12 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, August 8, 2014**

By William Palmisano

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

 

Bill No.: SB 347

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Allows for more accurate property tax calculations.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 644

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code for certain automobile physical damage subrogation claims.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 1724

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Provides protections for patient involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2002

An Act Concerning: Government

Amends the definition of "excluded fiduciary" in the Trusts and Trustees Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2586

An Act Concerning: Health

Requires the Governor's Office of Health Innovation and Transformation to oversee a process for providing services to individuals with substance use issues or mental illness.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2695

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Expands the offense of official misconduct to include information sharing by a law enforcement agency employee intended to interfere in a criminal matter.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2782

An Act Concerning: Courts

Provides that the court may appoint an educational or early intervention program surrogate parent when in the best interests of the child.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

 

 

 

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12 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Continues Commitment to Highway Construction Projects in Quad Cities Area

By Dave Blanchette

Visits Ongoing I-74/280 Project and Outlines New Quad Cities Area Construction Projects Included in $1.1 Billion Capital Construction Bill

COAL VALLEY - Governor Pat Quinn today visited the site of a major road project and announced upcoming Quad Cities-area projects that are part of the state's new $1.1 billion capital construction bill. Today's event is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and build a 21st-century infrastructure that will drive Illinois' economy forward.

"With major construction projects across our state we are continuing to put people to work maintaining and improving our world-class transportation system," Governor Quinn said. "This highway project and the many other ongoing projects in the Quad Cities area are creating jobs, enhancing safety and improving efficiency in a major economic corridor of our state."

"We are grateful for Governor Quinn's commitment to improving our state's infrastructure and recognizing the many benefits that come with funding transportation projects," Acting Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Erica Borggren said. "This infrastructure project, when complete, will significantly enhance safety and improve travel for motorists on a stretch of roadway that is very important to this region."

Governor Quinn visited the site of a $17.7 million bridge replacement and resurfacing project just east of the Interstate 74/280 interchange. The project includes resurfacing 12 miles of the interstate and replacement of the bridges over Coal Creek. Half of both the east and westbound bridge work is complete, and the resurfacing work is nearly 60 percent done with completion expected in November. McCarthy Improvement Company is the contractor for the work, which started in June 2013. The project is part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which is supporting more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.

Other ongoing Quad City projects that are a part of Illinois Jobs Now! include the $16.2 million John Deere Road reconstruction and fly-over bridge, $6.2 million Route 92 widening and resurfacing, $3.8 million Route 6 bridge reconstruction and the $3.3 million U.S. 67 Centennial Bridge structure repairs.

Governor Quinn signed into law last month a new $1.1 billion capital construction program to supplement the work that has been done under Illinois Jobs Now! Quad City regional projects funded as part of this new construction bill include $31 million to resurface 30 miles of Interstate 80 in Henry County; $16.8 million to resurface Interstate 74/Illinois 110/Interstate 80 in Henry County; and $4 million to resurface 14.3 miles of Illinois 40 from Milledgeville to Sterling in Carroll and Whiteside Counties.

"The Quad Cities act as a large gateway to the western United States and see a lot of shipping traffic every year," State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) said. "This project will not only update and maintain our existing infrastructure for future travel, but also put many residents in the area to work."

"The Illinois Jobs Now! program created by Governor Quinn and funded through our efforts in the Illinois General Assembly has made critically needed improvements to our roads and highways in northwest Illinois," State Representative Patrick Verschoore (D-Milan) said. "Not only am I proud of the fact we are creating jobs through this effort, but we are making needed infrastructure improvements to help our businesses and industries in the region grow long term."

"For too long, the roads here in western Illinois have deteriorated," State Representative Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) said. "These improvements to roads in Henry, Carroll and Whiteside Counties are a vital component to creating jobs and developing our local economy."

The $1.1 billion for more than 210 road and bridge projects statewide will create an estimated 14,300 construction jobs.

In addition to funding $1 billion in projects in the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) FY2015-2020 Multi-Year Program, the new capital construction program includes $100 million for municipal and township governments to improve infrastructure at the local level. The funding, distributed and overseen by IDOT, will help communities throughout Illinois combat potholes and make other critical infrastructure repairs.

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11 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Announces State Police to Assist Chicago Police Department

By Katie Hickey

Forty State Police Troopers Will Join CPD Officers Following Mayor Emanuel's Request for Assistance

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today directed the Illinois State Police to deploy 40 state troopers to join Chicago Police officers in patrolling four city neighborhoods. The action follows the city's request for assistance and is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure the safety of all people in every community across Illinois.

