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Illinois ChannelUnedited Nonpartisan Coverage of Illinois State Government & Public Affairs
May 16 Gov. Blagojevich Announces Illinois Products Farmers' MarketFrom the Office of Governor Rod Blagojevich
SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the 2008 Illinois Products Farmers’ Market to support local farmers, while also providing consumers with fresh, locally grown produce and relief from the rising costs of food. The market will be open each Thursday, June 26 through October 30, with the exception of August 7 and August 14, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Commodities Pavilion on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
“Illinois is the leading producer of commodities like corn and soybeans, but we also produce specialty crops like apples, peaches, tomatoes and green beans,” Gov. Blagojevich said. “This evening market will enable Illinois farmers to spread the word about the availability of locally-grown produce and help fulfill our growing demand for fresh fruits and vegetables.”
In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, the market will provide many types of Illinois food products including homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, processed foods, meat items & Illinois wines. Any “Illinois (food) Product” can be sold at the market.
Illinois is the largest producer of pumpkins and horseradish in the nation and ranks among the top ten states in the production of the specialty crops such as asparagus, cauliflower, fresh cut herbs, green peas, lima beans, mustard greens and snap peas. According to the 2003 Illinois Specialty Crop Survey, more than 117, 000 acres of Illinois farmland is devoted to growing specialty crops, producing nearly $137 million in sales for Illinois farmers.
“Consumers benefit from the availability of nutritious, locally-grown food,” said Acting Agriculture Director Tom Jennings. “The communities that sponsor farmers markets benefit from increased tourism and the state benefits from the jobs that are supported as demand grows for our food products.”
The number of farmers markets in Illinois has increased significantly the past 10 years. It is estimated there are more than 225 farmers markets for the 2008 market season that’s up from 97 markets in 1999.
If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, please contact Market Manager Kristi Lee Kenney at 217-782-0777. Obama Demands VA Investigate Allegations of PTSD Misdiagnoses to Reduce CostsFrom the Office of U.S. Senator Barack Obama
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama today sent the following letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Peake, calling on him to investigate reports that a psychologist at a Texas Veterans Affairs (VA) facility told staff members to refrain from diagnosing veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in order to reduce costs. According to today’s Washington Post, the psychologist, Ms. Norma Perez, apparently emailed Teague Center staff members suggesting the alternative diagnosis to limit the number of tests required to diagnose PTSD. Since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began, thousands of service members have returned home suffering from combat-related psychological injuries like PTSD, which require much-needed treatment.
In the letter, Obama calls on Peake to launch an investigation into the incident to evaluate whether Perez was advised to send this e-mail or give this instruction at the urging of her superiors; whether staff members at the Teague Center followed Perez’s advice, and if so, how many veterans were affected by incorrect diagnoses; whether officials at other veterans centers have given some similar admonitions to staff members charged with diagnosing PTSD; whether affected veterans have been given immediate re-diagnoses and; whether this is an incident or a trend through the VA system.
Obama also wrote today to Veterans Affairs' Committee Chairman Daniel Akaka requesting a hearing to examine this matter.
The text of the letter is below:
Dear Secretary Peake:
I am writing to express my serious concerns about reports that a psychologist at a Texas Veterans Affairs (VA) facility told staff members to refrain from diagnosing veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
According to today’s Washington Post, Norma Perez, a psychologist at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Center in Temple, Texas, sent an email to other staffers saying: “Given that we are having more and more compensation seeking veterans, I’d like to suggest that you refrain from giving a diagnosis of PTSD straight out.” She then suggested the alternative diagnosis of “Adjustment Disorder,” adding that VA staff members “really don’t . . . have time to do the extensive testing that should be done to determine PTSD.”
Simply put, Ms. Perez’s email is outrageous. As you well know, PTSD is the most prevalent mental disorder afflicting our returning Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans. In order to receive their deserved benefits, these brave men and women must endure a long and arduous process. To hear that a VA official is promoting misdiagnoses of soldiers to save money is unacceptable and is tantamount to fraud.
