Congress Approves $34.6 Million to Prevent Spread of Emerald Ash Borer

From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that Congress has approved $34,625,000 for nationwide efforts to combat and prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Additionally, the Omnibus Appropriations Act includes special language directing the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to work collaboratively with the City of Chicago to manage the infestation and provide appropriate resources.

“Emerald Ash Borer was once a problem for a few communities outside Chicago, but has now spread throughout much of the state,” said Durbin. “With more than 131 million ash trees in Illinois, securing the resources to tackle this infestation has never been more important. It is time we put a stop to the spread of this insect and today’s funding will help.”

Durbin has been actively involved in efforts to secure emergency assistance for dealing with EAB since it was first discovered in Illinois in June 2006. Since then, over $10 million in federal funding has been allocated for EAB efforts in Illinois and funding for EAB management across the nation has dramatically increased due to his efforts.

Last year, Durbin announced that the farm bill that included authorization for a loan program designed to help municipalities defray the costs of invasive species management activities normally performed by the federal government. The EAB Revolving Loan Fund is will assist with EAB management activities; for instance, include surveying trees, removing infested trees and replacing removed trees. The bill creates a low-interest revolving loan fund for communities to purchase capital equipment and replace trees. Communities would have a 20-year window to repay the loan. In addition, it allows states to contract with local units of government to perform invasive species management duties. While states are able to contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for cost-sharing assistance, the funding does not reach the municipal level.

The Emerald Ash Borer, which has been found in Bureau County, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Kendall County, Lake County, LaSalle County, McLean County and Will County is a bright green beetle that kills trees by burrowing into their bark and destroying the trees’ ability to bring water from the roots to upper branches. Infected trees usually begin to die within two to three years.

Congress Approves More Than $6.5 Million in Federal Funding for Asian Carp Barrier

From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that Congress has approved $6.537 million for the Army Corps of Engineers to continue operation and construction on the Asian Carp Barrier project. The Omnibus Appropriations Act included funding for the barrier project which will prevent the spread of invasive species, including Asian Carp, between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.

“The Asian Carp threatens both the native fish and natural wildlife of the lake and in turn, the economy of the entire Great Lakes region,” said Durbin. “Currently, this invasive species threatens the sport and commercial fishing industry in the Great Lakes. The Army Corps has made it clear that both a backup and a primary barrier are needed to prevent these harmful fish from entering the waters of the Great Lakes. In addition to funding both barriers this year, I worked to secure funding for a study to investigate prevention technologies.”

Asian Carp threaten the Great Lakes ecosystem because they consume large quantities of phytoplankton, which is critical to the stability of the ecosystem. Originally, they were introduced to the United States as a management tool for aqua culture farms and sewage treatment facilities. The carp have made their way north to the Illinois River after escaping from fish farms during massive flooding along the Mississippi River. Asian Carp can grow to an average of four feet and 60 pounds, and can consume up to 40 percent of their body weight in plankton per day.

Specifically, today’s legislation

• Appropriates $6,250,000 to make permanent a system to eliminate potential bypasses of non-indigenous aquatic nuisance species such as the Asian Carp. Funding would also keep the current demonstration barrier operational and begin construction to make permanent the first demonstration barrier.
• $287,000 to initiate a study, including consultations with appropriate Federal, State, local and non-governmental agencies on the range of options and technologies to prevent the inter-basin transfer of aquatic nuisance species.

Schock Supports Protecting Secret Ballot for Workers

From the Office of Congressman Aaron Schock

Washington, DC. – Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) announced his opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act, which was introduced in Congress today. More accurately described as “card check” legislation, the bill would effectively eliminate secret ballots in workplace organizing elections, making workers vulnerable to public pressure, intimidation and even coercion.

“The secret ballot is a cornerstone of American democracy, and it must be protected,” said Schock. “The Employee Free Choice Act gives workers anything but a free choice, instead forcing them to make their views known publicly on whether they wish to join a particular union. It’s unfair, unjust and undemocratic. As some have suggested, if we are going to have card check to form a union, we should have chard check to dissolve a union”

The card check legislation introduced in the House today would require that unions be certified as soon as a simple majority of workers have publicly signed authorization cards. This card check process is notoriously unreliable, because workers can feel pressure from either union organizers or management to vote a particular way. Moreover, a union would be certified as soon as a majority of workers have signed cards, even if a business owner or a significant number of the workers never even knew an organizing drive was underway.

