Congressman Ray LaHood (R-Peoria) will be the guest this Sunday for C-SPAN’s Q&A, a new interview series with C-SPAN President and CEO Brian Lamb.   

According to C-SPAN, during the Q&A program “we introduce you to interesting people who are making things happen in politics, the media, education, and science & technology in hour-long conversations about their lives and their work.” 

The C-SPAN description of this week’s program is as follows:  “Rep. Ray LaHood discusses his 12 years in the U.S. House and influence of money in politics. He announced last month (July) that he would not seek re-election in 2008. He represents the 18th Congressional District in central Illinois which includes Peoria and parts of Springfield and Decatur.” 

The hour-long program will air on C-SPAN this Sunday, Sept. 2 at 7:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. Central, as well as a third time at 5:00 a.m. Central on Monday, Sept. 3. 

### 

A young adult with a serious pre-existing condition is not likely to receive coverage for that condition through the conventional health insurance market, or would be unable to afford private coverage in the unlikely event it were offered.

“We take care of children who are seriously ill or have pre-existing conditions through our All Kids health insurance program.  But, after their 19^th birthdays, it becomes extremely difficult for them to find the comprehensive and affordable healthcare they need and deserve,” said Governor Blagojevich.  “We are committed to making sure these young adults are taken care of and the new All Kids Bridge program will make sure they don’t lose coverage.”

ICHIP offers health insurance to Illinoisans with pre-existing conditions whose coverage was rejected by private health insurers.  ICHIP is intended to aid individuals with medical conditions that exclude them from obtaining private coverage and whose incomes are too high to qualify for public health care programs.  For young adults with preexisting conditions who reach the age limit in All Kids and are at risk of losing coverage, Governor Blagojevich will expand ICHIP and subsidize the premiums to provide continuous affordable, comprehensive coverage through age 21. ICHIP participants have benefits that include doctor visits, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, emergency services, prescription drugs, and more.

Governor Blagojevich instructed the Director of Insurance Michael McRaith, who also serves as Chairman of the ICHIP Board of Directors, to work with the Board and related state agencies to create the All Kids Bridge Program.  On August 28, the Board approved the objectives of the Governor’s proposed expansion. 

Working with the Departments of Healthcare and Family Services, Public Health and Human Services, the Director and ICHIP will develop and implement the program to allow young adults with critical health care needs to receive continuous care at an affordable cost. Once implemented, this new program for 19-21 year olds (ending on their 21^st birthday) will provide continuous coverage at a cost no more than what they paid while on All Kids.  The continuous coverage will provide the opportunity for a complete recovery, or for an improved or stable quality of life.

Governor Blagojevich first announced his intention to expand access to healthcare for young adults with serious illnesses and pre-existing conditions earlier this month when he explained how his administration will pursue administrative changes to dramatically improve access to healthcare for thousands of Illinois families.  Using his executive authority, Governor Blagojevich will bolster state healthcare programs and give 500,000 more Illinoisans, including young adults, access to affordable health coverage and services, including;

• Every uninsured woman in Illinois will be eligible to get screened and treated for breast and cervical cancer, greatly improving cancer outcomes and saving lives. 
  
• Poor adults who are not eligible for Medicaid will have the chance to see a doctor regularly and get the prescription medications they need.
  
• By changing eligibility limits for the FamilyCare program, more working and middle-class uninsured parents will receive access to health coverage at affordable rates. 
  
• Families struggling with the high cost of health insurance premiums will be able to apply for yearly subsidies worth 20% of their annual premiums, up to $1,000.
  
  

-30- 

from the Senate Repubicans press office, Aug 29, 2007

SPRINGFIELD – In a move aimed at protecting children from sexual predators who use the Internet and social networking sites like Myspace.com, State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) passed House Bill 50.  Governor Blagojevich signed this legislation into law on Monday August, 27^th 2007. 

This legislation would prohibit those persons convicted of crimes that are classified as child sex crimes, from using the Internet to communicate with any individual, other than family, that the sex offender reasonably believes to be under the age of 18.

“In this day and age, these sex offenders have the ability to enter into the homes of unsuspecting families through their Internet connection. Every parent in Illinois needs to be aware of this,” stated Dillard.  “While the parents need to take an active role in guiding their children on the Internet, we, as lawmakers, have an equal obligation to give our local law enforcement officials the tools to stop this type of crime from even happening.”

