Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Joins Alliance of Reform-minded Leaders in Support of Larry for State's Attorney
On Sunday, Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. announced his support for Larry's campaign for Cook County State 's Attorney.
"For half a decade, Larry Suffredin has been a strong, independent voice working to create change at the County Board," Jackson said. "He has fought tooth and nail to protect taxpayers from waste, corruption and patronage."
"With Larry Suffredin as our State's Attorney, no longer will crooked politicians rest easy," Jackson said. "While other candidates have given lip-service to getting tough on corruption, Larry Suffredin has pledged to create a proactive task force aimed at going after those who misuse or abuse the public trust."
Congressman Jackson's entire statement is posted on Larry's website at www.SuffredinforStatesAttorney.org.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who cleaned up the scandal-ridden Secretary of State's office since elected in 1998, also announced his support for Larry.
"All my life I have worked to keep kids off the street and out of trouble, but that doesn't protect them from random gun violence. We need a leader who isn't afraid to take on the National Rifle Association. Larry passed the Cook County Assault Weapons ban and is again taking on the NRA to keep gun shops away from schools and parks," White said. "Larry Suffredin is a leader who won't be afraid to take on the gangbangers and gun traffickers."
Congressman Jackson and Secretary White were joined by a coalition of supporters that reflected Larry's countywide support. Over twenty elected officials and community leaders from the north, south and west sides of the city, and the suburbs were present, including Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Cook County Commissioners Forrest Claypool and Mike Quigley and former President of the Cook County Board Bobbie Steele.
Keep Up the Momentum- Donate to Larry's Campaign!
This weekend's endorsements established that Larry is the only candidate with a wide spectrum of support from all parts of Cook County. We need your help to keep up this momentum and share our message with voters on television. Our goal is to raise $10,000 online this week.
Please consider giving $250, $100, or $50. Every dollar donated to the campaign will bring Larry closer to changing business as usual in Cook County. Encourage your friends and family to do so as well!
Visit Larry's website at www.SuffredinforStatesAttorney.org to contribute, request a yard sign or sign up for our friends and family program!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Pera draws more endorsements
Media contact:
For immediate release: Patrick Corcoran
Wednesday, January 2, 2008 (708) 579-2834
More prominent Democrats back Mark Pera for Congress
Illinois Sen. Carol Ronen, D-7th, Illinois Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-12th, Chicago Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th Ward, and Ald. Joe Moore, 49th Ward formally announced this week their support for Mark Pera for Congress.
The group, along with Rick Garcia of Equality Illinois and others, has joined the host committee for Pera’s January 9 fund-raiser in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.
Pera’s aggressive campaign against Dan Lipinski in Illinois’ 3rd District has been named one of the top primary races to watch in the entire country by the Washington D.C.-based Congressional Quarterly and a number of online publications.
Pera said he’s attracting such wide support from across the city and suburbs because progressive politicians and voters are disappointed with Lipinski’s voting record on the issues that matter to them most, such as Iraq, energy and the environment, choice and LGBT rights.
“Illinois Democrats take great pride in delivering forward-thinking, progressive candidates to Congress. They believe Illinois’ 3rd District should be represented in Congress by a Democrat who votes with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, not President George Bush and the Republicans,” Pera said.
These prominent supporters join a number of Democrats who have already endorsed Mark Pera for Congress, including Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool, Illinois Sen. Dan Kotowski, Illinois Rep. John Fritchey, Chicago aldermen Manuel “Manny” Flores, Brendan Reilly and Scott Waguespack and Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore.
For more information on the Jan. 9 event, call (708) 579-2834.
The invitation to the can be downloaded at http://www.PERA08.com.
###
For immediate release: Patrick Corcoran
Wednesday, January 2, 2008 (708) 579-2834
More prominent Democrats back Mark Pera for Congress
Illinois Sen. Carol Ronen, D-7th, Illinois Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-12th, Chicago Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th Ward, and Ald. Joe Moore, 49th Ward formally announced this week their support for Mark Pera for Congress.
The group, along with Rick Garcia of Equality Illinois and others, has joined the host committee for Pera’s January 9 fund-raiser in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.
Pera’s aggressive campaign against Dan Lipinski in Illinois’ 3rd District has been named one of the top primary races to watch in the entire country by the Washington D.C.-based Congressional Quarterly and a number of online publications.
