House Speaker Michael Madigan delivers his response to Governor Quinn's veto of the state budget.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Press at the State Capitol - July 1, 2009
Governor Quinn receives heavy press coverage while discussing the state of the budget.
Gov. Pat Quinn - July 1, 2009
Governor Quinn vetoes the state budget, saying a full budget is a battle worth fighting for.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Proft Calls For 'Merit-Based Opportunity' Admissions for University System
From the Campaign Office of Dan Proft for Governor
Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft today proposed a new admissions policy for the University of Illinois, calling the current system which favors applicants of the politically-connected another example of a government system that is fixed.
Click here to watch the video of Dan Proft deliver his remarks at today's news conference.
"Sadly, we must add our great state university to the long list of Illinois systems that aren't broken, but fixed," said Proft, speaking to reporters at the Chicago Hilton.
Proft criticized politicians who are calling for top administrators at the University to resign. "If anyone should have to resign, it should be those who applied the pressure, not those who succumbed to it," he said.
Arguing that such calls "miss the point," Proft said that "our focus should be on how to end this shameful practice and guarantee to future applicants to the University of Illinois that the bar for admissions is based on merit, achievement, and hard work - not on who you know."
Rather, Proft said, the goal should be to remove the incentive to influence the admissions process. Calling his new policy a "Merit-Based Opportunity" standard, Proft proposed that all applicants' names be replaced with identification numbers.
"All that an admissions official will be able to discern from an application is the student's academic and extracurricular achievements - as it should be," said Proft. "This proposal means that even if a politically-connected individual demands special consideration for a particular applicant, the admission officials would be unable to comply."
The policy in place now, said Proft, allows politicians to use the threat of reduced funding to force university administrators to accept unqualified applicants with political connections. "Simply getting rid of university officials who went along to get along will not do that. It is not fundamentally a personnel problem. It is a system problem," he said.
"Under my vision for admission policy, the phrase 'Straight from the G' no longer carries any influence at our great university," said Proft, referring to one released university law school e-mail that revealed the request to admit an unqualified student came from former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Proft compared his new policy to the way the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducts its auditions by having musicians perform from behind a curtain.
"This removes any incentive a judge might have in considering anything other than a musician's ability," said Proft. "There is no reason why we cannot apply this policy for university admissions."
Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft today proposed a new admissions policy for the University of Illinois, calling the current system which favors applicants of the politically-connected another example of a government system that is fixed.
Click here to watch the video of Dan Proft deliver his remarks at today's news conference.
"Sadly, we must add our great state university to the long list of Illinois systems that aren't broken, but fixed," said Proft, speaking to reporters at the Chicago Hilton.
Proft criticized politicians who are calling for top administrators at the University to resign. "If anyone should have to resign, it should be those who applied the pressure, not those who succumbed to it," he said.
Arguing that such calls "miss the point," Proft said that "our focus should be on how to end this shameful practice and guarantee to future applicants to the University of Illinois that the bar for admissions is based on merit, achievement, and hard work - not on who you know."
Rather, Proft said, the goal should be to remove the incentive to influence the admissions process. Calling his new policy a "Merit-Based Opportunity" standard, Proft proposed that all applicants' names be replaced with identification numbers.
"All that an admissions official will be able to discern from an application is the student's academic and extracurricular achievements - as it should be," said Proft. "This proposal means that even if a politically-connected individual demands special consideration for a particular applicant, the admission officials would be unable to comply."
The policy in place now, said Proft, allows politicians to use the threat of reduced funding to force university administrators to accept unqualified applicants with political connections. "Simply getting rid of university officials who went along to get along will not do that. It is not fundamentally a personnel problem. It is a system problem," he said.
"Under my vision for admission policy, the phrase 'Straight from the G' no longer carries any influence at our great university," said Proft, referring to one released university law school e-mail that revealed the request to admit an unqualified student came from former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Proft compared his new policy to the way the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducts its auditions by having musicians perform from behind a curtain.
