THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER
Pat Quinn
Gov. Pat Quinn Boosts Illinois State Police with New $38 Million Forensics Facility
(Springfield, IL) — April 22, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced $37.8 million in capital funding to construct a new Illinois State Police forensic laboratory in Belleville, a facility which should help the state’s forensics operation which has struggled with delays in evidence analysis. 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
Illinois Civil Unions Bill Officially Sent to Gov. Pat Quinn; Bill Signing Ceremony in January
(Springfield, IL) — December 17, 2010. The Illinois State Senate today officially sent the Illinois civil unions bill to the desk of Governor Pat Quinn for his signature. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Taps Jack Lavin as Chief of Staff; 3rd in 2 Years
(Chicago, IL) — December 13, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today named long-time aide Jack Lavin as his Chief of Staff, replacing current Chief of Staff Michelle Saddler, appointed to the job in August, who will resume her previous post as Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Conservative Southern Governors to Campaign for Bill Brady in Will County
(Chicago, IL) — October 25, 2010. Illinois GOP governor candidate Bill Brady on Wednesday will be bringing conservative GOP southern governors to campaign with him at a rally in Will County. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Pat Quinn Beating Bill Brady 2 to 1 among Hispanic Voters, New Poll Says
(Chicago, IL) – October 22, 2010. Despite a modest job approval ratings amongst Hispanic voters, Governor Pat Quinn is nevertheless winning Hispanic voters by 2 to 1 in the Illinois governor’s race over GOP rival Bill Brady, a new poll says. Continue reading
Illinois Governor Debate 2010: Green Candidate Rich Whitney Attacks “Fantasy Economics” of Pat Quinn, Bill Brady
(Chicago, IL) — October 14, 2010. The Illinois gubernatorial debate tonight among Democratic Governor Pat Quinn, Republican State Senator Bill Brady and Green Rich Whitney was not even close. Whitney won hands-down. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Bill Brady Bucks the Tea Party
(Chicago, IL) – October 12, 2010. Will Bill Brady be welcome at the next tea party cotillion? Continue reading
Is The Tea Party Over? Democrats Seize Lead in Wake of Odd-Ball Tea Party Wins, New Polls Say
(Chicago, IL) – September 23, 2010. The Tea Party has finally stirred a tempest in the Democrats’ cup. In one week’s time, the victories of odd-ball Tea Party candidates, like U.S. Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell in Delaware, has finally shaken up the U.S. electorate, pushing Democrats ahead in two new national polls, thanks to gains … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: GOP Senator Larry Bomke Backs Illinois Tax Increase to Pay State’s Bills
(Springfield, IL) — July 27, 2010. This is what statesmanship looks like. State Journal-Register political reporter Bernie Schoenberg today reports that State Senator Larry Bomke (R-Springfield) has asserted the kind leadership that has been gravely absent from GOP lawmakers until now. State Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, told Gov. Pat Quinn’s chief of staff Monday he … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn, Senator Dick Durbin Announce Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail Route Construction Begins in September
Governor Pat Quinn and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that construction will begin in early September on the Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail route. Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Cracks Down on Illinois Dogfights, Boosting Penalties for Fights Near Schools, Parks, Playgrounds
Governor Pat Quinn on Saturday signed a bill that added teeth to state law to deter organized dogfights by imposing harsher criminal penalties for dog-fighting offenses. Continue reading
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
Bill Brady Breakfast with Right-Wing Media Research Center in Chicago Rankles, Worries Brady Facebook Fans
(Chicago, IL) — June 23, 2010. While Governor Pat Quinn this morning was breakfasting with well-healed swells at an early-morning fundraiser at RL restaurant–Ralph Lauren for the hoi polloi–in Chicago, State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) was also in Chicago, but breaking bread with the paranoid, out-of-state Media Research Center types. Based in Alexandria, Virgina, the … 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
Illinois Governor 2010 Elections: Human Rights Activists Boost Governor Pat Quinn with Fundraiser Bash