Pera said he’s attracting such wide support from across the city and suburbs because progressive politicians and voters are disappointed with Lipinski’s voting record on the issues that matter to them most, such as Iraq, energy and the environment, choice and LGBT rights.
“Illinois Democrats take great pride in delivering forward-thinking, progressive candidates to Congress. They believe Illinois’ 3rd District should be represented in Congress by a Democrat who votes with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, not President George Bush and the Republicans,” Pera said.
These prominent supporters join a number of Democrats who have already endorsed Mark Pera for Congress, including Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool, Illinois Sen. Dan Kotowski, Illinois Rep. John Fritchey, Chicago aldermen Manuel “Manny” Flores, Brendan Reilly and Scott Waguespack and Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore.
For more information on the Jan. 9 event, call (708) 579-2834.
The invitation to the can be downloaded at http://www.PERA08.com.
###
Monday, December 31, 2007
Bill protects animals in Domestic violence situations, adopted in Illinois begins Jan. 1, 2008
Contact: Inga Fairclough
Ingaf@aspca.org / (212) 876-7700 x 4564
or (347) 578-2243
ASPCA-Driven
HB9 Increases Protections for Domestic Violence Victims and Their Pets
NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is proud to announce that legislature HB9, a bill that the ASPCA worked closely alongside legislators to implement, will go into effect on January 1, 2008. Earlier this year, on May 22, the Illinois Senate voted unanimously to pass this bill that now allows judges to include animals in an order of protection.
“This bill goes a long way in ensuring that victims of domestic violence don’t have to fear for their pets’ safety when making the decision to leave a violent situation,” said Ed Sayres, president & CEO of the ASPCA. “We are extremely grateful to Rep. John Fritchey for sponsoring this important bill and proud that we were able to assist in seeing it to fruition.”
Research has shown that much like children, pets are often used as pawns in domestic violence. Without provisions to adequately protect their pets, victims of interpersonal violence may feel compelled to remain in abusive situations. Consider the following statistics:
- 83 percent of directors of the largest shelters for battered women in the U.S. indicated women entering the shelters discussed incidents of pet abuse in the family;
- 71 percent of pet-owning women in shelters reported that a pet had been threatened, injured or killed by their abuser; and
- 49 percent of pet-owning victims who fled their abusers and sought shelter continued to worry about their animals after entering shelters.
Illinois House Bill 9 addresses these issues by enabling judges to include animals in orders of protection. The petitioner is given exclusive custody, care and control over the animal; the judge can order the respondent to stay away from the animal and forbid the respondent to take, transfer, encumber, conceal, harm or otherwise dispose of the animal.
For more information on other ASPCA legislative activities, please visit www.aspca.org.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first humane organization established in the
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Friday, December 21, 2007
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce to host roundtable to discuss flexible workplace practices
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce to host roundtable to discuss flexible workplace practices that address new economic, demographic and societal challenges
When Work Works roundtable will highlight employers that innovatively recruit, develop and train their employees; discuss application for Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility
CHICAGO – As changing demographics, an aging population and increased diversity continue to impact the region’s workforce, employers and human resource practitioners can gain firsthand knowledge about innovative workplace practices being used by top local companies to meet evolving employee needs. These best practices will be featured at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s When Work Works roundtable on Thursday, January 10. The Chamber has been selected by the Families and Work Institute and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to inform businesses in the region about trends in personnel management and to recognize effective and flexible workplaces in the 21st Century.
“As our local workforce continues to evolve, the demand for skilled workers will continue to increase especially as Baby Boomers begin to retire. Companies that offer their employees greater workplace flexibility will be able to best compete for the talent they need,” said Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jerry Roper.
For the past several decades, Families and Work Institute (FWI) has been documenting the changes in the American workforce and workplace through its nationally representative studies of employers and employees. The Institute’s research finds that today’s fast-paced, 24/7 “wired” economy and diverse workforce are far different than in the past. There are four generations in the workforce, the workforce is aging, and values have shifted. In response, employers are looking for new ways to recruit, develop and retain their talent. When Work Works responds to these challenges by sharing research and best practices for managing in new and flexible ways.
Examples include compressed work weeks to decrease turnover and give employees more concentrated time at work and at home, telecommuting to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, sabbaticals to re-energize employees, and phased retirement to retain the talent of older workers.