"The state of Illinois will do whatever is necessary to protect public safety - in Chicago and every community across Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Earlier this year I told Mayor Emanuel we would help in any way we could to combat violence in the city. When he requested assistance, I immediately agreed to help."

At the Governor's direction, the State Police will deploy troopers to areas coordinated with the Chicago Police Department (CPD). The State Police and CPD will set up 20 to 25 "surge" teams with five Chicago Police officers and two State Troopers on each team. The teams will focus on apprehending those with known violent criminal histories who are wanted by law enforcement. The troopers will come from State Police districts across the state. The assistance will be accommodated with current State Police resources.

State Police Colonel Michael Zerbonia will coordinate the effort. Zerbonia is chief of operations for the State Police and has more than 30 years of military service. He joined the Illinois National Guard in 1991 after three years as an air defense artillery officer, served in Iraq from June 2005 to June 2006 and was deputy brigade commander for the Polish 12th Mechanized Brigade in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was promoted to Brigadier General within the Illinois National Guard in February 2014 and currently serves as Illinois Army National Guard Land Forces Component Commander.

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07 Aug 2014

Gov. Branstad issues statement on the passing of former Des Moines Mayor Richard Olson

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of former Des Moines Mayor Richard "Dick" Olson:

"Dick Olson was a fine mayor for the City of Des Moines. Dick's accomplishments, including the Des Moines Botanical Center and the skywalk system, are still prevalent in Iowa's capital city. He was a very dedicated public servant who served as both a Des Moines City Councilman and two-term Mayor. He will be greatly missed."

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07 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill & Legislative Actions

By Grant Klinzman and Dave Blanchette

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Protect Workers Across Illinois

Bill Drafted by Attorney General Madigan Limits Payroll Card Fees and Gives Employees More Flexibility

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed a law to protect the increasing number of workers across Illinois who receive their compensation through a payroll card. The measure, drafted by Attorney General Lisa Madigan, provides important protections for employees by limiting fees that can be imposed on payroll cards. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure all Illinois workers are treated fairly and receive the compensation they deserve.

"We need to make sure that all Illinois residents are treated fairly when it comes to receiving their hard-earned pay," Governor Quinn said. "No one should be penalized by unnecessary fees when they are trying to collect their wages. I applaud Attorney General Madigan for pushing this common-sense legislation to protect the hardworking men and women of our state. Not only are we fighting to raise the minimum wage in Illinois, but now employees will have the choice between proven and safe ways of receiving all the wages they rightfully deserve."

"Before today, there were better protections on gift cards than payroll cards in Illinois," Attorney General Madigan said. "But with this new law, which will be the strongest of its kind in the country, Illinois employees will no longer have to pay just to get their pay."

Payroll cards are an alternative way to pay employees who do not have traditional banking services. Rather than issuing a paper check, employers provide employees with a payroll card that gets loaded with the employee's wages every pay period. Payroll cards look and operate much like debit cards, and can be used to make withdrawals from an ATM or to make purchases at a store.

The Attorney General's Office began investigating employers' use of payroll cards after receiving complaints from Illinois workers and uncovered a number of harmful practices, including excessive, unreasonable fees that were attached to the cards; $5 account inactivity fees; $3 fees for monthly statements; and 50-cent fees for point-of-sale transactions. Many employers have implemented responsible payroll card programs, but some employers are forcing workers to use payroll cards and failing to provide them with any information about how to use the cards, including how to avoid fees.

House Bill 5622, sponsored by State Representative Arthur Turner (D-Chicago) and State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), ensures that employees are not required to accept a payroll card and can choose another form of payment, such as a paper check or direct deposit. For employees who do accept a payroll card, the new law sets limits on fees and requires employers to clearly provide the terms of their payroll card program.

The new law ensures employees can access their wages without incurring unreasonable fees. This includes a prohibition on fees for overdrafts, transaction history requests and purchases. The law also limits fees for declined transactions and card inactivity. More than 20 states already have similar protections for employees and payroll cards. The law is effective Jan. 1, 2015.

"This is a simple matter of justice for low-wage workers," Senator Raoul said. "The men and women who form the backbone of our economy deserve informed choices, fair treatment and a fair wage, and this law protects those rights."

Throughout his career, Governor Quinn has been a strong advocate for all workers. In 2013, the Governor signed legislation that protects Illinois workers' pay by fighting questionable business practices, particularly in the construction industry. The laws deal with the misclassification of workers and the attempts of employers to avoid paying state employment taxes and premiums.