This legislation will go into effect January 1, 2008.   

from the Gov's press office, Aug 29, 2007

CHICAGO – “I know personally how important mass transit is to the way of life in Chicago.  Not only did my mother’s salary from serving as a CTA ticket agent help put me through college, but I wouldn’t have been able to get to my classes at Northwestern University, or to high school before that, without the CTA.

“As I have said on many occasions, I’m in favor of helping the CTA, RTA and other mass transit authorities across our state.  I worked closely with three of the legislative leaders on a capital plan that would have provided a major investment in mass transit projects around the state.  That plan was opposed by the House Speaker and ended up losing narrowly.  I have also proposed and am continuing to push a plan to close special business tax loopholes that could generate hundreds of millions in recurring revenue for mass transit.

“I do not support the plan to require people to pay a higher sales tax and real estate transfer tax.  That just ends up hurting the very people who rely on mass transit.  We shouldn’t take more money from working people when there are major corporations doing business in Illinois who benefit from a strong mass transit system, but aren’t paying their fair share to help maintain it.”

 - 30

Governor should earn respect, not demand it

By State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington)

The Governor is suing the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Interesting.

Rod Blagojevich is demanding that Mike Madigan follow the dictates of the numerous special sessions he has called as part of a record-setting legislative overtime.

Admittedly, although many of my colleagues did not find it necessary to attend each special session, I made it nearly every day.

What I found peculiar about these particular special sessions is two-fold. First, the Governor never did actually submit legislation or a plan for the special sessions. I find it incumbent on anyone who spends more than $40,000 per day to convene the General Assembly on a special matter to provide a solution to that special matter.

Secondly, I find it incumbent on any Governor who convenes special sessions at taxpayer expense to actually show up at the Capitol. On the days I was there, on the Saturdays and Sundays when I took time from my family, my district legislative duties, and my business, I would go to the Governor’s office, only to find the Governor’s staff making excuses for him not being there.

Leaders are leaders because they work hard and they show up for work. The next time the Governor asks us to attend a special session, he should show up for work.

I find it peculiar that the Governor has filed this lawsuit against Mike Madigan now, considering the blatantly political way he vetoed the budget and the appearance of give and take in maintaining the member projects of those lawmakers who are in a position to influence the implementation of his health care plan. One might wonder, in the manner of give and take, if he should not be leery of a lawsuit by Mike Madigan, filed under the bribery statutes of our state.

Instead of demanding – or litigating – respect from legislators, the Governor would be better served by earning our respect and, more important, the respect of the people we represent.

### 

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed a law permanently allowing state money to fund embryonic stem cell research in Illinois.  Senate Bill 4, the Stem Cell Research and Human Cloning Prohibition Act, sponsored by State Senator Jeffrey M. Schoenberg (D-Evanston) and State Representative Tom Cross (R-Plainfield), permits embryonic stem cell researchers to receive state funds and prohibits cloning or the attempt to clone a human being. The legislation comes after the Governor created by Executive Order in 2005 the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute (IRMI) Program two years ago, and allocating $15 million for stem cell research.

“Stem cell research has limitless potential to help cure devastating diseases – from Parkinson’s to diabetes, and even many forms of cancer.  Since the federal government continues to stall the medical advancements that will come with stem cell research, it is up to Illinois to take action. We are among the nation’s leaders in providing resources for stem cell research, and with this law, we will continue being a leader in this field,” said the Governor.

SB 4 authorizes the Illinois Department of Public Health to administer the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute (IRMI) Program to provide grants to Illinois medical research institutions for stem cell research.

Gov. Blagojevich created IRMI by executive order, making Illinois the first state in the Midwest, and only the fourth state in the nation, to commit public funds to stem cell research.  The IRMI is designed to issue grants for stem cell research to study therapies, protocols, medical procedures, possible cures for, and potential mitigations of major diseases and injuries; to support all stages of the process of developing cures - from laboratory research through successful clinical trials; and to establish the appropriate regulatory standards for research and facilities development.  The bill also creates the IRMI Oversight Committee to evaluate grant proposals and award funding. The Committee will consist of 7 members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Committee will:

• Determine awards based on a competitive peer review process
• Review the scientific peer review process
• Develop guidelines concerning the use of the grants according to current best practices
• Advise IDPH on future use of the grant program

In 2006 Gov. Blagojevich announced $15 million in stem cell research grants, funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) by executive order.  Grants, based on the IRMI panel’s recommendations, were issued to researchers at several Illinois hospitals and research institutions for a variety stem cell projects.

