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May

2013

May 21, 2013
Statement from Governor Quinn on House Committee Passage of Senate Bill 1715
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding the Illinois House Executive Committee’s passage of Senate Bill 1715 – the Hydraulic Fracturing Regulation Act.

May 20, 2013
Conservation Police Remind Boaters and Water Users to Practice Safety as Boating Season gets Underway
National Safe Boating week runs through May 24th
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois Conservation Police (CPOs) are gearing up to help ensure the public’s safety on Illinois waterways throughout the year as part of the observance of National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24. As in year’s past, CPOs are asking boaters to ‘Wear It!’ while boating this season.

May 20, 2013
Statement from Governor Pat Quinn on Senate Committee Passage of Senate Bill 1002
Bill Would Ban Sale of High-Capacity Ammunition Magazines
SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding the passage of Senate Bill 1002 out of the Illinois Senate Executive Committee. Governor Quinn has been working to enact this common sense public safety policy since July 2012:

May 19, 2013
Newtown Parents Join Governor Quinn to Press Illinois Lawmakers on Gun Control
New Legislation Introduced Friday Bans the Sale of High-Capacity Ammunition Magazines in Illinois
CHICAGO – Parents who suffered unfathomable loss during the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., today joined Governor Pat Quinn, Senate President John Cullerton and Senator Dan Kotowski to urge lawmakers to ban the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois. Recent shootings such as in Newtown, where a gunman fired 154 bullets in less than five minutes, have put a spotlight on the extreme and unnecessary danger posed by high-capacity magazines. To enact safeguards in Illinois, Sen. Kotowski on Friday filed legislation - Senate Bill 1002 - to ban the sale of these weapons throughout the state.

May 18, 2013
Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Crack Down on Violent Flash Mobs
New Law Will Toughen Penalties for Individuals Who Use Social Media or Electronic Communication to Organize a Violent Flash Mob
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today signed an innovative new law that will crack down on individuals who use electronic communication or social media to organize a violent flash mob. The legislation is designed to respond to a recent uptick in such crimes which have taken place in downtown Chicago. Today’s action is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to ensure the safety of all people in every community across Illinois.

May 17, 2013
Illinois Airports Recognized by IDOT’s Division of Aeronautics for Outstanding Service
Moline – Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider today congratulated the “2013 Airport of the Year” award recipients. Eight Illinois airports were recognized at the Illinois Aviation Conference, held in Moline earlier this week, for their accomplishments throughout the year, including an outstanding partnership with the state of Illinois and their commitment to customer satisfaction.

May 17, 2013
Governor Quinn Requests Federal Disaster Aid for Families and Businesses in 16 Additional Counties
More Than 800 Homes Damaged by Floods in 16 Counties
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Pat Quinn today asked the federal government to add 16 Illinois counties to a recent federal disaster declaration for 11 counties hit by widespread flooding in mid-April. Counties included in today’s request are Bureau, Crawford, Henderson, Knox, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren and Woodford.

May 17, 2013
Governor Quinn Praises Final Ratification of Best Contract for Taxpayers in Illinois History
Three-year Agreement Receives Final Union Approval After 15 Month Negotiation
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Pat Quinn today praised American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 members’ final ratification of a new union contract covering approximately 35,000 state employees. Negotiations took more than 15 months and the agreement received final ratification by AFSCME members in a vote that concluded yesterday. The agreement is part of the governor’s agenda to restore fiscal stability to Illinois.

May 16, 2013
Chicago Trade Show Represents World Of Opportunity For Illinois Food Companies
National Restaurant Association Show to bring food buyers from more than 100 countries to McCormick Place
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Agriculture will have a bigger presence at the world’s largest food service industry trade show, giving more Illinois food companies an opportunity to meet thousands of international buyers and grow their export business.

May 16, 2013
Unemployment Rate Declines to 9.3 Percent
April Shows Job Growth Over Year; Loss Over Month
CHICAGO – The April unemployment rate fell to 9.3 percent from 9.5 percent in March, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). There were -2,000 fewer jobs over the month yet +40,300 more jobs than one year ago. The data is seasonally adjusted.

