office.

Moritz will also review the efforts of her office for maintaining accurate voting records and registration lists. She will highlight the balance between ensuring the right to vote and guaranteeing only those eligible to vote have access to the ballot.

Following her report to the Board of Supervisors she will be available for questions from the news media in the lobby of the Scott County Administrative Center.
13 Aug 2012

Speaker on redevelopment coming to Davenport

By Scott Tunnicliff

MAIN STREET IOWA and HILLTOP CAMPUS VILLAGE PRESENT NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED RETAIL DEVELOPMENT EXPERT

 

Ms. Hilary Greenberg will speak at a luncheon on Thursday August 23 at the Fellows Room in the Vickie Anne Palmer Hall, 115 West 7th Street in Davenport. Her presentation topic will be Powering Up Your Downtown Business Mix: Business Retention and Recruitment Strategies.

greenberg work

Ms Greenberg is the president of Greenberg Development Services (GDS), a Charlotte North Carolina-based planning and economic development consulting firm. Ms. Greenberg is nationally recognized as a downtown development expert in the area of retail leasing and business development training programs for community volunteers. Her specific fields of consultation include market analyses, downtown plans, retail leasing strategies and development plans for downtown or neighborhood commercial districts. She has worked with various state and local governments as well as both private and non-profit organizations. She has been a consultant to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center for over 20 years and has worked with over 30 State-affiliated Main Street programs.

"We are very fortunate to have a presenter of Ms. Greenberg's caliber to provide perspective and direction on this timely topic", acknowledged Hilltop Campus Village Board President Robert Lee. "With all the interest in downtown and commercial district activity we wanted to make this available to interested parties throughout the region."

Ms. Greenberg is a popular speaker on the topic of commercial redevelopment and has been the keynote speaker at conferences sponsored by the International Economic Development Council, the National League of Cities, the International Downtown Association and the National Main Street Center.

There is a $10.00 charge for each attendee to cover the cost of the lunch, and space is limited. People are asked to RSVP before August 21 by contacting the Hilltop Campus Village offices at 563-322-8293, or by emailing scott.tunnicliff@mchsi.com.

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

 

###
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.

###

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.

 ###


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

 

 

###
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).

#
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

 

###
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

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