“It is more challenging than ever to manage effectively—to recruit top talent, to engage and retain this talent, and to maximize productivity—in the face of fierce competition, more complicated jobs and changing workforce demographics. When Work Works is finding the best examples of effective and flexible workplaces locally and then sharing these strategies that work with the rest of the nation and the world,” said Ellen Galinsky, President of Families and Work Institute.
Attendees of When Work Works roundtable will share research, discuss best practices, and provide practical advice about how flexibility can be a strategic business tool. Businesses that specialize in workplace flexibility will be on hand, including the 2007 When Work Works award winner, Ernst & Young LLP, Age Lessons, and Flex-Options, a project of the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau.
The When Work Works roundtable will be held on Thursday, January 10, between 8:30 and 10 a.m. at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Aon Center, 200 East Randolph, Suite 2200, Chicago. Event registration can be completed at www.chicagolandchamber.org. More information about When Work Works, as well as research, company profiles, and tips on working flexibly, can be found at www.whenworkworks.org. Participants in the roundtable will be encouraged to apply for the Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility; applications will be accepted online beginning on January 2, 2008. Organizations of all types with ten or more employees can apply.
When Work Works is an ongoing initiative led by the Families and Work Institute, the Institute for a Competitive Workforce, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Twiga Foundation. Chicago is one of 30 communities selected from across the nation, with local leadership being provided by Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and Chicago Workforce Board in collaboration with the Families and Work Institute, the Institute for a Competitive Workforce, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Twiga Foundation. When Work Works is made possible by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
For information about When Work Works or about the Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility in the Chicago region, please contact Peggy Luce, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce at (312) 494-6745 or at pluce@chicagolandchamber.org. For more information on When Work Works or the Sloan Awards at the national level, please contact Shanny Peer at (212) 981-2556 or at speer@familiesandwork.org.
In addition to recognizing workplace flexibility through the When Work Works initiative, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce also recognizes regional businesses for workplace excellence through its annual Right Workplace Award. Applications will be available beginning February 15.
# # #
About the Project Partners of When Work Works
About the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Since its founding in 1904 as the first regional chamber of commerce in the United States, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to make Chicagoland the most business-friendly region in America and enhance its members’ success through aggressive programs of advocacy, member benefits and services, and actionable information. The Chamber’s 2,600 members employ more than 1.2 million individuals in Chicagoland. Learn more by visiting www.chicagolandchamber.org.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation was established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan, Jr., then President and Chief Executive Officer of the General Motors Corporation. For the last 12 years, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has funded six Centers on Working Families, one workplace center, and many other research projects to examine issues faced by working families. Many of the findings reveal that while the demographics of the American workforce have changed dramatically over the last 30 years, the American workplace has not changed as rapidly. With today’s very diverse workforce, it is not surprising that now nearly four out of five working Americans, across age, income, and stage in life, want more flexibility at work. For more information, visit www.sloan.org.
Families and Work Institute
Families and Work Institute (FWI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that studies the changing workforce and workplace, the changing family and the changing community. As a preeminent think-tank, FWI is known for being ahead of the curve, identifying emerging issues, and then conducting rigorous research that often challenges common wisdom, provides insight and knowledge, and inspires action. Since the Institute was founded in 1989, our work has focused in three major areas: the workforce/workplace, youth and early childhood. For more information, visit www.familiesandwork.org.
The Institute for a Competitive Workforce
The Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW) is a 501(c)3 affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is working to ensure that businesses have access—today and tomorrow—to an educated and skilled workforce. Through policy initiatives, business outreach, and a strong grassroots network, ICW is finding solutions that will preserve the American workforce as this country’s greatest business asset and its strongest future resource. ICW promotes high educational standards and effective workforce training systems, so that they are aligned with each other and with today’s rigorous business demands. For more information, visit www.uschamber.com/icw.
The Twiga Foundation
The Twiga Foundation is dedicated to inspiring, promoting and maintaining a family consciousness at home, in the workplace and in the community. The Twiga Foundation acts as a liaison to key stakeholders in the When Work Works communities to address the issue of flexibility in the workplace. The Foundation helps build a broader leadership constituency for workplace flexibility within each community. For more information, visit www.twigafoundation.org.