You have said that Ms. Perez’s email is “inappropriate,” but more must be done. I call on the Department to open an investigation into the following:
1) Whether Ms. Perez was advised to send this e-mail or give this instruction at the urging of her superiors at the Teague Center.
2) Whether staff members at the Teague Center followed Ms. Perez’s advice, and if so, how many veterans were affected by incorrect diagnoses.
3) Whether officials at other veterans centers have given some similar admonitions to staff members charged with diagnosing PTSD.
4) Whether this is an incident or a trend. I understand that the VA keeps detailed information on the number of diagnoses of PTSD and adjustment disorder. Your investigation must look at changes in the number of both diagnoses over time, both system-wide and on a facility-by-facility basis.
5) What is being done to ensure that any veterans affected by this instruction do not fall through the cracks. All veterans given an incorrect diagnosis should be given redress both in their diagnoses and their subsequent disability benefits.
6) Whether there are any trends among veterans who have committed suicide recently to determine whether any were wrongly diagnosed with adjustment disorder. Your investigation should include a survey of root cause analyses of recent veteran suicides.
7) Whether there are other instances across the VA bureaucracy of veterans with legitimate cases of PTSD being swept under the rug for budgetary reasons or for expediency. Why, for instance is the number of approved benefits claims for PTSD at the Veterans Benefits Administration decreasing at a time when diagnoses for PTSD at the Veterans Health Administration are increasing?
Too many veterans see the VA as a bureaucracy with the singular goal of denying services and benefits to veterans. This recent incident merely serves to promote that impression. I request that you advise me by no later than Friday, May 23, 2008, as to whether you will open such investigation.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
United States Senator Durbin, Bean: STB Should Reject CN Fast-TrackFrom the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Congresswoman Melissa Bean (IL-08) today urged federal regulators to reject a request from Canadian National Railroad (CN) to fast-track an environmental review of its proposed purchase of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E).
On May 13, CN officials asked the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which governs the sale, to complete its Environmental Impact Statement by Dec. 1. As noted in Durbin and Bean’s joint letter, that would leave only six months for completion of the study – one third of the minimum 18 months total the STB said is typically required for such a study.
“Any proposal with such a dramatic impact on the future of Illinois must be carefully reviewed,” said Durbin. “Rushing this decision will leave important voices out of the process and limit access to information the Surface Transportation Board needs. I will continue to work with Congresswoman Bean and other members of the Illinois delegation to make certain this important decision is not rushed.”
Bean, who has had led Congressional opposition to the transaction and who represents over 15 communities which will be directly affected, said: “CN’s request is a cynical attempt at an end run around the established process. The STB has clearly identified a host of issues that need careful examination. Rushing this review process will shortchange the affected communities and undermine the authority of the STB.”
CN’s proposal would result in up to a 400 percent increase in rail traffic along the EJ&E line, which cuts through many suburban Chicago communities. The increase will have a significant impact on traffic congestion on the region’s roads. CN’s proposal also threatens construction of the long-awaited suburb-to-suburb Metra STAR Line. CN also has yet to commit to measures that would allow expanded and more timely Amtrak service along the popular and fast-growing Chicago-Carbondale-Champaign route.
In November 2007, the STB ruled that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was required to study the impact of the sale. In April, the STB issued a ruling on the final scope of the EIS, outlining numerous broad factors that would require review. The STB has also said it would be impossible to put a timeframe on the EIS, ruling, “The time the EIS will take to prepare cannot be determined ahead of time because there is no way to predict in advance all of the specific issues that may arise. In prior cases, the EIS process has ranged from approximately 18 months to several years.”
Given that the level of public interest in this project has been unprecedented, according to STB officials, Bean and Durbin argue that a shortened review process makes little sense.
“An EIS process that is completed in less than the typical time frame of 18 months to several years, as cited by the Board as an average, would jeopardize the ability of the STB to do the comprehensive investigation warranted and undermine the credibility and authority of the EIS recommendations and proceedings,” Durbin and Bean’s joint letter says. May 15 Sen. Durbin Comments on the Farm Bill[Washington, DC] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) made the following statement following today’s passage of the Farm Bill:
"The farm bill will make significant investments in nutrition, conservation, and renewable energy programs. However, the final version fell short of my expectations for reform of our commodities programs and underfunded key priorities like agricultural research and rural development.
