Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration launched a Web site Wednesday asking Illinois residents for their input on how the state should solve its fiscal woes.

“Today, we’re asking you to weigh in and help us solve the budget crisis,” David Vaught, director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, tells residents in a video presentation. “After all, it’s your money and Governor Quinn believes that together we can get Illinois back on track.”

Illinois is facing a $13 billion shortfall. The governor is expected to offer his plan for the state’s spending blue print next month.

In the video, Vaught says the state is facing “tough decisions.” He says a solution would likely include a combination of spending cuts, borrowing, help from the federal government and more revenue.

The site, budget.illinois.gov, went live Wednesday afternoon.

Quinn launches state budget Web site | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Gov. Pat Quinn today visited Rockford to award $60 million in state capital funds to establish passenger rail service from Chicago to Rockford.

The new service could result in as many as 2,000 new jobs, including more than 650 construction jobs.

“This week, we were happy to receive $1.2 billion in federal money for high-speed rail that will take people between Chicago and St. Louis,” said Gov. Quinn.

“Now we want to make sure people can travel from Chicago to Rockford and beyond. This new line is going to connect Chicago to the western part of our state, create jobs and bring more visitors to the city of Rockford.”

The Chicago to Rockford project is one leg of a planned passenger train service extension that would connect west across northern Illinois to Dubuque, Iowa.

Trains would depart Dubuque early in the morning, arriving in Chicago in the late morning. Trains would depart Chicago in the evening, arriving in Dubuque before midnight.

“It is important that we continue to invest in our state’s rail system,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “We hope to get this project started this year and are very excited about what the future holds for passenger rail in Illinois.”

Despite being the second largest city in Illinois, Rockford has not seen passenger rail service since 1981.

Preliminary work will start immediately with construction slated to begin in 2011, creating new jobs that will benefit the city with the highest unemployment in the state.

Federal officials announced Thursday that Illinois will receive $1.2 billion through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to begin track and signal upgrades for high-speed passenger rail service between Chicago and St. Louis.

The funding for this passenger rail project is part of Illinois Jobs Now!, a job generation and capital improvement program that will revive the state’s ailing economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over six years.

Gov. Quinn announces capital funding for Rockford passenger rail | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

A top official with Exelon Corp. will appear with Gov. Pat Quinn at an event in downtown Chicago this morning.

The governor’s office Friday didn’t offer details about what would be announced, but his official schedule notes that the 10:30 a.m. news conference concerns the FutureGen alliance.

Doyle Beneby, a senior vice president with the Chicago-based utility giant, is scheduled to speak.

Others included in the announcement are Warren Ribley, Quinn’s chief economic development aide who has been active in promoting the FutureGen plant.

The announcement is among three scheduled Saturday by Quinn, who is running for the Democratic nomination for governor in Tuesday’s election.

He also plans to travel to Rockford and the Quad-Cities to announce plans to bring passenger rail service to those communities.

Developers of the clean-coal project have been waiting for the U.S. Department of Energy to decide whether to move forward with building the plant. A decision is expected next month.

After the project was put on hold by the Bush Administration, it was revived pending a review by federal regulators. At the same time, the alliance, which includes a number of large energy companies and foreign investors, has been attempting to add additional private-sector partners.

Exelon, the parent company of ComEd and a major player in the nuclear power industry would be a significant addition to the alliance.

The coal-burning plant, which is designed to limit the emission of harmful pollutants into the air, is expected to cost upwards of $2.4 billion to build, with the Energy Department expected to kick in $1 billion.

Read the original article from Herald & Review.

Quinn, Exelon to make FutureGen announcement toay | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin kicked off a series of announcements in Chicago today to discuss details about Illinois’ $1.2 billion federal award to bring high-speed passenger rail service to Illinois by 2014.

Illinois is among only three states to receive at least $1 billion for high-speed passenger rail, which will make the trip between Chicago and St. Louis faster than driving and will provide new train equipment.

“Illinois was one of only three states in the country to receive over $1 billion for high speed rail. We appreciate the confidence of President Obama to bring high-speed rail to Illinois,” said Gov. Quinn.

“Thanks to hard work and perseverance, our vision to have Illinois serve as the nation’s high speed rail hub is becoming a reality, bringing jobs and economic growth to our communities.”

The Obama Administration announced the competitive awards Thursday as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) program. The investment from the federal government is expected to create approximately 6,000 jobs in Illinois.

