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

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.

Gov Quinn Announces $1 Million Effort to Build Electric Vehicle ReCharging System

CHICAGO – February 18, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced an initiative to boost the state’s sustainability efforts through the increased use of electric vehicles. Under the plan, the state will invest $1 million of Illinois Jobs Now! capital funding to install state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout the Chicagoland area.

“This project will encourage greater use of green transportation alternatives by making electric vehicle use more convenient and accessible in one of the most heavily traveled cities in the country,” said Governor Quinn. “Through strategic investments like this, we are encouraging long-term economic growth, supporting innovation and creating the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

This project is expected to be the largest concentration of DC quick-charge stations in the world. Exact locations of the charging stations are still being determined, but will include Midway and O’Hare Airports, grocery stores and shopping centers throughout the Chicagoland area, and parking garages in downtown Chicago. Installation of the network is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2012.

350Green, LLC will install, own and operate the EV charging network. The network will consist of a total of 280 charging stations, including 73 DC quick-charging stations and 146 Level 2 chargers for public use, with an additional 61 Level 2 chargers for the dedicated use of I-GO and Zipcar car-sharing fleets. The DC quick-chargers represent a new technology that will drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to charge a vehicle. A vehicle would now be able to charge in the time it takes to shop at the grocery store, as opposed to charging overnight, which is the current standard.

The $1 million in state capital investment will match $1 million in Clean Cities Grant funds that the city of Chicago received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The project is expected to create 18 permanent and temporary jobs, and construction of the network will support 8,500 labor hours. The Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program has created an estimated 155,000 jobs to date, and is expected to create or retain more than 439,000 jobs over six years.

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Astellas Pharma Picks Illinois for Its HQ: 150 New Jobs May Result

GLENVIEW, IL – April 29, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced an approximately $4 million investment package to assist Astellas Pharma US, Inc in establishing their new corporate headquarters for the Americas in Glenview. The state’s business package will leverage $140 million in private investment and will create 150 new jobs, further strengthening the economy of Northeast Illinois.

“I am pleased Astellas selected Illinois for its new headquarters for the Americas,” said Governor Quinn, who attended the company’s groundbreaking ceremony. “This major investment will create new jobs and generate economic activity throughout the region. At the same time, this decision highlights Illinois role as a Midwestern leader in the life sciences business and its emergence as a vital base of operation for the biopharmaceutical industry’s future growth.”

Construction of the new headquarters is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2012. It will include two six-story buildings totaling 425,000 square feet. The buildings and site will emphasize sustainability and the complex is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. The company’s current Deerfield-based employees will be relocating to the new headquarters.

“At Astellas, we measure success not only by bringing innovative and effective pharmaceuticals to patients and physicians, but also by our contributions to local communities and protection of the environment,” said Seigo Kashii, President and CEO of Astellas Pharma US, Inc. “Today we are fulfilling our vision for continued growth through our groundbreaking for a new corporate headquarters.”

The state’s investment package, administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will consist of Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) corporate income tax credits, which are based on job creation, and Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds that will help enhance the skills of its workforce.

“In order for our economy to continue growing, we must continue making strategic investments on the local level that will create jobs and support long-term sustainable growth,” said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. “Our investment in Astellas will pay dividends for this region and the state.”

Astellas’ expansion will also support Illinois’ growing life sciences industry. Illinois’ biopharmaceutical industry, which is supported by the state’s highly-regarded federal labs and top-notch research universities, directly employs more than 40,000 people and supports more than 112,000 indirect and induced jobs.

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Jobs Lost in February Are Fewer Than Expected

From the Wall Street Journal

The U.S. economy shed 36,000 jobs in February, fewer than expected. The unemployment rate, which is calculated using a different household survey, remained at 9.7%.

Employment fell in construction and information, while temporary-help services added jobs. The number of workers on government payroll fell by 18,000, while those on federal payroll were up 7,000.