The nutrition title of the farm bill will provide $373 million in additional funding over the next 10 years to more than 158,000 Illinois households that face hunger. The bill also significantly expands a program that provides free fruits and vegetables to schoolchildren and increases funding for food banks and soup kitchens.
In order to make our commodity support programs work better for both producers and taxpayers, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and I proposed a voluntary Revenue-Based Safety Net that was included in the final bill. The program will provide a revenue guarantee to producers when market conditions require it. At this time of high prices, the program provides producers a risk-management tool they can really use.
While we missed an opportunity to establish sensible payment limits and to invest in rural America, we made important commitments to nutrition and conservation.”
-30- California Justices Say Same Sex Marriage OKMay 15, 2008
the California Supreme Court ruled today that all couples in California - including same-sex couples - can legally marry. GOP Senate Candidate Sauerberg Comment on CA Sup Crt Ruling on Same Sex Marriagefrom the Saurerberg Campaign, May 15, 2008
(Lombard, IL) - "Today four activist judges on the California Supreme Court voted to radically re-define the institution of marriage. I strongly believe that marriage is an institution that should be reserved for one man and one woman and, accordingly, strongly disagree with this decision.
"Today's ruling is a stark reminder of the need for conservative judges and justices who will interpret the law - not create it. As a United States Senator, I will only vote to confirm strict constructionist judges who understand the proper role of the judiciary."
# # # May 14 Federal Trade Commission Agrees to Sen. Durbin's Request to Investigate Fuel Pricesfrom Sen. Durbin's press office
Announcement Comes as Gas Prices Reach All-Time High [WASHINGTON, DC] – At the urging of United States Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today agreed to launch an inquiry into the record high fuel prices facing American consumers. The commission, which is responsible for investigating consumer protection and competition issues in broad sectors of the economy, announced the investigation at their annual budget hearing before the Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, which Durbin chairs. “As summer approaches drivers and air travelers across America are feeling the heat from record high fuel prices and projections suggest it’s only going to get worse,” Durbin said. “Yet these record-breaking prices are coming at time when the oil industry is reporting record-breaking profits. I’m pleased that the FTC is taking the issue seriously and has opened an investigation; we must ensure that American consumers are not falling victim to price-gougers and profiteers.” Last month, Durbin sent a letter to the FTC asking for an investigation into the recent spikes in fuel prices. The FTC is tasked with investigating anticompetitive business practices. In addition, the commission monitors gasoline and diesel prices and can take enforcement actions for violations of antitrust laws. The FTC last investigated high gas prices in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Testifying at today’s hearing were FTC Chairman, William Kovacic and FTC Commissioner Jon Leibowitz. Durbin noted that today, the average gas price reached an all time nationwide high of $3.73 a gallon, according to AAA. Many analysts predict that gas will reach $4.00 in the near future. And recent polling shows that a majority of Americans believe that gas prices could exceed $6 a gallon in the next few years. Transportation agencies and airlines are also feeling the pinch. Nationally, diesel prices are also at record high levels. The Chicago Transit Authority is projecting that they will be more than $25 million over budget by year’s end because of the high cost of diesel fuel. Shipping prices have also gone up because of increased fuel costs paid by commercial truckers causing a price increase on many consumer goods, including food. Airlines are faced with a growing gap between the cost oil and the price they pay for jet fuel. The increase in the spread between the cost of crude oil and the price airlines pay for refined jet fuel is at its widest gap ever. Last month, United Airlines announced it lost nearly $540 million in the first quarter of this year due to soaring fuel costs - the cost of which more than offset its record profits. In addition to FTC’s investigation into gas prices, today’s hearing focused on FTC’s FY09 budget request. The agency is requesting a 5% budget increase for the new fiscal year raising their budget to $256.2 million. The increase would to towards increasing staffing levels in the area of consumer protection and enforcement of antitrust laws. Today’s hearing also discussed FTC’s work in the following areas: subprime lending investigations and other unfair and deceptive practices in the financial services arena; “Green” Marketing (guidelines for representing environmental attributes of products); identity theft and other privacy issues. -30- Rep. Shimkus Votes for Farm Billnote.. President Bush has threatened to veto the bill.
