THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER
Governor Pat Quinn
Governor Pat Quinn OKs Rep Sara Feigenholtz’s Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission Bill
(Skokie, IL) — July 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that creates the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission. “We must remember the tragedy of the Holocaust and other genocides that have occurred throughout history,” said Governor Quinn. “The Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission will remind everyone in Illinois of the … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn’s “Open Primary” Push is Fish Food
Governor Pat Quinn on Tuesday stretched his executive authority—along with his goodwill with Illinois lawmakers—and rewrote legislation to eliminate the requirement that Illinois residents must declare a party affiliation when voting in a primary election, and in doing so likely guaranteed its doom. Continue reading
Another Illinois Budget Problem for Pat Quinn: Illinois Quietly Borrows Billions from Feds to Pay Unemployment Checks; Ranks 6th in Loan Debt
(Chicago, IL) — July 10, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn is staring at another debt bomb. While Quinn has been struggling to pay nearly $6 billion in unpaid bills to state vendors and wrestling with a potential $4.1 billion loan to pay Illinois’ pension systems, Illinois has quietly borrowed billions from the federal government to replenish … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Would Bill Brady Cut Governor Staff Salaries by 10%?
(Chicago, IL) — July 7, 2010. What policy would State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) adopt toward gubernatorial staff salaries were he to become governor? Would he cut top staff salaries by 10%? The Associated Press yesterday revealed that Governor Pat Quinn has handed out 43 raises to 35 staffers, averaging 11.4%, over the last 15 … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Hands Out Raises to Top Staff; Senator Bill Brady Says Quinn “Lost Control of State Government”
(Chicago, IL) — July 6, 2010. Oof. A new report by the Associated Press reveals that Governor Pat Quinn has handed out 43 raises to 35 staffers, averaging 11.4%, over the last 15 months. Some raises exceeded 20%. Can you spell b-o-n-e-h-e-a-d-e-d? Illinois is approximately .37¢ away from insolvency. It has a $13 billion deficit. … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Governor Pat Quinn Saves AIDS Drugs Program from Budget Cuts
(Chicago, IL) – July 1, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn announced today that state funding for the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program would be spared. In fact, Quinn will help more people. The program, which provides life-saving HIV medications to low-income people with HIV, will be sufficiently funded to “serve approximately 4,500 clients a month – … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Governor Pat Cuts Illinois Budget $1.4 Billion; Illinois Human Services, Education Take Big Hits
At a press conference in Chicago, Governor Pat Quinn today announced budget reductions of $1.4 billion, slicing $312 million from Illinois human services, $241 million from local Illinois schools, $100 million from Illinois colleges and universities, and $15 million from the Illinois State Police. Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Rep Patti Bellock, Senator Dave Syverson Attack Governor Pat Quinn on New Illinois Budget as Federal Medicaid Support Fades
State Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale) said Quinn wanted the most optimistic numbers he could find, and now the state is going to have to pay the price. Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Signs Anti-School Bully Bill at Chicago’s Gay Pride Parade; Analysis Casts Doubts on State Bully Laws
(Chicago, IL) — June 27, 2010. Before Governor Pat Quinn began his march in Chicago’s Gay Pride Parade on Sunday, Quinn signed a bill into law that aims at reducing bullying in Illinois schools, but the measure may do little to reduce bullying behavior. “This new law helps schools protect students so they can succeed … Continue reading
Pat Quinn OK’s Medicaid Fraud, Transparency Reforms
(Chicago, IL) — June 25, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bi-partisan package bills into law that will fight fraud and increase the transparency and efficiency of Illinois’ Medicaid program. “These new laws will help increase transparency and accountability in the state’s Medicaid program and help us to root out fraud and abuse to … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Signs Ill-Starred STAR Bonds Bills to Boost Southern Illinois Economy
(Marion, IL) — June 24, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law to establish a business development tax credit and controversial commercial construction bonds to bolster Southern Illinois’ economy, which has seen unemployment range from 12 to 15 percent during 2010. The legislation, Senate Bill 2093, will create the Angel Investment Tax … Continue reading
Illinois Research and Development Tax Credit Gets Pat Quinn’s OK