Illinois received the third largest award among 31 states chosen to share in the $8 billion made available nationwide for high-speed passenger rail. Thirty-seven states applied for funding.

“Investing $1.2 billion into improving our rail system is going to mean more jobs – jobs for today and jobs for the future,” said Senator Durbin. “Today’s announcement assures that Chicago, already a major rail hub of the nation, will soon become the major high-speed rail hub of the Midwest and nation.

“Today, President Obama’s vision is bringing high-speed rail to Illinois and the rest of the United States,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “This groundbreaking program will put many people back to work in Chicago and across the country, and it will also help transform transportation for the entire Midwest region.”

Illinois’ high-speed rail signature route, Chicago to St. Louis, will receive $1.1 billion for corridor improvements. Improvements to this 284 mile route will allow passenger rail service to operate at speeds up to 110 mph, reducing the total trip time from Chicago to St. Louis by over an hour.

The improvements include an overhaul of track, signal systems and existing stations as well as the implementation of state-of-the-art train control technology that will improve train safety. In addition, Illinois will receive $1.25 million to complete an environmental impact study for a second track along the same route.

The award for Illinois includes $133 million to build the Englewood Flyover on Chicago’s South Side, a Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) project which will clear one of the largest rail bottlenecks in the nation.

The improvement will eliminate significant delays for commuter trains, Amtrak trains and freight trains.

“This is great news for Illinois and the Midwest,” said Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig.

“I commend President Obama, Governor Quinn, Senator Durbin and the entire Midwest region for their leadership and commitment through a long and competitive process. I also want to express my gratitude to the staff at the Illinois Department of Transportation who have remained focused and dedicated on efforts to make high-speed passenger rail a reality in Illinois.”

Thanks to multi-state steering group formed by Governor Quinn, Illinois will benefit from awards to several other neighboring states that make up the Chicago Hub Network.

The region received a total of $2.6 billion – more than any other regional network. The network is designed to connect cities throughout the region to Chicago with reliable high-speed and conventional intercity rail service.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) received 259 grant applications from 37 states and the District of Columbia requesting nearly $57 billion in funding – far exceeding the initial $8 billion available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

In total, 79 applications from 31 States were selected for funding.

For more information on the awards to Illinois and the other Midwestern states for high-speed rail, go to MidwestRail.org.

Gov. Quinn and Sen. Durbin announce plans for high-speed passenger rail investment | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“I am proud to have Gov. Quinn’s endorsement and thankful for his friendship over many years,” Berrios said today.

“I look forward to making the Cook County Assessor’s office the most responsive it’s been to taxpayers.”

Among the nearly 90 organizations, newspapers and elected officials who have endorsed Berrios are:

Advocate Society, AFSME, Association of Polish-American Attorneys, Chicago Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2, Cook County Democratic Party, Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge #7, Hispanic American Labor Council, Journeymen Plasterers’ Protective and Benevolent Society of Chicago, Local No. 5, Local Union 597 Chicago Pipe Fitters, Operating Engineers Local 150 and United Hellenic Voters of America; Chicago Crusader, Evanston Sentinel, Polish Daily News and Southwest News-Herald;

U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White; State Senators John Cullerton, James DeLeo, Ricky Hendon, Martin Sandoval and Louis Viverito; State Representatives Edward Acevedo, Maria Berrios, Daniel Burke, Marlow Colvin, John D’Amico, Anthony DeLuca, Mary Flowers, Esther Golar, Greg Harris, Joseph Lyons and Kevin McCarthy; Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart; Cook County Board Commissioners Jerry Butler and Deborah Sims; Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioners Frank Avila, Gloria Alitto Majewski, Kathleen Therese Meany and Mariyana Spyropoulos;

Chicago Aldermen Thomas Allen, James Balcer, Walter Burnett Jr., George Cardenas, Vi Daley, Sharon Dixon, Brian Doherty, Pat Dowell, Toni Foulkes, Margaret Laurino, Patrick LeVar, Lona Lane, Freddrenna Lyle, Richard Mell, Frank Olivo, Toni Preckwinkle, John Pope, Danny Solis, Bernard Stone, JoAnn Thompson and Michael Zalewski; Cook County Committeemen Randy Barnette, Maggie Crotty, Wilbert Crowley, Patricia Cullerton, Charles Hernandez, Jesse Juarez, Steven Landek, Lou Lang, Michael Looney, Robert Lovero, Dean Maragos, Robert Martwick, Terry Matthews, Brian McPartlin, Antonio Munoz, Mary O’Connor, Barrett Pedersen, Bill Powers, Robert Rita, Tom Sharpe, Samuel Simone, Edward Smollen, Rocco Terranova and Frank Zuccarelli.