May 15, 2013
Governor Quinn Proclaims May as Older Americans Month in Illinois
Observance highlights state’s commitment to providing quality programs that offer independent living and other protections to seniors
SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn has proclaimed May as Older Americans Month in Illinois and joins the Illinois Department on Aging to honor more than two million adults, aged 60 years or older, who live in the state. The governor’s proclamation coincides with the national observance. (See the full proclamation on the next page). Since 1963, the observance each year in May has proven a proud tradition in honoring the value that older adults contribute to our communities.

May 15, 2013
Project Get Fit! Coming To The Illinois Products Farmers' Market
Program encourages children to lead healthy lifestyles
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Children have added incentive this summer to participate in recreational programs at either of the Springfield YMCA’s two branches. Through an initiative called “Project Get Fit!,” youngsters ages five to 18 can earn “Healthy Bucks” for completing various Y activities and use the “cash” to buy fresh produce at the Illinois Products Farmers’ Market on the State Fairgrounds.

May 15, 2013
New American Sign Language Videos will Help Deaf, Hard of Hearing Prepare for Disasters
Videos Available at www.Ready.Illinois.gov and www.idhhc.illinois.gov
SPRINGFIELD – Information on how to prepare for tornadoes, severe storms and flooding is now available for people who are deaf and hard of hearing in a series of new videos that use American Sign Language (ASL) and are fully captioned. The new videos join 11 other ASL and captioned disaster preparedness videos developed by the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

May 15, 2013
Statement from Gov. Pat Quinn Regarding Passage of State of the State Priority "Employment First" Legislation
CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding the passage of House Bill 2591 - the Employment First Act, which he proposed for Illinois in his 2013 State of the State Address.

May 14, 2013
State Dept on Aging Praise Residents and Staff of Long Term Care Facilities in Observance of Nursing Home Week
Ombudsmen Program protects standard of care to improve residents’ quality of life
SPRINGFIELD – In observance of National Nursing Home Week, Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director John K. Holton, Ph.D., praises long term care advocates and caregivers. National Nursing Home Week, as deemed by the American Health Care Association, runs the week after Mother’s Day to honor residents, family members, staff and volunteers who help nursing home residents. This year’s awareness week that runs through May 18, stresses that residents should feel satisfied and staff should feel they have contributed in a meaningful way.

May 14, 2013
Governor Quinn Announces FedEx Ground Distribution Center to Open in Sauget
New Facility to Create 175 Full-Time and Part-Time Jobs; Drive Economic Growth Throughout the Region
SAUGET – Governor Pat Quinn today announced that FedEx Corporation will invest $23.5 million to build a new Fedex Ground distribution center in Sauget, Illinois which will create 175 full-time and permanent part-time jobs for local workers. The announcement is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs and drive the Illinois economy forward. Illinois’ transportation network, world-class infrastructure and highly skilled workforce were key factors in the company’s decision to build in Sauget.

May 13, 2013
Honoring Illinois' Fallen
United States and Illinois flags at half-staff from Sunrise to Sunset on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.
The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Quinn's Office that all persons or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act are to fly the flags at half-staff from Sunrise to Sunset on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

May 13, 2013
2013 Click It or Ticket Memorial Day Mobilization Kicks Off in Illinois
Police step up enforcement 24/7 as IDOT data show unbuckled fatalities increase in late-afternoon hours
Chicago – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today announced the kickoff of the 2013 Click It or Ticket mobilization, running now through Memorial Day. Young males, 18-34, represented a third of the 955 people who died on Illinois roadways last year, accounting for 317 deaths. Bringing this message home was seat belt advocate, Melissa Ledezma, who discussed her family’s crusade to save lives by wearing seat belts after losing their teenage son in a crash while not buckled up.

May 13, 2013
TeleServe Certification Number to Change
Saves $2 Million; Internet Remains Preferred Option
CHICAGO – On May 16, the TeleServe certification number will change to (312) 338-4337 (IDES). The current TeleServe number will be in use through the end of the day on May 15. Internet certification does not change and remains the preferred method for timeliness and accuracy, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) said today. The change will save Illinois taxpayers $2 million each year.

