12 Jul 2010

GOV. PAT QUINN APPROVES RED LIGHT CAMERAS

By Margo O’Hara

The use of red light cameras is now more effective, thanks to Governor Pat Quinn's signature on Friday.

A new law allows the continued use of red light cameras in the Chicago and St. Louis metropolitan areas. Cameras are triggered only when a car enters the intersection illegally and anyone who is ticketed is allowed to review the footage online.

"Red light cameras are a traffic safety measure that effectively reduces the number of crashes in our communities." said Melody Geraci, interim executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance. "This law will make red light cameras more effective tools in making our roadways safer for even the most vulnerable roadway users - children, seniors, bicyclists, pedestrians and the disabled."

A person is injured in a red light-running crash every two seconds in the United States. That results in 165,000 injuries and 800 deaths per year, according to a 2009 report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Red light cameras are proven to effectively reduce speeding and the number of crashes. The City of Naperville, for example, showed a 33% reduction in injury crashes, 75% reduction in angle/turning crashes, 19% reduction in total crashes and an 8% reduction in rear-end crashes (6 months of data compared with 3-year previous average) as a result of red light camera technology.

The Active Transportation Alliance was heavily involved in the dialogue around red light cameras. Active Trans is Chicagoland's voice for better biking, walking and transit. One of the organization's goals is to reduce crashes in the Chicagoland area by 50%.

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. Formerly the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the Active Transportation Alliance is North America's largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by more than 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 35 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

12 Jul 2010

National Award Given to Local Davenport Museum

By Angela Osborn

Davenport, IA?July 6, 2010?The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) proudly announces that The German American Heritage Center is the recipient of an Award of Merit from the AASLH Leadership in History Awards for the exhibit The German Immigrant Experience: 1845-1925.  The AASLH Leadership in History Award is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

The museum includes nearly 4,000 feet of state-of-the-art interactive exhibits including a new trivia video game, wired antique party phone lines to listen to, and the audio-visual experience, "Step into My Shoes." The new interactive video game let's visitors choose a character who portrays a German Immigrant of the mid- 1800's.  They then answer questions that lead to a reward of two fun video games.   The "Step into my Shoes" exhibit allows section visitors to step onto footprints of a child, female and male.  This triggers the corresponding character to appear before them on a screen and talk about their personal experience as an immigrant.  For more information about this award winning exhibit, go to our website at www.gahc.org.  Here you can watch video of the exhibit and explore out exhibit photo gallery.

Awards for 2010 represent 49 organizations and individuals from across the United States.  Contribution from The History Channel will once again help underwrite the cost of the awards banquet which will honor the award winners at a special banquet during the 2009 AASLH Annual Meeting in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Friday, September 24.

The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States.  The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also

brings public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make contributions in this arena.

For more information on the museum's exhibits, programs, events, classes, and workshops, visit www.gahc.org or call 563-322-8844.  General Admissions is: Adults: $5; Seniors: $4; Children (5-17 years old): $3; Free for children under 5.  Museums members are free.  Hours are Tuesdays through Saturday open 10 am- 4 pm; Sunday open 12 pm- 4 pm.  For more information about the Leadership in History Awards, contact AASLH at 615-320-3203, or go to www.aaslh.org.

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06 Jul 2010

Neighbors to protest St. Ambrose development

By M. McNeil
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ARE UPSET ABOUT A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF THE ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS AND THEY PLAN TO SPEAK OUT TO THE DAVENPORT CITY COUNCIL ABOUT THEIR CONCERNS

(Davenport, IA)  Dozens of concerned neighbors are planning to attend the July 7, 2010 meeting of the Davenport Zoning Board of Adjustment.  The meeting is scheduled for 4:00 pm in the City Council Chambers at Davenport City Hall.  The neighbors are opposed to St. Ambrose's request for two parking lots and a dorm.  Of primary concern is the parking lot planned for the St. Vincent's property as it is felt that it signals the first step in a comprehensive plan for that property.