Schock is a cosponsor of H.R. 1176, the Secret Ballot Protection Act which would guarantee workers the right to a secret ballot. H.R. 1176 ensures that no one – not unions, not employers – could ever take away workers’ right to vote in private, by secret ballot.

Introduction of the card check legislation comes at a particularly precarious time for the American economy, Schock noted. The latest U.S. Department of Labor jobs report released last week showed that 650,000 Americans lost their jobs last month, and the unemployment rate has climbed to 8.1 percent. Yet even amid continued job losses, special interest proponents of card check continue to push for the legislation, even though it has been shown to be a threat to American jobs.

Last week, a report from Dr. Anne Layne-Farrar, an economist with the non-partisan firm LECG Consulting, found that America is likely to see a 1 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate for every 3 percentage points gained in union membership through card checks and mandatory arbitration, another damaging element of the Employee Free Choice Act. That translates to 600,000 American jobs lost in the first year after the card check plan is enacted if union bosses are accurate in their predictions that 1.5 million existing jobs will be unionized because of the legislation.

Veterans’ Affairs Director Dan Grant Asks Taxpayers to Share their Refunds with Illinois’ Veterans

From the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs

CHICAGO – As Illinoisans continue to fill out their state tax returns, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) Director Dan Grant is reminding residents about an easy and effortless way to help the state’s military heroes. Taxpayers can share their refunds by completing Step 10 on their Illinois tax return and donating to the four Illinois Veterans’ Homes.

“Times are tough, and we need all the help we can get to ensure that the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedoms are receiving the best care, services and treatment that we can give them. I want to encourage all Illinoisans, when completing their 2008 income tax returns, to fill out Step 10 and make a donation to the Illinois Veterans’ Home fund. This is a simple way to support our Veterans and a way to say thank you for all that they have done,” said IDVA Director Dan Grant.

The Illinois Veterans’ Home fund was added to the state’s list of voluntary contribution funds in 2004. The money raised through the fund is used to purchase much needed supplies and equipment to enhance the lives of the nearly 1,000 residents of the state’s four Veterans’ homes located in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. Last year, Illinois residents generously donated more than $141,700 to the fund. Examples of some of the purchases made thanks to the donations include bicycles and accessories, digital cameras, computers and monitors, and custom cabinets.

Residents must complete Schedule G to identify the charitable organization the donation in Step 10 of the IL-1040 tax form is to be made to. Using electronic filing makes completing this form much easier and provides the added benefit of processing the donation more quickly.

“Our Veterans stood forward when this country needed them the most. They risked their lives to defend us. Now, we all have a responsibility to care for them when they return home and for the rest of their lives. So please – make a donation to the Illinois Veterans’ Home fund from a portion of your 2008 income tax refund and help support our Veterans,” Director Grant added.
For more information, please call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

Durbin, Cochran Introduce Legislation to Help Organ Transplant Patients

From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin

[Washington, DC] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the quality of life for people with kidney disease. The Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Transplant Patients Act would assist thousands of Americans under the age of 65 who are being cut off from Medicare payments for drug therapy after 36 months by extending coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant recipients.

“Of the 78,000 patients waiting for an kidney transplant those patients lucky enough to undergo a successful transplant should not have to worry about being able to pay for the medication that will reduce the risk of organ rejection,” said Durbin. “In 2000, Congress passed legislation that provided older or disabled individuals lifetime coverage for immunosuppressive drugs through Medicare. Today’s legislation will extend that coverage to all patients trying to live healthy lives after kidney transplants.”

“I am pleased to introduce legislation that will enable end-stage renal disease transplant patients to receive the medications they need to ensure transplants are successful,” said Cochran. “This is especially important in states like MS that have a high incidence of kidney failure. A transplant is often the best option for these patients, and this important legislation would ensure that transplant recipients have access to the immunosuppressive drugs needed for full renal health.”

According to United Network for Organ Sharing, approximately 28,000 organ transplants were performed last year in the United States. The vast majority of transplants – over 16,000 Americans in 2007 – are provided to patients in need of a kidney because they are living with End Stage Renal Disease, ESRD, or kidney failure. However, for thousands of working Americans who had not yet reached 65 and were not disabled, treatment was cut off after 36 months regardless of their ability to pay for lifesaving therapy that can run more than $1,000 a month.