May 12, 2013
Governor Quinn Honors Mothers Across Illinois
Celebrates 2013 Mother’s Day by Walking for Breast Cancer; Thanks Mothers and Grandmothers Across Illinois for Making a Difference
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today reminded sons and daughters across the state to celebrate their mothers today – and every day – for making a difference in their lives. The governor spent Mother’s Day by joining thousands of participants in the Susan G. Komen Mother’s Day Race for the Cure in Grant Park.

May 11, 2013
Governor Quinn Announces $15.3 Million for Local Parks and Open Space Projects
Includes $6.4 Million for Projects in Cook and DuPage Counties
OAK PARK - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $15.3 million investment in local park projects across Illinois, including $6.4 million for projects in Cook and DuPage Counties. As part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to ensure that no child is left inside, the projects are funded through the state’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program (OSLAD). The initiative is designed to expand outdoor recreation and open space in communities across Illinois.

May 10, 2013
Governor Quinn Announces Approval of Federal Flood Relief for 11 Counties
Impacted Families Eligible to Apply for Grants and Low-Interest Loans; Businesses Can Apply for Low-Interest Loans
CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced President Barack Obama has approved his request for federal assistance to help people and businesses in 11 Illinois counties recover from historic flooding in mid-April. The announcement comes just one day after Governor Quinn submitted his request for Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry and Will counties.

May 10, 2013
Governor Quinn Announces $10 Million for Community-Based Supportive Housing
Funds Will Help Create Safe and Affordable Rental Housing Across Illinois
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today announced that landlords across Illinois can now apply for a portion of up to $10 million to help increase safe and affordable rental housing for people with special needs. The announcement is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to ensure that all people have the opportunity to follow their dreams and reach their full potential.

May 9, 2013
Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee Announces 2013 Asian Carp Monitoring and Response Plan for Illinois Waters
CHICAGO - The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC) today released its 2013 Asian Carp Monitoring and Response Plan (MRP). Outlining a revised and aggressive set of actions to track and remove Asian carp in the Upper Illinois River and the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS), the 2013 MRP is again designed to prevent Asian carp from establishing populations in the CAWS and Lake Michigan.

May 9, 2013
Hundreds Gather For The Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial And Medal Of Honor Awards Ceremony
Ceremony Marks the 20th Anniversary Honoring Fallen Firefighters and Recognizing Others for Life-Saving Acts of Bravery
SPRINGFIELD – State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis, Governor Pat Quinn and firefighters throughout the state came together for the 20th Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony. The ceremony paid tribute to four firefighters who died in service last year and recognized 23 firefighters for acts of bravery within their communities. Honorees were credited for exemplary service to departments throughout the state of Illinois.

May 9, 2013
Governor Quinn Requests Federal Assistance for 11 Counties Affected by Flooding
Additional Resources Critical to Helping Residents Recover
SPRINGFIELD – May 9, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today asked President Barack Obama to declare 11 Illinois counties major disaster areas following the storms and heavy rainfall that moved through the state in mid-April. If the governor’s request is approved, residents in those counties will be eligible to apply for grants and low-interest federal loans to help recover from the historic flooding. Counties included in the request are Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry and Will.

May 9, 2013
Senate passes Lt. Governor’s ethics reform bill
Simon calls on House to pass revised Statement of Economic Interests
SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon applauded the Senate today for its 52-1 passage of Senate Bill 1361, legislation that will reform the state’s Statement of Economic Interests form. The bill now moves to the House.

May 9, 2013
Simon applauds historic Senate pension action
Illinois closer to comprehensive pension reform than ever
SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s 40-16 passage of pension reform legislation.

May 9, 2013
Governor Quinn Honors 290th Birthday of the Illinois National Guard
Praises Citizen Soldiers for Service Abroad and at Home; Salutes Families and Employers
SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today honored the 290th birthday of the Illinois National Guard, saluting its members who embody the democratic ideal of the citizen soldier. The governor also thanked the families and employers who sacrifice so they can serve.

