THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER
Governor Pat Quinn
Gov. Pat Quinn Appoints Ex-State Rep. Bob Flider Illinois Agriculture Department Director
(Springfield, IL) – February 15, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today named Bob Flider director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “It is important that our Agriculture agency is led by someone who understands the key role of agri-business in our economy,” Quinn said. Flider served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2003 through 2011, … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Delivers Mars Candy Valentines to Kids at Shriners Hospital for Children
(Chicago, IL) – February 14, 2012. On Valentine’s Day, Governor Pat Quinn visited the Chicago Mars candy factory to announce new data on the company’s recent Illinois growth and to pick up bags of candy for hospitalized kids. “Right here in Illinois, Mars is manufacturing Snickers, Milky Way and 3 Musketeers and it is only … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Taps Illinois Transportation, Aging, Agriculture, Insurance, Environment Agency Chiefs
(Chicago, IL) -– October 24, 2011. The deck chairs are on the move. Governor Pat Quinn today announced Ann Schneider, who has been the Acting Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation for several months will get the post permanently and John Holton will take over as the Director of the Illinois Department on Aging. Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Goes to China
(Chicago, IL) — September 15, 2011. Coming on the heels of an excursion to China by Illinois Treasurer and 2014 GOP governor hopeful Dan Rutherford, Governor Pat Quinn today announced that he too will travel to the People’s Republic of China on a trade mission, starting tomorrow. The Governor will arrive in China on September 17 … Continue reading
Despite Criticism by Lisa Madigan of Illinois Workers Compensation Reform, Gov. Pat Quinn Signs Bill
(Chicago, IL) — June 28, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that overhauls of Illinois’ workers’ compensation system and claimed that the new law will save Illinois businesses between $500 and $750 million dollars. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Announces Illinois Tourism Grew $2.2 Billion in 2010
(Chicago, IL) — June 20, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois’ tourism industry generated $29.3 billion in revenue in 2010, an increase of more than $2.2 billion. “The gains we experienced in 2010 clearly show that the tourism industry continues to play a critical role in our state’s ongoing economic recovery,” said Quinn. … 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
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
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
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
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 Vetoes Illinois Coal Gasification Plant Bills
(Springfield, IL) – March 14, 2011. With no fanfare, Governor Pat Quinn today quietly vetoed two controversial bills that aimed to give state backing to the construction of two coal gasification plants in Illinois, one in downstate Jefferson County and the other in Cook County’s Calumet City, that backers claimed would generate thousands of new jobs. 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 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
Gov. Pat Quinn Takes Aim at Illinois Organized Retail Crime
(Chicago, IL) – February 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday signed legislation to combat organized retail crime in Illinois, enabling prosecutors to seek forfeiture of assets of those convicted of retail theft. Continue reading
Easing Budget Crisis, Gov. Pat Quinn to Reduce Illinois Human Service Mid-Year Budget Cuts
(Chicago, IL) — February 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn has personally intervened to reduce the $208 million mid-year budgets cuts slated for the Illinois Department of Department Humans Services, cuts which had threaten to eliminate 80% of the Illinois substance abuse and treatment services and wipe out other human service programs by March 15, according … Continue reading
Dem, GOP Lawmakers Act to Halt Gov. Pat Quinn’s Mid-Year Drug, Alcohol Treatment Budget Cuts
(Springfield, IL) — February 23, 2011. Illinois lawmakers today unveiled a bi-partisan Illinois House resolution calling on Governor Pat Quinn to halt the elimination of all state funding for non-Medicaid drug and alcohol treatment services effective March 15, claiming the mid-year budget cuts will trigger the discharge of 55,000 treatment clients and the lay off of more than 5,000 workers. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Appoints Interim State Police Director Ensnarled in Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit
(Chicago, IL) – February 1, 2011. In a shuffle of the state’s security services, Governor Pat Quinn yesterday named Patrick Keen as the interim director of the Illinois State Police after shuttling the current acting director, Jonathon Monken, to the director’s post at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Continue reading