Berrios has been a commissioner on the Board of Review since 1988. Prior to being elected five times to that post, he served three terms as an Illinois state representative.

He is chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party and Committeeman of the 31st Ward.

Berrios was the first Hispanic elected chairman of the party, a commissioner to the Board of Review and to the Illinois General Assembly.

Gov. Quinn endorses Berrios for Cook County assessor | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Gov. Pat Quinn today announced that Northern Illinois University (NIU) will get $8 million to renovate Cole Hall, which on Feb. 14, 2008 was the tragic scene of an unprovoked attack where five students were shot and 19 were wounded.

An additional $2.3 million will be used to plan for the renovation of Stevens Building.

“We can never fully put this tragedy behind us but it is important to move forward,” said Gov. Pat Quinn.

“Renovating Cole Hall, along with the funding for Stevens Building construction planning, provides a vital step in helping the NIU community heal from the impact of this senseless shooting.”

On Feb. 14, 2008, five students were shot and killed in an unprovoked attack on a NIU Geology 104 class that was meeting in Room 101 of Cole Hall.

Nineteen students were wounded in that attack: some have recovered and returned to classes while others sustained injuries that require additional surgeries and hospitalization.

Cole Hall, which contains two of the school’s primary large lecture halls, has been closed since the attack, and classes have been temporarily relocated.

Prior to the tragic events of 2008, Cole Hall was used heavily by the NIU students and community. This high-usage building was in daily operation from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Cole 100 had 17 classes scheduled and Cole 101 had 15 classes scheduled in the spring of 2008.

In the aftermath of the campus shooting, more than 5,000 members of the NIU community offered opinions on the use of Cole Hall.

The campus-wide discussion resulted in widespread support for Cole Hall’s preservation, but also called for completely remodeling and reconfiguring the building, including having no formal classroom instruction in Room 101, where the shootings occurred.

Room 101 will be remodeled to support non-classroom activities, such as a computer lab, offices and commons. In turn, a replacement 400-seat lecture hall will be built as part of Stevens Building.

“We are most grateful for these funds, which will address two of our most pressing facilities-related issues,” said NIU President John G. Peters.

“The money for Cole Hall will not only help us remodel and reopen one of the busiest academic buildings on campus, it will also enable the continued healing from the events of February 14, 2008. We can also begin work to rehabilitate the Stevens Building into a facility befitting the quality of the outstanding programs it houses.”

Funding for both programs comes through Illinois Jobs Now!, a job-generation and capital improvement program that will revive the state’s ailing economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over six years.

Gov. Quinn announces funding for NIU’s Cole Hall construction, Stevens Building Renovations | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Gov. Pat Quinn today announced that construction will begin this April to completely reconstruct the north-south section of Chicago’s Wacker Drive.

The three-year, $366 million project will result in more than 4,000 jobs to the area and will be maintained through the Chicago Department of Transportation.

Funding for the project comes through Illinois Jobs Now!, a job-generation and capital improvement program that will revive the state’s ailing economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over six years.

“Illinois Jobs Now! is doing exactly what it was designed to do – it is improving our roads and schools while creating jobs across Illinois,” said Gov. Quinn.

“We are eager to improve Wacker Drive, a vital street through downtown Chicago, while also creating thousands of good jobs.”

The project entails rebuilding the upper and lower levels of the two-level Wacker Drive from Randolph Street to Congress Parkway. The work also includes reconfiguring the Wacker Drive/Congress Parkway interchange to increase traffic safety and create more than three acres of new green space.

“Wacker Drive is one of the few streets that carry traffic in all four directions. It is imperative that this road is in top shape for motorists’ use,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig.

“The Illinois Jobs Now! funding allocated for Wacker Drive will really improve this roadway.”

The reconstruction will bring a host of improvements, including increased clearance on the lower level, a separated service drive on Lower Wacker Drive, landscaped medians replacing existing entrance/exit ramps, new medians, sidewalk planters and lighting.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2010 and is expected to be completed in 2012.

North-South Wacker Drive was built in the mid-1950s and carries approximately 60,000 vehicles on an average weekday.

Gov. Quinn announces capital funding for Wacker Drive reconstruction project | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The remarks came at a news conference called by the Quinn campaign as it continues to respond to the controversial TV ad Hynes started airing earlier this week.

