March 9, 2011

Today I have signed Senate Bill 3539, which abolishes the death penalty in Illinois.

For me, this was a difficult decision, quite literally the choice between life and death. This was not a decision to be made lightly, or a decision that I came to without deep personal reflection.

Since the General Assembly passed this bill, I have met or heard from a wide variety of people on both sides of the issue. I have talked with prosecutors, judges, elected officials, religious leaders from around the world, families of murder victims, people on death row who were exonerated and ordinary citizens who have taken the time to share their thoughts with me. Their experiences, words and opinions have made a tremendous impact on my thinking, and I thank everyone who reached out on this matter.

After their guidance, as well as much thought and reflection, I have concluded that our system of imposing the death penalty is inherently flawed. The evidence presented to me by former prosecutors and judges with decades of experience in the criminal justice system has convinced me that it is impossible to devise a system that is consistent, that is free of discrimination on the basis of race, geography or economic circumstance, and that always gets it right.

As a state, we cannot tolerate the executions of innocent people because such actions strike at the very legitimacy of a government. Since 1977, Illinois has seen 20 people exonerated from death row. Seven of those were exonerated since the moratorium was imposed in 2000. That is a record that should trouble us all. To say that this is unacceptable does not even begin to express the profound regret and shame we, as a society, must bear for these failures of justice.

Since our experience has shown that there is no way to design a perfect death penalty system, free from the numerous flaws that can lead to wrongful convictions or discriminatory treatment, I have concluded that the proper course of action is to abolish it. With our broken system, we cannot ensure justice is achieved in every case. For the same reason, I have also decided to commute the sentences of those currently on death row to natural life imprisonment, without the possibility of parole or release.

I have found no credible evidence that the death penalty has a deterrent effect on the crime of murder and that the enormous sums expended by the state in maintaining a death penalty system would be better spent on preventing crime and assisting victims' families in overcoming their pain and grief.

To those who say that we must maintain a death penalty for the sake of the victims' families, I say that it is impossible not to feel the pain of loss that all these families share or to understand the desire for retribution that many may hold. But, as I heard from family members who lost loved ones to murder, maintaining a flawed death penalty system will not bring back their loved ones, will not help them to heal and will not bring closure to their pain. Nothing can do that. We must instead devote our resources toward the prevention of crime and the needs of victims' families, rather than spending more money to preserve a flawed system.

The late Cardinal Joseph Bernadin observed, "[i]n a complex, sophisticated democracy like ours, means other than the death penalty are available and can be used to protect society." In our current criminal justice system, we can impose extremely harsh punishments when warranted. Judges can impose sentences of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Where necessary and appropriate, the state can incarcerate convicted criminals in maximum security prisons. These means should be sufficient to satisfy our need for retribution, justice and protection.

As Governor, I took an oath to uphold our state's Constitution and faithfully execute our laws. Honoring that oath often requires making difficult decisions, but I have found none to be as difficult as the one I made today. I recognize that some may strongly disagree with this decision, but I firmly believe that we are taking an important step forward in our history as Illinois joins the 15 other states and many nations of the world that have abolished the death penalty.

SPRINGFIELD - March 9, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

Bill No.: SB 3539

Ends the sentence of death for crimes committed in Illinois.

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: July 1, except Section 15 (Capital Crimes Litigation Act) which takes effect
January 1, 2012.

A photograph of the signing of Senate Bill 3539 is available at: http://www.state.il.us/xfr/upload/SB3539.jpg

(Follow the link above and then right click the image and choose Save Image/Picture As)

 

 

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DES MOINES, IA (03/07/2011)(readMedia)-- There are thousands of things to love about the great Iowa State Fair, where "Nothing Compares!" From funnel cakes and Ferris wheels, food on a stick and free entertainment, to premier livestock events, art exhibits and the country's largest state fair food department, the Iowa State Fair has something for everyone. There is still time for Iowans to show their love for the Fair on their tax returns and help the Fair continue the renovation and preservations of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Look for the State Fairgrounds Renovation Check Off on line 58b of Iowa Tax Form 1040 or on line 14 of Iowa Tax Form 1040A and check off $1 (or more!) to help preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Your gift is either deducted from your refund or added to the amount due. Contributions to the Corndog Checkoff are fully tax-deductible.