(Chicago, IL) — June 16, 2010. Honesty. Equality. Those words pulsated on tongues last night—like the secret sauce over the beef tenderloin—among the guests at a private, $1,000-a-plate dinner party in Chicago for Governor Pat Quinn and running mate Sheila Simon. “I think Quinn is one of the few true honest politicians today. He does … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Senate President John Cullerton Aims for Hyper-Majority
(Chicago, IL) — June 15, 2010. Most Democrats are in a defensive crouch as the November 2010 elections approach. Not Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago). Cullerton, who is serving his first term as Senate President, says he is looking to add seats this year to his current 37-22 super-majority in the Illinois Senate. At … 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
A Majority of Illinois Voters Back Repeal of Barack Obama’s Health Care Reform Law, New Poll Says
(Chicago, IL) — June 10, 2010. A majority of Illinois voters favor the repeal of President Barack Obama‘s health care reform, according to a new poll. According to a survey of 500 Illinois voters by Rasmussen Reports on June 7: Fifty-four percent (54%) of voters in Illinois favor repeal of the health care plan, slightly … Continue reading
Illinois Governor 2010 Elections: Bill Brady’s Campaign Against Pat Quinn Stalls, New Poll Reveals
(Chicago, IL) — June 10, 2010. Despite going up early with his own television ads in the Chicago media market, ads from a GOP governor’s group, and relentlessly bad budget news from Springfield, State Senator Bill Brady‘s campaign against Governor Pat Quinn has stalled, according to a new poll. Fortunately for Brady, he has stalled … 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
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart’s Chief of Staff, Bill Cunningham, Tapped As Pat Quinn’s Communications Chief
(Springfield, IL) — June 8, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today named Bill Cunningham as Director of Communications. Cunningham is replacing Director of Communications Bob Reed, who is returning to the private sector. “Bill comes to us with a wealth of experience from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and I look forward to working with him,” … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Gives Illinois Public Universities Power to Borrow to Pay Bills
(Springfield, IL) June 8, 2010. With Illinois unable to pay its bills, Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that allows Illinois’ public universities to borrow money in anticipation of already-authorized state funding. “This legislation will give our public universities an important fiscal tool to manage through this unprecedented economic crisis,” said Quinn. … Continue reading
Elections 2010: Anti-Incumbent Moods Exceeds 1994 Levels; Tea Party Support Erodes, New Poll Says
(Washington, D.C.) — June 8, 2010. Americans’ foul political mood is deepening and spreading. It is tainting both Democrats and Republicans and is even souring on Tea Party types. However, its wrath is especially focused on incumbents, according to a new poll. A fresh survey by The Washington Post-ABC News says voter support for U.S. … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Pat Quinn Hints at Special Session
(Springfield, IL) — May 27, 2010. After Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) today adjourned the Senate without passing the $4 billion pension borrowing bill, Governor Pat Quinn shortly afterward issued a statement that said the legislature had not finished its work, hinting at a special session. “Our task is not complete, and there’s more that … 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
Rep. Sara Feigenholtz Bill to Grant Illinois Adult Adoptees Original Birth Certificate Gets Gov. Pat Quinn’s Approval
(Chicago, IL) — May 21, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that provides adopted adults greater access to copies of their original birth certificates without having to get a court order. The new law will also help adopted adults learn more about their birth families, including medical histories. “This new law … 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
Illinois Budget: Senator Larry Bomke Expects Speaker Michael Madigan to Push New Budget Through House Without GOP
(Springfield, IL) — May 19, 2010. Republican lawmakers in the Springfield area are lamenting that the Illinois General Assembly could pass a version of the Illinois state budget and conclude the legislative session by the end of this month. With strong majorities in both the Illinois House and Senate, Democratic lawmakers can push through a … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Illinois Democrats’ Proposed State Budget Electoral Genius?
