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

 

Bill No.: HB 3329

An Act Concerning: Liquor

Permits grocery stores to sell liquor in cities with a population over 1 million and within 100 feet of a school if the store meets certain criteria.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4031

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Extends the sunset repeal of the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council from Dec. 31, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2015.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4063

An Act Concerning: Firearms

Exempts airsoft guns from the definition of a firearm.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4076

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Defines cosmetology school so that students can apply for student aid and expands licensing for barbers.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4126

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Extends the Naprapathic Practice sunset an additional 10 years and streamlines the existing act.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4145

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Authorizes a county board to declare by ordinance all inoperable motor vehicles, whether on public or private property and in view of the general public, to be hazardous dilapidated motor vehicles.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4324

An Act Concerning: Liquor

Make a technical correction to statutory language to allow the sale of alcohol at a restaurant that is near a church in the city of Chicago.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4440

An Act Concerning: Public Transportation

Streamlines data sharing between the Illinois Department of Public Health and the RTA to ensure that free and reduced fare transit cards

belonging to deceased individuals are deactivated.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 4545

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Ensures that employees Office of the State Fire Marshal who meet certain requirements, are not prohibited from receiving training certifications on the grounds that they are not employed or otherwise engaged by an organized Illinois fire department.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 4592

An Act Concerning: Government

Exempts from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), records requested by persons committed to the Department of Corrections if those materials are available in the library of the correctional facility; include records from staff members' personnel files, staff rosters, or other staffing assignment information; or are available through an administrative request.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4691

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Adds public and private ambulances engaged in an emergency service or duty that necessitates the use of the toll highway system to the list of vehicles that are not required to pay a toll.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 5234

An Act Concerning: State Government

Removes the Illinois Register of Historic Places and instead provides for all historic places to be registered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5321

An Act Concerning: State Government

Extends the sunset date for the Capital Development Board to charge contract administrative fees from June 30, 2012 to June 30, 2016, and provides that these fees are put into the Capitol Restoration Trust Fund for use by the Architect of the Capitol.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5336

An Act Concerning: State Government

Transfers the Safety Consultation Program from the Department of Commerce and Economic

Opportunity (DCEO) to the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), including the transfer of specified staff,

records, unexpended moneys, and rules.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5444

An Act Concerning: State Government

Creates the Economic Data Task Force to assess the potential uses and users of state data generated by Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the application of the data for economic development and other public uses.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5452

An Act Concerning: State Government

Gives the Illinois Finance Authority the authority to make discretionary changes, instead of mandatory in regards to certain provisions.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5616

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Increases the amount of bonds the Will-Kankakee Regional Development Authority may issue to $250 million.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5632

An Act Concerning: Employment

Removes obsolete language, redirects payments to Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) previously made to the director of IDES, and conforms with federal law.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 5656

An Act Concerning: Finance

Allows all unused federal funds in the Capital Development Board Contributory Trust Fund to remain in the

Fund, and be used only for other capital projects.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 5679

An Act Concerning: Health

Allows the Department of Human Service (DHS) to redirect funds when its developmental disabilities facilities decline in enrollment.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5780

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Exempts fees allowing police departments to transfer license plates from one vehicle to another vehicle.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 968

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Updates the definition of "commercial motor vehicle" to comply with federal standards.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 1286

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Allows animated film production tax credits to be applied beginning when the productions begin.
Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1900

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Changes the deadline for the return of assessment books and workbooks to the supervisor of assessments in order to allow additional time for the proper completion of the appeals process. Allows the supervisor of assessments in counties with less than 600,000 residents to take possession of assessment books and work books that are not submitted within the required time.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 2578

An Act Concerning: Health

Amends qualifications of the director of the Department of Public Health.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2818

An Act Concerning: State Government

Changes definitions to allow more youths to be eligible for scholarships through the Department of Children and Family Services.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2819

An Act Concerning: Corrections

Eliminates specific mandates requiring the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to public and furnish various reports.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 2839

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Requires floatation devices on sailboats and exempts sailboards.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 2844

An Act Concerning: Corrections

Amends bond rating standard for vendors who seek to enter into medical contracts with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).  Also further restricts waivers for medical co-pays at DOC and adds revisory language regarding HIV testing.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2849

An Act Concerning: Children

Expands the definition of "neglected child."

