SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner took action today on the following bill:

Bill No.: SB 2039

An Act Concerning Appropriations

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner took action today on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 1285

An Act Concerning Employment

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate, except that changes to Sections 602 and 611 of the Unemployment Insurance Act take effect January 3, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 1365

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3213 

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

 

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Legislation also reverses devastating cuts to crop insurance; reauthorizes job creating Export-Import Bank

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today voted in favor of the conference report on Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. This measure reauthorizes highway, bridge, transportation safety, and public transit projects for the next five years and provides $281 billion in guaranteed funding. Also included in the conference report is a fix to the devastating cuts to the crop insurance program, which were included in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 that passed earlier this year. Loebsack helped lead the fight to restore these cuts since they were originally proposed.

"I am pleased that Congress could come together in a bipartisan fashion to pass a long-term highway reauthorization bill today," said Loebsack. "For too long, Congress has passed one short-term extension after another, leaving state and local governments in limbo and preventing many transportation projects from being built. By providing guaranteed funding for the next five years, this measure will help create jobs in Iowa and give communities the certainty needed to invest in necessary infrastructure improvements."

"Earlier this year, in a misguided and potentially devastating attempt, Congress tried to balance the budget on the backs of America's farmers and ranchers by cutting the crop insurance program. I strongly opposed this move and was pleased to help lead the fight to reverse these cuts."

The conference report includes a number of key transportation provisions, including:

·       Loebsack's amendment to create a nationwide $1.5 billion grant program to update aging buses and bus facilities. The Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program gives all 50 states the ability to compete for limited bus funding based on the merits of the project not just geographic location.

·       Injecting $3.7 billion over five years into bus funding - a 75 percent increase over current levels.  This will reduce traffic congestion, by providing more public transportation options.

·       Increasing American manufacturing jobs by strengthening Buy America requirements.

·       Boosting commerce and strengthening our economic competitiveness by providing dedicated funding specifically for freight projects, including freight rail, for the first time.

·       Authorizing $10.2 billion for intercity passenger rail investment, including Amtrak, while providing $199 million in guaranteed funding to help commuter railroads implement Positive Train Control systems.

The measure also reauthorizes the critically important Export-Import Bank for four years, which helps American workers and businesses compete in the global economy.

"I am also very pleased to be voting today to reauthorize the job-creating Export-Import Bank," Loebsack said.  "For more than eight decades, the Export-Import Bank has helped level the playing field for American workers and businesses, big and small, to compete in the global economy. The Bank has created and supported hundreds of thousands of jobs over the years, all at no cost to taxpayers."

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Market leading law enforcement helicopter is now assembled in Mississippi and completions performed in Texas

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (November 30, 2015) - Airbus Helicopters Inc. has delivered the first H125 AStar helicopter produced on its new U.S. final assembly line to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The new aircraft is the first fully assembled on the final assembly line at the company's helicopter production plant in Columbus, Miss. The completion work, including a state-of-the-art law enforcement communications and surveillance package, was performed in Grand Prairie, Texas.

"This is an important moment for Airbus Helicopters Inc. as we continue to strengthen our presence in the U.S. and North American markets. The H125, the best-selling high-performance single-engine helicopter, is now made in the U.S.A.," said Chris Emerson, President of Airbus Helicopters Inc. and Head of the North America Region.

The of the H125 to the Ohio State Highway Patrol marks the culmination of a process that began in March 2014 with the announcement by Airbus Helicopters that it would locate an H125 final assembly line in the Columbus plant to serve the U.S. market. It is the first Airbus Helicopters civil model fully assembled in the U.S. from parts sourced globally.

Airbus Helicopters Inc.'s Columbus plant has produced the U.S. Army's UH-72A Lakota helicopter since 2006, with more than 350 aircraft delivered on time and on budget.