The plans for the property include a 5,000 seat spectator stadium with athletic offices and weight training facilities.  Also included are several lighted practice fields, softball, baseball and soccer fields, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts as well as track and field facilities.  Neighbors living between the campus as well as those surrounding the St. Vincent's property, are concerned about safety, quality of life issues, decreases in property values, traffic, parking, noise and light pollution, loss of green space and increase storm water run-off and flooding problems.  Many of the neighbors plan to speak out about the new development in an attempt to block the passage.
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22 Jun 2010

Senators Question Possible Administration Plans to Defer Action on Millions of Illegal Aliens

By Grassley Press
 

WASHINGTON - Several U.S. senators today questioned possible plans by the administration to unilaterally extend either deferred action or parole to millions of illegal immigrants in the United States.  Senator Chuck Grassley was joined by Senators Orrin Hatch of Utah, Jim Bunning of Ky., Saxby Chambliss of Ga., Jim Inhofe of Okla., Johnny Isakson of Ga., Thad Cochran of Miss., and David Vitter of La.

"There's a lot we can agree on when it comes to dealing with the immigration problems in the United States, but this appears to be amnesty in disguise, and is simply an attempt to circumvent Congress," Grassley said.

Here's a copy of the text of the letter to President Barack Obama.


June 21, 2010

President Barack H. Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, D.C.  20500

Dear President Obama:

We understand that there's a push for your Administration to develop a plan to unilaterally extend either deferred action or parole to millions of illegal aliens in the United States.  We understand that the Administration may include aliens who have willfully overstayed their visas or filed for benefits knowing that they will not be eligible for a status for years to come.  We understand that deferred action and parole are discretionary actions reserved for individual cases that present unusual, emergent or humanitarian circumstances.  Deferred action and parole were not intended to be used to confer a status or offer protection to large groups of illegal aliens, even if the agency claims that they look at each case on a "case-by-case" basis.

While we agree our immigration laws need to be fixed, we are deeply concerned about the potential expansion of deferred action or parole for a large illegal alien population.   While deferred action and parole are Executive Branch authorities, they should not be used to circumvent Congress' constitutional authority to legislate immigration policy, particularly as it relates to the illegal population in the United States.

The Administration would be wise to abandon any plans for deferred action or parole for the illegal population.  Such a move would further erode the American public's confidence in the federal government and its commitment to securing the borders and enforcing the laws already on the books.

We would appreciate receiving a commitment that the Administration has no plans to use either authority to change the current position of a large group of illegal aliens already in the United States, and ask that you respond to us about this matter as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Chuck Grassley

Orrin Hatch

Jim Bunning

Saxby Chambliss

Jim Inhofe

Johnny Isakson

Thad Cochran

David Vitter

22 Jun 2010

Quinn and Durbin Joint Statement on DOJ Plans to Fully Utilize Thomson Correctional Center

By Andrew Mason
Facility will be purchased by the end of the year

CHICAGO - June 21, 2010. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced today that the Department of Justice (DOJ) intends to acquire the Thomson Correctional Center by the end of the year and fully utilize the entire facility.

In a letter (attached) to Durbin, Quinn and Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL), a DOJ official explained that the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) plans to make modifications to the prison and hire and train a full complement of staff while the Defense Department and Congress continue to work on authorizing and funding a portion of the Thomson facility for housing Guantanamo detainees.

Durbin and Governor Quinn issued the following statement:

"With this letter today, the Bureau of Prisons has reaffirmed the commitment it made earlier this year to fully utilize Thomson Correction Center and upgrade the facility to make it the safest prison in the nation.

The agency has already begun the process of recruiting for positions at the prison, so having the facility operating at full capacity could result in more jobs for residents of Thomson and surrounding areas.

As we have said many times, this move will have an enormous impact on our state -generating thousands of good paying jobs and potentially injecting more than $1 billion into the regional economy. This is an opportunity to dramatically reduce unemployment, create thousands of good-paying jobs and breathe new economic life into a part of Illinois that desperately needs this."

The purchase, activation and operation of Thomson Correctional Center is expected to generate more than 3,000 jobs - roughly half of which are expected to be given to local applicants - and inject more than $1 billion into the regional economy.  Currently, there is a critical need for a facility to address federal prison overcrowding problems nationwide and a particularly urgent need for supermax-type bed space.  More than 209,000 inmates are in the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons, up sharply from 202,000 last year.

The Thomson facility was built in 2001 by the State of Illinois as a state-of-the-art, maximum-security prison to house the most severe criminal offenders.  The facility was never occupied, however, and is sitting vacant.  The facility was constructed on a 146-acre reservation has 1,600 beds with eight compartmentalized units designed for maximum inmate supervision and control.  Security features include :

  • Dual-sided electrical stun fencing capable of carrying 7,000 volts;
  • 312 Cameras on a fiber optic surveillance network with motion detection/remote monitoring capabilities;
  • Armed outer and inner perimeter towers.
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21 Jun 2010

Senate Panel Approves Measure to Penalize Drug Dealers Who Market Candy-Flavored Drugs to Children

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - June 18, 2010 - The Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday approved a measure sponsored by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) that would increase federal criminal penalties for drug dealers who entice children with candy-flavored methamphetamine, marijuana and other dangerous drugs.

According to law enforcement officers and drug treatment officials, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs are being colored, packaged and flavored in ways designed to attract children and minors.  Some have child-friendly names like Pot Tarts - named after the popular Pop-Tarts snacks.

"This bill sends a strong and clear message to drug dealers - if you target our children by peddling candy-flavored drugs, there will be a heavy price to pay," Feinstein said. "The legislation increases criminal penalties for anyone who markets candy-flavored drugs in an effort to hook our young people.  New techniques and gimmicks to lure our kids into addiction are around every corner.  We must do everything we can to end the practice of purposely altering illegal drugs to make them more appealing to our youth."

"Drug dealers who target children by flavoring drugs to taste like candy have sunk to a new low.  These dealers need to know that when you prey on our youth, you risk serious prison time.  This legislation should make drug dealers think twice about selling candy flavored drugs to our kids," Grassley said.

The bill also has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Narcotics Officers' Associations' Coalition.

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21 Jun 2010

Grassley Questions Justice Department Nominee about Actions with AIG

By Sen. Charles Grassley
WASHINGTON - (June 16, 2010) - As part of his ongoing oversight of AIG, Senator Chuck Grassley is questioning the nominee to be Deputy Attorney General at the Justice Department, James Cole, about his involvement with the company.

Grassley's questions for the record center around the nominee's work as an independent consultant appointed by the Justice Department and the SEC to monitor activities at AIG following major fraud settlements in 2004 and 2006.  He continued this role as independent consultant at AIG in the years leading up to the financial crisis and the taxpayer bailout of AIG.

Grassley said that during his time monitoring AIG, it appears Cole issued several best practices documents regarding compliance with SEC rules and regulations.  While the documents related to Cole's work have not been made public by the Department of Justice, one document purported to be part of his work as an independent consultant specifically outlined best practices on derivative transactions. In the document, it appears that the nominee recommended establishing a derivatives committee to review derivative contracts entered into by AIG, but the recommendation expressly exempted derivative transactions entered into by the AIG financial products corporation, the subsidiary responsible for the 2008 meltdown at AIG that led to a $180 billion taxpayer bailout of AIG.  Instead, the recommendation said derivatives entered by AIG Financial Products would be independently reviewed by AIG Financial Products itself

"It looks to me like Mr. Cole let the fox guard the hen house.  He's been nominated for a very important position at the Justice Department, and I want to know why he allowed such an exemption as an independent monitor," Grassley said.

Grassley is also questioning Mr. Cole about allegations that he may have allowed AIG executives to amend, modify or review the reports before they were submitted to the SEC and the Justice Department, which raises questions about how independent his monitoring was.

Grassley has conducted some of the most aggressive oversight of the government's implementation of the financial bailout, including executive compensation, severance payouts, and documentation of how taxpayer dollars have been used.

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17 Jun 2010

Governor Quinn Signs Bill to Modernize Illinois Telecommunications Act

By William Palmisano

New Law Will Help Create Jobs, Encourage Investment in New Technologies and Protect Consumers

CHICAGO - June 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that overhauls and modernizes Illinois' outdated telecommunications law. The new law will continue protecting consumers, while creating jobs and encouraging private investment in new broadband and wireless technologies.

"Investment in broadband and wireless technology is a key to creating better jobs and providing unique educational opportunities across Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "I am proud to sign this law to encourage private investment in these critical technologies, which will put more people to work and protect consumers."

The Illinois Telecommunications Act was written in 1985 - well before the widespread use of cell phones and broadband Internet. Today, approximately 25 percent of Illinois households rely only on cell phones.

