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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Adam Andrzejewski’s Interview on Polish Television to Air in Chicago
From the Campaign Office of Adam Andrzejewski for Governor
December 1, 2009
WARSAW, POLAND — December 1, 2009 — Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski (ann-gee-EFF-ski) will appear on the Polish television program Tydzień Polski (Polish Week) on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Tydzień Polski is a television news magazine featuring topics of interest to Poles living abroad.
Joanna Bator conducted the interview Tuesday evening which will be televised in Illinois on TVP, the international channel of Poland’s public broadcasting corporation. During the interview, Mr. Andrzejewski issues relevant to Poles living in Illinois, reasons for the Polish Diaspora to take an interest in the next gubernatorial election, and how, as governor, Andrzejewski will promote job growth, economic vitality, and increased international trade between Illinois and Poland.
TVP is available on Comcast Cable (Channel 675), DirecTV (2171), and AT&T Uverse (3862). Broadcast times for Tydzień Polski are 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM on December 2, 2009, and 5:00 AM on December 3, 2009. The interview will be available for archival viewing online at http://www.tvp.pl/publicystyka/polityka/tydzien-polski.
Highlights from December 1, 2009
12:00 PM: Tour of the Sejm (Parliament) of the Republic of Poland, Senat (Senate) of the Republic of Poland, followed by lunch in the legislative dining room with several members of the Polish Congress.
3:00 PM: Meeting with Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs Kazimierz Kuberski. Mr. Andrzejewski discussed direct foreign investment, trade with Illinois, and the American Visa policy towards Poland. Afterwards, Mr. Andrzejewski toured the Presidential Palace where he saw the “Round Table” where negotiations led to Poland’s first free election in 1989.
7:00 PM: Television Interview on news program Tydzień Polski (Polish Week).
Adam Andrzejewski is a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor of Illinois. Currently he is polling second among seven candidates. Andrzejewski is running on a platform of aggressive reform of state government in Illinois. For more information, visit www.AdamforIllinois.com.
December 1, 2009
WARSAW, POLAND — December 1, 2009 — Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski (ann-gee-EFF-ski) will appear on the Polish television program Tydzień Polski (Polish Week) on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Tydzień Polski is a television news magazine featuring topics of interest to Poles living abroad.
Joanna Bator conducted the interview Tuesday evening which will be televised in Illinois on TVP, the international channel of Poland’s public broadcasting corporation. During the interview, Mr. Andrzejewski issues relevant to Poles living in Illinois, reasons for the Polish Diaspora to take an interest in the next gubernatorial election, and how, as governor, Andrzejewski will promote job growth, economic vitality, and increased international trade between Illinois and Poland.
TVP is available on Comcast Cable (Channel 675), DirecTV (2171), and AT&T Uverse (3862). Broadcast times for Tydzień Polski are 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM on December 2, 2009, and 5:00 AM on December 3, 2009. The interview will be available for archival viewing online at http://www.tvp.pl/publicystyka/polityka/tydzien-polski.
Highlights from December 1, 2009
12:00 PM: Tour of the Sejm (Parliament) of the Republic of Poland, Senat (Senate) of the Republic of Poland, followed by lunch in the legislative dining room with several members of the Polish Congress.
3:00 PM: Meeting with Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs Kazimierz Kuberski. Mr. Andrzejewski discussed direct foreign investment, trade with Illinois, and the American Visa policy towards Poland. Afterwards, Mr. Andrzejewski toured the Presidential Palace where he saw the “Round Table” where negotiations led to Poland’s first free election in 1989.
7:00 PM: Television Interview on news program Tydzień Polski (Polish Week).
Adam Andrzejewski is a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor of Illinois. Currently he is polling second among seven candidates. Andrzejewski is running on a platform of aggressive reform of state government in Illinois. For more information, visit www.AdamforIllinois.com.
Tribune Replaces CEO Sam Zell
From NBC Chicago
In a new twist of events, the Tribune Company has replaced Sam Zell as its chief executive officer, CBS reports.
Zell, whose took over the company two years ago, will stay on as chairman.
Randy Michaels, who has been chief operating officer since May, will take over as CEO. Michaels has previously headed the Tribune’s interactive and broadcast divisions.
Zell’s replacement comes exactly one year after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it was being crushed by a $13 billion debt.
To reverse its tough econmic situation the company recently sold the Chicago Cubs to the Ricketts family and has been looking to sell other valuable assets like the Tribune Tower on Michigan Ave.
