from Sen. Obama's office Oct 31, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) yesterday sent the following letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) Chairman Barbara Boxer, calling on them to use today's EPW Committee hearing on Yucca Mountain to explore new alternatives for safe, long-term solutions for storing spent nuclear fuel.  

Obama, who has been a consistent opponent of Yucca Mountain as a permanent repository for nuclear waste, urged the Committee and federal government to move past the decades-long debate on Yucca Mountain and focus on finding new alternatives to Yucca.  

In the letter, Obama stated, "the selection of Yucca Mountain has failed, the time for debate on this site is over, and it is time to start exploring new alternatives for safe, long-term solutions based on sound science." 

Below is a copy of Obama's letter:

October 30, 2007

The Honorable Harry Reid, Majority Leader

528 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Barbara Boxer, Chairman, Committee on Environment and Public Works
410 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Leader Reid and Chairman Boxer:

I understand that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is holding a hearing on October 31 entitled, "Examination of the Licensing Process for the Yucca Mountain Repository," at which Senator Reid is scheduled to testify.  I know both of you have been working on this issue for many years, so I am writing to share my perspective on the issue given its importance to my home state of Illinois.  Although I am no longer a member of the EPW Committee, I respectfully offer the following views and ask that they be included as part of the hearing record.   Separately, I will be submitting questions for the hearing witnesses.

Given the nation's rising energy demand and the serious problems posed by global climate change, we need to increase the use of carbon-free energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy.  But we cannot deny that nuclear power is – and likely will remain – an important source of electricity for many years to come.  How we deal with the dangerous byproduct of nuclear reactors is a critical question that has yet to be resolved.  

As you may know, Illinois has 11 nuclear reactors – more than any other state in the country.  Nuclear power provides more than 50 percent of the electricity needs of Illinois.  Where and how we store spent nuclear fuel is an extremely important issue for my constituents.  Currently, in the absence of any alternative, spent nuclear fuel generated by Illinois' reactors is stored in Illinois. 

In 1987, Congress attempted to reach a national solution to the storage of spent nuclear fuel and other radioactive waste by abandoning the scientific consideration of a wide range of possible sites and instead unilaterally imposing a final decision to focus only on Yucca Mountain, Nevada.  During the past 20 years, over the strong opposition of the people of Nevada, billions of dollars have been spent by taxpayers and ratepayers in the construction of this location.  Millions of dollars have been spent on lawsuits, and hundreds of millions more will be spent in the future if the Department of Energy fails to meet its contractual obligations to nuclear utilities. 

Proponents suggest Yucca Mountain will not be ready to accept spent fuel shipments for another 10 years; more realistic prognostications suggest we are at least two decades from Yucca Mountain accepting shipments. 

Legitimate scientific questions have been raised about the safety of storing spent nuclear fuel at this location.  With regard to Yucca Mountain, the National Academy of Sciences maintains that peak risks might occur hundreds of thousands of years from now.  In 2004, a federal court questioned whether standards developed by the Environmental Protection Agency for the Yucca Mountain repository were sufficient to guarantee the safety of Nevadans.

Questions also have been raised about the viability of transporting spent nuclear fuel to Nevada from different locations around the country.  Although it would seem to serve the interests of Illinois – and other states with nuclear reactors – to send our waste to another state, transporting nuclear waste materials poses uncertain risk.  In fact, since a large amount of this spent fuel would likely travel by rail, this is a serious concern for the people of Chicago, which is the transportation hub of the Midwest. 

Because of these safety issues and the unwavering opposition from the people of Nevada and their elected officials, there is strong reason to believe that many more billions of dollars could be expended on Yucca Mountain without any significant progress in moving towards a permanent solution to the problem of where to store spent nuclear fuel. 

For these reasons, I believe that it is no longer a sustainable federal policy for Yucca Mountain to be considered as a permanent repository.  Instead of re-examining the 20-year licensing process and the billions of dollars that have already been spent, the time has come for the federal government to refocus its resources on finding more viable alternatives for the storage of spent nuclear fuel.  Among the possible alternatives that should be considered are finding another state willing to serve as a permanent national repository or creating regional storage repositories. The federal government should also redirect resources toward improving the safety and security of spent fuel at plant sites around the country until a safe, long-term solution can be implemented. 

Regardless of what alternative is pursued, two premises should guide federal decision-making.  First, any storage option should be supported by sound science.  We need to ensure that nuclear waste can be safely stored without polluting aquifers or soil and exposing nearby residents to toxic radiation. 

Second, we should select a repository location through a process that develops national consensus and respects state sovereignty, not one in which the federal government cuts off debate and forces one state to accept nuclear waste from other states.  The flawed process by which Yucca Mountain was selected now manifests itself as a profoundly expensive endeavor of monumental proportion. 

       
In short, the selection of Yucca Mountain has failed, the time for debate on this site is over, and it is time to start exploring new alternatives for safe, long-term solutions based on sound science.  I thank you both for your leadership on this issue, and I appreciate your consideration of my views.

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        Barack Obama
                                                                        United States Senator

from the Gov's press office, Oct 31, 2007

CHICAGO –Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced winter heating grants will be available for all income-eligible households through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) starting Nov.1, and urged all eligible families to apply now before extreme cold hits Illinois.  The Governor’s announcement is part of the 2007 Keep Warm Illinois campaign which highlights state efforts to provide energy resources and education to all Illinoisans. The campaign informs and prepares Illinois residents, especially the elderly, families with small children, and persons with disabilities for high home heating costs this winter. For information on energy assistance or weatherization tips, families can visit the Keep Warm Illinois website at www.keepwarm.illinois.gov or call the toll-free Keep Warm Illinois hotline at 1-877-411-WARM.

