News from the Illinois Channel

Sen Mark Kirk's Condidtion Upgraded to "Fair"

2012-01-30T12:38:00.002-06:00

Dr. Fessler provided the following update on Senator Kirk’s condition this morning:

“Senator Kirk’s recovery is continuing. He is alert, talking and responding well to questions. He has been upgraded to fair condition and we are very pleased with his progress,” said Richard Fessler, MD, PhD, neurosurgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and professor of neurological surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

AG Madigan Sues Standard and Poor's for Its Role in Rating Risky Mortgages as Safe

2012-01-25T14:37:00.002-06:00

Chicago — Attorney General Lisa Madigan today filed a lawsuit against Standard & Poor’s for its fraudulent role in assigning its highest ratings to risky mortgage-backed investments in the years leading up to the housing market crash.

Madigan filed her lawsuit today in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging that Standard & Poor’s, or S&P, compromised its independence as a ratings agency by doling out high ratings to unworthy, risky investments as a corporate strategy to increase its revenue and market share. The Attorney General’s lawsuit alleges that S&P ignored the increasing risks posed by mortgage-backed securities, instead giving the investment pools ratings that were favorable to its investment bank client base and S&P’s profits.

“Publically, S&P took every opportunity to proclaim their analyses and ratings as independent, objective and free from its desire for revenue,” Madigan said. “Yet privately, S&P abandoned its principles and instead used every trick possible to give deals high ratings in order to retain clients and generate revenue. The mortgage-backed securities that helped our market soar – and ultimately crash – could not have been purchased by most investors without S&P’s seal of approval.”

The Attorney General’s lawsuit cites numerous internal emails and conversations among S&P employees in the run up to the housing market’s crash that demonstrate the company misrepresented its ratings as objective and independent. In one such exchange, in April 2007, an online conversation via a company-based instant messenger application revealed employees discussing S&P ratings compared to the reality of risk involved, with an employee stating an investment “could be structured by cows and we would rate it.”

Madigan said investors relied on S&P ratings because they were historically rooted in the agency’s purported independence and objectivity. S&P’s internal code of conduct states its goal to “promote investor protection by safeguarding the integrity of the rating process.” But, the Attorney General’s lawsuit cites congressional testimony by a former managing director of S&P who revealed that “profits were running the show,” with ratings being assigned to risky investments to help drive profit margins for their clients.

S&P, a subsidiary of McGraw-Hill Companies, is one of the nation’s largest credit ratings agencies responsible for independently rating risk on behalf of clients and investors. Madigan said in the run up to the financial crisis, S&P consistently misrepresented the risk of mortgage-backed securities, assigning these securities its highest seal of approval – or AAA rating. This misrepresentation spurred investors to purchase securities that were far riskier than their ratings revealed.

Mortgage-backed securities are financial products made up of a pool of mortgages that are bundled together and sold as a security. The assets are backed by residential mortgages, including subprime mortgages. The performance of these investment products have significant, real-world implications for Illinois institutional investors, such as pension funds and 401(k) managers that make decisions about whether, and which, of these securities are appropriate investments. It was the misrepresentation of the true value of these risky mortgage pools that helped the housing market skyrocket and ultimately led to its collapse in 2008.

Today’s lawsuit is part of Attorney General Madigan’s continuing work to hold lenders accountable for their unlawful financial misconduct, and to provide relief and assistance to Illinois families struggling to save their homes. Most recently, in December 2011, Madigan and the U.S. Department of Justice reached a $335 million settlement with Countrywide, a subsidiary of Bank of America, for discriminating against thousands of Illinois borrowers of color during the height of the subprime mortgage lending spree. The settlement will provide restitution to harmed Illinois borrowers and is the largest settlement of a fair lending lawsuit ever obtained by a state attorney general. The Attorney General is litigating a similar lawsuit against Wells Fargo alleging widespread discrimination against African American and Latino borrowers.

Madigan led an earlier lawsuit against Countrywide, which resulted in a nationwide $8.7 billion settlement in 2008 over the company’s predatory lending practices. The Attorney General also reached a $39.5 million settlement with Wells Fargo over the bank’s deceptive marketing of extremely risky loans called Pay Option ARMs, and in 2006, Madigan obtained more than $10 million in restitution for Illinois homeowners as part of a $325 billion multi-state settlement with Ameriquest over the former mortgage giant’s deceptive sales of predatory subprime mortgages.

Assistant Attorneys General Vaishali Rao and Vijay Raghavan are handling the case for Madigan’s Consumer Fraud Bureau.

Update on Sen Kirk's Condition

2012-01-25T12:24:00.001-06:00

“Senator Kirk continues to progress as expected and we continue to be hopeful about his long term prognosis. He remains in serious condition and is being monitored closely,” said Richard Fessler, neurosurgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and professor of neurological surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

USDA Acts on First Lady's Healthy Eating Campaign by Setting Limits on Calories in School Lunches

2012-01-25T11:51:00.002-06:00

FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 25. 2012 – First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today unveiled new standards for school meals that will result in healthier meals for kids across the nation. The new meal requirements will raise standards for the first time in more than fifteen years and improve the health and nutrition of nearly 32 million kids that participate in school meal programs every school day. The healthier meal requirements are a key component of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which was championed by the First Lady as part of her Let's Move! campaign and signed into law by President Obama.

"As parents, we try to prepare decent meals, limit how much junk food our kids eat, and ensure they have a reasonably balanced diet," said First Lady Michelle Obama. "And when we're putting in all that effort the last thing we want is for our hard work to be undone each day in the school cafeteria. When we send our kids to school, we expect that they won't be eating the kind of fatty, salty, sugary foods that we try to keep them from eating at home. We want the food they get at school to be the same kind of food we would serve at our own kitchen tables."

"Improving the quality of the school meals is a critical step in building a healthy future for our kids," said Vilsack. "When it comes to our children, we must do everything possible to provide them the nutrition they need to be healthy, active and ready to face the future – today we take an important step towards that goal."

The final standards make the same kinds of practical changes that many parents are already encouraging at home, including:

Ensuring students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day of the week;
Substantially increasing offerings of whole grain-rich foods;
Offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties;
Limiting calories based on the age of children being served to ensure proper portion size; and
Increasing the focus on reducing the amounts of saturated fat, trans fats and sodium.
A sample lunch menu with a before and after comparison is available to view and download in PDF and JPG formats.

USDA built the new rule around recommendations from a panel of experts convened by the Institute of Medicine —a gold standard for evidence-based health analysis. The standards were also updated with key changes from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans – the Federal government's benchmark for nutrition – and aimed to foster the kind of healthy changes at school that many parents are already trying to encourage at home, such as making sure that kids are offered both fruits and vegetables each day, more whole grains, and portion sizes and calorie counts designed to maintain a healthy weight.

USDA received an unprecedented 132,000 public comments on its proposed standards (available on the web at www.regulations.gov) – and made modifications to the proposed rule where appropriate. USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon said: "We know that robust public input is essential to developing successful standards and the final standards took a number of suggestions from stakeholders, school food service professions and parents to make important operational changes while maintaining nutritional integrity."

The new standards are expected to cost $3.2 billion over the next five years -- less than half of the estimated cost of the proposed rule and are just one of five major components of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, now implemented or under development, that will work together to reform school nutrition. In addition to the updated meal standards, unprecedented improvements to come include:

The ability to take nutrition standards beyond the lunchline for the first time ever, foods and beverages sold in vending machines and other venues on school campuses will also contribute to a healthy diet;
Increased funding for schools – an additional 6 cents a meal is the first real increase in 30 years – tied to strong performance in serving improved meals;
Common-sense pricing standards for schools to ensure that revenues from non-Federal sources keep pace with the Federal commitment to healthy school meals and properly align with costs; and
Training and technical assistance to help schools achieve and monitor compliance.
The final nutrition standards released today also provide more time for schools to implement key changes, which will be largely phased in over a three-year period, starting in School Year 2012-2013. For example, schools will be permitted to focus on changes in the lunches in the first year, with most changes in breakfast phased in during future years.

Federal Reserve's Statement on Why It Plans to Keep Interest Rates Low Through 2014

2012-01-25T11:35:00.002-06:00

Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in December suggests that the economy has been expanding moderately, notwithstanding some slowing in global growth. While indicators point to some further improvement in overall labor market conditions, the unemployment rate remains elevated. Household spending has continued to advance, but growth in business fixed investment has slowed, and the housing sector remains depressed. Inflation has been subdued in recent months, and longer-term inflation expectations have remained stable.

Consistent with its statutory mandate, the Committee seeks to foster maximum employment and price stability. The Committee expects economic growth over coming quarters to be modest and consequently anticipates that the unemployment rate will decline only gradually toward levels that the Committee judges to be consistent with its dual mandate. Strains in global financial markets continue to pose significant downside risks to the economic outlook. The Committee also anticipates that over coming quarters, inflation will run at levels at or below those consistent with the Committee’s dual mandate.

To support a stronger economic recovery and to help ensure that inflation, over time, is at levels consistent with the dual mandate, the Committee expects to maintain a highly accommodative stance for monetary policy. In particular, the Committee decided today to keep the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent and currently anticipates that economic conditions–including low rates of resource utilization and a subdued outlook for inflation over the medium run–are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels for the federal funds rate at least through late 2014.

The Committee also decided to continue its program to extend the average maturity of its holdings of securities as announced in September. The Committee is maintaining its existing policies of reinvesting principal payments from its holdings of agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities in agency mortgage-backed securities and of rolling over maturing Treasury securities at auction. The Committee will regularly review the size and composition of its securities holdings and is prepared to adjust those holdings as appropriate to promote a stronger economic recovery in a context of price stability.

Voting for the FOMC monetary policy action were: Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman; William C. Dudley, Vice Chairman; Elizabeth A. Duke; Dennis P. Lockhart; Sandra Pianalto; Sarah Bloom Raskin; Daniel K. Tarullo; John C. Williams; and Janet L. Yellen. Voting against the action was Jeffrey M. Lacker, who preferred to omit the description of the time period over which economic conditions are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate.

President Obama's Statement on the Rescue of Hostages in Somalia

2012-01-25T11:02:00.004-06:00

NOTE: Seal Team 6, the same unit that killed Osama bin Laden, successfully rescued two hostages on Monday, including American Jessica Buchanan. Here is the President's statement on that mission:

On Monday, I authorized an operation to rescue Jessica Buchanan, an American citizen who was kidnapped and held against her will for three months in Somalia. Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our Special Operations Forces, yesterday Jessica Buchanan was rescued and she is on her way home. As Commander-in-Chief, I could not be prouder of the troops who carried out this mission, and the dedicated professionals who supported their efforts.

Jessica Buchanan was selflessly serving her fellow human beings when she was taken hostage by criminals and pirates who showed no regard for her health and well-being. Last night I spoke with Jessica Buchanan’s father and told him that all Americans have Jessica in our thoughts and prayers, and give thanks that she will soon be reunited with her family. The United States will not tolerate the abduction of our people, and will spare no effort to secure the safety of our citizens and to bring their captors to justice. This is yet another message to the world that the United States of America will stand strongly against any threats to our people.

Rep Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) Resigns from Congress to Focus on Recovery

2012-01-25T09:45:00.002-06:00

Statement by Sen Kirk's Family Following His Stroke

2012-01-24T21:55:00.001-06:00

CHICAGO - The office of Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) tonight released the following statement at the request of Senator Kirk's family:

"We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we've received over the last couple of days -- from President Obama, Leader McConnell, Senator Durbin, Governor Quinn, Mayor Emanuel, the Illinois delegation and so many others across the state, the nation and beyond. Words cannot describe how much Joe Manchin's friendship and support means to us and especially to Mark. We are truly blessed to have such amazing family and friends."

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Gov Quinn's Statement on the President's State of the Union

2012-01-24T21:26:00.001-06:00

CHICAGO – January 24, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement regarding President Barack Obama’s fourth State of the Union Address.

“We in Illinois applaud President Obama for the vision he laid out in tonight’s State of the Union. The President put forth a blueprint for a growing economy that gives all Americans equal access to the success through hard work that has always made this nation great. We agree with the President that we can’t wait – we need to keep pushing to restore our economy and the American middle class.

“In Illinois, we are focused on the same issues that the President laid out tonight: creating manufacturing jobs and training our workforce for the 21st century; making education more accessible; modernizing our roads and bridges; and prioritizing housing for our families.

“And as the President said, an America built to last calls for responsibility from each of us and fairness for all. We commend the President on his vision, and look forward to working together as a nation to restore our economy and create opportunities for all Americans.”

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TEXT of President Obama's 2012 State of the Union Address

2012-01-24T20:27:00.004-06:00

As Prepared for Delivery –

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:

Last month, I went to Andrews Air Force Base and welcomed home some of our last troops to serve in Iraq. Together, we offered a final, proud salute to the colors under which more than a million of our fellow citizens fought – and several thousand gave their lives.

We gather tonight knowing that this generation of heroes has made the United States safer and more respected around the world. For the first time in nine years, there are no Americans fighting in Iraq. For the first time in two decades, Osama bin Laden is not a threat to this country. Most of al Qaeda’s top lieutenants have been defeated. The Taliban’s momentum has been broken, and some troops in Afghanistan have begun to come home.

These achievements are a testament to the courage, selflessness, and teamwork of America’s Armed Forces. At a time when too many of our institutions have let us down, they exceed all expectations. They’re not consumed with personal ambition. They don’t obsess over their differences. They focus on the mission at hand. They work together.

Imagine what we could accomplish if we followed their example. Think about the America within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs. A future where we’re in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren’t so tied to unstable parts of the world. An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded.

We can do this. I know we can, because we’ve done it before. At the end of World War II, when another generation of heroes returned home from combat, they built the strongest economy and middle class the world has ever known. My grandfather, a veteran of Patton’s Army, got the chance to go to college on the GI Bill. My grandmother, who worked on a bomber assembly line, was part of a workforce that turned out the best products on Earth.

The two of them shared the optimism of a Nation that had triumphed over a depression and fascism. They understood they were part of something larger; that they were contributing to a story of success that every American had a chance to share – the basic American promise that if you worked hard, you could do well enough to raise a family, own a home, send your kids to college, and put a little away for retirement.

The defining issue of our time is how to keep that promise alive. No challenge is more urgent. No debate is more important. We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of Americans barely get by. Or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules. What’s at stake are not Democratic values or Republican values, but American values. We have to reclaim them.

Let’s remember how we got here. Long before the recession, jobs and manufacturing began leaving our shores. Technology made businesses more efficient, but also made some jobs obsolete. Folks at the top saw their incomes rise like never before, but most hardworking Americans struggled with costs that were growing, paychecks that weren’t, and personal debt that kept piling up.

In 2008, the house of cards collapsed. We learned that mortgages had been sold to people who couldn’t afford or understand them. Banks had made huge bets and bonuses with other people’s money. Regulators had looked the other way, or didn’t have the authority to stop the bad behavior.

It was wrong. It was irresponsible. And it plunged our economy into a crisis that put millions out of work, saddled us with more debt, and left innocent, hard-working Americans holding the bag. In the six months before I took office, we lost nearly four million jobs. And we lost another four million before our policies were in full effect.

Those are the facts. But so are these. In the last 22 months, businesses have created more than three million jobs. Last year, they created the most jobs since 2005. American manufacturers are hiring again, creating jobs for the first time since the late 1990s. Together, we’ve agreed to cut the deficit by more than $2 trillion. And we’ve put in place new rules to hold Wall Street accountable, so a crisis like that never happens again.

The state of our Union is getting stronger. And we’ve come too far to turn back now. As long as I’m President, I will work with anyone in this chamber to build on this momentum. But I intend to fight obstruction with action, and I will oppose any effort to return to the very same policies that brought on this economic crisis in the first place.

No, we will not go back to an economy weakened by outsourcing, bad debt, and phony financial profits. Tonight, I want to speak about how we move forward, and lay out a blueprint for an economy that’s built to last – an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.

This blueprint begins with American manufacturing.

On the day I took office, our auto industry was on the verge of collapse. Some even said we should let it die. With a million jobs at stake, I refused to let that happen. In exchange for help, we demanded responsibility. We got workers and automakers to settle their differences. We got the industry to retool and restructure. Today, General Motors is back on top as the world’s number one automaker. Chrysler has grown faster in the U.S. than any major car company. Ford is investing billions in U.S. plants and factories. And together, the entire industry added nearly 160,000 jobs.

We bet on American workers. We bet on American ingenuity. And tonight, the American auto industry is back.

What’s happening in Detroit can happen in other industries. It can happen in Cleveland and Pittsburgh and Raleigh. We can’t bring back every job that’s left our shores. But right now, it’s getting more expensive to do business in places like China. Meanwhile, America is more productive. A few weeks ago, the CEO of Master Lock told me that it now makes business sense for him to bring jobs back home. Today, for the first time in fifteen years, Master Lock’s unionized plant in Milwaukee is running at full capacity.

So we have a huge opportunity, at this moment, to bring manufacturing back. But we have to seize it. Tonight, my message to business leaders is simple: Ask yourselves what you can do to bring jobs back to your country, and your country will do everything we can to help you succeed.

We should start with our tax code. Right now, companies get tax breaks for moving jobs and profits overseas. Meanwhile, companies that choose to stay in America get hit with one of the highest tax rates in the world. It makes no sense, and everyone knows it.

So let’s change it. First, if you’re a business that wants to outsource jobs, you shouldn’t get a tax deduction for doing it. That money should be used to cover moving expenses for companies like Master Lock that decide to bring jobs home.

Second, no American company should be able to avoid paying its fair share of taxes by moving jobs and profits overseas. From now on, every multinational company should have to pay a basic minimum tax. And every penny should go towards lowering taxes for companies that choose to stay here and hire here.

Third, if you’re an American manufacturer, you should get a bigger tax cut. If you’re a high-tech manufacturer, we should double the tax deduction you get for making products here. And if you want to relocate in a community that was hit hard when a factory left town, you should get help financing a new plant, equipment, or training for new workers.

My message is simple. It’s time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America. Send me these tax reforms, and I’ll sign them right away.

We’re also making it easier for American businesses to sell products all over the world. Two years ago, I set a goal of doubling U.S. exports over five years. With the bipartisan trade agreements I signed into law, we are on track to meet that goal – ahead of schedule. Soon, there will be millions of new customers for American goods in Panama, Colombia, and South Korea. Soon, there will be new cars on the streets of Seoul imported from Detroit, and Toledo, and Chicago.

I will go anywhere in the world to open new markets for American products. And I will not stand by when our competitors don’t play by the rules. We’ve brought trade cases against China at nearly twice the rate as the last administration – and it’s made a difference. Over a thousand Americans are working today because we stopped a surge in Chinese tires. But we need to do more. It’s not right when another country lets our movies, music, and software be pirated. It’s not fair when foreign manufacturers have a leg up on ours only because they’re heavily subsidized.

Tonight, I’m announcing the creation of a Trade Enforcement Unit that will be charged with investigating unfair trade practices in countries like China. There will be more inspections to prevent counterfeit or unsafe goods from crossing our borders. And this Congress should make sure that no foreign company has an advantage over American manufacturing when it comes to accessing finance or new markets like Russia. Our workers are the most productive on Earth, and if the playing field is level, I promise you – America will always win.

I also hear from many business leaders who want to hire in the United States but can’t find workers with the right skills. Growing industries in science and technology have twice as many openings as we have workers who can do the job. Think about that – openings at a time when millions of Americans are looking for work.

That’s inexcusable. And we know how to fix it.

Jackie Bray is a single mom from North Carolina who was laid off from her job as a mechanic. Then Siemens opened a gas turbine factory in Charlotte, and formed a partnership with Central Piedmont Community College. The company helped the college design courses in laser and robotics training. It paid Jackie’s tuition, then hired her to help operate their plant.

I want every American looking for work to have the same opportunity as Jackie did. Join me in a national commitment to train two million Americans with skills that will lead directly to a job. My Administration has already lined up more companies that want to help. Model partnerships between businesses like Siemens and community colleges in places like Charlotte, Orlando, and Louisville are up and running. Now you need to give more community colleges the resources they need to become community career centers – places that teach people skills that local businesses are looking for right now, from data management to high-tech manufacturing.

And I want to cut through the maze of confusing training programs, so that from now on, people like Jackie have one program, one website, and one place to go for all the information and help they need. It’s time to turn our unemployment system into a reemployment system that puts people to work.

These reforms will help people get jobs that are open today. But to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, our commitment to skills and education has to start earlier.

For less than one percent of what our Nation spends on education each year, we’ve convinced nearly every State in the country to raise their standards for teaching and learning – the first time that’s happened in a generation.

But challenges remain. And we know how to solve them.

At a time when other countries are doubling down on education, tight budgets have forced States to lay off thousands of teachers. We know a good teacher can increase the lifetime income of a classroom by over $250,000. A great teacher can offer an escape from poverty to the child who dreams beyond his circumstance. Every person in this chamber can point to a teacher who changed the trajectory of their lives. Most teachers work tirelessly, with modest pay, sometimes digging into their own pocket for school supplies – just to make a difference.

Teachers matter. So instead of bashing them, or defending the status quo, let’s offer schools a deal. Give them the resources to keep good teachers on the job, and reward the best ones. In return, grant schools flexibility: To teach with creativity and passion; to stop teaching to the test; and to replace teachers who just aren’t helping kids learn.

We also know that when students aren’t allowed to walk away from their education, more of them walk the stage to get their diploma. So tonight, I call on every State to require that all students stay in high school until they graduate or turn eighteen.

When kids do graduate, the most daunting challenge can be the cost of college. At a time when Americans owe more in tuition debt than credit card debt, this Congress needs to stop the interest rates on student loans from doubling in July. Extend the tuition tax credit we started that saves middle-class families thousands of dollars. And give more young people the chance to earn their way through college by doubling the number of work-study jobs in the next five years.

Of course, it’s not enough for us to increase student aid. We can’t just keep subsidizing skyrocketing tuition; we’ll run out of money. States also need to do their part, by making higher education a higher priority in their budgets. And colleges and universities have to do their part by working to keep costs down. Recently, I spoke with a group of college presidents who’ve done just that. Some schools re-design courses to help students finish more quickly. Some use better technology. The point is, it’s possible. So let me put colleges and universities on notice: If you can’t stop tuition from going up, the funding you get from taxpayers will go down. Higher education can’t be a luxury – it’s an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford.

Let’s also remember that hundreds of thousands of talented, hardworking students in this country face another challenge: The fact that they aren’t yet American citizens. Many were brought here as small children, are American through and through, yet they live every day with the threat of deportation. Others came more recently, to study business and science and engineering, but as soon as they get their degree, we send them home to invent new products and create new jobs somewhere else.

That doesn’t make sense.

I believe as strongly as ever that we should take on illegal immigration. That’s why my Administration has put more boots on the border than ever before. That’s why there are fewer illegal crossings than when I took office.

The opponents of action are out of excuses. We should be working on comprehensive immigration reform right now. But if election-year politics keeps Congress from acting on a comprehensive plan, let’s at least agree to stop expelling responsible young people who want to staff our labs, start new businesses, and defend this country. Send me a law that gives them the chance to earn their citizenship. I will sign it right away.

You see, an economy built to last is one where we encourage the talent and ingenuity of every person in this country. That means women should earn equal pay for equal work. It means we should support everyone who’s willing to work; and every risk-taker and entrepreneur who aspires to become the next Steve Jobs.

After all, innovation is what America has always been about. Most new jobs are created in start-ups and small businesses. So let’s pass an agenda that helps them succeed. Tear down regulations that prevent aspiring entrepreneurs from getting the financing to grow. Expand tax relief to small businesses that are raising wages and creating good jobs. Both parties agree on these ideas. So put them in a bill, and get it on my desk this year.

Innovation also demands basic research. Today, the discoveries taking place in our federally-financed labs and universities could lead to new treatments that kill cancer cells but leave healthy ones untouched. New lightweight vests for cops and soldiers that can stop any bullet. Don’t gut these investments in our budget. Don’t let other countries win the race for the future. Support the same kind of research and innovation that led to the computer chip and the Internet; to new American jobs and new American industries.

Nowhere is the promise of innovation greater than in American-made energy. Over the last three years, we’ve opened millions of new acres for oil and gas exploration, and tonight, I’m directing my Administration to open more than 75 percent of our potential offshore oil and gas resources. Right now, American oil production is the highest that it’s been in eight years. That’s right – eight years. Not only that – last year, we relied less on foreign oil than in any of the past sixteen years.

But with only 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves, oil isn’t enough. This country needs an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy – a strategy that’s cleaner, cheaper, and full of new jobs.

We have a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly one hundred years, and my Administration will take every possible action to safely develop this energy. Experts believe this will support more than 600,000 jobs by the end of the decade. And I’m requiring all companies that drill for gas on public lands to disclose the chemicals they use. America will develop this resource without putting the health and safety of our citizens at risk.

The development of natural gas will create jobs and power trucks and factories that are cleaner and cheaper, proving that we don’t have to choose between our environment and our economy. And by the way, it was public research dollars, over the course of thirty years, that helped develop the technologies to extract all this natural gas out of shale rock – reminding us that Government support is critical in helping businesses get new energy ideas off the ground.

What’s true for natural gas is true for clean energy. In three years, our partnership with the private sector has already positioned America to be the world’s leading manufacturer of high-tech batteries. Because of federal investments, renewable energy use has nearly doubled. And thousands of Americans have jobs because of it.

When Bryan Ritterby was laid off from his job making furniture, he said he worried that at 55, no one would give him a second chance. But he found work at Energetx, a wind turbine manufacturer in Michigan. Before the recession, the factory only made luxury yachts. Today, it’s hiring workers like Bryan, who said, “I’m proud to be working in the industry of the future.”

Our experience with shale gas shows us that the payoffs on these public investments don’t always come right away. Some technologies don’t pan out; some companies fail. But I will not walk away from the promise of clean energy. I will not walk away from workers like Bryan. I will not cede the wind or solar or battery industry to China or Germany because we refuse to make the same commitment here. We have subsidized oil companies for a century. That’s long enough. It’s time to end the taxpayer giveaways to an industry that’s rarely been more profitable, and double-down on a clean energy industry that’s never been more promising. Pass clean energy tax credits and create these jobs.

We can also spur energy innovation with new incentives. The differences in this chamber may be too deep right now to pass a comprehensive plan to fight climate change. But there’s no reason why Congress shouldn’t at least set a clean energy standard that creates a market for innovation. So far, you haven’t acted. Well tonight, I will. I’m directing my Administration to allow the development of clean energy on enough public land to power three million homes. And I’m proud to announce that the Department of Defense, the world’s largest consumer of energy, will make one of the largest commitments to clean energy in history – with the Navy purchasing enough capacity to power a quarter of a million homes a year.

Of course, the easiest way to save money is to waste less energy. So here’s another proposal: Help manufacturers eliminate energy waste in their factories and give businesses incentives to upgrade their buildings. Their energy bills will be $100 billion lower over the next decade, and America will have less pollution, more manufacturing, and more jobs for construction workers who need them. Send me a bill that creates these jobs.

Building this new energy future should be just one part of a broader agenda to repair America’s infrastructure. So much of America needs to be rebuilt. We’ve got crumbling roads and bridges. A power grid that wastes too much energy. An incomplete high-speed broadband network that prevents a small business owner in rural America from selling her products all over the world.

During the Great Depression, America built the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge. After World War II, we connected our States with a system of highways. Democratic and Republican administrations invested in great projects that benefited everybody, from the workers who built them to the businesses that still use them today.

In the next few weeks, I will sign an Executive Order clearing away the red tape that slows down too many construction projects. But you need to fund these projects. Take the money we’re no longer spending at war, use half of it to pay down our debt, and use the rest to do some nation-building right here at home.

There’s never been a better time to build, especially since the construction industry was one of the hardest-hit when the housing bubble burst. Of course, construction workers weren’t the only ones hurt. So were millions of innocent Americans who’ve seen their home values decline. And while Government can’t fix the problem on its own, responsible homeowners shouldn’t have to sit and wait for the housing market to hit bottom to get some relief.

That’s why I’m sending this Congress a plan that gives every responsible homeowner the chance to save about $3,000 a year on their mortgage, by refinancing at historically low interest rates. No more red tape. No more runaround from the banks. A small fee on the largest financial institutions will ensure that it won’t add to the deficit, and will give banks that were rescued by taxpayers a chance to repay a deficit of trust.

Let’s never forget: Millions of Americans who work hard and play by the rules every day deserve a Government and a financial system that do the same. It’s time to apply the same rules from top to bottom: No bailouts, no handouts, and no copouts. An America built to last insists on responsibility from everybody.

We’ve all paid the price for lenders who sold mortgages to people who couldn’t afford them, and buyers who knew they couldn’t afford them. That’s why we need smart regulations to prevent irresponsible behavior. Rules to prevent financial fraud, or toxic dumping, or faulty medical devices, don’t destroy the free market. They make the free market work better.