Among its properties, the company still owns the Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times and WGN-TV and radio.
In a new twist of events, the Tribune Company has replaced Sam Zell as its chief executive officer, CBS reports.
Zell, whose took over the company two years ago, will stay on as chairman.
Randy Michaels, who has been chief operating officer since May, will take over as CEO. Michaels has previously headed the Tribune’s interactive and broadcast divisions.
Zell’s replacement comes exactly one year after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it was being crushed by a $13 billion debt.
To reverse its tough econmic situation the company recently sold the Chicago Cubs to the Ricketts family and has been looking to sell other valuable assets like the Tribune Tower on Michigan Ave.
Among its properties, the company still owns the Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times and WGN-TV and radio.
Durbin Statement Following President's Address Outlining Strategy in Afghanistan
From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
December 1, 2009
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after President Barack Obama outlined his strategy for the war in Afghanistan in an address earlier this evening.
“President Obama asked for time to make his decision on a new policy in Afghanistan. I am going to take some time to think through the proposal he presented tonight.”
December 1, 2009
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after President Barack Obama outlined his strategy for the war in Afghanistan in an address earlier this evening.
“President Obama asked for time to make his decision on a new policy in Afghanistan. I am going to take some time to think through the proposal he presented tonight.”
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Raja Prevails in Petition Challenge
From the Campaign Office of Raja Krishnamoorthi for Comptroller
Former Deputy Illinois Treasurer Raja (RAH-jah) Krishnamoorthi (krish-nuh-MOOR-thee) today prevailed in beating back a challenge to his nominating petitions for Illinois State Comptroller which means Krishnamoorthi's name will appear on the February ballot.
“I’ve been running for this office for months with detailed plans to protect the taxpayers and open up state government to its citizens,” Krishnamoorthi said. “My campaign collected thousands of signatures from voters throughout our state who are tired of business as usual and want to bring real reform and openness to Springfield.”
Krishnamoorthi filed the maximum number of 10,000 nominating petition signatures on October 26 with the Illinois State Board of Elections. More than double the 5,000 signatures required by state law to get on the February primary ballot, the signatures for Krishnamoorthi came from counties throughout the state of Illinois.
Thousands of those signatures came from near his hometown of Peoria where his parents have lived in the same house for nearly 30 years.
Even so, the petition challenge questioned the validity of Krishnamoorthi's own father's signature on the nominating petitions.
"Questioning the legitimacy of my own father's signature highlights what is wrong in Illinois politics," Krishnamoorthi said. "The time for these insider games and insider politics is over. Taxpayers need a watchdog to protect their hard earned dollars, and I look forward to serving the people of Illinois as their financial watchdog."
Krishnamoorthi served as a Special Assistant Attorney General, helping to establish an anti-corruption unit, and as Deputy Treasurer of Illinois, he helped bring significant reforms to the office and oversaw the custody and administration of billions of dollars in state funds. Previously, Krishnamoorthi served as a board member and audit committee chairman of the Illinois Housing Development Authority where he helped thousands of Illinois families find affordable housing.
If elected, Krishnamoorthi would become the first Asian American to hold elected statewide office in Illinois. A lawyer and policy expert, Krishnamoorthi, 36, worked on President Barack Obama’s successful 2004 campaign for the U.S. Senate, serving first as issues director and then as a senior adviser. Krishnamoorthi also advised Obama during his presidential campaign and his 2000 congressional campaign.
Former Deputy Illinois Treasurer Raja (RAH-jah) Krishnamoorthi (krish-nuh-MOOR-thee) today prevailed in beating back a challenge to his nominating petitions for Illinois State Comptroller which means Krishnamoorthi's name will appear on the February ballot.
“I’ve been running for this office for months with detailed plans to protect the taxpayers and open up state government to its citizens,” Krishnamoorthi said. “My campaign collected thousands of signatures from voters throughout our state who are tired of business as usual and want to bring real reform and openness to Springfield.”
Krishnamoorthi filed the maximum number of 10,000 nominating petition signatures on October 26 with the Illinois State Board of Elections. More than double the 5,000 signatures required by state law to get on the February primary ballot, the signatures for Krishnamoorthi came from counties throughout the state of Illinois.
Thousands of those signatures came from near his hometown of Peoria where his parents have lived in the same house for nearly 30 years.