"The Corndog Checkoff is a simple way for Iowans to show their love for the Iowa State Fair. Funds raised through this program are an important part of the effort to preserve this great institution for future generations," said Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director John Putney.

Every dollar donated to the Checkoff is directly allocated to capital improvements. The Corndog Checkoff has raised nearly $1.6 million and has supplemented restoration projects from the Grandstand to Ye Old Mill. In addition, funds generated by the Checkoff have helped improve the campgrounds, parking areas, sidewalks and restrooms.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profi t 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated over $80 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information on the Corndog Tax Checkoff, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at (800) 450-3732 or email bluerf@blueribbonfoundation.org.

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**Friday, March 4, 2011**

 

CHICAGO - March 4, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 1410

Allows the Executive Ethics Commission to define the value of gifts prohibited by the ethics act.

An Act Concerning: State Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 1525

Extends the EDGE tax credit to the NALCO water purification and treatment company.

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 1565

Fixes the formula for calculating interest owed on furlough day credit "bought back" by state employees.

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 1606

Requires municipalities and counties to notify an applicant for certain demolition or renovation permits of the requirement to file a notification with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: 90 days after becoming law

 

Bill No.: HB 2022

Enables the City of Country Club Hills to use quick-take proceedings under eminent domain authority for the purpose of connecting two commercial developments as a part of their ongoing I-57/I-80 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District project.

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 6063

Permits the Department of Aging to fund a demonstration program of bundled services to clients who qualify for Community Care Program (CCP) and reside in projects designated as Comprehensive Care Residential Settings (CCRS).

An Act Concerning: State Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 6881

Amends a provision allowing individuals on MSR to earn a reduction for earning a GED to also earn a reduction for High School Diplomas.

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

 

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February 28, 2011

City Administrator Malin announced today that Director of Parks & Recreation Seve Ghose has accepted an offer of employment with the City of Longmont, Colorado, and will be resigning his position. Mr. Ghose will remain with Davenport until May 27, and will continue to lead the department's efforts to become accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) prior to his departure. A CAPRA site visit will be conducted in May, as a final review step in the accreditation process.

Mr. Ghose was hired by Davenport from the City of Portland, Oregon, in July of 2008. He has overseen significant expansion of park facilities and recreation programming during his tenure, including re-opening the Quad City Sports Center as the River's Edge, a City owned and operated multi-purpose recreation facility that has exceeded use and revenue expectations in its first year.

Mr. Ghose expressed regret in leaving Davenport, and underscored that the move to Colorado was guided by a desire to be closer to his extended family. Mr. Ghose said "Davenport is a great place to live, but we have some family needs out west. It has been a privilege to work in Davenport for the past few years."

City Administrator Malin expressed gratitude for Mr. Ghose's professional and enthusiastic efforts to advance parks and recreation in Davenport, noting "Seve has done a great job for Davenport, and I hate to lose him. He has set the bar high for his successor."


The City will conduct an open, national recruitment for its next Director of Parks and Recreation.
WASHINGTON - February 25, 2011 - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded three grants totaling $1,404,159 through the Health Center Program Service Area Competition grant program.

The money will be distributed as shown below.

  • Community Health Care, Inc. in Davenport will receive $722,187
  • Proteus Employment Opportunities, Inc. in Des Moines will receive $115,407
  • People's Community Health Clinic, Inc. in Waterloo will receive $566,565

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, this grant program provides financial assistance to support comprehensive primary health care services in underserved areas.  The grants support the availability and accessibility of essential primary and preventive health services, including oral health, mental health and substance abuse services.