"This removes any incentive a judge might have in considering anything other than a musician's ability," said Proft. "There is no reason why we cannot apply this policy for university admissions."
Durbin Announces $37 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Community Health Centers in Illinois
From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that 36 community health centers in Illinois will receive $ 37,435,380 in grant funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Capital Improvement Grants (CIP) grants, allocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will support the construction, repair and renovation of health centers nationwide as well as allow health centers to purchase new health information technology systems and adopt electronic health records. With these new funds, health centers will be to address immediate and pressing facility and equipment needs and create some much needed health center and construction-related jobs.
“Last year, over 1.1 million people in Illinois were treated at community health centers which administer health care to low-income families, many without health insurance,” said Durbin. “Today’s funding will support this critically important work and lead to economic growth in many underserved communities as health centers serve as a key source of local employment and economic activity.”
The CIP grants are part of $851 million in nationwide funding that was released today by HHS for more than 1,500 health centers. It is expected that with these new funds, health centers will be able to increase access to health care for millions of Americans and address immediate and pressing health center facility and equipment needs. More than 18 million Americans rely on health centers to keep them healthy, even if they can’t afford to pay for their care.
This is the third set of health center grants provided though the Recovery Act. On March 2, $155 million in funding was announced to establish 126 new health centers nationwide – four in Illinois. On March 27, $338 million in funding was announced to expand service and hours of operation at 1,126 health centers nationwide – 36 in Illinois.
The following Illinois health centers will receive funding under today’s announcement:
Health Centers around the State
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that 36 community health centers in Illinois will receive $ 37,435,380 in grant funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Capital Improvement Grants (CIP) grants, allocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will support the construction, repair and renovation of health centers nationwide as well as allow health centers to purchase new health information technology systems and adopt electronic health records. With these new funds, health centers will be to address immediate and pressing facility and equipment needs and create some much needed health center and construction-related jobs.
“Last year, over 1.1 million people in Illinois were treated at community health centers which administer health care to low-income families, many without health insurance,” said Durbin. “Today’s funding will support this critically important work and lead to economic growth in many underserved communities as health centers serve as a key source of local employment and economic activity.”
The CIP grants are part of $851 million in nationwide funding that was released today by HHS for more than 1,500 health centers. It is expected that with these new funds, health centers will be able to increase access to health care for millions of Americans and address immediate and pressing health center facility and equipment needs. More than 18 million Americans rely on health centers to keep them healthy, even if they can’t afford to pay for their care.
This is the third set of health center grants provided though the Recovery Act. On March 2, $155 million in funding was announced to establish 126 new health centers nationwide – four in Illinois. On March 27, $338 million in funding was announced to expand service and hours of operation at 1,126 health centers nationwide – 36 in Illinois.
The following Illinois health centers will receive funding under today’s announcement:
Health Centers around the State
- Anna: $699,960 in funding for Rural Health, Inc.
- Aurora: $1,147,645 in funding for Visiting Nurse Association of Fox Valley
- Carbondale: $1,033,300 in funding for Community Health & Emergency Services, Inc.
- Carterville: $1,032,460 in funding for Shawnee Health Service
- Chicago Heights: $2,449,295 in funding for Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center, Inc.
- Christopher: $1,346,095 in funding for Christopher Rural Health Planning Corp.
- Decatur: $832,120 in funding for Community Health Improvement
- Elgin: $880,000 in funding for Greater Elgin Family Care Center
- Harvey: $1,035,085 in funding for Family Christian Health Center
- Joliet: $949,090 in funding for Will County Health Department / Will County Community Health Center
- Oak Park: $1,380,640 in funding for PCC Community Wellness Center
- Oquawka: $544,980 in funding for Henderson County Rural Health Center, Inc.
- Peoria: $616,030 in funding for Heartland Community Health Clinic
- Rock Falls: $616,240 in funding for Whiteside County Health Department and Whiteside County Community Health Clinic, Inc.
- Rockford: $1,652,800 in funding for Crusaders Central Clinic Association
- Sauget: $2,500,000 in funding for Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation
- Springfield: $773,075 in funding for Central Counties Health Center, Inc.
