Showing posts with label cullerton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cullerton. Show all posts
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
IL Senate President Cullerton (D) Offers Support to Wisconsin Senate Dems
Illinois Senate President John Cullerton reached out to his Wisconsin colleagues today to offer his support for their efforts to protect public service employees’ right to bargain and force good faith negotiations on how to save public dollars.
Earlier today, Cullerton contacted the office of the Democratic Senate Leader in Wisconsin to offer his support and assistance.
“The vilification of public sector employees needs to stop. These are the people who teach our children, guard our worst criminals and protect our public health and safety,” Cullerton said. “Their rights shouldn’t be bulldozed for political gain.”
At the same time the Illinois Senate President called on Illinois’ public worker unions to help state leaders here resolve ongoing budget problems.
Cullerton reiterated that he intends to work with teachers’ unions to reform the education process and ensure the best teachers lead public school classrooms.
He also encouraged state AFSCME workers to contribute to the discussion on how to find savings and efficiencies in state spending.
“It’s the frontline workers who would likely know best how to maximize our resources and cut back on outdated and unnecessary services and spending. I want those workers to have a say in the budget and share their ideas,” Cullerton said.
Illinois and unions have a proven record of working together for success.
The recently enacted McCormick Place union work rules cut convention costs and bureaucratic red tape. The move spurred increased convention business which translates into more union work.
Earlier today, Cullerton contacted the office of the Democratic Senate Leader in Wisconsin to offer his support and assistance.
“The vilification of public sector employees needs to stop. These are the people who teach our children, guard our worst criminals and protect our public health and safety,” Cullerton said. “Their rights shouldn’t be bulldozed for political gain.”
At the same time the Illinois Senate President called on Illinois’ public worker unions to help state leaders here resolve ongoing budget problems.
Cullerton reiterated that he intends to work with teachers’ unions to reform the education process and ensure the best teachers lead public school classrooms.
He also encouraged state AFSCME workers to contribute to the discussion on how to find savings and efficiencies in state spending.
“It’s the frontline workers who would likely know best how to maximize our resources and cut back on outdated and unnecessary services and spending. I want those workers to have a say in the budget and share their ideas,” Cullerton said.
Illinois and unions have a proven record of working together for success.
The recently enacted McCormick Place union work rules cut convention costs and bureaucratic red tape. The move spurred increased convention business which translates into more union work.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Statement from Senate President John Cullerton on the State of the State
From Illinois Senate President John Cullerton
Last year this state faced historic challenges. We had impeachment trial of the former Governor, a historic drop in revenues, record deficits, and significant job loss in the state. But last year was also a year of tremendous accomplishment in ethics, bipartisanship and capital.
I pledged to do everything I could to pass a comprehensive jobs bill for Illinois. Senate Democrats led the way on stabilizing the economy by drafting and passing the first capital construction bill in a decade. This session we will continue the effort to stabilize the economy by creating jobs and growing businesses.
During the past several months, my caucus has met with frontline economic development professionals to create a proactive economic agenda for Illinois. In the next 30 days, Senate Democrats will unveil a comprehensive set of initiatives to invest in the people of Illinois, build upon our economic strengths, and protect the pocketbooks of taxpayers.
We are going to invest in the people of Illinois
Last year this state faced historic challenges. We had impeachment trial of the former Governor, a historic drop in revenues, record deficits, and significant job loss in the state. But last year was also a year of tremendous accomplishment in ethics, bipartisanship and capital.
I pledged to do everything I could to pass a comprehensive jobs bill for Illinois. Senate Democrats led the way on stabilizing the economy by drafting and passing the first capital construction bill in a decade. This session we will continue the effort to stabilize the economy by creating jobs and growing businesses.
During the past several months, my caucus has met with frontline economic development professionals to create a proactive economic agenda for Illinois. In the next 30 days, Senate Democrats will unveil a comprehensive set of initiatives to invest in the people of Illinois, build upon our economic strengths, and protect the pocketbooks of taxpayers.
We are going to invest in the people of Illinois
- Illinois must help small businesses through tax incentives to keeping and creating jobs.
- We will invest in Community Colleges to help Illinois workers gain new skills and training.
- Illinois must find innovative ways to help families pay their bills and stay in their homes.