May 9, 2013
Liquor Control Commission March Underage Compliance Report
SPRINGFIELD – In April the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) conducted compliance checks around the state and visited 68 businesses licensed to sell liquor. They cited 11 licensees for violations of liquor control laws. Seventy-four percent of the licensees visited complied with Illinois liquor laws and refused to serve underage customers.

May 9, 2013
IEMA and American Lung Association Announce Student Winners in Video, Poster Contests
Contests promote awareness of radioactive gas linked to lung cancer
SPRINGFIELD – Students from across the state recently put their creative talents to work to help spread the message about the hazards of radioactive radon gas. More than 700 posters and 224 one-minute YouTube videos were submitted to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the American Lung Association in Illinois (ALA-IL) for consideration in the agencies’ annual contests.

May 7, 2013
Illinois Products Farmers' Market Opens For Sixth Season On The State Fairgrounds
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Greens, onions, peas, rhubarb, baked goods, pasta, wine and craft beer are just a few of the items that will be available this week when the Illinois Products Farmers’ Market opens for its sixth season on the State Fairgrounds.

May 7, 2013
Governor Quinn Announces Fiscal Year 2013 Tax Revenue to Exceed Forecast by $1.3 Billion
Additional Funding to Help Pay Down Backlog of Old Bills
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today announced that fiscal year 2013 income tax revenues will exceed the Illinois Department of Revenue’s forecast by approximately $1.3 billion. This is a one-time revenue stream, generated from businesses and individuals selling assets or receiving early dividends, bonuses or other income in anticipation of higher federal tax rates for tax year 2013. The additional revenue will be used to pay down the state’s backlog of bills, a result of decades of financial mismanagement.

May 6, 2013
Remember Captain Brandon L. Cyr
United States flags and the State flags are to be flown at half staff from: Sunrise, Tuesday, May 7, 2013 until Sunset, Thursday, May 9, 2013
The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Quinn’s Office that all persons or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act are to fly the flags at half-staff on behalf of: Captain Brandon L. Cyr United States Air Force Hometown: Oswego, Illinois Please lower the United States flags and the State flags at all buildings occupied by your agency’s personnel from:Sunrise, Tuesday, May 7, 2013 until Sunset, Thursday, May 9, 2013

May 6, 2013
Governor Quinn Announces State is Accepting Applications to Join ACA Outreach Effort
Health Insurance Marketplace Seeks Community Groups’ Assistance in Educating the Public and Creating a Culture of Coverage Across the State
CHICAGO – Ramping up efforts to educate the public about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the state is accepting applications from community-based organizations to assist with outreach and consumer education efforts that are now underway. The announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure all people have access to quality healthcare and improve the health and well-being of the people of Illinois.

May 5, 2013
Governor Quinn Vetoes Electric Rate Hike Bill
Senate Bill 9 Would Undermine Electric Utility Oversight; Hike Electric Rates for Consumers and Businesses Across Illinois
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today vetoed Senate Bill 9, which would have allowed Illinois’ large electric utilities to undermine the state’s oversight and enact an estimated $70 million rate hike. The governor, who 30 years ago spearheaded creation of the Citizens’ Utility Board (CUB) - Illinois’ largest consumer advocacy group - noted that the bill would circumvent more than a century of state oversight of electric utilities.

May 4, 2013
Flood Damage Assessment Teams Survey More Than 2,500 Homes in First Five Days
Teams Now in Cook, LaSalle and Will Counties
SPRINGFIELD – Since Monday afternoon, five damage assessment teams have documented flood damage to more than 2,500 homes in Cook, DuPage, Lake and LaSalle counties. The teams include personnel from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local officials.