The new law eliminates obsolete regulatory standards, which will enable telecom companies to shift more investment to wireless and broadband technologies. In Illinois, a 1 to 3 percent increase in broadband penetration would create 13,000 to 39,000 non-farm jobs, according to the Brookings Institution.

Senate Bill 107, sponsored by Sen. Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) and Rep. Kevin A. McCarthy (D-Orland Park), allows telecommunications companies to opt-in to a new form of regulation that will promote more competition and encourage more investment in modern broadband and wireless technologies.

The new law also contains important consumer protections to ensure Illinois residents still have a variety of affordable phone service options. The law extends low-cost packages that are designed to protect consumers who still rely on landline service, but have varying communication needs. The low-cost package rates will be frozen for the next three years.

"One of the most important aspects of this legislation was that we have safeguards in place to protect consumers in Illinois," said Sen. Bond. "We wanted to ensure that residents who still rely heavily on land-line telephone service will have affordable options to choose from. As we make strides to boost investment in cutting-edge technology, we want to make sure we are providing security for those individuals who rely on land-line phone service."

"The signing of Senate Bill 107 considerably increases the possibility of greater private sector broadband investment in Illinois. The Legislature and the Governor's Office worked diligently to make sure this legislation is a winner for consumer, providers and employers across Illinois. The unanimous support of the General Assembly confirms the positive changes this legislation promises for our state," said Rep. McCarthy.

The Illinois Commerce Commission will retain the authority to impose penalties on providers who do not comply with general service quality requirements, which could amount to more than $200,000 per offense for a provider. This legislation takes effect immediately.                  

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15 Jun 2010

Remember to Nominate Iowa's Shining Stars for the Iowa State Fair

By Samantha Liametz

DES MOINES, IA (06/14/2010)(readMedia)-- This year's deadline is quickly approaching for the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation's Iowan of the Day program. Sponsored by the Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookie's Food Products, Iowan of the Day program honors Iowa's most dedicated volunteers each year at the Iowa State Fair.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation seeks to honor those in your community who personify the greatness of Iowa with a strong work ethic, loyalty to helping others and an outstanding sense of Iowa pride. With your nomination, the Blue Ribbon Foundation can celebrate the hard work these people do to better our state and give them the recognition they deserve.

Iowan of the Day winners will receive their own day of recognition during the Iowa State Fair complete with an introduction on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage, VIP parking, gate admission, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart and Grandstand show tickets for the evening of their award day. In addition, all winners will receive $200 in cash, accommodations at the Des Moines Downtown Marriott Hotel, and one-year subscriptions to Iowan and Iowa Gardening magazines.

Help us celebrate the people who do so much for our state! Download a nomination form from www.blueribbonfoundation.org/iotd or stop by your local post office to pick one up. Nomination forms are also available upon request by calling the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 1-800-450-3732. Note that all nominees must currently be Iowa residents. Nominations must be received by July 1, 2010.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $80 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/Remember-to-Nominate-Iowas-Shining-Stars-for-the-Iowa-State-Fair/1416860

Attachments:

Nomination Form: http://app.readmedia.com/news/attachment/16412/Iowan_of_the_Day___Nomination_Form.pdf

Informational Sheet: http://app.readmedia.com/news/attachment/16413/Iowan_of_the_Day___Quick_Facts.pdf

Former Iowan of the Day - Lori Sherling: http://app.readmedia.com/news/attachment/16414/Lori_Sherling.JPG

14 Jun 2010

Governor Quinn Recently Signed Several Pieces of Legislation

By Andrew Mason

Governor Quinn Signs Seth's Law to Require Improved Hospital Safety Procedures; New Law Named After Iraq War Veteran Who Died After Hospital Employees Were Unable to Reach Him

HARRISBURG - June 12, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that requires Illinois' hospitals to institute policies and procedures that will enable staff to readily gain access to patient bathrooms. The law is named after 22-year-old Iraq War Veteran Seth Sanders, who died in September 2009 when hospital personnel could not gain access to his bathroom.

"Seth Sanders is a hero whose tragic death reminds us all that we must be vigilant in constantly improving hospital safety," said Governor Quinn. "Today I am proud to honor his memory by signing Seth's Law, hopefully preventing this horrible tragedy from ever happening in Illinois."