Even so, the petition challenge questioned the validity of Krishnamoorthi's own father's signature on the nominating petitions.
"Questioning the legitimacy of my own father's signature highlights what is wrong in Illinois politics," Krishnamoorthi said. "The time for these insider games and insider politics is over. Taxpayers need a watchdog to protect their hard earned dollars, and I look forward to serving the people of Illinois as their financial watchdog."
Krishnamoorthi served as a Special Assistant Attorney General, helping to establish an anti-corruption unit, and as Deputy Treasurer of Illinois, he helped bring significant reforms to the office and oversaw the custody and administration of billions of dollars in state funds. Previously, Krishnamoorthi served as a board member and audit committee chairman of the Illinois Housing Development Authority where he helped thousands of Illinois families find affordable housing.
If elected, Krishnamoorthi would become the first Asian American to hold elected statewide office in Illinois. A lawyer and policy expert, Krishnamoorthi, 36, worked on President Barack Obama’s successful 2004 campaign for the U.S. Senate, serving first as issues director and then as a senior adviser. Krishnamoorthi also advised Obama during his presidential campaign and his 2000 congressional campaign.
Seniors Reminded To Apply NOW Online for Illinois Cares Rx to Avoid a Break in Coverage
From the Illinois Department on Aging
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles D. Johnson is reminding Illinois seniors to sign up now for Illinois Cares Rx to avoid a break in coverage and to ensure coverage begins on January 1. Seniors and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply online because it is the fastest way to get approved. Illinois Cares Rx is the state’s prescription drug assistance program that provides wrap-around prescription drug coverage to fill in the gaps created by Medicare Part D. Processing for the online application takes about four weeks and those who apply now would avoid a break in coverage and ensure coverage begins on January 1.
“If you haven’t applied for the Illinois Cares Rx drug coverage program this year because your income was over the limit, or you didn’t think you were eligible, I encourage you to apply,” said Director Johnson. “Seniors who have access to the Internet may file for Illinois Cares Rx online so that you can get your benefits faster. And if you don’t own a computer, I recommend either reaching out to family members who do own computers, visit your local Area Agency on Aging or senior centers, or contact a SHIP volunteer in your community. And remember, if you have any questions, you can always call the Illinois Department on Aging’s Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.”
To assist those who may need extra help to apply, the Illinois Department of Insurance’s Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is offering free, one-on-one counseling services and in communities across the state to assist Medicare-eligible individuals during the open enrollment period. For a list of SHIP volunteers, visit the SHIP Web site or call SHIP toll-free at 1-800-548-9034.
“The cost of prescription drugs has escalated to the point of being unaffordable for many of the people who rely on them most, especially seniors and people with disabilities,” said Healthcare and Family Services Director Barry S. Maram. “No one should have to go without the medications that keep them healthy, which is why I strongly encourage seniors and people with disabilities to see whether they qualify for prescription drug assistance though Illinois Cares Rx.”
In addition to reminding seniors and people with disabilities to reapply now to avoid a break in coverage, the state is also noting changes that will benefit more enrollees.
A new law will make it easier for some to get into the program. Last month, Governor Pat Quinn signed House Bill 366 into law to expand the Circuit Breaker program, which includes the Illinois Cares Rx program, property tax relief grant and a license plate discount. The new law raises the income eligibility. By allowing higher incomes, more seniors and persons with disabilities will be eligible to receive the state’s prescription drug assistance. The new limits effective on January 1, 2010 will be:
$27,610 (currently $22,218) – for a household size of one
$36,635 (currently $29,480) – for a household size of two
$45,657 (currently $36,740) – for a household size of three or more
More good news is that the medications available to Illinois Cares Rx enrollees also have been expanded.
In *2008 235,236 applied online, compared to *2007 when 158,888 applied online and 75,288 in *2006, the first year the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) had made the Illinois Cares Rx application available online. *Each year listed accounts for the previous claim year.
Before logging on to the Internet, individuals should have the following information available: Social Security number(s), amount of property taxes paid in 2008, amount of rent paid in 2008, and a copy of 2008 federal tax returns.
Seniors with questions about Illinois Cares Rx may log on to www.cbrx.il.gov or call the Illinois Department on Aging’s Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles D. Johnson is reminding Illinois seniors to sign up now for Illinois Cares Rx to avoid a break in coverage and to ensure coverage begins on January 1. Seniors and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply online because it is the fastest way to get approved. Illinois Cares Rx is the state’s prescription drug assistance program that provides wrap-around prescription drug coverage to fill in the gaps created by Medicare Part D. Processing for the online application takes about four weeks and those who apply now would avoid a break in coverage and ensure coverage begins on January 1.