There is no question that some regulations are outdated, unnecessary, or too costly. In fact, I’ve approved fewer regulations in the first three years of my presidency than my Republican predecessor did in his. I’ve ordered every federal agency to eliminate rules that don’t make sense. We’ve already announced over 500 reforms, and just a fraction of them will save business and citizens more than $10 billion over the next five years. We got rid of one rule from 40 years ago that could have forced some dairy farmers to spend $10,000 a year proving that they could contain a spill – because milk was somehow classified as an oil. With a rule like that, I guess it was worth crying over spilled milk.

I’m confident a farmer can contain a milk spill without a federal agency looking over his shoulder. But I will not back down from making sure an oil company can contain the kind of oil spill we saw in the Gulf two years ago. I will not back down from protecting our kids from mercury pollution, or making sure that our food is safe and our water is clean. I will not go back to the days when health insurance companies had unchecked power to cancel your policy, deny you coverage, or charge women differently from men.

And I will not go back to the days when Wall Street was allowed to play by its own set of rules. The new rules we passed restore what should be any financial system’s core purpose: Getting funding to entrepreneurs with the best ideas, and getting loans to responsible families who want to buy a home, start a business, or send a kid to college.

So if you’re a big bank or financial institution, you are no longer allowed to make risky bets with your customers’ deposits. You’re required to write out a “living will” that details exactly how you’ll pay the bills if you fail – because the rest of us aren’t bailing you out ever again. And if you’re a mortgage lender or a payday lender or a credit card company, the days of signing people up for products they can’t afford with confusing forms and deceptive practices are over. Today, American consumers finally have a watchdog in Richard Cordray with one job: To look out for them.

We will also establish a Financial Crimes Unit of highly trained investigators to crack down on large-scale fraud and protect people’s investments. Some financial firms violate major anti-fraud laws because there’s no real penalty for being a repeat offender. That’s bad for consumers, and it’s bad for the vast majority of bankers and financial service professionals who do the right thing. So pass legislation that makes the penalties for fraud count.

And tonight, I am asking my Attorney General to create a special unit of federal prosecutors and leading state attorneys general to expand our investigations into the abusive lending and packaging of risky mortgages that led to the housing crisis. This new unit will hold accountable those who broke the law, speed assistance to homeowners, and help turn the page on an era of recklessness that hurt so many Americans.

A return to the American values of fair play and shared responsibility will help us protect our people and our economy. But it should also guide us as we look to pay down our debt and invest in our future.

Right now, our most immediate priority is stopping a tax hike on 160 million working Americans while the recovery is still fragile. People cannot afford losing $40 out of each paycheck this year. There are plenty of ways to get this done. So let’s agree right here, right now: No side issues. No drama. Pass the payroll tax cut without delay.

When it comes to the deficit, we’ve already agreed to more than $2 trillion in cuts and savings. But we need to do more, and that means making choices. Right now, we’re poised to spend nearly $1 trillion more on what was supposed to be a temporary tax break for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans. Right now, because of loopholes and shelters in the tax code, a quarter of all millionaires pay lower tax rates than millions of middle-class households. Right now, Warren Buffett pays a lower tax rate than his secretary.

Do we want to keep these tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans? Or do we want to keep our investments in everything else – like education and medical research; a strong military and care for our veterans? Because if we’re serious about paying down our debt, we can’t do both.

The American people know what the right choice is. So do I. As I told the Speaker this summer, I’m prepared to make more reforms that rein in the long term costs of Medicare and Medicaid, and strengthen Social Security, so long as those programs remain a guarantee of security for seniors.

But in return, we need to change our tax code so that people like me, and an awful lot of Members of Congress, pay our fair share of taxes. Tax reform should follow the Buffett rule: If you make more than $1 million a year, you should not pay less than 30 percent in taxes. And my Republican friend Tom Coburn is right: Washington should stop subsidizing millionaires. In fact, if you’re earning a million dollars a year, you shouldn’t get special tax subsidies or deductions. On the other hand, if you make under $250,000 a year, like 98 percent of American families, your taxes shouldn’t go up. You’re the ones struggling with rising costs and stagnant wages. You’re the ones who need relief.

Now, you can call this class warfare all you want. But asking a billionaire to pay at least as much as his secretary in taxes? Most Americans would call that common sense.

We don’t begrudge financial success in this country. We admire it. When Americans talk about folks like me paying my fair share of taxes, it’s not because they envy the rich. It’s because they understand that when I get tax breaks I don’t need and the country can’t afford, it either adds to the deficit, or somebody else has to make up the difference – like a senior on a fixed income; or a student trying to get through school; or a family trying to make ends meet. That’s not right. Americans know it’s not right. They know that this generation’s success is only possible because past generations felt a responsibility to each other, and to their country’s future, and they know our way of life will only endure if we feel that same sense of shared responsibility. That’s how we’ll reduce our deficit. That’s an America built to last.

I recognize that people watching tonight have differing views about taxes and debt; energy and health care. But no matter what party they belong to, I bet most Americans are thinking the same thing right now: Nothing will get done this year, or next year, or maybe even the year after that, because Washington is broken.

Can you blame them for feeling a little cynical?

The greatest blow to confidence in our economy last year didn’t come from events beyond our control. It came from a debate in Washington over whether the United States would pay its bills or not. Who benefited from that fiasco?

I’ve talked tonight about the deficit of trust between Main Street and Wall Street. But the divide between this city and the rest of the country is at least as bad – and it seems to get worse every year.

Some of this has to do with the corrosive influence of money in politics. So together, let’s take some steps to fix that. Send me a bill that bans insider trading by Members of Congress, and I will sign it tomorrow. Let’s limit any elected official from owning stocks in industries they impact. Let’s make sure people who bundle campaign contributions for Congress can’t lobby Congress, and vice versa – an idea that has bipartisan support, at least outside of Washington.

Some of what’s broken has to do with the way Congress does its business these days. A simple majority is no longer enough to get anything – even routine business – passed through the Senate. Neither party has been blameless in these tactics. Now both parties should put an end to it. For starters, I ask the Senate to pass a rule that all judicial and public service nominations receive a simple up or down vote within 90 days.

The executive branch also needs to change. Too often, it’s inefficient, outdated and remote. That’s why I’ve asked this Congress to grant me the authority to consolidate the federal bureaucracy so that our Government is leaner, quicker, and more responsive to the needs of the American people.

Finally, none of these reforms can happen unless we also lower the temperature in this town. We need to end the notion that the two parties must be locked in a perpetual campaign of mutual destruction; that politics is about clinging to rigid ideologies instead of building consensus around common sense ideas.

I’m a Democrat. But I believe what Republican Abraham Lincoln believed: That Government should do for people only what they cannot do better by themselves, and no more. That’s why my education reform offers more competition, and more control for schools and States. That’s why we’re getting rid of regulations that don’t work. That’s why our health care law relies on a reformed private market, not a Government program.

On the other hand, even my Republican friends who complain the most about Government spending have supported federally-financed roads, and clean energy projects, and federal offices for the folks back home.

The point is, we should all want a smarter, more effective Government. And while we may not be able to bridge our biggest philosophical differences this year, we can make real progress. With or without this Congress, I will keep taking actions that help the economy grow. But I can do a whole lot more with your help. Because when we act together, there is nothing the United States of America can’t achieve.

That is the lesson we’ve learned from our actions abroad over the last few years.

Ending the Iraq war has allowed us to strike decisive blows against our enemies. From Pakistan to Yemen, the al Qaeda operatives who remain are scrambling, knowing that they can’t escape the reach of the United States of America.

From this position of strength, we’ve begun to wind down the war in Afghanistan. Ten thousand of our troops have come home. Twenty-three thousand more will leave by the end of this summer. This transition to Afghan lead will continue, and we will build an enduring partnership with Afghanistan, so that it is never again a source of attacks against America.

As the tide of war recedes, a wave of change has washed across the Middle East and North Africa, from Tunis to Cairo; from Sana’a to Tripoli. A year ago, Qadhafi was one of the world’s longest-serving dictators – a murderer with American blood on his hands. Today, he is gone. And in Syria, I have no doubt that the Assad regime will soon discover that the forces of change can’t be reversed, and that human dignity can’t be denied.

How this incredible transformation will end remains uncertain. But we have a huge stake in the outcome. And while it is ultimately up to the people of the region to decide their fate, we will advocate for those values that have served our own country so well. We will stand against violence and intimidation. We will stand for the rights and dignity of all human beings – men and women; Christians, Muslims, and Jews. We will support policies that lead to strong and stable democracies and open markets, because tyranny is no match for liberty.

And we will safeguard America’s own security against those who threaten our citizens, our friends, and our interests. Look at Iran. Through the power of our diplomacy, a world that was once divided about how to deal with Iran’s nuclear program now stands as one. The regime is more isolated than ever before; its leaders are faced with crippling sanctions, and as long as they shirk their responsibilities, this pressure will not relent. Let there be no doubt: America is determined to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and I will take no options off the table to achieve that goal. But a peaceful resolution of this issue is still possible, and far better, and if Iran changes course and meets its obligations, it can rejoin the community of nations.

The renewal of American leadership can be felt across the globe. Our oldest alliances in Europe and Asia are stronger than ever. Our ties to the Americas are deeper. Our iron-clad commitment to Israel’s security has meant the closest military cooperation between our two countries in history. We’ve made it clear that America is a Pacific power, and a new beginning in Burma has lit a new hope. From the coalitions we’ve built to secure nuclear materials, to the missions we’ve led against hunger and disease; from the blows we’ve dealt to our enemies; to the enduring power of our moral example, America is back.

Anyone who tells you otherwise, anyone who tells you that America is in decline or that our influence has waned, doesn’t know what they’re talking about. That’s not the message we get from leaders around the world, all of whom are eager to work with us. That’s not how people feel from Tokyo to Berlin; from Cape Town to Rio; where opinions of America are higher than they’ve been in years. Yes, the world is changing; no, we can’t control every event. But America remains the one indispensable nation in world affairs – and as long as I’m President, I intend to keep it that way.

That’s why, working with our military leaders, I have proposed a new defense strategy that ensures we maintain the finest military in the world, while saving nearly half a trillion dollars in our budget. To stay one step ahead of our adversaries, I have already sent this Congress legislation that will secure our country from the growing danger of cyber-threats.

Above all, our freedom endures because of the men and women in uniform who defend it. As they come home, we must serve them as well as they served us. That includes giving them the care and benefits they have earned – which is why we’ve increased annual VA spending every year I’ve been President. And it means enlisting our veterans in the work of rebuilding our Nation.

With the bipartisan support of this Congress, we are providing new tax credits to companies that hire vets. Michelle and Jill Biden have worked with American businesses to secure a pledge of 135,000 jobs for veterans and their families. And tonight, I’m proposing a Veterans Job Corps that will help our communities hire veterans as cops and firefighters, so that America is as strong as those who defend her.

Which brings me back to where I began. Those of us who’ve been sent here to serve can learn from the service of our troops. When you put on that uniform, it doesn’t matter if you’re black or white; Asian or Latino; conservative or liberal; rich or poor; gay or straight. When you’re marching into battle, you look out for the person next to you, or the mission fails. When you’re in the thick of the fight, you rise or fall as one unit, serving one Nation, leaving no one behind.

One of my proudest possessions is the flag that the SEAL Team took with them on the mission to get bin Laden. On it are each of their names. Some may be Democrats. Some may be Republicans. But that doesn’t matter. Just like it didn’t matter that day in the Situation Room, when I sat next to Bob Gates – a man who was George Bush’s defense secretary; and Hillary Clinton, a woman who ran against me for president.

All that mattered that day was the mission. No one thought about politics. No one thought about themselves. One of the young men involved in the raid later told me

Our One-on-One Interview with Judy Cates (D) Candidate for Judge in the 5th Dist Appellate Court of Southern Illinois

2012-01-09T13:50:00.002-06:00

NOTE: Judy Cates does not have a primary challenger, and so she will be the Democratic candidate on the November 2012 ballot for the 5th District.

Our One on One with Treasurer Dan Rutherford (R) on Why He's Backing Mitt Romney for President

2012-01-09T12:49:00.002-06:00

Presidential Candidates File [ or don't ] for Illinois' March 20 Presidential Primary

2012-01-06T16:08:00.004-06:00

Today, Jan 6, is the deadline for filing your delegate slate for the March 20, Presidential Primary in Illinois.

INTERESTINGLY... THREE groups filed slates for the Obama delegates, so the state Democratic Party will have to inform the Board of Elections, which slate is the one intended to represent the party and the President.

As per the Republican candidates, from what we now know.... Romney's delegate slate was filed in full earlier in the week, meaning he could pick up as many at 54 delegates.

Some campaigns are not filing a delegate slate - including the Perry campaign. Although, Gov Perry's name WILL appear on the ballot. So what that means is, even if Perry were to win the state's vote count, it would be to no real effect in terms of winning delegates that would be applied to his getting the nomination. It's a beauty contest for Perry.

Santorum folks had yet to apply as of this writing, but may be in the Board of Elections in Springfield as this is being posted, as the deadline is just 18 mins away. The expectation was that Santorum's campaign was making an effort to also post a full delegate count.

Ron Paul's campaign also filed a full slate, so he's in the hunt.

Again -- 54 GOP delegates are at stake. Each campaign has to get 600 signatures per congressional district, in which they hope to elect delegates.

Unlike Virginia, where he failed to get on the ballot, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is expected to file a full slate -- but this is unconfirmed at this point.

Former Louisiana Gov Buddy Roemer -- a former Democrat -- has also filed, but we understand it's a partial slate of delegates, having not collected the required signatures in all the congressional districts... which is btw, a hard thing to do given that certain areas, like Bobby Rush's first congressional district, may not have 600 Republicans in the entire district ! Perhaps, I exaggerate !

December Jobs Report Shows non-Farm Payroll created 200,000 New Jobs

2012-01-06T16:05:00.001-06:00

The economy create 200,000 jobs in December and lowered the unemployment rate from 8.7% to 8.5%. One can slice and dice this a lot. December is a particularly odd month for employment due to the Christmas season and temporary hiring. But it is fair to say the economy is better off today than it was 3 years ago.

What is open for discussion, is whether the economy is improving despite the federal govt, or because of it. And -- whether we might have lowered unemployment much faster had the first focus been on the economy instead of passing the healthcare bill. But no doubt the President will be crowing about this improvement in job creation. Today's employment report now makes Feb and March the more important to see if this a trend.

Moody's Lower's Illinois' Credit Rating Again, but Then RAISES Its Outlook from Negative to "Stable"

2012-01-06T13:55:00.005-06:00

FROM MOODY'S DOWNGRADE OF ILLINOIS'CREDIT RATING FROM A-1 to A-2, ON GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. NOTE ALSO THEY DROPPED THE RATING on $2.48 Billion worth of bonds for Chicago's Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. That's fallen from A-2 down to A-3.

And YET ! The raise their outlook on Illinois from Negative, to Stable !

Opinion
Moody's Investors Service has lowered the State of Illinois' general obligation bond rating to A2 from A1 and revised the state's outlook to stable from negative. The A2 rating has also been assigned to $800 million general obligation January 2012 Series A and Taxable Series B bonds that the state has scheduled to price on January 11. Proceeds will finance school, transportation and other capital projects. We have also downgraded to A2 from A1 the rated portion of the state's $2.47 billion of outstanding Build Illinois sales tax revenue bonds, and to A3 from A2 $2.48 billion of Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority and $73 million of Civic Center Program bonds.

SUMMARY RATING RATIONALE

The downgrade of the state's long-term debt follows a legislative session in which the state took no steps to implement lasting solutions to its severe pension under-funding or to its chronic bill payment delays. Failure to address these challenges undermines near- to intermediate-term prospects for fiscal recovery. It remains to be seen whether the state has the political willingness to impose durable policies leading to fiscal strength, though in the recent past it has reached consensus on difficult decisions, such as temporary income tax increases enacted last year that stabilized state finances and reduced the state's need for non-recurring budgetary measures. Illinois retains the sovereign revenue and spending powers common to all U.S. state governments. These powers, along with Illinois' legal provisions giving G.O. debt service priority over other state spending, support the move to a stable outlook.

STRENGTHS

- Sovereign powers over revenue and spending

- Statutory provisions giving priority to debt-service over other state expenditures

CHALLENGES

- Severe pension funding shortfall
- Chronic use of payment deferrals to manage operating fund cash

- Weak management practices reflected in pension under-funding and payment delays

Outlook

The state's stable outlook reflects its sovereign powers over revenue and spending, as well as statutory provisions establishing priority of payment for G.O. debt service. Although the likelihood of effective, proactive movement on major challenges appears minimal at present, the state's stable outlook also relies on a demonstrated ability to make politically difficult choices as the need arises.

WHAT COULD MAKE THE RATING GO UP

- Adoption of a credible, comprehensive long-term pension funding plan

- Substantial progress in reducing payment backlog, and legal framework or plan to prevent renewed buildup of late bills

WHAT COULD MAKE THE RATING GO DOWN

- Early phase-out of 2011 tax increases without offsetting binding expenditure actions, increasing the structural gap

- Further deterioration in pension funded status or failure to make legally required contributions

FULL Article
http://www.moodys.com/research/MOODYS-LOWERS-STATE-OF-ILLINOIS-GO-RATING-TO-A2-FROM--PR_234787

President Obama's Statement on Funding Cuts and New Strategy for US Defense Forces

2012-01-05T11:17:00.002-06:00

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

ON THE DEFENSE STRATEGIC REVIEW

The Pentagon

11:00 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody. The United States of America is the greatest force for freedom and security that the world has ever known. And in no small measure, that’s because we’ve built the best-trained, best-led, best-equipped military in history -- and as Commander-in-Chief, I’m going to keep it that way.

Indeed, all of us on this stage -- every single one of us -- have a profound responsibility to every soldier, sailor, airman, Marine and Coast Guardsman who puts their life on the line for America. We owe them a strategy with well-defined goals; to only send them into harm’s way when it’s absolutely necessary; to give them the equipment and the support that they need to get the job done; and to care for them and their families when they come home. That is our solemn obligation.

And over the past three years, that’s what we’ve done. We’ve continued to make historic investments in our military -- our troops and their capabilities, our military families and our veterans. And thanks to their extraordinary service, we’ve ended our war in Iraq. We’ve decimated al Qaeda’s leadership. We’ve delivered justice to Osama bin Laden, and we’ve put that terrorist network on the path to defeat. We’ve made important progress in Afghanistan, and we’ve begun to transition so Afghans can assume more responsibility for their own security. We joined allies and partners to protect the Libyan people as they ended the regime of Muammar Qaddafi.

Now we’re turning the page on a decade of war. Three years ago, we had some 180,000 troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, we’ve cut that number in half. And as the transition in Afghanistan continues, more of our troops will continue to come home. More broadly, around the globe we’ve strengthened alliances, forged new partnerships, and served as a force for universal rights and human dignity.

In short, we’ve succeeded in defending our nation, taking the fight to our enemies, reducing the number of Americans in harm’s way, and we’ve restored America’s global leadership. That makes us safer and it makes us stronger. And that’s an achievement that every American -- especially those Americans who are proud to wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces -- should take great pride in.

This success has brought our nation, once more, to a moment of transition. Even as our troops continue to fight in Afghanistan, the tide of war is receding. Even as our forces prevail in today’s missions, we have the opportunity -- and the responsibility -- to look ahead to the force that we are going to need in the future.

At the same time, we have to renew our economic strength here at home, which is the foundation of our strength around the world. And that includes putting our fiscal house in order. To that end, the Budget Control Act passed by Congress last year -- with the support of Republicans and Democrats alike -- mandates reductions in federal spending, including defense spending. I’ve insisted that we do that responsibly. The security of our nation and the lives of our men and women in uniform depend on it.

That’s why I called for this comprehensive defense review -- to clarify our strategic interests in a fast-changing world, and to guide our defense priorities and spending over the coming decade -- because the size and the structure of our military and defense budgets have to be driven by a strategy, not the other way around. Moreover, we have to remember the lessons of history. We can’t afford to repeat the mistakes that have been made in the past -- after World War II, after Vietnam -- when our military was left ill prepared for the future. As Commander in Chief, I will not let that happen again. Not on my watch.

We need a start -- we need a smart, strategic set of priorities. The new guidance that the Defense Department is releasing today does just that. I want to thank Secretary Panetta and General Dempsey for their extraordinary leadership during this process. I want to thank the service secretaries and chiefs, the combatant commanders and so many defense leaders -- military and civilian, active, Guard and reserve -- for their contributions. Many of us met repeatedly -- asking tough questions, challenging our own assumptions and making hard choices. And we’ve come together today around an approach that will keep our nation safe and our military the finest that the world have ever known.

This review also benefits from the contributions of leaders from across my national security team -- from the departments of State, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs, as well as the intelligence community. And this is critical, because meeting the challenges of our time cannot be the work of our military alone -- or the United States alone. It requires all elements of our national power, working together in concert with our allies and our partners.

So I’m going to let Leon and Marty go into the details. But I just want to say that this effort reflects the guidance that I personally gave throughout this process. Yes, the tide of war is receding. But the question that this strategy answers is what kind of military will we need long after the wars of the last decade are over. And today, we’re fortunate to be moving forward from a position of strength.

As I made clear in Australia, we will be strengthening our presence in the Asia Pacific, and budget reductions will not come at the expense of that critical region. We’re going to continue investing in our critical partnerships and alliances, including NATO, which has demonstrated time and again -- most recently in Libya -- that it’s a force multiplier. We will stay vigilant, especially in the Middle East.

As we look beyond the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- and the end of long-term nation-building with large military footprints -- we’ll be able to ensure our security with smaller conventional ground forces. We’ll continue to get rid of outdated Cold War-era systems so that we can invest in the capabilities that we need for the future, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, counterterrorism, countering weapons of mass destruction and the ability to operate in environments where adversaries try to deny us access.

So, yes, our military will be leaner, but the world must know the United States is going to maintain our military superiority with armed forces that are agile, flexible and ready for the full range of contingencies and threats.

We’re also going to keep faith with those who serve, by making sure our troops have the equipment and capabilities they need to succeed, and by prioritizing efforts that focus on wounded warriors, mental health and the well-being of our military families. And as our newest veterans rejoin civilian life, we’ll keep working to give our veterans the care, the benefits and job opportunities that they deserve and that they have earned.

Finally, although today is about our defense strategy, I want to close with a word about the defense budget that will flow from this strategy. The details will be announced in the coming weeks. Some will no doubt say that the spending reductions are too big; others will say that they’re too small. It will be easy to take issue with a particular change in a particular program. But I’d encourage all of us to remember what President Eisenhower once said -- that “each proposal must be weighed in the light of a broader consideration: the need to maintain balance in and among national programs.” After a decade of war, and as we rebuild the source of our strength -- at home and abroad -- it’s time to restore that balance.

I think it’s important for all Americans to remember, over the past 10 years, since 9/11, our defense budget grew at an extraordinary pace. Over the next 10 years, the growth in the defense budget will slow, but the fact of the matter is this: It will still grow, because we have global responsibilities that demand our leadership. In fact, the defense budget will still be larger than it was toward the end of the Bush administration. And I firmly believe, and I think the American people understand, that we can keep our military strong and our nation secure with a defense budget that continues to be larger than roughly the next 10 countries combined.

So again, I want to thank Secretary Panetta, Chairman Dempsey, all the defense leaders who are on this stage, and some who are absent, for their leadership and their partnership throughout this process. Our men and women in uniform give their very best to America every single day, and in return they deserve the very best from America. And I thank all of you for the commitment to the goal that we all share: keeping America strong and secure in the 21st century, and keeping our Armed Forces the very best in the world.

And with that, I will turn this discussion over to Leon and to Marty, who can explain more and take your questions.

So thank you very much. I understand this is the first time a President has done this. It’s a pretty nice room. (Laughter.)

Thank you guys.

GOP House Leader Tom Cross Statement on Gov Quinn's signing Pension Abuse Bill into Law Today

2012-01-05T10:58:00.001-06:00

GOP House Leader Tom Cross, "Thanks to Governor Quinn's actions today, effective immediately, pension abuse can't run rampant as it has been reported in recent months. As soon as we found out about some of these abuses, we worked quickly with both the House and Senate to pass strong reforms. We will remain vigilant on these issues of abuse as well as tackling the broader systematic funding problems with our pension systems."

Defense Sec Leon Panetta on new Military Strategy & Defense Cuts

2012-01-05T10:30:00.002-06:00

Defense Sec Leon Panetta on new Military Strategy & Defense Cuts by Illinois Channel

Rep Michele Bachmann (R) Announces She's Ending Her 2012 Presidential Campaign

2012-01-04T10:38:00.002-06:00

Rep Michele Bachmann (R) Quits Presidential Race After Iowa Vote by Illinois Channel

214 New Laws Going Into Effect Jan. 1 2012

2011-12-22T15:21:00.002-06:00

From the office of Sen Darin LaHood

SPRINGFIELD- On January 1, 2012, more than 200 new laws, covering everything from local library boards to murder, will go into effect.

New laws that will increase transparency by giving citizens greater access to government information through the internet, encourage the use of alternative energy sources, reduce regulations for home-based food businesses and allow motorcyclists to proceed at a red light if the tripping device fails to trigger, are among the more notable measures.

Senator LaHood added that, as is the case nearly every year, many of the new laws are aimed at closing loopholes needed to crack down on criminal offenders. These include:

• “Andrea’s Law,” which will better track persons convicted of murder once they have been released from prison (HB 263/Public Act 97-0154);
• Tougher penalties for child pornography (HB 3283/Public Act 97-0157);
• More tools to prosecute persons who attempt to lure children for sexual purposes (SB 1038/Public Act 97-0160);
• A prohibition against shining a laser light into a cockpit when a plane is taking off or landing (HB 167/Public Act 97-0153); and
• New penalties for selling manufactured substances know as synthetic cannabinoids, that produce a “high” similar to marijuana (HB 2595/Public Act 97-0193)

The legislation (HB 2860/Public Act 97-0627) allowing motorcyclists to proceed through a red light when it fails to trip, was not without controversy. Gov. Pat Quinn sought to change the measure, but his amendatory veto was overridden during the fall session by strong bipartisan majorities.

Home-based or “cottage” food makers will face less regulation under SB 840/Public Act 97-0393, as long as they produce only food products that are not potentially hazardous.

Citizens will be able to access Hospital Report Cards from the state Department of Public Health Web site under HB 1562/Public Act 97-0171, as well as access information about income, sales, property and business taxes imposed across the state through the Department of Revenue’s Web site under SB 43/Public Act 97-0353.

A number of measures are aimed at encouraging alternative energy and energy conservation. Two of these include HB 3139/Public Act 97-0134, which allows the state’s transportation department to issue permits to those wishing to grow switchgrass on state right-of-ways, and HB 991/ Public Act 97-0105, which seeks to promote rain water conservation, composting and wind energy.

It should be noted that three of the laws going in to effect on Jan. 1 were sponsored in the Senate by Senator LaHood. These include:

• Hotels are now required to be equipped with at least one smoke detector within 15 feet of every room that is used for sleeping purposes. (HB 1398/ PA-97-0447)
• Mandatory maximum fines for a person who has multiple convictions of driving an uninsured motor vehicle. (HB 2267/ PA 97-0407)
• A new “expanded-use” category of antique vehicles is created to allow expanded-use vehicles to have unrestricted use of the highway from April 1 through Oct. 31 instead of being limited to use driving to and from car shows. (HB 3256/PA 97-0412)

The new laws going into effect Jan. 1 include:

9-1-1 Surcharge (SB 2063/PA 97-0463): Establishes a mechanism to collect the 9-1-1 surcharge on pre-paid cell phones, thus requiring merchants to collect the surcharge at the point of sale.

Abuse Coverage (HB 3358/PA 97-0343): Extends a mandate under the Illinois Insurance Code to the state group health insurance plan, county governments, school districts, and cities regarding victims of physical or sexual abuse, to ensure all insurance plans have similar provisions to cover abuse victims.

Academic Watch (HB 1415/PA 97-0370): Allows local school boards to, if federal grants are available, opt in to a full-year pilot plan if a school is on academic watch status for more than 2 years. Schools that opt in must increase their school calendar by 35 days, and requires students attend a minimum of 215 days. This pilot program affects only schools in Sen. James Meeks' district.
Acid Attack (HB 2193/PA 97-0565): Prohibits the possession and carrying of certain caustic substances regulated under the Federal Caustic Poison Act that are required to bear the warning “causes severe burns," and which are capable of causing serious injury. The legislation is a response to several high-profile acid attacks where the victims were severely disfigured.
Adult Therapy Requests (HB 785/PA 97-0165): Attempts to provide short-term crisis counseling for adults under guardianship to address cases where the guardian is abusive or neglectful. Authorizes any adult to request and receive counseling services or psychotherapy, even if the adult is under guardianship. Establishes that the adult’s guardian will not be informed of counseling or psychotherapy unless the counselor or therapist believes such disclosure is necessary. States that if the counselor or therapist intends to disclose the counseling or psychotherapy, the adult must be informed.