“This issue is one of the most morally compelling challenges facing those of us in the public arena,” said Sen. Schoenberg, the chief Senate sponsor of the new law expanding stem cell research. “Millions of Americans are affected directly or indirectly by chronic illnesses and medical conditions such as juvenile diabetes, Parkinson's, cancer and spinal cord injury -- all of which have the potential to be cured by embryonic stem cell research. Illinois is now poised to play a leading role nationally in funding this research, and I'm proud of my role and that of the Governor in achieving this important victory.”

“The promising results of stem cell research for people who suffer from diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or juvenile diabetes gives us hope that our parents and our children can enjoy a better life.  I am proud that with this new law Illinois will strengthen it’s commitment to stem cell research and become a leader in these efforts,” said Rep. Cross.

“Allowing public funding for embryonic stem cell research will throw the door wide-open for groundbreaking medical advancements,” said IDPH Director Dr. Eric E. Whitaker.  “Treatment approaches discovered through this research will impact countless lives and be valuable to the health and well-being of all of us.”

Stem cells are cells that have the potential to develop into many different types of healthy new cells in the body.  As described by the National Institutes of Health, they act like an internal repair system for the body.  Stem cells can divide to replenish other cells for as long as the body is alive.  When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell like a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

Studying stem cells allows doctors to analyze how cells transform into other cells.  Many of the most serious illnesses or birth defects are caused by problems during the transformation process.  Understanding the process better may help doctors discover how to prevent, treat or cure illnesses and conditions.

SB 4 becomes effective January 1, 2008.

### 

from the office of Sen. Frank Watson, Aug 28, 2007

If the citizens of Illinois needed further proof that our state government is failing us and change is needed – the ongoing state budget crisis will be all the evidence needed. It is painfully clear that the state needs a new direction with bipartisan cooperation and solutions; and ethics reform that ends the “pay-to-play” and influence peddling.

As Illinois came perilously close to government shutdown under the state’s one-party rule, the Democrat leadership engaged in political games and one-upmanship. But the gridlock opened the door for Republican legislators to bring about a reasonable, bipartisan state budget that funds vital state services without raising taxes. The budget belatedly passed by the General Assembly is not perfect – but it prioritizes spending, fulfills our commitments and increases school funding without raising taxes!

Now the Governor has removed hundreds of community initiatives from that budget – selectively rewarding those he needs on his side while punishing those who disagree with his agenda. Funds for the unspecified spending earmarked by Senate President Emil Jones – a Blagojevich ally – were left untouched leaving millions of taxpayer dollars to Jones’ whim. In the past, Senator Jones has spent taxpayer money for such questionable priorities as hip-hop exercise classes and a special grant to the sister of his closest legislative ally.

While protecting Jones’ pet projects, Blagojevich cut funding for desperately-needed flood control and school construction projects, initiatives that may actually improve our schools and firefighters’ equipment. Ironically, while saying he wants to expand health care, Blagojevich cut Medicaid funding for the poor, senior citizens, veterans and the disabled. He rearranged state spending to pay for a multi-billion-dollar new program that has twice been overwhelmingly rejected by the legislature.

But the final chapter on the state budget has yet to be written. The legislature has an opportunity to restore the bipartisan state budget.  But Senate President Emil Jones has vowed to block that effort, preventing the 59 elected Senators who represent Illinois’ 12 million citizens from taking a vote. Senate President Emil Jones has also blocked efforts to enact tough ethics reforms that end “pay-to-play,” questionable contracts and political cronyism.

In addition, Illinois must also address its crumbling infrastructure this legislative session. There has not been a comprehensive program since 1999 – and it shows. We desperately need an affordable program that will build and fix roads, bridges, schools and our mass transit system – and put people to work in Illinois!

If state government is to find workable solutions to these and other problems – our citizens must demand change from the state’s most powerful leaders. We must have bipartisan cooperation and a sincere desire to work together for the good of Illinois.

### 

DU QUOIN – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed legislation to provide relief to Illinoisans faced with skyrocketing electric rates.  Senate Bill 1592 directs $1 billion in credits to electricity consumers across the state to help alleviate some of the burden of higher costs that came when utility and power companies began buying power through an auction process after a ten-year rate freeze expired at the beginning of the year.  The new law eliminates the auction process and establishes a new state agency, the Illinois Power Agency, to plan for Illinois’ energy future and stabilize electric rates.

“More than two years ago, I voiced my strong opposition to the auction process because it was clear to me that it would benefit large utilities and their affiliates at the expense of consumers.  The reverse auction was approved anyway, and I urged lawmakers to send me a bill that would make sure electric consumers wouldn’t be hit with shocking rate hikes.  This bill is a good starting point.  After carefully reviewing it, I believe it will provide immediate relief and put us in a position to keep working on longer-term electricity issues that need to be addressed to ensure that electricity in Illinois is affordable,” said Governor Blagojevich.

The Governor pointed to several long-term energy issues that were not dealt with in the rate legislation that he plans to keep working with lawmakers to address: making sure Ameren customers have the same protections ComEd customers have to receive compensation for losses that result from extended power outages; investing in clean coal technology to generate affordable electricity using local coal resources; and passing additional steps to prevent sky-high electric bills when the current rebates run out.

SB 1592 will provide $1 billion in rate relief to customers of utility companies over the next three years and help alleviate the rate hikes that went into effect on January 1, 2007.  The bill will allow customers to receive a one-time rebate in 2007 ranging from $40 to $100 and small monthly credits, $4 to $14 per month, thereafter. 

SB 1592, sponsored by State Senator Gary Forby (D-Benton) and State Representative George Scully, Jr. (D-Crete), will create the Illinois Power Agency (IPA), which will create and oversee a new electricity procurement method in Illinois to stabilize electric rates and provide plans for the state’s energy future. 

SB1592 also contains important elements of Gov. Blagojevich’s Energy Independence Plan that will benefit consumers, protect the environment and spur economic growth statewide.  The bill includes a Renewable Portfolio Standard that requires Illinois utilities to meet 25% of their customers’ electricity needs from renewable energy sources like wind power by 2025.  The bill also requires utilities to dramatically boost their investments in energy saving programs and technologies that will help reduce rates for consumers, generate billions in economic activity and create thousands of jobs, and dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming.

“People all over this part of the state have been hit hard with staggering electric bills.  We’ve seen businesses close their doors and families make big sacrifices because of the new rates.  My top priority this session was to deliver relief from the high rates.  I’m proud to be here today with Governor Blagojevich as he signs this carefully negotiated bill into law.  People all over Illinois will soon feel the difference this new law will make,” said Senator Forby.

“This law is the result of months of negotiations between the members of the General Assembly, the Attorney General’s office and representatives of the utility companies. We all wanted one outcome, a victory for consumers, and that is what we have achieved with this legislation,” said Senate President Emil Jones, Jr.

SB 1592 will go into effect immediately.

-30- 

from the Governor's office Aug 27, 2007

SPRINGFIELD– Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today declared LaSalle and Grundy counties state disaster areas due to flash flooding in some areas, as well as flooding along the Fox and Illinois rivers that has damaged homes and businesses in both counties.  The state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities recover from this flood-related damage. 

“The severe weather that moved through Northern Illinois last Thursday has had a devastating effect throughout the region, including LaSalle and Grundy counties,” said Gov. Blagojevich.  “Many homes and businesses in both counties had to be evacuated and several bridges and roads were closed due to floodwaters.  I’m declaring these counties state disaster areas to help them get the assistance they need to recover.”

The State of Illinois has personnel and assets that can be mobilized to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including such things as trucks, heavy equipment and work crews to speed debris removal, and assistance with security and other public safety issues.

Last week the Governor declared Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Lake, Kane and McHenry counties state disaster areas to help those areas respond to and recover from flooding and storm damage.

