Illinois

Company Brings 60 New Jobs and 200-Acre Solar Farm to Region

March 23, 2009 -- ROCKFORD – March 23, 2009 -- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $2 million investment package to support Wanxiang America Corporation’s plans to establish a high-tech, solar panel manufacturing facility in Rockford. This project will result in the creation of at least 60 new jobs in the fast-growing solar energy industry.

“Illinois is the perfect location for companies looking to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive economy,” said Governor Quinn. “This investment creates important jobs in the renewable energy sector and supports a business that harnesses the sun’s power, undoubtedly the best and most abundant source of renewable energy available.”    » read more »

New Analysis Ranks "Filthy 15" States by Coal Ash Produced by Proposed Plants

Washington, D.C. (March 12, 2009) -- Proposed coal plants across the United States would produce nearly 18 million tons of dangerous waste, including toxic metals, each year. Nearly 130 million tons of coal waste from existing plants is being produced annually, most of which is disposed of in largely unregulated landfills, ponds and other locations, posing serious public health and environmental risks.

According to a new analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the 15 states that would be the biggest polluters -- the “Filthy 15” -- have proposals for 54 coal plants and would create nearly 14 million tons of dangerous waste.    » read more »

Signs executive order to help ensure all Illinois citizens have access to affordable energy services

SPRINGFIELD – March 10, 2009. On Tuesday, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn addressed 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.    » read more »

State’s federal disaster declaration request approved by President Obama

METROPOLIS – March 5, 2009. On Thursday at 3:00 p.m., at the Metropolis Community Center, 900 West 10th St., Illinois Governor Pat Quinn formally announced that President Barack Obama approved the state’s request for federal assistance for nine southern Illinois counties that were damaged by a severe winter storm in January.

“This ice storm was devastating to southern Illinois,” said Governor Quinn. “It is very reassuring, especially during these tough economic times, to know these nine counties will receive federal financial assistance so that southern Illinois can continue to move forward with the recovery process.”    » read more »

New Law reaffirms Administration’s commitment to “rule of law”

February 26, 2009 -- CHICAGO – February 26, 2009. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today signed HB 398 into law. The new measure asserts the Quinn Administration’s commitment to following the administrative rule-making process in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act and the procedures of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.

“This Administration is committed to following the rule of law and signing HB 398 is an important demonstration of that pledge,” said Governor Quinn.    » read more »

Action fully reopens seven state sites closed last year; restores 12 full time jobs to agency

February 26, 2009 -- SPRINGFIELD - February 26, 2009. In another important step towards returning Illinois back to the people, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today announced the reopening of seven state parks closed last year by the Blagojevich administration. The move is another sign pointing toward the state’s renewed focus on natural resources and recreational opportunities for its citizens especially in tough economic times.

Governor Quinn made the announcement at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) headquarters in Springfield alongside IDNR Director Marc Miller, and IDNR staff and supporters.    » read more »

Directs agencies to make more information available to the public

CHICAGO – February 25, 2009. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn took action today to make state government more open, transparent and accountable to the people of Illinois. In a memorandum to directors and general counsels, Governor Quinn ordered state agencies to fully and quickly respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

“The people of Illinois demand an open, honest and transparent government,” Governor Quinn said. “State government must take all steps necessary to make information as accessible as possible.”

Governor Quinn’s memorandum to agency directors includes three key initiatives:    » read more »

Compact Outlines 12 Environmental Goals for Universities and Community Colleges to Green their Campuses

CHICAGO –February 18, 2009. On Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Business Institutional Facility, Governor Pat Quinn joined the University of Illinois President, Chancellor and Trustee Chairman to celebrate the signing of the Sustainable University Compact by all three University of Illinois campuses to green their campuses.

“It is important that we implement a green way of thinking and acting to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Governor Quinn. “I thank the University of Illinois for joining the Sustainable University Compact and helping to green our state.”    » read more »

Agencies to Decrease Spending; Restrict Travel, Purchases, Hiring

February 10, 2009 -- CHICAGO – Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced a series of cost-saving measures aimed at easing Illinois’ current budget crisis. The changes go into effect immediately at state agencies and apply to the state’s Fiscal 2009 budget.

“Quick and decisive action is needed to address Illinois’ unprecedented budgetary crisis,” said Governor Quinn. “Better financial management and increased belt-tightening are necessary as we begin to deal with this serious problem.”

Governor Quinn’s cost-saving plan for Fiscal 2009 includes:    » read more »

Legislation designed to strengthen the Smoke Free Illinois Act

February 4, 2009 -- SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed his first bill into law since being sworn-in as the 41st governor of Illinois last week. A signing ceremony was held in Governor Quinn’s office, following a meeting with all four of the state’s legislative leaders.

Senate Bill 2757 clarifies exemption and enforcement components of the Smoke Free Illinois Act. The measure was sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), Senator Terry Link (D-Lake Bluff), and by Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Broadview) in the House.    » read more »

Public Citizen Asks Transportation Secretary LaHood to Intervene

Jan. 27, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Public Citizen today urged the new Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to end the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) practice of withholding highway funds from states that attempt to curb corruption by enacting "pay-to-play" reforms. Most recently, the FHWA threatened to withhold federal highway funds from Illinois because of the state’s effort to clean up its contracting process. Given the recent scandals, the state’s new restrictions on government contractors contributing to political campaigns merit praise, not punishment.    » read more »

August 22, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Nickolas Lee Hopper, 27, of Montrose, Illinois, died Sept. 8, 2007 from wounds received while supporting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq, on June 20, 2005. Hopper’s final autopsy concluded his death was a result of wounds received in Iraq; however, Hopper was not previously identified as an OIF casualty.

He was assigned to the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group-28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Cherry Point, N.C.

Source: DoD

August 18, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

The following Marines died Aug. 14 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan:

Cpl. Anthony G. Mihalo, 23, of Naperville, Illinois.

Lance Cpl. Juan Lopez-Castaneda, 19, of Mesa, Arizona.

The Marines were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Source: DoD

August 14, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. James M. Hale, 23, of Naperville, Illinois, died Aug. 13 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 978th Military Police Company, Fort Bliss, Texas

Source: DoD

Attorney General Urges Stronger Consumer Protections Amid Housing Crisis

August 5 , 2008 -- Chicago -- Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan weighed in Monday on a federal proposal that aims to reform some of the most abusive practices of the credit card industry. In commenting on the proposed federal rule issued by the Federal Reserve Board and two other federal banking agencies, Madigan expressed general support for the proposed reforms but urged the federal regulators to go further to protect consumers in light of the ongoing home foreclosure crisis and economic downturn.

“It is more important than ever that consumers be treated fairly and understand their credit card terms so that they can manage their finances accordingly,” Madigan said.    » read more »