THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER
Governor Pat Quinn
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
Gov. Pat Quinn Names Kym Hubbard, Miguel Del Valle to Illinois Student Assistance Commission
(Chicago, IL) — May 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today named Kym Hubbard and Miguel Del Valle to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. “Kym Hubbard and Miguel Del Valle both bring a fresh approach and a lifetime of public and private sector experience to this important board,” said Quinn. “… I am confident that these … Continue reading
Rep. Sara Feigenholtz Slams State Budget Decision to Restrict HIV/AIDS Drugs Access
(Chicago, IL) — April 18, 2011. The Illinois Department of Public Health announced its plans last week to restrict access to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program to new applicants with incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level versus the current 500% limit, drawing opposition from top HIV/AIDS activists and an angry reaction from a top Illinois House Democrat. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Backs Senator Kimberly Lightford’s Illinois Education Reform Package
(Chicago, IL) — April 14, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today issued a statement regarding the introduction of comprehensive education reform legislation: “Education reform has been one of the top priorities for my administration. This bill helps us make sure that we have the best teachers in our classrooms and assures effective teacher performance. This bill … Continue reading
Illinois Senate Panel Defeats Bill Permitting Religious-Based Adoption Agencies to Deny Civil Union Couples Service
(Springfield, IL) — April 13, 2011. The Illinois Senate Executive Committee today defeated, 6-7, State Senator David Koehler’s legislation, House Bill 1123, to permit religious-based child welfare agencies to refuse to offer adoption and foster care services to gay and lesbian couples joined in civil unions. Continue reading
Big Blagojevich Donor Gets $10.3 Million State Investment Package to Keep 300 Jobs in Illinois
(Chicago, IL) — April 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $10.3 million business investment package to help a Chicago-based steel manufacturer, a large source of campaign cash to ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich, expand its operations and help keep more 300 jobs in Illinois. Continue reading
Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission Gets 9 Quinn Appointments
(Chicago, IL) — April 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today appointed nine individuals to serve on the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission. Continue reading
Senator Matt Murphy Favors Illinois Budget Deal Pushed into Summer Overtime
(Springfield, IL) — April 11, 2011. Though Illinois Senate Republicans are taking steps to work with Senate Democrats on the fiscal year 2012 Illinois budget, the GOP’s budget point person would however like to see the Illinois General Assembly fail to reach an agreement on time with Governor Pat Quinn, forcing the legislature into a summer overtime session. Continue reading
New $11.5 Billion Road, Bridge Plan Will Create 155,000 Jobs, Gov. Pat Quinn Says
(Chicago, IL) — April 8, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday unveiled a new multi-year, multi-billion road and bridge construction plan that will create 155,000 jobs, according to the governor. Continue reading
Illinois’ Obsolete Financial Reporting Systems Waste Money, Jeopardize Bond Rating, Senate Hearing Warns
(Springfield, IL) – March 9, 2011. An Illinois State Senate panel held a special hearing on Wednesday to tackle the new report by the state’s auditor general claiming Illinois’ more than 260 separate financial reporting systems are a disorganized, obsolete mess. Continue reading
Speaker Michael Madigan Says House Budget Revenue Projection Would Prevail over Senate’s
(Springfield, IL) — March 31, 2011. A budgetary battle could be brewing in the state Capitol, but not necessarily between Republicans and Democrats. Continue reading
Senator Matter Hunter Criticizes Illinois Human Service Budget Cuts by Gov. Pat Quinn
(Chicago, IL) — March 30, 2011. In an op-ed published yesterday, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) criticized Governor Pat Quinn’s proposed cuts to the Illinois Human Services budget. Continue reading
Illinois Witnessed $2.2 Billion Tax Income Drop in 2010
(Springfield, IL) — March 28, 2011. Tax money coming into state and local governments in Illinois fell sharply — by $2.2 billion dollars between 2009 and 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Names New Illinois State Police, Labor Department Chiefs
(Springfield, IL) — March 25, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced new chiefs of the Illinois state police and the Illinois Department of Labor while reappointing other top officials. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Names New Illinois Liquor Control Commission Chief
(Chicago, IL) — March 17, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today tapped Illinois Housing Development Authority Executive Director Gloria Materre to serve as the Executive Director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. Continue reading
Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno Pushes Illinois Budget Cuts, Aiming Ax at Education, Human Services
(Springfield, IL) — March 17, 2011. Illinois Senate Republicans are pushing a plan that shaves $5 billion off of Governor Pat Quinn’s introduced budget of $35.4 billion. The cuts are necessary if the state is to finally dig itself out of the budget hole of the past several years, senators said Thursday. Continue reading
New Report Says Illinois Captures Top Ten Slot–for Cutting Mental Health Care Funding
(Chicago, IL) — March 14, 2011. Illinois has captured another dubious distinction in its long-running budget crisis, snagging a spot among the top ten states for slashing funding for mental health care, a new report says. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn OKs “Amazon.com” Sales Tax
(Springfield, IL) — March 11, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday signed the “Amazon.com tax” to require all online companies doing business in Illinois to collect legally required sales taxes. House Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Signs Bill to Protect Illinois Minority Voting Rights in Redistricting Process
(Chicago, IL) — March 7, 2011. At ceremony at the Chinese American Service League, in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood, Governor Pat Quinn today penned a new law that aims to protect the voting rights of minority communities in the Illinois legislative redistricting process. Continue reading
Illinois House, Senate Dems May Be at Odds on Illinois Budget
(Springfield, IL) — March 4, 2011. The state’s next budget could be much smaller than Governor Pat Quinn outlined last month. Or it could be the same. Or larger. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Appoints 22 Members to Commission to End Hunger
(Springfield, IL) March 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced 22 appointments to a commission aimed at eliminating hunger in Illinois. Continue reading
Extra $1 Billion is “Found” for Illinois Budget
(Springfield, IL) – March 2, 2011. Illinois may have just over a billion dollars that’s not included in Governor Pat Quinn’s new budget. But lawmakers in Springfield say just because they may have the extra cash, it doesn’t mean they will spend it. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Names Andrew Ross Illinois Chief Operation Officer
(Chicago, IL) – February 28, 2011. Today Governor Pat Quinn today named Andrew Ross as the Illinois’ chief operating officer. Continue reading
Doug Scott Tapped to Lead Illinois Commerce Commission, Manny Flores Gets Banking Post
(Chicago, IL) –February 28, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today shuffled his cabinet and named Doug Scott as chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission and Manuel “Manny” Flores as director of the Division of Banking of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Scott has served as director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency since … 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