“We are making every effort to help families stay connected to their heat and energy during the winter, so they don’t have to make impossible choices between paying their heating bills or putting food on the table,” said Gov. Blagojevich.  “With winter temperatures approaching fast, I urge all families who are eligible for LIHEAP to apply now so they can be safe and healthy in the months ahead.”

Through LIHEAP, a state- and federally-funded energy assistance program run by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), heating bill payments are made on behalf of households with incomes of up to 150 % of the federal poverty level.  A single-person household can qualify with a monthly income of up to $1,276, a two-person household up to $1,711, and a family of four can earn up to $2,581.  Benefits are paid directly to the household’s appropriate utility.

“The LIHEAP program benefits families and seniors across Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Barry Maram.  “We are aggressively reaching out to every community, through our local community action agencies, to make sure that families know what benefits are available to help them stay warm and safe in the winter.”

LIHEAP energy grant applications are processed through a network of 35 Local Community Action Agencies around the state.  These agencies started accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis from the elderly, disabled persons, and other priority households on September 1.  The winter heating program is expected to serve 300,000 households this winter with an estimated $150 million in state and federal funding.  For a complete listing of LIHEAP’s local community action agencies and additional information about the grant program, go to www.liheapillinois.com, or call the toll-free Keep Warm Illinois hotline at 1-877-411-WARM.

The Keep Warm Illinois campaign and website is available to help all Illinoisans stay warm, healthy and safe this winter. The Keep Warm Illinois campaign brings state agencies together to coordinate efforts in preparing communities across the state for high home heating costs this winter.  Gov. Blagojevich’s comprehensive Keep Warm Illinois initiatives include:

The Keep Warm Illinois website (www.keepwarm.illinois.gov): The Keep Warm Illinois website offers a variety of no-cost and low-cost energy saving tips, a web-based tool to conduct a home energy audit, links to energy assistance programs and other resources.  The Keep Warm Illinois hotline (1-877-411-WARM) is also available as another resource for Illinois residents to learn how to save energy and get energy assistance.

Warming Centers: The Department of Human Services will provide warming centers in every region of the state so that anyone seeking refuge from the cold has a heated place to go when the temperature drops.  More information on the state's warming centers is available by calling the Keep Warm Illinois hotline (1-877-411-WARM).

“I am pleased to once again join Gov. Blagojevich in providing space in DHS offices across the state as warming centers," said DHS Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D.  "The DHS warming centers proved to be a vital resource last winter and helped ensure that no one was left out in the cold.”

Energy Savings Workshops:  The Department of Healthcare and Family Services will organize community workshops statewide through community-based organizations and local governments. At these workshops, Illinois residents will have access to information from energy conservation experts on how to reduce overall energy costs.  A list of energy savings workshops can be found on www.keepwarm.illinois.gov. 

Illinois Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Construction Program:  The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has grants available to non-profit housing developers that include energy efficient building practices in the rehab or construction of affordable housing units.  These building practices often bring energy savings between 50 % and 75 %.  

Winter Storm Preparation: Illinois experiences five severe winter storms each year, on average. Nearly 80 people in the United States die from winter storms and extreme cold every year, which is more than the fatalities due to tornadoes. The hazards posed by winter storms and extreme cold can be catastrophic. So, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency will offer a Winter Storm Preparation manual that includes important information on actions to take now that will increase resident’s chances of surviving winter storms and extreme cold.

Senior Safety:  If seniors lower their thermostats to reduce heating bills they can put themselves at risk of developing hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition in which the body temperature drops dangerously low. They are at an increased risk especially if they take certain medications, drink alcohol, lack proper nutrition and have conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The Department of Aging will offer safety tips to Illinois seniors before winter begins to help them prepare.

-30-

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – United States Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) held a press conference today where he discussed recent remarks by the head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and touted a strong reform package to strengthen the faltering watchdog agency.

This year alone, more than 20 million toys have been recalled because they pose hazards to children. The CPSC, which is responsible for overseeing the safety of more than 15,000 consumer goods, employs fewer than 425 full-time staff, relies on antiquated testing facilities and employs just one full-time toy tester.

In a letter to the Commerce Committee last week, however, CPSC Chairwoman, Nancy Nord, called the Senate bill “unnecessary” and urged lawmakers to oppose the legislation.

Yesterday, the Senate Commerce Committee passed The CPSC Reform Act of 2007, which will more than double the agency’s budget from $62.7 million to $141.7 million by 2015, increase staffing levels by nearly 20 percent, dramatically increase the cap on fines from $1.8 million to $100 million and give the CPSC greater authority to inspect and recall products. The bill also contains a third party testing requirement for children's products, bans lead in children’s jewelry, and makes it illegal to knowingly sell a recalled product.

“It is my hope that the nomination of Dr. James Peake brings a new era of leadership to the VA, one that honors its sacred trust with our nation's veterans.   The men and women who have chosen to serve this country deserve leadership that honors their incredible sacrifice.  But under this administration, we have seen the VA tolerate billion-dollar budget shortfalls, exclude a million veterans from VA care, provide inadequate care for those suffering from PTSD, allow long waiting lists for benefits, and fail to catch breakdowns in VA hospital quality.  I look forward to hearing from Dr. Peake about just how he plans to improve care and services for our veterans.”