The Governor also has directed the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to continue working with local emergency management officials throughout Northern Illinois as communities deal with floodwaters and the aftermath of several severe storms.    

 from the Senate Republicans

Obviously Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s recent line-item veto of flood relief projects in the state budget could not have come at a worse time. The day after Blagojevich deep-sixed an estimated $700,000 for flood mitigation work at the Castle Bowl drainage reservoir in Lemont and for the Village of Homer Glen, some of the worst flooding in recent memory happened, shining a very harsh light on the governor’s actions.

Let this be a lesson for Gov. Blagojevich. The terrible flooding that occurred in the Chicago area and the suburbs is evidence enough for why these projects were needed in the first place. When the governor visited flood ravaged northern Illinois last week, his political gamesmanship suddenly seemed awkwardly out of place when compared to the very real plight of people faced with the prospect of losing their homes to a flood.

In a calculated and possibly unconstitutional end-run around the General Assembly, the governor said he intends to replace the $462 million in vetoed items with new health care expansions that will ultimately cost the state billions. The budget vetoes made by Blagojevich also beg the question: Why, if the concern is health care, did he remove nearly $100 million for nursing homes and hospitals? Why did the governor eliminate $2.2 million for new beds at a veterans hospital and reduce funding for programs for the developmentally disabled?

This is clearly not an effort to control spending, but rather a political message to the governor’s enemies including Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan (House Democrats projects were conveniently removed from the budget by Blagojevich).

Please governor. Stop playing politics with public safety projects and our most vulnerable citizens and reinstate funding for these needed projects.

State Senator Christine Radogno

R-Lemont 

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed a new law to protect disabled individuals under Medicare from being overcharged by insurers. Senate Bill 873 will end insurance discrimination against disabled patients by ensuring this population has more options to choose from while dramatically lowering the cost of policies. Medicare supplemental insurance policies provide much needed wrap-around coverage for beneficiaries with disabilities. 

“Every day, disabled individuals face challenges many of us wouldn’t think twice about.  Things most of us take for granted – like shopping, filling our cars with gas, even owning our own homes – are more difficult for them.  But quality healthcare at an affordable rate should not be one of those challenges,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “I am happy to sign a law to help make sure that disabled people have equal access to what is a fundamental right.”

SB 873 was sponsored by State Senator Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forest) and State Representative Elaine Nekritz (D-Des Plaines).

Prior to this legislation, these policies were not subject to any premium or rate regulation.  The result being that companies were allowed to charge higher premiums simply based on the individual’s disability.  Currently the average premium for a Medicare supplemental policy for those under 65 is $6,158.  Because of this legislation, the highest average premium for individuals with disabilities will be $2,801.

SB 873 becomes effective June 1, 2008.

The Governor also today signed into law Senate Bill 796, which creates a new check-off for lung cancer research to be added to the Illinois Individual Income Tax Return next year, and Senate Bill 797, which creates a check-off for autoimmune disease research to be added to the Illinois Individual Income Tax Return next year. 

SB 796, sponsored by State Senator John J. Cullerton (D-Chicago) and State Representative Fred Crespo (D-Streamwood), adds lung cancer research to the causes for which taxpayers when filing their state income tax return and creates the Lung Cancer Research Fund to collect money received from the checkoff. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is designated to make grants to public and private not-for-profit entities for the purpose of lung cancer research. According to 2003 data from the US Center for Disease Control, lung cancer is the third most prevalent form of cancer in Illinois. Last month, Governor Blagojevich signed the Smoke-Free Illinois Act to protect millions of Illinoisans from the dangers of lung cancer by imposing a statewide ban on smoking in all public places, including bars, restaurants, public buildings and work places. 

SB 796 becomes effective immediately.

SB 797, sponsored by State Senator Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville) and State Representative Gary Hannig (D-Gillespie), will add autoimmune disease research to causes for which taxpayers can donate when filing their state tax returns and creates the Autoimmune Disease Research Fund which will collect the money received from the check off and designates IDPH as the agency to make grant to public or private entities for the purpose of research for the treatment and cure of autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune disease refers to any disease that results from an aberrant immune response including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma. According to the National Institutes of Health Autoimmune Disease Coordinating Committee, autoimmune diseases afflicted 5 to 8 percent of the U.S. population in 2002.