Each year, local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants from the federal government.  The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual's ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity administering the funds.

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WASHINGTON - February 24, 2011 - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the Iowa Community Development LC will receive a $35 million tax credit allocation under the Treasury Department's New Markets Tax Credit Program.

The Iowa Community Development LC will use the 2010 New Markets Tax Credit allocation to offer financing with below-market interest rate and flexible terms to support and incentivize businesses to locate or expand in Iowa.

"This allocation will help encourage investment and spur economic activity in Iowa," Grassley said.

The Treasury Department selects firms to receive an allocation of tax credits through the New Markets Tax Credit Program.  This program permits taxpayers to receive a credit against federal income taxes for making qualified equity investments in designated community development entities.  Substantially all of the qualified equity investments must be used to provide investments in low-income communities.

 

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February 23, 2011

Last week, the U.S. House approved a budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2011 that includes substantial cuts to community service programs across the country.  Analysis released today shows that this plan would have a detrimental impact on projects throughout Iowa.

"Last summer, in Cedar Rapids, I saw firsthand what it means when students pitch in, hammer a nail and rebuild a family's home after disaster strikes," said Harkin.  "There is no question that the time has come for tough budget decisions, but the smart way to bring down the deficit is for Congress to pursue a balanced approach of major spending cuts and necessary revenue increases, while continuing to take steps to strengthen the Iowa economy.  At a time when budgets are stretching thin in Iowa and around the country, community service is extremely valuable.  The benefits of these programs far outweigh the modest costs to fund them."

Specific Iowa programs that would be affected include :

AmeriCorps
Each year, approximately 80,000 Americans sign up to work at community service projects in exchange for a modest stipend and a $5,000 scholarship.  Projects across Iowa include tutoring, mentoring, assisting as communities respond to tornadoes and floods, cleaning up parks, helping the elderly stay in their homes, and addressing a host of other community needs.  Iowa students access more than $5 million of scholarships each year that they use at Iowa colleges and universities.

A map of volunteer service in Iowa can be found here.

VISTA
Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) agree to work full-time for a year to alleviate poverty in their communities.  In Iowa, 90 individuals create programs that could include setting up soup kitchens and shelters, weatherizing homes, organizing volunteer financial counseling programs, and developing school supply drives for children in need.  All projects must be self-sustaining by the end of the VISTA service.

Senior Corps
Senior Corps engages over 400,000 Americans age 55 and older to devote 10-20 hours a week volunteering in their community.  Under the Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent programs, low-income Iowa seniors receive a small stipend ($2.65 an hour) to work with homebound seniors and children with special needs, respectively. Over 6,000 Iowa seniors volunteer.

A map of proposed cuts in the House budget to community service programs can be found here.

Learn and Serve
Across the country, almost 1.5 million students each year experience some form of service-learning as a result of the Learn and Serve program.  Through service-learning, 11,000 young Iowans ?from kindergarteners to college students? use what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems, learning to be engaged community members, as well as educated adults.

Last year, service projects in Iowa provided a wide variety of services that would be lost if the programs above are eliminated:

·    Over 11,000 students had the opportunity to engage in community service linked to academic achievement and civic engagement.

·    More than 1,100 individuals affected by disaster received assistance and over 400 disaster affected homes were repaired with more than 20,000 sandbags filled and placed.

·    More than 9,700 children had a mentor/tutor.

·    More than 13,000 disadvantaged children and youth had access to youth development programming.

·    Over 100,000 volunteers were recruited and utilized in Iowa communities.

·    More than 90 houses were built for families in need.

·    Over 11,000 youth were provided with safe places to play and learn during out of-school hours.

·    Over 2,000 youth were engaged in "Healthy Start" programming to promote nutrition and exercise.

·    1,550 youth learned about school to work transition.

·    Over 700 homebound seniors and older adults received help continuing to living independently in their own homes.

·    Over 1000 community agencies get critical services to keep their doors open.