Read more in Clout Street.

Read the original article from Tribune News Services.

Quinn backers call on Hynes to pull controversial ad | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Gov. Pat Quinn today announced that the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is the first recipient of a Large Customer Energy Efficiency Grant to help large energy users reduce the amount of energy they expend.

The program is one component of Illinois’ Energy Plan, the most comprehensive effort to date to address the state’s energy production.

UIUC will receive more than $848,000 for a campus-wide energy efficiency initiative that will save $1 million per year in energy costs.

“Green energy projects like this one on the U of I campus are one of the wisest ways we can invest our capital funding,” said Gov. Quinn.

“Not only are we lowering our energy costs and reducing our dependence on foreign oil, we are putting people to work in the green economy.”

UIUC’s project will generate savings totaling more than $1 million. These savings are approximate to the amount of electricity, coal and gas energy used by over 1,000 homes annually.

In addition to the energy efficiency savings, officials estimate the project will create 18 construction and installation jobs and will help retain 36 jobs based on the annual savings.

The university will implement a number of energy-saving measures, including energy wheels in several new and renovated buildings, thermal pipe insulation, Variable Air Volume hoods and controls for the Chemical Life Services Building A, Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning Controls in the Krannert Center for Performing Center’s Mezzanine, exhaust controls in the Levis Facility, and geothermal systems for several buildings at the Allerton Park and Retreat Center.

“The ARRA-funded State Energy Program will help organizations, businesses and consumers become better stewards of the earth and help put money back into the economy through green job creation,” said DCEO Director Warren Ribley.

The Large Customer Energy Efficiency Grant Program is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and administered by the Illinois Energy Office in the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

For additional information about the State Energy Program, please visit illinoisenergy.org

Gov. Quinn announces grant to improve energy efficiency for large customers | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Gov. Pat Quinn today announced the guidelines for the Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program.

Illinois will receive nearly $12.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to implement the program.

“We’re doing everything we can to help Illinois residents make it through these tough economic times,” said Gov. Quinn.

“The appliance rebate program is a good way to help consumers be more economical and environmentally responsible while also boosting Illinois’ ’green job’ creation.”

The Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program will provide consumers with a point-of-sale rebate on ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, room air conditioners, and water heaters, as well as highly efficient heating and air conditioning systems.

Rebates on water heaters and heating and cooling equipment will be available beginning January 31. A 25 percent point-of-sale rebate will be available to purchasers of ENERGY STAR water heaters from participating retailers.

HVAC customers will receive an instant rebate from participating contractors that are listed on the ComEd, AmerenIU, or Participating Energy Efficiency Contractor (PEEC) Network.

The second phase of the program, which will run from April 16 – 25, provides a flat 15 percent rebate to consumers who purchase energy efficient appliances at participating retail stores.

Consumers who turn in their old appliances for recycling will also be eligible for an additional mail-in rebate of $50-$100.

“The average home spends about $2,200 a year on energy bills,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Warren Ribley.

“By making small changes and incorporating more energy efficient practices in our daily routine, we can reduce the cost of our energy bills and reduce our impact on the environment. The appliance rebate program provides a three-fold benefit by also providing a much-needed boost to the economy.”

The Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program will be managed by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) on behalf of DCEO. The state is also partnering with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) to enroll retailers in the program.

Retailers interested in participating in the program can visit IRMA’s Web site at helpgreenillinois.org.

For complete program guidelines and information, visit illinoisenergy.org or call 877-782-7005.

Gov. Quinn announces guidelines for Illinois’ ENERGY STAR appliance rebate program | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The governor urged voters to reject “divisiveness” during an appearance at Operation PUSH with Jackson and U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. It echoed remarks Quinn made Friday night, when he accused Hynes of trying to “sow the seeds of racial divide.”

More from John Byrne in Clout Street on chicagotribune.com.

Read the original article from Tribune News Services.

Gov. Quinn, Rev. Jesse Jackson push back against controversial Hynes TV ad | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The television spot released today is the most recent in a series of ads geared toward swaying black voters against Quinn, who faces Hynes, the state’s comptroller, in the Feb. 2 Democratic governor primary election.

The footage was filmed after Washington, Chicago’s first black mayor, fired Quinn as his revenue director.

Washington lambastes Quinn and said appointing him in the first place was a terrible misstep.

Read more on Clout Street.

Read the original article from Tribune News Services.