The H125 (formerly AS350 B3e) is the latest version of Airbus Helicopters long-running AStar series of helicopters. The top selling helicopter in its class, the AStar is a favorite of U.S. law enforcement agencies because of its power and maneuverability, load carrying capacity and hot-and-high performance.

"Our new H125 will give us increased power and useful load, along with additional safety features," said Captain Randy Boggs of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation Section.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol currently operates two earlier model AS350 B2 AStar helicopters to conduct a wide variety of law enforcement missions across the state, including patrol, aerial searches with thermal imagers, photo missions and marijuana eradication. The agency has been operating AStars for over 20 years to protect and serve the citizens of Ohio.

The H125 is equipped with a high-tech law enforcement equipment package including a Wescam MX-10 thermal imager and Spectrolab SX-16 searchlight. Its navigation and communications system include the Garmin G500H glass cockpit and Aerocomputers moving map system.

"With the addition of their new H125, the Ohio State Highway Patrol gains a significant increase in technology and capability for the agency," said Ed Van Winkle, Senior Sales Manager for Airborne Law Enforcement for Airbus Helicopters Inc. "The modern mission equipment suite and additional power and safety features of the H125 will serve the OSHP well for many years to come."

Airbus Helicopters' AS350-series aircraft are the most widely purchased helicopters by U.S. law enforcement agencies. More than 220 are in use nationwide with 43 different law enforcement agencies, 75 of them delivered in the last five years.

The AStar is known for its performance, reliability and multi-mission flexibility. The H125 features dual hydraulics, dual channel engine FADEC, 30-minute take-off power and advanced glass-panel cockpit displays. With a Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine, the H125 boasts a significant power reserve, along with unmatched tail rotor authority and high altitude and hot weather performance. The H125 is the ideal platform for a wide variety of law enforcement missions in varied operating environments.

Airbus Helicopters Inc. began light assembly, test flight and certification of AS350 B2 and AS350 B3 AStars at its Columbus facility in 2005. Full final assembly of the H125 began in late 2014 after a contingent of the Mississippi plant's managers and lead assemblers underwent weeks of training at Airbus Helicopters headquarters in Marignane, France.

About Airbus Helicopters Inc.

Airbus Helicopters Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Airbus Helicopters, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and a subsidiary of the Airbus Group. Airbus Helicopters Inc. is a manufacturer, markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and parapublic helicopters offered in the U.S. The product line represents the industry's most cost-effective, technologically-advanced

helicopters serving all markets and missions. The company's headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, Texas with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Miss.

For more information please contact:

Bob Cox

Senior Manager, Communications and Media Relations

Tel: 972-641-3525

Cell: 972-213-2038

bob.cox@airbus.com

On the web: www.airbushelicoptersinc.com

The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce will have openings on its Board of Directors as of January 2016. All current members of the Chamber are invited to express an interest in serving on the Board.

 

Terms are two years, and Board Members are required to attend monthly meetings, the 4th Tuesday of each month, at LeClaire City Hall, 8:00a.m.  Candidates do not have to be business owners. An interest in the progress of LeClaire and a willingness to serve and be a part of the direction of our future are all that are necessary.

If you have an interest in serving on the Board, please submit your letter of interest via mail or email no later than December 7, 2015, 5p.m., to:

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 35

LeClaire, IA 52753

Your name will be added to the ballot that will be available online at www.leclairechamber.com as of December 11, 2015, and all current Chamber of Commerce members will be invited to vote for Board Members and Annual Award Winners at that time. All Board Members will be introduced at the Annual Dinner, January 30, 2016, Davenport Country Club.

Thank you for your interest in serving on the LeClaire Chamber Board of Directors.

Scott County Administrator, Dee F. Bruemmer discussed her retirement plans with the Board of Supervisors at their last regular meeting. Ms. Bruemmer was appointed County Administrator in August of 2008 after serving 27 years as an assistant administrator in the City of Davenport. She plans to leave the County in the spring.

