Well, actually, the federal government refused to oblige. They set the announcement timeline for the Governor. The feds obviously missed Rich’s blog post.

Quinn today announced that Illinois earned a $42.8 million federal grant under the U.S. Department of Education’s Race to the Top program to help bolster Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math across the state.

Approximately $21 million will go directly to the state’s local districts that agree to accelerate education reform.

Illinois is one of seven states in the nation to win a portion of the $200 million in federal funds, which will be distributed through the 2013-14 school year to benefit K-12 students.

Illinois failed to receive Race to the Top grant money under previous applications.

“As Illinois continues to pursue a strong education reform agenda, this grant allows us to continue to reach for improved scores, higher graduation rates and a system that produces graduates who are well prepared for the 21st century job market,” Quinn said.

The grant application reflects the priorities of the previous two RTTT applications, which includes implementing the new rigorous Common Core Learning Standards in Math and English Language Arts, advancing teacher and principal effectiveness, etc.

As for Miller, who noted on his blog, “My brain is fried, campers, and so are my nerves,” he deserves his rest. The affection for Springfield-focused new media juggernaut will remain firmly fixed in the hearts and minds of his loyal followers even without coverage of Quinn’s noteworthy announcement­–released today after Miller was safely tucked in his bed for a long winter’s nap.

Merry Christmas.

On December 11, ACB-7 TV’s Karen Meyer reported, because of Illinois budget cuts, that the Chicago-based Anixter Center this year had to close two, state-backed group homes for children with disabilities.

On December 16, Governor Pat Quinn announced a $15 million housing program for people with disabilities.

“Fifteen years ago the state of Illinois asked us to build two homes to serve 16 medically fragile children with disabilities. We did that very successfully we created excellent model of community, independent living for those individuals,” said Kevin Limbeck, Anixter president and CEO.

In May Anixter closed them. State budget cuts.

“Because the state cut our funding by 38 percent and so that’s been very disruptive for the individuals that were living there and their families,” said Limbeck. “We lost half a million dollars in nine months serving them but the reduction was really extreme and so unfortunately weren’t able to continue the services.”

Nevertheless, Quinn wants to build more housing for people with disabilities, in partnership this time with Chicago-based non-profit Access Living, though he can not properly funding the program services that forced the closure of Anixter’s housing for children with disabilities.

“By increasing accessible and affordable housing opportunities for our state’s residents with disabilities, we are helping to increase their independence and improve their quality of life,” Governor Quinn said, announcing the new building program.

Meanwhile the quality of life and the independence for 16 medically fragile Illinois children has worsened simultaneously. Shameful.

This is no way to run a railroad, Governor.

A commitment to independence for children and adults with disabilities and the wise management of tax payer money needs to be built on something sturdier and more substantial than a press release and a 45-minute media event.

Access Living, take note.

“Next year’s budget is going to be as much of a challenge as last year’s,” said State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Chair of the House Human Services Appropriations Committee.

Feigenholtz noted that a $1 billion increase in the state’s pension payment now is expected for next year.

“Fiscal Year 2013 brings us an additional $1 billion pension payment that we just learned about a few weeks ago,” said Feigenholtz. “And we have to pay the pension payment first.”

In the current budget, the state is paying $4.9 billion into five separate pension systems. Next year that amount jumps to $5.9.

Additionally, the state will need to pay approximately $3.2 billion to service outstanding state debt.

The combined pension and debt payments of $9.1 billion, which will consume nearly 30% of the state’s $32.2 billion budget, will exceed the $6.8 billion estimated to be generated from the income tax increase enacted by lawmakers earlier in the year.

Feigenholtz, who cut $1.2 billion from the state human services budget proposed by Governor Pat Quinn in February, says more budget austerity is on the way.

“We will continue to do more with less in 2013 because we have no choice,” said Feigenholtz.

Journalist Will Guzzardi, who is challenging incumbent State Rep. Toni Berrios (D-Chicago), in the March 2012 Democratic primary, slammed Berrios in an e-mail to supporters, attacking her vote for the tax break.

Citing the CME Group’s $951 million 2010 profits and the legislature’s $454 million Illinois human services funding budget cut last year, Guzzardi, formerly the Associate Editor of The Huffington Post Chicago, attacked Berrios for misplaced priorities.

“On Monday, our State Representatives in Springfield, including incumbent Toni Berrios, ignored those numbers — and the persistent hardships faced by working families — and voted for $85 million in combined tax breaks for CME Group and the Chicago Board Options Exchange,” Guzzardi wrote.

Guzzardi also criticized the subsidy for the flailing retailer.