Hynes TV ad shows Harold Washington blasting Quinn | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Illinois Home Based Support Services Program (HBSSP) is a model consumer-directed program for adults with developmental disabilities and their families. This successful program is in jeopardy.

Your help is needed to persuade Governor Quinn to rescind Executive Order 09-15.

About Executive Order 15

• In June 2009, Governor Quinn issued Executive Order 15, which allows for the collective bargaining of individual service providers in the HBSSP. No individual service providers sought union representation. This was an administrative policy decision.

• In October 2009, an overwhelming 66% voted against union representation thanks to families who mobilized and conducted intensive education efforts. Neither union seeking representation barely received 19% of the vote.

• Despite this clear choice, a union can file for an election to represent this unique group every year because Executive Order 15 does not expire. This will cause great disruption and stress to families who will be forced to take action again and again.

About the Home Based Support Services Program

• Illinois’ HBSSP is a federal match program, so for every dollar spent, the Federal government reimburses the State 50 percent.

• Eligible adults have significant disabilities and are at risk for institutionalization. These people do not want to live in institutions. The HBSSP keeps adults with disabilities in the most integrated setting – in their homes, in their communities, close to or with family and friends.

• Currently, the nearly 3000 people enrolled in the HBSSP employ about 5000 personal support workers and pay them from their monthly allotment. They also pay for other approved services like developmental training and therapies if the need is documented in their individual service plan. Everyone pays each month for mandatory service facilitation.

Why 66 percent voted for NO UNION Representation

• Because they need help during private activities of daily living, a majority of individuals hire family members as personal support workers. A trusted and familiar person in this role promotes safety and comfort. Families do not want a third party interfering in their relationships in the privacy of their homes.

• Both the Federal Social Security Act and Illinois statute cap HBSSP funds. Unionizing personal support workers will reduce critical supports because $60-$75 for union dues or fair share will be deducted out of the capped total monthly stipends.

• The psychological impact that any threat or actual reduction of assistance has on Individuals in the HBSSP and their families is serious. Money earned by families via this program is often used to further support the individual. A loss of funds could force institutionalization.

Imagine the difficulty for families to organize against union representation year after year. Imagine how traumatic it is for people with disabilities to worry about remaining in their homes.

Join our growing group of Champions who believe Governor Quinn should rescind Executive Order 09-15:

• Families throughout the State of Illinois
• Illinois Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities (IPADD)
• Representative Jim Durkin (R) 82^nd District
• Representative Michael G. Connelly (R) 48^th District
• Representative Bill Mitchell (R) 87^th District
• Representative Patricia R. Bellock (R) 94^th District
• Dan Proft, Illinois Gubernatorial candidate
• Senator Kirk Dillard (R) 24^th District, Illinois Gubernatorial candidate
• The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities
• The ARC of Illinois
• Family Support Network
• Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living
• Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan, Illinois Gubernatorial candidate
• Representative Timothy Schmitz (R) 49^th District
• Representative David Leitch (R) 73^rd District
• Don Moss and Associates
• United Cerebral Palsy of Illinois
• Community Service Options, Inc.
• Representative Sandra Pihos (R) 42^nd District
• DuPage County Chairman, Bob Schillerstrom, Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate
• Representative Michael W. Tryon (R) 64^th District
• Senator Bill Brady (R), 44^th District, Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate
• Representative Elizabeth Coulson (R) 17^th District
• Representative Esther Golar (D) 6^th District, Chairperson, Disability Services Committee
• Representative David Reis (R) 108^th District

MEDIA CONTACT:

Pam Harris, 708-246-3880
Pam_harris@comcast.net

Gordon Stiefel, 708-246-5151
taggroup@sbcglobal.net

Local politicians, Illinois citizens with disabilities and their families call for Executive Order 09-15 be rescinded | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

It’s wrong for the government to interfere with people’s lives.

Here in Illinois, Gov. Quinn made a policy decision simply to advance his own political agenda.

It seems to us Mr. Quinn made a deal. Pat Quinn signed Executive Order 09-15 and made his own deal with SEIU – here’s a few thousand more people to add to your union, thanks for your endorsement and support and million dollars.

As soon as the order was signed, the SEIU received the names and addresses of personal support workers in Illinois’ Home-Based Support Services Program from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

SEIU organizers showed up at our doors, trying to convince us to sign their card, promising more money, vacation time and better services for our sons and daughters, adults with an intellectual/developmental disability.