Aggravated Battery (SB 2004/PA 97-0313): States that the assault or battery of a process server or special court appointed process server while in the performance of his or her duties is enhanced to an aggravated assault (Class 4 felony) or an aggravated battery (Class 3 felony).

Aggravated Intimidation (SB 1739/PA 97-0162): Establishes that a person has committed aggravated intimidation if they knew their victim was a civilian reporting information about a forcible felony to a law enforcement agency, and the offense was committed for that reason.

Aldermen Change (SB 1686/PA 97-0146): Streamlines public notice requirements and reduces publication rates for units of local government. Allows any municipality that has a population change that would require an increase or decrease in the number of aldermen to adopt an ordinance or resolution maintaining the current number of aldermen.

Andrea’s Law (HB 263/PA 97-0154): Creates a First Degree Murderer Database for people convicted of first degree murder who have been released from a penal institution or other facility. Places them on the existing Sex Offender Registry or the amended Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry.

Anti-Epileptic Drug Notification (SB 670/PA 97-0456): Requires pharmacists to provide written notification to a patient when dispensing a prescription in which they have substituted a generic anti-epileptic for a brand name anti-epileptic drug.

Antique Vehicles (HB 3256/PA 97-0412): Creates a new "expanded-use" category of antique vehicles (vehicles more than 25 years old). While regular antique vehicles are generally limited to driving to and from car shows when using state highways, the expanded-use vehicles have unrestricted use of the highways from April 1 through Oct. 31. The owner must pay appropriate registration and renewal fees and also pay the $45 per year fee for expanded-use antique vehicle registration.

Background Information Sharing (HB 1240/PA 97-0248): Requires criminal background information on an employee that has been obtained by a school district within the last year to be shared, upon request, with any other school district.

Banking and Estate Clean-Up (HB 1651/PA 97-0492): Makes numerous clean-up changes and clarifications to a current law related to banking and real estate.

Bilingual Education Reporting (HB 3109/PA 97-0305): Requires the Advisory Council on Bilingual Education to submit a one-time report to the State Superintendant, Governor, and the General Assembly about the regulations controlling bilingual education in Illinois.
Brand Name Prescriptions (SB 2046/PA 97-0426): Authorizes HFS to reimburse the dispensing of a 90 day supply of a brand name drug when it is a cost effective, non-narcotic maintenance medication. This bill will also authorize the 90 day supply for brand name drugs.
Brush Clearing (SB 41/PA 97-0417): Allows a township to authorize without a referendum the use of road funds to finance the collection, transport, and disposal of brush and leaves within the unincorporated areas of the township.

Bus Drivers (HB 147/PA 97-0466): States that a non-CDL holder school bus driver will be subject to reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing that’s in conformance with federal regulations, except the results of the tests must be reported in a manner approved by the Secretary of State instead of on federal forms. Aligns the drug testing standard with that of the federal government because the state standards were more rigid than the federal standards creating a significant risk of false positive tests.

Cancer Insurance Coverage (HB 1191/PA 0091): Mandates that routine patient medical care must be provided to patients participating in qualified clinical cancer trials, if the patient’s policy would cover that routine medical care if they were not enrolled in the clinical trial.

CDL Licensing (HB 1295/PA 97-0208): Brings Illinois into compliance with a federal law that requires Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders who must comply with the physical qualifications requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to provide a current original copy of their medical examiner’s certificates to the State driver’s licensing agency before a CDL is issued, renewed, upgraded or transferred.

Charter Schools (HB 2401/PA 97-0151): Requires that with regards to the five “re-enrolling drop-out” charter schools and the 15-maximum “campuses” in Chicago, a collective bargaining contract be entered into between each individual, re-enrolling charter school campus in order to unionize the teachers within that charter school.

Chicago Educational Facility Planning Commission (SB 620/PA 97-0473): Creates the Chicago Educational Facility Planning Commission and gives the commission the authority to approve standards for the capacity and utilization of Chicago Public Schools, approve standards for basic performance measures, approve school actions that are required to be included in the master plan, approve the 5-year Capital Improvement plan and budget, participate in the selection of contractors, and certify whether or not certain requirements have been met.

Child Abuse Reporting (HB 2093/PA 97-0254)/(SB 1950): Changes legislation to reflect the current criminal penalty for making a false report of child abuse to DCFS, and updates the required posted warning to reflect that a false report is a Class 4 felony violation.

Child Luring (SB 1038/PA 97-0160): Requires all child abductors convicted of child luring to undergo a sex offender evaluation prior to sentencing. Increases the penalty to a class 2 felony for a second offense when a person has a prior conviction of a sex offense as defined in the Sex Offender Registration Act or any substantially similar federal, Uniform Code of Military Justice, sister state or foreign government offense. Adds language to make it harder for an offender to claim a lawful intent (of trying to lure a minor) if they do not have express permission of a parent.

Child Passenger Safety (HB 1222/PA 97-0026): Requires that after satisfactory completion of a child passenger safety instructional course the technician who conducted the course must issue a letter of completion on a form that has been verified by IDOT. This will help the judges more easily identify the letter’s purpose.

Child Pornography (HB 3283/PA 97-0157): Enhances the penalty for filming, videotaping, or creating a moving image of child pornography, or possessing such items.

Closed Meetings (HB 1277/PA 97-0318): Creates an exemption in the Open Meetings Act to allow public bodies to hold closed meetings with auditors or financial committees, if the meeting was called to discuss suspected or potential fraud, or internal control weaknesses.

College Technology Entrepreneur Centers (HB 1876/PA 97-0196): Authorizes the board of trustees of each public university and community college in Illinois to create a technology entrepreneur center, which will provide goods and personnel to innovators who possess an innovative concept that has not yet been offered for sale. The goal is to help them develop their concept to the point where it can become a business venture.
College Student Data (SB 122/PA 97-0588): Requires all public institutions of higher education to track the status of students who are the first in their family to attend an institution of higher education.
Comptroller (HB 1527/PA 97-0269): Allows the Comptroller to enter into reciprocal offset agreements with the federal government. These agreements would require the Comptroller to reduce State payments to those owing federal nontax debts and remit the amount to the Treasury.

Condo Association Court Cost Recovery (SB 1972/PA 97-0535): Allows a condo association to recover court costs incurred by the association during an action to enforce collection, rather than the association's costs of collection.

Conservation District (SB 1436/PA 97-0601): Amends the Illinois Municipal Code to include areas owned by a conservation district under the definition of a "conservation area." At issue is a municipality trying to annex property located across a conservation district

Contract Disclosure (HB 1444/PA 97-0490): Allows, for purposes of disclosure of financial interests by bidders on state contracts, privately held entities that have more than 100 shareholders and are exempt from Federal 10k reporting, to submit the information that they are required to report under federal regulations and list the names of any person or entity holding any ownership share greater than 5 percent. This bill would allow more companies to provide financial interest statements in this way, as opposed to submitting firm ownership and conflict information with each and every bid they submit.

Controlled Substances (HB 2917/PA 97-0334): Makes various changes to clean-up the Illinois Controlled Substances Act and to bring it into compliance with federal standards including updating or deleting certain definitions; allowing authorized prescribers to issue electronic prescriptions if done in accordance with federal rules; outlining fines for crimes relating to controlled substances; providing for data collection; and more.

Consumer Loan Affiliates (SB 674/PA 97-0420): Defines payday loan “affiliates” as any person or entity that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or shares control with another person or entity. States that a person or entity who has control over another is the person or entity who has an ownership interest of 25 percent or more in the other.

Co-Payment Scale (SB 1236/PA 97-0422): Bases child-care copayments for families who receive child care services or public assistance on family size and income, not on the number of children in care or the amount of services used. Also sets a sliding scale for co-payments, reflecting a lower percentage of income for the poorest families, and with a co-payment that gradually increase as family income increases.

Copyright Restrictions (SB 2040/PA 97-0538): Prohibits the unlawful use of sound recordings, except when accompanying a motion picture or other audiovisual work, that were initially recorded before February 15, 1972. Anything after that date is protected by Federal copyright law and preempts state law.

Correctional Facilities (HB 2590/PA 97-0380): Prohibits any unit of local government or a county sheriff (formerly only the state) from contracting with a private entity to operate a correctional facility.

Cottage Food Deregulation (SB 840/PA 97-0393): Allows for deregulation at the local level of cottage food operations, so only "State-certified local public health departments" would be permitted to regulate cottage food operation. Cottage food operations are those where a person produces or packages non-potentially hazardous food in a home kitchen.

Credit Unions (HB 3050/PA 97-0133): Requires that if a credit union requests a hearing in response to a fine, the Secretary of IDFPR must schedule a hearing within 30 days of the request or the fine will be stayed until the final administrative order is entered.

Currency Exchange (HB 159/PA 97-0315): Requires a currency exchange to give the Secretary at IDFPR 30 days notice before the business can begin offering approved additional services. Also increases a number of fees paid by community and ambulatory currency exchanges. Makes technical and administrative changes relating to cease-and-desist orders and confidentiality.

Damaged Road Cost Recovery (HB 1541/PA 97-0373): Gives units of local government the same authority that State agencies have to seek recovery for the repair or replacement costs for
damaged or destroyed roadway property.

Debt Collection (HB 1513/PA 97-0120): Allows employers to deduct wages without the employee’s consent in order to collect a debt owed to a municipality or to recoup excess money that was paid by a municipality in error.

Death Reporting (HB 1259/PA 97-0111): Requires the electronic reporting system for death registrations to transfer information to DHFS at least once every 3 months for the purpose of updating the Medicaid recipient roster.

Diabetes Education Programs (HB 2249/PA 97-0281): Includes in diabetes coverage, education programs that allow a patient to maintain A1c levels, so that people can make the appropriate lifestyle and medical choices needed to help control their diabetes. A1c provides an average of blood sugar control over a six to 12 week period, and is used in conjunction with home blood sugar monitoring.

Disability Definition (HB 3010/PA 97-0410): Includes mental, psychological, or developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, in the portion of the Human Rights Act that prohibits discrimination in public accommodations.

Divorce Concessions (SB 1824/PA 97-0608): Allows people in divorce situations to use life insurance as a security for child support and maintenance obligations.
DNA Submission (HB 3238/PA 97-0383): Expands the list of those required to submit to DNA testing to include (1) a person required by an order of the court to submit a DNA specimen; (2) any person arrested for any of the following offenses, after a determination by a judge or a grand jury that probable cause exists for the arrest: first degree murder, home invasion, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault; and (3) any person required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act, regardless of the date of conviction.
DPH Reporting (SB 1805/PA 97-0049): Requires DPH’s yearly report containing information about certain Multidrug Resistant Organism infections to be substantially similar to the CDC’s surveillance system, which is more specific and thus more helpful and informative than the current reporting system.

Drug Dealers ER Fines (HB 1258/PA 97-0434): Establishes that people found guilty of manufacturing or delivering drugs that precipitated an emergency response will be liable for the expense of the emergency response, and must also pay additional new fines.

Dry-Cleaning Facility (HB 1953/PA 97-0377): Requires an active dry-cleaning facility that has previously received or is currently receiving reimbursement of remedial action benefits under the Act to maintain continuous financial assurance for environmental liability coverage in the amount of $500,000.

Dry-Cleaner Licensing (HB 2777/PA 97-0332): Allows dry-cleaning license fees to be paid by credit card or business check, and reduces the fees for late payment of license fees.

Duck Hunting (HB 3019/PA 97-0132): Requires that in Alexander, Union, Williamson, and Jackson counties, consent of adjacent landowners must be received before a commercial duck hunting area is allowed to place a duck blind within 100 yards of a landowner’s property line.

Educational Environment No-Contact (HB 192/PA 97-0294): Amends laws relating to “No Contact” orders and domestic violence restrictions to address situations where a petitioner and a respondent attend the same elementary, middle or high school. Establishes that when considering these types of cases the court must consider the severity of the crime, the ability to transfer the respondent to another school or program and the logistics associated with this potential transfer. Allows the court to order the respondent to change schools, change his or her program, or have his or her movements restricted.

Educational Training (SB 1578/PA 97-0525): Adds educational support personnel to those who can attend teacher's workshops, or institutes (professional development/training days). States that the support personnel may be exempt from a workshop if it isn’t relevant to the work they do and it is not related to the health and safety of students. For Cook County only, when referring to the 4 days that may be used for teacher in-service workshops or professional development, adds that 2 days may be used as a teacher's and educational support personnel workshop, when approved by the Regional Superintendent.

Electronic Records and Fees (HB 1470/PA 97-0403): Requires DHFS to provide an electronic submission process for assessment reports for long term care facilities. Requires a separate submission be completed for each of these facilities operated by a long term care provider. HFS is required to prepare an assessment bill that states the amount due and payable each month to be submitted electronically to each long term care facility. Payments must contain a copy of the bill sent to the facility. A 25 percent fee is established for long term care facilities that fail to file their bills with payment, unless that fee is waived by HFS. Prohibits a fee being charged if HFS does not provide a process for electronic submission of the data. The electronic submission system and penalties must be implemented by July 1, 2013.

Emergency Lights (SB 956/PA 97-0039): Allows a blue oscillating, rotating, or flashing light to be used when parked or stationary at the scene of a fire, rescue call, ambulance call, or motor vehicle accident.

Emergency Medical Services (HB 1610/PA 97-0082): Allows EmSeeQ devices, which are worn by people with a propensity to wander (such as those who have developmental disabilities and other disorders, including Alzheimer's and autism) to access 9-1-1 systems. Requires that the devices be controlled by trained personnel at a service center to prevent false activation and repeated calls to 9-1-1. The device must be capable of two-way communication, or capable of sending a pre-recorded message explaining the nature of the emergency.

Engineering Diversity (HB 1256/PA 97-0288): Creates the Diversity in Engineering scholarship program to promote representation of minority groups in the field of civil engineering.

Equal Pay Act (SB 115/PA 97-0512): Provides for civil penalties of up to $5,000 when an employer interferes with an employee’s attempt to exercise a right granted to them by the Equal Pay Act.

Eviction (HB 1209/PA 97-0247): Allows a landlord to request rent be paid for the period of time pending an eviction, if the eviction has been put on hold by a judge.

Expelled Students (HB 2086/PA 97-0495): States that an expelled or suspended student may immediately be transferred to an alternative program unless there is a threat to the safety of students or staff in the alternative program. A pupil must not be denied transfer because of the expulsion. Additionally, provides that enrollment in a charter Alternative Learning Opportunity school must be available to any pupil who has been expelled or suspended for more than 20 days. Changes the district policy choice to state that the student must complete the entire term of suspension/expulsion in a Regional Safe School or an ALOP before being admitted into the school district.

False Representation (SB 64/PA 97-219): Prohibits knowingly and falsely representing oneself to be another person in order to intimidate, threaten, injure, defraud, or obtain a benefit from another. Prohibits a person from claiming to represent a person or organization in order to obtain a benefit, or to injure or defraud another person.

Financial Crime Penalty (SB 1699/PA 97-0147): Increases the penalties of the financial crimes statute to create parity with the penalty provisions for the same dollar amounts contained in the general theft statute, so that a financial crime which exceeds $500,000 but does not exceed $1,000,000, is now a Class 1 non-probationable felony.
Financial Exploitation (HB 1689/PA 97-0482): Creates stricter laws against financial exploitation of an elderly person or person with a disability, by lowering the property value threshold that constitutes a Class 1 or 2 felony for the offense of financial exploitation. Provides that payment of restitution is not limited to five years for this offense as it is with other crimes.
Fire Safety (HB 1359/PA 97-0488): Allows the fire chief or other officer of a fire protection district to prohibit open burning on an emergency basis when wind, weather, or another factors create a risk of a fire spreading. (HB 1095/PA 97-0554): Prohibits the use of a rebuilt flame safeguard control in forced air heating equipment in any non-residential structure, excluding production agriculture structures. Allows for rebuilt flame safeguard controls to be used if labeled and listed by a nationally recognized testing agency
First Aid Kits (HB 1573/PA 97-0374): Requires all classes of railroads to have first aid kits available when transporting railroad employees.

FOID Relinquishment (HB 1272/PA 97-0401): Requires that when a person awaiting trial is required as a condition of bail to relinquish his or her FOID card to the circuit court clerk, the circuit court clerk must mail the confiscated FOID card to ISP.

FOID Revocation (HB 3365/PA 97-0158): Provides that a person convicted of domestic battery is not eligible to obtain or keep a FOID Card. People who have an order of protection issued against them must also surrender their FOID Card for the duration of the order.

Forgery Terminology (SB 2027/PA 97-0231): Adds the act of making "a false document" and “to make it false” to the prohibited conduct currently included under a forgery offense.
Gang Prevention (HB 3033/PA 97-0435): Establishes a statewide criminal street gang prevention and intervention grant program to be operated by the Dept. of Juvenile Justice with federal dollars. Requires the Criminal Justice Information Authority to help local governments in obtaining grant money from the federal government.
General Theft Offenses (SB 1228/PA 97-0597): Combines many specialized theft offenses into general theft offenses, removes unconstitutional provisions in the theft statute, consolidates various offenses scattered throughout the code, adds “mental state” where missing from certain offenses, and provides for penalty consistency. Part of the CLEAR Commission Criminal Code rewrite.

Governor’s Budget Relief (SB 1968/PA 97-0613): Places an immediate effective date on the portion of SB 335 relating to interfund transfers, which will give the Governor 17 months to repay interfund transfers for Medicaid bills. This equals about $1 billion in budget relief for the Governor.

Green Energy (HB 991/PA 97-0105): Expands the Homeowners’ Solar Rights Act to include wind and rain water collection and composting systems in the association’s energy policy statement.

Gold Star Families (HB 2875/PA 97-0302): States that the natural mother, father or spouse of an Illinois veteran, who was killed in the line of duty, is entitled to admission to Illinois veterans homes if there are vacant beds.

Good Samaritan (SB 1372/PA 97-0183): Provides immunity for people (not corporations) who donate medical equipment or supplies (not medication) to a veterinarian school or licensed veterinarian for use by the veterinarian school or by the veterinarian in that person’s veterinary practice.

Gubernatorial Appointees (SB 265/PA 97-0257): Requires that the Governor’s appointment for probation services must be based on a recommendation from the Illinois Probation and Court Services Association, and reduces the Sex Offender Management Board from 24 to 20 members.

Gun Possession (HB 3431/PA 97-0347): Eliminates delivery as an element of possession of a stolen firearm and aggravated possession of a stolen firearm. Adds the element of delivery in the statute concerning unlawful sale of firearms, and changes the name of that offense to unlawful sale or delivery of firearms. Changes a reference from “more than 31 firearms” to “31 or more firearms,” and establishes that the higher-level Class X offense applies to the unlawful possession of “more than 31 firearms.”

Gun Running (SB 2064/PA 97-0540): Provides that when a court finds that a vehicle was used in a violation relating to gun running, which is a felony offense, the Secretary of State may suspend registration for a period of up to 90 days. Eliminates the ability to revoke the registration.

Harry “Babe” Woodyard Natural Area (SB 154/PA 97-0177): Designates the official name of the Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area in Vermillion County to be a state natural area.

Hate Crimes (SB 1708/PA 97-0161): If an offender receives probation or conditional discharge following a conviction for a hate crime where the offender caused criminal damage to religious property, the offender must enroll in an educational program discouraging hate crimes.

Healthcare Information (HB 1562/PA 97-0171): Requires the Illinois Department of Public Health to make the Hospital Report Card Act available on its Web site. States that links to the Consumer Guide to Health Care and the Hospital Report Card Act on DPH’s Web site must include a brief description of the information available in both. Requires, if relevant, DPH to reference the Web pages of the Consumer Guide to Health Care and the Hospital Report Card Act when it creates new or updates existing consumer fact sheets or materials for the purpose of educating the Illinois health care consumer.

Higher Ed Programs (SB 1883/PA 97-0610): Requires each State university to annually report to the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) on the programs of instruction, research, or public service that have been terminated, dissolved, reduced, or consolidated by the university, as well as all aforementioned programs that exhibit a trend of low performance in enrollments, degree completions, and high expense per degree. IBHE will compile an annual report to be submitted to the General Assembly that contains information on new programs created, existing programs that have been closed or consolidated, and programs that exhibit low performance or productivity. (HB 1079): Increases the dollar value for the listing of equipment that public universities must provide to CMS, from $500 to $1,000. Also requires each state university to report annually to the IHBE the following: programs of instruction that have been terminated, dissolved, reduced, or consolidated; all programs of instruction, research, or public service that exhibit a trend of low performance in enrollments and degree completions and high expense per degree; tuition increases for the upcoming academic year; and any cost-saving measures undertaken during the previous fiscal year. IBHE will compile an annual report that will contain this information and provide it to the General Assembly.

HIV/AIDS Registry (HB 299/PA 97-0550): Requires information concerning cases in the HIV/AIDS Registry to include all CD4 and HIV viral load test results, and states that hospitals and laboratories may only be required to report all CD4 and HIV viral load test results for tests performed on or after 90 days if DPH provides an electronic method to report results, and only if hospitals or labs have electronic records to identify HIV patients. Hospitals and labs will continue to report through current administrative rules until electronic lab reporting is established.

Homicide Training Waiver (HB 1069/PA 97-0553): States that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board and Director of State Police must develop a waiver process for homicide investigation training and certification. The waiver will be based on an officer's prior training and experience in homicide investigations.

Horse Liens (HB 3012/PA 97-0569): Provides for a lien for stable owners for the boarding and stabling of a horse and allows the sale of the horse at public or private sale in order to satisfy the lien. This establishes a mechanism for stable keepers—who are experiencing an increased number of abandoned horses—to have the ability to sell these abandoned horses and recoup their costs.

Human Rights Procedures (HB 178/PA 97-0022): States that when reviewing human rights cases (other than those involving real estate transactions) a fact finding conference must occur unless 1) the Director rules within a year of the charge being filed that there is no substantial evidence of a civil rights violation 2) the charge is dismissed for lack of jurisdiction or 3) the parties voluntarily agree to waive a fact finding conference. This is a “cost cutting” measure advanced by the Dept. of Human Rights.

Human Trafficking (SB 1037/PA 97-0267): Allows a victim of human trafficking to file a motion requesting that a court vacate past convictions for misdemeanor and first-time felony prostitution charges.

Hunting Fees for Terminally Ill Individuals (HB 2861/PA 97-0215): Waives hunting fees for terminally ill individuals and allows terminally ill youth to hunt outside of an established season if approved by the Director of DNR.

ID Card Religious Objections (HB 1484/PA 97-0371): Provides for Illinois Identification Cards or Illinois Disabled Person Identification Cards to be issued without photographs if the applicant has a religious objection.

ID Theft Protection (SB 151/PA 97-0388): Prohibits the use, possession, or transfer of a radio frequency identification device (RFID) capable of obtaining or processing personal identifying information from a credit or debit card to use the new chip technology for an illegal purpose.

Identity Protection (HB 3513/PA 97-0139): States that an individual’s social security number may not be printed on a wristband or on the outside of any file associated with the products or services of the person.
Impoundment (HB 1220/PA 97-0109): Allows a municipality to impose a reasonable fee for impoundment of a vehicle to cover administrative and processing costs for the investigation, arrest, and detention of an offender or the removal, impoundment, storage, and release of a vehicle.
IMRF Pension Reform (SB 1831/PA 97-0609): Makes changes in "final rate of earnings" under IMRF to establish that the final 3 months to final 24 months shall not exceed 125% for the highest earnings of any other month in the final earnings period. Requires "Pension Impact Notes" to be sent from IMRF to an IMRF employer that grants greater then a 12% earnings adjustment to a manager, executive or officer. Requires the IMRF "pension impact note" to state in writing the effect that the increase in salary has on pension benefits. Requires the IMRF employer to sign the pension impact statement acknowledging they understand the effects of the increase, and pay any costs associated with the pension impact note. Establishes Internet posting requirements for IMRF employees’ salaries over $75,000 and $100,000 a year. Provides that new hires (on or after January 1, 2012), who retire from a pension system, but who return to work for that system on a contractual basis, will have their pension suspended for the duration of the contract. Makes many other changes to pension provisions.

IMRF Pensions (HB 1471/PA 97-0319): Requires that the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund calculation for the present value of a reserve annuity account for salary and service must provide a more accurate cost for each employer when an IMRF employee has worked under two or more IMRF employers.

Infant-care Education Requirements (HB 2099/PA 97-0083): Requires all employees of licensed child care facilities who care for newborns and infants to complete training every 3 years on sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and on the safe sleep recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Infectious Disease Control (HB 1096/PA 97-0107): Requires nursing homes to designate a person as an “Infection Prevention and Control Professional” to develop and carry out policies to control the spread of infections and communicable diseases. Also requires that this person receive the appropriate training to carry out these duties.

Inmate Medical Fees (HB 1929/PA 97-0562): Requires inmates to pay a $5 co-pay (formerly $2) to DOC for each non-emergency medical and dental visit.

Insurance Arbitration (SB 152/PA 97-0513): Requires mandatory arbitration insurers to arbitrate and settle disputes made for physical damage to a vehicle under $2,500.
Insurance Contracts (HB 3034/PA 97-0235): Allows a person who has entered into a written contract with a contractor to be paid from a property and casualty insurance policy, to cancel the contract prior to midnight of the fifth business day after the insured has received written notice from the insurer that any part of the claim or contract is not a covered loss under the insurance policy. If the insurance settlement of a claim is less than the amount claimed or if the claim is denied, the insurance company must provide to the insured a reasonable written explanation of the lower offer or denial within 30 days after the investigation of liability is completed. Within 10 days after a contract has been cancelled, the contractor must reimburse the insured for any payments or deposits made by the insured and any note or other evidence of indebtedness.
Insurance Expense Reporting (SB 1553/PA 97-0524): Changes the insurance company administrative expense reporting requirement to the Illinois Dept. of Insurance from annually, to every 6 months. The bill specifies the 6 month reporting period to be October and April.
Insurance Late Fee Increases (HB 1129/PA 97-0486): Replaces provisions concerning the filing of annual statements and penalties for filing late or false statements of the Dental Services Plan Act and Health Maintenance Organization Act with provisions currently in the Insurance code, which outlines more costly penalties.
Insurance Recoupment (HB 1193/PA 97-0556): Sets the health care provider payment recoupment time limit for insurance companies at 18 months from the original payment to the provider.

Interest Calculation Formula (SB 1133/PA 97-0421): Establishes a formula for interest calculation on payday loans during the initial payment period. Specifically, states that when the first installment period is longer than the others, the amount of the finance charges applicable to the extra days cannot exceed $15.50 per $100 of the original principal balance divided by the number of days in a regularly scheduled installment period and multiplied by the number of extra days. Also clarifies that the term “consecutive days” does not include the date on which a consumer makes the final installment payment.

Internet Threat Penalties (HB 3281/PA 97-0340): Allows a school board to suspend or expel a student who has made an explicit threat on an Internet Web site against a school employee, student, or any school personnel.

Investment Workforce Board (SB 2123/PA 97-0356): Establishes that the Investment Workforce Board is subject to the Illinois Procurement Code, and requires the Board to submit all agendas and meeting minutes to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Also requires the submission of all line-item budgets for local workforce investment areas and a list of all contracts and values for workforce development training and service providers, all of which will be posted on DCEO’s Web site.

ISP Fund Creation (HB 1316/PA 97-0116): Creates the Illinois State Police Projects Trust Fund, the Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness Fund, and the State Police Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Trust Fund, which is necessary to bring ISP into compliance with federal grant guidelines and make ISP eligible for future grants.
Law Enforcement Training Board Replacement (HB 1949/PA 97-0327): Establishes that the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County will replace the Executive Director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education on the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board.
Judgment Enforcement (HB 3478/PA 97-0350): Advances clean-up language that is intended to help keep a judgment alive in cases where the debtor has deliberately taken actions to prevent the creditor from having the judgment enforced.

Jury Duty (HB 1317/PA 97-0436): Exempts people who have a total and permanent disability from serving on jury duty.