- Virginia: $347,790 in funding for Cass County Health Department
- Waukegan: $1,715,660 in funding for Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center
Chicago Health Centers
- Access Community Health Network: $2,500,000
- Alivio Medical Center: $1,011,845
- Asian Human Services Family Health Center, Inc.: $393,010
- Beloved Community Family Wellness Center: $292,560
- Chicago Family Health Center, Inc.: $938,135
- Christian Community Health Center: $768,770
- Circle Family Health Care: $598,985
- Community Health Partnership of Illinois: $545,680
- Erie Family Health Center, Inc.: $1,294,085
- Friend Family Health Center, Inc.: $1,097,840
- Heartland Health Outreach, Inc.: $634,090
- Heartland International Health Center: $717,915
- Lawndale Christian Health Center: $1,649,370
- Near North Health Service Corporation: $1,418,300
- Primecare Community Health, Inc.: $724,075
- TCA Health Inc.: $550,965
- University of Illinois at Chicago: $747,490
Monday, June 29, 2009
Illinois Exports Top $53 Billion in 2008
From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn
CHICAGO – Officials with Governor Pat Quinn’s administration today highlighted the significant impact Illinois exports had on the state economy in 2008. Illinois’ export of goods and services in 2008 totaled $53.4 billion, an increase of 9.3 percent from 2007, according to the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research. This growth places Illinois as the sixth-largest exporting state in the nation. During the event, seven Illinois companies were awarded Governors’ Export Awards for their achievements in the exporting industry.
“Our trade numbers represent some much-needed good news during these difficult economic times,” said Gov Quinn. “Export of goods and services is a significant portion of Illinois’ diverse economy. We will continue our efforts to help keep this important economic engine running.”
With an increase of $4.6 billion over calendar year 2007, Illinois led the Midwest in exports in 2008. Illinois ranks sixth in the nation for exports behind Texas, California, New York, Washington and Florida.
“Trade continues to be a critical driver of the Illinois economy. The seven companies we’re recognizing today have found that recipe for success and are helping to create better jobs for more people here at home,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Warren Ribley.
The Governor's Export Awards were established by the legislature in 1993 to highlight the contribution of exports in manufacturing, service, and agribusiness to Illinois' economic development. Winners were selected by criteria based on the export sales as a percentage of total sales, growth of export sales, the number of employees involved in exporting, and unique factors indicating progressive international marketing strategies.
CHICAGO – Officials with Governor Pat Quinn’s administration today highlighted the significant impact Illinois exports had on the state economy in 2008. Illinois’ export of goods and services in 2008 totaled $53.4 billion, an increase of 9.3 percent from 2007, according to the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research. This growth places Illinois as the sixth-largest exporting state in the nation. During the event, seven Illinois companies were awarded Governors’ Export Awards for their achievements in the exporting industry.
“Our trade numbers represent some much-needed good news during these difficult economic times,” said Gov Quinn. “Export of goods and services is a significant portion of Illinois’ diverse economy. We will continue our efforts to help keep this important economic engine running.”
With an increase of $4.6 billion over calendar year 2007, Illinois led the Midwest in exports in 2008. Illinois ranks sixth in the nation for exports behind Texas, California, New York, Washington and Florida.
“Trade continues to be a critical driver of the Illinois economy. The seven companies we’re recognizing today have found that recipe for success and are helping to create better jobs for more people here at home,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Warren Ribley.
The Governor's Export Awards were established by the legislature in 1993 to highlight the contribution of exports in manufacturing, service, and agribusiness to Illinois' economic development. Winners were selected by criteria based on the export sales as a percentage of total sales, growth of export sales, the number of employees involved in exporting, and unique factors indicating progressive international marketing strategies.
President Names Callahan and Giamanco to USDA Positions in Illinois
From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that President Obama has officially named Colleen Callahan Burns of Kickapoo, Illinois for State Director of Rural Development and Scherrie V. Giamanco of Mt. Vernon, Illinois for State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Neither appointment requires Senate confirmation and both are expected to assume their new duties in early July.