The Governor fought for and signed a law amending the Equal Pay Act to give victims more time to address issues of underpayment and is leading the charge to increase the state's minimum wage to at least $10 per hour.

In his 2014 State of the State address, Governor Quinn proposed a minimum of two days of earned sick leave per year for 2.5 million Illinois workers who have no sick leave.

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**Tuesday, August 5, 2014**

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

 

Bill No.: SB 1630

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Makes changes to medical billing procedures.

Action: Amendatory Vetoed

Effective: Immediately

 

A copy of the amendatory veto message is attached.

 

 

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05 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Monday, August 4, 2014**

By William Palmisano

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

 

Bill No.: HB 5397

An Act Concerning: Education

Requires the Illinois State Board of Education to mandate that public schools use a physical fitness assessment.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3274

An Act Concerning: Education

Provides that physical education and health education teachers can be regarded as highly-qualified if they meet the requirements applied to teachers in core academic subjects.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

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05 Aug 2014

TOPINKA TO UNVEIL NEW OFFICE INNOVATION

By Brad Hahn

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka will make a video announcement about the newest innovation in her office, first on her Facebook fan page and Twitter accounts at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2014.

Please "like" Comptroller Topinka on her Facebook page or follow her on Twitter so you can get the news first!

Stay tuned!

04 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, August 1, 2014**

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

 

Bill No.: HB 4407

An Act Concerning: Children

Allows children to receive early intervention services and continue to receive services during state proceedings.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4495

An Act Concerning: Minors

Authorizes the Juvenile Courts to grant custody to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for certain delinquent minors.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 4636

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Updates definitions in the Adoption Act and Child Care Act and expands accessibility for adoption proceedings.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 4652

An Act Concerning: State Government

Increases the number of college tuition waivers the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services can award to current and former foster youth.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 4773

An Act Concerning: State Government

Requires that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services maintain a statewide and regional youth advisory boards for the purpose of determining how to best serve the children and wards in current and former care.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 4916

An Act Concerning: Children

Clarifies the Department of Children and Family Services review process for unfounded reports.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5598

An Act Concerning: State Government

Prevents families from relinquishing custody of children to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services solely because of serious mental illness or serious mental disturbance.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 5990

An Act Concerning: Government

Updates The Children's Advocacy Center Act   to adhere to current operational practices and national accreditation standards.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 119

An Act Concerning: Government

Makes technical changes to the Secretary of State Merit Employment Code.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 333

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Clarifies recovery process for certain erroneously granted homestead exemptions.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 506

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Allows a coroner to disqualify him or herself in the event of a conflict of interest.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 643

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Makes technical changes to the Genetic Counselor Licensing Act and extends its sunset to Jan. 1, 2025.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 646

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Provides additional consumer protections for certain fraternal society organizations

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 822

An Act Concerning: Health

Specifies how the proceeds from sales of certain state facilities are to be allocated.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1841

An Act Concerning: State Government

Makes changes in the non-practice information posting requirements on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation website.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1999

An Act Concerning: Government

Expands licensure requirements opportunities for individuals seeking to operate a day care home.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2598

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Allows certain road districts to use road taxes collected from a subdivision for additional road improvements.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2608

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Makes technical changes to the Illinois Insurance Code.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2633

An Act Concerning: State Government

Establishes additional exemptions and reduces fee for Off-Highway Vehicle Usage Stamps.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2656

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Provides for efficient and expedited transfers of certain property upon the death of the owner.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2657

An Act Concerning: Safety

Institutes statutory clean up provisions from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately; one provision takes effect Jan. 1, 2015.

 

Bill No.: SB 2662

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Diversifies the types of financial instruments in which farm mutual insurance companies may invest.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2709

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Provides that the donation of blood or undertaking labor at a blood bank are excluded from the community service that may be performed by juvenile offenders.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2773

An Act Concerning: State Government

Creates a Long-Term Services and Supports Disparities Task Force.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2783

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Adheres procedure for witness fees for witnesses to actions involving abused, neglected or dependent minors to that of other criminal cases.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2811

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Modifies provisions of the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2814

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Clarifies appointee requirements for sanitary district trustees.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2852

An Act Concerning: Criminal law

Allows search warrants to be issued by use of electronic mail.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2909

An Act Concerning: State Government

Requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to provide all caregivers with a safety plan.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2937

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Modifies the Freedom From Drone Surveillance Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2947