County Chairman Sunderbruch, along with several board members, recognized the significant accomplishments of Ms. Bruemmer during her tenure at the county and the role she has played in making the county financially sound now and in the future. The Moody's Investor Services upgrade to Aa1 this month is a validation of the hard work that has been done to create the necessary fund balances and capital improvement plans that will allow the County to continue to have one of the lowest county property tax per capita in the state. Only nine counties have a lower per capita amount.

Over the seven years of Ms. Bruemmer's tenure, the County has implemented several cost savings measures to assure financial success. She introduced LEAN to the organization, which lead to operational savings in many of the departments, and skill development, to continue to find ways to become more efficient. These new ways of doing business saved the county over $1.5 million in the first year and has contributed ever since to increasing the fund balance to over 20%.

To help offset the revenue losses due to the 2008-2010 recession Ms. Bruemmer recommended the county become self-insured and develop a strong wellness program which has had great results. Since 2009 the county health insurance cost has increased an averaged 2% per year a rare result private or public sector. One of the more innovative ideas she recommended was insuring inmates to reduce medical costs in the jail.

In addition, she led the County in developing an IT masterplan that resulted in new financial software for better performance management and a complete replacement of the County's hardware and software. Additionally, a facilities masterplan was completed which included $8 million of courthouse renovations to upgrade courtrooms and security; expansion of the secondary road facility to combine the workforce and bring preventive maintenance of vehicles in house; and finally a new patrol facility located near Highway 61 and I-80. All of these projects are funded without bonding. Supervisor Hancock, who was Chair at the time when Ms. Bruemmer was hired, recognized her significant knowledge of local government and her ability to collaborate with other jurisdictions and agencies. "The County has benefited because of her breadth of knowledge and skills and we only hope that she continues to serve our community in her retirement."

Supervisor Earnhardt, who worked closely with Ms. Bruemmer in the formation of the mental health region and in securing funding from the state for mental health services, stated that "Dee is a professional who has worked exceptionally hard to satisfy the needs of the County."

Supervisor Brinson Kinzer stated "I have worked with Dee only a short period of time but have been impressed with her work and the excellent job she has done for the County. I made a friend and I will miss her leadership."

In reviewing her time working with Ms. Bruemmer, Supervisor Diane Holst added, "I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with someone so well versed in the operations of our county, and I appreciate her sharing her knowledge."

The Board of Supervisors plans on discussing the process to replace Ms. Bruemmer at their next Committee of the Whole Meeting on December 1, 2015. Please contact Mary Thee, Assistant County Administrator/HR Director for any  questions at 563-326-8767.

CHICAGO - The following is a statement attributed to Lance Trover, Director of Communications:

"Governor Rauner and White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough spoke by phone late Friday about the governor's unanswered requests for information related to the Syrian refugee program. The Governor affirmed his commitment to be a partner with the federal government on the resettlement of refugees and noted a growing frustration over the federal government's refusal to address specific security concerns and requests for information.  Mr. McDonough offered to have Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas call the Governor to address his specific concerns. Governor Rauner and Deputy Secretary Mayorkas late Friday spoke by phone in follow-up to the Governor's discussion with the White House Chief of Staff.  Deputy Secretary Mayorkas expressed his interest in helping address the Governor's requests for information about Syrian refugees coming to Illinois but said privacy concerns may preclude the federal government from sharing such information. Deputy Secretary Mayorkas agreed to assemble a team to address the Governor's questions and would follow-up with the Governor's Office to schedule a briefing time."

Additional Background:

 

The Governor's requests for information are as basic as it gets: who's coming and when? As of today, the federal government refuses to provide prior notification to state officials before resettling Syrian refugees in that state and refuses to share the security background check vetting information conducted by federal intelligence agencies with that state's law enforcement officials.  While federal and state law enforcement work closely on a range of security issues, the federal government refuses to cooperate with states on information relating to Syrian refugees.

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board and the Eastern Illinois University Board of Trustees.