Justin DeJong
Director of Communications
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
200 E. Randolph Street, Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60601
When Work Works roundtable will highlight employers that innovatively recruit, develop and train their employees; discuss application for Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility
CHICAGO – As changing demographics, an aging population and increased diversity continue to impact the region’s workforce, employers and human resource practitioners can gain firsthand knowledge about innovative workplace practices being used by top local companies to meet evolving employee needs. These best practices will be featured at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s When Work Works roundtable on Thursday, January 10. The Chamber has been selected by the Families and Work Institute and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to inform businesses in the region about trends in personnel management and to recognize effective and flexible workplaces in the 21st Century.
“As our local workforce continues to evolve, the demand for skilled workers will continue to increase especially as Baby Boomers begin to retire. Companies that offer their employees greater workplace flexibility will be able to best compete for the talent they need,” said Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jerry Roper.
For the past several decades, Families and Work Institute (FWI) has been documenting the changes in the American workforce and workplace through its nationally representative studies of employers and employees. The Institute’s research finds that today’s fast-paced, 24/7 “wired” economy and diverse workforce are far different than in the past. There are four generations in the workforce, the workforce is aging, and values have shifted. In response, employers are looking for new ways to recruit, develop and retain their talent. When Work Works responds to these challenges by sharing research and best practices for managing in new and flexible ways.
Examples include compressed work weeks to decrease turnover and give employees more concentrated time at work and at home, telecommuting to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, sabbaticals to re-energize employees, and phased retirement to retain the talent of older workers.
“It is more challenging than ever to manage effectively—to recruit top talent, to engage and retain this talent, and to maximize productivity—in the face of fierce competition, more complicated jobs and changing workforce demographics. When Work Works is finding the best examples of effective and flexible workplaces locally and then sharing these strategies that work with the rest of the nation and the world,” said Ellen Galinsky, President of Families and Work Institute.
Attendees of When Work Works roundtable will share research, discuss best practices, and provide practical advice about how flexibility can be a strategic business tool. Businesses that specialize in workplace flexibility will be on hand, including the 2007 When Work Works award winner, Ernst & Young LLP, Age Lessons, and Flex-Options, a project of the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau.
The When Work Works roundtable will be held on Thursday, January 10, between 8:30 and 10 a.m. at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Aon Center, 200 East Randolph, Suite 2200, Chicago. Event registration can be completed at www.chicagolandchamber.org. More information about When Work Works, as well as research, company profiles, and tips on working flexibly, can be found at www.whenworkworks.org. Participants in the roundtable will be encouraged to apply for the Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility; applications will be accepted online beginning on January 2, 2008. Organizations of all types with ten or more employees can apply.
When Work Works is an ongoing initiative led by the Families and Work Institute, the Institute for a Competitive Workforce, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Twiga Foundation. Chicago is one of 30 communities selected from across the nation, with local leadership being provided by Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and Chicago Workforce Board in collaboration with the Families and Work Institute, the Institute for a Competitive Workforce, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Twiga Foundation. When Work Works is made possible by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
For information about When Work Works or about the Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility in the Chicago region, please contact Peggy Luce, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce at (312) 494-6745 or at pluce@chicagolandchamber.org. For more information on When Work Works or the Sloan Awards at the national level, please contact Shanny Peer at (212) 981-2556 or at speer@familiesandwork.org.
In addition to recognizing workplace flexibility through the When Work Works initiative, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce also recognizes regional businesses for workplace excellence through its annual Right Workplace Award. Applications will be available beginning February 15.
# # #
About the Project Partners of When Work Works
About the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Since its founding in 1904 as the first regional chamber of commerce in the United States, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to make Chicagoland the most business-friendly region in America and enhance its members’ success through aggressive programs of advocacy, member benefits and services, and actionable information. The Chamber’s 2,600 members employ more than 1.2 million individuals in Chicagoland. Learn more by visiting www.chicagolandchamber.org.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation was established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan, Jr., then President and Chief Executive Officer of the General Motors Corporation. For the last 12 years, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has funded six Centers on Working Families, one workplace center, and many other research projects to examine issues faced by working families. Many of the findings reveal that while the demographics of the American workforce have changed dramatically over the last 30 years, the American workplace has not changed as rapidly. With today’s very diverse workforce, it is not surprising that now nearly four out of five working Americans, across age, income, and stage in life, want more flexibility at work. For more information, visit www.sloan.org.