We are going to build upon our economic strengths
- We must modernize job creation tools for Illinois communities.
- Illinois should reduce fees so businesses can keep and create jobs.
- We must promote key industries to grown our economy and create jobs.
We are going to protect the pocketbooks of taxpayers
- We must stop government fraud through greater oversight.
- We need greater budget transparency and accountability.
- Illinois must ensure that banks invest in small businesses to help keep and create jobs.
This session we face many of the same challenges that we did last year. In order to move forward with plans to stabilize the budget and our economy, we are going to need bipartisan support for increased revenue and budget reforms. I look forward to working with the Governor and both parties to improve Illinois’ economic outlook.
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Fumigation Bill, SB 1333
From the Office of Senate President John Cullerton
"After further review of the legislation and the possibility of litigation, the Senate President has reconsidered the need for the fumigation bill. To date, Governor Quinn has made 67 appointments that are subject to Senate confirmation. The Senate President recognizes the progress and pace of change made by the Governor. He does not intend to call the bill for a vote."
"After further review of the legislation and the possibility of litigation, the Senate President has reconsidered the need for the fumigation bill. To date, Governor Quinn has made 67 appointments that are subject to Senate confirmation. The Senate President recognizes the progress and pace of change made by the Governor. He does not intend to call the bill for a vote."
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Gov Quinn Vetoes Campaign Finance Bill
Chicago – August 27, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today vetoed campaign finance House Bill 7 saying Illinois deserves a stronger and better election reform law. At the ceremony announcing his veto, Governor Quinn was joined by the General Assembly’s four party leaders and community activists.
“I think we can do better. I look forward to working with Democrat and Republican leaders, activists and everyday citizens on improving our state election campaign laws and restoring the public’s faith in our democratic process,” said Governor Quinn. (Veto message attached.)
Among those attending the veto signing: House Speaker Michael Madigan; Senate President John Cullerton; House Republican Leader Tom Cross and Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno.
“By beginning the process anew, we have the opportunity to bring together the Governor, legislators of both parties, and public watchdog groups to develop a comprehensive plan that sets limits on contributions and provides for more public scrutiny of those contributions,” said Radogno.
Also attending were George Ranney, president and CEO of Metropolis 2020 and co-chair of CHANGE Illinois!, and Cindy Canary, director of Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.
"The Governor and the legislative leaders are to be commended for agreeing to veto HB7 and to begin work immediately on a new version of campaign finance limits,” said Ranney. “The members of the CHANGE Illinois! coalition are committed to working with Governor and members of the Illinois General Assembly.”
Canary of Illinois Campaign for Political Reform said, “Too many election campaigns have been fueled by large donations from special interests. We need a limits system that breaks that reliance on big contributors and encourages small donors and voters to participate more fully in the electoral process. We are open to discussing the details of a new system of campaign contribution limits, but we will not compromise on these principles.”
During the veto signing session, Governor Quinn also outlined a series of major government and political reforms he initiated and supported this year.
“We have made great strides during this Year of Reform and I intend to do much more,” Governor Quinn said.
“I think we can do better. I look forward to working with Democrat and Republican leaders, activists and everyday citizens on improving our state election campaign laws and restoring the public’s faith in our democratic process,” said Governor Quinn. (Veto message attached.)
Among those attending the veto signing: House Speaker Michael Madigan; Senate President John Cullerton; House Republican Leader Tom Cross and Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno.
“By beginning the process anew, we have the opportunity to bring together the Governor, legislators of both parties, and public watchdog groups to develop a comprehensive plan that sets limits on contributions and provides for more public scrutiny of those contributions,” said Radogno.
Also attending were George Ranney, president and CEO of Metropolis 2020 and co-chair of CHANGE Illinois!, and Cindy Canary, director of Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.
"The Governor and the legislative leaders are to be commended for agreeing to veto HB7 and to begin work immediately on a new version of campaign finance limits,” said Ranney. “The members of the CHANGE Illinois! coalition are committed to working with Governor and members of the Illinois General Assembly.”
Canary of Illinois Campaign for Political Reform said, “Too many election campaigns have been fueled by large donations from special interests. We need a limits system that breaks that reliance on big contributors and encourages small donors and voters to participate more fully in the electoral process. We are open to discussing the details of a new system of campaign contribution limits, but we will not compromise on these principles.”