Speaker Michael Madigan Backs Plan to Oust Quinn Appointees Without Illinois Senate Confirmation
(Springfield, IL) — February 14, 2011. House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) has gotten behind Senate President John Cullerton’s legislative effort to oust appointees of ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich or Governor Pat Quinn whose terms have expired or whose appointment has not received the consent of the senate. Continue reading
A State Grant from Gov. Pat Quinn Prompts Illinois Manufacturer to Expand, Add Jobs
(Chicago, IL) — February 9, 2011. Continuing to swat fears that the new Illinois income tax increase will drive away businesses, Governor Pat Quinn today announced a more than $1 million state investment package to allow an Illinois manufacturer, The Chamberlain Group, Inc., to expand its operations and create potentially 100 new jobs over the next four years. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Shifts Gears on Illinois Human Services Budget Cuts–For Now
(Chicago, IL) – February 8, 2011. After several weeks of clear signals floating out of Governor Pat Quinn’s administration that substantial mid-year budget cuts were on deck for Illinois human service providers, the governor’s office has backtracked—for now. First, the advocacy group Illinois Partners, which has been publicly sounding the budget alarm for the last … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Wants “Grassroots” Campaign to Pressure Lawmakers on Bonding Bill
(Chicago, IL) — February 4, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn‘s Administration is seeking to launch a “grassroots” campaign to build legislative support for a $8.7 billion bonding bill that would pay the Illinois’ overdue bills. Quinn’s staff started today reaching out to lobbyists and key state vendors asking them to sign a letter to lawmakers advocating … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Names Acting Capital Development Board Chief
(Springfield, IL) — December 30, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday named Gus Behnke as the acting executive director of the Illinois Capital Development Board. Behnke will replace Executive Director Jim Riemer, who is retiring effective December 31. 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
Gov. Pat Quinn Asks for Cabinet’s Resignation, Source Says
(Chicago, IL) — November 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn has already asked for the resignations from his entire cabinet, according to a highly placed source. Continue reading
National Restaurant Association Convention Will Remain at McCormick Place, Gov. Pat Quinn Says
(Chicago, IL) — November 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor Richard Daley today announced that the National Restaurant Association will continue to hold its annual convention in Chicago through 2016. Continue reading
Our View: Illinois Civil Unions Are Not a Tourist Attraction
Let’s be clear. Governor Pat Quinn’s backing of civil unions for gay and lesbian couples has been up to this point both noble and courageous. Continue reading
Chrysler Commits $600 Million to Belvidere Plant Expansion, Governor Pat Quinn Says
(Chicago, IL) — October 28, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Chrysler is planning to invest $600 million over the next three years to expand its Belvidere assembly plant to produce “future vehicles”. Continue reading
Aiming to Ease Traffic Congestion, Gov. Pat Quinn Announces $64 Million Bensenville Intersection Reconstruction
(Chicago, IL) — October 25, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $64 million effort to rebuild a key intersection in Bensenville to provide traffic congestion relief. Continue reading
Chicago-based Groupon Gets $3.5 Million Grant from Gov. Pat Quinn to Hire 250 New Employees
(Chicago, IL) — October 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $3.5 million business investment package to create 250 new jobs at Chicago-based Groupon, Inc., the nation’s leading social shopping website, offering daily deals on local goods, services and cultural events. Continue reading
As Breast Cancer among African-American Illinois Women Surges 77%, Gov. Pat Quinn Launches New Access, Treatment Initiative
(Chicago, IL) — October 18, 2010. As breast cancer among African-American Illinois women has surged 77% since 1986, Governor Pat Quinn today announced a new advisory panel and a Medicaid reimbursement rate for screen to help fight breast cancer among Illinois women, focusing on access to mammograms and treatment. Continue reading
Illinois Governor Debate 2010: WBEZ Chicago Public Radio Debate Excludes Green Party Nominee Rich Whitney, Too Bad
(Chicago, IL) — October 17, 2010. Unlike its public broadcasting counter part in Southern Illinois on Thursday night, the WBEZ Chicago Public Radio Illinois governor debate will exclude Green Party gubernatorial nominee Rich Whitney at Elmhurst College tonight. Continue reading
Illinois Budget: College Gets $2.1 Million Quinn Construction Grant; Illinois Owes School $2.6 Million