This year IDPH was able to provide 155 scholarships to persons living with HIV/AIDS to pay for registration fees to attend the conference, plus two nights lodging.  Scholarships are awarded based on income, involvement with HIV/AIDS prevention, service activities in their community and with whom they plan to share conference information.

During 2006, a total of 53,586 cases of chlamydia were reported in Illinois, making it the most frequently reported infectious disease.  Females accounted for 74 percent (39,705 of 53,586) of reported cases.

“Especially alarming is the fact that Illinois adolescents age 15 to 19 accounted for 34 percent, or 18,070 of 53,586, of all reported cases in 2006.  If women are not treated for Chlamydia, they often face infertility and medical complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and pregnancy outside the uterus.  It is important for communities to work together to help prevent the high rate of infection among women and adolescents,” said Dr. Arnold.

IDPH encourages health care providers to test all sexually active females 15 to 24 years of age at least annually for chlamydia.  IDPH, in collaboration with school based health centers, family planning clinics, adult and juvenile correctional centers and other agencies serving females at increased risk for chlamydia infection, performed more than 197,000 tests for chlamydia during 2006 in order to halt disease transmission by identifying and treating infected persons.

IDPH ensures STD diagnostic and treatment services are accessible throughout Illinois; monitors and responds to sexually transmitted disease trends ensuring that persons infected with STDs receive appropriate treatment, counseling and referral; conducts screening programs; funds innovative community based initiatives to prevent and contain STDs such as the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department's Mobile Health Vans and the Howard Brown Health Center's Out Reach Testing and Education Services in suburban Cook County; provides vaccinations for hepatitis A and B to persons attending STD clinics; and provides technical assistance and training to health care providers regarding STD testing, treatment and follow-up.

The number of reported syphilis cases decreased 18 percent in 2006 compared to 2005, but this disease is still a problem in Illinois and disproportionately affects males.  Men accounted for 91 percent of reported infectious syphilis cases in 2006, and men self-reporting as men who have sex with men represented 72 percent of the male cases.

“Untreated syphilis can lead to serious long-term complications and death.  Persons infected with infectious syphilis can more easily acquire or transmit HIV.  During 2006, 50 percent of cases of infectious syphilis among men who have sex with men were co-infected with HIV.  Persons infected with both syphilis and HIV also are more likely to develop complications from their syphilis and HIV infection.  IDPH recommends all sexually active persons infected with HIV should be tested for syphilis and other STDs at least annually,” said Dr. Arnold.

As of August 2007, there were 33,201 (16,565 HIV; 16,636 AIDS) people living with HIV/AIDS in Illinois.

Currently in Illinois, the highest mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS is men who have sex with men.  African Americans remain the race most affected by HIV/AIDS.

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Blagojevich today honored fallen Illinois State Police Trooper Brian McMillen by ordering all flags lowered to half staff on from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, October 31st. McMillen, a husband, a skilled athlete, and a technical sergeant in the Illinois Air National Guard's 183rd Fighter Wing, was tragically killed in a suspected drunk driving accident Sunday morning.

“Trooper McMillen served his country and state with honor, sacrifice and dedication. His death cuts tragically short a life full of talent and promise. My heart and prayers go out to Trooper McMillen’s wife and family.  And I thank all those who protect and serve the state of Illinois for their dedication and service,” said Governor Blagojevich.

Trooper McMillen was responding to a call for help from Sangamon County Sheriffs’ Deputies after a fight broke out at a bar east of Springfield when his squad car was struck by two drunk drivers early Sunday morning. He was pronounced dead on the scene.  McMillen is survived by his wife, parents and 10 brothers and sisters.

A visitation for McMillen is set for 4:00pm-8:00pm Tuesday, October 30 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 South Sixth Street, Springfield, Illinois.  Illinois State Police will post an honor guard throughout the visitation.  Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, October 31, at 10:00am, at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, 303 South Locust Street, Pana, Illinois.  A formation will be established at 9:00am, south of the church.  Burial will immediately follow the services at the Calvary Cemetery in Pana with full honors provided by Air National Guard and the Illinois State Police.

The Governor’s proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS,     on Sunday, October 28, Illinois State Police Trooper Brian McMillen was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call for assistance; and

WHEREAS,     Trooper McMillen, a 24-year-old Pana native, enlisted in the Illinois Air National Guard in 2000 and rose to the rank of technical sergeant in the 183rd Fighter Wing.  He served three separate deployments, including stints in Saudi Arabia and Italy; and

WHEREAS,     in 2005, Trooper McMillen received his Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Illinois at Springfield, where he played basketball and was named to the Deans’ List; and

WHEREAS,     the following year, Trooper McMillen married his wife Angela, also a member of the 183rd, before graduating from Illinois State Police training as president of his cadet class in 2007.  He was assigned to District 9, which includes Sangamon County, and began working the overnight shift; and

WHEREAS,     Trooper McMillen was on his way to help Sangamon County Sheriff Deputies deal with a bar fight in Illiopolis when he was killed in a three-vehicle crash involving two alleged drunken drivers at Dye and Calvary Cemetery roads, just south of Interstate 72; and

WHEREAS,     a funeral for Trooper McMillen, who is also survived by his parents and ten siblings, will be held Wednesday, October 31 at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Pana:

THEREFORE, I, Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby order all State facilities to fly Illinois flags at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on October 31, 2007 in honor and remembrance of Illinois State Police Trooper Brian McMillen, whose selfless service and courage is an inspiration.

                                                                        -30-

Sen. Durbin's office Oct 30, 2007

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – United States Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that they will hold a press conference with Senate Democrats to discuss toy safety, reforming the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and efforts to protect American consumers this coming holiday season.

Today the Senate Commerce Committee is expected to pass the CPSC Reform Act of 2007. This package of reforms will more than double the agency’s funding, increase staffing levels by nearly 20 percent, dramatically increase fines and give greater authorities to inspect and recall products. The bill also contains a third party testing requirement for children’s products.

This week is also marks the 30^th anniversary of the vote that established the nation’s consumer watchdog agency. To mark the occasion, Durbin said “It’s ironic that the 30^th anniversary of the Consumer Product Safety Commission comes around Halloween -- three decades after its founding, the CPSC seems unable to prevent dangerous products from entering the marketplace. And the recent statements by the chairwoman of the CPSC that she opposes more resources and greater authority to protect consumers are enough to scare anybody.”from 

CHICAGO – Tomorrow American communities will decide who has the scariest costume for Halloween.  Another award that could easily be given amongst the scary ghosts and goblins is the award for the scariest policy position in America.  Hands down, Dick Durbin should claim the prize. 

“How is it possible that on one of the most important domestic issues facing this country, we have a U.S. Senator who continually votes in favor of those who break the law, yet supports horrendous tax increases for law-abiding Americans,” asked ILGOP Spokesperson Lance Trover.

DICK DURBIN AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

Ø      Durbin Voted Twice To Allow Illegal Immigrants To Receive Social Security Benefits Based On Work Done While In The U.S. Illegally

o       Durbin voted for the motion to table (kill) the Ensign amendment no. 3985 that would bar illegal immigrants currently in the country from claiming Social Security credits for work done in years before they are assigned a valid Social Security number. (Motion agreed to 50-49: R 11-44; D 38-5; I 1-0.)[1]

o        Durbin voted against the Ensign, R-Nev., motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Kennedy, D-Mass., point of order against the Ensign amendment no. 2355 to the Kennedy substitute amendment no. 2327. The Ensign amendment would deny Social Security benefits from being paid for illegal or fraudulent work. The substitute would cut government subsidies to student loan firms by more than $18 billion, boost the maximum Pell grant by $700, to $5,400, by 2011, and establish a new "Promise" grant for the neediest Pell recipients. It also would cap student loan repayments at 15 percent of discretionary income. (Motion rejected 57-40: R 44-4; D 13-34; I 0-2) [2]

Ø      Durbin Has Voted To Allow Immigrants Who Have Entered The United States Illegally To Obtain Legal Status

o       Durbin voted against the Vitter, R-La., amendment no. 3963 that would strike provisions that would provide a process to obtain legal residence and citizenship for illegal immigrants who have worked in the United States for at least two years. It also would strike the bill's agriculture worker program provisions (Rejected 33-66: R 31-24; D 2-41; I 0-1.  Durbin voted Nay).[3] 

o       Durbin voted for passage of the bill that would overhaul U.S. immigration policies and offer a path to citizenship for most illegal immigrants in the country. It would subdivide illegal immigrants into three groups based on how long they had been in the United States. Illegal immigrants in the country more than five years would be able to stay and earn citizenship; those here between two and five years would have three years to file paperwork for a temporary work visa, after which they would be eligible for permanent legal residency; and those here less than two years would have to return to their native country and go through normal channels if they want to return. It would create a guest worker program that could accommodate an additional 200,000 immigrants a year. It also would authorize increased border security and enforcement provisions, including a requirement for businesses to verify documents of all prospective employees through an electronic system managed by the Department of Homeland Security (Passed 62-36: R 23-32, D 38-4, I 1-0).[4] 

o       Durbin voted against the Vitter, R-La., amendment no. 1157 to the Kennedy, D-Mass., substitute amendment no. 1150. The Vitter amendment would strike the title of the bill that would create the Z visa, which would allow illegal immigrants now in the country to be put on a path to citizenship. The substitute would overhaul U.S. immigration policies and institute new border security measures, including an electronic verification system. It would allocate some green cards on a merit-based system based on certain criteria, including a high-demand occupation, proficiency in English, and higher education degrees. Half of the green cards would be allocated based on family relations. It also would provide for a temporary guest worker program that would allow workers to remain in the United States for up to six years, provided that they return to their home country for a year after every two years they remain in the United States. (Rejected 29-66: R 20-26; D 9-38; I 0-2) [5]

Ø                  Durbin Voted Against Increased Funding To Hire An Additional 1,000 Border Agents . . .

• Durbin voted against the Ensign, R-Nev., amendment no. 1219 to the Ensign amendment no. 1124. The second-degree amendment would allow the transfer of $367.6 million to Customs and Border Protection to hire an additional 1,000 border agents and to cover related expenses. The underlying amendment would require the transfer of such funds for this purpose. (Rejected 38-60: R 36-18; D 2-41; I 0-1) [6]

Ø                   . . . And Voted Twice Against Increased Funding For Immigration And Customs Enforcement To Hire More Personnel

• Durbin voted against the McCain, R-Ariz., amendment no. 1171 that would increase funding for immigration and customs enforcement by about $200 million to add 5,760 detention beds and hire more personnel. It would be offset by a reduction for state and local programs. (Rejected 42-56: R 35-19; D 6-37; I 1-0) [7]
  
• Durbin voted against the Sessions, R-Ala., amendment no. 4660 that would provide an additional $85.7 million for the Homeland Security Department to hire 800 additional full-time Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. It would be offset by an across-the-board cut in the bill's other discretionary spending. (Rejected 34-66: R 26-29; D 8-36; I 0-1) [8]

Ø                  Durbin Voted To Block A Bill That Was Focused On Border Security

• Durbin voted against a the motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the bill that would overhaul U.S. immigration policies and direct the secretary of Homeland Security to purchase additional technology to aid in border security, construct additional fencing along the Mexican border, and develop a national strategy for border security to all ports of entry into the United States and U.S. international land and maritime borders. It also would set up a mandatory electronic employment verification process that would be phased in for all businesses within five years. (Motion rejected 36-62: R 34-20; D 2-41; I 0-1) [9]

Ø                  Durbin Voted Against Building New Fencing On The U.S. – Mexico Border

• Durbin voted against the Sessions, R-Ala., amendment no. 3979 that would increase the fencing and vehicle barriers along the southwest border of the United States. It would require within two years of enactment the construction of more than 370 miles of triple-layered fencing and 500 miles of vehicle barriers along that border. Existing hardware could be counted towards these totals. (Adopted 83-16: R 55-0; D 28-15; I 0-1) [10]

• Durbin voted against the Sessions, R-Ala., amendment no. 4659 that would provide an additional $1.83 billion to construct 370 miles of double-layered fencing and at least 461 miles of vehicle barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border. It would be offset by an across-the-board cut in the bill's other discretionary spending. (Rejected 29-71: R 27-28; D 2-42; I 0-1) [11]

• Durbin voted against the passage of the bill that would require the Homeland Security Department to authorize the construction of about 700 miles of fencing along the U.S.-Mexican border. The bill would require a study of implementing security systems along the U.S.-Canadian border and direct the agency to evaluate the ability of personnel to stop fleeing vehicles at the border. (Passed (thus cleared for the president) 80-19: R 54-1; D 26-17; I 0-1) [12]

Ø                  Durbin Voted Against A Republican Amendment To Provide $1.9 Billion For Border Patrol Vehicles, Fencing, And Aircraft But Then Voting For A Democrat Amendment Spending The Same Amount On The Same Items On The Same Day

• On April 26, 2006, Durbin voted against the Gregg, R-N.H., amendment no. 3594 that would add $1.9 billion for border patrol vehicles, aircraft, fencing and new stations as well as for Homeland Security Department personnel and Coast Guard border patrol efforts. It would be offset by a 2.775 percent across-the-board cut for Defense Department spending. (Adopted 59-39: R 52-3; D 7-35; I 0-1) [13]

• On April 26, 2006, Durbin voted for the Reid, D-Nev., amendment no. 3604 that would add $1.9 billion for border patrol vehicles, aircraft, fencing and new stations as well as for Homeland Security Department personnel and Coast Guard border patrol efforts. (Rejected 44-54: R 2-53; D 41-1; I 1-0) [14]

Ø      Less Than One Month Later, Durbin Says That Democrats Will Support A Reasonable Plan To Secure Our Borders But, “Americans Don’t Want A Plan That's Been Cobbled Together To Win Political Favor”

• On May 16, 2006  the Associated Press reported, ‘“Democrats are willing to support any reasonable plan that will secure our borders, including deploying National Guard troops,’ Durbin said. ‘But Americans don't want a plan that's been cobbled together to win political favor.”’ [15]

Ø                  Durbin Voted Against Requiring Voters To Show A Valid Photo ID When Voting

• Durbin voted for the Dodd, D-Conn., motion to table (kill) the McConnell, R-Ky., amendment no. 4085 that would require all voters to present a photo identification at the polls that meets federal standards a 2005 law. (Motion rejected 48-49: R 4-49; D 43-0; I 1-0) [16]

Ø                  Durbin Voted To Require The U.S. To Consult With Mexico Before Building A Border Fence

• Durbin voted for the Specter, R-Pa., amendment no. 4188 that would make many technical and substantive changes to the bill, including requiring the U.S. government to consult with Mexico before building fencing along the border. It also would create exceptions to the bill's requirement that temporary workers who are unemployed for 60 days leave the country, including an exemption for circumstances beyond the worker's control. (Adopted 56-41: R 20-35; D 35-6; I 1-0) [17]

Ø                  The DREAM Act Discriminates Against U.S. Citizens And Law Abiding Foreign Students By Allowing Illegal Aliens To Receive In-State Tuition Rates At Public Universities

• According to the Heritage Foundation, “What is less well known about the DREAM Act is that it also allows illegal aliens to receive in-state tuition rates at public universities, discriminating against U.S. citizens from out of state and law-abiding foreign students. It repeals a 1996 federal law that pro­hibits any state from offering in-state tuition rates to illegal aliens unless the state also offers in-state tuition rates to all U.S. citizens.” [18]

Ø                  The DREAM Act Has Been Said To Undermine Efforts To Enforce Immigration Laws, Make Securing The U.S. – Mexican Border More Difficult, And Lead To Higher Costs To State And Local Governments

• According to the Heritage Foundation, “This week, the Senate might hold a vote for cloture on the Development, Relief, and Edu­cation for Alien Minors Act (S. 2205), or the DREAM Act. This bill shares many of the worst attributes of the comprehensive immigration and border security reform bill that failed in the Senate last spring. The measure does nothing to enhance immigration and border enforcement, undermines the rule of law, and would encourage further illegal entry and unlawful presence in the United States. Clothing the bill as a "humanitarian" gesture is disingenuous; trying to fast-track the legislation for passage without debate or amendments is inexcusable.” [19]

• The Heritage Foundation continued, “This bill, regardless of the humanitarian goals claimed by its supporters, would further undermine efforts to enforce immigration laws and border security. It would make the task of securing the U.S.-Mexican border more difficult, and it would lead to higher costs for the state and local governments that bear much of the fiscal burden of unlawful presence. In the end, the DREAM Act is not a proposal for keeping America safe, free, and prosperous.” [20]

###

[1] S 2611, CQ Vote 130, May 18, 2006

[2] HR 2669, CQ Vote 263, July 19, 2007

[3] S 2611, CQ Vote 127, May 17, 2006

[4] S 2611, CQ Vote 157, May 25, 2006

[5] S 1348, CQ Vote 180, May 24, 2007

[6] HR 2360, CQ Vote 179, July 14, 2005

[7] HR 2360, CQ Vote 182, July 14, 2005

[8] HR 5441, CQ Vote 201, July 13, 2006

[9] S 2454, CQ Vote 90, April 7, 2006

[10] S 2611, CQ Vote, May 17, 2006

[11] HR 5441, CQ Vote 200, July 13, 2006

[12] HR 6061, CQ Vote 262, Sept. 29, 2006

[13] HR 4939, CQ Vote 94, April 26, 2006

[14] HR 4939, CQ Vote 95, April 26, 2006

[15] David Espo, “Bush sending National Guard to fight illegal immigration from Mexico,” Associated Press Worldstream, May 16, 2006

[16] S 2611, CQ Vote 143, May 24, 2006

[17] S 2611, CQ Vote 156, May 25, 2006

[18] Kris W. Kobach, “A Sleeper Amnesty: Time to Wake Up from the DREAM Act”, The Heritage Foundation Backgrounder 2069, Sept. 13, 2007

[19] James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., “The DREAM Act: Senate Could Soon Vote on ‘Stealth’ Amnesty Bill”, Heritage Foundation Web Memo No. 1674, Oct. 23, 2007

[20] James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., “The DREAM Act: Senate Could Soon Vote on ‘Stealth’ Amnesty Bill”, Heritage Foundation Web Memo No. 1674, Oct. 23, 2007

“After the dismal performance of the last attorney general, I had hoped that Judge Michael Mukasey would represent a badly-needed change in direction for the Justice Department and the nation.  But his testimony before the Senate was stunning.

“While his legal credentials are strong, his views on two critical and related matters are, in my view, disqualifying. We don't need another attorney general who believes that the President enjoys an unwritten right to secretly ignore any law or abridge our constitutional freedoms simply by invoking national security.  And we don't need another attorney general who looks the other way on issues as profound as torture.  Judge Mukasey's professed ignorance of the debate over the propriety of practices like “waterboarding,” or simulated drowning, as a means of interrogation, was appalling.

“We are a nation of laws, and those laws apply equally to the President of the United States and common citizens.  We need an attorney general who understands and appreciates that inviolable principle.

“For these reasons, I will oppose this nomination.”

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SPRINGFIELD, IL -- Supporters of Barack Obama today filed petitions signed by over 55,000 Illinois voters to place Obama on the Illinois ballot, along with a slate of delegate candidates that spans all 19 Congressional Districts and represents the diversity of the state.  Obama delegate candidates State Senators Kwame Raoul and Terry Link, Champaign City Councilwoman Gina Jackson, President of the Illinois Firefighters Union Rick Merrill, Steve Preckwinkle of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and Peoria resident General Parker lined up early this morning at the State Board of Elections to secure Obama’s placement on the ballot.

 The Obama campaign’s delegate slate represents the diverse nature of the state and exceeds the requirements set out by the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Party of Illinois.  The campaign’s delegate candidates are 30 percent African American, 21 percent Hispanic, 7 percent Asian American, and include LGBT leaders and persons with disabilities.  They also include top elected officials, Democratic Party leaders, ministers, teachers, union members, community activists, veterans and students – some of whom have been inspired by Barack Obama to participate in the political process for the first time.

 "Since he worked as a community organizer who empowered Chicagoans without much hope to change their lives, Barack Obama has stood up to special interests and built coalitions to bring change we can believe in," said Obama delegate candidate and former Judge Abner Mikva.   "Thousands across Illinois have joined our campaign because they know Barack Obama is a leader who tells us what we need to hear, not what we want to hear, about the challenges we face, and he will be the president who will restore our trust in government.   Not only will thousands of Illinois volunteers take to the streets to turn out the vote for Barack Obama on February 5th, but we will tell his story to voters in the early states so that America knows that he will be the president who can deliver the change our country desperately needs."

 In addition to the 100 delegates selected at the district level in the primary, Illinois will send 85 other delegates to the Democratic National Convention.  Obama has the strong and overwhelming support of the superdelegates, including Governor Blagojevich and Senator Durbin, Speaker Madigan, State Senate President Jones and other state legislative leaders, the plurality of the Democratic Congressional Delegation and former IL AFL-CIO President Margaret Blackshere. 