 

 

Name: Kathryn Jean Olson

Position: Chair - Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed Kathryn Jean Olson the Chair of the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, which she joined in 2011 and has chaired since 2013. She brings with her nearly four decades of experience in dental hygiene and healthcare outreach and administration.

Currently, Olson is the Dental Director at Crusader Community Health, where she was previously the Director of Pediatric Dental and Outreach Programs. Prior to joining Crusader Community Health she spent 12 years as Clinic Administrator at Milestone Dental Clinic in Rockford, nine years coordinating various programs in the Swedish American Health System, and nearly two decades in private practice as a dental hygienist. She has served on a number of professional boards and associations, including 13 years as a board member of the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities, two of which she spent as president. In 2009 the Academy presented her with the Harold Berk Award for outstanding leadership working with persons with disabilities.

Olson received her diploma in Dental Hygiene from Marquette University. She also has a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and has done Speech Pathology coursework at Northern Illinois University. She lives in Rochelle.

 

 

 

Name: John McGlasson

Position: Board Member - Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed John McGlasson to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board. McGlasson's extensive involvement in the community, local government and his experience in business will bring an important perspective to the board.

Currently, McGlasson works in sales for Pro Com Services of Illinois. Previously, he worked for Supreme Radio Communications, and the family-owned Pontiac Seed House and Flower Shop. McGlasson is a former member of the Livingston County Board and the Pontiac City Council. He is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and the former vice president and board member of the Illinois Chapter of the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management.

McGlasson attended Illinois State University and lives in Pontiac.

 

Name: Daniel Caulkins

Position: Trustee - Eastern Illinois University Board of Trustees

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Dan Caulkins to the Eastern Illinois University Board of Trustees. Caulkins is an EIU alumnus and brings more than 40 years of business and management experience to the board, as well as experience in local government.

Currently, Caulkins is the Vice President and COO of Patterson House, Inc. The company operates homes for adults with developmental disabilities. In addition, he assists in the operation of Franciscan Properties in West Chicago.

Previously, Caulkins was a member of the Decatur City Council. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Army and Illinois National Guard.

Caulkins earned his degree from Eastern Illinois University. He lives in Decatur.

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner took action today on the following bills:

Bill No.: HB 800

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 219

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 373

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Second Vice President Keith Turney has received appointments to two groups that will help chart the future of law enforcement in the nation and in the state of Illinois. Turney will serve on the National FOP Legislative Committee and on the Illinois Commission on Police Professionalism. Both appointments are effective immediately.

"Keith is the definition of police professionalism and these two appointments recognize his dedicated and untiring service to the law enforcement community," said Illinois FOP President Chris Southwood. "It's an honor that one of our own will be an integral part of charting the future course of law enforcement in our state and nation."

"I feel honored by these appointments that will allow me to represent the interests of the Illinois FOP on the state and national level," Turney said. "It is vital that the men and women who protect and serve the public in one of the nation's most dangerous and challenging professions have an effective voice at all levels of government."

National FOP President Chuck Canterbury named Turney to the five-member FOP Legislative Committee for 2015 - 2017. The committee monitors and drafts federal legislation concerning all aspects of law enforcement, from working conditions to training to citizen interaction. The members also communicate with federal elected officials about matters that pertain to law enforcement.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner appointed Turney to serve on the Illinois Commission on Police Professionalism. The Commission, whose members are not paid, was created by the Police Reform Omnibus Act passed by the Illinois General Assembly this past May. The Commission will review current training, duties, identification, and other matters pertaining to law enforcement officers, and submit a report and recommendations to the General Assembly and Governor by January 31, 2016.

Turney is currently the Second Vice President of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge and has served as a Field Representative for the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council for the past five years. Before joining the FOP Labor Council,Turney had a 31-year career with the Joliet Police Department, the fourth largest in the state of Illinois, retiring as a commander.

The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing more than 32,000 active duty and retired police officers - more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information.

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