(Chicago, IL) — October 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday announced a $2.1 million grant for infrastructure and energy-efficiency projects at South Suburban College in Holland, but Illinois owed the school $2,633,995.70 in overdue payments, as of July 22, 2010. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Grants $2.1 Million to South Suburban College for New Energy Efficient Windows, Emergency Generator
(Chicago, IL) — October 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday announced $2.1 million for infrastructure and energy-efficiency projects at South Suburban College in Holland. Continue reading
As Unpaid Bill Backlog Rises to $8.75 Billion, Illinois Now Ranks Worst in Nation for Late Payments to Human Service Agencies, New Report Says
(Chicago, IL) — October 7. Illinois is the worst state in the nation for late payments to nonprofit human service providers, according to a new report released today by the Urban Institute. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Churns Out Another Commission: This Time It’s the Elgin-O’Hare West Bypass Advisory Council
(Chicago, IL) — October 5, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined public and private sector leaders to announce the formation of another in a long line of gubernatorial advisory councils. This one will assist in the planning and building of the Elgin-O’Hare West Bypass. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Announces Temporary Extension of Put Illinois to Work Jobs Program
(Chicago, IL) September 28, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the extension of the Put Illinois to Work program for up to two months to serve as a bridge until Congress votes on an extension of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Emergency Contingency Fund. The federal program, which supports Put Illinois to Work, is … Continue reading
Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno Wants Democratic Lawmakers to Help Nix Pat Quinn’s New AFSCME Contract
(Chicago, IL) — September 28, 2010. Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) wants Democratic lawmakers to convince Governor Pat Quinn to halt the extension of the new AFSCME contract. According to Illinois News Network reporter Jim Anderson: The state’s new contract extension with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has been chewed … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Announces $12 Million Broadbrand Investment in Central Illinois
(Litchfield, IL) September 25, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn on Saturday joined Illinois business, technology and community leaders to highlight a nearly $12 million dollar investment in Central Illinois’ broadband infrastructure. Supported by $800,000 in Illinois Jobs Now! capital funding and private investment, the project will receive a more than $11 million boost from the U.S. … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Announces $3 Million Capital Grant to Carmi Hospital in Southern Illinois
(Carmi, IL) — August 28, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday announced $3 million in capital funding to restore and open the now-shuttered Carmi hospital, giving area residents more convenient access to medical care. The refurbished hospital will employ approximately 160 medical personnel and support staff in the community and create 21 construction jobs. The project … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Appoints Michelle Saddler New Chief Staff; Rep. Lou Lang Praises Move
(Chicago, IL) — August 24, 2010. In the wake of former Chief of Staff Jerry Stermer‘s abrupt resignation over a minor ethics flap, Governor Pat Quinn today named Michelle Saddler as his Chief of Staff . Saddler has been serving as the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). Prior to DHS post, … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Signs Senator Dan Cronin DuPage Water Commission Reform Bill without Apparent Pension Bond Deal Vote
(Chicago, IL) – July 30, 2010. Without fanfare, horns or trumpets, Governor Pat Quinn yesterday quietly signed a bill to reform the DuPage water board and ditch its tax without apparently securing support from the legislation’s sponsor to back a state pension bond bill. Quinn penned his approval of the measure, Senate Bill 580, that … 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
Pat Quinn Announces “Put Illinois to Work” Program Creates 22,000 Jobs
(Chicago, IL) — July 20, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that in less than three months 22,162 people across the state have land jobs through the Put Illinois to Work employment program. “We have created more than 22,000 jobs that would not have been possible without Put Illinois to Work,” said Quinn. Through Put … Continue reading
Lou Lang: Illinois Minimum Wage Hike for 400,000 Workers, 70,000 New Jobs Boost Illinois Economy, Governor Pat Quinn
Guest Column by House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie) (Skokie, IL) — July 20, 2010. The Illinois economy has recently generated some welcome news on a couple fronts for both Illinois workers and Governor Pat Quinn. First, the Illinois minimum wage increased to $8.25 an hour on July 1, after increasing to $8.00 only … 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
David Ormsby, Editor
Gov. Pat Quinn
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THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER 