22 Jul 2015

Governor Takes Bill Action.

By Catherine Kelly

 

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

 

Bill No.: HB 163

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 1531

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2731

An Act Concerning Public Aid

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3311

An Act Concerning Public Aid

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3721

An Act Concerning Veterans

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 4007

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 57

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 82

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 751

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1308

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1389

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1688

An Act Concerning Vital Records

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

 

 

Bill No.: HB 341

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 1361

An Act Concerning Housing

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 2554

An Act Concerning Revenue

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2556

An Act Concerning Human Trafficking

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2763

An Act Concerning Insurance

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3587

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3704

An Act Concerning Courts

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3766

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3910

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 43

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1253

An Act Concerning Public Aid

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1312

An Act Concerning Utilities

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1448

An Act Concerning Government

Action: Signed

Effective: July 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 1588

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 
21 Jul 2015

Flags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff to honor five Tennessee soldiersFlags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff to honor five Tennessee soldiers

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today ordered flags in Iowa will be lowered to half-staff today, Tuesday, July 21, 2015, until Monday, July 27, 2015, at 8 a.m., to honor the five soldiers killed in the terrorist attack at military facilities last week in Chattanooga, Tenn. President Barack Obama today issued a proclamation calling for flags to be lowered on federal buildings.

The governor's directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under control of the State of Iowa.

Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

###
21 Jul 2015

Governor Takes Action on 16 Bills

By Catherine Kelly

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

 

Bill No.: HB 1445

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 1666

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2471

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2505

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2811

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3102

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3240

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3268

An Act Concerning Human Rights

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3672

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3680

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3930

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 4137

An Act to Revise the Law by Combining Multiple Enactments and Making Technical Corrections

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 45

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 625

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 681

An Act Concerning Conservation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 793

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1739

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

###
17 Jul 2015

Governor Announces More Appointments

By Catherine Kelly

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments to the Illinois Tollway, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, and the Illinois Community College Board.

 

Name: Corey Brooks

Position: Board Member - Illinois Tollway

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Pastor Corey Brooks to the Illinois Tollway Board. He has a strong track record of working with private and public entities to affect positive change in his community.

Currently, Brooks is the Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church in Chicago. He founded the church in 2000. He leads a congregation of more than 2,000 members, including a staff of nearly 70, which has a budget of more than $1 million annually. His leadership has led to the church becoming a resource center for the community.

Previously, Brooks founded Project Hood, where he worked as a community activist. He took steps to combat gun violence in the City of Chicago and provided support to families impacted by the violence.

Brooks is a graduate of Ball State University. He earned a law degree from the University of Florida, as well as graduate degrees from the Dallas Theological Seminary and the Grace Theological Seminary. He lives in Chicago.

 

Name: Rick C. Tanksley

Position: Board Member - Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Oak Park Police Chief Rick Tanksley to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Tanksley will provide an important perspective to the board through his experience as a law enforcement leader.

Tanksley has served the people of Oak Park since 1984, beginning his career as a patrol officer. He rose through the ranks and became the Chief of Police in 2001. He currently oversees 116 sworn officers and 44 support staff in the department. His policies have led to a more transparent, professional and respectful police department in Oak Park.

In addition to his role as the Chief of Police, Tanksley is also active on a number of professional and civic boards that include : the FBI's Regional Forensic Computer Laboratory; the Rotary Club of Oak Park and River Forest; Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, Illinois; and is the past president of the West Suburban Chiefs of Police.

Tanksley holds a bachelor's degree from Concordia University. He also holds master's degrees from the University of Illinois-Chicago in social work and Benedictine University in management and organizational behavior. He lives in Oak Park.

 

 

Name: Suzanne Morris

Position: Board Member - Illinois Community College Board

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed Suzanne Morris to the Illinois Community College Board. She has served Illinois' community college students on this board since 2003, and currently serves as Vice Chair.

Morris' experience with community colleges comes from her work with the College of Lake County, where she served as the college's public relations coordinator. In addition, she served on the College of Lake County Foundation Board. She also is the chair of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact.

Morris holds a bachelor's degree from Barat College. She lives in Grayslake.