(Chicago, IL) — June 24, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday signed legislation which extends a key research and development tax credit for Illinois businesses which secured plaudits from the Taxpayer’s Federation of Illinois. “With this new law, we are encouraging more companies to invest in Illinois – and the Illinois worker – by creating an … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Rakes in Campaign Cash, Gives Away Some of the State’s with Ill-Starred “Star Bonds” Bill Signing
(Chicago, IL) – June 23, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today will rake in a bushel of money for his campaign and shortly after he will give away some of state’s. Quinn starts his day with a 8:30 a.m. fund-raising breakfast—one of a “full calendar” of events in June according to campaign finance director David Rosen–at … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Ends 1,000% Interest Pay Day Loans as Volume Sags
(Chicago, IL) — June 21, 2010. With a swift scratch of his pen, Governor Pat Quinn yesterday banished 1,000% interest “pay day loans” in Illinois. Quinn signed a bill into law that will increase protections for Illinois residents obtaining consumer installment loans–the volume of which has dropped 20% since 2006–cap interest rates charged by consumer … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Signs New Illinois Telecomunications Act to Expand Internet Broadband, Protect Low-Cost Land-Line Packages
(Chicago, IL) — June 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law to modernize Illinois’ telecommunications law. “Investment in broadband and wireless technology is a key to creating better jobs and providing unique educational opportunities across Illinois,” said Quinn. The Illinois Telecommunications Act was written in 1985 – well before the widespread … Continue reading
Pat Quinn Signs Law to Allow Illinois Community Colleges to Borrow to Pay Bills
(Springfield, IL) — June 9, 2010. With Illinois’ fiscal crisis continuing unabated, Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation into law to enable Illinois community colleges to borrow money to pay its bills while awaiting already-authorized state funding. And they’ll be waiting a long, long, long, long time. Did I mention long? “We must give our … Continue reading
Pat Quinn Vetoes McCormick Place Reform Bill; Madigan, Cullerton Expected to Override
(Springfield, IL) — May 26, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today vetoed portions of the McCormick Place reform legislation, but the Illinois General Assembly is widely expected to brush aside Quinn’s action and override the veto. “The General Assembly has taken only half a step toward reforming our state’s convention industry,” said Governor Quinn in his … Continue reading
Advocates, Lawmakers Want Governor Pat Quinn to Reject Waiting List for People Needing HIV/AIDS Medication; Quinn Non-Committal
(Chicago, IL) — May 24, 2010. “What a clear example of what a fiasco this budget is,” said State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago). Steans was commenting on a state advisory panel vote on May 21 to urge the state to immediately close the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) to new applicants and begin a … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Senator Mike Jackobs Says a “Governor Bill Brady” Will Need to Swallow an Illinois Tax Increase
(Springfield, IL) — May 20, 2010. Democratic lawmakers say the state’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year will be finalized in a matter of days, even though consensus on key matters is still lacking. Lawmakers are planning to return to Springfield next week and Democrats want to finalize a budget to pass to Governor Pat … Continue reading
Health Care Reform: Gov. Pat Quinn Seeks to Tap $200 Million from Feds to Expand Health Insurance to Illinois Uninsured Residents
(Springfield, IL) — May 4, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced legislation that will expand insurance coverage for uninsured people with pre-existing conditions by tapping into nearly $200 million in federal funds. As part of this legislative push, Quinn is also introducing a measure to create a Health Consumer’s Bill of Rights. Both bills will … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Governor Pat Quinn, Jerry Stermer Meet with Conference of Women Legislators on Mental Health, Other Issues
(Springfield, IL) — April 29, 2010. State Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) reports via her Facebook Page that Governor Pat Quinn, and chief of staff Jerry Stermer today met with the Conference of Women Legislators about funding for day care, mental health services, alcohol and drug dependence and women’s health initiatives. In Quinn’s proposed budget, … Continue reading
Illinois Jobs: Governor Pat Quinn Rolls-Out New Jobs Program to Put 15,000 Unemployed to Work
(Chicago, IL) — April 26, 2010. Another day, another jobs program gets rolled-out by Governor Pat Quinn. Today, Quinn unveiled the Put Illinois to Work program, an anti-poverty program aimed at building a healthy workforce by putting 15,000 unemployed and underemployed Illinois residents back to work. “The program will also assist in building a workforce … Continue reading
