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

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

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

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

Directors

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

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

Acting Directors

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

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

Interim Director

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

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Illinois Department of Transportation Recognized for Exceptional Sustainable Practices

From the Illinois Department of Transportation

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig announced today that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) made exceptional progress in 2009 in a statewide effort to become a more sustainable agency.

Among the list of accomplishments, Illinois Department of Transportation received the Green Government Award in December from the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council during the Annual Sustainable Symposium held in Springfield. The award was in the Sustainable Transportation category.

“We are pleased to have received this award,” said Secretary Hannig. “We work hard each day to ensure our construction projects adhere to the highest environmental standards, while maintaining the safety and effectiveness of our roads. Our efforts to improve construction methods, promote fuel conservation and enhance green practices all are a part of our overall effort to build a cleaner, greener Illinois.”

The award was presented by Governor Pat Quinn’s Director of Sustainability, Kate Tomford. Accepting the award at the Sustainable Symposium were IDOT’s Director of Finance and Administration, Ann Schneider, and IDOT’s Acting Sustainable Practices Manager, Steve Massey.

The award was based on several practices and efforts that IDOT initiated. One of the strides that IDOT made was creating a more environmentally friendly vehicle fleet. The fleet includes 741 alternative vehicles, 36 gas/electric hybrids and one E85/electric. The diesel fleet is now 100 percent capable of burning biodiesel fuel.

IDOT also was recognized for a recent project on the Bishop Ford Expressway in Chicago (I-94). This project utilized recycled shingles that made up approximately 5 percent of the 22,000 tons of mix used for the roadway surface materials.

Secretary Hannig created the position of IDOT Sustainable Practices Manager to identify sustainability and resource savings opportunities. The position also makes policy recommendations to executive staff and works closely with the long-term planning staff on sustainability issues.

IDOT was recognized for the greening of rest areas and welcome centers by installing rain barrels at some locations. The rain barrels were made by Illinois Correctional Industries. The use of green cleaning products at these areas also has begun.

The award highlighted IDOT’s efforts to promote the use of PrePass. IDOT partnered with the Secretary of State’s office to get the word to truckers about the PrePass system. PrePass enrolls carriers and collects required data and safety ratings to automatically determine the carrier fee to weigh stations. About one mile from the weigh station, the PrePass reader identifies the transponder in the windshield of the truck and transmits the data to the computer site. If all data is acceptable, the carrier gets a green light signaling approval to bypass. If the carrier gets a red light, truckers must enter the weigh station. PrePass in Illinois has reduced emissions by decreasing greenhouse gases, saving fuel and increasing efficiency and safety.

IDOT in the fall initiated and worked closely with the Department of Natural Resources to develop the Illinois Fallen Soldier Tree Memorial in Illini State Park in Marseilles, which was dedicated on November 10, 2009. The tree memorial has 250 oak trees planted on 2.5 acres of land in the park. A natural granite monument stone weighing about 7 tons was added to the site with a bronze memorial plaque memorializing Illinois soldiers killed since the beginning of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. A five-car parking lot and memorial with handicap accessibility was built and natural limestone benches were placed in the memorial park area.

The Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council has members from 15 state agencies and was created to improve sustainable practices under the Green Governments Illinois Act. The council annually presents awards to state agencies that have shown an exceptional commitment to improving the environmental quality of Illinois.

For more information on Illinois’ green initiatives, visit www.green.illinois.gov.

Public Meetings Scheduled for High Speed Inter-City Passenger Rail from Chicago to St. Louis

From the Illinois Department of Transportation

Springfield--The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is hosting two public meetings to seek input concerning the Environmental Assessment (EA) to implement high-speed rail passenger services from Chicago to St. Louis, including intermediate cities. This project will include infrastructure investments and upgrades, as well as new service, on the existing route operated by Amtrak. IDOT is currently preparing an application to qualify for funding for this project under the Federal Railroad Administration’s passenger rail program included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

The Public Meetings will be held:

Wednesday, October 7, 2009
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Hotel
3000 South Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62703


The meetings will be an open house format and allow the public the opportunity to watch a PowerPoint presentation, review exhibits and provide comments. Representatives from IDOT will also be available to discuss the EA study and answer questions. Written comments related to the project will be accepted until the close of the comment period ending October 19, 2009.