Harkin's full statement on the budget proposals before Congress can be found here.

For a compilation of all outreach pieces on this issue, please click here.
WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley said today that the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration has awarded a $5 million grant to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the funds will be used to replace Iowa's 50 oldest state-wide vehicles.  The nine buses and 41 vans that will be replaced are part of 17 of Iowa's transit systems.

The Federal Transit Administration administers grants totaling more than $10 billion to support a variety of locally planned, constructed and operated public transportation systems throughout the United States.  Transportation systems typically include buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, streetcars, monorail, passenger ferry boats and inclined railways.

 

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Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz will announce the posting of the "County Checkbook" on-line at a news conference scheduled for Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at the Scott County Administrative Center, 600 West 4th Street, Davenport, Iowa. She and other county officials will demonstrate how to access this new function from the county website.

"I am very pleased to announce this latest innovation in providing information to the public on how county government spends the taxpayers' dollars," Moritz said. "My office staff began the discussion on how to implement this improvement in late 2009. We experimented with some different options last year, finally settling on the product we are releasing today, she said.

The public will have access to the accounts payable reports prepared for the Board of Supervisors which shows spending by county department and separate government agencies for which the county provides accounts payable services. Also included will be Board reports for county spending by purchase cards. The separate government agencies include Scott County Assessor, Scott County Library, Scott Emergency Communications Center, Davenport City Assessor and some payments for the Iowa Department of Human Services based in Scott County.

The reports will be displayed in a searchable PDF format. They will include an alphabetic listing of vendors as well as a departmental report.

Scott County will be the first major county in Iowa to provide its "checkbook" on-line for the general public to see. "We are joining a growing number of counties and cities in the nation in providing better transparency for local government," Moritz said. "Providing this information to the public will help Scott County to meet a Board goal of regional leadership," she added.

After six weeks of session, the Iowa Senate started debating this week.  Two bills set the posturing stage and had more meaning in messaging than actual content of the legislation.  House File 45 was approved by the Iowa House in the second week of session with a projected cut in state spending of $500 million over three years.  This same bill was passed out of the Senate on Thursday with a projected cut in spending of $10 million over a three year period.  Though many believe this bill is destined for a conference committee showdown, it is more likely the bill is done.  Think of this bill as a form of messaging between the Republican majority in the House and the Democratic majority in the Senate and how they perceive each other's goals.  True government spending appears in appropriations bills.  Both sides understand a zero line item in House File 45 doesn't limit actual funding of a program in May.

The second posturing bill came in the establishment of allowable growth for education spending.  After the House previously approved zero percent allowable growth the Senate on Wednesday passed allowable growth at 2%.  Knowing the establishment of an allowable growth rate at any percent in February is superficial to the actual appropriation which the legislature makes in May I asked the Senate Appropriations Chair to explain how we plan to fund education this year at any level. My line of questioning was shut down by the Senate President citing, the state's future ability to pay is irrelevant to the establishment of a promise to pay today.  This idea makes complete sense, only when you don't think about it.  Though this bill is destined for a conference committee showdown, only through appropriations will we see how much the state picks up and how much falls on local property taxpayers.

The Senate moved in a positive direction in debate Thursday afternoon when we unanimously approved Senate File 209 which called for the full coupling of the Iowa Tax Code with the Federal Tax Code.  This bill allows Iowa taxpayers to deduct items on their state income tax filings similar to their federal filings. Think of it as a nearly $200 million savings to taxpayers.  Though it does not take effect until you do your taxes next year, it is still a positive move for keeping more money in your hands.

On a side note, the buzz has started over redistricting.  The conference board members are set, census data is out and maps will soon be drawn.  I have not grown as curious or apprehensive about changes as many of my colleagues.  I have no doubt I may lose half my district or even more.  Be proud in the fact Iowa is an exemplar in setting districts; politicians don't get to make this decision.

Shawn Hamerlinck
State Senate District 42

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