Jury Selection (HB 2066/PA 97-0034): Includes claimants for unemployment insurance in the lists used to create jury selection pools.
Juvenile Justice (HB 83/PA 97-0362): Stipulates that committing a minor to the Department of Juvenile Justice must be the least restrictive option. This can only be done after efforts have been made unsuccessfully to locate less restrictive alternatives to secure confinement.
Juvenile Sex Offender Study (SB 2151/PA 97-0163): Provides that the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission study and make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly to ensure the effective treatment and supervision of adjudicated delinquent juvenile sex offenders. The study must also consider the appropriateness and feasibility of restricting juveniles adjudicated as sex offenders from certain locations, such as parks and schools.
Land Surveyor Qualifications (SB 2236/PA 97-0543): Changes qualification for licensure and examinations for land surveyors and land surveyors in training. Applicants for the examination for land surveyor-in-training must have a baccalaureate degree in land surveying from an accredited college or university program; or a baccalaureate degree in a related science, with at least 24 semester hours of land surveying courses from the approved curriculum of an accredited institution.
Landlord Lock Change Requirements (HB 1233/PA 97-0470): Requires a landlord in Cook County to change or re-key locks after a dwelling unit has been vacated and before a new tenant moves in. If a landlord does not change or re-key the lock and a theft occurs at that dwelling unit that is attributable to the landlord's failure to change or re-key the locks, the landlord is liable for any damages from the theft. Some exemptions.

Large Truck Speed Limit (SB 1913/PA 97-0202): Extends the uniform speed limit that currently exists for Interstate highways to include four-lane divided highways. Provides that outside the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will, the speed limit for trucks is uniform with cars, or 65 mph, on four lane divided highways.

Laser Airplane Prohibition (HB 167/PA 97-0153): Prohibits discharging a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft that is taking off, landing, or in flight.

Lead Warning Statements (SB 1943/PA 97-0612): Makes changes to definitions and amends the warning statements relating to lead paint in order to further clarify and improve the related safety provisions.

Library Boards (HB 179/PA 97-0101): Amends the Local Library Act to remove a reference to a report that is no longer published. Also allows a library board to require the treasurer to purchase insurance coverage, instead of the current practice of requiring the treasurer to purchase a personal bond, which requires the submission of a great deal of personal information. Changes the reporting deadline for a library board’s financial report from 30 days after the fiscal year’s end, to 60 days.

License Expiration Deferment (HB 3331/PA 97-0079): Allows the Secretary of State to defer the expiration of the driver’s license for a member of the Armed Forces on active duty outside the State, or their spouse or child, for up to 120 days, currently only 90, after the licensee’s return to Illinois.

Marriage Dissolution (SB 1753/PA 97-0047): Provides that professional personnel who are consulted by the court regarding custody and visitation cases are subject to subpoena relating to the case. The court will allocate the costs and fees of the consultants between the parties based upon the financial ability of each party and other relevant criteria.
Medical Malpractice (HB 1476/PA 97-0449): Allows the public to request the status of a specific complaint or report under review by the medical disciplinary board. Requires IDFPR to contact the complainant 14 days before any hearing relating to the accused. Requires health care facilities to report to DPH within 20 days any actions that have resulted in patient death or serious disability, and allows DPH to investigate further if necessary.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (HB 2982/PA 97-0381): Requires DHS to establish Regional Integrated Behavioral Health Networks to establish improved access to mental health and substance abuse services throughout Illinois by convening all relevant health, mental health, substance abuse and other community entities.

Mental Health Court (SB 1837/PA 97-0440): Directs the mental health court in Kane County to demonstrate the effectiveness of its alternative treatment program in reducing the number of mentally ill people admitted into the correctional system. The court is to cooperate with mental health service providers and have one or more institutions of higher education publish peer-reviewed studies of the outcomes generated by the mental health court.
Mental Health Records (HB 2362/PA 97-0566): Allows mental health records to be disclosed to court appointed providers to be used to determine fitness to stand trial if the records were made within the 180-day period immediately preceding the providers' court appointment.
Military Children Education (HB 3035/PA 97-0216): Extends the Opportunity for Military Children Act until June 30, 2015.

Military Plate Fee Waiver (HB 3172/PA 97-0306): Removes language that requires payment of certain fees beyond the application fee for certain Military and Military Veteran license plates.

Minimum Wage Penalties (HB 3237/PA 97-0571): Increases penalties for contractors, subcontractors and public body employees who do not comply with minimum wage requirements.

Motorcycle Red Lights (HB 2860/PA 97-0627): Allows motorcyclists stopped at a red light to proceed through the light if, after waiting a reasonable length of time, the red light fails to change to green. Governor Quinn issued an amendatory veto to change the language of the measure, however both the House and Senate overrode his changes and the bill became law as originally passed.

Natural Gas Markets (SB 1654/PA 97-0223): Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission's (ICC) Office of Retail Market Development to prepare an annual report regarding the development of competitive retail natural gas markets in Illinois.

Noise Ordinances (HB 1311/PA 97-0115): Clarifies that a non-home rule municipality is allowed to, by ordinance, regulate sound devices.

Notary Identification (HB 350/PA 97-0397): Allows a notary public to consider as acceptable forms of identification State Agency Identification Cards, and Consulate Identification Cards that have the person’s signature and photo on them.

Oath Administration (SB 62/97-0036): Allows any person allowed to administer oaths and affirmations to do so statewide, as opposed to only in their respective districts, circuits, counties or jurisdiction.

Open Meetings (HB 1670/PA 97-0504): Requires all current and future elected and appointed officials in Illinois to take Open Meetings Act training courses administered by the Public Access Counselor in the Attorney General’s office. Elected school board members are exempted from receiving their training through the AG’s office if they take an alternate course offered by an institution created under Article 23 of the School Code.

Oral Cancer Medications (HB 1825/PA 97-0198): Requires insurance plans that provide coverage for oral cancer medications and intravenous cancer medications to cover oral medications at the same benefit cost as intravenous medications.

Park District Board Vacancies (HB 2993/PA 97-0131): Allows a person appointed to fill a vacancy on the Park District Board to serve until the second regularly scheduled election, if the vacancy occurs not less than 123 days before the next election. This is an effort to align park district code with the Election Code.

Parole Objection Protection (SB 1471/PA 97-0523): Prohibits the Prisoner Review Board from releasing information about victims and victims’ families who have filed parole objections. This seeks to protect victims and their family members from an inmate, or possibly an inmate’s friend or acquaintance, who might seek revenge against people who have filed a parole protest.

Parole Rehearing (SB 1470/PA 97-0522): States that after denying parole, the Prisoner Review Board can schedule a rehearing within 5 (rather than 3) years from the date of parole denial if it is not reasonable to expect an inmate's parole to be granted prior to the scheduled rehearing date. This is a way to help victims, who have to appear to protest parole, by reducing the frequency with which they will have to attend a parole hearing for those select cases where inmates are unlikely to be found eligible for parole in the next three years

Parole Terms (SB 1740/PA 97-0531): Requires that the terms of a defendant's parole or Mandatory Supervised Release must be written as part of the sentencing order. Also provides that the 90-day reduction in parole or mandatory supervised release term for an inmate receiving a GED while on parole or Mandatory Supervised Release is discretionary with the Prisoner Review Board, instead of automatic

Patient Information (SB 1282/PA 97-0180): Allows for a patient’s name, address, or unique patient identifier to be included in patient claims and encounter data submitted to the Department of Public Health by hospitals and ambulatory surgical treatment centers.

Payday Loan Act Restrictions for Military (HB 3257/PA 97-0413): States that a creditor charging an annual interest rate greater than 36 percent to a member of the military or their dependants is in violation of the Payday Loan Reform Act.

Performance-Based Funding (HB 1503/PA 97-0320): Directs the Illinois Board of Higher Education to form a group charged with developing a system of performance-based funding that will be based on performance in achieving State-outlined educational goals for student success and certificate and degree completion.

Personal Information Protection (HB 3025/PA 97-0483): Makes various changes regarding notification of a personal information security breach to an Illinois resident and outlines the Attorney General's duties upon receiving notice of a security breach. Also provides guidelines for the disposal of materials containing personal information.

Pet Identification (SB 1637/PA 97-0240): Requires a person who is scanning a lost pet for a micro-chip to also look for other common forms of identification (tattoos, id tags, etc.). Requires the administrator of an animal control facility to contact the pet’s owner or caretaker through telephone and/or e-mail, if possible. Requires that a second scan for a micro-chip be performed on an animal prior to euthanization, and gives animal control facilities immunity from civil liability and criminal damages when (1) they have attempted in good faith to contact the registered owner of a microchipped animal and (2) when they have microchipped an animal.
Pharmaceutical Disposal (HB 3090/PA 97-0546): Allows any unit of local government to display a locked and secured receptacle for used, expired, or unwanted pharmaceuticals at its city hall or police department. Requires that the receptacle be accessible to the public and have a posted, legible sign indicating that the unwanted medication can be disposed of in the receptacle.
Physician Signature (SB 1248/PA 97-0179): Requires all physician’s orders and plans of treatment to have the physician’s original written signature, or to have in place an electronic signature system that allows for the verification of a signer’s credentials.
Pill Incineration (HB 2056/PA 97-0545): Creates the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Fund financed by the new $20 assessment fee for certain drug arrests. The new fund finances grants for the collection, transportation, and incineration of household pills and drugs.
Plumber Licensing (HB 1228/PA 97-0365): Outlines that only the state and the City of Chicago may license plumbers. States that in the event that the plumbing contractor’s registration is suspended or revoked, DFPR must notify the City of Chicago and any corresponding plumbing contractor's license issued by the City of Chicago must also be suspended or revoked. Similarly, the City of Chicago must notify the Department of such suspensions or revocations within its jurisdiction.
Police/Fire Pension Dissolution (HB 144/PA 97-0099): Allows a municipality to dissolve a police or fire pension fund if an auditor has certified there are no liabilities, participants, or beneficiaries. There are currently a few downstate fire and police funds that are inactive but are still required to have an audit.

Police Property Donation (HB 1553/PA 97-0028): Allows a sheriff, chief of police, or other law enforcement official to clear out their inventories of unclaimed property by donating items worth less than $100 to a charitable organization with the approval of the appropriate authority.

Portable Dental Units (SB 1602/PA 97-0528): Defines and establishes regulations for people and entities who own or operate mobile dental vans that are being used to bring dental care directly to patients, particularly in areas where dental resources are scarce. Enforces registration requirements for those who own or operate these dental units, as well as patient record retention requirements. This will help patients obtain additional care following treatment by these mobile dental vans and dental units.

Portable Electronic Insurance (HB 1284/PA 97-0366): Creates a new “limited lines” license for retailers that sell insurance to cover the repair or replacement of portable electronic devices, like wireless phones and computers. Requires anyone who offers or sells the portable electronics insurance to have a limited lines license.

Press Box (SB 2096/PA 97-0355): Establishes that federal accessibility guidelines for press boxes on school property apply in Illinois. The federal guidelines state that a school board does not have to comply with the Illinois Accessibility Code with respect to accessibility in press boxes on school property if the press boxes are in bleachers that have points of entry at only one level, and the aggregate area of the press box is no more than 500 square feet. Repeals language creating the Press Box Accessibility Task Force.

Prisoner Safety (HB 276/PA 97-0104): Clarifies that the warden of a county jail is also authorized to relocate prisoners in the event of inmate-caused disturbances that threaten the security of other inmates. The warden can remove an individual prisoner or group of prisoners (rather than just “the prisoners”) to another jail within the county, or to the jail of another county, if the warden determines the security of the penal institution is threatened (rather than just the “lives or health of the prisoners are endangered”).
Probation Funds (HB 3417/PA 97-0454): Directs funds collected from persons serving probation to be deposited into the Probation and Court Services Fund to pay for costs associated with the probation and court services that are incurred by the county.

Process Servers (SB 2069/PA 97-0427): Allows the courts to appoint a private detective, private detective agency, or their registered employees who have been certified, to serve as special process servers. The private detective or private detective agency must provide the sheriff in each of the counties where they serve process with a copy of his or her license or certificate.

Property Maintenance Violations (HB 1909/PA 97-0561): Provides that with regards to repeated violations of a county’s property maintenance code, service of process against the owner of the property may act as a notice to appear. The goal is to help the county get repeat violators of the property maintenance code into court when the administrative enforcement process is not working.

Property Seizure (SB 2268/PA 97-0544): Provides that, in the event of seizure of property stemming from suspected violation of the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, and the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, notice must be given to all known interest holders that forfeiture proceedings will be instituted. Provides that the notice for the preliminary hearing may be postponed upon a showing of good cause. In addition to making a finding of probable cause, the court must take into account the respective interests of all known claimants to the property including the State, prior to entering an order taking control of the property for the purpose of a forfeiture hearing.

Property Transfers (HB 1153/PA 97-0555): Creates a statutory framework to allow for the transfer of residential real estate upon death through a transfer deed. Outlines under what circumstances this would or would not apply.

Prosthetics (HB 3315/PA 97-0414): Provides that in the 2012 fiscal year, the Discharged Service Members Task Force charged with investigating the re-entry process for service members returning to civilian life, must also assess the availability of prosthetics in its investigation. Currently, the task force considers PTSD, homelessness, disabilities and other relevant issues as members see fit.
Pseudoephedrine Regulation (HB 1908/PA 97-0560): Prohibits a person convicted of using methamphetamine, who is currently on parole, mandatory supervised release, probation or conditional discharge, from purchasing, possessing, or having under their control any product containing pseudoephedrine, unless prescribed by a physician.
Public Aid Fraud (HB 1077/PA 97-0023): Extends the amount of time DHFS has to report to the GA on the number of fraud cases identified and pursued under the medical assistance program, and the fines assessed and collected.

Public Construction Bonds (HB 1226/PA 97-0487): Attempts to make the public bond act easier to understand and use by requiring that any claims for labor or materials furnished to a political subdivision by a sub-contractor can only be enforced if the claimant filed a verified notice of the claim with the Clerk or Secretary of the political subdivision within 180 days after the date of the last item of work or furnishing of the last item of materials. Notice must be filed with the contractor within 10 days after filing the notice with the Secretary or Clerk. The claim must include a description of the claimant's contract as it pertains to the public improvement, describing the work done by the claimant and stating the total amount due and unpaid as of the date of the verified notice. The statute of limitations for filing an action to enforce the claim is extended from 120 days to 1 year after the furnishing of the last item of work or materials by the claimant.
Public Health Standard Orders (SB 123/PA 97-0589): Establishes what public health standing orders must contain and who can provide services under the standing orders. Adds provisions for outpatient clinics to comply with the Public Health Standing Orders Act., and makes other technical changes to bring laws relating to local government and governmental employees tort immunity into accordance with Public Health Standing Orders Act.
Purple Heart Day (HB 1537/PA 97-0258): Establishes Purple Heart Day on Aug. 7th of each year in Illinois. Repeals provisions that established a task force to study the possible health effects of exposure to hazardous materials and requiring the task force to submit a report.

Pyrotechnics Regulations (HB 711/PA 97-0164): Updates the laws regarding the use of pyrotechnics in the musical entertainment industry. Adds provisions concerning exemptions, licensure, qualifications, unlicensed activity, discipline, and reporting accidents or incidents. Makes changes to provisions concerning scope, storage certificates, storage requirements, unlicensed activity, non-residents, recordkeeping, hearings, and criminal penalties.

Racial Classification (HB 332/PA 97-0396): Replaces racial classifications throughout Illinois Statutes with those used by the U.S. Census Bureau, which include Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and White.

Radon Reporting (HB 141/PA 97-0021): Requires landlords to provide tenants with notice of radon tests that indicated a radon hazard.

Rebate Disclosures (HB 3406/PA 97-0308): Requires any business or person who offers a retail rebate to consumers to further clarify what rebate the consumer can expect to receive by disclosing the type of rebate being offered, whether additional fees may apply, and the form of remittance that will be provided to the consumer.

Remedial Summer School (HB 139/PA 97-0086): Requires remedial summer schools to emphasize reading and mathematics for a student who has performed two or more grades below his or her grade level for two consecutive school years.

Rental Car Traffic Citations (HB 1593/PA 97-0029): Allows for a rental car company to provide the name of a previous renter to the SoS to ensure the renter of a car, not the rental company, receives any citation issued to them as the result of an automated traffic camera.

Re-opened Case Notification (SB 1043/PA 97-0457): Requires law enforcement authorities who re-open a closed case to notify the victim or victim's family, unless the State's Attorney determines that disclosure would unreasonably interfere with the investigation.

Respectful Language (SB 1833/PA 97-0227): Makes changes to language in state law to replace the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” and substituting “physically disabled” for the term “crippled.”

Road District Abolition (SB 1907/PA 97-0611): Allows a township board in Cook County to put on the ballot a referendum to eliminate the road district within the township; this would require the township board to assume the responsibilities of the road district.

ROE Shared Services Promotion (SB 2134/PA 97-0357): Encourages regional superintendents to offer, if fiscally prudent, school districts the opportunity to share in joint educational or operational programs. If asked by a school district, the regional superintendent may present opportunities for service sharing or consolidation. Also requires school districts to annually publish on their Web sties a one-page report summarizing the district’s efforts to improve fiscal efficiency.

Safe Patient Handling (HB 1684/PA 97-0122): Makes minor changes to the Safe Patient Handling Policy that are intended to control risk of injury to patients and health care workers associated with the lifting, transferring, repositioning, or movement of a patient.

Safe School Zones (HB 78/PA 97-0547): Establishes a safe school zone and increases the punishment for trespassing in a safe school zone.

Safety Funding (HB 1303/PA 97-0114): Allows Fire Prevention Fund money to be used to fund the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System.

School Reporting Dates (HB 3464/PA 97-0256): Changes the reporting date to October 1 for administrator and teacher salary/benefits, and the claim date to August 30 for orphanage claims. Stipulates that reporting of dual accredited course enrollment will be done at a time designated by the State Superintendent, and requires the educator supply and demand report to be made every 3 years.

Science and Math Partnership Schools (SB 621/PA 97-0097): Allows for the joint operation of elementary science and mathematics partnership schools between multiple school districts, in conjunction with institutions of higher education.

Seat Belts (HB 219/PA 97-0016): Requires adult passengers in the back seat of a vehicle to wear a seat belt, and also requires those 18 and younger riding in a taxi cab for school-related purposes to wear a seat belt.

Sex Offenders (HB 295/PA 97-0155): Requires sex offenders who are employed at or attend an institution of higher education to also register with the campus’s public safety or security director instead of just with the Chief of Police or County Sheriff. (HB 1253/PA 97-0578): Requires sex offenders who have never been required to register before, or whose term of registration has expired, to register or register again if they are convicted of a new felony offense after July 1, 2011.

Sex Offender Stalking (HB 277/PA 97-0468): Provides that a registered sex offender commits the offense of aggravated stalking if he or she is convicted of the offense of stalking against the same victim or a family member of the victim of the offense for which the sex offender had to register.

Sheriff License Plates Fee Exemption (SB 2162/PA 97-0430): Removes the $25 fee for the transfer of registration plates from a wrecked county-owned vehicle to a replacement vehicle, beginning in the 2012 registration year.

Shingle Recycling (HB 1326/PA 97-0314): Reduces the number of shingle waste a shingle recycling company must produce to qualify as a recycling company. This will make it easier for these companies to be issued a recycling permit instead of a landfill waste dump permit, which is a more burdensome and controversial permit.

Smoke Detectors (HB 1398/PA 97-0447): Requires hotels to be equipped with at least one smoke detector within 15 feet of every room that is used for sleeping purposes.

Social Security Number Protection (HB 700/PA 97-0400): Provides that IDFPR can only use a person’s social security number on paperwork for initial licensing. After initial licensing a customer tracking number must be issued and used on all paperwork from that point on.

Spanish DNR Forms (HB 3134/PA 97-0382): Requires the DPH to publish Do Not Resuscitate forms in Spanish.
Specialty Plates (HB 2938/PA 97-0409): Establishes that the Secretary of State (SOS) must receive 1,500 applications for a specialty plate within two years or the SOS’s authority to issue the plate will be nullified. Requires charities that are to receive funds from the sale of a specialty license plate to meet the registration and reporting requirements of the Charitable Trust Act and the Solicitation for Charity Act each year. Provides that specialty plates will be discontinued if their registrations fall below 1,000 a year, and requires SOS to recall all issued plates of that type; vehicle owners who have the recalled plates are entitled to receive different plates without a fee.
Substance Abuse-Treatment Funding (HB 2048/PA 97-0253): Allows State's Attorneys to use drug asset forfeiture funds for grants to local substance abuse treatment facilities and half-way houses.

Surveyor Training (HB 1380/PA 97-0489): Requires DPH to establish a surveyor training unit funded from money deposited in the Long Term Care Monitor/Receiver Fund, which will help DPH to carry out the survey process with minimal use of State funds

Switchgrass Production Permits (HB 3139/PA 97-0134): Allows the Illinois Department of Transportation to issue a switchgrass production permit to allow private entities to grow and harvest switchgrass on specified right-of-ways.

Synthetic Cannabis (HB 2595/PA 97-0193): Adds to the list of Schedule I controlled substances five generic definitions of classes of synthetic cannabinoids, which are often sold alongside smoking paraphernalia to produce a “high” similar to that associated with cannabis.

Tax Abatement (HB 212/PA 97-0577): Allows property tax abatements for certain municipalities and school districts in eligible business corridors. Eligible municipalities must have a per capita equalized assessed valuation (EAV) that is less than 60% of the State average, and more than 15% of its population below the national poverty level. The school district must have maintained an unrestricted fund balance of at least 20% of its total direct expenditures for the most recent two years that data are available.

Taxation Disclosure Act (SB 43/PA 97-0353): Directs the Dept. of Revenue to create an online searchable data base of all tax rates in the state, which will be publicly available by January 1, 2012. It must include all taxes: income, sales, property, and business taxes imposed by taxing districts and by the State.

Temporary Guardians (SB 2015/PA 97-0614): Allows the court to appoint a temporary guardian for an adult with disabilities if their guardian dies, becomes incapacitated or resigns. Allows for extension of temporary guardianship in certain circumstances. Adds a provision that the report accompanying a petition for adjudication of disability be signed only by a licensed clinical psychologist or psychiatrist if the evaluation is limited to the respondent's mental condition.

Tobacco Cessation (SB 673/PA 97-0592): Makes the tobacco cessation program mandatory, and requires group health insurers to offer, for additional premiums, $500 a year worth of tobacco cessation program coverage/reimbursement

Torens Act Repeal (HB 1379/PA 97-0118): Repeals the Registered Titles Act (Torens Act) on January 1, 2014. Though the Act was repealed in 1997, the law did not repeal provisions relating to the indemnity fund nor did it terminate, diminish, or impair any existing rights pertaining to registered land or any existing right to resort to the indemnity fund.

Torture Penalties (HB 233/PA 97-0467): Makes an aggravated battery that causes great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement a Class 1 felony when it involves the infliction of torture or extreme physical pain, motivated by the offender's intent to increase or prolong the pain, suffering, or agony of the victim.

Township Officer Conviction (HB 195/PA 97-0295): Provides that a conviction of a township officer for an infamous crime will force the person from office by creating a vacancy, so that the position may be filled by the standard appointment procedure.

Transparent Staffing Plans (SB 1342/PA 97-0423): States that a copy of a written staffing plan for nursing care services must be provided to any member of the general public upon request.

Truck Restrictions (SB 1644/PA 97-0201): Preempts home rule to establish that weight and size limits on trucks are under the exclusive purview of the state, with some exemptions.

Truck Route Reporting (HB 1377/PA 97-0291): Requires local governments to report all truck routes not classified as Class II or III truck routes to IDOT. If none exist, the local governments must affirm this. IDOT is then required to place this information on its Web site.
Uniform Foreign Money Judgments (SB 1074/PA 97-0140): Adopts the Uniform Foreign Money Judgments Recognition Act so that monetary judgments obtained in foreign countries can be enforced in Illinois.
Uninsured Driving (HB 2267/PA 97-0407): Requires mandatory maximum fines for a person who has multiple convictions of driving an uninsured motor vehicle. Requires that a $2,500 fine be imposed, in addition to any jail sentence, for an individual convicted of driving an uninsured vehicle that results in bodily harm to another person, if the defendant has two or more convictions for driving an uninsured vehicle. Requires the same fee for a person who receives a third conviction of uninsured operation of a motor vehicle that leads to bodily injury to another. Sets the fee at $1,000 for an individual convicted of a third or subsequent violation of uninsured operation of a vehicle that does not result in bodily injury.

Universal Fare Pass (HB 2874/PA 97-0271): Requires the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to develop and make available to riders 65 and older a universal fare pass that can be used on all public transportation funded by the RTA.

Used Vehicles (SB 1336/PA 97-0042): States that CMS must be given the opportunity to receive used IDOT vehicles through inter-agency transfer. If the vehicle is not taken by a state agency, CMS must notify local governments that the vehicle is available for purchase.

Utility Access (HB 1260/PA 97-0077): Provides that service members and veterans are covered under the no utility disconnection law during the winter months.

Vehicle Occupancy Restrictions (HB 1315/PA 97-0017): Bans riding in a trailer, semitrailer, farm wagon or any other vehicle while it is being towed upon a public highway, unless necessary due to an emergency situation.

Vending Machine (HB 2991/PA 97-0335): Eliminates the current mandate that retailers submit an annual report detailing the number of vending machines used in their business. Instead, puts the burden on the Dept. of Revenue to request the information if needed. Also requires a retailer to request an additional sub-certificate or sub-certificates if he or she increases the number of vending machines used in the business.

Veterans Affairs Clean-up (HB 1445/PA 97-0297): Creates “The Department of Women’s Veterans Affairs” within the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Removes the Commission to encourage more programs to address Persian Gulf War Veterans; removes language pertaining to the John Joseph Kelly Veteran’s Home and erroneous language pertaining to provisions of contract of work service at the Anna Veterans Home; requires the Veterans’ Memorial Commission to make recommendations to ensure maintenance and preservation of veterans’ memorials.

Victim Impact Statements (HB 1928/PA 97-0299): Expands the list of people who can present victim impact statements under the Open Parole Hearings Act to include any friend of the victim or any concerned citizen. Establishes that victim impact statements are be considered public documents under the Freedom of Information Act. (HB 3300/PA 97-0572): Allows victims or their representatives to file victim impact statements for consideration at sentencing, and to receive notice of sentencing hearings, for certain motor vehicle violations that resulted in personal injury or death—even if no misdemeanor or felony criminal charges were filed.

Video Cameras in Vehicles (HB 3403/PA 97-0499): Allows video cameras in cars featuring entertainment or business applications to be displayed on the front monitor so long as the images are not viewable by the driver while operating the vehicle.

Voting (SB 98/PA 97-0275): Offers residents at Federal veterans’ facilities voting assistance either through absentee or on-site voting. The bill ensures that the incapacitated voter provisions that apply to long term care facilities and the state veterans homes will also apply to residents of the state’s five Federal veterans’ facilities.

Warrant Fees (HB 2581/PA 97-0175): Addresses confusion surrounding a current law. Specifies that State Police are to receive $70 of the $75 fee that is collected from cases where a person fails to appear on an arrest warrant if ISP is the arresting agency. Establishes that when an arrest warrant is issued, payment of the $75 fee will be a condition of release (unless otherwise ordered by the court).

Weapons Possession (SB 1589/PA 97-0237): Requires mandatory prison for the unlawful use or possession of a weapon by a convicted felon or DOC inmate on parole or mandatory supervised release.

Youth Post-Release Placement (SB 1292/PA 97-0518): Gives the juvenile court that presided over a delinquency hearing the ability to require the Dept. of Juvenile Justice to report periodically back to the court about the Department's efforts to secure post-release placement of youth committed to Dept. of Juvenile Justice facilities.

Why Sen Sandack (R) is Voting Against Tax Breaks for Sears/CME

2011-12-13T13:33:00.002-06:00

by Sen Sandack

The slightly revised bill is not tax relief for all; rather tax favoritism for a few. Rather than rolling back that ill-fated increase for everyone, the legislature and Governor are selecting a couple of companies for preferential treatment... and offering indiv...idual and family taxpayers a couple bucks too. But that doesn't cut it because a week's pay was taken by that tax increase. To get $5 or $10 bucks "back" is essentially making change; not providing tax relief. Besides, we know what's coming next-- every big employer will soon be asking Springfield for their corporate relief.

Ameren Begins Implementation of Plans to Modernize the Electric Grid

2011-12-13T11:29:00.002-06:00

Peoria, Ill., (Dec. 13, 2011) – Ameren Illinois is focusing on 2012 and beyond as it begins to fulfill its promise with the enactment of the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act, formerly known as Senate Bill (SB) 1652. To lead this effort, Ameren Illinois has named Michael L. Moehn, senior vice president of Customer Operations.

The Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act is a statewide commitment with a formula ratemaking approach that will create more than 2,400 jobs and require approximately $3 billion of investment over the next 10 years to modernize the state’s electric system including the installation of smart grid. .

“The enactment of this law is good for customers because it will improve the quality of their service, reduce outage frequency and length, and it will introduce them to new technologies, which could save them money on their bills,” said Scott A. Cisel, president and CEO, Ameren Illinois. “This enactment is also a nice shot in the arm for the state’s economy with the creation of 2,400-plus jobs.”