Families and Work Institute
Families and Work Institute (FWI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that studies the changing workforce and workplace, the changing family and the changing community. As a preeminent think-tank, FWI is known for being ahead of the curve, identifying emerging issues, and then conducting rigorous research that often challenges common wisdom, provides insight and knowledge, and inspires action. Since the Institute was founded in 1989, our work has focused in three major areas: the workforce/workplace, youth and early childhood. For more information, visit www.familiesandwork.org.
The Institute for a Competitive Workforce
The Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW) is a 501(c)3 affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is working to ensure that businesses have access—today and tomorrow—to an educated and skilled workforce. Through policy initiatives, business outreach, and a strong grassroots network, ICW is finding solutions that will preserve the American workforce as this country’s greatest business asset and its strongest future resource. ICW promotes high educational standards and effective workforce training systems, so that they are aligned with each other and with today’s rigorous business demands. For more information, visit www.uschamber.com/icw.
The Twiga Foundation
The Twiga Foundation is dedicated to inspiring, promoting and maintaining a family consciousness at home, in the workplace and in the community. The Twiga Foundation acts as a liaison to key stakeholders in the When Work Works communities to address the issue of flexibility in the workplace. The Foundation helps build a broader leadership constituency for workplace flexibility within each community. For more information, visit www.twigafoundation.org.
Justin DeJong
Director of Communications
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
200 E. Randolph Street, Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60601
Daley endorses Smith for Recorder
Today Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley endorsed Ed Smith for Cook County Recorder of Deeds."Ed Smith is a tremendous leader in Chicago," said Mayor Daley. "He will be a great asset in Cook County government, and I am proud to endorse him today."Mayor Daley now leads a growing coalition of city and suburban public officials supporting Ed Smith and demanding change in the Cook County Recorder's office."I am extremely gratified to have Mayor Daley's endorsement and support," said Alderman Smith. "He has been a tremendous leader for the City of Chicago and I look forward to campaigning with him."Also, last night the Independent Voters of Illinois - Independent Precinct Organization endorsed Ed Smith for Recorder of Deeds. A complete list of endorsements can be found on the campaign web site at http://www.EdSmithForRecorder.comAlderman Ed Smith is a Democratic candidate for Cook County Recorder of Deeds. He is an accomplished member of the Chicago City Council who most recently, passed the Chicago Smoking Ban. Throughout his career he has served with unquestionable integrity and has built a reputation for speaking against injustice. Alderman Smith was first elected to the Chicago City Council in 1983 after helping to organize the Chicago's West Side for Harold Washington's historic mayoral campaign. He holds a Masters of Arts in Urban Studies from Northeastern Illinois University and served for two years in the Peace Corps in India. He and his wife Carolyn live in Chicago's Garfield Park neighborhood.
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Blagojevich letter on special session
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
SPRINGFIELD 62706
Rod Blagojevich
GOVERNOR December 20, 2007
Honorable members of the General Assembly:
As you know, despite the immediate and growing need to fund the Chicagoland mass transit system, Speaker Madigan decided to cancel session this week. This delay leaves millions of people waiting in uncertainty. I had hoped to receive legislation on my desk before the end of the calendar year. I considered calling a special session this week, but was informed by the legislative leaders that many of their members would be unavailable, and that it would be counterproductive to call them in right before their holiday break.
It has been ninety-two days since the Senate approved a capital plan with bipartisan support. That plan also provided for $200 million in interim relief for mass transit. In the three months since, the House has taken no action. Additionally, twice in the past four months I have been forced to bail out the Chicago Transit Authority to avoid crippling service cuts and fare hikes. In the absence of a permanent funding source, these bailouts have totaled almost $100 million.
Transit riders deserve better. The people of this state deserve better. As such, I am writing to notify you that I will call for a Special Session after the holiday break, beginning January 2, 2008, and to ask you to work quickly to pass a statewide infrastructure plan, so that there is also sufficient support for a long-term solution to mass transit funding. As I have said before, I support Representative Saviano’s plan, or a comparable plan, to provide mass transit funding by redirecting the sales tax on gasoline in the RTA region. This legislation received a near-majority of 57 votes on November 28, even though many members were absent or failed to vote on the measure.
With the RTA prepared to implement drastic layoffs, service cuts and fare increases on January 20 if no agreement is reached, our time is running out. You must focus on passing legislation in this short timeframe. There will be only 18 days to work before the transit doomsday, so you should be prepared to meet as often as needed during that period.
I am providing this notice now so that all members of the General Assembly can make arrangements to be present, and be prepared to vote. Let’s start the New Year on a great note by passing a long-term solution for mass transit. The citizens of Illinois are relying on us to get the job done.
Sincerely,
Rod Blagojevich
Abby Ottenhoff Director of Communications Office of Gov. Rod Blagojevich
SPRINGFIELD 62706
Rod Blagojevich
GOVERNOR December 20, 2007
Honorable members of the General Assembly:
As you know, despite the immediate and growing need to fund the Chicagoland mass transit system, Speaker Madigan decided to cancel session this week. This delay leaves millions of people waiting in uncertainty. I had hoped to receive legislation on my desk before the end of the calendar year. I considered calling a special session this week, but was informed by the legislative leaders that many of their members would be unavailable, and that it would be counterproductive to call them in right before their holiday break.
It has been ninety-two days since the Senate approved a capital plan with bipartisan support. That plan also provided for $200 million in interim relief for mass transit. In the three months since, the House has taken no action. Additionally, twice in the past four months I have been forced to bail out the Chicago Transit Authority to avoid crippling service cuts and fare hikes. In the absence of a permanent funding source, these bailouts have totaled almost $100 million.
Transit riders deserve better. The people of this state deserve better. As such, I am writing to notify you that I will call for a Special Session after the holiday break, beginning January 2, 2008, and to ask you to work quickly to pass a statewide infrastructure plan, so that there is also sufficient support for a long-term solution to mass transit funding. As I have said before, I support Representative Saviano’s plan, or a comparable plan, to provide mass transit funding by redirecting the sales tax on gasoline in the RTA region. This legislation received a near-majority of 57 votes on November 28, even though many members were absent or failed to vote on the measure.
With the RTA prepared to implement drastic layoffs, service cuts and fare increases on January 20 if no agreement is reached, our time is running out. You must focus on passing legislation in this short timeframe. There will be only 18 days to work before the transit doomsday, so you should be prepared to meet as often as needed during that period.
I am providing this notice now so that all members of the General Assembly can make arrangements to be present, and be prepared to vote. Let’s start the New Year on a great note by passing a long-term solution for mass transit. The citizens of Illinois are relying on us to get the job done.
Sincerely,
Rod Blagojevich
Abby Ottenhoff Director of Communications Office of Gov. Rod Blagojevich
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Lipinski lists funds secured for district
Lipinski Secures Millions of Federal Dollars for Local Communities
FY2008 Appropriations Bill Passes Congress
[Washington D.C.] – Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL) announced that with the passage of the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill today, he has secured millions of dollars that will aid Third District residents.
"These federal funds will help our communities by easing traffic congestion, expanding mass transit, cleaning up the local environment, increasing care for abused children, housing homeless veterans, providing communications equipment for area first responders, protecting food safety, helping local communities improve water infrastructure, and developing environmentally friendly transportation,” said Congressman Lipinski. "These are the issues that affect people every day, and I am proud to be bringing back the funding that will improve the daily lives of Third District residents.”
In addition, thanks to Congressman Lipinski’s efforts, the legislation also includes more than $20 million for the Capital Grants Rail Line Relocation and Improvement Program, a federal grants program that could help create quiet zones, build underpasses, improve safety, and aid economic development in local communities with rail lines.
The FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill includes funding for the following projects requested by Rep. Lipinski:
$400,000 for a parking garage in Berwyn that would serve area communities as well as provide economic development and traffic mitigation in the area.
$500,000 for extension of the Chicago Transit Authority's Orange Line from its current terminus at Midway Airport to Ford City Mall. The extension would feature a new station with intermodal connections to nearby neighborhoods and southwest suburban communities.
$250,000 for the construction of a community center at Saint Richard Parish serving the Archer Heights Community. This center will be used by the parish, the local community, and organizations such as the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
$238,000 for the Cook County Environmental Infrastructure Fund, to aid in improving local water and sewer systems and community environmental infrastructure needs.
$500,000 for a feasibility study of the South Fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River, also known as Bubbly Creek, to address problems of odor and water quality issues.
$100,000 for a study to determine alternatives to using the Lucas-Berg Confined Dredged Facility as a disposal site for dredged material from the Calumet-Sag Channel Modification and Illinois Waterway.