Governor Quinn Announces Illinois Jobs Now! Capital Project in Marion

From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn

MARION – September 1, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn was joined by Representative John Bradley (D-Marion), Senator Gary Forby (D-Benton) and other officials in Marion today to announce the Illinois Route 13 six-lane expansion project. The project is a result of the Illinois Jobs Now! program, a $31 billion dollar capital plan signed by Governor Quinn last month.

“I’m happy to see the capital program at work creating jobs, improving the state’s infrastructure and boosting the quality of life for residents across our state,” said Governor Quinn.

The $104 million dollar project will add a third lane in each direction to Illinois Route 13 from Division Street in Carterville to Williamson County Parkway in Marion. It will also create a supplemental frontage road to address issues including traffic mobility and efficiency.

“I am pleased to have helped craft a bill that ensures we receive our fair share here in Southern Illinois,” said Representative John Bradley (D-Marion). “The capital bill, a program several years in the making, invests heavily in local projects and getting our economy back on track.”

“We thank Governor Quinn for his commitment to our community. This expansion is very important to us,” said Senator Gary Forby (D-Benton). “We have seen a lot of accidents as a result of the high traffic count on IL Route 13, so we are very happy about what the future holds.”

Phase two of the project is underway, which consists of land acquisition and design. Construction is scheduled to begin next summer on the projects first contract. The entire improvement is expected to be complete by the fall of 2014.

New $31 Billion Capital Construction Plan Will Mean More Than 439,000 Jobs

From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn

July 27, 2009 - Governor Pat Quinn has signed into law bills that create the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! plan, which will revive the state’s ailing economy by creating and retaining more than 439,000 jobs over the next six years. At a bill signing ceremony, Governor Quinn stressed this is the first statewide capital construction effort to become law in more than a decade.

“This is a crucial economic recovery initiative that will generate what’s needed most in Illinois: jobs, jobs, jobs,” said Governor Quinn. “Illinois Jobs Now! provides many long-awaited improvements to our bridges and roads, transportation networks, schools and communities.”

The road and bridge construction projects will be overseen by the Illinois Department of Transportation, while the state facility, university and school construction programs will be administered by the state’s Capital Development Board (CDB).

“We will prioritize projects based on three factors: Those that are ready for bidding right away, so construction jobs can be created immediately; the most pressing repair and maintenance projects that will help protect state property; and the grants to school districts who have waited for nearly eight years for promised state funds,” said CDB Executive Director Jim Riemer.

Governor Quinn added that Illinois Jobs Now! will create many new “green” weatherization jobs, protect and improve the state’s fresh water supplies, and advance high-speed rail from Chicago to St. Louis, which will cut down on auto traffic and emissions.

“With Illinois Jobs Now!, our state rises to the challenge of building a viable green economy for the 21st Century that serves our people and strengthens our businesses,” said Governor Quinn.

Illinois Jobs Now! will invest $31 billion in the Illinois economy over six years; access more than $3.7 billion in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds; and support more than 439,000 Illinois jobs. It features $14.3 billion for roads and bridges, including $9.8 billion for the multiyear road program, $4 billion for new projects, and $500 million for local projects.

The plan’s $7 billion for developing a 21st century transportation network includes $2.7 billion to Chicago-area public transit and $300 million to downstate transit districts, leveraging up to $2.7 billion in additional federal funds; $400 million for high-speed rail, which could access up to $2 billion in ARRA funds; $380 million for airport improvements and $110.5 million for the third Chicago airport project; $322 million for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE); $150 million for conventional intercity rail transit (AMTRAK); and $10 million for an electrification transportation alternative fuel car-sharing program.

The capital program also features $3.6 billion for preschool through 12th grade education, including $3 billion for the school construction program; $200 million for the school maintenance program; $196 million for charter schools; $100 million for a new school energy efficiency retrofit program; $75 million for vocational education at Chicago Public Schools; $45 million for a new early childhood facilities program; and $10 million for student laptop computers.

The plan’s $1.5 billion for higher education features $788 million for public universities, $400 million for community colleges, and $300 million for private universities.

The $830 million available for community development includes $300 million for parks and recreational facilities; $150 million for health care facilities; $130 million for affordable housing, including projects for veterans and persons with disabilities; $100 million for museums; $100 million for public libraries; and $50 million for community health center construction.

A total of $2.5 billion has been allocated for economic development projects, including $715 million for state facilities; $425 million for weatherization and energy efficiency programs; $50 million for broadband deployment; $38 million for River’s Edge and Brownfield projects to clean up contaminated sites; $25 million for the Prime Sites program to develop local infrastructure and create jobs; $15 million for the creation or retention of jobs in economically depressed areas; and $10 million for a fresh food program to bring grocery stores and other fresh food retailers into communities that need them.

Environmental projects are funded to the tune of $1.3 billion, including $516 million for drinking water and wastewater revolving loans; $250 million for projects such as levees, flood walls and drainage structures; $225 million for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program; $128 million for Army Corps restoration programs; $75 million for the leaking underground storage tank program; $41 million for dam removal and repair; $25 million for the Open Land Trust Program; $10 million for dam safety programs; and $8 million for the “Mud to Parks” parkland restoration program.

Funding for the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! plan will be provided by a combination of state debt and federal and local matching funds. The 20-year bonds issued to provide funding for the State’s $13 billion share of this six-year capital program will be supported from fee and tax increases. Existing monies deposited into the Road Fund will provide up to $150 million per year for the repayment of the debt. Debt repayment will also come from fee increases. Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title fees will increase from $65 to $105; transfer of registration fees will increase from $15 to $30; passenger and “B” truck registration fees will increase from $79 to $99; and drivers’ license fees will double. Additional sales taxes on candy, sweetened tea, coffee, grooming and hygiene products, wine, spirits and certain beer products will also help retire the debt, and video gaming terminals should raise about $300 million annually.

A complete list of specific projects can be found at http://www.jobsnow.illinois.gov/.

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.”

Governor Quinn Signs $31 Billion “Illinois Jobs Now!”

From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn

CHICAGO — Governor Pat Quinn today signed into law bills that create the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! plan, which will revive the state’s ailing economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over the next six years. At a bill signing ceremony, Governor Quinn stressed this is the first statewide capital construction effort to become law in over a decade.

"This is a crucial economic recovery initiative that will generate what’s needed most in Illinois: jobs, jobs, jobs," said Governor Quinn. "Illinois Jobs Now! provides many long-awaited improvements to our bridges and roads, transportation networks, schools and communities."

Governor Quinn added that Illinois Jobs Now! will create many new "green" weatherization jobs, protect and improve the state’s fresh water supplies, and advance high-speed rail from Chicago to St. Louis, which will cut down on auto traffic and emissions.

"With Illinois Jobs Now!, our state rises to the challenge of building a viable green economy for the 21st Century that serves our people and strengthens our businesses," said Governor Quinn.

During the signing ceremony at Marshall High School, Governor Quinn expressed appreciation and thanks to the leaders of the General Assembly for their important role in passing Illinois Jobs Now! The Governor also thanked members of the General Assembly, organized labor, business groups and community activists for their support of Illinois Jobs Now!

Governor Quinn stated that passing a major jobs and capital construction plan is a vital component of reviving Illinois’s economy. During his remarks, Governor Quinn again asserted that financing Illinois Jobs Now! program calls for stabilizing Illinois’ entire economy by passing a balanced state budget.

"Illinois Jobs Now! gets people back to work during a time of economic calamity," said Governor Quinn. "But our job does not end with signing these bills into law. The General Assembly must pass a balanced budget that makes essential cuts and cost efficiencies, while also providing for our most vulnerable and needy residents."