Ryan: $120,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD - Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $120,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $40,000 to the General Robert E. Wood Boys and Girls Club to replace outdated office equipment, purchase maintenance supplies, defray transportation costs and enable the staff to attend training classes.

The Club located in the Little Village/Pilsen community of Chicago, provides educational and recreational programs to youth and families. This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $30,000 to the Chinese American Service League
to assist in the construction of its community center.
This project was initiated by State Sen. Margaret Smith, D-Chicago.
• $25,000 to the McKinley Park Civic Association
to purchase sporting goods, recreational and camping equipment, and computer software for its use at the local branch of the Chicago Public Library.
This project was initiated by Acevedo
• $25,000 to Chicago Park District
to cover contractual services with the Chicago Trolley Service.
This project was initiated by State Rep. Annazette Collins, D-Chicago

Illinois FIRST funds are not part of the state budget's General Revenue Fund. Recently, lagging tax collections brought on by a slowdown in the national economy and the terrorist attacks of September 11 have forced the governor to order spending cuts in the General Revenue Fund that amount to less than 2 percent of total spending. Illinois FIRST monies are derived from separate accounts in the state budget -- the Road Fund and the Fund for Illinois Future -- as well as through the sale of state bonds.