(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
(Springfield, IL) — March 31, 2011. A budgetary battle could be brewing in the state Capitol, but not necessarily between Republicans and Democrats. Continue reading
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(Chicago, IL) – October 12, 2010. Will Bill Brady be welcome at the next tea party cotillion? Continue reading
(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
(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 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 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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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