from Cong John Shimkus office
Washington, DC…..Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) voted for passage of the Conference Report on the Food and Energy Security Act (commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, HR 2419). This is the authorization bill for the Department of Agriculture and related programs; this legislation does not appropriate the actual funds. "This is the multi-year renewal of the Farm Bill that includes commodity programs, conservation programs, nutrition programs, and biofuel programs," Shimkus explained. "The Farm Bill enjoys broad bipartisan support, and, while there are certainly aspects of it that I would change, I believe that overall it is a fair compromise." The Farm Bill includes direct payments to producers of ten commodities: wheat, corn, sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, rice, oybeans, peanuts, and minor oilseeds. "This bill reduces the acreage a farmer can receive payments on from the previous 85 percent to 83.3 percent," Shimkus said. "Payments only occur when the market price falls below the target price. Income caps are also included that limit payments." Under conservation, the Wetlands Reserve Program, Conservation Reserve Program, Conservation Security Program, Grasslands Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentive Program, Agriculture Water Enhancement Program, and Farm and Ranchland Protection Program are all extended. Total conservation spending is increased by $5 billion over ten years. "Nutrition programs also see a large increase -- over $10 billion over ten years. And just to be confusing, we change the name of the Food Stamp Program to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program," Shimkus commented. "And one of the most valuable agencies to my district authorized in this bill is Rural Development, which provides funds for water and sewer projects, broadband technology, and community buildings. "Finally and importantly, biofuels programs include research and development, loan assistance to biorefineries, and a new Biomass Crop Assistance for cellulosic energy crops," Shimkus stated. ### Edwards Endorses ObamaNever one to rush into a decision.. Sen. John Edwards had decided to endorse Sen. Obama for president. Bolingbrook Holds "Operation Care Package" to Support Troops
In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, Operation Care Package and The Promenade Bolingbrook will be collecting donations that will be sent to our troops. Our stores have a list of suggested donations that troops and their families can use. Ask your favorite store for the list, make your purchase, and bring the donation and receipt to Guest Services. Each guest that brings a donation will be entered to win a $100 gift card to The Promenade Bolingbrook. Collection: Fri., May 23, 2008 – Sat., May 31, 2008 Join us as we celebrate our troops with entertainment and excitement.
Celebration: Sat., May 31, 2008 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Opening Ceremony includes: Color Guard and National Anthem Parade with local Veteran and Mayor Claar Activities throughout the day include: US Navy Band on the stage in The Village Green Card Making for the Troops Army Vehicles on Display Recognition Announcements of troops serving our country We will be stuffing a boat from Bass Pro with donations Visit Guest Services for more Information or Call 630-296-8340 May 13 Durbin Meets with Air Force Reserves Chief to Discuss Scott Air Force BaseFrom the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin today met with Lieutenant General John Bradley, Chief of the Air Force Reserve, to discuss the 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base and the three C-9C aircraft that are scheduled to retire in FY2011. Currently the 932nd Airlift Wing operates three C-9C aircraft and three C-40C aircraft. Senator Durbin has requested three C-40Ds to replace the retiring aircraft.
“Scott Air Force Base is the largest employer south of Springfield with a regional economic impact of well over $2 billion,” said Durbin. “Lieutenant General Bradley and I discussed the impact the 932nd Airlift Wing has on southern Illinois and the importance of maintaining a mission there.”
A contract for the design and construction of two facilities at Scott Air Forces Base was awarded by the Army last week. Over $10.1 million will be used on a new C-9C and C-40 Squadron Operations Facility and a Contractor Logistics Support Parts Storage Facility.
In 2005, Durbin worked with Representatives Jerry Costello (D-IL) and John Shimkus (R-IL) to secure $265.3 million for the expansion of the 932nd Airlift Wing’s mission at Scott in the Defense Appropriations bill. Acquiring the C-40s was the centerpiece of a plan to keep the 932nd at Scott and the 1,000 reservists and civilians employed by the wing – as well as the $27 million the wing contributes annually to the local economy – after funding was eliminated for the C-9s in 2003.