Illinois Pensions: Senator Christine Radogno Wants Changes to Current Illinois State Employee Pension Benefits
(Springfield, IL) — April 19, 2010. Illinois Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) backed changes to the Illinois employee pension system that will yield savings of $220 billion during next 30 years, but wants to put current employee benefits on the chopping block if possible. “I know there’s differing opinions as to whether or not … Continue reading
Governors Pat Quinn, Jay Nixon Launch Mississippi River Bridge Project; 2,200 New Jobs Expected
(Springfield, IL) — April 19, 2010. Score a big one for Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Quinn today joined Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood at the Eads Bridge in St. Louis to break ground on the new $667 million Mississippi River Bridge project. Quinn’s disgraced predecessor Rod Blagojevich had earlier in … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Unveils $13 Billion Road Construction Program, Predicts 167,000 New Jobs
(Springfield, IL) — April 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois Department of Transportation officials today rolled-out a $12.84 billion Multi-Year Highway Improvement Program that is expected to create an estimated 167,000 direct jobs over the next six years. “I have made it my priority to invest in our state’s infrastructure, which will spark economic … Continue reading
Illinois Pensions: Pat Quinn Claims Pension Reforms to Save Illinois $200 Billion; Praises Michael Madigan, John Cullerton
(Chicago, IL) — April 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday finally signed into law a significant public pension reform bill that will save taxpayers billions of dollars while protecting the retirement of state workers. “From the moment I took office, I have worked to overhaul Illinois’ pension system to provide relief to taxpayers while protecting … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Senate President John Cullerton Says Evanston to Keep its State Income Tax Money; Pat Quinn’s Budget Gets a $300 Million Hole
(Chicago, IL) — April 5, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn has proposed cutting the share of the Illinois income tax that is shared with towns and cities by $300 million to help close the state’s gaping budget deficit. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), however, on Friday told Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl not to worry: the … Continue reading
Illinois Economy: Illinois Job Loss Continues, Poses Stiff Challenge to Pat Quinn in Election Battle against Bill Brady
(Chicago, IL) — April 2, 2010. The Illinois job market continued its downward slide in February battering Illinois communities and posing a stiff challenge to Governor Pat Quinn‘s election campaign against State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington). Unemployment rates rose above previous-year levels in all 12 metro areas for the 33rd consecutive month, according to data … Continue reading
Health Care Reform–Illinois: Barack Obama May Have Approved It, But Pat Quinn or Bill Brady Will Have to Implement It
(Chicago, IL) — March 24, 2010. President Barack Obama yesterday approved the new health care reform law, but Governor Pat Quinn or a Governor Bill Brady will be largely responsible for carrying it out in Illinois. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune‘s Judith Graham, Illinois Department of Insurance Director Michael McRaith swatted aside one … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Rep. Jehan Gordon Dumps on Pat Quinn’s Budget Cut to Cities
State Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) is giving Governor Pat Quinn a legislative taste of the difficulties that his budget faces in the Illinois legislature. Continue reading
Illinois Legislature: New Day, New Sex Offender Bill Approved
If Governor Pat Quinn were to propose an income tax surcharge on sex offenders, he would likely score an easily victory. Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Despite Illinois Constitution, Pat Quinn’s Budget Eliminates Lt. Governor’s $139,200 Salary
(Springfield, IL) — March 17, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn‘s budget is not doing anything to make Illinois’ odd situation with the lieutenant governor’s office any less odd. Quinn has said since the debacle with Scott Lee Cohen — which left the Democrats without a lieutenant governor candidate – that he supports keeping the position. However, … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Democratic Women Call on Quinn, Cross, Cullerton, Madigan, Radogno to Pass “Comprehensive Tax Reform”
(Springfield, IL) — March 16, 2010. From the Department of Wishful Thinking, more than 200 mostly Democratic women have sent a letter to Governor Pat Quinn, House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego), and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) demanding that they pass a “comprehensive tax reform” package. In the … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Greg Hinz Notes that Pat Quinn’s 1% Tax Hike Raises $2.8 Billion–$1.5 Billion More than Needed to Avoid School Cuts