This meeting will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Anyone needing special assistance should contact Mary Rose Donahue of Images, Inc. at 630-510-3944. Individuals planning to attend who need a sign language interpreter or other similar accommodations should notify the Department’s TTY/TTD number 800-526-0844 or 711; TTY users (Spanish) 800-501-0864 or 711; and for Telebraille dial 877-526-6670 at least five days prior to the meeting.

For additional information, please visit our project website at www.idothsr.org

Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig Responds To Speaker Madigan Bill Filing

From the Illinois Department of Transportation

“Billions of ARRA stimulus dollars are at stake to develop a successful High Speed Rail program in Illinois. Every lost opportunity to expand service or develop the necessary infrastructure will place further pressure on future federal and state dollars. IDOT has been working diligently toward a compromise with the city of Springfield and Sangamon County including the best mitigation option. We have met with the City and County each day since Friday and are trading proposals even now. Time is running out and the options presented by Springfield for the 10th street corridor do not meet the requirements for submission of a successful high speed rail application. The time has come and we are urging Springfield to support the High Speed Rail initiative,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig.

CREATE Program Seeks $300 Million TIGER Grant

From the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program

CHICAGO –The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today announced it is seeking $300 million in federal stimulus funds for a package of 16 projects that are part of the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program. CREATE is a first-of-its-kind partnership, bringing together Illinois DOT, the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Illinois DOT is eligible for the funding under the federal Transportation Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program established in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In addition to the $300 million being sought via the federal TIGER grant, CREATE partners also have committed to an additional 39 percent match in funding – $117.4 million in state and private monies – for the program of projects outlined in the application.

“The Illinois Department of Transportation has worked long and hard to preserve rail across the state of Illinois" said Governor Pat Quinn, "I believe the CREATE program is an essential element for economic development and job creation. For that reason, I support the Illinois Department of Transportation's application for $300 million in TIGER Discretionary Grant funds.”

“As the nation’s rail hub, the performance of Chicago’s rail network has a profound impact on rail movement nationwide. The efficient movement of goods is critical to our nation’s economy and the quality of life of our citizens and visitors,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley.

“These projects will greatly improve the efficiency and operability of moving both freight and people by rail through the region,” said AAR President and CEO Edward Hamberger. “CREATE is a project of critical importance to the national freight and passenger rail network, and this public-private partnership is truly historic.”

The program outlined in the TIGER grant application - ranging in scope from rail line improvements to a grade separation to viaduct improvements– will have tremendous economic, livability, sustainability and safety benefits. With completion by 2012, this program will support roughly 4,500 job years. In addition, the application details the following benefits:

Economic Benefits:

• 17,684 hours in annual freight rail delay reductions
• $265.0 million in annual logistics cost savings

Livability Benefits:

• reduced annual passenger rail delays by 57,631 passenger hours and $1.4 million in costs
• reduced annual motorist delays by 344,499 hours and $8.5 million in costs

Sustainability Benefits:

• reduced diesel consumption by 2.9 million gallons each year
• reduced emissions from locomotives and vehicles due to improved efficiency and delay reduction
• $2.5 million annual costs savings associated with emissions reduction and reduced diesel consumption

Safety Benefits:

• improved vehicle safety and crash prevention

As a project of regional and national significance, CREATE has received tremendous support from lawmakers, public and private organizations and trade unions from across the U.S. For example, CREATE has received letters of support from as far away as Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif. – vital U.S. port locations that often see originating shipments that travel through Chicago.

With significant passenger and freight rail movements located in his district, U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) has long been a supporter of the CREATE project.