Lieutenant General Bradley is Chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington D.C., and Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. As Chief of Air Force Reserve, he serves as principal adviser on Reserve matters to the Air Force Chief of Staff. As Commander of Air Force Reserve Command, he has full responsibility for the supervision of all U.S. Air Force Reserve units around the world. Pay-Increase Urged for Disability-Service ProvidersFrom AFSCME Council 31
In a striking display of unity among stakeholders, a May 14 lobby day and state capitol news conference will bring together hundreds of caregivers for individuals with developmental disabilities, the union that represents them, management of the private not-for-profit agencies that employ them, and advocates for and families of the individuals they serve, all calling for a badly-needed pay increase for direct-service workers.
WHAT: News conference to urge state pay increase for disability-service providers
WHO: Direct-service workers, union and management representatives, families, advocates, lawmakers
WHEN: Wednesday, May 14, 1:15 p.m.
WHERE: State capitol press room
WHY: Direct-service providers are seeking a 50 cents/hour increase in the FY09 budget
More than 15,000 individuals with developmental disabilities are served in community settings by agencies that receive almost all their income from state reimbursements. Because those reimbursement rates are inadequate and don't keep pace with inflation, most direct-service workers today have incomes below the federal poverty line.
In the FY08 budget, the General Assembly approved a $24 million increase for these workers--their first increase in three years--but $11 million was cut by an amendatory veto. Gov. Blagojevich Proclaims Today "Desmond Tutu Day" in IllinoisFrom the Office of Governor Rod Blagojevich
CHICAGO –Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has proclaimed today, May 13th, Desmond Tutu Day in recognition of the South African Archbishop’s lifelong fight for civil rights. In a historic trip to the state of Illinois, Archbishop Tutu unveiled the portrait which will be displayed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, and will receive the Lincoln Leadership Prize this evening in Chicago from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.
Deputy Governor Louanner Peters joined Tutu and Presidential Library Foundation officials for today’s portrait unveiling. The display of Archbishop Tutu’s portrait in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is an honor bestowed to those who receive the Lincoln Leadership Prize. Tutu is only the second person to receive the award - a portrait of retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first award recipient in 2006, will soon be painted by the same internationally acclaimed artist, Marla Friedman of Wilmette, Illinois.
“Archbishop Tutu is a global leader in the fight against intolerance, injustice, violence, tuberculosis, AIDS, and other issues that impact the world,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “Today as a state, we pause to appreciate Tutu’s permanent legacy of service to humanity and perseverance in the fight for equality.”
“It is an honor to paint Archbishop Desmond Tutu who, like Abraham Lincoln, is an impassioned force for freedom and forgiveness. I hope the portrait will reflect his kindness and the power of his humanity and spiritual strength,” said Friedman.
Desmond Tutu was born on October 7, 1931, and rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid. Tutu’s call for disinvestment by South Africa’s black majority and organization of peaceful protest marches was a major cause of apartheid’s end and led to the release of Nelson Mandela from a lengthy political imprisonment.
In addition to this year’s Lincoln Leadership Prize, Tutu was awarded the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent efforts to end the practice of apartheid, and has also received the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, the Magubela Prize for Liberty, the Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) Award, the Bill of Rights Award, the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, the Sydney Peace Prize, the Gandhi Peace Prize, and the 2008 OUTSPOKEN Award, as well as numerous other international awards and honorary degrees.
Oprah Winfrey will present the Lincoln Leadership Prize, given to “those singular individuals who accept the responsibilities imposed by history and demanded by conscience,” to Archbishop Tutu during a dinner in his honor this evening at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. Famed broadcaster Bill Kurtis will serve as master of ceremonies.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization whose primary mission is to support the exhibits and programs of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois.