Ameren Illinois is referring to implementing the new law as its Modernization Action Plan (MAP). The MAP will ensure a more secure and reliable delivery system, benefitting customers, co-workers, investors and the environment. MAP will serve as the blueprint that will guide Ameren Illinois through its 10-year infrastructure modernization.

Moehn will assume his new role on January 1, 2012. He will report to Cisel.

“Michael will have responsibility for all electric and gas operations, technical services and customer operations in Illinois and his team will be leading the operations and customer service implementation of MAP,” Cisel said. “Michael has led Ameren’s strategic planning efforts and has overseen the creation of our risk management structure. He brings strong project management and financial skills to Ameren Illinois’ strong performing operations and customer service teams.”

Moehn previously was senior vice president of Corporate Planning and Business Risk Management since 2008. His responsibilities included corporate modeling, corporate project risk management, corporate strategic planning, pricing and analysis, merger and acquisition transactions and resource planning. Prior to assuming this position, he served as vice president of Corporate Planning since 2004.

Moehn holds a bachelor of arts degree in accounting from Saint Louis University, a master’s degree in business administration from Washington University, and a certificate in nuclear reactor technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Moehn is also a 2008 Eisenhower Fellow. He is a certified public accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Ameren Illinois has been providing energy delivery service for more than a century. We deliver energy to 1.2 million electric and 813,000 natural gas customers in Downstate Illinois, and our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Our service area covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com.

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Sen Mark Kirk (R-IL) Warns of Growing Danger of European Nations' Debt Crisis Affecting US Banking System

2011-12-12T15:32:00.004-06:00

WASHINGTON - Following the failure of European leaders to build decisive consensus on managing the growing European sovereign debt crisis, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) wrote to Treasury Secretary Geithner about the ‘systemic risk’ this crisis poses to U.S. banks and other financial institutions.

Under the 2010 Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, a new ‘Financial Stability Oversight Council’ must review and mitigate ‘systemic risks’ that could threaten U.S. banks or other financial institutions. Sen. Kirk, a junior member of the Senate Banking Committee, called on Secretary Geithner, the Chairman of the new Council, to conduct a “thorough analysis of the risk posed to U.S. financial institutions by the European sovereign debt crisis”.

According to the non-partisan Congressional Research Service, the European countries in crisis (Greece, Portugal, Spain, Ireland and Italy) directly owe U.S. banks $180.9 billion and are exposed to a further $586.6 billion in indirect risks posed by this crisis. Senator Kirk wrote, “events are moving so quickly that real-time, dynamic oversight of the European sovereign debt crisis needs to be a FSOC priority right now”. The letter also referenced Fitch Ratings warning that the U.S. banking industry faces “serious risk” and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco warning that, “a European sovereign debt default may well sink the United States back into recession.”

The full text of the letter appears below:

December 12, 2011

The Honorable Timothy F. Geithner

Secretary

Department of the Treasury

1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20220

Dear Secretary Geithner:

The Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) was established to monitor emerging threats to the stability of the financial system and identify risks in U.S. financial institutions. Additionally, the Office of Financial Research (OFR) was created to assist the Council in collecting the necessary data to assess systemic risk. I believe the European sovereign debt crisis could now pose a systemic risk to the U.S. financial system and warrants enhanced monitoring by FSOC. I request a thorough analysis of the risk posed to U.S. financial institutions by the European sovereign debt crisis.

In recent months, U.S. financial markets experienced significant volatility. Many shocks in equities and bond valuations were related to developments in the Euro-zone. We have already witnessed one firm, MF Global Inc., file for bankruptcy as a result of over-exposure to European sovereign debt. Fitch Ratings warned that the U.S. banking industry faces “serious risk” from the European sovereign debt crisis. The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco tells us, “a European sovereign debt default may well sink the United States back into recession.”

With multiple signals that the crisis in the Euro-zone does indeed present a risk to the U.S. economy and financial sector, what monitoring and research is FSOC undertaking or requiring covered financial institutions to conduct to assess this systemic risk? Certainly, the Bank for International Settlements and the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation provide data that can be compiled to show U.S. financial exposure on a static basis. However, events are moving so quickly that real-time, dynamic oversight of the European sovereign debt crisis needs to be a FSOC priority right now.

In 2011, FSOC reported on concentration limits on large financial companies, secured creditor haircuts and the Volcker Rule. The S&P Credit Watch warning against European sovereign debt has the potential to eclipse the risks of the other subjects examined by the Council. This is the type of research and analysis that I believe FSOC must undertake and make publicly available.

Sincerely,

Mark Kirk

United States Senator

Gov Quinn Statement on Tax Credits for Sears/CME

2011-12-12T14:30:00.002-06:00

SPRINGFIELD – December 12, 2011. Governor Quinn today issued a statement in support of an economic growth and tax reform package currently before the General Assembly.

“I commend the House, Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, Leader Tom Cross, Rep. John Bradley and Rep. David Harris for their bipartisan and diligent work to pass a package that will bring much-needed relief to working families in Illinois and help employers put more people back to work.”

“Before veto session, we brought the leaders to the table with the goal of delivering help for both hard-working families and employers. This package meets those standards and is a win for the people of Illinois.”

“Investing in working families is good for Illinois. The Earned Income Tax Credit will put more money in the pockets of everyday working people, which in turn allows them to invest that money back into their local communities. Improving the value of the standard personal exemption will provide relief to those trying to make ends meet. Investing in employers is also good for Illinois, and this package is targeted to spur job creation and economic development all over the state.”

“I encourage the Senate to take swift action tomorrow.”

ICC Approves Merger of Nicor Gas and AGL Resources, But Condidtionally

2011-12-07T15:25:00.001-06:00

The Illinois Commerce Commission voted unanimously today to approve the merger of Nicor Gas and AGL Resources as long as certain conditions are met as part of the reorganization.

Chief among those conditions are those that require base rates to remain fixed at current rates for three years following the closing of the reorganization, and that if there are savings as a result the merger, they will be flowed through natural gas rates to Illinois ratepayers.

Other conditions require the new company to maintain certain jobs, management personnel, training and quality assurance programs and pipeline safety program staff across the Nicor service area for three years and in some cases five years. Specifically, the order directs that the company maintain the same number of full-time equivalent employees and Illinois management personnel in the areas of corrosion control, technical compliance, locating services, transmission integrity management program and the distribution integrity management program for five years. The company also must to maintain the current level of training and quality assurance programs for compliance monitoring activities.

The Commission also adopted conditions that require the reorganized company to maintain economic development activity, social and charitable giving and that an Illinois representative be named to the new company’s board of directors. The company’s CEO will be required to appear annually before the Commission to report on compliance with the conditions in the Commission order.

The Commission ordered Nicor Gas to discontinue solicitation of inside pipe repairs on behalf of an affiliate company, the program known as Comfort Guard, when customers call.

The Commission found it to be an unjustified subsidy of the affiliate company, determined that call center personnel fail to provide pertinent information to customers and that the practice hinders competition for repair services, since Nicor call center personnel have an advantage in selling the service to the utility’s customers when they call.

Section 7-204 of the Public Utilities Act requires the Commission to find that the proposed reorganization will not adversely affect the utility’s ability to provide adequate, reliable, efficient, safe and least-cost public utility service.

The Public Utility’s Act states that the reorganization must not result in unjustified subsidization of non-utility activities by utility customers, will not significantly impair the utility’s ability to raise necessary capital on reasonable terms or to maintain a reasonable capital structure; allocates costs reasonably between utility and non-utility activities in a manner that can be easily identified by the Commission; does not adversely affect competition in the Illinois market; and that it will not result in adverse rate impacts on retail customers.

The Commission order determined Nicor ratepayers should not pay any of the costs associated with the merger and reorganization.

Lt Gov Shelia Simon (D) Statement on Blagojevich Sentencing

2011-12-07T15:06:00.001-06:00

CHICAGO – December 7, 2011. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today said the sentencing of former Governor Rod Blagojevich on corruption charges will not kill the state’s pay-to-play culture unless it prompts serious ethics reform.

"We cannot rely on a prison sentence to deter corruption,” Simon said. “Illinois needs stronger ethics laws to kill pay-to-play politics. It's time we expose conflicts of interest before they cost taxpayers, and clear the way for true public servants to rebuild trust with the public. Increased transparency, coupled with the threat of serious prison time, can end these shameful courtroom battles. Together we can put this chapter behind us, restore integrity to government and live up to our legacy as the Land of Lincoln.”

Simon is a former Jackson County prosecutor and served on the Illinois Reform Commission, which was created in 2009 in the wake of Blagojevich's arrest and helped pass the state's first campaign finance limits law. She will work with the General Assembly to pass legislation in 2012 to strengthen the state’s financial disclosure law.

Atty-Gen Lisa Madigan (D) Statement on Sentencing of Rod Blagojevich

2011-12-07T13:49:00.002-06:00

Chicago – Based on his convictions - for numerous crimes he was caught on tape committing during just one six-week period - Blagojevich deserves a lengthy prison sentence. Unfortunately, though, it cannot fix the damage he inflicted on our state over his six years as governor. Blagojevich became governor by promising ethical reform, but from the start, he relentlessly used his position to pursue illegal and morally bankrupt schemes motivated by power and greed. His conduct was disgraceful, and the cost to the state has been devastating. Blagojevich refused to govern responsibly and, instead, put Illinois up for sale. He tarnished the state’s reputation nationally and internationally, and he destroyed the public’s trust in government. May today’s sentence put an end to corruption in the Illinois’ governor’s office.

Statement by Treasurer Dan Rutherford (R) on the Sentencing of Rod Blagojevich

2011-12-07T13:14:00.001-06:00

“Rod Blagojevich brought the 14 year sentence on himself. He deceived the people of Illinois far too long for what the jury substantiated as his own personal gain. Today’s sentencing is proof that such corrupt, embarrassing behavior will no longer be tolerated in Illinois.”..

Blagojevich Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison, Fined $20,000.

2011-12-07T12:43:00.004-06:00

Judge Zagel sentenced former Gov Rod Blagojevich to 14 years in federal prison. In his sentencing remarks, Zagel told the courtroom that many good fathers are bad citizens. But Zagel appeared to take into account Blagojevich's apology and acceptance of guilt, as he sentenced him. Giving him 14 years in Federal prison, which means Blago will have to serve at least 11.9 years in jail, but the thinking was Blago would have had more time, but for his apology before the court prior to his being sentenced.

Reporters in the courtroom say Blago was red-eyed as he sat with his wife Patti, awaiting his sentencing. In addressing the court, Blago said he was sorry for his actions, including trying the case in the media. Blago also apologized to his brother Rob, who was a defendent in the first trial, but was found innocent.

Judge Zagel in his remarks prior to sentencing noted that the position of Governor is more important than any other position, aside from the President, and said Blago's actions undermined the confidence of citizens in their government.

In a statement just prior to the announcement of sentencing, Sen Mark Kirk (R) said that this is a big victory for US Attorney Pat Fitzgerald, who now has sent a second IL governor to jail.

Just prior to being sentenced, Blagojevich told the court, "My life is ruined. My primary reason for living now is my daughters."

The Blagojevich's have two daughters, a 8 year old and a 15 year old. This sentencing today will mean that Blago will miss his daughters' teenage years, and possibly miss a wedding.

Judge Zagel allowed Blagojevich to remain free until mid-February, which means he can have the holidays with his family and get his affairs in order.

Jim Ryan Ad from 2002 Campaign Shows Concerns About Blago's Ethics When He First Ran for Gov

2011-12-07T10:57:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Dan Curry for bringing this to our attention. Here's an ad that then IL Atty-Gen Jim Ryan ran against Rod Blagojevich back in 2002, when Blago first ran for Governor and won. Ryan was then the GOP nominee for governor.

As we can see in the ad, there were ethical concerns about Rod even before he was first elected. If only we would have known then, what we know now !

President Barack Obama on the 70th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor

2011-12-07T10:50:00.000-06:00

from the White House, Dec 7, 2011

Seventy years ago today, a bright Sunday morning was darkened by the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor. Today, Michelle and I join the American people in honoring the memory of the more than 2,400 American patriots—military and civilian, men, women and children—who gave their lives in our first battle of the Second World War. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families for whom this day is deeply personal—the spouses, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters who have known seven decades without a loved one but who have kept their legacy alive for future generations.

We salute the veterans and survivors of Pearl Harbor who inspire us still. Despite overwhelming odds, they fought back heroically, inspiring our nation and putting us on the path to victory. They are members of that Greatest Generation who overcame the Depression, crossed oceans and stormed the beaches to defeat fascism, and turned adversaries into our closest allies. When the guns fell silent, they came home, went to school on the G.I. Bill, and built the largest middle class in history and the strongest economy in the world. They remind us that no challenge is too great when Americans stand as one. All of us owe these men and women a profound debt of gratitude for the freedoms and standard of living we enjoy today.

On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we also reaffirm our commitment to carrying on their work—to keeping the country we love strong, free and prosperous. And as today’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan come to an end and we welcome home our 9/11 Generation, we resolve to always take care of our troops, veterans and military families as well as they’ve taken care of us. On this solemn anniversary, there can be no higher tribute to the Americans who served and sacrificed seventy years ago today.

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VIDEO: Cong Aaron Schock (R-IL) on MSNBC on Transportation Funding and the Payroll Tax Cut Proposal

2011-12-07T10:37:00.005-06:00

MSNBC Video from Weds morning, in which IL Congressman Aaron Schock (R), talks about the Payroll Tax cut proposed by President Obama, and why Schock is urging a six year bill to fund Transportation projects.

Text of President Obama's Remarks in Kansas on the Economy

2011-12-06T18:25:00.004-06:00

Osawatomie High School

Osawatomie, Kansas

12:59 P.M. CST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, everybody. Please, please have a seat. Thank you so much. Thank you. Good afternoon, everybody.

AUDIENCE: Good afternoon.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I want to start by thanking a few folks who’ve joined us today. We’ve got the mayor of Osawatomie, Phil Dudley is here. (Applause.) We have your superintendent Gary French in the house. (Applause.) And we have the principal of Osawatomie High, Doug Chisam. (Applause.) And I have brought your former governor, who is doing now an outstanding job as Secretary of Health and Human Services -- Kathleen Sebelius is in the house. (Applause.) We love Kathleen.

Well, it is great to be back in the state of Tex -- (laughter) -- state of Kansas. I was giving Bill Self a hard time, he was here a while back. As many of you know, I have roots here. (Applause.) I’m sure you’re all familiar with the Obamas of Osawatomie. (Laughter.) Actually, I like to say that I got my name from my father, but I got my accent -- and my values -- from my mother. (Applause.) She was born in Wichita. (Applause.) Her mother grew up in Augusta. Her father was from El Dorado. So my Kansas roots run deep.

My grandparents served during World War II. He was a soldier in Patton’s Army; she was a worker on a bomber assembly line. And together, they shared the optimism of a nation that triumphed over the Great Depression and over fascism. They believed in an America where hard work paid off, and responsibility was rewarded, and anyone could make it if they tried -- no matter who you were, no matter where you came from, no matter how you started out. (Applause.)

And these values gave rise to the largest middle class and the strongest economy that the world has ever known. It was here in America that the most productive workers, the most innovative companies turned out the best products on Earth. And you know what? Every American shared in that pride and in that success -- from those in the executive suites to those in middle management to those on the factory floor. (Applause.) So you could have some confidence that if you gave it your all, you’d take enough home to raise your family and send your kids to school and have your health care covered, put a little away for retirement.

Today, we’re still home to the world’s most productive workers. We’re still home to the world’s most innovative companies. But for most Americans, the basic bargain that made this country great has eroded. Long before the recession hit, hard work stopped paying off for too many people. Fewer and fewer of the folks who contributed to the success of our economy actually benefited from that success. Those at the very top grew wealthier from their incomes and their investments -- wealthier than ever before. But everybody else struggled with costs that were growing and paychecks that weren’t -- and too many families found themselves racking up more and more debt just to keep up.

Now, for many years, credit cards and home equity loans papered over this harsh reality. But in 2008, the house of cards collapsed. We all know the story by now: Mortgages sold to people who couldn’t afford them, or even sometimes understand them. Banks and investors allowed to keep packaging the risk and selling it off. Huge bets -- and huge bonuses -- made with other people’s money on the line. Regulators who were supposed to warn us about the dangers of all this, but looked the other way or didn’t have the authority to look at all.

It was wrong. It combined the breathtaking greed of a few with irresponsibility all across the system. And it plunged our economy and the world into a crisis from which we’re still fighting to recover. It claimed the jobs and the homes and the basic security of millions of people -- innocent, hardworking Americans who had met their responsibilities but were still left holding the bag.

And ever since, there’s been a raging debate over the best way to restore growth and prosperity, restore balance, restore fairness. Throughout the country, it’s sparked protests and political movements -- from the tea party to the people who’ve been occupying the streets of New York and other cities. It’s left Washington in a near-constant state of gridlock. It’s been the topic of heated and sometimes colorful discussion among the men and women running for president. (Laughter.)

But, Osawatomie, this is not just another political debate. This is the defining issue of our time. This is a make-or-break moment for the middle class, and for all those who are fighting to get into the middle class. Because what’s at stake is whether this will be a country where working people can earn enough to raise a family, build a modest savings, own a home, secure their retirement.

Now, in the midst of this debate, there are some who seem to be suffering from a kind of collective amnesia. After all that’s happened, after the worst economic crisis, the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, they want to return to the same practices that got us into this mess. In fact, they want to go back to the same policies that stacked the deck against middle-class Americans for way too many years. And their philosophy is simple: We are better off when everybody is left to fend for themselves and play by their own rules.

I am here to say they are wrong. (Applause.) I’m here in Kansas to reaffirm my deep conviction that we’re greater together than we are on our own. I believe that this country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, when everyone does their fair share, when everyone plays by the same rules. (Applause.) These aren’t Democratic values or Republican values. These aren’t 1 percent values or 99 percent values. They’re American values. And we have to reclaim them. (Applause.)

You see, this isn’t the first time America has faced this choice. At the turn of the last century, when a nation of farmers was transitioning to become the world’s industrial giant, we had to decide: Would we settle for a country where most of the new railroads and factories were being controlled by a few giant monopolies that kept prices high and wages low? Would we allow our citizens and even our children to work ungodly hours in conditions that were unsafe and unsanitary? Would we restrict education to the privileged few? Because there were people who thought massive inequality and exploitation of people was just the price you pay for progress.

Theodore Roosevelt disagreed. He was the Republican son of a wealthy family. He praised what the titans of industry had done to create jobs and grow the economy. He believed then what we know is true today, that the free market is the greatest force for economic progress in human history. It’s led to a prosperity and a standard of living unmatched by the rest of the world.

But Roosevelt also knew that the free market has never been a free license to take whatever you can from whomever you can. (Applause.) He understood the free market only works when there are rules of the road that ensure competition is fair and open and honest. And so he busted up monopolies, forcing those companies to compete for consumers with better services and better prices. And today, they still must. He fought to make sure businesses couldn’t profit by exploiting children or selling food or medicine that wasn’t safe. And today, they still can’t.

And in 1910, Teddy Roosevelt came here to Osawatomie and he laid out his vision for what he called a New Nationalism. “Our country,” he said, “…means nothing unless it means the triumph of a real democracy…of an economic system under which each man shall be guaranteed the opportunity to show the best that there is in him.” (Applause.)

Now, for this, Roosevelt was called a radical. He was called a socialist -- (laughter) -- even a communist. But today, we are a richer nation and a stronger democracy because of what he fought for in his last campaign: an eight-hour work day and a minimum wage for women -- (applause) -- insurance for the unemployed and for the elderly, and those with disabilities; political reform and a progressive income tax. (Applause.)

Today, over 100 years later, our economy has gone through another transformation. Over the last few decades, huge advances in technology have allowed businesses to do more with less, and it’s made it easier for them to set up shop and hire workers anywhere they want in the world. And many of you know firsthand the painful disruptions this has caused for a lot of Americans.

Factories where people thought they would retire suddenly picked up and went overseas, where workers were cheaper. Steel mills that needed 100 -- or 1,000 employees are now able to do the same work with 100 employees, so layoffs too often became permanent, not just a temporary part of the business cycle. And these changes didn’t just affect blue-collar workers. If you were a bank teller or a phone operator or a travel agent, you saw many in your profession replaced by ATMs and the Internet.

Today, even higher-skilled jobs, like accountants and middle management can be outsourced to countries like China or India. And if you’re somebody whose job can be done cheaper by a computer or someone in another country, you don’t have a lot of leverage with your employer when it comes to asking for better wages or better benefits, especially since fewer Americans today are part of a union.

Now, just as there was in Teddy Roosevelt’s time, there is a certain crowd in Washington who, for the last few decades, have said, let’s respond to this economic challenge with the same old tune. “The market will take care of everything,” they tell us. If we just cut more regulations and cut more taxes -- especially for the wealthy -- our economy will grow stronger. Sure, they say, there will be winners and losers. But if the winners do really well, then jobs and prosperity will eventually trickle down to everybody else. And, they argue, even if prosperity doesn’t trickle down, well, that’s the price of liberty.

Now, it’s a simple theory. And we have to admit, it’s one that speaks to our rugged individualism and our healthy skepticism of too much government. That’s in America’s DNA. And that theory fits well on a bumper sticker. (Laughter.) But here’s the problem: It doesn’t work. It has never worked. (Applause.) It didn’t work when it was tried in the decade before the Great Depression. It’s not what led to the incredible postwar booms of the ‘50s and ‘60s. And it didn’t work when we tried it during the last decade. (Applause.) I mean, understand, it’s not as if we haven’t tried this theory.

Remember in those years, in 2001 and 2003, Congress passed two of the most expensive tax cuts for the wealthy in history. And what did it get us? The slowest job growth in half a century. Massive deficits that have made it much harder to pay for the investments that built this country and provided the basic security that helped millions of Americans reach and stay in the middle class -- things like education and infrastructure, science and technology, Medicare and Social Security.

Remember that in those same years, thanks to some of the same folks who are now running Congress, we had weak regulation, we had little oversight, and what did it get us? Insurance companies that jacked up people’s premiums with impunity and denied care to patients who were sick, mortgage lenders that tricked families into buying homes they couldn’t afford, a financial sector where irresponsibility and lack of basic oversight nearly destroyed our entire economy.

We simply cannot return to this brand of “you’re on your own” economics if we’re serious about rebuilding the middle class in this country. (Applause.) We know that it doesn’t result in a strong economy. It results in an economy that invests too little in its people and in its future. We know it doesn’t result in a prosperity that trickles down. It results in a prosperity that’s enjoyed by fewer and fewer of our citizens.

Look at the statistics. In the last few decades, the average income of the top 1 percent has gone up by more than 250 percent to $1.2 million per year. I’m not talking about millionaires, people who have a million dollars. I’m saying people who make a million dollars every single year. For the top one hundredth of 1 percent, the average income is now $27 million per year. The typical CEO who used to earn about 30 times more than his or her worker now earns 110 times more. And yet, over the last decade the incomes of most Americans have actually fallen by about 6 percent.

Now, this kind of inequality -- a level that we haven’t seen since the Great Depression -- hurts us all. When middle-class families can no longer afford to buy the goods and services that businesses are selling, when people are slipping out of the middle class, it drags down the entire economy from top to bottom. America was built on the idea of broad-based prosperity, of strong consumers all across the country. That’s why a CEO like Henry Ford made it his mission to pay his workers enough so that they could buy the cars he made. It’s also why a recent study showed that countries with less inequality tend to have stronger and steadier economic growth over the long run.

Inequality also distorts our democracy. It gives an outsized voice to the few who can afford high-priced lobbyists and unlimited campaign contributions, and it runs the risk of selling out our democracy to the highest bidder. (Applause.) It leaves everyone else rightly suspicious that the system in Washington is rigged against them, that our elected representatives aren’t looking out for the interests of most Americans.

But there’s an even more fundamental issue at stake. This kind of gaping inequality gives lie to the promise that’s at the very heart of America: that this is a place where you can make it if you try. We tell people -- we tell our kids -- that in this country, even if you’re born with nothing, work hard and you can get into the middle class. We tell them that your children will have a chance to do even better than you do. That’s why immigrants from around the world historically have flocked to our shores.

And yet, over the last few decades, the rungs on the ladder of opportunity have grown farther and farther apart, and the middle class has shrunk. You know, a few years after World War II, a child who was born into poverty had a slightly better than 50-50 chance of becoming middle class as an adult. By 1980, that chance had fallen to around 40 percent. And if the trend of rising inequality over the last few decades continues, it’s estimated that a child born today will only have a one-in-three chance of making it to the middle class -- 33 percent.

It’s heartbreaking enough that there are millions of working families in this country who are now forced to take their children to food banks for a decent meal. But the idea that those children might not have a chance to climb out of that situation and back into the middle class, no matter how hard they work? That’s inexcusable. It is wrong. (Applause.) It flies in the face of everything that we stand for. (Applause.)

Now, fortunately, that’s not a future that we have to accept, because there’s another view about how we build a strong middle class in this country -- a view that’s truer to our history, a vision that’s been embraced in the past by people of both parties for more than 200 years.

It’s not a view that we should somehow turn back technology or put up walls around America. It’s not a view that says we should punish profit or success or pretend that government knows how to fix all of society’s problems. It is a view that says in America we are greater together -- when everyone engages in fair play and everybody gets a fair shot and everybody does their fair share. (Applause.)

So what does that mean for restoring middle-class security in today’s economy? Well, it starts by making sure that everyone in America gets a fair shot at success. The truth is we’ll never be able to compete with other countries when it comes to who’s best at letting their businesses pay the lowest wages, who’s best at busting unions, who’s best at letting companies pollute as much as they want. That’s a race to the bottom that we can’t win, and we shouldn’t want to win that race. (Applause.) Those countries don’t have a strong middle class. They don’t have our standard of living.

The race we want to win, the race we can win is a race to the top -- the race for good jobs that pay well and offer middle-class security. Businesses will create those jobs in countries with the highest-skilled, highest-educated workers, the most advanced transportation and communication, the strongest commitment to research and technology.

The world is shifting to an innovation economy and nobody does innovation better than America. Nobody does it better. (Applause.) No one has better colleges. Nobody has better universities. Nobody has a greater diversity of talent and ingenuity. No one’s workers or entrepreneurs are more driven or more daring. The things that have always been our strengths match up perfectly with the demands of the moment.

But we need to meet the moment. We’ve got to up our game. We need to remember that we can only do that together. It starts by making education a national mission -- a national mission. (Applause.) Government and businesses, parents and citizens. In this economy, a higher education is the surest route to the middle class. The unemployment rate for Americans with a college degree or more is about half the national average. And their incomes are twice as high as those who don’t have a high school diploma. Which means we shouldn’t be laying off good teachers right now -- we should be hiring them. (Applause.) We shouldn’t be expecting less of our schools –- we should be demanding more. (Applause.) We shouldn’t be making it harder to afford college -- we should be a country where everyone has a chance to go and doesn’t rack up $100,000 of debt just because they went. (Applause.)

In today’s innovation economy, we also need a world-class commitment to science and research, the next generation of high-tech manufacturing. Our factories and our workers shouldn’t be idle. We should be giving people the chance to get new skills and training at community colleges so they can learn how to make wind turbines and semiconductors and high-powered batteries. And by the way, if we don’t have an economy that’s built on bubbles and financial speculation, our best and brightest won’t all gravitate towards careers in banking and finance. (Applause.) Because if we want an economy that’s built to last, we need more of those young people in science and engineering. (Applause.) This country should not be known for bad debt and phony profits. We should be known for creating and selling products all around the world that are stamped with three proud words: Made in America. (Applause.)

Today, manufacturers and other companies are setting up shop in the places with the best infrastructure to ship their products, move their workers, communicate with the rest of the world. And that’s why the over 1 million construction workers who lost their jobs when the housing market collapsed, they shouldn’t be sitting at home with nothing to do. They should be rebuilding our roads and our bridges, laying down faster railroads and broadband, modernizing our schools -- (applause) -- all the things other countries are already doing to attract good jobs and businesses to their shores.

Yes, business, and not government, will always be the primary generator of good jobs with incomes that lift people into the middle class and keep them there. But as a nation, we’ve always come together, through our government, to help create the conditions where both workers and businesses can succeed. (Applause.) And historically, that hasn’t been a partisan idea. Franklin Roosevelt worked with Democrats and Republicans to give veterans of World War II -- including my grandfather, Stanley Dunham -- the chance to go to college on the G.I. Bill. It was a Republican President, Dwight Eisenhower, a proud son of Kansas -- (applause) -- who started the Interstate Highway System, and doubled down on science and research to stay ahead of the Soviets.