“CREATE is critically important to the Chicago region, the state, and the entire nation,” said Congressman Dan Lipinski, who is Northeastern Illinois' only member of the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “That is why I have continued to lead the effort in Washington and here at home to help fund CREATE, successfully securing $100 million in federal funding in 2005 as well as working with state leaders to allocate $300 million for the program in the recently passed state capital bill. Moreover, I am already working with members of the Transportation Committee to secure additional funding for CREATE in the next highway and transit authorization bill. This application for stimulus funds, if successful, will build on the important investment we have already made to reduce congestion while creating good paying local jobs and improving safety.”

The program outlined in the TIGER grant application, as well as the 62 additional projects in CREATE, bring with them thousands of critically needed jobs to the region.

EDITORS NOTE: The Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) program is a first-of-its-kind partnership, bringing together Illinois DOT, the City of Chicago Department of Transportation and the Association of American Railroads (AAR). CREATE comprises 78 critically needed rail and highway infrastructure improvements in Northeastern Illinois, aimed at improving the quality of life of Illinois residents, and increasing the efficiency of freight and passenger rail service throughout the region and across the U.S.

IDOT Participates in State's Earth Day Activities

From the Illinois Department of Transportation

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is taking part in numerous Earth Day events this year. In honor of Earth Day, the Department has scheduled tree planting events throughout its nine district offices. In cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDOT has acquired a number of trees free of charge which are being sent to each district office and the Central Office as part of annual landscape material deliveries.

In addition to the tree plantings, IDOT participated in the Governor’s Green Expo in Chicago this week.

Transportation Agencies Announce Reduction in Work Zone Crashes

From the Illinois Department of Transportation

SPRINGFIELD – As the 2009 highway construction season gets underway, Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig announced that work zone fatalities are down 29.6 percent compared to 2003. Aggressive law enforcement and education campaigns and significant improvements to work zone safety traffic control reduced Illinois work zone fatalities from 44 in 2003, including 5 workers, to provisionally 31 with 2 workers killed in 2008.

At events in Chicago, Champaign, Metro East and Rock Island, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois State Police (ISP), the Illinois Tollway reminded drivers to slow down and be alert in work zones. Work zone safety advocates will conduct outreach activities at rest areas across the state on Friday as part of the 10th Anniversary of National Work Zone Awareness Week which runs April 6-10, 2009.

“Thanks to strict enforcement by ISP and cooperation from the public, we have made steady progress in protecting people in work zones,” said Acting Secretary Hannig. “Our goal is to protect the lives of the many dedicated workers who are improving our roadways, as well as drivers and passengers traveling through work zones.”

Following an alarming spike in work zone fatalities in 2003, the State of Illinois convened a Work Zone Safety Task Force which recommended a number of steps to reduce work zone crashes and improve highway work zone safety; including stiffer penalties for speeding in a work zone and photo enforcement of speed limits within work zones. From the high 44 work zone fatalities, including five workers, in 2003, the state recorded 38 work zone fatalities, including two workers, in 2004; 25, including one worker, in 2005; 29, including one worker, in 2006; and 21, including two workers, in 2007. Under the toughened work zone speeding fines that took effect in 2004, first time offenders face a $375 fine; second time offenders face a $1,000 fine and the loss of their drivers’ license for 90 days.

"The Illinois State Police is committed to ensuring the safety of workers and motorists during the upcoming construction season," said Acting ISP Director Jonathon E. Monken. "Troopers will be strictly enforcing work zone speed limits and the "move over" law which requires motorists to slow down and, if possible, change lanes when approaching police, emergency or construction vehicles displaying flashing warning lights. We will continue to utilize tools, such as the Motorcycle Enforcement Bureau and photo enforcement, to help reduce injuries and fatalities on our roadways."

“When you see a work zone, slow down and drive with caution, said John Penn, Vice President and Regional Manager of the Laborers’ International Union of North America. “The men and women working in construction zones have families to go home to and we want to urge everyone to drive through work zones as if one of these workers were members of your family.”

“Enforcement efforts by the ISP have played a critical role in keeping workers and motorists safe during the massive roadway rebuilding and widening projects underway across the 286-mile Illinois Tollway system,” said Illinois Tollway Acting Executive Director Michael T. King. “By the end of this construction season, the Illinois Tollway will have completed more than 80 percent of the $6.3 billion Congestion-Relief Program improvements. We thank drivers for slowing down and paying attention in work zones over the past four years and ask for their patience and cooperation again this year.”

In Illinois, there are, on average, more than 7,000 crashes in highway work zones every year, resulting in approximately 2,600 injuries.

Photo speed enforcement vans operated by State Police Troopers were deployed for the first time in the 2006 construction season. Four vans will be active this construction season at various locations throughout the state. Troopers have issued over 7,200 citations since implementation of the program.

The marked white photo speed enforcement vans are equipped with the latest in photo radar technology designed to record the speed of vehicles and to capture clear images of the driver and the license plate. Tickets are sent by certified mail to drivers within 14 business days and court appearance is mandatory.

The vans are staffed by specially trained State Police Troopers and are used in work zones where workers are present. Signs will be placed in project locations where photo speed enforcement will be occurring.

These vans are an additional state of the art enforcement tool that helps reduce fatalities in work zones. Motorists, as well as workers, are at risk when driving in work zones due to configurations that can include narrower lanes, lane shifts, pavement edge drop-offs, closed shoulders and lane closures. Driving at slower speeds allows motorists more time to react to changed conditions.

IDOT, Illinois State Police and Local Law Enforcement Say Luck Will Not Get You Home this St. Patrick’s Day

From the Illinois Department of Transportation

SPRINGFIELD – There is no doubt numerous Illinoisans will celebrate with family and friends this St. Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately, those celebrations frequently turn deadly because of impaired drivers. That’s why the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois State Police (ISP) are partnering with numerous law enforcement agencies around the state this weekend and throughout St. Patrick’s Day to remind everyone to act responsibly by designating a sober driver if they plan on consuming alcohol this St. Patrick’s Day.

The message is very simple. Keep the streets safe this St. Patrick’s Day by drinking responsibly and designating a sober driver before heading to the local parade or pub or risk arrest for driving under the influence.

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that over the past five years, 851 people lost their lives in motor vehicles crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Out of that number, 327 were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver (blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher). Over the past five years in Illinois, 26 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes, 3 of those fatalities involved a driver that had been drinking alcohol.

“There is no excuse for impaired driving. It is irresponsible, and it is deadly,” said IDOT Traffic Safety Director Mike Stout. “St. Patrick’s Day is supposed to be a time to celebrate Irish heritage and gather with friends, but it can quickly end in tragedy due to impaired driving. If you plan on drinking, do not rely on luck to keep you safe or to keep you out of trouble. Be responsible and designate a sober driver.”

Unfortunately, impaired drivers are frequently present on Illinois roads, risking their lives and the lives of those with whom they share the road. During holiday weekends such as St. Patrick’s Day, the risk can increase because of an even greater impaired driving threat. To combat impaired driving, IDOT, ISP, county and municipal police agencies are partnering to step-up impaired driving enforcement, with IDOT funding overtime hours that place more officers on the street.

"The Illinois State Police and local law enforcement will remain vigilant in their enforcement efforts over the St. Patrick's Day weekend," said ISP Director Larry G. Trent. "Individuals who drive while impaired will be arrested. If you are going to include alcohol in your celebration plans, designate a sober driver. Motorists are also reminded to buckle-up and to obey the move-over law (Scott's Law) to ensure a safe holiday weekend."

Beginning today and continuing around St. Patrick’s Day, IDOT is making available over $500,000 in federal highway safety dollars to fund additional roadside safety checks, saturation patrols and other impaired driving countermeasures. This stepped-up effort will be accompanied by strong local educational efforts, encouraging the use of designated drivers, but also reminding motorists of the risk of arrest if they drive impaired.

There is no luck involved. Just follow these simple steps so you can enjoy a safe St. Patrick’s Day without jeopardizing your life and the lives of others on the road.

If you are hosting a party:

• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired driving crash;
• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers;
• Serve lots of food and include plenty of non-alcoholic beverages at the party;
• Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving impaired.