The text of the proclamation is as follows:
WHEREAS, Desmond Tutu, born on October 7, 1931, is a South African cleric who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid; and
WHEREAS, Archbishop Tutu’s call for disinvestment by South Africa’s black majority and organization of peaceful protest marches was a major cause of apartheid’s end and led to the release of Nelson Mandela from a lengthy political imprisonment; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Tutu was awarded the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent efforts to end the practice of apartheid; and
WHEREAS, Archbishop Tutu has received the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, the Magubela Prize for Liberty, the Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) Award, the Bill of Rights Award, the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, the Sydney Peace Prize, the Gandhi Peace Prize, and the 2008 OUTSPOKEN Award, as well as numerous other international awards and honorary degrees; and
WHEREAS, Archbishop Tutu has been a global leader in the fight against intolerance, violence, tuberculosis, AIDS, and other issues that impact the world’s people; and
WHEREAS, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation will award its Lincoln Leadership Prize to Archbishop Desmond Tutu on May 13, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois for his lifelong service to humanity and his key role in world history:
THEREFORE I, Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim May 13, 2008 to be ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU DAY in Illinois, and urge all residents of the state to learn and appreciate Tutu’s permanent legacy of equality and service to humanity. May 12 Illinois Honors AmeriCorps Members During AmeriCorps WeekFrom the Office of the Illinois Department of Human Services
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is joining in the second nationwide celebration of AmeriCorps Week, May 11-18. Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has issued a proclamation dedicating this week as “AmeriCorps Week in Illinois,” spotlighting the vital work done by AmeriCorps members in communities across Illinois since the national service program began 15 years ago.
Nearly 800 AmeriCorps members are serving in Illinois this year, helping students learn to read, mentoring at-risk youth, providing health services, building homes for low-income families, and helping nonprofits recruit more volunteers and better achieve their mission.
“We are very proud of Illinois’ AmeriCorps programs and grateful to the AmeriCorps members who are ‘getting things done’ all across the state,” said Scott Kimmel, executive director of the Serve Illinois Commission. “AmeriCorps members make a significant impact on Illinois’ ability to meet many local needs, and AmeriCorps Week is a perfect opportunity to recognize their great work.”
Since 1994, more than 18,500 men and women from Illinois have served in AmeriCorps and have given more than 25 million hours of service to their country.
To mark AmeriCorps Week, a number of events are happening in Illinois, including a statewide food and clothing drive at various locations around the state. Illinois AmeriCorps members will band together to address hunger and homelessness across the state by soliciting food, clothing, and monetary donations to various organizations that seek to improve the lives of the less fortunate.
In addition to ongoing AmeriCorps service activities, many programs will set up special displays and information tables to promote their programs and enroll new members.
These events and special ceremonies, to be held at the conclusion of AmeriCorps Week, will allow community residents to learn about, and participate in, AmeriCorps programming.
AmeriCorps works through existing organizations and helps them reach more people and better achieve their mission. In 2007, the nation’s 75,000 AmeriCorps members recruited 1.7 million community volunteers to serve alongside them in some 4,100 nonprofit, faith-based and community organizations across the country.
AmeriCorps members typically remain actively engaged in their communities once their service is complete. They not only can be counted on as volunteers, but they also run nonprofits, marshal resources within their communities to address difficult issues, and many pursue public service careers.
Upon completion of their term of service, AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $4,725, which can be used to pay back student loans or cover future tuition costs. AmeriCorps members in Illinois have received over $52 million in education awards since 1994.
The Serve Illinois Commission works to improve communities by supporting local volunteer and national service efforts. The goals of the Serve Illinois Commission include making communities stronger through volunteer service, improving the ability of community-based organizations to maximize their volunteer resources, and increasing the number of individuals volunteering and getting involved in their communities. Blagojevich Administration Launches “Pink Potluck” Campaign to Spread the Word About the Importance of Breast and Cervical Cancer ScreeningFrom the Office of Governor Rod Blagojevich
EAST ST. LOUIS - Calling attention to the importance of screening and early detection for breast and cervical cancer, Sharron Matthews, Healthcare and Family Services Assistant Director, is calling on women to host a “Pink Potluck.” Administration leaders, local healthcare officials and breast cancer survivors will gather in East St. Louis to discuss the importance of prevention as well as early detection and remind communities that Gov. Blagojevich recently announced the expansion of the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, making Illinois the first and only state to offer free breast and cervical cancer screenings and low-cost treatment to all uninsured women in Illinois.