(Chicago, IL) — March 11, 2010. Only in Springfield do you find this kind of “new math”. Governor Pat Quinn is proposing a 1% Illinois income tax increase surcharge to avoid $1.3 billion in cuts to local schools. What the Governor neglected yesterday to mention in his budget address is that 1% would raise $2.8 … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: GOP State Rep. Jim Sacia Says Pat Quinn’s 33% Income Tax Increase Not Big Enough; Other Lawmakers Respond
(Springfield, IL) — March 11, 2010. The state faces a staggering $13 billion deficit and Governor Pat Quinn’s budget plan calls for $2 billion in cuts, $4 billion in short-term borrowing and a 33 percent increase in the state income tax rate to cover state costs. Illinois’ current income tax rate stands at a flat … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: In Response to Pat Quinn Budget Proposal, Bill Brady Sticks to His 10% Cut, Despite Jim Edgar Calling it “Naive”
(Springfield, IL) — March 11, 2010. Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady on Wednesday called Governor Pat Quinn’s fiscal year 2011 budget a “catastrophe,” insisting his own plan for a 10 percent across-the-board cut would balance the budget and dig the state out of its $13 billion hole. His comments came after Quinn’s budget speech to … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Governor Pat Quinn Slashes $90 Million from Illinois Community Mental Health
(Springfield, IL) — March 10, 2010. The brunt of the $276 million cut from the Illinois Department of Human Services by Governor Pat Quinn in the new Illinois budget has fallen on Illinois’ community mental health system, losing $90 million. Quinn’s proposed budget eliminates non-Medicaid community-based services and significantly reduce capacity grants. The $90 million … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Pat Quinn Wants 1% Education Income Tax Surcharge: Dan Rutherford Wants to Hit “Reset Button” on Priorities
(Springfield, IL) — March 10, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today unveiled a proposed Illinois budget that cuts $1.3 billion from local education, but also calls for a 1% education income tax surcharge to reverse the proposed cuts. In addition to the education cuts, Quinn proposed cutting another $1 billion, borrowing $4.7 billion, and deferring another … Continue reading
Illinois Cemeteries: Pat Quinn Announces New Cemetery Protections Begin March 1; But Regulations, Fees May Doom Hundreds of Cemeteries
(Chicago, IL) — March 1, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday announced that a series of protections for consumers provided by the new Cemetery Oversight Act take effect on March 1, but the new regulatory beast created by the law may force hundred of small cemeteries out of business. The Act, which Quinn signed into law … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Illinois Owes Illinois School Districts $725 Million
(Springfield, IL) — February 22, 2010. The Illinois budget crisis monster is claiming another victim: local schools. From Amanda Reavy at the Springfield State Journal-Register: Illinois state government’s backlog of bills associated with kindergarten through 12th grade schools totals about $725 million, according to Carol Knowles, spokeswoman for Comptroller Dan Hynes. The backlog consists of … Continue reading
Govenor Pat Quinn Announces More Than $13 Million to Improve Broadband Access in Northern Illinois
(Chicago, IL) — February 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced more than $13 million to improve broadband access in northern Illinois. The funding includes $1.3 million in Illinois Jobs Now! capital funds for the DeKalb Advancement of Technology Authority (DATA), which will leverage $11.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Illinois Human Services Move Over, Illinois School Districts are the Newest Victims of Illinois Budget Crisis
(Springfield, IL) – February 16, 2010. Move over Illinois human services, Illinois school districts are the next big thing in the Illinois budget cuts drama. Last year, Illinois budget cuts and budget pain fell disproportionately on human service programs, causing grief principally for Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans, but to a lesser degree. But that … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Illinois Responsible Budget Coaltion Aims to Bring 3,000 to Springfield Rally for Income Tax Increase Push
(Springfield, IL) – February 16, 2010. Here they come. Some 3,000 social service providers and clients, educators and students, faith leaders, seniors, consumer advocates, state and local government employees and others will descend on Springfield for rally in the state capitol on Wednesday, February 17. They are dressing up their call for an income tax … Continue reading
State Reps Chapin Rose, Pat Verschoore Want Governor Pat Quinn to Avoid Campaign Speech for State-of-State Speech
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are hoping Governor Pat Quinn uses his State of the State address for solutions instead of stumping. Continue reading