Of course, those productive investments cost money. They’re not free. And so we’ve also paid for these investments by asking everybody to do their fair share. Look, if we had unlimited resources, no one would ever have to pay any taxes and we would never have to cut any spending. But we don’t have unlimited resources. And so we have to set priorities. If we want a strong middle class, then our tax code must reflect our values. We have to make choices.

Today that choice is very clear. To reduce our deficit, I’ve already signed nearly $1 trillion of spending cuts into law and I’ve proposed trillions more, including reforms that would lower the cost of Medicare and Medicaid. (Applause.)

But in order to structurally close the deficit, get our fiscal house in order, we have to decide what our priorities are. Now, most immediately, short term, we need to extend a payroll tax cut that’s set to expire at the end of this month. (Applause.) If we don’t do that, 160 million Americans, including most of the people here, will see their taxes go up by an average of $1,000 starting in January and it would badly weaken our recovery. That’s the short term.

In the long term, we have to rethink our tax system more fundamentally. We have to ask ourselves: Do we want to make the investments we need in things like education and research and high-tech manufacturing -- all those things that helped make us an economic superpower? Or do we want to keep in place the tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans in our country? Because we can’t afford to do both. That is not politics. That’s just math. (Laughter and applause.)

Now, so far, most of my Republican friends in Washington have refused under any circumstance to ask the wealthiest Americans to go to the same tax rate they were paying when Bill Clinton was president. So let’s just do a trip down memory lane here.

Keep in mind, when President Clinton first proposed these tax increases, folks in Congress predicted they would kill jobs and lead to another recession. Instead, our economy created nearly 23 million jobs and we eliminated the deficit. (Applause.) Today, the wealthiest Americans are paying the lowest taxes in over half a century. This isn’t like in the early ‘50s, when the top tax rate was over 90 percent. This isn’t even like the early ‘80s, when the top tax rate was about 70 percent. Under President Clinton, the top rate was only about 39 percent. Today, thanks to loopholes and shelters, a quarter of all millionaires now pay lower tax rates than millions of you, millions of middle-class families. Some billionaires have a tax rate as low as 1 percent. One percent.

That is the height of unfairness. It is wrong. (Applause.) It’s wrong that in the United States of America, a teacher or a nurse or a construction worker, maybe earns $50,000 a year, should pay a higher tax rate than somebody raking in $50 million. (Applause.) It’s wrong for Warren Buffett’s secretary to pay a higher tax rate than Warren Buffett. (Applause.) And by the way, Warren Buffett agrees with me. (Laughter.) So do most Americans -- Democrats, independents and Republicans. And I know that many of our wealthiest citizens would agree to contribute a little more if it meant reducing the deficit and strengthening the economy that made their success possible.

This isn’t about class warfare. This is about the nation’s welfare. It’s about making choices that benefit not just the people who’ve done fantastically well over the last few decades, but that benefits the middle class, and those fighting to get into the middle class, and the economy as a whole.

Finally, a strong middle class can only exist in an economy where everyone plays by the same rules, from Wall Street to Main Street. (Applause.) As infuriating as it was for all of us, we rescued our major banks from collapse, not only because a full-blown financial meltdown would have sent us into a second Depression, but because we need a strong, healthy financial sector in this country.

But part of the deal was that we wouldn’t go back to business as usual. And that’s why last year we put in place new rules of the road that refocus the financial sector on what should be their core purpose: getting capital to the entrepreneurs with the best ideas, and financing millions of families who want to buy a home or send their kids to college.

Now, we’re not all the way there yet, and the banks are fighting us every inch of the way. But already, some of these reforms are being implemented.

If you’re a big bank or risky financial institution, you now have to write out a “living will” that details exactly how you’ll pay the bills if you fail, so that taxpayers are never again on the hook for Wall Street’s mistakes. (Applause.) There are also limits on the size of banks and new abilities for regulators to dismantle a firm that is going under. The new law bans banks from making risky bets with their customers’ deposits, and it takes away big bonuses and paydays from failed CEOs, while giving shareholders a say on executive salaries.

This is the law that we passed. We are in the process of implementing it now. All of this is being put in place as we speak. Now, unless you’re a financial institution whose business model is built on breaking the law, cheating consumers and making risky bets that could damage the entire economy, you should have nothing to fear from these new rules.

Some of you may know, my grandmother worked as a banker for most of her life -- worked her way up, started as a secretary, ended up being a vice president of a bank. And I know from her, and I know from all the people that I’ve come in contact with, that the vast majority of bankers and financial service professionals, they want to do right by their customers. They want to have rules in place that don’t put them at a disadvantage for doing the right thing. And yet, Republicans in Congress are fighting as hard as they can to make sure that these rules aren’t enforced.

I’ll give you a specific example. For the first time in history, the reforms that we passed put in place a consumer watchdog who is charged with protecting everyday Americans from being taken advantage of by mortgage lenders or payday lenders or debt collectors. And the man we nominated for the post, Richard Cordray, is a former attorney general of Ohio who has the support of most attorney generals, both Democrat and Republican, throughout the country. Nobody claims he’s not qualified.

But the Republicans in the Senate refuse to confirm him for the job; they refuse to let him do his job. Why? Does anybody here think that the problem that led to our financial crisis was too much oversight of mortgage lenders or debt collectors?

AUDIENCE: No!

THE PRESIDENT: Of course not. Every day we go without a consumer watchdog is another day when a student, or a senior citizen, or a member of our Armed Forces -- because they are very vulnerable to some of this stuff -- could be tricked into a loan that they can’t afford -- something that happens all the time. And the fact is that financial institutions have plenty of lobbyists looking out for their interests. Consumers deserve to have someone whose job it is to look out for them. (Applause.) And I intend to make sure they do. (Applause.) And I want you to hear me, Kansas: I will veto any effort to delay or defund or dismantle the new rules that we put in place. (Applause.)

We shouldn’t be weakening oversight and accountability. We should be strengthening oversight and accountability. I’ll give you another example. Too often, we’ve seen Wall Street firms violating major anti-fraud laws because the penalties are too weak and there’s no price for being a repeat offender. No more. I’ll be calling for legislation that makes those penalties count so that firms don’t see punishment for breaking the law as just the price of doing business. (Applause.)

The fact is this crisis has left a huge deficit of trust between Main Street and Wall Street. And major banks that were rescued by the taxpayers have an obligation to go the extra mile in helping to close that deficit of trust. At minimum, they should be remedying past mortgage abuses that led to the financial crisis. They should be working to keep responsible homeowners in their home. We’re going to keep pushing them to provide more time for unemployed homeowners to look for work without having to worry about immediately losing their house.

The big banks should increase access to refinancing opportunities to borrowers who haven’t yet benefited from historically low interest rates. And the big banks should recognize that precisely because these steps are in the interest of middle-class families and the broader economy, it will also be in the banks’ own long-term financial interest. What will be good for consumers over the long term will be good for the banks. (Applause.)

Investing in things like education that give everybody a chance to succeed. A tax code that makes sure everybody pays their fair share. And laws that make sure everybody follows the rules. That’s what will transform our economy. That’s what will grow our middle class again. In the end, rebuilding this economy based on fair play, a fair shot, and a fair share will require all of us to see that we have a stake in each other’s success. And it will require all of us to take some responsibility.

It will require parents to get more involved in their children’s education. It will require students to study harder. (Applause.) It will require some workers to start studying all over again. It will require greater responsibility from homeowners not to take out mortgages they can’t afford. They need to remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

It will require those of us in public service to make government more efficient and more effective, more consumer-friendly, more responsive to people’s needs. That’s why we’re cutting programs that we don’t need to pay for those we do. (Applause.) That’s why we’ve made hundreds of regulatory reforms that will save businesses billions of dollars. That’s why we’re not just throwing money at education, we’re challenging schools to come up with the most innovative reforms and the best results.

And it will require American business leaders to understand that their obligations don’t just end with their shareholders. Andy Grove, the legendary former CEO of Intel, put it best. He said, “There is another obligation I feel personally, given that everything I’ve achieved in my career, and a lot of what Intel has achieved…were made possible by a climate of democracy, an economic climate and investment climate provided by the United States.”

This broader obligation can take many forms. At a time when the cost of hiring workers in China is rising rapidly, it should mean more CEOs deciding that it’s time to bring jobs back to the United States -- (applause) -- not just because it’s good for business, but because it’s good for the country that made their business and their personal success possible. (Applause.)

I think about the Big Three auto companies who, during recent negotiations, agreed to create more jobs and cars here in America, and then decided to give bonuses not just to their executives, but to all their employees, so that everyone was invested in the company’s success. (Applause.)

I think about a company based in Warroad, Minnesota. It’s called Marvin Windows and Doors. During the recession, Marvin’s competitors closed dozens of plants, let hundreds of workers go. But Marvin’s did not lay off a single one of their 4,000 or so employees -- not one. In fact, they’ve only laid off workers once in over a hundred years. Mr. Marvin’s grandfather even kept his eight employees during the Great Depression.

Now, at Marvin’s when times get tough, the workers agree to give up some perks and some pay, and so do the owners. As one owner said, “You can’t grow if you’re cutting your lifeblood -- and that’s the skills and experience your workforce delivers.” (Applause.) For the CEO of Marvin’s, it’s about the community. He said, “These are people we went to school with. We go to church with them. We see them in the same restaurants. Indeed, a lot of us have married local girls and boys. We could be anywhere, but we are in Warroad.”

That’s how America was built. That’s why we’re the greatest nation on Earth. That’s what our greatest companies understand. Our success has never just been about survival of the fittest. It’s about building a nation where we’re all better off. We pull together. We pitch in. We do our part. We believe that hard work will pay off, that responsibility will be rewarded, and that our children will inherit a nation where those values live on. (Applause.)

And it is that belief that rallied thousands of Americans to Osawatomie -- (applause) -- maybe even some of your ancestors -- on a rain-soaked day more than a century ago. By train, by wagon, on buggy, bicycle, on foot, they came to hear the vision of a man who loved this country and was determined to perfect it.

“We are all Americans,” Teddy Roosevelt told them that day. “Our common interests are as broad as the continent.” In the final years of his life, Roosevelt took that same message all across this country, from tiny Osawatomie to the heart of New York City, believing that no matter where he went, no matter who he was talking to, everybody would benefit from a country in which everyone gets a fair chance. (Applause.)

And well into our third century as a nation, we have grown and we’ve changed in many ways since Roosevelt’s time. The world is faster and the playing field is larger and the challenges are more complex. But what hasn’t changed -- what can never change -- are the values that got us this far. We still have a stake in each other’s success. We still believe that this should be a place where you can make it if you try. And we still believe, in the words of the man who called for a New Nationalism all those years ago, “The fundamental rule of our national life,” he said, “the rule which underlies all others -- is that, on the whole, and in the long run, we shall go up or down together.” And I believe America is on the way up. (Applause.)

Thank you. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

END 1:55 P.M. CST

Cong Joe Walsh (R) to Announce His ReElection Plans on Thursday, in Chicago

2011-12-06T16:15:00.002-06:00

From the Walsh Campaign...

McHenry - Congressman Joe Walsh will make an important re-election announcement this Thursday at the Chicago Tea Party meeting. After spending the last week discussing his options with family, supporters, and party officials, Congressman Walsh believes the choice is clear.

Walsh stated "During my first year in office I upheld my campaign promise to do everything I could to rein in the mistakes that were made by the Obama Administration. From voting to repeal Obamacare, cutting spending, cutting taxes, and cutting the size of government, I have made it my mission to stop and roll back the damage that President Obama and Nancy Pelosi created. At the same time, I have also challenged my own party leadership when I think they did not go far enough. It is for that reason that I was one of only 22 Republicans who opposed the compromise that created the failed Super Committee.

I did not run for Congress to become part of Washington, I went to Washington to change the way Washington worked. It is why I have pledged to only serve three terms, it is why I turned down my health care and pension, it is why I sleep on my couch, and it is why I come home every single week and have hosted close to one hundred town halls.

During those numerous town halls I have heard from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who feel as if both parties have failed them, and that Washington is out of control. Like me they feel as though their country is being taken away from them, and that it is time to be bold. Whether you call them tea party members or just frustrated, patriotic Americans, this group of individuals is growing. They are fed up and want change now. I can think of no better place to announce important news concerning my re-election than in front of these folks at the Chicago Tea Party meeting.

Chicago Tea Party Meeting

Thursday, December 8, 2011

7PM

The Cubby Bear

1059 W. Addison St., Chicago

Rep Johnson Offers a National Right to Carry Bill

2011-12-05T16:17:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As promised, U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson has introduced legislation to guarantee all citizens their constitutional right to carry concealed weapons.

The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act, or H.R. 3543, would give Illinois citizens the same rights that Americans in every other state of the union enjoy.

“Overturning this prohibition in Illinois is long-overdue,” Rep. Johnson said. “Law-abiding citizens deserve the right to protect themselves. Over 100 years of Supreme Court rulings and the 14th Amendment guarantee that no state can deny the rights and privileges of any citizen. The Second Amendment could not be more clear on this issue. Forty-nine other states understand this and have reasonable policies in place to ensure that only law-abiding people willing to go through authorized safety training are permitted this right. The only reason Illinois is the exception is Cook County. This is not acceptable.

“I will continue to work with the Illinois delegation, colleagues from both sides of the aisle, and leadership in Congress to see that this bill is brought to the House floor for a vote.”

Ameren Helps DOT Foods Slash Energy Consumption

2011-12-05T16:06:00.001-06:00

Mt. Sterling, Ill. (Dec. 5, 2011) – Today, the Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy® program announced Dot Foods has slashed its energy usage by an amount equal to the electricity used by 400 residential customers in a year.

“Through their actions, Dot Foods is demonstrating what it means to be an energy efficiency leader,” said Cheryl A. Miller, ActOnEnergy business program manager.

Founded in 1960 by Robert Tracy with the support of his wife Dorothy, Dot Foods has grown to become the nation’s largest food redistributor. Dot Foods offers more than 100,000 products in all 50 states.

“We are pleased Dot Foods has teamed with ActOnEnergy to achieve their energy efficiency goals. To date, they have received about $284,000 in ActOnEnergy incentives,” Miller said.

Miller explained that Dot Foods has completed more than 10 energy efficiency projects in partnership with ActOnEnergy. These include high-efficiency lighting and refrigeration projects.

“We appreciate the opportunity to participate with Ameren Illinois, in reducing energy consumption. Their staff has been instrumental and easy to work with,” said John Long, Dot Foods senior vice president of warehousing.

“Dot is committed to continued pursuit of opportunities that are good for our business, our employees, & our communities,” Long said.

“We have been striving to reduce out kilowatt-hours, as this is a positive for our business, as well as our carbon footprint,” said Nader Khalil, Dot Foods corporate engineer manager.

“Partnering with Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy has helped Dot Foods implement energy efficiency technologies, such as lighting upgrades, insulated freezer doors and refrigeration technology, which resulted in a one-year reduction of kilowatt-hours per cubic feet of 15.4 percent,” Khalil said.

Miller said a total of $18 million in ActOnEnergy incentives is available for business energy efficiency projects completed between June 1, 2011 and May 31, 2012. Applications are now being accepted.

Since ActOnEnergy was launched in 2008, the amount of annual business incentive dollars has grown from $3 million to $18 million. The energy efficiency program is funded through a small charge, Rider EDR, on customer electric bills and Rider GER on customer natural gas bills. This charge is mandated by state law.

ActOnEnergy offers incentive programs and advice for businesses of all sizes and types. Complete business program information is available at ActOnEnergy.com, by calling 1-866-800-0747 or by sending an e-mail to ActOnEnergyBusiness@ameren.com.

In addition to the business programs, ActOnEnergy offers incentives and rebates to residential customers. For more information on residential programs, visit ActOnEnergy.com, call 1-866-838-6918 or send an e-mail to: ActOnEnergyResidential@ameren.com.

Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 813,000 natural gas customers in downstate Illinois, and our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Our service area covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com.

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Treasurer Rutherford Allows Santa Shopping to Include Bidding on Safe Deposit Treasures

2011-12-05T10:06:00.005-06:00

State Treasurer Dan Rutherford is holding an online auction of items left in safe depost boxes. The auction starts today [Dec 5, 2011]. There are over 15,000 items that folks can bid on, using the Ibid system. According to the Tresurer, this will save the state approximately $27,000 over the last auction, which was held using Ebay.

If you wish to partcipate, here's the link to the Tresurer's page, that gives the details of the auction, and how to participate.

http://www.treasurer.il.gov/programs/auction/the-process.aspx

Sears Issued Memo to Employees in Wake of Legislature's Vote on Tuesday Against Granting Tax Relief

2011-11-30T16:29:00.006-06:00

NOTE: Sears has threatened to leave Illinois if tax relief was not granted by the end of this year. The Senate passed a bill that would have granted tax relief to Sears and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange [CME], but this bill was defeated by an overwhelming vote in the Illinois House, where members voted 99 against to only 8 votes in favor of passage.

MEMO TO SEARS EMPLOYEES

Date: Nov. 30, 2011
To: All Hoffman Estates Support Center Associates
From: Chris Brathwaite, VP, Communications and Public Relations
Re: Last Night’s Illinois House Vote

By now many of you have seen or heard the news stories reported by several news outlets speculating on the possibility of moving our company from Hoffman Estates as a result of last night’s Illinois House vote.

We are disappointed that the legislature was not able to reach agreement and pass a package that will help us remain an Illinois company. We received solid support for our portion of the legislation and are hopeful that the unrelated issues, including the earned income tax credit provision, will be resolved in short order by prudent leadership. You should know that our portion of the bill was endorsed on the record by representatives of both Hoffman Estates and District 300. The fight is not over, and we continue to work toward a resolution. Yesterday was another step in this process. But a final decision has not yet been made.

Our commitment to you remains the same; to be thorough in our review of all of our options. We hope that lawmakers will achieve a compromise very soon as our timeline for making a decision about our future by the end of the year has not changed.

We will keep you apprised of any significant developments.

Budget Director David Vaught on Illinois' Finances, Pensions and Educational Funding

2011-11-30T12:02:00.003-06:00

AUDIO: Dea Meyer of the Civic Cmte Talks About How Pension Debt Has Already Kept at Least One Firm From Moving to IL

2011-11-19T22:39:00.004-06:00

Nov 19, 2011: Dea Meyer of the Civic Cmte of the Commercial Club, was one of the participants talking about Illinois' pensions, on a panel at the IL Assn of School Boards Annual Conference. In this clip Ms Meyer is talking about how one business, that was looking to relocate, quickly wrote off Illinois as a location, due to it's overwhelming pension debt, and it's refusal to address the problem in a significant way.

The Civic Cmte of the Commercial Club of Chicago is one of the primary supporters of SB-512, the Pension Reform bill, that would create a three-tiered pension benefit system for state employees, and thus save the state millions in future obligations.

Dea Meyer, Civic Cmte Comm Club at IASB Conf by Illinois Channel

Rep Walsh (R) Seeks Atty-Gen Eric Holder's Resignation in Light of Fast & Furious Gun Running Debacle

2011-11-17T15:12:00.002-06:00

WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Joe Walsh (IL-8) sent a letter with 39 of his colleagues to President Obama asking for Holder’s immediate resignation. Congressman Walsh sent a letter directly to the Attorney General in late October asking him to take responsibility for his role in Operation Fast and Furious and to step down, but the Attorney General has continued to stonewall Congress and the subsequent investigation.

Walsh stated: “The American people deserve to know the truth regarding Attorney General Eric Holder’s knowledge and role in Operation Fast and Furious. Throughout this investigation, the Attorney General has back-pedaled on his testimony, tried to cover his tracks, and has been unwilling to cooperate with the Congressional investigation. This is simply unacceptable.

“The Attorney General oversaw a department which carried out an operation that left a U.S. border patrol agent dead, illegally sold 2,000 weapons to Mexican cartels, and attempted to build a case for gun control. Operation Fast and Furious was a tragic mistake. The American people deserve more than this from their government and the Attorney General needs to give answers, not more false testimony.

“Attorney General Eric Holder is supposed to enforce the laws of this nation, not try to break them. It’s time he goes.”

Cong Aaron Schock (R) Urges White House to Reconsider Decision to Delay Keystone Pipeline

2011-11-17T11:51:00.002-06:00

Washington, DC – Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) is urging the White House to reconsider its decision to postpone final approval of the Keystone XL pipeline following the announcement last week that a decision would be delayed until after the 2012 elections. A move many have criticized as a politically calculated choice by the Administration that delays development of important domestic energy resources and prevents the creation of thousands of new American jobs.

Schock joined with others in Congress today in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to take action before the end of the year, which is in line with the Department of State’s longstanding public time frame. This is the second letter Schock has sent to the Administration this year on the need for a final decision to be made on the Keystone pipeline.

“I just held a press conference last week on the need for the United States to incorporate domestic energy production with job creation. The news that the Administration is now delaying a final decision is an outrageous setback for job creators and those looking for work. The reality is this announcement to punt a final decision was not based on sound policy, but partisan politics. At a time when millions of Americans are out of work, the 20,000 jobs that would have been created by the final approval of the Keystone XL pipeline shows that the priorities of the White House are very different than that of the rest of the country.

“For months I have been touting the benefits of linking a robust transportation infrastructure bill to domestic energy production to both reinvest in our nation’s deteriorating highways, bridges and rails and to also create an environment for job growth immediately and in to the future. Since taking office, the Obama Administration has stood in the way of American energy production, decisions that have cost this country jobs, made us less secure and raised energy prices. Since January 2009, the national average for a gallon of gas has doubled from $1.84 per gallon to $3.44 per gallon today.

“In numerous instances this year the House has acted and passed legislation focused on domestic energy production, including voting to expedite the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. As with over 100 other pieces of legislation, the Senate has yet to act. I believe now is the time for both the Senate and the President to move forward and ensure the approval of the Keystone pipeline is approved by the end of the year. Failure to do so will further set us back in terms of job creation and domestic energy production.”

Earlier this year, Schock voted for the House passed H.R. 1938, North-American Made Energy Security Act, that required a decision to be made by the Obama administration on the Keystone XL project by November 1.

Jim Ryan Endorses Kirk Dillard in his ReElection Bid to IL Senate

2011-11-14T08:23:00.002-06:00

In a letter to residents of the Illinois 24th Senatorial District, former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan and several noteworthy leaders endorsed Illinois State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Westmont) in his bid for reelection. Considered one of the most successful prosecutors in the state, Ryan has earned the respect and admiration of many throughout Illinois.

Ryan called Dillard, “One of the finest and most honorable people I have known.” He cited Dillard’s work when Ryan was Attorney General, specifically Dillard’s sponsorship of Ryan’s “Safe to Learn” Act which helps ensure children’s school safety. “Few people in politics earn the respect that Senator Dillard has over his distinguished career.” The readers of West Suburban Living voted Dillard to be the local politician with the most integrity. Ryan went on to say, “We need a Senator that has the broad experience, proper demeanor, and integrity to represent the entire district. Senator Dillard is clearly that person.”

Ryan describes how Dillard has helped the residents throughout the 24th Senate District. Ryan outlined how Dillard, working with local officials, obtained the funds to improve North Avenue, St. Charles Road and Butterfield Road/22nd Street, assisted with the purchase of Elmhurst Stone Quarry for Elmhurst flood abatement, and helped obtain the renovation monies for York Community High School. Ryan called Dillard a “workhorse” on complex issues in Illinois.

In addition to Ryan, others endorsing Dillard in the letter include former Illinois House Speaker Lee Daniels, John, Sr. and Reva Lizzadro, former Elmhurst Police Chief and current Illinois State Senator John Millner, and the late Congressman Henry Hyde’s son, Anthony.

After receiving the news of his endorsement, Dillard said, “I am humbled to receive the endorsements. It is an honor that these community leaders are supporting me in my reelection efforts. I am completely committed to continuing serving this area.”

Dillard currently represents the 24th Illinois Senate District. Municipalities included in the newly redistricted 24th Senate District are Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, Lombard, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Oakbook Terrace, Westmont, Wheaton and Willowbrook. Dillard is a longtime resident of Hinsdale, where he lives with his wife Stephanie and their two young daughters.

Miss Illinois Hannah Smith, Tells IL Senate She Hopes to Make IL's Distracted Drivers Law Take Effect Nationwide

2011-11-08T14:05:00.003-06:00

Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith, talks to IL Senate about distracted drivers by Illinois Channel

Herman Cain Statement issued Monday in Response to Sex Allegations

2011-11-08T10:06:00.001-06:00

Just as the country finally begins to refocus on our crippling $15 trillion national debt and the unacceptably high unemployment rate, now activist celebrity lawyer Gloria Allred is bringing forth more false accusations against the character of Republican front-runner Herman Cain.

All allegations of harassment against Mr. Cain are completely false. Mr. Cain has never harassed anyone. Fortunately the American people will not allow Mr. Cain’s bold “9-9-9 Plan”, clear foreign policy vision and plans for energy independence to be overshadowed by these bogus attacks.

Gov Scott Walker (R-Wis) on Reforms that Make Government Work

2011-11-07T20:53:00.004-06:00

At the Union League Club of Chicago, Gov Scott Walker of Wisconsin talks about the reforms he brought to Wisconsin government and what he says are already tangible results. Gov Walker talked too, about the problems troubling Illinois, and why he feels Illinois is moving in the wrong direction by raising taxes to solve its budget problems.

Early on, the Governor's remarks were interrupted by members of Occupy Chicago, chanting and yelling during his speech. This went on for about 5 mins. We've edited their distruption to one minute, to give viewers a flavor of their tactics.

Readout of the President's Call with St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa

2011-11-07T19:33:00.002-06:00

November 7, 2011

Earlier today, President Obama called Tony La Russa, manager of the 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals to congratulate him and the entire organization on the team’s victory. The President said that the team kept him up late during game six and that it was one of the better sporting events that he had seen in a long time. The President congratulated Mr. La Russa on his remarkable career and said that there was no better capstone to one of the best careers of all time. The President said that the looks forward to congratulating the team in person at the White House.

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Statement from Regional Superintendents of Schools on Veto Session

2011-10-27T14:50:00.000-05:00

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, representing regional offices of education and intermediate service centers in Illinois, today issued the following statement on developments during the Legislature's fall veto session:

"We have said from the outset we deserve to be paid now and moving forward. We are disappointed by today's vote in this chamber against this possible funding solution. We know we need a solution now and can't wait any longer. We will keep working with legislators to find the votes for a reasonable solution for our very serious funding problem, and we remain hopeful that resolution will happen in this veto session."

-- Bob Daiber, president of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools and Madison County regional superintendent.

About IARSS

The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools represents the dozens of elected leaders of regional offices of education, which provide a variety of key services to

AUDIO of IL House Debate on Funding Regional Superintendets

2011-10-27T14:08:00.003-05:00

NOTE -- AUDIO RECORDING ERROR MISSED THE VOTE COUNT AT THE END. IT WAS 59-55. The measure failed to pass, but may be brought back later for reconsideration.

The first speaker is Rep David Harris. You may wish to ck out Rep Roger Eddy's heated comments around 12 mins into the debate. You can go directly to that point by double clicking on the time line.

AUDIO: IL House Debate on Funding Regional Superintendents by Illinois Channel

AUDIO of Sen Cullerton's Closing Remarks in the Debate of SB-678,the Tanaska "Clean Coal" Bill, from Oct 27, 2011

2011-10-27T13:05:00.002-05:00

SB-678, Tanaska "Clean Coal" bill. Sen Cullerton's closing remarks by Illinois Channel

SIU Prof Charlie Leonard Releases 4th Annual Simon Poll of Illinois Citizens

2011-10-25T01:07:00.003-05:00

Professor Charlie Leonard of the Paul Simon Institute at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, released the results of the 4th Annual Simon Poll of Illinois citizens.

The poll questioned 1000 citizens across the state on issues related to taxes, spending, pensions, and what candidates they prefer to see as the GOP nominee, and how those candidates would do in a head-to-head race against President Obama.

For results of the Poll: http://paulsimoninstitute.org/

Here's our one-on-one conversation with Professor Leonard about how he conducts a poll, and what steps are taken to see that the results are reflective of the true positions held by citizens across Illinois

Gov Quinn Statement on Utilities Dropping Trailer Bill

2011-10-24T20:59:00.001-05:00

CHICAGO – October 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement regarding the trailer bill to Senate Bill 1652:

“Hours before veto session begins, ComEd and Ameren have dropped a “trailer” bill that they claim would be a better bill for the people of Illinois. Unfortunately, this movie still has the same unhappy ending: blockbuster annual rate hikes for consumers and businesses.”

“The bill still guarantees annual rate hikes every year for the next ten years. This bill still guarantees annual profits for utilities at the expense of hard working families and businesses, which will cost jobs. And this bill still eliminates any real oversight by the Illinois Commerce Commission.”

