THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER
Governor Pat Quinn
Gov. Pat Quinn Dedicates Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Trail Honoring Black History Month
(Chicago, IL) – February 20, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn, a relentless supporter of Illinois veterans, today dedicated the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Trail in Chicago. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn, Senator Annazette Collins Push Illinois Ethics Referendum Amendment
(Chicago, IL) – February 12, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today proposed an amendment to the Illinois Constitution that would allow state voters to enact ethics reforms through popular initiative and referendum. “Our citizens must always have a role in keeping our government honest and ethical,” said Quinn. Sponsored by State Senator Annazette Collins (D-Chicago), the … Continue reading
Is Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Springfield Winning Streak Over?
(Chicago, IL) – In Springfield Rahm was on roll. He won approval for his school plan to extend the school day and school year. He won approval for the DREAM act to help enable privately-funded scholarship for undocumented students. He won approval of his speed camera plan to fine speeding drivers in school zones. He … Continue reading
Despite Capitol Fax Publisher Plea, Governor Pat Quinn Makes a Big Announcement
(Chicago, IL) – December 23, 2011. Despite Capital Fax Publisher Rich Miller’s public plea to Governor Pat Quinn to refrain from any big announcements while Miller went on holiday, Quinn refused to oblige. Continue reading
Illinois-Backed Disabled Children Housing Closes; Gov. Pat Quinn Announces New Illinois-Backed Disabled Housing Program
(Chicago, IL) – December 19, 2011. Here’s an example Illinois state government dysfunction at its worst. Continue reading
Illinois Lawmakers Send Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Bill to Gov. Pat Quinn
(Chicago, IL) – December 1, 2011. What is one of the most important steps that could be taken to save the life of teenager in the throes of a drug overdose? Telephone for medical help. Continue reading
Mayor Emanuel Praises Feigenholtz, Steans for Illinois Homeless Shelter Funding Restoration
(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,” … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Taps New DCFS Director
(Springfield, IL) – November 23, 2011. In the wake of the resignation of the scandal tarred and feather ex-Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in September, Governor Pat Quinn today Quinn today announced a replacement for Erwin McEwen. Continue reading
Chicago’s CTA Red Line, Purple Line Get Billion Dollar Boost from Gov. Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel
(Chicago, IL) – November 3, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel are officially guy-pals. Continue reading
Illinois “Budgeting for Results” Initiative Praised, Panned
(Chicago, IL) — November 2, 2011. The Illinois Budgeting for Results Commission today issued their first report to Governor Pat Quinn and the state legislature detailing their recommendations on how to restore state’s fiscal health, bringing praise from Quinn and ridicule from some state vendors. Continue reading
State Rep. Tom Holbrook Tapped as Illinois Pollution Control Board Chief, Boosting Salary $50,000
(Chicago, IL) – October 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today named State Rep.Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville) to head the Illinois Pollution Control Board. Holbrook will resign his House seat on Tuesday. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Names Illinois Gaming, Racing Board Members
(Chicago, IL) October 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today rolled-out numerous appointments to the state’s more than 320 boards and commissions, including the Illinois Gaming Board and the Illinois Racing Board. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Taps Illinois Transportation, Aging, Agriculture, Insurance, Environment Agency Chiefs
(Chicago, IL) -– October 24, 2011. The deck chairs are on the move. Governor Pat Quinn today announced Ann Schneider, who has been the Acting Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation for several months will get the post permanently and John Holton will take over as the Director of the Illinois Department on Aging. Continue reading
Does McCormick Place Agreement Mark the High-Point of the Quinn-Emanuel Chum-Fest?
(Chicago, IL) – October 21, 2011. Despite—or because of—their growing and testy rivalry, Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel today appeared with together for a press conference—where they could keep an eye on each other–to announce agreements with two McCormick Place labor unions to re-patch earlier legislated labor reforms that a court had earlier overturned stemming from a union lawsuit. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Kills Illinois Gaming Bill; Offers Counter Plan Likely to Sink New Casinos
(Chicago, IL) — October 17, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that would not sign the gaming expansion passed by the Illinois legislature in May. Instead, Quinn offered a proposal that, among other things, would prohibit the installation of slot machines at horse race tracks, a proposition that likely dooms any gaming expansion in Illinois. … Continue reading
Will the Occupy Wall Street Movement and its Chicago Offshoot Bolster Gov. Pat Quinn ComEd “Smart Grid” Veto?