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2935

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Extends the Wholesale Drug Distribution Act for an additional 10 years.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3242

An Act Concerning: Insurance

Provides that no insurer may issue a service provider contract that requires a dentist to provide services to the insurer's policyholders at a fee set by the insurer unless the services are covered under the applicable policyholder agreement.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3262

An Act Concerning: Liquor

Allows for the issuing of a liquor license to certain premises within 100 feet of a school following certain stipulations.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3277

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Extends the Glenwood tax increment financing redevelopment project.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3318

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Gives the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) quick take power for the Illiana Expressway Project. Makes technical changes.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3450

An Act Concerning: Gaming

Provides that investigators appointed by the Illinois Gaming Board shall have authority to conduct investigations, searches, seizures, arrests and other duties imposed under the act and the Riverboat Gambling Act, as deemed necessary by the board.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3484

An Act Concerning: Government

Increases the membership of the State Board of Health from 19 to 20 and adds an optometrist as a member of.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3530

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Defines and provides for registration of former military vehicles with the Secretary of State (SOS).

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3607

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Eliminates tiers of complaint dates for assessments under the Property Tax Code.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3798

An Act Concerning: State Law

Makes technical corrections, stylistic changes, and compile sections affected by multiple public acts.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that five cities in Iowa have received funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Shelter Grant, and the HOME programs.  The cities of Ames, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City, and Sioux City will all receive funds to assist moderate, low and very-low income families improve their economic circumstance and to provide housing.

"The importance of helping those of modest means improve their chance to move upward economically and to provide decent housing is especially crucial for families raising children," said Harkin.  "These funds will help cities with the programs that allow these families to find quality, affordable housing and feel a sense of security in their living situation."

The Community Development Block Grant program provides annual grants to develop viable urban communities by providing housing and a suitable living environment, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

The Emergency Shelter Grants program provides annual grants to improve quality and number of emergency homeless shelters.

The HOME program helps to expand the supply of decent affordable housing to low- and very low-income families by providing grants to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities.

Details of the Grant are as Follows:

Ames - $511,276.00 from the Community Development Block Grant program.

Cedar Rapids - $1,091,099.00 from the Community Development Block Grant program and $361,579.00 from the HOME program.

Davenport - $1,328,125.00 from the Community Development Block Grant program and $410,918.00 from the HOME program.

Iowa City - $ 638,918.00 from the Community Development Block Grant program and $385,380.00 from the HOME program.

Sioux City - $1,507,259.00 from the Community Development Block Grant program, $197,984.00 from the Emergency Shelter Grants program, and $376,184.00 from the HOME program.

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Loans will help improve electrical infrastructure across Iowa

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today applauded news that the Maquoketa Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and the Corn Belt Power Cooperative have been approved for over $59 million in guaranteed loans by the US Department of Agriculture.

The Maquoketa Valley Rural Electric Cooperative has been approved for a $3,250,000 loan that will be used to build and improve hundreds of miles of distribution lines across Iowa, including smart grid projects. The Corn Belt Power Cooperative has been approved for a $55,788,000 loan that will allow the cooperative to begin generation system improvements, as well as environmental improvement projects.

"These loan guarantees will modernize and improve the electric grid, creating jobs now and helping to spur economic growth across rural Iowa in the future," Braley said.  "Improving Iowa's infrastructure is a big job. Today's announcement will make this job possible, while at the same time creating opportunities for Iowans involved in upgrading the infrastructure across the state."

 

The guaranteed loans are backed by the Federal Financing Bank and approved by Rural Development, a division of the US Department of Agriculture.

# # #

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today $2,763,341 in funding for housing development in Davenport and Iowa City.  The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME program.