WHO:
Sharron Matthews, Assistant Director, Healthcare and Family Services (HFS)
Father Carroll Mizikio, Saint Augustine of Hippo
Mary Goforth – Breast Cancer Survivor
WHEN:
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
11:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Saint Augustine of Hippo
408 Columbia Place
East Saint Louis, IL 62205 May 09 Senate Republicans Week in Review
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senators returned to the Capitol May 7 to address a wide range of issues, including a plan to review the process by which state prisons are closed, according to State Sen. Dale Risinger (R-Peoria).
A bipartisan group of lawmakers came together May 8 to introduce House Bill 1235, which would create a Correctional Facilities Panel charged with examining the conditions at Illinois’ correctional centers. Until the panel completes the review and submits its findings to the General Assembly, a moratorium would be placed on all correctional facility closures. House Bill 1235 was introduced after a number of seemingly arbitrary and sudden prison closure announcements, including the Administration’s recently publicized intentions to close Pontiac Correctional Center.
Also on May 8, Sen. Risinger called for an end to costly Road Funds diversions, which he says will help the state take better care of its roadways. Under Gov. Rod Blagojevich, more than $2 billion has been taken out of Road Funds to finance unrelated government programs. The state gasoline tax and other fees are contained in Road Funds, which is meant to be used for the repair and construction of new roads; however, the Governor has used the diverted funds for programs unrelated to transportation priorities.
In other business, a Senate committee gave its approval to a measure aimed at curbing “pay-to-play” politics in state government. House Bill 824, which passed the Senate Executive Committee May 8, prohibits contractors who receive $50,000 or more in state contracts from donating to the officeholder awarding the deal. The measure would also restrict challengers of those officeholders from making similar donations.
The Illinois Senate has long been the burial ground for comprehensive ethics and contractual reforms. However, in recent weeks Senate President Emil Jones and Democrat leaders have come under heavy fire for failing to advance measures reforming “pay-to-play” in state government, and House Bill 824 has been allowed to progress in the Senate.
Also this week, a group of Republican Senators called for an end to mandatory state overtime, noting some state employees, such as corrections officers, have to work two or more extra shifts a week. Sen. Risinger said many state workers have been forced into mandatory overtime because the state has cut 12,000 jobs since 2001. However, in many cases it would be less costly to hire additional employees, than relying so heavily on mandatory overtime. The heavy overtime requirements also can jeopardize the safety of workers and of the public.
House Bill 5661 would effectively end the practice of mandatory overtime and make overtime a choice for employees, without the fear of facing disciplinary action. The bill overwhelmingly passed out of the House more than a month ago, but has languished in the Democrat-controlled Senate Rules Committee. A majority of Senators have signed on to cosponsor this legislation, but it is not certain the bill will ever be considered.
Legislation approved by the Senate this week includes: Identification cards (HB 4165) – Allows Illinoisans to renew state identification cards by phone, mail or the Internet. Elections (SB 761) – Allows the question of calling a constitutional convention to appear on electronic voting machines. Public safety (SB 2691) – Provides for certain changes to enhance safety on college campuses. Legislation approved by Senate committees this week includes: License plates (HB 946) – Creates NASCAR-themed license plates. Sex offenders (HB 1998) – Requires the State Police to create a database for sex offenders whose whereabouts are unknown because they either failed to register as required or gave false address information. Identity protection (HB 5586) – Requires the county recorder to remove from his or her Web site an individual’s personal information, if requested. Automobile accidents (HB 5907) – Requires that drivers in accidents claiming more than $1,500 worth of damage must forward a written accident report to IDOT. ### IL Dept of Children & Family Services Launches Medical Data Webportalfrom the Gov's press office, May 9, 2008
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has launched an improved version of a secure Web portal that will keep patients safe and potentially save lives by reducing the risk of medical mix-ups. The Medical Electronic Data Inte | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
