Governor Pat Quinn signs appropriations bill

SPRINGFIELD - February 5, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn joined with leading environmental groups for a bill signing ceremony in his office to make sure the state of Illinois protects more than $15 million in funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

"Conservation and recreation are of great value to our state," Governor Quinn said.  "These federal funds will ensure that Illinois citizens can continue to be good stewards of our natural resources and enjoy the outdoors."

Last year, former Governor Rod Blagojevich authorized a transfer of more than $9 million out of six state funds controlled by the Department of Natural Resources.  In doing so, Illinois was at risk of losing millions of dollars in matching funds from the federal government. 

Senate Bill 1132 returns that money to the following state funds: Wildlife and Fish Fund; Fish and Wildlife Endowment Fund; State Pheasant Fund; Illinois Habitat Endowment Trust Fund; Illinois Habitat Fund; and the State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Fund.

In addition, the legislation restores money to the offices of the secretary of state, attorney general and treasurer.  Blagojevich slashed the budgets of those offices by double-digit percentages last summer.