If you are attending a party:

• Designate your sober driver BEFORE the party begins and give that person your car keys;
• If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, sober friend or family member to pick you up; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober;
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.
• Always buckle up - it is still your best defense against an impaired driver.

Luck will not get you home safely this St. Patrick’s Day. Designate your sober driver before the party begins.

For more information about the Division of Traffic Safety’s impaired driving and safety campaigns, please visit www.DriveSoberIllinois.org

Durbin Introduces LaHood to Senate Committee

From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced President-elect Barack Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Transportation, former Representative Ray LaHood, to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

“President-Elect Obama and I have worked with Ray in Illinois and we’ve been impressed – not just with the relationships he’s built, but also with his competence and his leadership. The President-Elect has chosen the right man for the job,” said Durbin. “Ray has built a long record strengthening Illinois’ transportation system as whole – always with the goals of improving safety, relieving congestion, generating economic activity and protecting the environment. I believe we will all benefit from his record if he is confirmed.”

Text of Durbin’s remarks as prepared:

Thank you for this opportunity to introduce my friend and former colleague Ray LaHood, who has been nominated to serve as the 16th Secretary of Transportation.

Born and bred in Peoria, Illinois, Ray has continued the tradition of those who have served before him in the House of Representatives.

The 18th district was home to Everett Dirksen, Bob Michel and a rather famous one-term Member from Illinois -- Abraham Lincoln.

Ray, like those famous Members, contributed to a higher level of civility, decorum, and bipartisanship in the House of Representatives.

He founded the Congressional Bipartisan Retreat to help Members and their families get to know each other outside of the rough and tumble debates of the House floor.

Back in Illinois, Ray has regularly convened bipartisan meetings with the area's state representatives, mayors and other elected officials.

His dedication to his District and his service in the House has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected Members to have served in the House of Representatives.

President-Elect Obama and I have worked with Ray in Illinois and we’ve been impressed – not just with the relationships he’s built, but also with his competence and his leadership.

The President-Elect has chosen the right man for the job.

Ray has always led on transportation issues within the Illinois delegation.

The steel, iron and steam of the earliest railroads and trains cemented Illinois’ place as the transportation hub of North America.

Ray made it his mission to improve passenger and freight rail operations in Illinois.

Ray understands that transportation is not a rural vs. urban issue.

Illinois is sometimes characterized as a divided state, with Chicago in the North and the rest considered “downstate.” Ray never fell for that. He’s worked on the premise that rural transportation networks are part of and rely on metropolitan transportation networks.

He has helped move passengers and freight from the prairies surrounding Peoria, through the bustling downtown of Chicago, all the way down to the river towns of Southern Illinois.

Ray has built a long record strengthening Illinois’ transportation system as whole – always with the goals of improving safety, relieving congestion, generating economic activity and protecting the environment. I believe we will all benefit from his record if he is confirmed.

The next Secretary will confront some significant policy and programmatic challenges.

First, the economic crisis compels the new Administration and the Congress to work together and to act quickly.

Transportation infrastructure will be the backbone of our economic recovery, and the next Secretary will help shape and implement a plan to upgrade our roads, rails, and airports.

Second, the aviation industry is struggling.

The aviation industry was nearly crippled this summer by the rising price of jet fuel. The Aviation industry has cut over 30,000 jobs and left many communities across the country without any commercial air service whatsoever.

Lastly, the next Secretary will shepherd in the next reauthorization of our surface transportation laws. This reauthorization has the potential to fundamentally change the way our national transportation system relates to climate change and our dependence on foreign oil.

All of these issues call for a leader with the integrity and character to reach out to a diverse group of stakeholders and reach consensus.

A former DOT official was recently quoted as saying, “the most important part of the DOT Secretary’s job is knowing how to work with other people.”

Ray LaHood has the most important part of the job covered. And I am pleased and proud as a fellow Illinoisan to wholeheartedly recommend and encourage the confirmation of our friend Ray LaHood. Thank you very much.