“Colleen Callahan Burns has been a respected voice for Illinois agriculture for more than 30 years,” said Durbin. “She is an award winning farm broadcaster who remains active in animal agriculture and in her community. I was proud to recommend her to the Secretary of Agriculture in February and I look forward to working with her in her new capacity.”
Rural Development provides financial assistance through guaranteed loans, direct loans and some grant funds to individuals, public bodies, nonprofits, Native American tribes, and cooperatives in rural areas. Rural Development State Directors provide mission area wide leadership at the state level to the network of nearly 500 field offices in USDA Service Centers. State Directors coordinate with many local, regional, state and other federal agencies and groups to help provide a starting point to address business, community or housing needs. State Directors are responsible for delivering Rural Housing Service programs; most of the Rural Business – Cooperative Service programs; the Water and Wastewater Disposal Program of the Rural Utilities Service; and outreach and assistance on programs delivered directly from national headquarters.
“Scherrie Giamanco has worked in the Farm Services Agency Illinois State office for more than 15 years,” said Durbin. Her lifelong experience – more than 35 years in agriculture and rural development related fields – in many facets of Illinois agriculture will allow her to be an effective leader within the Department of Agriculture.”
The FSA aims to stabilize farm income, help farmers conserve land and water resources, provide credit to new or disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and help farm operations recover from the effects of disaster. The FSA uses a unique system under which federal farm programs are administered locally – a grassroots approach gives farmers a much-needed say in how Federal actions affect their communities and their individual operations. The State Executive Director serves as a top representative of the Administrator and is responsible for planning, implementing and operating FSA stabilization, conservation, farm loan, environmental, and emergency assistance programs within the assigned State. State Executive Directors provide and direct the overall administrative and management activities for the State and county offices in cooperation and participation with the FSA functional management divisions and offices.
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that President Obama has officially named Colleen Callahan Burns of Kickapoo, Illinois for State Director of Rural Development and Scherrie V. Giamanco of Mt. Vernon, Illinois for State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Neither appointment requires Senate confirmation and both are expected to assume their new duties in early July.
“Colleen Callahan Burns has been a respected voice for Illinois agriculture for more than 30 years,” said Durbin. “She is an award winning farm broadcaster who remains active in animal agriculture and in her community. I was proud to recommend her to the Secretary of Agriculture in February and I look forward to working with her in her new capacity.”
Rural Development provides financial assistance through guaranteed loans, direct loans and some grant funds to individuals, public bodies, nonprofits, Native American tribes, and cooperatives in rural areas. Rural Development State Directors provide mission area wide leadership at the state level to the network of nearly 500 field offices in USDA Service Centers. State Directors coordinate with many local, regional, state and other federal agencies and groups to help provide a starting point to address business, community or housing needs. State Directors are responsible for delivering Rural Housing Service programs; most of the Rural Business – Cooperative Service programs; the Water and Wastewater Disposal Program of the Rural Utilities Service; and outreach and assistance on programs delivered directly from national headquarters.
“Scherrie Giamanco has worked in the Farm Services Agency Illinois State office for more than 15 years,” said Durbin. Her lifelong experience – more than 35 years in agriculture and rural development related fields – in many facets of Illinois agriculture will allow her to be an effective leader within the Department of Agriculture.”
The FSA aims to stabilize farm income, help farmers conserve land and water resources, provide credit to new or disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and help farm operations recover from the effects of disaster. The FSA uses a unique system under which federal farm programs are administered locally – a grassroots approach gives farmers a much-needed say in how Federal actions affect their communities and their individual operations. The State Executive Director serves as a top representative of the Administrator and is responsible for planning, implementing and operating FSA stabilization, conservation, farm loan, environmental, and emergency assistance programs within the assigned State. State Executive Directors provide and direct the overall administrative and management activities for the State and county offices in cooperation and participation with the FSA functional management divisions and offices.
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