(Chicago, IL) — October 12, 2011. The thinking among Springfield insiders up until a few weeks had been that the legislature was likely to override Governor Pat Quinn’s veto of Commonwealth Edison’s “Smart Grid” bill, a measure that guaranteed the electric giant a rate increase of 6 percentage points over the 30-year Treasury rate to … Continue reading
Quinn, LaHood and Durbin Break Ground on Englewood Rail Crossing Project
(Chicago, IL) – October 10, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush and other officials, broke ground today on the Englewood Flyover, a rail crossing project that will eliminate one of the region’s worst rail bottlenecks. Continue reading
Illinois Public Health Department Gets $24 Million Federal Grant to Fight Chronic Diseases
(Chicago, IL) – September 29, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Illinois a $24 million grant to support public health efforts to reduce chronic diseases, promote healthier lifestyles, reduce health disparities and control health care spending. The Illinois Department of Public Health was one … Continue reading
Quinn Announces $345 Million Plan to Help 15,000 Illinois Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure
(Chicago, IL) – September 15, 2011. Before heading out the door tomorrow to China for an eight-day trade mission, Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $345 million program to help approximately 15,000 Illinois homeowners threatened by foreclosure. “The economic downturn has left too many Illinois families at risk of losing their homes,” Quinn said. “The … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Goes to China
(Chicago, IL) — September 15, 2011. Coming on the heels of an excursion to China by Illinois Treasurer and 2014 GOP governor hopeful Dan Rutherford, Governor Pat Quinn today announced that he too will travel to the People’s Republic of China on a trade mission, starting tomorrow. The Governor will arrive in China on September 17 … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Seeks Out Superman
(Chicago, IL) – September 14, 2011. After thrashing energy giant ComEd on Monday, Governor Pat Quinn yesterday went looking for Superman. Quinn zoomed over to the Chicago production set of the new Superman movie “Man of Steel” to flex some gubernatorial muscle and to highlight the Illinois film industry’s record $161 million in spending in … Continue reading
With Backing from A.G. Lisa Madigan, Gov. Pat Quinn Vetoes ComEd Smart Grid Bill
(Chicago, IL) – September 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Attorney General Lisa Madigan to witness his veto of a bill that would have allowed ComEd to develop an electricity producing “Smart Grid” financed by a guaranteed consumer and business rate hike. “More than 1.5 million people and businesses have had to … Continue reading
Pushing Back on Emanuel, Gov. Pat Quinn Announces Rail Construction Project for Chicago’s South Side
(Chicago, IL) — August 23, 2011. As a part of the growing spat with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel over the fate of a tax revenue-rich casino for Chicago, Governor Pat Quinn today went out of his way to highlight his efforts to create jobs in Chicago by announcing the start of construction for a railroad … Continue reading
Our View: Illinois Behavioral Health Care Gets a Cynical Embrace from Gov. Pat Quinn
If Governor Pat Quinn ever wonders why the public, the press and the legislature find his approach to governing to be incoherent and frustrating, and at times cynical, he needs only to consider his recent whip-lash-inducing turn on behavioral health care policy. Last week Quinn held a bill-signing ceremony at the Alexian Brothers Center for … Continue reading
20-Member Illinois Environmental Justice Council OK’d by Gov. Pat Quinn
(Chicago, IL) — August 16, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn likes to establish all sorts of commissions, task forces, councils, and boards to confront problems when more concrete solutions are in short supply. Quinn today delivered another such blue ribbon panel. The governor today signed legislation that creates Illinois’ first “environmental justice” panel that will assess … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Gives Swift Kick in the Pants to Westboro Baptist Church
(Springfield, IL) — August 14, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday gave a swift kick in the behind to the Westboro Baptist Church and its unhinged pastor, Fred Phelps. Quinn signed legislation to protect the funerals of military personnel from the disruptive protests of hate groups, such as the 71-member, Kansas-based “church”. Phelps and his equally … Continue reading
To Boost Illinois Recycling Gov. Pat Quinn Approves iJunk Law
(Chicago, IL) — August 10, 2011. Move over bottles and cans, recycling in Illinois has gone high-tech. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that expands the types of electronic products, like iPods, that must be recycled and toughens penalties for those who ignore the mandate. Continue reading
Will Lake Michigan Become an Illinois Wind Farm?