"This HUD funding will assist communities in Davenport and Iowa City with providing affordable, quality housing to those who are struggling," said Loebsack. "As someone who grew up in poverty, I believe we need to ensure an adequate safety net is in place for Iowans, particularly those who are getting back on their feet in these difficult economic times.  This funding will provide better opportunities to succeed for many in eastern Iowa, as well as support economic growth and greater prosperity in Iowa communities."

The CDBG program helps develop more viable communities by investing in local economic development projects and expanded economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals.  The HOME program helps to increase the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and very low-income families by providing grants to fund housing and development initiatives that meet local needs and priorities.

Details of the funding are below:

$1,328,125 - Davenport (CDBG)

$410,918 - Davenport (HOME)

$638,918 - Iowa City (CDBG)

$385,380 - Iowa City (HOME)

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will host a Telephone Town Hall TOMORROW, Tuesday, July 10th at 7pm CDT.  Loebsack will take questions and talk with Iowans about the issues that matter to them.  People interested in participating in the call are urged to visit http://Loebsack.house.gov to sign up.

"Hearing from directly from constituents is critical to my job," said Loebsack.  "Please join me for a conversation about the issues that matter most to you and your family."

Congressman Loebsack Hosts Telephone Town Hall

 

Tuesday, July 10th

7pm CDT

To register, visit http://loebsack.house.gov/ and click the Teletown Halls sign up icon on the right hand side of the website.

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

Bill No.: HB 222

An Act Concerning: Government

Expands the Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal (ITAP) to include a searchable database of all current and future county, township and municipal employees sorted by the employing unit of local government, employment position title, current pay rate and year-to-date pay.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 411

An Act Concerning: State Government

Gives the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) authority to apply for and accept any funds or resources made available for assistance with outreach activities and staffing assistance for boards and commissions under the purview of IDOL.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 930

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Provides that an Illinois law enforcement agency or an Illinois political subdivision may not accept federal funding the purpose of which is to establish motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 2562

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Changes the composition of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board to increase the membership from 19 to 20, including the removal of one of the three chiefs of a municipal police department and the addition of one member of a statewide sheriffs' organization and one member of a statewide police chiefs' organization.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 3129

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Creates a fund for the state to disburse prepaid wireless surcharge revenues to the city of Chicago.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 3934

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Requires posting of Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Tax Credit Act agreements on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 3948

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to exempt police emergency equipment from the definition of "commercial motor vehicle."

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 3950

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Permits condominium boards of managers to negotiate Internet pricing for all residents.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: HB 4003

An Act Concerning: Health

Provides that certain Department of Human Services' (DHS) forms will be published on DHS' website.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4037

An Act Concerning: Health

Permits a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) to be designated as a temporary facility director at a mental health or developmental disabilities facility.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4116

An Act Concerning: Finance

Requires every member of the investment advisory panel to the Illinois Prepaid Tuition Fund to file statements of economic interests.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4468

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Permits the 10 percent spending limit from the Illinois Fire Fighters' Memorial Fund to be exceeded for emergency repairs related to the structural stability of the Illinois Fire Fighters Museum, with approval of a majority of the members of the Illinois Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 4492

An Act Concerning: Government

Designates the Illinois Saint Andrew Society Tartan as the official state tartan.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4514

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Permits county recorders to store documents electronically.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4562

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Permits a park district board to appoint an assistant secretary and assistant treasurer, and allows them to perform the duties of the secretary or treasurer, respectively, if either is unable to do so.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4570

An Act Concerning: Finance

Lowers the threshold for overdue items placed in the Comptroller's Offset System (COS) from $1,000 to $250. Exempts State Universities from the lowered threshold. Requires debt placed in the COS to be submitted electronically.  Designates a procedure for written protest. Requires the Comptroller's Office to deduct a processing charge from certain debts in the COS.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5195

An Act Concerning: State Government

Permits the Illinois Finance Authority and the Department of Commerce Economic Opportunity to continue working together on energy efficiency projects.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1047