###
17 Jul 2015

Governor Signs Executive Order 15-16 to improve hiring process in state agencies

By Catherine Kelly
SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner signed Executive Order 15-16 today to remove a layer of government bureaucracy in hiring civil-service positions (Rutan-covered positions) and to protect the hiring process from unlawful political influence.
Executive Order 15-16 rescinds Executive Order 03-01, which required the Governor's Office to review and approve the hiring and promotion decisions of Rutan-covered positions at state agencies. This system was inefficient, contributing to significant delays in hiring and promotion decisions. It also became a tool for political patronage, which led to an increase in patronage hiring in previous administrations.
Governor Rauner requested Illinois Central Management Services and the Governor's Office of Management and Budget to review this system - known as EPAR - and they recommended it be discontinued. Agencies will be subject to budget and headcount limits, but will be allowed to fill Rutan-covered positions according to the applicable personnel rules and collective-bargaining agreements.
Executive Order 15-16 also requires all employment and personal services contracts going forward to allow the State to terminate the contract without penalty.
###
17 Jul 2015

Davenport Community Advisory Panel to Receive Update on Traffic Stop Data on July 28th

By Lattrice Lacy

On July 28, 2015, St. Ambrose University Professor Chris Barnum will be releasing the analysis conducted by his research team of the 2014 traffic stop data collected by the Davenport Police Department.

The members of the Davenport Community Advisory Panel which includes representatives from the Davenport Civil Rights Commission, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), NAACP, Quad City Interfaith and other community members entered into a partnership with the Davenport Police Department in 2011 to conduct a racial profiling traffic study. The purpose of the study was to determine whether racial disparities exist with the City of Davenport's law enforcement interactions and to come up with measures to address the disparities. The Davenport Police Department began collecting data regarding the race of all drivers involved in traffic stops in 2011.

In 2011, the City of Davenport hired Christopher Barnum, Professor of Criminal Justice at St. Ambrose University, and his research team to review traffic stop data collected by the Davenport Police Department. Professor Barnum began the study by calculating a baseline of the race of drivers in the observation zones throughout the City of Davenport and to compare the baseline data with the traffic stop data collected by the police department. Professor Barnum and his research team released the analysis of the 2013 collected data in June 2014.

On Tuesday, July 28th, Professor Barnum will provide an analysis of the 2014 data.

The Davenport Community Advisory Panel will continue to work together with the Davenport Police Department to help evaluate the data and to ensure that race is not considered in policing interactions.

The briefing gets underway at 1PM, Tuesday, July 28th, at LULAC, 4224 Ricker Hill Road.

Questions regarding this release should be directed to Latrice Lacey, Davenport Civil Rights Commission Director, 326-7888 or Don Schaeffer, Davenport Police Chief, 326-7778.

16 Jul 2015

Governor Rauner Takes Bill Actions

By Catherine Kelly

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

Bill No.: HB 330

An Act Concerning Business

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 405

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 1004

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 1015

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 1051

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 2515

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: July 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 2657

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: July 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 2823

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3152

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3374

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 46

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 369

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 800

An Act Concerning Sweet Corn

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1340

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1484

An Act Concerning Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 220

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 398

An Act Concerning Liquor

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1516

An Act Concerning Liquor

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 4115

An Act Concerning Business

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 9

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 51

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Vetoed

Effective: Immediate

Note: Veto Message is below

 

Bill No.: SB 67

An Act Concerning Liquor

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 274

An Act Concerning Finance

Action: Vetoed

Effective: Immediate

Note: Veto Message is below

 

Bill No.: HB 1407

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3079

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

The veto message is as follows:

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

99th General Assembly:

Today I veto Senate Bill 51 from the 99th General Assembly, one of several budget implementation bills, in order to protect Illinois taxpayers from an unbalanced and unconstitutional budget.

The General Assembly's budget makes spending promises that exceed available revenues by nearly $4 billion. I therefore vetoed that budget and am today vetoing its accompanying budget implementation bills.

I again call on the General Assembly to be a partner in enacting a balanced budget, structural reforms inside government, and economic reforms that stimulate our economy and bring new jobs to Illinois.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 51, entitled "AN ACT concerning State government", with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

###

13 Jul 2015

Governor Bruce Rauner took action on the following bills.