(Windy City) — August 8, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday announced the signing of legislation to breathe life into wind energy production efforts on Lake Michigan. “A thriving green energy sector will further strengthen Illinois’ economy, create jobs and boost our economic recovery,” said Quinn. The legislation, House Bill 1558, sponsored by State Rep. Robyn … Continue reading
New Law Gives Illinois Sex Trafficking Victims Way Out of Prostitution Conviction
(Chicago, IL) – August 8, 2011. Illinois has a new law that aims to help victims of sex trafficking who have been charged with prostitution by opening a legal route to remove the convictions through a court. “Victims deserve a chance to clear their records and rebuild their lives,” said Governor Pat Quinn, who signed … Continue reading
Ex-Aide to Gen. David H. Petraeus Appointed by Gov. Pat Quinn to Head Illinois Veterans Agency
(Chicago, IL) — August 5, 2011. At a press conference today in Chicago, Governor Pat Quinn announced the appointment of a former senior staff member for Army General David H. Petraeus as chief of the Illinois veterans agency. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn OKs State Investment Boost in Illinois Venture Capital Firms
(Chicago, IL) — July 25, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to boost state investment in high-technology, venture capital firms. Continue reading
12 Appointed to Illinois Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board by Gov. Pat Quinn
(Chicago, IL) – July 21, 2011. As part of an effort to overhaul Illinois’ dysfunctional workers compensation system, Governor Pat Quinn yesterday announced 12 appointments to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board. Continue reading
Illinois Charter School Oversight Panel OK’d by Gov. Pat Quinn
(Chicago, IL) — July 20, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that establishes an independent charter school commission to authorize and regulate charter schools throughout Illinois. Continue reading
Illinois Business Group Praises Gov. Pat Quinn’s OK of Bill to Streamline Environmental Permitting
(Chicago, IL) — July 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that streamline the environmental permitting process in Illinois for Illinois businesses, drawing praise from Illinois’ top manufacturing group. “Simplifying and speeding up the review process for environmental permits will help Illinois companies begin hiring, investing and producing more quickly,” said Quinn. Sponsored by … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn OKs Illinois Gun Owner ID Publication Exemption, Easing Fears in Armed Illinois Households
(Springfield, IL) – July 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today quietly signed legislation that exempts Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification Card holders from the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, easing the fears in armed households around Illinois. “As Governor, I have made increasing openness and transparency in government one of my top priorities,” said Quinn, who … Continue reading
Ann Schneider Gets Top Illinois Department of Transportation Job – Temporarily
(Chicago, IL) — July 1, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn announced today the appointment of Ann Schneider as acting Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation. “As we head into this busy construction season, the department of Transportation needs an energetic and capable leader, and Ann L. Schneider has shown herself time and again to be … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn’s Veto Pen Slashes $376 Million from Illinois Budget
(Chicago, IL) — June 30, 2011: 8:00 p.m. With no public fanfare, Governor Pat Quinn today signed the fiscal year 2012 Illinois budget while vetoing $376 million from the budget sent to him by the legislature. Quinn issued the following statement: “Line by line, I have carefully examined the budget passed by the General Assembly … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Signs Illinois Congressional Redistricting Map – Bye, Bye Joe Walsh
(Springfield, IL) — June 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed the Illinois congressional restricting map. “The people of Illinois provided input at public hearings for both the congressional and state legislative maps. I have carefully reviewed the congressional redistricting map,” said Quinn. “This map is fair, maintains competitiveness within congressional districts, and protects the … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Unveils $100 Million for Illinois Transportation Projects; Chicago Gets $12 Million
(Chicago, IL) — June 23, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn announced today a $100 million capital investment to finance local transportation projects, including more than $12 million for Chicago. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Launches Illinois Data Web Site
(Chicago, IL) — June 22, 2011. Coming on the heals of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel‘s roll-out of a city Web site supplying oodles of government data, Governor Pat Quinn yesterday announced the launch of a state website that also promises to provide access to a wealth of state data. The State of Illinois Open Data … Continue reading
Rep. Sara Feigenholtz Calls on Illinois Senate to Fix $30 Million “Mistake” to Save Mental Health Care for 20,000 Illinois Residents
(Chicago, IL) — June 21, 2011. State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) today called on the Illinois Senate to approve legislation this week that fixes a clerical “mistake” made in the budget bill sent to Governor Pat Quinn that unintentionally reduced community mental health care funding by $30 million. Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Gets Illinois Capital Construction Deal
(Chicago, IL) – June 16, 2011. The Illinois Senate will return to Springfield in a regular session next Wednesday, June 22, to approve the state capital construction program eagerly sought by Governor Pat Quinn. Continue reading
Analysis: Is Governor Pat Quinn Seeking to Boost His Political Relevance by Challenging Mayor Rahm Emanuel?