During the veto signing session, Governor Quinn also outlined a series of major government and political reforms he initiated and supported this year.
“We have made great strides during this Year of Reform and I intend to do much more,” Governor Quinn said.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Statement from Senate President John Cullerton on the Signing of the Capital Bill
From the Illinois State Senate Democrats
SPRINGFIELD, IL - In response to Governor Pat Quinn’s plan to sign the capital bill, Senate President John J. Cullerton issued the following statement:
“The failure to pass a job-creating capital bill has been a symbol of the toxic dysfunction and mistrust that has prevailed in Springfield for ten years. So in my inaugural speech in January, I pledged to do everything I could to work with the Governor and all legislative leaders to pass a comprehensive capital construction program for Illinois.
On that day the state unemployment rate was 7.8 percent. Legislators of every ideological stripe realized that it was time to get Illinois working again by creating jobs, stabilizing the economy and modernizing our state’s crumbling infrastructure.
I want commend organized labor and the business communities for setting aside their differences to move this plan forward. Democrats and Republicans from both chambers of the General Assembly should also be applauded for working to send this jobs plan to the Governor in May.
Today the state unemployment rate is 10.1 percent. I am pleased to see that Governor Quinn has finally given the green light to get our economy moving and put people back to work. By signing our job-creating statewide construction plan, he is ending the practice of using out-of-work Illinoisans as political leverage while also removing a major roadblock to bipartisan cooperation and trust among political leaders.
Now we can create jobs that are the direct and indirect result of capital investments in local communities. We can provide relief to Illinois’ cities by reducing their need to rely on local revenues to support economic development and infrastructure. We can repair and build our roads, bridges, transit, and school construction projects. Now we can get back to work.”
SPRINGFIELD, IL - In response to Governor Pat Quinn’s plan to sign the capital bill, Senate President John J. Cullerton issued the following statement:
“The failure to pass a job-creating capital bill has been a symbol of the toxic dysfunction and mistrust that has prevailed in Springfield for ten years. So in my inaugural speech in January, I pledged to do everything I could to work with the Governor and all legislative leaders to pass a comprehensive capital construction program for Illinois.
On that day the state unemployment rate was 7.8 percent. Legislators of every ideological stripe realized that it was time to get Illinois working again by creating jobs, stabilizing the economy and modernizing our state’s crumbling infrastructure.
I want commend organized labor and the business communities for setting aside their differences to move this plan forward. Democrats and Republicans from both chambers of the General Assembly should also be applauded for working to send this jobs plan to the Governor in May.
Today the state unemployment rate is 10.1 percent. I am pleased to see that Governor Quinn has finally given the green light to get our economy moving and put people back to work. By signing our job-creating statewide construction plan, he is ending the practice of using out-of-work Illinoisans as political leverage while also removing a major roadblock to bipartisan cooperation and trust among political leaders.
Now we can create jobs that are the direct and indirect result of capital investments in local communities. We can provide relief to Illinois’ cities by reducing their need to rely on local revenues to support economic development and infrastructure. We can repair and build our roads, bridges, transit, and school construction projects. Now we can get back to work.”
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Senate President Moves to Increase Budget Transparency
From the Office of Senate President John Cullerton
SPRINGFIELD, IL - In an effort to promote greater budget transparency, Senate President John J. Cullerton announced the Senate is ending the practice of issuing lump-sum dollar amounts for member projects that are not specified in the budget. From now on grants, also known as “earmarks,” must be identified as specific line items in the state budget.
“Our state’s fiscal and ethical crisis demands that we increase transparency and budget accountability. We simply can’t afford to continue old habits that veiled the process and use of public funds” said President Cullerton. “I intend to lead my caucus with the philosophy that the use of taxpayer dollars should be subject to taxpayer scrutiny.”
To that end the Senate President has recently settled a FOIA lawsuit that he inherited from former Senate President Emil Jones Jr. on the subject of lump-sum member initiatives. The lawsuit was filed by Judicial Watch and AFP-IL in an attempt to force former Governor Rod Blagojevich and President Jones to disclose how lump-sum member initiative funds were being spent.
