DES MOINES, IA (05/05/2014)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced he has more money to return to Iowans. The spring publication of the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt is scheduled to begin soon and includes thousands of names that have been received in the last year.

"In upcoming weeks, the new names that have been added to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt will be published," Fitzgerald said. The treasurer would also like to remind individuals they do not have to wait for the publication to begin to see if they have unclaimed property. "Simply go to greatiowatreasurehunt.com and start your search. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and search for their name."

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $175 million in unclaimed property to more than 423,000 people since Fitzgerald created it in 1983. Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report unclaimed property to the state treasurer's office. The assets are then held until the owner or heir of the property is found. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits, and safe deposit box contents.

to begin your search. Be sure to like Great Iowa Treasure Hunt on Facebook and follow the program on Twitter @GreatIATreasure.

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CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today presented Chicago native and Duke University men's basketball coach Michael Krzyzewski - Coach K - with the Order of Lincoln, the state's highest honor.

"From college athletes to world superstars, Coach K has been an inspiration to all. He has taught countless people how to act with character and purpose, and inspired generations to dream big.

"Through his decades of dedication and perseverance as a coach, to his service and charity with young students, Coach K has brought honor to our state.

"It's an honor present Coach K with the state's highest award and thank him for the continued inspiration he brings to basketball fans across the country."

Krzyzewski received the Order of Lincoln on Saturday at the Art Institute of Chicago as part of the 50th Annual Convocation of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. The Lincoln Academy is a non-partisan, independent organization which administers the award and chooses each year's honorees.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced appointments to Iowa's boards and commissions.

The following individuals' appointments are effective May 1, 2014, and are not subject to Iowa Senate confirmation:

Human Rights Board:

Floyd Winter, Cedar Falls

Benjamin Jung, West Des Moines

Sal Alaniz, Mt. Pleasant

Clair Rudison Jr., Des Moines

Michelle Ray-Michalec, Cedar Rapids

Elizabeth Coonan, Des Moines

State Banking Council:

Glenn Rowe, Lorimor

Watershed Improvement Review Board:

Stephen Hopkins, Newton

Carrie Keppy, Davenport

Jacob Hansen, Des Moines

Interoperable Communications System Board:

Ted Kamatchus, Marshalltown

Ellen Hagen, Jewell

Tom Ling, Glenwood

City Finance Committee:

Denise Hoy, Liscomb

Kevin Jacobson, Mason City

Carrie Kruse, Des Moines

Organic Advisory Council:

Danielle Wirth, Boone

Jolene Caldwell, Council Bluffs

Judicial Nominating Commission, District 5C:

Marvis Landon, Ankeny

Mississippi River Parkway Planning Commission:

Scott Tunnicliff, Bettendorf

The following interim appointments are effective May 1, 2014, and are subject to Iowa Senate confirmation:

Mental Health Disability Services Commission:

Tom Broeker, Burlington

Commission on the Status of African Americans:

Dr. Candace Williams, Davenport

Elevator Safety Board:

Todd Christensen, Des Moines

Board of Barbering:

Robert Gray, Davenport

Landscape Architectural Examining Board:

Debra Schiel-Larson, Indianola

House Bill 4056 Would Make Illinois First State in the Nation to Require Pet Shops Only Sell Dogs and Cats
Acquired from an Animal Shelter or Animal Control Facility

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today announced his support for legislation to end "puppy mill" sales at pet stores in Illinois. The legislation, sponsored by State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) and State Representative Dan Burke (D-Chicago), would prohibit Illinois pet shops from selling dogs and cats they have acquired from commercial "breeders" - often large facilities that mass-produce animals for sale. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to improve animal welfare in Illinois and protect pets and their owners.

"This proposal will help end inhumane puppy mills, protect pet owners and help shelter animals find loving homes," Governor Quinn said. "Cook County will soon offer this humane protection and together we can build on that momentum for families across Illinois."

Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 4056 would require pet shops to sell only those dogs and cats they have acquired from an animal shelter or animal control facility. Pet shops could no longer sell dogs or cats they have acquired from a breeder, but the bill allows responsible breeders to sell directly to individuals. The legislation is supported by the Humane Society of the United States.

"This measure ensures safer and more humane treatment of pets and will also guarantee that people will be able to purchase healthy dogs and cats," Senator Kotowski said.

"Pets are a part of many families, and this legislation will help when choosing one of these new family members," Representative Burke said. "It will also reduce the number of shelter animals and bring more healthy pets into Illinois homes."

Many pet stores do not disclose the true origins of the animals they obtain from commercial breeding operations. The animals are often produced in unhealthy or inhumane environments that could result in heartache or large veterinary bills for unsuspecting buyers. Responsible breeders usually want to meet their buyers in person to ensure their puppies or kittens find a good home and that pet owners' questions about the animals can be fully answered.

"This legislation would help end the euthanasia of thousands of adoptable dogs and cats every year in the state, and will drive the market toward responsible breeders and adoptions of homeless animals from shelters and rescues instead of puppies produced in puppy mills," Kristen Strawbridge, Illinois State Director of the Humane Society of the United States said.

"This legislation is about both animal welfare and consumer protection," Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey said. "I commend Governor Quinn for his leadership on this issue that will make healthier pets and happier owners throughout Illinois."

"The filthy and abusive conditions found in puppy mills are beyond inhumane," said Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza, who helped enact the city ordinance that inspired this proposed state legislation. "This legislation is about protecting not only the pets we love, but also the consumers who want to provide a loving home to an animal that needs one. I'm very proud that the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago are national leaders when it comes to humane animal laws."

Governor Quinn is the proud owner of a rescue dog named Rosie, a Yorkshire Terrier mix who he recently adopted from PAWS. The Governor has long been a pet lover and advocate for the humane treatment of animals. Last year he signed the "Puppy Lemon Law" to give buyers protection for pet purchases and to help reduce the possibility of emotional trauma that comes from losing a pet. He also signed new laws to help ensure that all dogs in Illinois are treated humanely when tethered outside and to provide humane options for stray farm animals such as adoption or placement in a sanctuary.