(Springfield, IL) — May 7, 2010. Could there be political gold even in a fiscal calamity? The Illinois state budget promoted Illinois Democratic leaders, which was yesterday approved by the Illinois State Senate and now is being considered by the House, may offend public policy process idealists but could prove to be electoral genius for … Continue reading
Elections 2010: Enthusiastic GOP Voters Fall by 9 Pts, New Poll Says
(Princeton, NJ) – May 6, 2010. It may be premature to draw a definitive conclusion, but the Republicans’ political momentum seems to be stalling. According to a new Gallup poll: Republican registered voters’ enthusiasm about voting in this year’s midterm elections has declined significantly in recent weeks. As a result, Republicans’ advantage over Democrats on … 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 Legislature: Senator Matt Murphy Pushes Bill through Illinois Senate to Slay Government Paperwork
(Springfield, IL) – May 4, 2010. The Illinois State Senate today unanimously approved, 54-0, legislation to help businesses, who are applying for development assistance programs through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), to avoid the snarl of duplicative paperwork. “This initiative will enable Illinois job creators to save time, money and energy … Continue reading
Jason Plummer: “… [W]ith your help there is no doubt we can’t defeat Quinn/Simon in November!”
(Springfield, IL) — April 30, 2010. Could someone get Jason Plummer, the 27-year old GOP candidate for Lt. Governor a proofreader? Here’s what’s posted on this Facebook page today: The Rasmussen Reports survey once again proves that the people of Illinois are ready for a clean break from the politics of the past. Let’s not … Continue reading
Sara Feigenholtz: New Law Will Grant Illinois Adult Adopted Children Access to Their Birth Certificates
By State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) (Springfield, IL) – The desire to know the facts of one’s history is an attempt to understand the age-old questions: Who am I? Why am I here? Where do I come from? For an estimated 200,000 Illinois adult adoptees, they currently are unable to fully answer these questions. Under … Continue reading
Illinois Gaming: Rep. Will Burns Pushes Slots at Illinois Race Tracks; Negotiation Deadlock Keeps Plan in Limbo
(Springfield, IL) — April 29, 2010. Organized labor leaders and State Rep. Will Burns (D-Chicago) today gave a public push at a press conference in Springfield to legislation that would permit slot machines at the state’s horse racing facilities. The plan, House Bill 5975, would generate an estimated $100 million to $300 million annually that … 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 Budget: Senators Mike Jacobs, Dan Rutherford Expect Legislature to Leave on May 7, Leave Budget Undone
(Springfield, IL) — April 28, 2010. Illinois lawmakers expect to be home at the end of next week, even if it will take a little longer to finish the new state budget. Legislators expect their last day in Springfield to be on or about May 7, the scheduled adjournment date. And about three weeks earlier … 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 2010 Elections: Dan Rutherford Blames Alexi Giannoulias, Robin Kelly on Task Force Launch Delay
(Springfield, IL) – April 26, 2010. State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Chenoa), GOP candidate for Illinois Treasurer, last week charged Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and his chief of staff, Robin Kelly, are using the belated launch of a state task for “political benefit”. “To convene a good purposed task force, two years late, hold taxpayer funded public … Continue reading
Illinois Crime: State Reps John Fritchey, LaShawn Ford Call on Pat Quinn to Deploy Illinois National Guard on Chicago’s Streets; Jody Weis Pours Ice Water on Idea
(Chicago, IL) — April 25, 2010. Woe. Here’s something that doesn’t round bend everyday. State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago) and LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) today called on Governor Pat Quinn to call out the Illinois National Guard to battle the surge in violent crime in Chicago that has claimed 113 lives so far this year, equal … Continue reading
Illinois Governor 2010: Bill Brady Holds Wide Lead over Pat Quinn in Southern Illinois, New Poll Says