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Requires the clerk of the circuit court in any county that imposes a court automation fee to charge an additional $10 operations fee for probation and court services operations.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2528

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Permits motorcyclists to proceed straight through a red light after a reasonable period of time not less than 120 seconds.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3409

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Permits drivers to move their vehicles from the scene of a minor accident to a safer location.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3670

An Act Concerning: State Government

Provides that State Active Duty National Guard members are to be paid commensurate with all members of the United States armed forces of like grade and longevity.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3671

An Act Concerning: State Government

Revises the duties of the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3722

An Act Concerning: Elections

Makes changes to the Election Code including the addition of independent expenditure committees and the creation of a pilot program on college campuses for the 2012 general election.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

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National Park Service awarded a $47,150 grant for dig

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

Mayor Bill Gluba

Friends of Credit Island

WHAT Press conference to discuss the recent announcement that the City of Davenport received funding from the National Park Service to perform an archeological dig at Credit Island.

WHERE Credit Island Pavilion

Davenport

WHEN TODAY, Saturday, July 7th

2:00pm

WHY Credit Island is one of the westernmost battles of the War of 1812. It was on this island in 1814 that Brevet Major Zachary Taylor was defeated by British allied Sauk and Black Hawk American Indians. The City of Davenport, following up on a Certified Local Government grant, is looking to do a subsurface archeological investigation of the site. It is hoped that the data recovered can be used for a future National Register nomination.

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Washington, D.C. - July 6, 2012 - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that the City of Davenport will receive a $47,105 grant from the National Park Service for battlefield preservation.  The funding comes from the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP), and will be used to help preserve, protect, document and interpret America's significant battlefield lands.  Davenport will receive funding for an archeological dig at Credit Island.

"Our nation's battlefields are hallowed ground.  Preserving them ensures that the service and sacrifice of previous generations will never be forgotten," said Loebsack.  "I am pleased that this funding is coming to Davenport for the archeological dig, and excited at the possibility of a National Register nomination, which would add to Davenport's already rich cultural heritage and support economic development.  I am looking forward to seeing what they discover at the site."

Credit Island is one of the westernmost battles of the War of 1812. It was on this island in 1814 that Brevet Major Zachary Taylor was defeated by British allied Sauk and Black Hawk American Indians. The City of Davenport, following up on a Certified Local Government grant, is looking to do a subsurface archeological investigation of the site. It is hoped that the data recovered can be used for a future National Register nomination.

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CHICAGO - July 5, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today acted on the following bills.

 

Bill No.: SB 2850

An Act Concerning: Education

Requires the first and last days of school to be no less than five hours.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: June 30, 2013

 

Bill No.: SB 3452

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Increases public safety on the roadways by prohibiting the concealment of license plates and the sale of items that can help conceal license plates; also allows the Secretary of State to suspend or revoke the license or registration of anyone who has modified a vehicle to conceal plates. The law also increases penalties for operating a motorcycle on one wheel, and makes other changes involving motorcycle safety.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will continue his week-long focus on servicemembers, veterans, military families, and veterans services, TOMORROW, Friday, July 6th. Recently, Goodwill of the Heartland received a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to provide job training for homeless Veterans throughout Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Counties.  Loebsack will meet with staff and veterans at each event to discuss the grant as well as issues that are important to veterans.   Media is invited to attend.

"I strongly believe that there is no greater responsibility we have as a nation than to ensure that our servicemembers have the support, equipment, and training they need to safely carry out their mission and that we care for our veterans with the same dignity and honor with which they have served our country," said Loebsack.  "I look forward to this opportunity to speak with veterans and their families."

Veterans Grant Presentation

Muscatine

10:30am

Muscatine County VA Office

315 Iowa Ave., Suite A

 

Davenport

1:00pm

Goodwill Employment Services Office

805 W. 35th St.

 

Clinton

2:45pm

Clinton Public Library

306 8th Ave. South

 

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