“The National Kidney Foundation supports this critically important legislation. This bill will ensure that thousands of Americans can maintain the transplants they have, allow thousands more to be transplanted and reduce the need for re-transplants of people who can no longer pay for vital medication and end up back on the waiting list. This legislation is a major first step towards accomplishing the goal of the National Kidney Foundation's END THE WAIT! initiative to find solutions to the organ shortage and eliminate the all-too-long wait for a transplant,” says John Davis, National Kidney Foundation CEO.

The effects of the disparity in coverage are evidenced in the hypothetical case of a young woman. A 26 year old woman living with ESRD would have lifelong dialysis covered by Medicare at $71,000/year. Medicare would cover the cost of a transplant at $106,000/transplant. The immunosuppressive drugs she would need to ensure the organ is not rejected by her body are only covered for 36 months and the drugs are far less costly at $10,000 to $20,000/year. Without immunosuppressive drugs to keep kidney transplants from being rejected, many patients find themselves right back where they started: in need of a kidney. This circular cycle of care is costing taxpayers a lot of money and putting thousands of lives at risk.

Governor Quinn Addresses Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies Annual Meeting

From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn

SPRINGFIELD – On Tuesday, March 10, at 1:00 p.m., Governor Pat Quinn will address the annual meeting of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield. The organization serves as a network for Illinois’ not-for-profit corporations and units of government that aid Illinois’ low-income population.

Governor Quinn will also sign an executive order moving the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The move will improve accountability and accessibility and help ensure all Illinois households have access to affordable energy services. (See attached executive order)

“I want to thank the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies for all that they are doing to aid families across Illinois, especially during these tough economic times,” Governor Quinn said. “This executive order will help us better assist families across the state that are unable to meet the demands of their increasing utility bills.”

LIHEAP and IHWAP have been administered by the Department of Health and Family Services since 2004. The current economic crisis, coupled with increased energy costs, has left many low-income families unable to pay their utility bills. This has resulted in a dramatic need for these programs.

DCEO’s expertise in energy efficiency and in community development is aligned with the programs’ goals of developing energy sustainability and ensuring that energy costs do not cripple Illinois businesses and families. The transfer to DCEO will provide more efficient use of expertise and facilities and allow for greater response to the needs of Illinois’ low-income families.

Governor Quinn will be joined by Warren Ribley, Director of Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Dalitso Sulamoyo, CEO of Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies.

“HIV is Right Here at Home” – State Public Health Director Promotes Education and Encourages Testing for National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

From the Illinois Department of Public Health

SPRINGFIELD – As areas in Illinois report a significant increase in the number of HIV/AIDS cases among women, Dr. Damon T. Arnold, state public health director, is encouraging Illinoisans to observe National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day this Tuesday, March 10. This year’s theme is “HIV is Right Here at Home” and holds true in Illinois.

“We’re seeing the number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses among women increase, which is why it is so important that women know what behaviors put them at risk for HIV/AIDS and the importance of testing,” said Dr. Arnold.

Early in the epidemic, HIV infection and AIDS were diagnosed for relatively few women and female adolescents. But today, women account for more than a quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The largest number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses during recent years has been for women aged 15-39, for all races and ethnicities.

In Illinois, provisional 2008 numbers show 32,155 people in Illinois were living with HIV/AIDS and women made up 22 percent of that number. Women also represented 25 percent of new HIV/AIDS infections in 2008.

Women of color are especially affected by the disease. In 2008, 68 percent of women living with HIV/AIDS in Illinois were African American; 17 percent were Caucasian. Also in 2008, African-American women accounted for 68 percent of new HIV/AIDS infections in women; Caucasian women accounted for 13 percent. HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of death for African-American women ages 15-44, and Hispanic women ages 35-54 according to the National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics System.

In 2008, 62 percent of women for which a risk was reported were infected through heterosexual contact; 32 percent were infected through injection drug use.

What you can to do to protect yourself and others:

• Be safe: The best way to prevent HIV is to abstain from having sex. If you do have sex, use a new latex condom every time. Do not share needles or syringes.
• Talk about it: Talk about sex and HIV with your partners. Find out when they were last tested for HIV and what their status was. Be clear that you will be having safer sex…or none at all.
• Get tested: If you are sexually active, you should get tested for HIV.
• Spread the word: Thousands of women are infected with HIV each year. Set an example by getting tested and spreading the word that others should do the same.

You can always call the Illinois AIDS/HIV & STD Hotline at 1-800-243-2437 or TTY (hearing impaired use only) 1-800-782-0423. It’s free and anonymous (no names). Trained counselors can help to answer your questions and help you to find a testing site that’s right for you. They are available seven days a week (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends).