WASHINGTON, D.C.–Reps. George Miller (D-CA), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), and Bobby Scott (D-VA), senior members of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, released the following statements today upon the House's passage of a bill to improve and reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act.

"The Child Care and Development Block Grant is an indispensable resource for millions of children and families nationwide," said Rep. Miller, senior Democrat on the committee. "CCDBG enables parents to send their kids to safe, high quality and affordable child care so that they can work or attend a training program and provide for their families. Meanwhile, the program helps to place children in the sorts of environments they need for healthy growth and development. The bipartisan, bicameral agreement passed today by the House improves child care access, makes critical new investments, and helps to ensure children are safe and are receiving quality care. These updates to CCDBG are vital for our children, our families, and our nation's future."

"I am pleased the House acted swiftly to pass the reauthorization of the Child Care Development Block Grant. This bipartisan effort shows that when Congress comes together with a spirit of compromise and a common goal that we are able to actually get things done and accomplish what the American people sent us here to do," said Rep. Loebsack, ranking member on the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. "This revamp of the CCDBG will bring important safety and quality improvements to child care delivery in our country and support working families as they strive to enter the middle class."

"Quality child care offers children vital early learning experiences that will set them on a path toward success in school, in the workforce and in the rest of their lives," said Rep. Scott, a senior committee Democrat. "This long overdue update of the Child Care and Development Block Grant program will significantly improve services, quality and access for our nation's children."

The legislation includes commonsense reforms to:

·         Promote high-quality child care by increasing state-level investments in activities to improve the quality of care, enhancing states' ability to train providers and develop safer and more effective child care services.

·         Strengthen health and safety requirements in child care programs and providers.

·         Improve access to child care by expanding eligibility for participating families and helping families connect with quality programs that meet their needs.

The full text of the bill is available here.

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McGoven steps into positon of acting commissioner with 32 years of service in Iowa Division of Labor and Iowa Workforce Development

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today named Michelle "Miki" McGovern the acting Workers' Compensation Commissioner effective immediately. McGovern has served as an Iowa Workers' Compensation Deputy Commissioner for the past 26 years. A photo of McGovern can be found here.

The Workers' Compensation Commissioner is the head of the Division of Workers' Compensation which is part of the Iowa Workforce Development. Workers' compensation has the responsibility of administering, regulating, and enforcing the workers' compensation laws. Though the workers' compensation commissioner's office cannot represent the interests of any party, the agency provides information regarding the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Law, the rights of the parties, and the procedures the parties can follow to resolve their disputes.

McGovern began working for the Iowa Division of Labor, the precursor to Iowa Workforce Development, in January 1982. In 1988, she became a Deputy Workers' Compensation Commissioner. She holds a Bachelor's of Science degree from Iowa State University, a Master's degree from the University of Iowa and a law degree from Drake University. Miki and her husband, Jack Janda, reside in Woodward, Iowa.

McGovern will serve as acting Commissioner while an exhaustive and extensive search for a permanent Commissioner continues.

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City of Davenport
Committee: Finance
Action / Date
FC 08/06/14
CC TBLD 08/13/14
Department: Community Planning & Economic Development
Contact Info: Bruce Berger, 328-6706
Ward: 3
FC 08/20/14
FC AMD 08/20/14
Subject:
RESOLUTION approving a land lease agreement with Raufeisen Development for The Dock at Davenport project.
Recommendation: Approve the resolution.
Relationship to Goals: Added emphasis on economic development.
Background:
Raufeisen Development proposes to build a 40,000 square foot commercial building at 125 Perry Street (Parcel #L0017A01F). "The Dock in Davenport" will contain retail/restaurant on the first floor, commercial office space on the 2nd floor and banquet space on the 3rd floor.
The lease terms are as follows:
? Initial term of 26 years with two 12 ½ year options to follow
? Initial rent of $100,000/year paid monthly to City of Davenport, rent to adjust every two years thereafter
? Parking to be leased in the CB&Q lot at a rate of $20 per space per month with rate adjustment every two years
? Residential use of the property is strictly prohibited.
Following the end of the lease, the building will revert to ownership by the City of Davenport.
Resolution No._____________
Resolution offered by Alderman _______.
RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Davenport.
RESOLUTION approving a land lease agreement for Raufeisen Development.
WHEREAS, Raufeisen Development, is planning to construct a new 40,000 square foot facility on Parcel #L0017A01F in downtown Davenport with a total project budget of $12 million. The facility will house retail/restaurant on the first floor, commercial office space on the 2nd floor and banquet space on the 3rd floor which will bring new wealth to the local economy; and
WHEREAS, the proposed project involves the demolition of the long vacant and dilapidated Dock building on Davenport's premier riverfront; and
WHEREAS, the lease rent may assist the City of Davenport's continuing efforts to revitalize the riverfront; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Davenport, Iowa approves and directs appropriate City officials to execute the attached Lease Agreement with Raufeisen Development.
Approved: Attest:
_____________________________ ________________________________

Governor Quinn Vetoes Uber Bill

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today vetoed House Bill 4075, also known as the "Uber bill." The bill would have imposed statewide regulations on commercial ridesharing and prevented local governments across Illinois from adopting rules that fit their respective communities. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to protect consumers, create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"The principle of home rule is an important one," Governor Quinn said. "I am vetoing this legislation because it would have mandated a one-size-fits-all approach to a service that is best regulated at the local level."