There was an election. An overwhelming 66% voted NO UNION REPRESENTATION.  Personal support workers have first hand experience about how the Illinois Home-Based Support Services Program works. There are valid reasons why we voted for no union representation.

Pat Quinn will not listen. He refuses to rescind the order. Quinn pushed his own political agenda, likely made a deal with SEIU and is failing thousands of Illinois citizens with intellectual/developmental disabilities, their families and the people who provide their supports and services. 

It’s wrong for the government to interfere with people’s lives.

Several of us have dedicated countless hours since the election trying to share this information, contacting policymakers, legislators and media. The union is going to continue to organize until they are successful.

Every Gubernatorial candidate has been contacted numerous times for support.

Our legislators in the General Assembly who sit on Disability-related committees have been contacted.

Attached are a single page Fact Sheet and a List of Champions who agree that Pat Quinn must rescind Executive Order 09-15.  Look at the list. The families involved as well as the disability community believe the order needs to be rescinded. Several Illinois legislators as well as Gubernatorial candidates agree as well.

Look at who isn’t on the list. This is Illinois and it’s less than two weeks before the primary. You would think more people would listen. It’s wrong for the government to interfere with people’s lives.

We are available to answer any questions.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Pam Harris, 708-246-3880
Pam_harris@comcast.net

Gordon Stiefel, 708-246-5151
taggroup@sbcglobal.net

Gov. Quinn fails Illinois citizens with intellectual, developmental disabilities | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“This investment will help ensure the children at Erie Elementary have access to the quality educational facilities they deserve,” said Gov. Quinn.

“A top-notch education for all Illinois students is our foremost priority.”

The state’s grant will help EECS purchase property at 1405 N. Washtenaw in Chicago, formerly owned by the Archdiocese of Chicago.

“We want to thank the State of Illinois for its support of this project,” said Celena Roldan, executive director of Erie Neighborhood House. “Our mission is to empower students to successfully and productively engage in the local community and broader society. This funding will allow Erie to continue to provide these vital services to the children of this community for many years to come.”

EECS was founded in 2005 as a part of Mayor Daley’s Renaissance 2010, an initiative to create 100 new schools in the City of Chicago, with the goal of providing high-quality public education and providing parents with more options for educating their children.

The announcement comes just one day after the Quinn Administration and the Illinois State Board of Education submitted the state’s ‘Race to the Top’ application to the U.S. Department of Education (USED), seeking $510 million to fund innovative approaches to education in Illinois. ‘Race to the Top’ is a $4.35 billion competitive federal grant program.

The funding for EECS is a part of Illinois Jobs Now!, a job generation and capital improvement program that will revive the state’s ailing economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over six years.


Gov. Quinn announces $3.5 Million capital grant for Erie Elementary Charter School; Grant to purchase new facility, add three grade levels | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The new law boosts Illinois’ “Race to the Top” application by addressing one of the four priority areas outlined by the U.S. Department of Education.

“This law is another strong signal to Washington that a top-notch education for all Illinois students is our foremost priority,” said Gov. Quinn.

“Rigorous teacher and principal evaluations will make our education system the best it can be, while ensuring Illinois is at the head of the class when it comes to winning those important federal ‘Race to the Top’ funds.”

Senate Bill 315, sponsored by Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) and Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora), requires every school district to incorporate student performance as a significant factor in teacher and principal evaluations.

The new law requires districts to work with its local teachers’ union to meet the new requirements.

More than 350 school districts, representing more than 70 percent of Illinois’ students, have agreed to make student performance at least 50 percent of evaluation criteria if Illinois receives “Race to the Top” funds.

Under the legislation, Chicago Public Schools and dozens of other districts will begin using the new teacher evaluations in 2012, with full statewide implementation by 2016. All districts will implement the new principal evaluations in 2012.

If the state wins “Race to the Top funds,” the timeline would be greatly accelerated with most districts implementing the evaluations in 2012.

Gov. Quinn also signed Senate Bill 616, sponsored by Sen. James Meeks (D-Chicago) and Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora), which allows non-profit organizations, such as Teach for America, to offer alternative certification programs independent from institutions of higher education.

This allows the state to increase the number of high-quality training programs for teachers and principals, a priority established by the U.S. Department of Education. The non-profit programs will be required to undergo the same rigorous approval process as higher education institutions.

These bills represent a four-month effort by the Governor’s Office, the Illinois State Board of Education, the two major teachers’ unions, civic and business leaders, advocates, management groups and legislators from both parties.