“An additional $150 million over 10 years goes to Sears Holding, Inc., which lost over $100 million last year,” Guzzardi wrote. “All of this means that we will lose over $1 billion in revenue for the state of Illinois.”

Additionally, Sears’ stock price has dived from $94 per share on February 18, 2011 to $51 on December 14–which is down from $58 on December 2. The expected favorable tax action by the Illinois legislature did nothing to bolster investor confidence in the wobbly firm.

Expect more of these attacks against lawmakers facing populist, silver-tongued opponents.

Governor Pat Quinn has promised to sign the legislation.

State Rep. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston)

(Evanston, IL) – December 7, 2011. State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) today endorsed first-term State Rep. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) for the north shore state Senate seat that Schoenberg is vacating.

At a press conference this morning at the Hilton Orrington Evanston, Schoenberg, who has held the seat since 2003, credited Biss’ commitment to “accountability” and “transparency” to explain his support.

“Throughout my career at the State Capitol, I’ve consistently fought to achieve reforms that provide taxpayers with greater accountability and transparency for how their hard-earned dollars are spent,” said Schoenberg.

“I know that Daniel Biss shares that same deep commitment, which is why I enthusiastically support his candidacy to succeed me in representing the North Shore in the Illinois Senate.”

In November, the veteran lawmaker surprised political observers with his decision to forgo another term in the Senate. Instead, Schoenberg said that he would concentrate exclusively on his philanthropy career.

Biss filed his senate nominating petitions–with 3000 signatures–on Monday of last week.

“Daniel has the intellect, integrity, and independence that the residents of the North Shore demand of their public officials,” said Schoenberg. “I’m confident we’ll all be exceptionally proud to have him represent us as our state Senator both here in the community and in Springfield.”

Biss has also received endorsements from other local officials including: U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston), Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin (D-Evanston), Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl, Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen, and others.

“I am honored to have the support of Senator Schoenberg,” said Biss. “For more than 20 years, his distinguished service in the General Assembly has been characterized by a tireless and creative pursuit of the goal of efficient and accountable government.”

Biss’ likely Republican opponent–if he survives a possible petition challenge–will be Marc Levine of Wilmette. Levine is an activist with a right-wing GOP-advocacy group, the Illinois Policy Institute. The group’s board of directors is made up of ex-GOP candidates, donors, and political operatives.

The 9th Legislative District includes all or parts of the communities of Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Golf, Kenilworth, Morton Grove, Northbrook, Northfield, Skokie, Wilmette, and Winnetka.

State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago)

(Chicago, IL) – December 1, 2011. What is one of the most important steps that could be taken to save the life of a teenager in the throes of a drug overdose? Telephone for medical help.

But fear is a call-blocker.

The fear of arrest by either the teen overdosing or by a friend witnessing the overdose too often stifles a life-saving telephone call, according State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago).

To puncture the fear blocking a call to emergency medical care, Cassidy spearheaded in the Illinois House a “good samaritan” plan, Senate Bill 1701, that would offer limited legal protection to those seeking medical care due to an overdose, legislation approved by the Illinois Senate, 54-0, this week in Springfield.

“Drug prevention should always be our first goal, and this legislation offers an important second chance for someone whose life is in danger to take the first step towards recovery,” Cassidy said.

The measure offers limited immunity for violations of possession of drugs in small amounts for a person who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for someone overdosing or is himself experiencing an overdose.

Cassidy noted that a study of college campuses where these policies had been implemented revealed that overdose deaths dropped by at least 50%.

To prevent the law from being abused by drug dealers, there are strict limitations to the amount of controlled substances an individual can possess and no immunity is provided for drug sales, according to Cassidy.

“This legislation is not about letting drug dealers off the hook, it is about protecting the lives of young people who need help,” said Cassidy.

The legislation’s safeguards won the active support of retired-Chicago Police Captain John Roberts whose son died of a drug-overdose.

Cassidy credited the lobbying of both Roberts and Karen Hanneman, who also lost a child to a drug overdose, to helping win the bill’s passage.

“They were critical to the lobby efforts” said Cassidy.

State Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) sponsored the measure in the state Senate.

The first-term lawmaker is urging Governor Pat Quinn to sign the bill which is on the way to his desk after the Senate vote.

“In Illinois, a young person is more likely to die from a drug overdose than from a car accident,” Cassidy said.  “It is my hope that the governor will quickly sign SB 1701 into law so that we can save young lives.”

Hope springs eternal.