Advocates Back Governor Pat Quinn’s Short-Term Loan Plan to Pay Illinois Budget Bills, Dan Hynes Refuses to Budge Opposition
(Springfield, IL) — January 8, 2010. Pharmacies, nursing homes and other medical institutions that provide Medicaid services in Illinois are seeing an increase in wait time for payments from the state. In past years, 45 business days was the maximum time period a Medicaid provider had to wait for state reimbursement, but now it can … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn OKs Law to Blunt Health Insurance Denials; Greg Harris, Heather Steans Stear Health Reform through Illinois Legislature
Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that ensures that all Illinois residents denied health insurance claims can soon be reviewed by a qualified, independent doctor. Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn to Sign Health Insurance Reform Bill Sponsored by State Rep Greg Harris, State Senator Heather Steans
(Chicago, IL) — January 5, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today will hold a press conference in Chicago to sign consumer protection legislation, House Bill 3923, to reform Illinois health insurance and help Illinois small businesses. Quinn will be joined by the bill’s sponsors’ State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) and State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and … Continue reading
Illinois Traffic Deaths Drop Below 1,000 in 2009, 1st Time in 88 Years, Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois State Police Chief Jonathon Monken Report
Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois State Police Director Jonathon Monken on Saturday announced that 2009 was the safest year on Illinois roads in 88 years as traffic fatality numbers dropped below 1,000. Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Appoints Larry Matkaitis, 30-Year Chicago Fire Department Veteran, Illinois Fire Marshal
January 3, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn on Saturday announced the appointment of fire service veteran and administrator Larry Matkaitis as Illinois State Fire Marshal. Continue reading
Illinois AFSCME Council 31 to Pat Quinn on Refusing WBEZ Access to St. Charles Juvenile Prison: “… [A]n unacceptable breach of the public’s right to know”
Just ahead of Illinois AFSCME Council 31′s endorsement decision in the Illinois 2010 Democratic primary for governor, the state’s largest union is taking a swipe at Governor Pat Quinn’s refusal to open up Illinois juvenile justice centers in St. Charles and elsewhere to WBEZ radio reporters. Continue reading
David Ormsby, Editor
Gov. Pat Quinn
- Governor Pat Quinn Addresses Media | WUIS – My Source for News WUIS - Your Source for News
- Pat Quinn The Only Road Block To More Gambling In Illinois - Chips88 Jacklyn Duckett
- Gov. Pat Quinn Working to Pull Senators Off of Illinois Gaming Bill David Ormsby
- Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois Hospital Association Give Thumbs Up to ... David Ormsby
- Pat Quinn On Gay Marriage: Illinois Governor Endorses Marriage ... The Huffington Post News Editors
- New Pension Reform Bill Clears House Committee « CBS Chicago Adam Harrington
- Hon. Pat Quinn, Governor, State of Illinois « City Club Chicago Videos city club chicago
- Security guard Pat Quinn's talks and talents : Thunder Media adviser
- Statewide Update—June 1, 2012 | BGA Think Tank BGA Blogs
- Home Health Care News: Bad Move? Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn wants ... Valerie VanBooven
IL General Assembly
- Illinois General Assembly Passes Budget Includes Funds For Dwight Prison - CIproud.com June 1, 2012
- Temper tantrum in Illinois General Assembly - Brisbane Times June 1, 2012
- Illinois lawmakers must do better on pension reform - Crain's Chicago Business June 1, 2012
- Temper Tantrum in the Illinois General Assembly - First Coast News May 31, 2012
- Pension legislation stalled in General Assembly - Peoria Journal Star May 31, 2012
- Illinois General Assembly sends 'Caylee's Law' to Quinn - Evanston Now June 1, 2012
- Illinois Must Address Risks From Fracking - Natural Resources Defense Council (blog) June 1, 2012
- Environmental group upset coal-to-gas plant advances in Legislature - nwitimes.com June 1, 2012
- Don't run away from political reform too fast - Chicago Sun-Times June 2, 2012
- Week in Review: IL budget, gaming move forward; pension reform treading water - Watchdog June 1, 2012
The Capitol Fax Blog
- Reader comments closed for the weekend June 1, 2012 Rich Miller
- The rest of the story June 1, 2012 Rich Miller
- Pensions and… Gaming? June 1, 2012 Rich Miller
- Today’s wrong numbers June 1, 2012 Rich Miller
- The blame game June 1, 2012 Rich Miller
- Morning Shorts June 1, 2012 Owen Irwin
- *** UPDATED x1 *** Governor’s press conference live blog (Video) June 1, 2012 Rich Miller
- Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition and a big Statehouse roundup June 1, 2012 Rich Miller
- Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) June 1, 2012 Rich Miller
- Question of the day June 1, 2012 Rich Miller