“Race to the Top” is a $4.35 billion competitive federal grant process focused on innovative approaches to education.

Illinois could receive up to $500 million in discretionary funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Applications are due Jan. 19.

Gov. Quinn Signs Legislation to Improve Teacher, Principal Evaluations and Training; Boosts Illinois’ Application for Federal “Race to the Top” Funds | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The legislation creates a unified regulatory structure for the funeral and cemetery industries and provides rigorous oversight and regulation of Illinois’ cemeteries.

“We can never have another tragedy like the one at Burr Oak Cemetery. I want to thank the General Assembly for taking action to protect the families of Illinois and preserve the dignity of their loved ones,” said Gov. Quinn.

“With this new law, bereaved families will have a place to turn if they are not satisfied with the services provided by cemeteries, funeral directors and embalmers.”

Under the new law, all regulatory actions affecting after-death services will be overseen by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), which already regulates funeral directors and embalmers.

IDFPR currently licenses more than one million professionals in nearly 100 industries and oversees financial institutions with more than $4 trillion in assets. House Bill 1188 was sponsored by Sen. Donne Trotter (D-Chicago) and Representative Monique Davis (D-Chicago).

“Our loved ones must be treated with the same dignity and respect in death as in life. As a member of the Governor’s task force, we put together this comprehensive legislative reform that is consolidating all regulatory responsibilities into one agency, while strengthening consumer protection laws. This is about protecting the memories of those closest to us,” said Representative Davis.

The law also establishes a “Consumer Bill of Rights,” so that grieving families understand what options are available to them, exactly where their loved one will be buried, and what each of the services they select will cost.

The law will also prohibit cemeteries from requiring that consumers pay in cash.

“We cannot legislate morality,” said Senator Trotter.

“But as lawmakers we can set guidelines for those who do business in Illinois to ensure they do so with uniformity and with protections for the consumer. This legislation is a pro-active initiative to bring peace-of-mind to the families that endured the horrendous affair at Burr Oak Cemetery.”

Managers of private, non-religious cemeteries will also now be required to obtain a license through the state. To obtain a license, applicants must pass an exam, provide evidence of character, and comply with continuing education requirements.

Other cemetery workers must also complete a “Worker’s Statement,” which would be filed with IDFPR, detailing his or her work history and other evidence of character.

“This Act will make Illinois one of the leading pro-consumer states with respect to cemetery oversight,” said Joshua Slocum, Executive Director of the Funeral Consumers Alliance.

The act also requires the creation of a statewide database to keep record of every burial. This will assist future generations in finding the location of a loved one’s remains and will help the state discover unlawful re-burials.

It also requires cemeteries to post a sign in their office that contains the IDFPR consumer hotline number and information on how to file a complaint.

If a consumer files a complaint about a cemetery to IDFPR, that cemetery may be subject to disciplinary action, including fines up to $10,000 per violation of the Cemetery Oversight Act.

Prohibited activities include: unprofessional conduct, charging for services not rendered, incompetence and failure to adequately maintain the cemetery grounds.

“The Department wants the public to know that we appreciate the magnitude of this new responsibility and that we will work tirelessly to ensure that the deceased are treated with reverence and care,” said Brent E. Adams, Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

On July 16, 2009, Governor Quinn signed an executive order to form the Cemetery Oversight Task Force.

Chaired by Patricia Brown Holmes, a partner with law firm Schiff Hardin LLP, the task force was charged with bolstering industry regulations and proposing needed consumer protections to ensure rigorous oversight and regulation of Illinois’ for-profit cemeteries. House Bill 1188 includes many of the task force’s recommendations.

Gov. Quinn Signs Cemetery Oversight Act; After Burr Oak Tragedy, New Consumer Law Sets Tougher Rules | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The summit is dedicated to bringing together stakeholders in government, economic development and private industry to improve rail infrastructure and create jobs in Illinois.

“I am committed to making Illinois an inland port that is the hub of rail transportation, not only for the Midwest, but for the nation,” said Gov. Quinn.

“This summit will us achieve that important goal, generating much-needed economic development and creating jobs.”

Governor Quinn partnered with Northwestern University’s Transportation Center and the Environmental Law & Policy Center to chair the event, which is gathering experts from across the country for a rail policy and economic development dialogue.

“Governor Quinn and I have worked side by side from day one to demonstrate Illinois’ commitment to high-speed rail and the rail industry as a whole,” said Durbin.