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago)

(Chicago, IL) – More than two decades after the first observance of World AIDS Day and the 30th anniversary of the first reported cases of HIV/AIDS, Illinois finds itself with the 7th highest number of AIDS cases in the nation, according to Illinois’ public health agency.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates that 33 million adults and 2.5 million children are living with HIV worldwide. In Illinois, 38,265 cases have been reported since 1981. Half of all Illinois cases are African-American, and of those diagnosed since 1981, 20,970 have died.

“There has been tremendous and groundbreaking work done worldwide to educate the public in the effort to prevent the further transmission of HIV,” said Dr. Kenneth Soyemi, acting director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “But we must continue working globally and locally to reach our goal of zero AIDS-related deaths.”

Local state lawmakers are also weighing in on World AIDS Day 2011, highlight themes of remembrance and perseverance.

“The battle against HIV/AIDS remains un-won and I intend to continue fighting this epidemic until we win,” said State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).

And State Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) posted on her Facebook page, “Let us remember the loved ones we lost and do so by working together toward a cure.”

“Remember those we have lost, and remember millions of people in this country and around the world who struggle without access to decent healthcare,” posted State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago).

The Illinois public health agency sponsors several programs and funds many organizations statewide that aim to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, and also are providing access to healthcare services for those living with the disease. Among them:

• Quality of Life Endowment Fund – Proceeds from the “Red Ribbon Cash” scratch off lottery game are used to fund organizations providing HIV/AIDS prevention and support services.
• AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) – Serves 4,100 low-income persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS per month access life-saving anti-retroviral drugs.
• BASUAH – Brothers and Sisters United Against HIV/AIDS program promotes HIV/AIDS awareness among communities of color, which are disproportionately impacted by the disease, through education, collaboration and community engagement. Visit BASUAH.org for more information.

With any luck, the need for these programs will disappear in our lifetime. Poof.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel

(Springfield, IL) – November 29, 2011. The Illinois General Assembly on Tuesday approved legislation that would restore $4.3 million to emergency shelter services for homeless Illinois citizens, drawing warm praise from Chicago’s mayor.

“I applaud the Illinois General Assembly for restoring critical funding to the Emergency and Transitional Housing program that supports homeless services and shelters,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

“I want to commend State Representative Sara Feigenholtz and State Senator Heather Steans for their leadership on this critical issue.”

In October 2011, 2,919 interim shelter beds in the City of Chicago, or 98.2% of the total beds available, were already used.

“The restoration of critical funding for homeless services shows that the General Assembly gets what’s right for Illinois’ neediest residents,” said Streetwise Executive Director James LoBianco.

“What the people of Illinois need most this winter is a stable network of social services, and I am grateful that our law makers have helped provide that through this vote,” LoBianco added.

The funding legislation, Senate Bill 2412, was part of a larger $273 million supplemental budget that shuffled around state monies–robbing Peter to pay Paul–to keep an assortment of state facilities and programs running until the end of the state’s fiscal year, June 30, 2012.

Governor Pat Quinn is expected to sign the legislation.

“With winter approaching, these funds will allow us to continue to respond to the needs of homeless Chicagoans and provide essential emergency services to keep them safe,” said Emanuel.

The weather forecast for next Monday, December 5, is: “Mostly cloudy and quite cold with snow showers, high 31 low 19.”

The money is coming just in time.

Ex-Senate staffer David Gross will succeed Andrew Manar as Chief of Staff. Manar is running for an Illinois Senate seat located in Springfield.

“I especially want to acknowledge the contribution of Andy Manar, who has skillfully led the Senate Democratic staff since the beginning of my presidency in the Senate,” Cullerton.

Cullerton has also announced that Jill Rock will leave her position as Secretary of the Senate and Director of Communications Toby Trimmer will return to the Illinois Federation of Teachers, assuming the post of Director of Political Activities.

The changes will be effective January 1, 2012.

Quinn tapped lifelong social worker Richard Calica as the new DCFS chief.

“Richard Calica’s decades of experience in caring for neglected and abused children bolster our efforts towards building a better future for all Illinois children,” said Quinn.

“It is my highest priority to ensure the safety of our children and I am honored to accept this new mission to help and protect children who are abused and neglected,” Calica said.

Calica, the ex-Chairman of the Child Care Association of Illinois, currently leads the Chicago-based Juvenile Protective Association as executive director, a position he has held for 33 years.

Calica has also served on the faculty of the Institute for Clinical Social Work and at the Loyola University of Chicago School of Social Work.

In addition, Calica served as chairman of the Governor’s Task Force on Family Preservation from 1993-1994 under Governor Jim Edgar and currently serves as chair of the DCFS Risk Assessment Advisory Committee.