Seth Sanders served in the Iraq War, where his unit removed improvised explosive devices. After returning from his deployment last year he moved from his West Frankfort home in Southern Illinois to Nevada, where he underwent heart surgery. Approximately two weeks after the surgery, Sanders collapsed in the hospital bathroom. Hospital employees were unable to quickly locate a key and reach him in time to save his life.

House Bill 5764 requires hospitals in Illinois to implement policies and procedures that will enable staff to quickly gain access to a locked bathroom in a patient's room. While many Illinois hospitals already have procedures in place, this bill ensures that every hospital establishes these potentially life-saving measures.

"Seth was an amazing son and we don't want what happened to him to happen to another family," said Maureen Sanders, Seth's mother. "Seth is from Illinois so we wanted to pass his law here first and hopefully see it go forward and pass in other states."

The bill passed the Illinois General Assembly unanimously and was sponsored by Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion) and Sen. Gary Forby (D-Benton). The law takes effect Jan. 1.

 

Governor Quinn Announces 9,366 Jobs Created Through 'Put Illinois to Work.' Program On Target to Surpass 10,000 Jobs Created Next Week

DECATUR- June 12, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today visited Midwest Fiber Recycling in Decatur to announce that 2,436 employers across the state have agreed to hire more than 9,366 workers through the Quinn Administration's "Put Illinois to Work" (PIW) employment program, launched in late April. The program is currently on target to surpass 10,000 jobs created by next week.

"Put Illinois to Work is doing just that: putting thousands of Illinois residents to work in good-paying jobs like these at Midwest Fiber Recycling," said Governor Quinn. "Illinois workers are some of the best in the country, and we need to do everything we can to make sure they have the opportunities to develop new skills."

Midwest Fiber Recycling, a participating employer in the PIW program, is a family-owned business that started out offering recycling services to Macon County. Today, it has over 50 employees and recycles more than 210 million pounds of cardboard, newspaper, office paper, plastic and other recyclable materials. Midwest Fiber Recycling's service area now extends throughout the Midwest, with facilities in Decatur, Bloomington-Normal, Springfield and Peoria.

Through Put Illinois to Work, eligible Illinois residents are placed in subsidized employment positions with participating worksites for up to six months, learning valuable skills and supporting their families. The program will help stimulate Illinois' ailing economy and develop a healthy workforce by providing meaningful work experience for participants. Put Illinois to Work is expected to create more than 15,000 jobs statewide.

Private, public and non-profit businesses are encouraged to sign on with Put Illinois to Work. Eligible participants are matched to subsidized employment opportunities with these worksites. The hope is that when the program concludes, many employers will permanently hire the workers they have trained.

Put Illinois to Work is a collaborative effort of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Heartland Human Care Services (HHCS). Funding is provided through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF), which was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Eligible worksites and participants must meet program criteria and agree to adhere to specific program requirements. Participants must be age 18-21, or 18 and older and the parent (custodial or non-custodial) of a minor child. All participants must have a household income below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level ($2,428 per month for a family of two) and be legally authorized to work.

For eligibility criteria and additional information on Put Illinois to Work, visit www.PutIllinoistoWork.Illinois.gov.

 

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Expand Dental Care Access for Working Families; New Law Clears Hurdles for Dentists to Provide Voluntary Care

BLOOMINGTON - June 12, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that makes it easier for Illinois' dentists to provide voluntary care to low-income families enrolled in public health care programs.

"Keeping Illinois' families healthy is one of the most important duties I have as Governor, and dental problems can lead to serious health issues," said Governor Quinn. "I am proud to sign this legislation to help more families see a dentist and get the care they need to stay healthy."

House Bill 5859 allows licensed dentists to provide volunteer care through a nonprofit health clinic, which can then receive payments from the state. The payments will help the clinics cover the costs of dental equipment and supplies.

Under current law, free and low-cost health clinics cannot be reimbursed for volunteer care provided by a dentist, unless is the dentist is personally enrolled as a Medicaid provider. The new law requires only the clinic to be enrolled with Medicaid. The clinics can use the Medicaid funding to pay for dental care costs such as equipment and supplies. Eligible non-profit clinics include federally qualified health centers and public health clinics.

The law will help encourage more dentists to treat low-income families throughout Illinois. House Bill 5859 was sponsored by Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville) and Rep. Naomi Jakobsson (D-Urbana) and passed the Illinois General Assembly unanimously. It takes effect on Jan. 1.