GOVERNOR Pat Quinn struggled to assert his political authority and legislative agenda during the just completed spring session of the Illinois General Assembly, drawing public questioning of his political relevance by political commentators and Springfield observers. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Taps Rahm Emanuel Rival, Gery Chico, to Head Illinois Education Board; Wikipedia Page Already Updated
(Chicago, IL) — June 7, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today named Gery Chico, the former rival of Rahm Emanuel for the Chicago mayor’s office, as the chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education. Continue reading
AUDIO: Whether Necessary or Not, Gov. Pat Quinn Calls Special Legislative Session
Governor Pat Quinn today said at a press conference that he wants Illinois lawmakers back in Springfield to reauthorize the state’s capitol construction program. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Taps Jay Rowell as Director of Illinois Department of Employment Security
(Chicago, IL) – June 6, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn on Friday evening announced several top appointments to state agencies, including Jay Rowell as director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Rowell, who is currently the political director for the Senate President John Cullerton’s Illinois Democratic Senate operation, is a former deputy director in the … Continue reading
AUDIO: Illinois Insurance Director Michael McRaith Says Illinois Civil Union Insurance Information Available
(Springfield, IL) – June 2, 2011. Illinois civil union ceremonies are being held throughout Illinois starting today, and the state’s top insurance official is offering guidance for those couples seeking to take advantage of insurance opportunities. The civil union law provides couples with the same rights that married people enjoy, which has prompted Illinois Department … Continue reading
AUDIO: Governor Pat Quinn Says He Will Put Massive Illinois Gaming Expansion Bill Under a “Microscope”
(Springfield, IL) – June 1, 2011. The proposal to add five new casinos and add slot machines at horse racing tracks awaits Governor Pat Quinn’s signature. But Quinn said today at a press conference in Springfield that he has concerns, calling the bill “excessive”. The Governor wants to examine the bill thoroughly – under a … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Asks Obama Administration to Declare 14 Flooded Southern Illinois Counties Disaster Areas
(Springfield, IL) — May 24 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today asked President Barack Obama to declare 14 Southern Illinois counties major disaster areas from historic flooding. “Federal assistance is needed to help them recover from this disaster,” said Quinn. “I ask President Obama to quickly approve this request to help people begin the recovery process.” … Continue reading
Illinois Senate Votes to Block Weapons Registration Transparency; Bill Goes to Gov. Pat Quinn
(Springfield, IL) – May 24, 2011. In an effort to keep the names and other information of Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification card-holders secret, the Illinois Senate yesterday voted against weapons registration transparency, seeking to create special rights for gun owners. The senate approved the measure, House Bill 3500, 42-01-02, with 14 senators not voting. The … Continue reading
David Ormsby, Editor
Gov. Pat Quinn
- Gov. Pat Quinn: Student Reporter The Huffington Post News Editors
- Gov. Pat Quinn: Student reporter | WBEZ unknown
- Detective Shaved Longcock: Gov. Pat Quinn on pension mess ... Det. Shaved Longcock
- Illinois Gov Pat Quinn says state's Medicaid system is 'on the brink of ... unknown
- More: Illinois Gov Pat Quinn formally announces plan to close 14 ... unknown
- Chicago Daily Observer » Blog Archive » Gov. Pat Quinn on pension ... Chicago Current News Feed
- . . . With Both Hands: Governor Ramblin' Pat Quinn and Lt. Governor ... pathickey
- Chicago Daily Observer » Blog Archive » Gov. Pat Quinn: Close ... Chicago Current News Feed
- Rosecrance responds to Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's budget address bkulpa
- Quinn On State Pension Reform: Everyone Will Get A 'Haircut,' No ... Mike Ramsey
IL General Assembly
- Gov. Quinn delivers budget address to General Assembly - The State Journal-Register February 22, 2012
- Illinois General Assembly introduces marriage equality bill - Daily Northwestern February 15, 2012
- Illinois promises to make $5.2B pension contribution - Business Insurance February 23, 2012
- Quinn's Budget Proposal Delivers Deep Cuts - Chicagoist February 23, 2012
- Quinn's speech vague on major Illinois budget problems - Galesburg Register-Mail February 23, 2012
- Wheaton ranked fourth in state for energy saving program - Suburban Life Publications February 24, 2012
- For the US House - Chicago Tribune February 24, 2012
- Press Release IL Governor Budget Address - FOX2now.com February 22, 2012
- U.S. Rep. Schakowsky endorses Miller for state Senate in 15th - nwitimes.com February 24, 2012
- Gaffney to Quinn: “Stop the Spending and Reduce Taxes" - Patch.com February 22, 2012
The Capitol Fax Blog
- This just in… Commissioner Beavers indicted - Says he refused to “wear a wire on John Daley” February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Real Time Election Coverage February 23, 2012 Advertising Department
- Budget speech react: Democrats February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Nationally, Illinois is an unpopular, polarizing state February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Budget speech react: Republicans February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Protected: *** UPDATED *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: ALL CHARITY ROAST TICKETS WERE SOLD IN 13 MINUTES - WAITING LIST ESTABLISHED February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Budget speech react: Editorial boards February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Question of the day February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- *** LIVE SESSION COVERAGE *** February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition and a campaign roundup February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