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Provides that an application for registration of a title insurance agent will be considered if the applicant accurately discloses a felony or misdemeanor involving a crime of theft or dishonesty.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2955

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Bars individuals that have engaged in financial exploitation of an elderly person or person with disability from benefitting from the estate of the victim.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2968

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Provides the administrator of a care facility 60 days to notify the required individuals about the closing of the facility.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2975

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Changes the amount of indebtedness that the Byron Forest Preserve District may incur.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2985

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Requires persons executing a small estate affidavit to pay the decedent's creditors before making any distribution to heirs.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2998

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Requires that an advance practice nurse (APN) hold and maintain a national certification in nursing in order to be licensed.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2999

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Strengthens licensing requirements in the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3009

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to submit a Day Care Licensing Report to the General Assembly annually.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3036

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Allows a property tax collector's books to be created, transmitted and stored in an electronic format.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3048

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Affords long-term care facilities the same status and protections as other health care providers under the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Act and the Managed Care and Patient Rights Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3057

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Modifies certain rules pertaining to Common Interest Community Associations.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3103

An Act Concerning: Business

Clarifies what is covered under the Beer Industry Fair Dealing Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3149

An Act Concerning: Public Health

Allows a person with diabetes to self-administer insulin in any location, including public locations, where he or she is authorized to be.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3217

An Act Concerning: Children

Charges the Illinois Children's Justice Task Force with providing recommendations on a multi disciplinary team approach for investigating reports of abuse or neglect of children.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3283

An Act Concerning: State government

Expands the definition of "relative" with respect to youth wards of the state being placed in foster care.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015 with certain provisions taking effect June 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3290

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Clarifies liability of off-road riding facilities.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3302

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Provides a religious exemption from the photograph requirement for professional license applications.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3406

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Allows applicants for licensure as a clinical psychologist to be a graduate from a doctoral program in clinical, school or counseling psychology accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3421

An Act Concerning: Children

Makes continuing education credit available for licensees attending mandated reporter training for reporting child abuse.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3432

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Ensures the notification of private emergency medical services providers in cases of dangerous or infectious diseases.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3495

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Allows McHenry County to acquire certain property.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3532

An Act Concerning: Health

Provides direction to the courts when an independent medical examination is requested.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

 

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01 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Thursday, July 31, 2014**

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

 

Bill No.: HB 3831

An Act Concerning: State Government

Exempts certain contract fees under the State Comptroller Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1381

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Amends certain traffic control indications in the Illinois Vehicle Code.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3427

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Provides a competitive bidding process for fire protection districts.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

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28 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation and Takes Bill Action

By Andrew Mason

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Expand the Holocaust and Genocide Commission; Commission Works to Increase Public Awareness Through Educational Programs, Events and Outreach

SKOKIE - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to expand the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission, increasing its ability to reach even more people across Illinois with its important message. The commission works with Holocaust survivors to increase public awareness of the Holocaust and other genocides through educational programs, events and outreach efforts. The Governor signed the legislation at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie as part of his agenda to ensure Illinois embraces all people.

"It is important that we never forget the millions of lives lost not only in the Holocaust, but all terrible acts of genocide throughout history," Governor Quinn said. "The Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission works to ensure tolerance among our future generations. I urge all residents to strive to overcome hate and indifference through learning and acceptance."

Senate Bill 3129, sponsored by State Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) and State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), increases the number of commission members from 18 to 22, and ensures that one of them is a student. Under Governor Quinn's leadership, the Holocaust and Genocide Commission was created in July 2010. Members consist of Holocaust and other genocide survivors, liberators and other volunteers to share their knowledge and experiences in order to increase public awareness. The commission also holds events to memorialize the Holocaust and other genocides. The new law takes effect immediately.

"This law allows the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission to continue educating Illinois residents about crimes against humanity," Senator Silverstein said. "We must never forget this tragedy. We must work together to prevent genocide from ever happening."

"Today, Governor Quinn signs into law a bill that will protect the future of the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission," Representative Feigenholtz said. "This legislation enables the Commission to keep promoting awareness and understanding of one of the darkest eras of human history."

Illinois was the first state in the nation to mandate public elementary schools and high schools include a study of Holocaust history in its curriculum.

In 2011, Governor Quinn visited Israel to further develop ties between Illinois and Israel, and signed legislation requiring anyone convicted of a hate crime to enroll in an educational program discouraging hate crimes. In April 2013, the Governor proclaimed April 24 as Jan Karski Day to honor a hero of the Polish Underground during World War II who was lauded for risking his life to expose the horrors of the Holocaust to the world. Karski was later a professor at Georgetown University where a young Pat Quinn was among his students at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service.