May 3, 2013
Governor Quinn, Mayor Emanuel Announce Successful First Year of 1871 Digital Startup Hub
1871 Community Generates 800 Jobs, $30 Million in Capital Investments and $13 Million in Revenue; Paves Way for Next Generation of Business Leaders
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration today joined leaders from 1871 – the first-of-its-kind digital startup hub – to release data showcasing its positive impact on the local economy. During its first year, the co-working center for digital startups in Chicago has generated 800 jobs and tens of millions of dollars in investment, while paving the way for future business leaders.

May 3, 2013
Governor Quinn Proclaims Senior Corps Week in Illinois
Serve Illinois Commission Commends Volunteers and Promotes Service to Bring Generations Together
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed May 6-10, 2013 as Senior Corps Week in the state of Illinois. Senior Corps connects volunteers 55 and older with people and organizations to serve as mentors, coaches or companions to those in need.

May 3, 2013
Governor Quinn Makes Executive Appointments
Fills Key Positions at Three Universities, Illinois Arts Council, State Museum Board and Illinois Department of Public Health
CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today made a number of key appointments to the state’s boards and commissions. In addition to three university boards, the governor filled positions on the Illinois Arts Council, State Museum Board and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Today’s announcement continues the governor’s commitment to making Illinois government more accountable, transparent and effective.

May 2, 2013
IEMA Highlights Employee Disaster Preparedness
Home, Workplace Emergency Planning Can Protect Employees
SPRINGFIELD – Recent widespread flooding affected many businesses and their employees in Illinois. While most disasters can’t be prevented, emergency planning can help businesses keep employees safe in the workplace, and home emergency plans can keep those employees safe in their homes.

May 2, 2013
Statement from Governor Pat Quinn on Illinois House’s Passage of Historic and Comprehensive Pension Reform
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Pat Quinn issued the following statement regarding today's vote by the Illinois House of Representatives to pass a historic and comprehensive pension reform that will stabilize the pension systems, eliminate the unfunded liability, and preserve the pensions of hard-working state employees and teachers. More than a year ago, the governor convened a legislative working group and proposed a comprehensive solution that includes the key elements of Senate Bill 1:

May 2, 2013
Simon encourages passage of measure to support education funding reform
CHICAGO – As the state’s point person on education reform, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement in support of Senate Joint Resolution 32 sponsored by Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill).

May 1, 2013
Lt. Gov. Simon: Pass ethics reform measure now
CHICAGO – With a month left before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today urged lawmakers to pass ethics reform legislation that she drafted with government watchdog groups. Senate Bill 1361, sponsored by Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge), is currently awaiting Senate passage.

May 1, 2013
Statement from Governor Pat Quinn on House Committee’s Passage of Comprehensive Pension Reform
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn issued the below statement following today's House Committee vote to enact comprehensive pension reform that will stabilize the pension systems, eliminate the unfunded liability, and preserve the pensions of hard-working state employees and teachers. More than a year ago, the governor proposed a comprehensive solution that includes the key elements of Senate Bill 1:

May 1, 2013
Governor Quinn Announces Illinois Coal Exports Set Record in 2012, Fuel Economic Growth
New Report Forecasts More Gains for Illinois Coal as Global Demand Rises
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Pat Quinn today released a new report that forecasts continued major export growth for the Illinois coal industry due do the state’s large volumes of coal, competitive prices, and access to prime water and land transportation routes. Illinois coal output rose last year against the tide of shrinking U.S. production, as global demand for Illinois coal soared. The report and its recommendations support Governor Quinn’s five-year-plan to double exports by 2014 and to continue providing an export-friendly business climate in Illinois.

May 1, 2013
IDOT, Law Enforcement and Safety Advocates Launch Motorcycle Awareness Campaigns
Governor Quinn Proclaims May Motorcycle Awareness Month; Seeks to Lower Fatalities
SPRINGFIELD – For the 30th year, May has been proclaimed Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois as part of a statewide campaign to reduce motorcycle crash fatalities and injuries. Governor Pat Quinn, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police, Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education (ABATE) joined in support of campaigns to urge Illinois motorists to “Start Seeing Motorcycles” and “Look Twice - Save a Life.” The safety coalition urged all motorists to share the road and recognized volunteers who participate in the annual Windshield Washing Project to raise awareness.