Governor Quinn signed the legislation at an event in Bloomington where approximately 800 dentists and volunteers gathered to provide free dental care for an estimated 1,500 low-income children and adults. The two-day clinic was organized by the Illinois State Dental Society.

 

Governor Quinn Signs Law To Help Veterans with Addiction, Mental Health Disorders; Law Allows Counties to Create Specialty Court for Veterans Accused of Nonviolent Crimes

CHICAGO - June 12, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that creates the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act. The new law allows counties throughout Illinois to create special judicial courts for Veterans who may have mental health or substance abuse disorders.

"Many of our brave servicemembers come home suffering from the effects of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injuries, substance abuse and other service-related disabilities," said Governor Quinn. "This law will help us take better care of our Veterans who need treatment, not jail."

House Bill 5214, sponsored by Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) and Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-Crystal Lake), allows the chief judge of each judicial circuit in Illinois to create a Veteran and Servicemembers Court Program (VSCP) for military Veterans charged with nonviolent crimes.

Veterans who receive approval for enrollment in the VSCP will receive mental health and substance abuse screenings, and must submit to treatment. Upon successful completion of the program, the original charge(s) may be dismissed.

"This is groundbreaking legislation that allows qualifying veterans the opportunity to pay their debt to society while also receiving much-needed treatment for service-related disabilities," said Dan Grant, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. "It is a proven and successful method of restoring mind, body and spirit to a veteran in need."

The VSCP models other diversionary courts across the nation, such as drug and mental health courts. The first Veterans' court was created in Buffalo, N.Y. in 2008. There are now more than 30 similar courts nationwide. Cook and Madison Counties in Illinois created Veterans Court programs in 2009.

The law takes effect immediately.

 

Governor Quinn To Announce $6 Million Capital Grant for Museum of Broadcast Communications; Project will Create 200 Jobs, Further Enhance Tourism in Illinois

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn will announce a $6 million capital grant to the Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) to assist with the completion of its new facility at 360 North State Street in Chicago at a MBC event this evening. As one of only three museums dedicated to broadcast history in the nation, completion of this project will help further enhance Illinois' successful tourism industry. MBC anticipates this project will create approximately 200 jobs.

"The tourism industry employs more than 300,000 people and contributes approximately $30 billion to the Illinois economy each year," said Governor Quinn. "Our investments in key cultural attractions like the state-of-the-art Museum of Broadcast Communications help ensure this industry can continue to create jobs and serve as a dynamic growth engine for our state."

The 62,000-square-foot facility will be located at State and Kinzie Streets, right next door to Harry Caray's Restaurant and the House of Blues Hotel. The museum will be a model of energy-efficiency and will provide five times as much space as its former location in the Chicago Cultural Center, which closed in December 2003. The facility will allow the MBC to serve a wide range of audiences, expand its collections, and increase exhibit and programming space.

"The Museum of Broadcast Communications is grateful that Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly have recognized and honored the significant role Chicago has played in American radio and television history with this grant. We will commence construction on our new home at State and Kinzie this coming Monday, creating over 200 jobs for the next year," said Bruce Dumont, President & CEO of MBC.

Tourism continues to be a key driver of the Illinois economy. According to the U.S. Travel Association, in 2008, the last year available, the economic impact of tourism increased by more than $883 million to a record setting $30.8 billion. Illinois hosted nearly 88 million domestic visitors and over 1.4 million overseas visitors. In addition, the travel industry generated 303,500 jobs for Illinois in 2008.

The project is funded through Illinois Jobs Now!, a $31 billion capital plan that will revive the state's ailing economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over the next six years.

MBC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to collect, preserve and present historic and contemporary radio and television content. It is one of only three museums dedicated to broadcast history in the nation, and is home to America's only National Radio Hall of Fame.

 

CHICAGO - June 10, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

Bill No.: HB 5956

Ensures families of firefighters killed in the line of duty receive timely payment from the Court of Claims.

An Act Concerning: Employment

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2011

Bill No.: HB 5668

Amends the Firemen's Disciplinary Act.

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Governor Quinn Opens Rosa Parks Apartments Affordable Housing in Chicago; $12 Million in State and Federal Funds Used to Build Rental Apartments for Illinois' Working Families

CHICAGO - June 10, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today opened the Rosa Parks Apartments, a newly-built rental property that will provide affordable homes for 94 families. The multi-million dollar project was funded in part by $9.8 million from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and $2.2 million in state funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

More than 60 jobs were created with the development of the eight new buildings on scattered sites in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.

"This project is a perfect example of how federal stimulus dollars are putting people to work in good-paying jobs while also getting families into homes they can afford," said Governor Quinn.

IHDA also invested a $1 million zero-interest loan from the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and $856,000 in Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credits to build the homes. Rosa Parks received an additional $285,000 in energy efficient grants from DCEO to incorporate green energy technology, including geothermal heating.

The Recovery Act created the financial incentive to spur construction on Illinois affordable housing developments that were stalled due to the collapse of the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) market. Federal housing tax credits available through the state are the chief financing tool available for developers to build affordable housing. Stimulus funds provided financing options to developers to help rebuild Illinois' economy and put affordable housing developments back on track.

"These federal stimulus funds have proved critical to revitalize the housing market in Illinois and help put Illinois families back in safe affordable housing that will strengthen neighborhoods," said Gloria L. Materre, IHDA Executive Director.

Governor Quinn today also signed into law an initiative to help homeowners facing foreclosure across Illinois. The Illinois Homeowner's Emergency Assistance Program Act allows eligible homeowners who undergo HUD-certified counseling to apply for up to $6,000 - or three months - of mortgage payments, whichever is less. The pilot program ends on January 1, 2011, and lenders must agree to renegotiated terms.

For more information on federal housing stimulus projects in Illinois, see www.ihda.org. Information about the Illinois Homeowner's Emergency Assistance Program Act will be posted as it's available.

 

CHICAGO - June 9, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

Bill No.: HB 4909

Eliminates several advisory committees to the Illinois Department on Aging.

An Act Concerning: Aging

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4910

Changes the composition of the Older Adult Services Advisory Committee.

An Act Concerning: Aging

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5226

Makes changes to the State Water Revolving Loan Program to comply with federal principal forgiveness requirements.

An Act Concerning: Safety

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5499

Amends the Civil Administrative Code and the Illinois Act on Aging to increase efficiency at the Illinois Department on Aging.

An Act Concerning: Aging

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5946

Makes provisions concerning the maintenance and repair of highway signs.

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3576

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code.

An Act Concerning: Finance

Action: Signed

Effective Date: July 1, 2010

 

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Encourage Parents to Keep Children Safe While Driving; New Law Increases Penalties and Encourages Education for Parents who Fail to Use Child Safety Seats

CHICAGO - June 9, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that will further encourage parents across the state to properly secure their young children in safety seats when traveling Illinois' roads and highways.

"There is nothing more sacred than the safety of our children," said Governor Quinn. "This important new law will encourage parents to properly secure their young children while driving and help save lives on Illinois' roads."

House Bill 4691, sponsored by Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside) and Sen. Louis Viverito (D-Burbank), increases penalties and encourages safety education for parents who do not secure their children in a properly-installed child safety seat while driving.

Under the new law, the fine for a first violation of the Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act increases from $50 to $75, and fines for subsequent violations increase from $100 to $200. The legislation also encourages parents to get proper child safety education. Parents who complete a certified child passenger safety course and own an approved child safety seat will be eligible to have their fine for the first violation dropped.

House Bill 4691 passed the General Assembly nearly unanimously and takes effect on January 1.

Current Illinois law requires anyone who transports a child under the age of eight in their vehicle to properly secure that child in a child safety seat. Children under eight who weigh more than 40 pounds do not have to ride in child safety seats as long as they are buckled into a lap belt in the back seat.

Governor Quinn has made the reduction of traffic crash fatalities and the improvement of traffic safety a top priority of his administration. Last fall Governor Quinn signed a law, initiated by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, which bans the use of cell phones in construction zones as well as school zones. Additional legislation signed into law last August bans text messaging while driving on all Illinois roads. The penalty for violating either measure is a moving violation that will go on the motorist's driving record as well as fines and court costs to be determined by the judge.

 

Governors Quinn and Daniels Sign Agreement to Begin Work on Illiana Expressway; Planning Phase Begins This Year for New Expressway That Will Mitigate Congestion, Bring 14,000 Jobs to Illinois

CHICAGO - June 9, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn was joined by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels today to sign legislation that will bring the two states together to build the Illiana Expressway, connecting I-55 from south of Joliet to I-65 near Lowell, Ind.

The Governors together signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining a mutual commitment to the project, which is expected to create nearly 14,000 jobs in Illinois. Governor Quinn also signed Illinois Senate Bill 3659 which creates the Public Private Agreements for the Illiana Expressway Act.

"Today is a milestone in our efforts to build the Illiana Expressway," said Governor Quinn. "The new expressway will open an era of bi-state collaboration and provide a crucial economic boost for both states.  This is a significant achievement for northeast Illinois, which will create thousands of jobs and bring economic development benefits to this area."

The Illiana Expressway will connect drivers on I-55 in Western Will County to I-65 in Lake County, Ind., and will serve as an alternate route to the highly traveled I-90/94 corridor. The new Illiana Expressway will also provide much needed access to Will County's burgeoning freight and logistics centers and create more jobs in Will County to serve its fast-growing residential population.

"In Indiana, we believe great infrastructure means more jobs. We're in the middle of the biggest road building boom in Indiana history and the Illiana project is its next natural extension," said Governor

Daniels. "Safer roads, less congestion and countless new jobs make this a huge step forward for the entire region."

With its central location, the Chicago region serves as the nation's largest freight hub, with over one third of all freight traffic passing through the region. The freight industry generates more than $8 billion per year for the local economy, but congestion has threatened the region's competitive advantage. Local planners have identified the Chicago Southland as an ideal location for cargo-oriented development, due to the existence of both waterways and rail intermodal yards. The Illiana Expressway will allow for more efficient movement of goods between transportation modes, while attracting new logistics and manufacturing companies looking to gain greater access to the marketplace.

"Will County is the fastest growing county in Illinois, currently accounting for nearly half of the state's overall population growth. Transportation is the key to sustainable growth in the region," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig.

Illinois Senate Bill 3659 creates the Public Private Agreements for the Illiana Expressway Act. It allows IDOT to enter into one or more public private agreements with one or more contractors to develop, finance, construct, manage, or operate the Illiana Expressway on behalf of the state. The Illinois bill had a number of co-sponsors, including: Sen. Toi Hutchison (D - Olympia Fields); Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi (D - Joliet); Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago); Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights); and Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Bradley).

"This region serves as a crossroads of our nation's transportation system, and the Illiana Expressway will bring economic development and much-needed relief to the area's busy roadways. Today is a very important step forward for a vital, job-creating project, and I'm looking forward to continuing the work at the Federal level to make the Illiana a reality," said U.S. Rep Debbie Halvorson (IL-11).

The two states will begin their joint effort later this year with the initiation of Environmental Studies, which will seek participation from all stakeholders to define the transportation needs and evaluate alternatives.

 

New Laws Allow Community Colleges to Borrow Additional Funds, Better Manage Budgets while Awaiting State Funding

DANVILLE - June 9, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation into law to help community colleges throughout Illinois borrow additional funds while awaiting already-authorized state funding.

"We must give our community colleges all the tools and resources necessary to manage their checkbooks in these tough economic times," said Governor Quinn. "Our students' education is the state's foremost priority. We will continue to fight to ensure they receive the best education possible."

Senate Bill 2615, sponsored by Sen. Gary Forby (D-Benton) and Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion), allows community colleges to issue double the amount of bonds they are permitted to issue under current Illinois law for the next three years. The legislation also permits community college districts to establish a line of credit, which is subject to amount, repayment and interest restrictions.

Under the new law, a community college's board of trustees must pass a resolution to allow the borrowing. The legislation passed the Illinois General Assembly with strong bi-partisan support and takes effect immediately.

Governor Quinn is committed to helping Illinois' community colleges and universities weather the unprecedented national economic crisis. Yesterday, Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 642 to allow state universities to borrow money equal to the amount of vouchers that have been submitted to the state but remain unpaid for fiscal year 2010.

Governor Quinn also signed two additional bills. Senate Bill 2548, sponsored by Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville) and Rep. Bill Black (R-Danville), allows community colleges to submit monthly, rather than quarterly, payment vouchers to the Comptroller. House Bill 4972, sponsored by Sen. Edward Maloney (D-Chicago) and Rep. Cynthia Soto (D-Chicago), allows the Illinois Community College Board to limit some travel reimbursements.

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