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Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, July 25, 2014**

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

 

Bill No.: HB 4505

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Creates a new license through the Illinois Department of Agriculture for individuals who store, filter, process or distribute used cooking grease for reuse or recycling.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 4522

An Act Concerning: Education

Reduces number of contiguous school districts needed to jointly operate a science and mathematics school through a college or university.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5692

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Creates an advisory committee to assist in the design and implementation of a program for the electronic verification of motor vehicle liability insurance.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 0336

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Creates the Community Stabilization Assessment Freeze Pilot Program.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2791

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Clarifies the powers of a designated railroad police force.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

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Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Ensure Quality Distance Learning and Online Education Programs; Also Signs Legislation to Streamline School Financial Processes and Extend Task Force on Civic Education

CHAMPAIGN - Governor Pat Quinn today visited the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to sign a law to help boost the quality of distance and online learning programs across Illinois and other states. The Governor also signed laws to streamline higher education financial processes and to extend the Task Force on Civic Education. Today's actions are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure that everyone in Illinois has the opportunity for a high quality education.

"Attending college online is an important educational option more people around the world are pursuing," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois' higher education institutions have found a willing and world-wide audience for these types of course offerings. This new law makes sure the educational programming offered online out of Illinois maintains the same high quality standards in order to help ensure all students receive a high quality education, regardless of where they live."

Senate Bill 3441, sponsored by State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Crest Hill) and State Representative Robert Pritchard (R-Sycamore), authorizes the Illinois Board of Higher Education to make agreements with other states to guarantee distance learning programs maintain common standards and that completed course work is recognized by institutions in each state. The agreements will also establish a mechanism for handling complaints and refunds across states and institutions. The new law is effective January 1, 2015.

"Governor Quinn's action fulfills the legislature's goal to make high-quality, affordable online higher education available to Illinois residents," Senator McGuire said. "This new law shows what cooperation between Democrats and Republicans and among Midwestern states can accomplish?lower costs for governments, and expanded opportunities for our 21st century workforce."

"Distance learning allows students to take courses that may not be offered where they are attending college or at times that are more convenient for them," Representative Pritchard said. "This legislation offers consumer protections that the courses will be recognized by institutions of higher education, and assures refunds will be made if the student takes the appropriate steps to cancel the course."

The new law will allow Illinois to join other members of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact to make distance education courses more accessible to students across state lines while also making it easier for states to regulate and institutions to participate in interstate distance education. The Midwestern Compact will interact with other regional compacts across the country.  Any public college, university or independent institution can participate and seek accreditation, a designation that will indicate the institution has the "seal of approval" from the participating states for its distance learning programs.

Last year through the University of Illinois, 323,857 students from around the world enrolled in online offerings through the Massive Open Online Courses including nontraditional students, professionals looking to build specific competencies and many other lifelong learners.

By providing a broad range of affordable, flexible options, online learning has great potential to help many people across Illinois meet their education and careers goals. With nearly one in ten community college students taking a class online each year, online learning is becoming an increasingly popular option.

Governor Quinn today also signed two bills sponsored by State Representative Naomi Jakobsson (D-Urbana). Senate Bill 230, co-sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), increases efficiency by saving schools time and money by removing an extra step in the public university vouchering process. Senate Bill 2728, co-sponsored by State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), allows the Task Force on Civic Education to complete its mission by extending the life of the task force and setting a new date for its final report. Both laws are effective immediately.

Governor Quinn has made support for higher education in Illinois a top priority. At his direction, distance learning is just one of the many strategies Illinois has pursued as part of a comprehensive plan to make postsecondary attainment more accessible to all students. Illinois is engaged in a number of innovative approaches to bolstering college completion including early college credit opportunities.

In Fiscal Year 2012, almost 8,900 dual credit courses were offered through Illinois community colleges, providing opportunities for approximately 88,000 high school students during the past year. The dual credit system has seen tremendous growth with a nearly 125 percent increase in dual credit students served annually since 2004.

As a result of these and other initiatives, Illinois' college completion rate, which is above the national average, has grown to 43 percent under Governor Quinn's administration.

In addition to supporting expanded access to early college credit and career certificates, Governor Quinn has been a steadfast supporter of the Monetary Award Program (MAP) which enables more than 140,000 low income students to pursue higher education each year. He has proposed doubling the funds available for the plan over the next five years to provide 21,000 more students each year with an opportunity to attend college that would not otherwise be available.

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