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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Showing posts with label Illinois jobs.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Illinois jobs.. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Sen Mark Kirk (R-IL) Says State of Illinois' Debt Worrying Credit Markets
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.”
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.”
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Rep Aaron Schock Schock Introduces Jobs Bill Aimed at Helping Veterans
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Gov Quinn Signs Bill to Create Coal Gasification Plant in Southern Illinois
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.
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.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
GOP Gov Candidate Bill Brady Calls on Gov Quinn to Back Building of Walmart SuperStore on Chicago's Southside
FROM THE BRADY CAMPAIGN
CHICAGO -- Bill Brady continued his campaign against "food deserts" today, again saying that Governor Pat Quinn should speak out firmly to allow a job-creating Wal-Mart in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago.
Brady has long been a voice to bring opportunity to food deserts in Chicago, introducing legislation on the issue last May and visiting hard hit areas. A vote on the Pullman project is expected in the city zoning commission next week.
"Whose side is the governor on?" Brady asked. "Instead of trying to raise our taxes, he should be standing up for raised opportunity. And I support those who understand that one of the most effective anti-violence programs is jobs."
Last week, Brady noted the significant campaign contributions that Quinn has taken from the major opponents of the Wal-Mart project.
Last May, Brady, a State Senator and candidate for governor, introduced legislation that would prevent municipalities from blocking the construction so-called big-box stores. He has also visited an area in the Chatham neighborhood to show his support for a proposed Wal-Mart there.
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Alderman Anthony Beale (9th) support the Pullman Wal-Mart. It would be located in Beale's community. Many local residents and leaders have also spoken out in support, and the the Chicago Tribune has editorialized in favor of the project. News reports today say unions and Wal-Mart will be meeting to talk about ways to go forward with the project.
"It couldn't be more timely for the governor to speak up. Public officials must not stand as an obstacle between hard-working people and the places they want to work and shop," Brady said. "The governor's vocal support could help move this forward. If we are serious about combating unemployment and violence, let's let people work."
According to reports, the ward is facing 30% unemployment. The project, which awaits approval from the zoning commission and city council, would create almost 4,000 jobs, including about 780 unionized construction workers. The store would then hire nearly 700 employees.
"Like the mayor and alderman, I believe we should support opportunity in a place where so many people are now unemployed," Brady said. "I hope Pat Quinn strongly agrees."
CHICAGO -- Bill Brady continued his campaign against "food deserts" today, again saying that Governor Pat Quinn should speak out firmly to allow a job-creating Wal-Mart in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago.
Brady has long been a voice to bring opportunity to food deserts in Chicago, introducing legislation on the issue last May and visiting hard hit areas. A vote on the Pullman project is expected in the city zoning commission next week.
"Whose side is the governor on?" Brady asked. "Instead of trying to raise our taxes, he should be standing up for raised opportunity. And I support those who understand that one of the most effective anti-violence programs is jobs."
Last week, Brady noted the significant campaign contributions that Quinn has taken from the major opponents of the Wal-Mart project.
Last May, Brady, a State Senator and candidate for governor, introduced legislation that would prevent municipalities from blocking the construction so-called big-box stores. He has also visited an area in the Chatham neighborhood to show his support for a proposed Wal-Mart there.
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Alderman Anthony Beale (9th) support the Pullman Wal-Mart. It would be located in Beale's community. Many local residents and leaders have also spoken out in support, and the the Chicago Tribune has editorialized in favor of the project. News reports today say unions and Wal-Mart will be meeting to talk about ways to go forward with the project.
"It couldn't be more timely for the governor to speak up. Public officials must not stand as an obstacle between hard-working people and the places they want to work and shop," Brady said. "The governor's vocal support could help move this forward. If we are serious about combating unemployment and violence, let's let people work."
According to reports, the ward is facing 30% unemployment. The project, which awaits approval from the zoning commission and city council, would create almost 4,000 jobs, including about 780 unionized construction workers. The store would then hire nearly 700 employees.
"Like the mayor and alderman, I believe we should support opportunity in a place where so many people are now unemployed," Brady said. "I hope Pat Quinn strongly agrees."
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Motorola Rethinking Strategy of Dividing the Company's Units
From the Wall Street Journal
Motorola is close to rolling out a new plan that it hopes will revive a long-suffering effort to separate the company's main business units, according to people familiar with the matter.
In recent days the Schaumburg, Ill., company has moved toward reversing a months-old strategy of selling off the largest of its three divisions, which makes set-top boxes and wireless-networking gear, these people said.
The company has instead signaled it will likely chop that unit in two -- continuing an auction for its wireless-networking business, while spinning off its set-top box business with its core handset business into a new, publicly traded company, these people said.
Motorola is close to rolling out a new plan that it hopes will revive a long-suffering effort to separate the company's main business units, according to people familiar with the matter.
In recent days the Schaumburg, Ill., company has moved toward reversing a months-old strategy of selling off the largest of its three divisions, which makes set-top boxes and wireless-networking gear, these people said.
The company has instead signaled it will likely chop that unit in two -- continuing an auction for its wireless-networking business, while spinning off its set-top box business with its core handset business into a new, publicly traded company, these people said.
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