“Businesses, homes and families will see their electricity bills go up each year for the next 10 years as result of this bill. Legislators have a choice – they can listen to the people of Illinois who've clearly spoken out against this or they can listen to the fairy tales being spun by the two big utilities.”

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Rep Holbrook Resigns to Take Seat on Illinois Pollution Control Board

2011-10-24T20:20:00.004-05:00

Rep Thomas Holbrook,(D) of Belleville, resigned to accept an appointment by Gov Quinn to the Illinois Pollution Control Board. It also means Holbrook will raise his salary from $67,000 to $117,000

Gov Quinn Appoints Ann Schneider, Transportation Sec, John Holton, Dir of Aging

2011-10-24T19:31:00.002-05:00

CHICAGO – October 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced two top appointments to his executive cabinet. Today’s actions are the latest in a series of appointments Governor Quinn will make as he continues to fulfill his commitment to creating jobs, fostering economic development, and increasing efficiency and accountability in all areas of state government.

Effective immediately, Governor Quinn named Ann Schneider as secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and John Holton as director of the Illinois Department on Aging. The Governor also appointed two acting directors and one interim director: Jim Larkin as acting director of the Department of Agriculture, Andrew Stolfi as acting director of the Illinois Department of Insurance and John Kim as interim director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

“Effective government requires leadership by talented and motivated public servants, and I am pleased to announce these qualified individuals to lead critical state agencies,” Governor Quinn said. “These strong directors will serve the people of Illinois well with their skills and commitment to improving state programs and services.”

Directors

Ann L. Schneider has served as acting secretary of IDOT since July 2011. Prior to her appointment, Schneider served as IDOT’s chief of operations, responsible for managing and overseeing the department’s six offices and four divisions. Schneider also spent five years as director and chief financial officer for IDOT’s Office of Finance and Administration. Before joining IDOT, Schneider was the chief fiscal officer for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and in the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. Schneider has a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College and a master’s degree in public administration from Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois-Springfield).

John Holton will apply his expertise in community and human development to Illinois’ unprecedented increase in its older adult population. Holton served from 2007 through 2010 as associate director of the Division of Mental Health at the Illinois Department of Human Services. Previously, he served as site director for the Harvard University School of Public Health’s Project on Human Development in Chicago’s Neighborhoods, and is a member of the American Public Health Association. Holton’s experience addressing domestic violence and other issues impacting older adults and their families will strengthen the department's efforts to help older adults live with comfort and dignity. He holds a Ph.D. in human development from Pennsylvania State University, as well as a master’s in urban education from the University of Hartford and a B.A. from Howard University.

Acting Directors

Jim Larkin is a fourth-generation family farmer who lives on the farm where he was raised in the McLean County town of Towanda. He joined the Illinois Department of Agriculture in 2003, and has served as bureau chief of Agricultural Products Inspection since 2004. He manages a 680-acre grain farm, which includes 80 acres devoted to sustainable, organic production. A graduate of Illinois State University, Larkin founded Agri-Fire, a business that markets corn-burning heating appliances, prior to his state employment. He joined the Illinois Department of Agriculture in 2003. Mr. Larkin is married and has four adult children.

Andrew R. Stolfi has served as chief of staff and special counsel for policy and legislative affairs at the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) since 2009. He is part of the leadership team responsible for implementing national health insurance reform in Illinois, and is an active participant at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, where he chairs the Corporate Governance Working Group. Prior to joining the department, Stolfi was an attorney and policy analyst in the Office of the Governor. He has also worked as a judicial law clerk to Appellate Justice Thomas E. Hoffman and as a special assistant corporation counsel for the City of Chicago Law Department. Stolfi holds a bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Vermont and a law degree with honors from the Chicago-Kent College of Law. He is married with two children.

Interim Director

John Kim has served as chief legal counsel and ethics officer at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since 2009. Kim has worked to protect Illinois’ environment since 1988, previously serving as acting general counsel at the Illinois Department of Agriculture, managing attorney and staff attorney at the Illinois EPA, and assistant attorney general and special assistant attorney general for the Illinois Attorney General. His experience ranges from working with state and federal environmental statutes to providing guidance in pollution prevention principles to selected industries in China, to working with China EPA, USEPA, the World Bank and the United Nations’ Environment Program. Kim holds a bachelor’s of science degree in industrial engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a J.D. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

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President Obama Signs Three Trade Agreements Into Law

2011-10-21T10:28:00.001-05:00

Statement by the Press Secretary

On Friday, October 21, 2011, the President signed into law:

H.R. 2832, the “Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2011,” which extends the Generalized System of Preferences program through July 31, 2013, and reauthorizes the Trade Adjustment Assistance program through December 31, 2013;

H.R. 3080, the “United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act,” which implements the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement;

H.R. 3078, the “United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act,” which implements the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and extends the Andean Trade Preference Act; and

H.R. 3079, the “United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act,” which implements the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement.

Illinois Launches New Searchable Physician Profile Website

2011-10-20T13:41:00.001-05:00

from the Gov's office

CHICAGO - As part of his ongoing efforts to increase consumer protections and transparency in Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn launched a website that makes important information regarding Illinois’ physicians available to the public. Maintained by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the site offers consumers the information they need to make good decisions about their families’ health care.

“Information is power, and we want to make sure that people get the information they need to make informed decisions about the doctors who treat them,” Governor Quinn said. “This online tool will provide valuable assistance for patients as they choose health care providers for their families.”

The website allows health care consumers to review important information about the professional and disciplinary backgrounds of the more than 46,000 physicians and surgeons licensed to practice in Illinois. It offers a search engine that is easy to use, and enables consumers to search by the physician’s name, specialty, geographic region or hospital affiliation. The program also allows consumers to compare several doctors who have similar specialties.

More than 85 percent of all licensed physicians and surgeons have provided the information necessary to create or update their profiles. Categories of information available to consumers include: the location and scope of practice; the type of insurance the physician accepts; specialties and certifications; legal and disciplinary actions taken against the physician; educational background; and professional activities or honors.

“It is clear that Illinoisans are craving this information and they should,” said Brent Adams, Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation. “Everyone is entitled to providing informed consent to medical treatment – not just being informed as to the procedure or medication, but also being informed as to who is recommending that course of treatment.”

The new website takes the place of Illinois’ original physician profile website, which was available between 2008 and 2010 and was removed as part of a larger Supreme Court decision. At the time, it averaged over 150,000 hits per week by over 42,000 unique visitors. The Patients' Right to Know Act (House Bill 105), signed into law by the Governor earlier this year, restored Illinois’ consumers’ right to access this important health care information.

“This legislation is needed even more today than it was in 2008, especially as more doctors are receiving performance-based pay,” Representative Mary Flowers, House sponsor of HB 105, said. “It provides valuable information to patients when they go to select a health care provider.”

"The Patients Right to Know Act will help to ensure that consumers are choosing the right physician for their needs," Senator Delgado, Chairman of the Senate Public Health Committee and Senate sponsor, said. "The database created under this Act will enable anyone to search by a doctor's partial first or last name, city, specialty, keyword, or hospital affiliation. Patients will be able to find out ahead of time if the physician has any the specialty certifications or legal and disciplinary actions for the past 5 years in addition to being able to see their resumes."

To find a physician’s profile, visit the IDFPR’s website: www.idfpr.com, or visit DoctorInfo.illinois.gov.

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Former Chair of Iowa GOP Joins Herman Cain's Campaign

2011-10-20T13:31:00.002-05:00

from the Cain Campaign

The Herman Cain presidential campaign announced Wednesday that former Republican Party of Iowa Chairman, Steve Grubbs, will join the campaign as the Iowa State Chairman.

“We tried a community organizer as president, maybe it's time we put a CEO in the White House,” said Grubbs. “I've had the good fortune to work with Bob Dole, Steve Forbes and Tommy Thompson and I can honestly say that I've never quite seen the groundswell of excitement that I'm seeing for Herman Cain.”

“Having Steve Grubbs join our team demonstrates the commitment the Cain campaign has for its state-by-state strategy. We believe in our national strategy, but we know that we will need a strong ground based organization to do well in Iowa,” said Mark Block, chief of staff for the Cain campaign. “Steve Grubbs has been a part of the Dole Presidential campaigns in '88 and '96 as well as the Forbes campaign in 2000. These presidential bids were well organized campaigns and that's our goal for the caucuses.”
Steve Grubbs is considered one of the leading Republican strategists in Iowa. He has worked on four presidential campaigns and more than 100 state and local campaigns in the state. He served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa in '97-98 and served six years in the Iowa House of Representatives prior to that.

“I've looked at the Cain campaign organization and while there's a lot of work to do, it has the ingredients to win. Herman Cain has deep support in Iowa and that makes the job of finding precinct leaders easier,” said Grubbs. “Mitt Romney has five years behind his organization in Iowa and that makes him the frontrunner, but the momentum of the Cain campaign is only getting stronger and the enthusiasm for Herman’s vision to turn our country around is only getting louder.”

Illinois Broadband Leaders to Meet in Urbana to Address Bringing Broadband to Rural Illinois

2011-10-11T22:04:00.002-05:00

Digital Future Brings Opportunities for Jobs, Education, Health Care

URBANA, Illinois – Jobs, education and the challenges of bringing broadband to rural Illinois will be among the topics of the Central Illinois Regional Broadband Summit on Wednesday, October 12 at the University of Illinois.

National and statewide leaders and elected officials will come together at the summit, sponsored by Partnership for a Connected Illinois (PCI), to review public and private investment in broadband and high-speed internet, and to discuss opportunities for the future. Representatives of two broadband projects in central Illinois, the Illinois Century Network and Urbana Champaign Big Broadband (UC2B), will share progress reports and detail the ways the investments can make a significant difference in the lives of people both locally and statewide.

Companies that have made significant investments in broadband will also participate in the summit, including AT&T, Champaign Telephone Company, Comcast, Consolidated Communications, and Frontier Communications. Representatives of each company will highlight their investments in broadband and discuss their views on how citizens and communities can benefit from access to broadband and high-speed internet.

Featured speakers will include Rep. Connie Howard (D-Chicago) the sponsor of legislation creating the Illinois Century Network; Sen. Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign); Rep. Naomi Jakobsson (D-Urbana); and Kevin Johnson of the office of U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson (R-IL). At the summit, Representative Howard will be recognized for her leadership efforts to eliminate the digital divide in Illinois.

“Illinois is in a race with other states and nations to develop broadband and high-speed internet in our communities,” said Drew Clark, executive director of PCI.

“Broadband and high speed internet are among the most significant infrastructure investments of our time, equating to improved health care, more jobs and a better education for our citizens,” said Clark. “Better broadband means better lives,” Clark added. ”Investments in broadband are vital to help our communities prosper, to help people live longer and healthier lives, and to bring essential education programs to areas that are currently economically disadvantaged.”

The Central Illinois Regional Broadband Summit will be held on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), 1205 W. Clark St., Urbana, on the campus of the University of Illinois. PCI held similar earlier this year in Naperville and Carbondale. Following is a schedule of related events, all of which will be at the NCSA:

9:00 a.m - Noon – Research Symposium featuring Broadband Researchers
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. – Central Illinois Regional Broadband Summit

On Thursday morning, the Governor’s Broadband Deployment Council will meet from 9:00 a.m. until Noon, also at the NCSA. Two remote participation sites for the BDC meeting are also open to the public, one in Springfield and the other in Chicago.

Both days events will be streamed live on the internet via PCI's website.

Additional information about the summit and related events, including registration information, can be found on PCI’s website, http://www.broadbandillinois.org. The registration page is http://broadbandillinois.org/calendar/1.

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Sen Mark Kirk (R-IL) Says State of Illinois' Debt Worrying Credit Markets

2011-10-11T12:28:00.004-05:00

from Sen Mark Kirk's office.. Oct 11,2011

State’s Debt Rising, Credit Rating Declining, Illinois Communities Paying More Than Other States in Interest

Citizens Owe 2x More than People in Indiana, Iowa or Missouri and

3x more than people in Michigan or Wisconsin

Combined State, City, County Government Debts Load For Each Chicago Household: $78,000

CHICAGO - With reports that the State of Illinois faces debt concerns greater than any other state, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today published the Report on Illinois Debt, advising citizens on how much their state owes and the danger of its mounting debt. The report was prepared in consultation with Senator Kirk’s Sovereign Debt Advisory Board, chaired by financial expert Henry Feinberg.

“If Illinois enters an unrecoverable debt spiral, there will be no federal bailout. Therefore, the people of Illinois need to know the dire financial position of our state and what we need to do to fix it ourselves,” said Senator Kirk.

This report shows Illinois directly owes over $30 billion, on top of unpaid bills that increased ten times in ten years. The state’s accumulated health and pension obligations total over $140 billion -- with less than 60% of these promises covered, representing the lowest percentage in the nation. Illinois has the worst credit rating of any state in America and ranks 48th out of 50 states in healthy business climate. By adding the debts owed to Illinois, Cook County and the City of Chicago, each Chicago household owes $78,000.

“Illinois is in a self-perpetuating, destructive cycle of debt resulting from increasingly mismatched revenue and obligations,” said Henry Feinberg, Chairman of Senator Kirk’s Sovereign Debt Advisory Board.

Illinois pays almost $3 billion annually for interest on the money it already borrowed. Spending on interest already totals four times the amount needed to erase the $700 million budget deficit of the Chicago Public School System. The debt picture is not improving because Illinois unemployment is rising. The state employed 190,000 more people in January, 2001, than it does today. For debts and unfunded liabilities, each person in Illinois owes twice as much to the state as people in Indiana, Iowa and Missouri and three times more than people in Wisconsin and Michigan.

Because Illinois has such a poor credit rating, local governments must pay higher interest rates than similar communities in better-run states. For example, Cook County School District 163 had to pay more in interest expenses than similar Midwestern creditors because it was in Illinois: $592,706 more than Brownsburg Redevelopment Authority, Indiana, $893,109 more than Waterloo, Iowa and $1,096,437 more than a school district in Randolph County, Missouri.

Prospects for repayment are difficult. Illinois lost over 190,000 jobs since January 2001. The City of Chicago lost over 200,000 people during the same period.

Lost population means the debts and unfunded liabilities must be repaid by taxpayers who remain in the state. If Illinois had the same population growth rate as Indiana, per household debt would be approximately $400 lower than it is today.

Illinois citizens face higher taxes and larger debts because so many of their fellow citizens have moved to other, more fiscally responsible states. The State lost over 85,000 net taxpayers between 1995 and 2007 to neighboring states. Taxpayer flight between 1995 and 2007 cost Illinois an estimated $2.4 billion in tax revenue.

While Illinois is an American state with substantially stronger institutions than Europe, its debt load per person is higher than for citizens in Spain, Portugal, Ireland or Greece.

While there are many solutions to this problem, knowledgeable Republican and Democratic state legislators joined the Civic Committee to focus on key pension reforms needed to improving the state’s dismal record with borrowed money.

Senator Kirk concluded, “The deteriorating credit rating of Illinois harms our state’s ability to attract new jobs and higher incomes. To maintain the federal credit rating, Congress cannot bailout a few spendthrift states. Therefore, our state’s leaders must focus on pension reform and other anti-spending measures to replicate the growing success of Indiana and other Midwestern states.”

Fmr Rep Debbie Halverson Announces She's Running Against Rep Jesse Jackson Jr, in the new 2nd District

2011-10-06T18:37:00.004-05:00

Former Rep Debbie Halverson, who spent one term in the US House representing the 11th Congressional district, announced today she is running again -- this time in the 2nd Congressional district, where she will face Jesse Jackson Jr. Halverson notes the new 2nd district map includes much of her former cong district, and areas she represented when she was in the state senate.

This will be an interest race to follow as it pits the Jackson family, against Halverson -- who is close to President Obama. At one time, President Obama was close to Jesse Jackson Jr, whose wife was friends with Michelle Obama, before she married the president. But today, Jackson Jr is reportedly on the outs with the President. In fact, following his recent address to Congress, the President turned his back to Rep Jesse Jackson Jr, while shaking the hands of other representatives gathered to with the president well.

Halverson no doubt has reason to believe she will have a good shot at grabbing the nomination from Jesse Jackson Jr, who she claims has been an ineffective representative for his district.

Here's a part of her announcment that she sent out to supporters:

Today, at the Skyline Restaurant in Chicago Heights, across the street from Bloom High School where both my father and I went to school, I launched our campaign to create jobs and bring real representation, real leadership and real results back to our district.

After listening to local residents talk about losing their jobs, losing their homes, or having to choose between putting food on the table and keeping their utilities on, I’ve decided that I can no longer stand on the sidelines.

Can you join me?

Working men, women and families throughout Chicago’s south side and the south suburbs have struggled for far too long. We need jobs. We need a better education for our children and grandchildren. We need better policies and stronger leadership that our district can count on.

As a lifelong resident of the Chicagoland area, I have worked here. I was a single mom raising my children and trying to make ends meet here. I understand the struggles that families are facing in our district.

Throughout my time serving our region, I have fought for the people I represent. I brought over 7,000 jobs to the area by bringing a new transportation facility to the south suburbs. I have stood up for disabled veterans and ensured they have access to VA healthcare without co-pay. I’ve advocated for seniors to make sure they didn’t have to decide between food and medications.

My track record shows that I am a strong advocate for the people in our district and I will continue to fight for you if elected to represent the 2nd Congressional District.

Cong John Shimkus (R) Statement on Retirement of Cong Jerry Costello (D)

2011-10-04T11:15:00.002-05:00

Washington, DC...Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) issued the following statement upon the announcement of Congressman Jerry Costello’s retirement:

“This morning I received a call from Congressman Jerry Costello informing me that he has decided to retire from public office as a Member of Congress. This is a great loss for Southern Illinois and a personal loss for me.

“While we hail from different political parties, I have counted Jerry as one of my closest friends and confidants. I have been amazed at the productivity of Jerry in meeting the needs of the working men and women that he represents. In the House majority or in the minority, Jerry always seemed to get the job done. Regardless of who held the White House, Jerry was always able to get the work done.

“Many have heard me call him the patron saint of Scott Air Force Base. Well even patron saints retire, which will cause all of us to work a little harder to fill this gap. To Georgia and the entire Costello clan, thanks for sharing Jerry with me, Southern Illinois, and the country.”

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Text of President Obama's Remarks on His Deficit Reduction Plan of Sept 19, 2011

2011-09-19T11:57:00.003-05:00

from the White House Press Office

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody. Please have a seat.

A week ago today, I sent Congress the American Jobs Act. It’s a plan that will lead to new jobs for teachers, for construction workers, for veterans, and for the unemployed. It will cut taxes for every small business owner and virtually every working man and woman in America. And the proposals in this jobs bill are the kinds that have been supported by Democrats and Republicans in the past. So there shouldn’t be any reason for Congress to drag its feet. They should pass it right away. I'm ready to sign a bill. I've got the pens all ready.

Now, as I said before, Congress should pass this bill knowing that every proposal is fully paid for. The American Jobs Act will not add to our nation’s debt. And today, I’m releasing a plan that details how to pay for the jobs bill while also paying down our debt over time.

And this is important, because the health of our economy depends in part on what we do right now to create the conditions where businesses can hire and middle-class families can feel a basic measure of economic security. But in the long run, our prosperity also depends on our ability to pay down the massive debt we’ve accumulated over the past decade in a way that allows us to meet our responsibilities to each other and to the future.

During this past decade, profligate spending in Washington, tax cuts for multi-millionaires and billionaires, the cost of two wars, and the recession turned a record surplus into a yawning deficit, and that left us with a big pile of IOUs. If we don’t act, that burden will ultimately fall on our children’s shoulders. If we don’t act, the growing debt will eventually crowd out everything else, preventing us from investing in things like education, or sustaining programs like Medicare.

So Washington has to live within its means. The government has to do what families across this country have been doing for years. We have to cut what we can’t afford to pay for what really matters. We need to invest in what will promote hiring and economic growth now while still providing the confidence that will come with a plan that reduces our deficits over the long-term.

These principles were at the heart of the deficit framework that I put forward in April. It was an approach to shrink the deficit as a share of the economy, but not to do so so abruptly with spending cuts that would hamper growth or prevent us from helping small businesses and middle-class families get back on their feet.

It was an approach that said we need to go through the budget line-by-line looking for waste, without shortchanging education and basic scientific research and road construction, because those things are essential to our future. And it was an approach that said we shouldn't balance the budget on the backs of the poor and the middle class; that for us to solve this problem, everybody, including the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations, have to pay their fair share.

Now, during the debt ceiling debate, I had hoped to negotiate a compromise with the Speaker of the House that fulfilled these principles and achieved the $4 trillion in deficit reduction that leaders in both parties have agreed we need -- a grand bargain that would have strengthened our economy, instead of weakened it. Unfortunately, the Speaker walked away from a balanced package. What we agreed to instead wasn’t all that grand. But it was a start -- roughly $1 trillion in cuts to domestic spending and defense spending.

Everyone knows we have to do more, and a special joint committee of Congress is assigned to find more deficit reduction. So, today, I’m laying out a set of specific proposals to finish what we started this summer -- proposals that live up to the principles I’ve talked about from the beginning. It’s a plan that reduces our debt by more than $4 trillion, and achieves these savings in a way that is fair -- by asking everybody to do their part so that no one has to bear too much of the burden on their own.

All told, this plan cuts $2 in spending for every dollar in new revenues. In addition to the $1 trillion in spending that we’ve already cut from the budget, our plan makes additional spending cuts that need to happen if we’re to solve this problem. We reform agricultural subsidies -- subsidies that a lot of times pay large farms for crops that they don't grow. We make modest adjustments to federal retirement programs. We reduce by tens of billions of dollars the tax money that goes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. We also ask the largest financial firms -- companies saved by tax dollars during the financial crisis -- to repay the American people for every dime that we spent. And we save an additional $1 trillion as we end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

These savings are not only counted as part of our plan, but as part of the budget plan that nearly every Republican on the House voted for.

Finally, this plan includes structural reforms to reduce the cost of health care in programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Keep in mind we've already included a number of reforms in the health care law, which will go a long way towards controlling these costs. But we're going to have to do a little more. This plan reduces wasteful subsidies and erroneous payments while changing some incentives that often lead to excessive health care costs. It makes prescriptions more affordable through faster approval of generic drugs. We’ll work with governors to make Medicaid more efficient and more accountable. And we’ll change the way we pay for health care. Instead of just paying for procedures, providers will be paid more when they improve results -- and such steps will save money and improve care.

These changes are phased in slowly to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid over time. Because while we do need to reduce health care costs, I’m not going to allow that to be an excuse for turning Medicare into a voucher program that leaves seniors at the mercy of the insurance industry. And I'm not going to stand for balancing the budget by denying or reducing health care for poor children or those with disabilities. So we will reform Medicare and Medicaid, but we will not abandon the fundamental commitment that this country has kept for generations.

And by the way, that includes our commitment to Social Security. I've said before, Social Security is not the primary cause of our deficits, but it does face long-term challenges as our country grows older. And both parties are going to need to work together on a separate track to strengthen Social Security for our children and our grandchildren.

So this is how we can reduce spending: by scouring the budget for every dime of waste and inefficiency, by reforming government spending, and by making modest adjustments to Medicare and Medicaid. But all these reductions in spending, by themselves, will not solve our fiscal problems. We can’t just cut our way out of this hole. It’s going to take a balanced approach. If we’re going to make spending cuts -- many of which we wouldn’t make if we weren’t facing such large budget deficits -- then it’s only right that we ask everyone to pay their fair share.

You know, last week, Speaker of the House John Boehner gave a speech about the economy. And to his credit, he made the point that we can’t afford the kind of politics that says it’s “my way or the highway.” I was encouraged by that. Here’s the problem: In that same speech, he also came out against any plan to cut the deficit that includes any additional revenues whatsoever. He said -- I'm quoting him -- there is “only one option.” And that option and only option relies entirely on cuts. That means slashing education, surrendering the research necessary to keep America’s technological edge in the 21st century, and allowing our critical public assets like highways and bridges and airports to get worse. It would cripple our competiveness and our ability to win the jobs of the future. And it would also mean asking sacrifice of seniors and the middle class and the poor, while asking nothing of the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations.

So the Speaker says we can’t have it "my way or the highway," and then basically says, my way -- or the highway. (Laughter.) That’s not smart. It’s not right. If we’re going to meet our responsibilities, we have to do it together.

Now, I’m proposing real, serious cuts in spending. When you include the $1 trillion in cuts I’ve already signed into law, these would be among the biggest cuts in spending in our history. But they’ve got to be part of a larger plan that’s balanced –- a plan that asks the most fortunate among us to pay their fair share, just like everybody else.

And that’s why this plan eliminates tax loopholes that primarily go to the wealthiest taxpayers and biggest corporations –- tax breaks that small businesses and middle-class families don’t get. And if tax reform doesn't get done, this plan asks the wealthiest Americans to go back to paying the same rates that they paid during the 1990s, before the Bush tax cuts.

I promise it’s not because anybody looks forward to the prospects of raising taxes or paying more taxes. I don’t. In fact, I’ve cut taxes for the middle class and for small businesses, and through the American Jobs Act, we’d cut taxes again to promote hiring and put more money into the pockets of people. But we can’t afford these special lower rates for the wealthy -– rates, by the way, that were meant to be temporary. Back when these first -- these tax cuts, back in 2001, 2003, were being talked about, they were talked about temporary measures. We can’t afford them when we’re running these big deficits.

Now, I am also ready to work with Democrats and Republicans to reform our entire tax code, to get rid of the decades of accumulated loopholes, special interest carve-outs, and other tax expenditures that stack the deck against small business owners and ordinary families who can’t afford Washington lobbyists or fancy accountants. Our tax code is more than 10,000 pages long. If you stack up all the volumes, they’re almost five feet tall. That means that how much you pay often depends less on what you make and more on how well you can game the system, and that's especially true of the corporate tax code.

We’ve got one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world, but it’s riddled with exceptions and special interest loopholes. So some companies get out paying a lot of taxes, while the rest of them end up having to foot the bill. And this makes our entire economy less competitive and our country a less desirable place to do business.

That has to change. Our tax code shouldn’t give an advantage to companies with the best-connected lobbyists. It should give an advantage to companies that invest in the United States of America and create jobs in the United States of America. And we can lower the corporate rate if we get rid of all these special deals.

So I am ready, I am eager, to work with Democrats and Republicans to reform the tax code to make it simpler, make it fairer, and make America more competitive. But any reform plan will have to raise revenue to help close our deficit. That has to be part of the formula. And any reform should follow another simple principle: Middle-class families shouldn’t pay higher taxes than millionaires and billionaires. That’s pretty straightforward. It’s hard to argue against that. Warren Buffett’s secretary shouldn’t pay a higher tax rate than Warren Buffett. There is no justification for it.

It is wrong that in the United States of America, a teacher or a nurse or a construction worker who earns $50,000 should pay higher tax rates than somebody pulling in $50 million. Anybody who says we can’t change the tax code to correct that, anyone who has signed some pledge to protect every single tax loophole so long as they live, they should be called out. They should have to defend that unfairness -- explain why somebody who's making $50 million a year in the financial markets should be paying 15 percent on their taxes, when a teacher making $50,000 a year is paying more than that -- paying a higher rate. They ought to have to answer for it. And if they’re pledged to keep that kind of unfairness in place, they should remember, the last time I checked the only pledge that really matters is the pledge we take to uphold the Constitution.

Now, we’re already hearing the usual defenders of these kinds of loopholes saying this is just “class warfare.” I reject the idea that asking a hedge fund manager to pay the same tax rate as a plumber or a teacher is class warfare. I think it’s just the right the thing to do. I believe the American middle class, who've been pressured relentlessly for decades, believe it’s time that they were fought for as hard as the lobbyists and some lawmakers have fought to protect special treatment for billionaires and big corporations.

Nobody wants to punish success in America. What’s great about this country is our belief that anyone can make it and everybody should be able to try -– the idea that any one of us can open a business or have an idea and make us millionaires or billionaires. This is the land of opportunity. That’s great. All I’m saying is that those who have done well, including me, should pay our fair share in taxes to contribute to the nation that made our success possible. We shouldn’t get a better deal than ordinary families get. And I think most wealthy Americans would agree if they knew this would help us grow the economy and deal with the debt that threatens our future.

It comes down to this: We have to prioritize. Both parties agree that we need to reduce the deficit by the same amount -- by $4 trillion. So what choices are we going to make to reach that goal? Either we ask the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share in taxes, or we’re going to have to ask seniors to pay more for Medicare. We can’t afford to do both.

Either we gut education and medical research, or we’ve got to reform the tax code so that the most profitable corporations have to give up tax loopholes that other companies don’t get. We can’t afford to do both.