“One of the most important contributions the freight and passenger rail industries provide to Illinois is good-paying jobs that support families and help pay for college. For that reason and many others, we need to invest in rail as we strengthen our nation’s economy. The discussions and ideas shared today will help keep Illinois at the forefront of the railroad renaissance we’re currently undergoing.”

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez of the U.S. Department of Commerce and Administrator Joseph Szabo of the Federal Railroad Administration keynoted the event.

Attending industry experts hosted several panel discussions on local development, sustainability, manufacturing and connectivity in the global economy.

“Illinois has been America’s rail hub for more than a century, yet we must constantly improve and expand capacity for both goods and passengers to ensure that rail remains a robust engine for economic growth and energy conservation,” said Administrator Joseph Szabo.

Developing high-speed rail and improving current rail infrastructure are among Governor Quinn’s top priorities. Illinois has submitted two rounds of applications for stimulus funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for high-speed passenger rail.

Additionally, through the Illinois Jobs Now! plan, the state is poised to make the largest investment in rail infrastructure in Illinois’ history.

For more information, please visit beyondtransportation.illinois.gov.

Gov. Quinn Hosts Rail Transportation Summit; ‘Beyond Transportation’ Focuses on Rail and Economic Development | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The governor’s office says the new law creates a regulatory structure for the Illinois funeral and cemetery industries and provides oversight and regulation over cemeteries in the state.

The new law comes after former workers last year allegedly dug up graves in a scheme to resell burial plots at Burr Oak Cemetery in south suburban Alsip.

Quinn’s office says the new law includes reforms and recommendations from the state’s Cemetery Oversight Task Force.

The governor says with the new law, “bereaved families will have a place to turn if they are not satisfied with the services provided by cemeteries, funeral directors and embalmers.”

– Associated Press

Quinn signs Illinois cemetery law | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“I thank and congratulate the General Assembly for backing my recommendations and taking swift action to enact this important public safety initiative,” said Gov. Quinn.

“This law will protect the public while preserving the integrity of the criminal justice system and the court’s sentencing of offenders.”

The new Public Safety Initiative law establishes key requirements regarding meritorious good conduct credits that can reduce prison sentences.

The law requires prisoners in state custody to serve at least 60 days of their sentences before being eligible for meritorious good conduct credit.

Last month, at the Governor’s direction, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) reinstated an agency practice requiring inmates to serve this minimum amount of time in a state facility before being awarded such credit.

The law also requires IDOC to provide at least 14 days advance notice to the appropriate local prosecutors prior to releasing an inmate receiving meritorious good conduct credit.

Senate Bill 1013 is one major result of Governor Quinn’s mandate to repair IDOC’s Meritorious Good Time (MGT) program, a release program first authorized by statute in 1978.

On December 30, Governor Quinn announced an overhaul of this prison release program and committed to working with the General Assembly to quickly enact reforms.

These changes are based on feedback from criminal justice expert and former judge David A. Erickson, whose review of the MGT program for the Quinn Administration will include meetings with law enforcement officials, state’s attorneys and other stakeholders, including the John Howard Association.

As part of his ongoing overhaul, Gov. Quinn last month terminated IDOC’s recently-accelerated MGT program, which did not require inmates to spend at least 60 days in IDOC custody before being awarded any meritorious credit.

In addition, the new law formalizes Gov. Quinn’s December order that IDOC must provide local prosecutors with at least 14 days advance notice before releasing an inmate based on meritorious good conduct credit.

This notice will provide local authorities with sufficient opportunity to appropriately respond to and disseminate notices.

The passage of the new law is only one part of Governor Quinn’s continuing effort to reform the IDOC meritorious good conduct credit program.

The Governor recently announced appointments to further improve the administration of IDOC programs affecting public safety.

Governor Quinn named law enforcement veteran Michael J. McCotter as Chief Public Safety Officer at IDOC. The Governor also named Sean Vinck, Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Office of the Governor, as a special administrator for IDOC, and Mark S. Prosperi, a former Assistant United States Attorney, as Public Safety Liaison Officer for the Office of the Governor.

Senate Bill 1013, sponsored by Sen. Michael Noland (D-Elgin) and Rep. Emily McAsey (D-Lockport), is effective immediately.

For more information on IDOC, please visit idoc.state.il.us

Gov. Quinn Signs Public Safety Initiative Law; Improves IDOC Policies, Continues Overhaul of Agency Program | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.