By Rick Martin

SPRINGFIELD -

Bill No.: SB 842

An Act Concerning: State Employee Benefits

Action: Signed

Effective: July 1, 2015

Bill No.: SB 38

An Act Concerning Employment

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

Bill No.: SB 86

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

Bill No.: SB 87

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

Bill No.: SB 543

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 706

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

Bill No.: SB 718

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 721

An Act Concerning Children

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 735

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

Bill No.: SB 748

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

Bill No.: SB 749

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 813

An Act Concerning Agriculture

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

Bill No.: SB 818

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

Bill No.: SB 836

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 1319

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1571

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1603

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective Immediately

Bill No.: HB 132

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB299

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 437

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1014

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1455

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 3273

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 3369

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB3882

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective January 1, 2016

###

07 Jul 2015

Dan Gosa to announce candidacy for Davenport School Board Wednesday, July 8

By Dan Goss

Stronger Together: Dan Gosa for Davenport School Board

Campaign Launch Event - Election September 8, 2015

July 6, 2015 - Davenport, Iowa: Join with supporters, friends and neighbors as Dan Gosa announces his campaign for Davenport School Board, election on September 8, 2015. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 8th, at the Dugout Sports Complex, 3504 Hickory Grove Rd, Davenport, IA, from 5 pm to 8 pm. Pizza will be provided.

Dan Gosa is a lifelong resident of Davenport and graduate of Davenport North High School. After completing his secondary education, he completed an apprenticeship training and is now a Journeyman Heat and Frost Insulator. Dan Gosa has recently been appointed to serve as Labor Representative on the Executive Board of United Way of the Quad Cities Area.

Dan Gosa is also and proud parent of two children who both attend Fillmore Elementary School in Davenport. As a parent, Dan Gosa has been a volunteer with the Watch Dogs Program (Dads of Great Students) for five years. The Watch Dogs program recruits fathers and other male role models to volunteer their time with students in various classrooms throughout the day. Watch Dogs read to students and help them with their school work.

The Stronger Together campaign will focus on these issues:

  1. Adequate School Funding: Dan Gosa fully supports Superintendent's Tate's decision to spend more than the state allocation and avoid severe cuts that will harm a generation of young people. I will also work with state legislators to increase state funding and equalize Supplemental State Aid so Davenport students are not worth less.
  2. Increase Student Success and Graduation Rates: Dan Gosa believes the District has made impressive improvements in raising the graduation rate, but believes more work needs to be done to give all Davenport students the opportunity to succeed.
  3. Strengthen Athletic Program: Dan Gosa believes that having a strong athletic program not only teaches teamwork and pride, but that exercise and athletics also improve students' academic results. Therefore, he will be a strong advocate for Davenport's athletic programs.

Event begins at 5PM with remarks to be given at 6PM. To learn more about the Stronger Together Campaign, please visit the Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stronger-Together-Campaign-to-Elect-Dan-Gosa/862635957142069?fref=ts

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06 Jul 2015

AFSCME IOWA COUNCIL 61 STATEMENT ON BRANSTAD ITEM-VETOES

By Brian Jennings

DES MOINES - AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan issued the following statement about the item-vetoes announced by Governor Branstad today:

"Governor Branstad shamefully announced these disastrous item-vetoes at 4:45 PM on the day before a holiday weekend. He's clearly hoping Iowans will not notice the decisions he has made.

"The governor's decision to veto a bipartisan agreement on Mt. Pleasant and Clarinda Mental Health Institutes harms Iowa's mental health safety net. Patients, their families, legislators, mental health professionals, community leaders, employees, and the public at large all told Governor Branstad to keep these facilities open. The governor simply refused to listen anyone. He ignored both the views of Iowans and the laws of Iowa and decided to close these facilities.

"Governor Branstad has turned his back on Iowa students by item-vetoing funding for school districts, community colleges, and Iowa's public universities. Education is clearly not a priority for this governor.

"These item-vetoes are wrong for those struggling with mental illness, wrong for Iowa's students, and wrong for Iowa."

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