$1,000,000 for fuel research and development at Northern Illinois University. Working in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory, Northern Illinois University will continue a joint research program to develop a viable fuel cell vehicle that will provide environmentally-friendly transportation.
$2,228,000 for the National Center for Food Safety & Technology, run by the Illinois Institute of Technology, to continue conducting food safety, security and prevention technology research. With recent events having raised awareness of the importance of food safety, this funding will facilitate research that will help ensure that Americans have a safe food supply.
$316,000 for Advocate Health Care’s Childhood Trauma Treatment Program for specialized and comprehensive psychotherapy and support for abused and neglected children and their families.
$243,000 for Northern Illinois University’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology for a center developing new technologies and working on interdisciplinary projects ranging from homeland security to noise cancellation.
$487,000 for Catholic Charities for a proposed St. Leo’s Residence to provide all aspects of rehabilitation to homeless veterans with the goal of them self sufficient.
$2,256,000 for Cook County to spend on Interoperable Safety and Emergency Communications Radios to allow local villages and municipalities to communicate in the event of a biological, chemical or terrorist attack and would assist thousands of first responders in the Cook County region.
The funding bill has been approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate and is expected to be signed into law this week.
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FY2008 Appropriations Bill Passes Congress
[Washington D.C.] – Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL) announced that with the passage of the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill today, he has secured millions of dollars that will aid Third District residents.
"These federal funds will help our communities by easing traffic congestion, expanding mass transit, cleaning up the local environment, increasing care for abused children, housing homeless veterans, providing communications equipment for area first responders, protecting food safety, helping local communities improve water infrastructure, and developing environmentally friendly transportation,” said Congressman Lipinski. "These are the issues that affect people every day, and I am proud to be bringing back the funding that will improve the daily lives of Third District residents.”
In addition, thanks to Congressman Lipinski’s efforts, the legislation also includes more than $20 million for the Capital Grants Rail Line Relocation and Improvement Program, a federal grants program that could help create quiet zones, build underpasses, improve safety, and aid economic development in local communities with rail lines.
The FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill includes funding for the following projects requested by Rep. Lipinski:
$400,000 for a parking garage in Berwyn that would serve area communities as well as provide economic development and traffic mitigation in the area.
$500,000 for extension of the Chicago Transit Authority's Orange Line from its current terminus at Midway Airport to Ford City Mall. The extension would feature a new station with intermodal connections to nearby neighborhoods and southwest suburban communities.
$250,000 for the construction of a community center at Saint Richard Parish serving the Archer Heights Community. This center will be used by the parish, the local community, and organizations such as the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
$238,000 for the Cook County Environmental Infrastructure Fund, to aid in improving local water and sewer systems and community environmental infrastructure needs.
$500,000 for a feasibility study of the South Fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River, also known as Bubbly Creek, to address problems of odor and water quality issues.
$100,000 for a study to determine alternatives to using the Lucas-Berg Confined Dredged Facility as a disposal site for dredged material from the Calumet-Sag Channel Modification and Illinois Waterway.
$1,000,000 for fuel research and development at Northern Illinois University. Working in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory, Northern Illinois University will continue a joint research program to develop a viable fuel cell vehicle that will provide environmentally-friendly transportation.
$2,228,000 for the National Center for Food Safety & Technology, run by the Illinois Institute of Technology, to continue conducting food safety, security and prevention technology research. With recent events having raised awareness of the importance of food safety, this funding will facilitate research that will help ensure that Americans have a safe food supply.
$316,000 for Advocate Health Care’s Childhood Trauma Treatment Program for specialized and comprehensive psychotherapy and support for abused and neglected children and their families.
$243,000 for Northern Illinois University’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology for a center developing new technologies and working on interdisciplinary projects ranging from homeland security to noise cancellation.
$487,000 for Catholic Charities for a proposed St. Leo’s Residence to provide all aspects of rehabilitation to homeless veterans with the goal of them self sufficient.
$2,256,000 for Cook County to spend on Interoperable Safety and Emergency Communications Radios to allow local villages and municipalities to communicate in the event of a biological, chemical or terrorist attack and would assist thousands of first responders in the Cook County region.
The funding bill has been approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate and is expected to be signed into law this week.
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