(Carbondale, IL) — April 21, 2010. State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) holds a wide lead over Governor Pat Quinn in Southern Illinois, according to a new poll. It’s a football field-wide lead. The poll, conducted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute (named after the father of Quinn’s running mate Sheila Simon), reveals that Brady … Continue reading
Pew Poll: Economic Problems, Pessimism Weigh on Americans
(Chicago, IL) — April 20, 2010. The scale of the political problems facing Democrats can be viewed through the prism of the U.S. economic problems and anxieties faced by Americans, according to a new Pew Research Center poll. Americans are united in the belief that the economy is in bad shape (92% give it a … 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
Illinois Governor 2010: Pat Quinn Lands New Campaign Manager–Jim Edgar
(Chicago, IL) — April 15, 2010. Some pundits are criticizing Governor Pat Quinn for his failure to appoint yet a paid campaign manager to lead the fight against GOP nominee Bill Brady. Why should he? He’s already got a damn good one for free. Former Republican Governor Jim Edgar has filled the vacuum in Quinn’s … 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 Pensions: “In Praise of Illinois” – Wall Street Journal
(Chicago, IL) — April 8, 2010. Who would have ever thought that Democrats Governor Pat Quinn, House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) might have squeezed from the ultra-conservative Wall Street Journal the headline–”In Praise of Illinois.” But, yep. Last month, Madigan and Cullerton engineered legislative approval of an astounding pension-reform … Continue reading
David Ormsby, Editor
Gov. Pat Quinn
- Pat Quinn On Gay Marriage: Illinois Governor Endorses Marriage ... The Huffington Post News Editors
- Hon. Pat Quinn, Governor, State of Illinois « City Club Chicago Videos city club chicago
- FREEDOMISMIST: PAT QUINN MAY BE ABLE STAY OUT OF ... Eileen
- Governor Pat Quinn Puts His Foot Down On Gambling Expansion ... Mark
- Teachers picket against pension changes : News : ConnectTriStates ... KHQA Newsdesk
- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn Endorses Gay Marriage unknown
- Democurmudgeon: Gov. Pat Quinn exposes Scott Walker as a fake ... Democurmudgeon
- Quinn Launches “Save Our State" Website | Chicago Tonight | WTTW Yasmin Rammohan
- McHenry County Blog | Pat Quinn Tells Truth about Pension ... Cal Skinner
- Pat Quinn Criticizes Scott Walker On Jobs The Huffington Post News Editors
IL General Assembly
- Illinois General Assembly Approves Money to Keep Day Care Center Open, Bill ... - WJBD Online May 18, 2012
- State's Minimum Wage Could Become Highest in Country - Patch.com May 18, 2012
- Legislative update: Budget, pension, Medicaid await Illinois General Assembly ... - NIU Today May 15, 2012
- General Assembly puts health exchange bill on back burner - Crain's Chicago Business May 10, 2012
- American Progressive Bag Alliance Urges Illinois General Assembly To Pass ... - MarketWatch (press release) May 1, 2012
- Personal property tax diversion goes nowhere in legislature - The State Journal-Register May 16, 2012
- American Progressive Bag Alliance Urges Illinois General Assembly To Pass ... - PR Newswire (press release) May 1, 2012
- Feds give Illinois more money for insurance exchange as Legislature stalls - Crain's Chicago Business May 17, 2012
- Chicago Cubs, Obama controversy part of final days of legislative session - Examiner.com May 19, 2012
- Mayor John Spring: Public safety will suffer if state cuts funds to Quincy - Quincy Herald Whig May 18, 2012
The Capitol Fax Blog
- Reader comments closed for the weekend May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Chicago Tribune: Coal plant closures could send electricity costs soaring May 18, 2012 Advertising Department
- Protected: *** UPDATED x5 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: This just in… May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Question of the day May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- OK, so where’s your plan? May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Caption contest! May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Topinka: Cigarette tax hike a “common sense solution” May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Slots at tracks a possibility? Maybe May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- AFSCME loses appeal over canceled raises May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- *** UPDATED x2 - Ricketts gave preliminary approval, lauded TV ad *** Cubs owners try damage control May 18, 2012 Rich Miller