“If you haven’t applied for the Illinois Cares Rx drug coverage program this year because your income was over the limit, or you didn’t think you were eligible, I encourage you to apply,” said Director Johnson. “Seniors who have access to the Internet may file for Illinois Cares Rx online so that you can get your benefits faster. And if you don’t own a computer, I recommend either reaching out to family members who do own computers, visit your local Area Agency on Aging or senior centers, or contact a SHIP volunteer in your community. And remember, if you have any questions, you can always call the Illinois Department on Aging’s Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.”
To assist those who may need extra help to apply, the Illinois Department of Insurance’s Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is offering free, one-on-one counseling services and in communities across the state to assist Medicare-eligible individuals during the open enrollment period. For a list of SHIP volunteers, visit the SHIP Web site or call SHIP toll-free at 1-800-548-9034.
“The cost of prescription drugs has escalated to the point of being unaffordable for many of the people who rely on them most, especially seniors and people with disabilities,” said Healthcare and Family Services Director Barry S. Maram. “No one should have to go without the medications that keep them healthy, which is why I strongly encourage seniors and people with disabilities to see whether they qualify for prescription drug assistance though Illinois Cares Rx.”
In addition to reminding seniors and people with disabilities to reapply now to avoid a break in coverage, the state is also noting changes that will benefit more enrollees.
A new law will make it easier for some to get into the program. Last month, Governor Pat Quinn signed House Bill 366 into law to expand the Circuit Breaker program, which includes the Illinois Cares Rx program, property tax relief grant and a license plate discount. The new law raises the income eligibility. By allowing higher incomes, more seniors and persons with disabilities will be eligible to receive the state’s prescription drug assistance. The new limits effective on January 1, 2010 will be:
$27,610 (currently $22,218) – for a household size of one
$36,635 (currently $29,480) – for a household size of two
$45,657 (currently $36,740) – for a household size of three or more
More good news is that the medications available to Illinois Cares Rx enrollees also have been expanded.
In *2008 235,236 applied online, compared to *2007 when 158,888 applied online and 75,288 in *2006, the first year the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) had made the Illinois Cares Rx application available online. *Each year listed accounts for the previous claim year.
Before logging on to the Internet, individuals should have the following information available: Social Security number(s), amount of property taxes paid in 2008, amount of rent paid in 2008, and a copy of 2008 federal tax returns.
Seniors with questions about Illinois Cares Rx may log on to www.cbrx.il.gov or call the Illinois Department on Aging’s Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.
Durbin to Host Delegation Briefing on Thomson Correctional Center
From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that TOMORROW, December 2, he will host a briefing for members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation to discuss the Thomson Correctional Center in Carroll County, Illinois as a possible site for a new federal maximum security prison.
If the Thomson Correctional Center is purchased by the federal government, the seven-county area surrounding the facility is expected to experience an estimated increase in employment of between 3,100 and 3,800 jobs in the first four years of operation. The ongoing operation of the prison is estimated to generate about 2,800 jobs that will be filled by people residing in Illinois. In the same time period, these jobs generated by the facility will produce a cumulative total of between $793 million and $1.015 billion in local earnings.
Representatives of the Departments of Defense and Justice (Bureau of Prisons) along with State of Illinois officials including the Director of the Illinois State Police, Jonathon Monken, will also attend tomorrow’s meeting.
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that TOMORROW, December 2, he will host a briefing for members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation to discuss the Thomson Correctional Center in Carroll County, Illinois as a possible site for a new federal maximum security prison.
If the Thomson Correctional Center is purchased by the federal government, the seven-county area surrounding the facility is expected to experience an estimated increase in employment of between 3,100 and 3,800 jobs in the first four years of operation. The ongoing operation of the prison is estimated to generate about 2,800 jobs that will be filled by people residing in Illinois. In the same time period, these jobs generated by the facility will produce a cumulative total of between $793 million and $1.015 billion in local earnings.
Representatives of the Departments of Defense and Justice (Bureau of Prisons) along with State of Illinois officials including the Director of the Illinois State Police, Jonathon Monken, will also attend tomorrow’s meeting.
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