Under Jones, Senate Democrats had $18.7 million member projects in the 2007-2008, but wouldn’t release information on those projects and their sponsors.
But last month, President Cullerton turned over a list of all of the lump-sum member initiatives sought by Senate Democrats for that budget cycle.
The move prompted Judicial Watch to drop its lawsuit and applaud the Senate President’s approach to budget transparency and the release of public information.
SPRINGFIELD, IL - In an effort to promote greater budget transparency, Senate President John J. Cullerton announced the Senate is ending the practice of issuing lump-sum dollar amounts for member projects that are not specified in the budget. From now on grants, also known as “earmarks,” must be identified as specific line items in the state budget.
“Our state’s fiscal and ethical crisis demands that we increase transparency and budget accountability. We simply can’t afford to continue old habits that veiled the process and use of public funds” said President Cullerton. “I intend to lead my caucus with the philosophy that the use of taxpayer dollars should be subject to taxpayer scrutiny.”
To that end the Senate President has recently settled a FOIA lawsuit that he inherited from former Senate President Emil Jones Jr. on the subject of lump-sum member initiatives. The lawsuit was filed by Judicial Watch and AFP-IL in an attempt to force former Governor Rod Blagojevich and President Jones to disclose how lump-sum member initiative funds were being spent.
Under Jones, Senate Democrats had $18.7 million member projects in the 2007-2008, but wouldn’t release information on those projects and their sponsors.
But last month, President Cullerton turned over a list of all of the lump-sum member initiatives sought by Senate Democrats for that budget cycle.
The move prompted Judicial Watch to drop its lawsuit and applaud the Senate President’s approach to budget transparency and the release of public information.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Statement from Senate President John Cullerton on the Senate Passage of a Capital Jumpstart Plan
From the Office of Senate President John Cullerton
“Today we took a major step forward on the road to recovery for our crumbling infrastructure and economy in Illinois.
The capital jumpstart passed today gives the green light for $3 billion in bonds for roads and transit projects that are desperately needed across the state. We will appropriate $450 million to immediately start working on roads, an additional $150 million for emergency repairs in local communities, and $40 million in neglected commitments from the previous administration.
Starting this May, we will pave the way for a larger capital plan by bringing our current roads up to standard. By repairing existing infrastructure thorugh the current plan, we will be in a better position to expand that infrastructure with new projects in the comprehensive plan that we will pass later in the session.
The last few years of capital plan development have been filled with false starts. This capital jumpstart signals that it is truly a new day in Illinois. We have recognized that it’s time to move beyond the partisan rhetoric that fueled failure in the past, and move forward with bipartisan cooperation for a better future.
Instead of injecting politics into the road repair process we will to rely on the expert advice of IDOT engineers. Unlike capital improvement proposals of the past, this plan puts the most critical needs for road and transit improvements first.
We still have a long road ahead of us are we develop and pass larger capital package. But I want to commend my fellow senators and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno for laboring with me in this bipartisan effort to stimulate the economy and support jobs now.
“Today we took a major step forward on the road to recovery for our crumbling infrastructure and economy in Illinois.
The capital jumpstart passed today gives the green light for $3 billion in bonds for roads and transit projects that are desperately needed across the state. We will appropriate $450 million to immediately start working on roads, an additional $150 million for emergency repairs in local communities, and $40 million in neglected commitments from the previous administration.
Starting this May, we will pave the way for a larger capital plan by bringing our current roads up to standard. By repairing existing infrastructure thorugh the current plan, we will be in a better position to expand that infrastructure with new projects in the comprehensive plan that we will pass later in the session.
The last few years of capital plan development have been filled with false starts. This capital jumpstart signals that it is truly a new day in Illinois. We have recognized that it’s time to move beyond the partisan rhetoric that fueled failure in the past, and move forward with bipartisan cooperation for a better future.
Instead of injecting politics into the road repair process we will to rely on the expert advice of IDOT engineers. Unlike capital improvement proposals of the past, this plan puts the most critical needs for road and transit improvements first.
We still have a long road ahead of us are we develop and pass larger capital package. But I want to commend my fellow senators and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno for laboring with me in this bipartisan effort to stimulate the economy and support jobs now.
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