While transportation services are traditionally regulated at the local government level, House Bill 4075 would have limited the ability of home rule units of government to adopt alternative approaches that best fit local needs.

For example, the city of Chicago passed an ordinance that will go into effect Aug. 26, 2014 which establishes a comprehensive set of regulations to ensure ridesharing companies maintain public safety including regulations on licensure, insurance, background checks, vehicle inspections and operating hours for drivers. The ordinance - which is in the process of being implemented - will help ensure these transportation services maintain public safety while keeping the regulation at the appropriate and traditional level of government.

Commercial ridesharing services are provided by drivers who use their personal automobiles to provide transportation services to the public. Customers use an application on their smart phones to order rides offered through these companies such as Uber X, Lyft, Sidecar and others.

Governor Quinn today also vetoed House Bill 5331, which contained related ridesharing regulations. Copies of both veto messages are attached.

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Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action

**Monday, August 25, 2014**

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 5735

An Act Concerning: Business

Creates the Home Repair and Construction Task Force.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 226

An Act Concerning: State Government

Creates the "Support Your Neighbor Commission" to support American and Illinois made products.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2352

An Act Concerning: State Government

Creates the Office of Independent Juvenile Ombudsman within the Department of Juvenile Justice and defines responsibilities of the office.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3049

An Act Concerning: Wildlife

Adds the gray wolf, black bear and cougar to the Illinois protected animals list.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan.1, 2015

 

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Governor Quinn Signs Landmark Legislation to Reform Illinois' Mass Transit Agencies

Law Establishes Review Procedures for Unprecedented Transparency and Accountability Across CTA, RTA, PACE and METRA

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed a mass transit reform law that establishes unprecedented new transparency and review procedures for CTA, RTA, PACE and METRA. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to making Illinois government more accountable, transparent and effective.

"Many Illinois workers and families rely on public transportation to get them to and from work every day," Governor Quinn said. "The law I signed today helps keep our public transit agencies efficient and reliable - and ensures that Illinois residents throughout the state have access to dependable public transportation."

Senate Bill 3056, sponsored by State Senator Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) and State Representative Al Riley (D-Hazel Crest), requires advance transit board and House and Senate committee review for any proposed mass transit employee contract exceeding $100,000. It also requires advance board review of any proposed employee bonus exceeding 10 percent, or any large employee separation or settlement.

The law establishes revolving door prohibitions for ex-employees, and creates an online portal where the public can access the names of employees and details about contracts, expenditures and accident and safety information. The law will help ensure that Illinois' several mass transit agencies uphold the public's trust and interests at all times. The new law is effective Jan. 1, 2015.

"Mass transit in the Chicago area has struggled with governance, regional planning and transparency for many decades," Senator Biss said. "This world-class region deserves a world-class transportation network, not a scandal-plagued patchwork of agencies, and we can only get there by breaking down barriers that hamper coordination and allow unethical behavior to continue."

"This is the first bill of many which will transform the way mass transit is managed in Northern Illinois," Representative Riley said. "It is critical that the public can trust the day-to-day operations of our publicly funded transit agencies, and know they are ethical and transparent."

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Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action

**Friday, August 22, 2014**

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 802

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Provides specific procedures to help ensure criminal identification photographic and live lineups are non-prejudicial and impartial.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 4304

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Allows certain first time DUI drivers the opportunity for limited driving privileges with a Monitoring Device Driving Permit.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4534

An Act Concerning: Courts

Clarifies the allocation of fees collected by court clerks.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4745

An Act Concerning: Liquor

Defines a vehicle, conveyance or watercraft as areas where a guardian may be found in violation of the prohibition against knowingly allowing a minor to use certain locations as a venue to consume alcohol.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 4769

An Act Concerning: Finance

Requires surety bonds used for public construction projects be issued by a company licensed by the Illinois Department of Insurance with a rating of at least A-.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4811

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Changes audit requirements for smaller governmental units to increase transparency and accountability.

Action: Signed

Effective: July 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 5523

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Adds to and clarifies criminal offenses which could result in forfeiture of a vehicle, vessel or aircraft.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5689

An Act Concerning: Safety

Requires child-safe packaging for refilling liquids for e-cigarettes.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 452

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits

Requires pension systems and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to develop policies for increasing the use of minority investment managers and obtain information about minority inclusion prior to the award of a contract for investment services.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 852

An Act Concerning: Safety

Amends Smoke Free Illinois Act to include civil penalties and provides a limited exemption for the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2744

An Act Concerning: State Government

Allows the Illinois National Guard to inform servicemembers of coverage options under the state Sponsored Life Insurance Program during federal training time.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2801

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and Unified Code of Corrections regarding the Illinois Department of Human Services' Mental Health Forensic Plan of Correction and provides for the disclosure of certain export reports.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately, except that the changes to Section 104-105 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 take effect Jan. 1, 2015)

 

Bill No.: SB 2854

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Strengthens the ability of taxpayers in Cook County to recover overpayments of property taxes.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan.1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3096

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Allows judgment creditors or their attorneys of record to report to the Secretary of State, standardizes maintenance procedures for radar equipment.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB3507

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Amends the Township Code and the Illinois Municipal Code to bring parity to water and sewer system connection charges.

Action: Amendatory Vetoed

Effective: Immediately

 

A copy of the amendatory veto message is attached.

 

Bill No.: SB 3574

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Increases allowable vehicle weights for natural and propane gas fueled vehicles.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

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