"Barack Obama united Democrats and Republicans in Springfield to provide health care coverage to thousands of Illinois children and to reform the justice system when it failed us," said Obama delegate candidate Reverend Albert Tyson of St. Stephan AME in Chicago.   "Instead of using the politics of division and distraction to advance an agenda, Barack Obama has brought change by bringing together people who would never before sit at the table together to work out their differences.   While others followed the conventional thinking in Washington and voted to go to war in Iraq, Barack Obama had the judgment to oppose the war from the start and he will restore our standing in the world by rebuilding our diplomatic ties.   At every critical moment and on every critical vote, Barack Obama has stood up for our communities, and now we will stand up for him as we build the largest grassroots campaign Illinois has seen. He is the best hope for a bright future for all Americans and the world."  

The Obama campaign has signed up over 24,000 volunteers in Illinois – hundreds of whom have gone through campaign trainings -- who are building the organization in-state as well as educating Iowa voters about Barack Obama.  Illinois volunteers have knocked nearly 100,000 doors in Iowa and made over100,000 phone calls to Iowa voters. 

"It's all too easy for elected officials from Chicago to go to Springfield or Washington and forget that they represent the entire state of Illinois," said delegate candidate and Randolph County Circuit Clerk Barb Brown.   "Whether it was fighting to make new investments in biofuels or ensuring our veterans got the top quality care and treatment that they deserve, Barack Obama has brought change to towns large and small from Rockford to Carbondale.   As we continue to translate the enthusiastic grassroots support for our Illinois campaign into an organization ready for February 5th, we'll also let our neighbors in Iowa know that Barack Obama will be a president who will represent all of us and never forget about rural America."

SPRINGFIELD – One day before Jessica Lunsford would have turned 12, Illinois joined the growing number of states that have tough new laws – "Jessica’s Law" – targeting the worst child predators and doing more to keep them off the streets and away from children.

State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) led efforts to pass "Jessica’s Law" in Illinois. Senate Bill 1397 was signed to law Oct. 5.

Jessica was born Oct. 6, 1995, in North Carolina. She died Feb. 27, 2005, after being abducted in Florida.

"Jessica Lunsford was just nine years old when she was taken from her home, raped and murdered by a convicted sex offender. Florida lawmakers passed ‘Jessica’s Law’ in 2005 and more than 30 other states have since passed tougher laws targeting sexual criminals who prey on children," Sen. Brady said. "Illinois now has a similar law, allowing law enforcement to do more to protect our most vulnerable citizens from sexual predators."

Senate Bill 1397 will make criminal sexual assault a Class X felony if the rapist has previously been convicted of any sex offense; currently, it is only a Class X felony if the offender had been previously convicted of Criminal Sexual Assault.

The new law will also change the conditions for the release of sex offenders by requiring them to take an annual polygraph exam, maintain a log of their travel, and obtain prior approval of their parole officers before driving alone in a motor vehicle. It also requires convicted sexual predators who are subject to GPS monitoring to pay for the cost of monitoring.

The new law will take effect June 1, 2008.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Oct. 25 deadline to override the Governor’s budget vetoes has passed, according to State Sen. Dale Risinger (R-Peoria), and with it the final opportunity for the Illinois Senate to act on budget vetoes previously voted on by the Illinois House of Representatives.

            Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) refused to allow Senate action on all the budget vetoes, which included money for healthcare workers; guards for prisons that are severely understaffed; and a number of programs that help the state’s most vulnerable citizens, including veterans, persons with developmental disabilities, alcohol and substance abuse patients, persons with mental illness, and children with autism.

            The Governor’s budget vetoes offer no savings to taxpayers, Risinger said, as the Governor does not intend to reduce spending but instead is simply reallocating the funds to other programs that could cost as much as $2.1 billion, more than four times more the amount of the budget vetoes.

            The Illinois Constitution says that the Senate must act on the vetoes within 15 calendar days of receiving them from the House. Without any action by Oct. 25, the Governor’s changes have automatically gone into effect.

            In other business, Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes has unveiled a new Web site that should allow the general public to better track state contractors who give campaign contributions. 

            The new Web site, “Open Book” (www.openbook.ioc.state.il.us), is a searchable database of state contracts and campaign contributions. Bipartisan legislation to require the state to put this and other information on the Internet was passed by the House earlier this year, but the measure was blocked by the Senate President. Other ethics reforms, including a number sponsored by Senate Republicans, have also been bottled up in the Senate’s Rules Committee. 

            The new Web site combines information that has previously been available from two public, yet separate, sources – the Comptroller’s records of state contractors and the State Board of Elections database of campaign contributors. Combining the two records in one place makes it easier for the public to see what campaign contributions – if any – have been received from state contractors.

            Legislation signed into law during the week of Oct. 22-26 includes:

            Child support (SB 1035) – Allows the state to suspend the driver’s licenses of persons who are more than 90 days late in paying child support.  Additionally, this law allows municipalities to set up a means to immobilize the vehicles of those who are delinquent. (P.A. 95-0685)

            Auto insurance (HB 654) – Changes penalties for first-time offenders of Illinois’ mandatory automobile insurance laws.  A first-time offender will now receive a $100 fine and court supervision so long as the person proves in court that the vehicle is insured as of the date of the court appearance.

            Social workers (SB 128) – Creates a new fine for those who practice clinical social work without a proper license.