This is not class warfare. It’s math. (Laughter.) The money is going to have to come from someplace. And if we’re not willing to ask those who've done extraordinarily well to help America close the deficit and we are trying to reach that same target of $4 trillion, then the logic, the math says everybody else has to do a whole lot more: We’ve got to put the entire burden on the middle class and the poor. We’ve got to scale back on the investments that have always helped our economy grow. We’ve got to settle for second-rate roads and second-rate bridges and second-rate airports, and schools that are crumbling.

That’s unacceptable to me. That’s unacceptable to the American people. And it will not happen on my watch. I will not support -- I will not support -- any plan that puts all the burden for closing our deficit on ordinary Americans. And I will veto any bill that changes benefits for those who rely on Medicare but does not raise serious revenues by asking the wealthiest Americans or biggest corporations to pay their fair share. We are not going to have a one-sided deal that hurts the folks who are most vulnerable.

None of the changes I’m proposing are easy or politically convenient. It’s always more popular to promise the moon and leave the bill for after the next election or the election after that. That’s been true since our founding. George Washington grappled with this problem. He said, “Towards the payment of debts, there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes; [and] no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant.” He understood that dealing with the debt is -- these are his words -- “always a choice of difficulties.” But he also knew that public servants weren’t elected to do what was easy; they weren’t elected to do what was politically advantageous. It’s our responsibility to put country before party. It’s our responsibility to do what’s right for the future.

And that’s what this debate is about. It’s not about numbers on a ledger; it’s not about figures on a spreadsheet. It’s about the economic future of this country, and it’s about whether we will do what it takes to create jobs and growth and opportunity while facing up to the legacy of debt that threatens everything we’ve built over generations.

And it’s also about fairness. It’s about whether we are, in fact, in this together, and we’re looking out for one another. We know what’s right. It’s time to do what’s right.

Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Gov Quinn Announces Wind, Soybean,Trade Deals While Visiting China

2011-09-19T11:22:00.004-05:00

from the Gov's press office

BEIJING, CHINA – September 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn visited Beijing today during his business and economic trade mission in China, where he announced two business agreements that further strengthen the relationship between Illinois and China. The agreements involving Illinois-based ADM and Xinjiang Goldwind Science and Technology Co., LTD (Goldwind) move the state another step closer to reaching Governor Quinn’s aggressive goal of doubling Illinois exports by 2014.

“Illinois is a top competitor in the global economy, and our aggressive plans to double exports and develop innovative new partnerships in emerging technology fields are continuing to advance our growth on the international stage,” Governor Quinn said. “Our state has the resources, human capital, and innovative drive to expand our global reach. These agreements represent Illinois’ ongoing commitment to continue to compete and grow in the global marketplace.”

During his visit to Beijing today, Governor Quinn announced that Goldwind, one of the largest wind turbine manufacturers in the world, will build a $200 million wind farm in Lee County, Illinois. The company will break ground on the Shady Oaks project later this fall. Once online, the project will provide 109.5 megawatts (MW) of power, and create more than 100 construction and a dozen permanent maintenance jobs in Illinois. According to the American Wind Energy Association, one megawatt of wind energy can provide enough electricity to meet the needs of 225-300 households. Therefore, 109.5 MW can provide the electricity needs of approximately 25,000 homes.

“As the largest and most competitive market in the world, the United States is a key component of Goldwind’s international growth. Thanks to visionary leaders like Governor Quinn, Goldwind and other renewable energy companies are able to generate an undeniable economic impact in the U.S. wind industry through job creation and supplier agreements,” said Goldwind Chairman and CEO Wu Gang. “Goldwind has generated a competitive global footprint and we are focused on continuing that momentum, continuing to demonstrate our technology advantages and continuing to build-out our global supply chain.”

Goldwind USA Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co, LTD, based in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. Goldwind USA established its headquarters in Chicago in 2010 to oversee operations in North and South America.

Governor Quinn also announced that Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), a worldwide food production company based in Decatur, Illinois, has entered into a $100 million sales agreement with Jiusan Oils and Seeds. Under the agreement, ADM will supply Jiusan Oils and Seeds, a manufacturer of soy products based in Harbin, Helongjiang, China, with 180,000 metric tons of soybeans by December 2012.

“This agreement connects Illinois soybean farmers with Chinese consumers and reinforces the growing ties between the State of Illinois and China,” said David Ragan, product line manager, ADM. “In addition to helping to meet soybean demand and keep costs consistent for Chinese consumers, this partnership also underscores ADM’s advancing interests in China and our commitment to serving China’s priorities in food security, food safety and food sustainability.”

China is the world’s largest market for Illinois soybeans, importing more than 104 million bushels of U.S. soybeans in the 2009/2010 marketing year valued at more than $160 million. Illinois is among the top five states in agricultural exports to China. Illinois agriculture exports to China have increased each year since 2007, from $149 million to $424 million in 2010.

China is Illinois’ third largest export destination. Illinois’ overall exports to China reached $3.18 billion in 2010, up from $2.47 billion in 2009. Nearly 30 Chinese companies have invested in Illinois, employing thousands of Illinois residents.

For updates on Governor Quinn’s trip, visit www.Illinois.gov or follow him on Twitter at @GovernorQuinn. More information about Illinois trade and business opportunities can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website at www.illinoisbiz.biz.

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Sen Kirk, Cong Shimkus Among Bipartisan Team Behind New Medicare Card to Prevent Fraud

2011-09-14T17:54:00.002-05:00

Bipartisan, House-Senate Coalition Introduces Legislation to Prevent Medicare Waste, Fraud and Abuse

New Medicare card protects identities, takes printed Social Security number off front of the new Medicare card

WASHINGTON – To combat a reported $60 billion lost to waste, fraud and abuse within the Medicare system, U.S. Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and U.S. Representatives Jim Gerlach (R-PA-06), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-03) and John Shimkus (R-IL-19) introduced legislation today to use existing “smart card” technology to protect seniors.

Similar to the 20 million "Common Access Cards" issued by the Department of Defense, the new Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2011, S. 1551, would establish a pilot program to develop a secure Medicare card using smart card technology to protect seniors personal information, prevent fraud and speed payment to doctors and hospitals. According to a Government Accountability Office report, fraudulent Medicare claims robbed taxpayers of $48 billion in 2010.

AARP and senior rights advocate, Wilfred Brimley, joined the bipartisan Members of Congress in announcing their support for the legislation.

"Building on the smart cards already issued to all Americans in uniform, we can offer seniors more protection for their identities while reducing fraud and waste in the strained Medicare system," Senator Kirk said. "By removing a senior's Social Security number from the front of the card and including the security upgrades used on the cards of our troops, this Secure Medicare Common Access Card will also help end Medicare's current "Pay then Chase" policy that allows so much fraud and waste. I am thankful to have the support of AARP and Wilfred Brimley who has been so active in promoting the health of seniors."

“If you looked at the card carried by every Medicare beneficiary in America you would find their name and their full social security number there for all to see,” Wyden said. “In an age of identity theft, this is simply asking for trouble. The legislation will not only make the identity of America’s seniors more secure, it does so in a way that will ensure that Medicare is paying for the services that are actually being provided. Giving providers and insurers the tools to reliably weed out fraud will only help to improve the experience of dealing with providers and insurers for those acting in good faith. This is an approach that has proven to reduce fraud and abuse and is a common sense approach to safeguarding taxpayer spending.”

“I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill which would take a step to eliminate the $60 billion of waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare program,” Senator Rubio said. “Medicare is already facing long-term challenges, so we need to protect seniors and prevent people from abusing the system. I am proud to be working with Senator Kirk on this critical issue.”

“Cutting fraud, waste and abuse is critical to strengthening Medicare and making sure seniors continue to have access to the care they need,” said U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (PA-6th District). “Taxpayers and seniors deserve the protection against identity theft and fraud that this legislation provides, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to bring the Medicare card into the 21st Century.”

“Millions of beneficiaries depend on Medicare for their healthcare needs and depend on Congress to ensure the vitality of that program,” said Congressman Blumenauer. “This is a simple and elegant solution to save money and guard against fraud and I look forward to working with Health and Human Services, Medicare beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to ensure Medicare’s continued integrity.”

“Medicare wastes 60 billion dollars each year by making fraudulent payments," said Congressman John Shimkus. "It’s possible that we could save half of that just by updating the Medicare card and verifying the recipient’s identity, who the provider was, and the service that was provided. This legislation will set up five test areas around the country, then we can determine whether it should be implemented nationwide.”

The Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2011 establishes a two-phase system for developing and implementing secure smart card technology for Medicare beneficiaries and providers based on the 20 million cards issued under the DoD program.

Phase one would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to design and implement a smart card pilot program in geographic regions considered to be at high programmatic risk in an effort to increase the quality of care, improve the accuracy in the Medicare billing system, reduce the potential for identity theft and prevent waste, fraud and abuse.

The second phase, expanded implementation, would occur one year after the start of the pilot program following a HHS report to Congress on the results of the pilot program and the viability of the nationwide expansion and implementation of Medicare Common Access Card technology.

The common access card technology would be used by both Medicare patients and health care providers at the point of service to verify identity and make secure billing transactions. By creating an electronic record between the beneficiary and the provider, it ensures that services and equipment were not only provided but also received, signaling that it can then be paid for by CMS. This type of technology is currently used by the Department of Defense (DoD), who have issued over 20 million of the secure ID cards. To date, DoD reports not a single common access card has been counterfeited.

The Medicare Common Access Card pilot program would be funded by transferring funds from the Medicare Improvement Fund (MIF). The MIF was established by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008 to make funds available to HHS for the purpose of making improvements under the Medicare Parts A & B programs including program integrity improvements.

Following introduction, the Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2011 will be referred to the Senate Finance Committee. The Congressional Super Committee, created in the July debt limit deal, is in a position to include a package to combat waste, fraud and abuse in the Medicare system in their report to Congress, due November 23.

With bipartisan, bicameral backing, the Members introducing the bill urge inclusion of the Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2011 pilot program in that report.

The Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2011 has been endorsed by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the SecureID Coalition.

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Rep Aaron Schock Schock Introduces Jobs Bill Aimed at Helping Veterans

2011-09-14T17:44:00.001-05:00

from Rep Schock's office..

Legislation will help Veterans Realize American Dream of Starting a Small Business

Washington, DC – Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) has introduced legislation that will help veterans purchase small businesses. The Help Veterans Own Franchises Act, H.R. 2888, helps a veteran reduce the cost of owning a franchise by offering a tax discount to offset the associated franchise fees.

“There are close to 900,000 unemployed veterans in the United States. These individuals are highly skilled, well trained and motivated; qualities that make successful business owners. These veterans can provide the type of leadership we need to help create jobs and lead us toward an economic recovery,” said Schock, a member of the Ways and Means committee, the chief tax writing committee in the House. “By providing this financial incentive to veterans who want to open a franchise, we can grow our nation’s small businesses and stimulate economic growth.”

Schock first introduced his veterans’ jobs legislation last Congress as a member of the small business committee. He has again introduced the legislation with his colleague from Iowa, Democrat Leonard Boswell, a twenty year Army veteran and helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He was encouraged to reintroduce the legislation again this year because of the large number of veterans who have already returned home and who are scheduled to return by the end of the year from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the unemployment rate among post-9/11 veterans has improved in recent months, from a high of 13.3 percent in July down to 9.8 percent in August, it’s still above the national average of 9.1 percent, and Schock stresses more can and must be done for returning veterans.

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for veterans who served in the military at any time since September 2001 was 11.5 percent in 2010. Nearly 2.5 million men and women have left active duty in the Armed Forces since September 2001, accounting for 11 percent of the total U.S. veterans’ population. In Illinois, the unemployment rate among veterans was 9.8 percent in 2010. Many are concerned that while the economy continues to struggle, returning veterans will be faced with the daunting task of finding a job or seeking the training needed to find employment in the citizen world, and this problem is only expected to worsen.

Every year 200,000 active Armed Forces members are discharged and become veterans. Those numbers are only projected to increase as tens of thousands of service men and women return from deployment in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world. Every year, 100,000 guard and reserve forces come back and are entering the workforce looking for a job. Veterans aged 18-24 are hit particularly hard with an unemployment rate of over 30 percent and those 25-29 have an unemployment rate of over 12 percent. A new report from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) entitled, “Meeting the Needs of Veterans in Today’s Labor Force,” finds that veterans who have served on active duty since September 2001 face the highest unemployment rate among all veterans. Schock uses this report as a prime example for the need for additional congressional action to help veterans transition from military service to the civilian workforce.

The Help Veterans Own Franchises Act encourages veteran small business franchise ownership by providing a tax credit to veterans worth 25% of the franchise fees associated with the opening up of a new franchise, up to $100,000.

A recent report from the Small Business Administration (SBA) found that military service is highly correlated with self employment and business ownership and that veterans are at least 45 percent more likely to be self employed business owners than the general population. Another study found that one out of every seven franchise businesses are owned and operated by a veteran; this translates into more than 66,000 veteran owned businesses providing 815,000 jobs and roughly $41 billion in GDP. Overall there are roughly 2.5 million veteran owned firms employing almost six million people.

“Our veterans of all generations have been asked to make untold sacrifices in service to our country,” said Schock. “As the economy continues to struggle and our unemployment rate is stubbornly stuck above nine percent, we should be doing all we can to help incentivize the development and growth of small businesses. I believe this bill sends a strong message not only to our veterans that we are looking out for them when they return home, but that Washington is serious about job creation. This is the type of signal Congress can send to show that we want to put job creation in the hands of those who know how to do it best, and that’s not the federal government.”

This week, Senator Robert Casey of Pennsylvania introduced similar legislation in the Senate. Schock’s legislation has been referred to the House Ways and Means committee for further consideration, and he is hopeful the committee will take action on his legislation in the near future.

First Lady Michelle Obama Editorial: Support our Military Families

2011-09-14T16:55:00.004-05:00

Last weekend, Americans across the country joined together to remember that September morning from 10 years ago, honoring the memory of those we lost with service and reflection. And my husband and I were humbled to stand with the families and survivors on the same hallowed grounds where tragedy struck.

Yet what shines most brightly from last weekend is not memories of horror, but images of heroes; not the echoes of evil that sought to divide, but the compassion that compelled us to unite. What lasts from this anniversary is the true spirit of America that was laid bare that day and remains alive today: the courage of those who lost loved ones; the strength of those who survived; the bravery of those who ran not away from but into danger.

Those are the same qualities that live on every day among a generation of American troops and their families whose service has been defined by 9/11 and its aftermath. This anniversary also gives us the opportunity to reflect on all that these families have endured and our obligations to them now and in the years ahead.

Selfless service

They're the 9/11 Generation — the more than 5 million servicemembers who have worn the uniform this past decade and their families. They've rightfully earned not only the admiration of a grateful nation, but also a place in history alongside our greatest generations. More than 2 million men and women have served in the war zones, including an unprecedented number of deployments by our National Guardsmen and Reservists. We've never asked so much of our all-volunteer force.

And we've never asked this much of our military families, either. Found in nearly every community in this country, these brave family members serve right alongside their loved ones. They just don't wear uniforms. They're spouses who balance a career and a household all alone while their loved ones are deployed. They're young children who have known only life in a nation at war. They're teenagers who are all too familiar with Dad or Mom being gone for months at a time.

Yet even with all that they shoulder, these military family members are some of the most extraordinary individuals I've ever met: the moms who always seem to pick up the extra carpool shift, the kids who take on extra chores around the house, the survivors of our fallen who step up every day to serve our communities, and the veterans and wounded warriors who have served our country heroically on the battlefield and continue to contribute here at home.

It's our turn

No matter what the situation or how many directions they're being pulled in, our military families always stand ready to serve their loved ones, their communities and our country.

After 10 years of war, it's our turn to return their service and sacrifice with honor and appreciation of our own — and not just in word, but in deed.

That's why last spring, Jill Biden and I launched Joining Forces, a national initiative to address the unique needs and expand the opportunities of these remarkable men, women and children. Businesses can work to employ veterans and help military spouses build careers. Schools can make sure they're properly supporting military kids. Citizens can reach out to organizations who serve military families right in their communities. Every single person, group or community can do something, and we've already seen countless individuals, organizations and businesses step up to answer this call. To see what others are up to, and to join forces yourself, please visit us at www.joiningforces.gov.

I hope you do.

As we reaffirm our commitment to hold dear the heroism, strength and compassion we saw on Sept. 11, let's also pledge to keep our military families in our hearts long after this anniversary has passed. These men, women and children have served valiantly in the decade since that fateful day.

Now it's up to us to serve them as well.

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Good News for Illinois Coal -- Obama Cancels Plan to Increase Regulations on Levels of Ozone

2011-09-02T13:00:00.002-05:00

From the NY Times

The Obama administration is abandoning its plan to immediately tighten air quality rules nationwide to cut reduce emissions of smog-causing chemicals after an intense lobbying campaign by industry, which said the new rule would cost billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs, officials said Friday.

The Environmental Protection Agency, following the recommendation of its scientific advisers, had proposed lowering the so-called ozone standard from that set by the Bush administration to a new stricter standard that would have thrown hundreds of American counties out of compliance with the Clean Air Act. It would have required a major effort by state and local officials, as well as new emissions controls by industries and agriculture across the country.

The more lenient Bush administration standard from 2006 will remain in place until a scheduled reconsideration of acceptable pollution limits in 2013, officials indicated Friday.

Gov Quinn Signs Bill to Create Coal Gasification Plant in Southern Illinois

2011-08-02T19:10:00.003-05:00

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Advance Clean Energy Project in Southern Illinois

Power Holdings Project Will Provide Major Boost to Regional

Economy and Create More Than 1,650 Jobs

MT. VERNON – August 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will help develop a state-of-the-art coal gasification facility in southern Illinois, creating 1,650 jobs and reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 90 percent. Following principles the Governor outlined in the spring legislative session, the new law will ensure consumer protections, create jobs and safeguard the environment.

“This important project will help revive the coal industry in southern Illinois while ensuring that Illinois remains a leader in the development of state-of-the-art, clean energy facilities,” Governor Quinn said. “We must continue to do everything we can to strengthen the state’s ongoing economic recovery through projects that create jobs while safeguarding the environment and protecting consumers.”

Senate Bill 2169, sponsored by Sen. James Clayborne, Jr. (D-East St. Louis) and former Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville), provides the framework for Power Holdings LLC to build a $2.3 billion facility in Jefferson County that will convert coal to pipeline-quality synthesis natural gas (SNG). The new law will utilize a pricing formula that shields customers throughout Illinois from historically volatile swings in the cost of heating their homes with natural gas from traditional sources.

Power Holdings, which has already obtained an active air quality permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, will use an ultra-clean coal gasification technology for removal of harmful gases and set a new standard for commercial energy projects by capturing and safely storing more than 90 percent of the plant's carbon emissions.

Power Holdings expects to generate more than $10 billion in economic activity and create more than 1,650 jobs, including approximately 1,100 construction jobs, 300 permanent mining and 250 permanent plant jobs. The plant will use at least four million tons of Illinois coal per year.

“Projects like Power Holdings provide us with a rare opportunity to hedge our own future prices for natural gas, using an affordable domestic resource, Illinois coal, which will be mined just a few miles away,” Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Warren Ribley said.

The legislation, which takes effect immediately, was modified from a previous bill considered earlier this year to include input from the Governor, the Citizens Utility Board, and other stakeholders. The new law includes significant consumer protections, including a rate cap and a reconciliation account to pass savings back to consumers. Power Holdings will also have to prove to state regulators that its construction and carbon sequestration costs, as well as operating expenses, are reasonable through annual reports and plant reviews. Pricing based on those costs will be guaranteed for 10 years, and Illinois' natural gas distributors will spread those costs evenly across their customer bases.

Gov Quinn Signs Williams-Wilhelmi Bill to Stop "Storm Chasers" from Defrauding Homeowners

2011-08-02T13:50:00.003-05:00

New Law Helps Protect Homeowners from Fraud After Natural Disasters

JOLIET – August 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that helps protect Illinois homeowners who are trying to recover following a natural disaster. He also signed a new law that ensures landlords are able to evict tenants who commit serious crimes on the rental property.

House Bill 3034 was sponsored by Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) and Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) to help protect homeowners from contractors who prey upon individuals following natural disasters. Contractors known as “storm chasers” travel to towns after natural disasters and target homeowners, especially elderly citizens, through home repair scams. These contractors misrepresent themselves in order to persuade homeowners to sign contracts for home repairs. If the work is done at all, it oftentimes must be redone due to its poor quality.

“When disasters such as storms or flooding hit, the recovery process can be overwhelming, and some individuals use that as an opportunity to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners,” Governor Quinn said. “It is important that we do everything we can to stop dishonest contractors so that residents can focus their energy on rebuilding their homes and communities.”

"These "stormchasers" victimize consumers at the most vulnerable times," said Rep. Williams. "This bill will help to prevent unscrupulous contractors from taking advantage of homeowners desperate to pick up the pieces after a natural disaster."

The new law prohibits roofing contractors from allowing out of state roofing contractors to lease their license numbers for compensation. It also requires roofing contractors to include their license number on all contracts, bids and advertisements. Additionally, the law enables residents to cancel a contract and requires contractors to refund any payments within 10 days of the cancellation.

“When people are the victims of a natural disaster, the last thing they need to worry about is someone trying to take advantage of them in their time of need,” said Sen. Wilhelmi. “This law will prevent contractors from using unscrupulous practices to take advantage of victims and win contracts over more honest competitors."

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues licenses to roofing contractors and recommends that local governments require a roofing contractor to provide proof of an active state license prior to issuing a local building permit or business license. Individuals can also visit www.idfpr.com to look up roofing contractor licenses to determine whether they are active and in good standing. HB 3034 goes into effect Jan. 1.

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 1766, sponsored by Sen. Wilhelmi and Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights). The law will help fight crime by requiring rental contracts to include an provision stating that tenants can be evicted for committing a felony or a Class A misdemeanor on the property. The new law goes into effect immediately.

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Cong Aaron Schock (R) Statement on his Vote for Raising the Debt Ceiling Bill

2011-08-01T21:34:00.003-05:00

The passage of the Budget Control Act represents a serious shift in the mindset of how Washington has approached raising the debt limit. Congress has rightly focused this debate on how much to cut, instead of how much to spend. This year began with the President’s call on Congress to raise the debt limit by $2 trillion with zero cuts. The President was also insistent on raising taxes.

I joined with a majority of my colleagues to focus on cutting spending as opposed to increasing revenue. As a result, the bipartisan legislation cuts trillions of dollars from the debt, doesn’t raise taxes and takes serious steps toward a path of fiscal solvency. This bill also focuses on the critical vote of a balanced budget amendment, which is an important aspect to fixing our problem for the longer term.

“While this has been a frustrating and lengthy process, I think the finished product is something to be proud of. It’s not perfect. In fact, it’s far from perfect, but with divided government neither side gets everything they want. A great number of Republicans and Democrats who joined together in support of this legislation is evident of its support. This bill continues to put our government on track for the first time since World War II to spend less than the previous year.

“America still has a debt crisis, but tonight was a step in the right direction toward putting our budget back on a path of fiscal solvency.”

Brian Gladstein Named New Executive Director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform

2011-07-26T12:28:00.003-05:00

CHICAGO -- Brian Gladstein, a veteran government and political reform advocate, has been named Executive Director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR).

For the past 11 years, Gladstein has been Program Director of the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA). His assignments at JCUA and with other community organizations have included policy work in government reform, economic development, housing, public transportation and the environment.

"Brian has a strong track record of helping voters understand their state and local governments and a commitment to encouraging more Illinoisans to join in the work of improving and reforming their governments," said Ross Harano, President of the ICPR Board of Directors. "Since the late Sen. Paul Simon founded ICPR in 1997, ICPR has earned a reputation for providing solid, unbiased research to highlight connections between money and politics and has encouraged more sunshine on the workings of our government.

"Working with many others in and out of government, ICPR has helped enact significant improvements in government transparency and campaign finance restrictions," Harano said. "Brian's experience and enthusiasm will help us maintain that momentum and grow on the strong foundation built by Cindi Canary, our previous director."

During his tenure at JCUA, Gladstein helped create the Developing Government Accountability to the People Network (DGAP), which has encouraged more informed citizen participation in Chicago government, and he oversaw the creation of DGAP's website with extensive information on issues, a report card evaluating city and political leaders, data on campaign contributions and a toolkit to help citizens engage their elected representatives.

"Despite Illinois' too rich history of government scandals, progress has been made, and it is due in part to the tireless and tenacious work of ICPR under the leadership of Cindi Canary and the supporters of ICPR," Gladstein said. "It's a privilege to have the opportunity to lead ICPR at such a crucial time in our state's history."

Canary, who stepped down from the day-to-day work as ICPR director in June, will continue to help ICPR and others working on government reforms. She has been director of ICPR since its founding in 1997 and recently received the 2011 Abraham Lincoln Ethics Award in recognition of her achievements.

Gladstein, who will begin at ICPR on Sept. 6, is a resident of Chicago. He received a master's degree in urban planning and policy/community development from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and he has a bachelor's degree in public affairs/environmental science from Indiana University.

TEXT OF Speaker John Boehner's Address the Nation on July 25, 2011

2011-07-25T20:59:00.001-05:00

Good evening. I’m John Boehner. I serve as Speaker of the whole House — of the members of both parties that you elect. These are difficult times in the life of our nation. Millions are looking for work, have been for some time, and the spending binge going on in Washington is a big part of the reason why.

Before I served in Congress, I ran a small business in Ohio. I was amazed at how different Washington DC operated than every business in America. Where most American business make the hard choices to pay their bills and live within their means, in Washington more spending and more debt is business as usual.

I’ve got news for Washington – those days are over.

President Obama came to Congress in January and requested business as usual — yet another routine increase in the national debt limit — we in the House said ‘not so fast.’ Here was the president, asking for the largest debt increase in American history, on the heels of the largest spending binge in American history.

Here’s what we got for that spending binge: a massive health care bill that most Americans never asked for. A ‘stimulus’ bill that was more effective in producing material for late-night comedians than it was in producing jobs. And a national debt that has gotten so out of hand it has sparked a crisis without precedent in my lifetime or yours.

The United States cannot default on its debt obligations. The jobs and savings of too many Americans are at stake.

What we told the president in January was this: the American people will not accept an increase in the debt limit without significant spending cuts and reforms.

And over the last six months, we’ve done our best to convince the president to partner with us to do something dramatic to change the fiscal trajectory of our country. . .something that will boost confidence in our economy, renew a measure of faith in our government, and help small businesses get back on track.

Last week, the House passed such a plan, and with bipartisan support. It’s called the ‘Cut, Cap, and Balance’ Act. It CUTS and CAPS government spending and paves the way for a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution, which we believe is the best way to stop Washington from spending money it doesn’t have. Before we even passed the bill in the House, the President said he would veto it.

I want you to know I made a sincere effort to work with the president to identify a path forward that would implement the principles of Cut, Cap, & Balance in a manner that could secure bipartisan support and be signed into law. I gave it my all.

Unfortunately, the president would not take yes for an answer. Even when we thought we might be close on an agreement, the president’s demands changed.

The president has often said we need a ‘balanced’ approach — which in Washington means: we spend more. . .you pay more. Having run a small business, I know those tax increases will destroy jobs.

The president is adamant that we cannot make fundamental changes to our entitlement programs. As the father of two daughters, I know these programs won’t be there for them and their kids unless significant action is taken now.

The sad truth is that the president wanted a blank check six months ago, and he wants a blank check today. That is just not going to happen.

You see, there is no stalemate in Congress. The House has passed a bill to raise the debt limit with bipartisan support. And this week, while the Senate is struggling to pass a bill filled with phony accounting and Washington gimmicks, we will pass another bill – one that was developed with the support of the bipartisan leadership of the U.S. Senate.

Obviously, I expect that bill can and will pass the Senate, and be sent to the President for his signature. If the President signs it, the ‘crisis’ atmosphere he has created will simply disappear. The debt limit will be raised. Spending will be cut by more than one trillion dollars, and a serious, bipartisan committee of the Congress will begin the hard but necessary work of dealing with the tough challenges our nation faces.

The individuals doing this work will not be outsiders, but elected representatives of the people, doing the job they were elected to do as outlined in the Constitution. Those decisions should be made based on how they will affect people who are struggling to get a job, not how they affect some politician’s chances of getting reelected.

This debate isn’t about President Obama and House Republicans … it isn’t about Congress and the White House … it’s about what’s standing between the American people and the future we seek for ourselves and our families.

You know, I’ve always believed, the bigger government, the smaller the people. And right now, we have a government so big and so expensive it’s sapping the drive of our people and keeping our economy from running at full capacity.

The solution to this crisis is not complicated: if you’re spending more money than you’re taking in, you need to spend less of it,

There is no symptom of big government more menacing than our debt. Break its grip, and we begin to liberate our economy and our future.

We are up to the task, and I hope President Obama will join us in this work.

God bless you and your families, and God bless America.