Crime database (SB 1023) – Creates the Capital Crimes Database to collect and store all information on the prosecution, and disposition of capital and capital-eligible crimes in Illinois.

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SPRINGFIELD– Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced new technology could bring an additional $60 million in unpaid child support to the state.  The point-of-sale technology administered through at the Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) allows the Illinois Department of Healthcare Family Services Division of Child Support Enforcement (HFS DCSE) to crosscheck names of child support violators with everyone who applies for a hunting or fishing license in the state.  If the applicant owes more than $1,000 in child support payments, they will not be issued a license.  When HFS and DNR matched records of delinquent parents with 2006 applicants for hunting and fishing licenses they found nearly 6,000 matches with outstanding payments of more than $60 million.

“Often Illinois parents struggle to provide for their families because they are not receiving the financial assistance they should through child support,” said Gov. Blagojevich.  “Through the use of DNR’s technology, we are able to stop deadbeat parents in their tracks, and get Illinois’ children the child support they deserve”

HFS is federally required to deny recreational licenses (including hunting and fishing licenses) to anyone delinquent on child support payments but in the past this has been a process heavy in paperwork. The new automation allows the two agencies to work together to identify violators immediately bring much needed support to these families.

“While the DNR is charged with making outdoor recreation available to the public we hope that this will encourage people to take care of their primary responsibilities first,” said DNR Acting Director Sam Flood.  “This is just another example of the benefits this point of sale licensing system brings to DNR and the public we serve.”

Since early September, 61 delinquent parents have entered into payment agreements as a result of this new initiative, resulting in collections of more than $36,000.

Delinquent parents who want to avoid having their license denied should contact Healthcare and Family Services at 1-800-447-4278 to make payment arrangements.  Parents can also contact HFS to make payment arrangements through our website at http://www.ilchildsupport.com/contactus.html.

In 2006, the Illinois child support program was named the National Child Support Enforcement Association's Most Improved Program.  Also in 2006, the program was awarded the Lincoln Foundation for Performance Excellence Silver Award.  In September 2007, the program received the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence in Performance from the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement. 

In addition to the partnership with Illinois Child Support and DNR, over the past four years, Gov. Blagojevich launched a number of other innovative and aggressive programs to improve child support collections, including the Deadbeat Parents website and New Hire Directory.  These changes have resulted in significant improvements for parents and children who rely on the system.  For example, the Governor's New Hire Directory more than doubled collections from newly hired non-custodial parents, from $1.5 million per month to an average of $3.8 million per month. 

Under the Blagojevich administration, the child support program also significantly strengthened existing collection tactics.  Child support collections that resulted from passport denials for debts owed to Illinois families grew from only $203,000 in 2002 to over $1.4 million in state fiscal year 2007.  In addition, the Division of Child Support Enforcement successfully seized more than $13.5 million in assets, compared to $2.7 million in 2002.  Since the inception of the administrative lien program, HFS has collected more than $50 million in past due support through liens and seizures.  Collections now average more than $1 million per month.  More than 60% of the state fiscal year 2007 collections of $13.5 million were the result of seizure of bank accounts held by child support debtors.

"I want to thank the Department of Natural Resources for partnering with us to help Illinois families and further the dramatic improvements to our child support division under this Administration," said Barry Maram, Director of HFS. "By working with other agencies and continuing to find ways to identify parents who owe, we show our commitment to helping children have the childhood they deserve." 

The continued improvements in child support collections in Illinois are due to the critical programs Governor Blagojevich has implemented since taking office.

The Deadbeat Parents Website:  In November 2003, Governor Blagojevich launched the Deadbeat Parents Website, www.ilchildsupport.com/deadbeats that identifies parents who owe more than $5,000 in child support payments and whose families wish for their debt to be made public.  More than $345,000 has been collected from the most egregious child support evaders through the Deadbeat Parent website. 

Collaboration with Clerks of Circuit Court:  This year, HFS launched a new collaboration with Illinois Clerks of Circuit Court to help parents sign up for child support enforcement services as soon as a new order is issued by the Courts.  Early enforcement efforts will help new child support cases get on track and stay on track, making regular collection of support for families a reality.  Clerks of Court will provide custodial parents with information about the child support program and applications for the enforcement services.

Project Clean Slate:  In January 2007, HFS implemented Project Clean Slate to assist low-income fathers in reducing debt owed to the State while encouraging them to make their current support payments to their family.  Non-custodial parents who owe child support to the State may be eligible to have the debt erased by making regular payments of support owed to families.  To be eligible, non-custodial parents must prove they were unemployed or otherwise unable to make payments in the past.  To learn more or to request an application, non-custodial parents should call 312-793-8222.

These initiatives and resulting success earned DCSE an $8.6 million federal bonus for meeting federal child support indicators. 

Illinois improved the percentage of establishment of legal parentage by 4% in federal fiscal year 2006, while also increasing cases with support orders from 60% to 67% for the same federal fiscal year.  Collections for cases receiving full child support enforcement services increased by more than $63 million.  Between 2002 and 2006, the cost effectiveness ratio improved 46.5%, from $2.62 to $3.84. 

All child support enforcement services are free and include the automatic location of employers, automatic service on income withholding notices, the submission of child support debt to credit reporting agencies and to the state and federal governments that can then intercept tax refunds, suspend or revoke professional and occupational licenses and deny passports.  Information about applying is available on the HFS website, www.hfs.illinois.gov

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