SB 797 becomes effective immediately.

“Although autoimmune diseases are prevalent in our society, they often get forgotten in the list other medical causes to support. This checkoff will bring much needed money to research to increase the quality of life for those suffering from one of these diseases,” said bill sponsor Sen. Demuzio.

Lung cancer and autoimmune disease will be added to the list of checkoffs on the Illinois Individual Income Tax Return which also includes 13 other causes such as Wildlife Preservation, Child Abuse Prevention, Alzheimer’s Disease Research, and Assistance to the Homeless. To prevent the list of checkoffs from becoming too long and overwhelming tax-payers, SB 797 also limits the number of tax checkoffs on the Illinois Individual Income Tax Return to no more than 15 at any one time. Checkoffs have to raise $100,000 in a fiscal year for their cause in order to be included on the next year’s tax return.

- 30 - 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to President Bush, calling on him to immediately rescind newly implemented restrictive policies for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and commit to supporting the program’s reauthorization.  In the letter, Obama expresses serious concerns that the Administration’s new program requirements essentially abandon the children who need help the most by limiting access to CHIP.  In August, the Senate voted to expand CHIP coverage to an additional four million children.   

The text of the letter is below: 

Dear Mr. President: 

I am writing to express my serious concerns over the Administration’s new policies for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  These policies, which are detailed in a letter on August 17, 2007, to state health officials from Dennis Smith, Director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations, would severely restrict the ability of states to address the needs of its most vulnerable residents.  

There are few issues in this country that reflect a greater disconnect between what the American people want and the way Washington operates than health care coverage.  And nowhere is this divide more apparent than in the millions of American children who lack health insurance.  These are children who did not choose where they were born or how much money their parents have; children whose development depends on the care and nourishment they receive in those early years; children who any parent, anywhere, should want to protect at any cost.  Insuring these children is a top priority for the American people, and those of us in Washington must do everything we can to protect them. 

One-quarter of all children and half of low-income children receive their health coverage through Medicaid or CHIP.  Medicaid covers nearly 30 million poor and near-poor children, and CHIP covers 6.7 million additional low-income children and pregnant woman.  Although we can debate the effectiveness of some federal programs, CHIP has been an unqualified success.  After its enactment, the uninsured rate among low-income children fell by more than one-third from 1997-2005, even as the number and rate of uninsured adults rose steadily during the same time period.   

Unfortunately, this national trend has not continued, and the number of children without health coverage has started to rise since 2005.  This reversal adds urgency to the national call to reauthorize and expand CHIP, and not contract it as the Administration’s new policies will do.  

Among the changes detailed in Mr. Smith’s letter is a requirement that states must demonstrate that they have enrolled at least 95 percent of the children with family incomes below 200 percent of poverty level before they can extend the eligibility limit to 250 percent.  However, as your officials are well aware, no state has enrolled 95 percent of eligible children in CHIP to date.  The Administration also proposes that in families with incomes above 250 percent of poverty level, children must be uninsured for a year before they can be eligible for CHIP.  This requirement essentially abandons the children who need our help the most – those whose parents have lost their jobs and their employer-provided health insurance.  

Today, nine million of our children still do not have health insurance, and the vast majority of Americans are calling on our government to do something about it.  The Congress has done its part by recently passing the Senate reauthorization bill to allow an additional four million children to be covered and the House bill to cover upwards of five million children.  State governments are also successfully tackling this enormous challenge by increasing outreach and enrollment, expanding eligibility, and by building upon CHIP as part of their state universal coverage initiatives.   

It is now time for the Administration to do its part for our children.  We must ensure that all children have access to the health care they need, when they need it.  As long as there are children in our country who lack health care coverage, we are fundamentally betraying the very morals and ideals we hold in our hearts as Americans.  I ask that you immediately rescind these new policies and commit to passing the reauthorization of this critical program. 

Sincerely, 

Barack Obama

United States Senator

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed a new law to help protect Illinoisans from harassment and inappropriate calls from debt collectors. Senate Bill 1398 limits the amount and type of contact debt collectors may have with residents who have unpaid debts, and is in direct response to numerous complaints from individuals about embarrassing communications and inappropriate harassment by collection agencies.

“Some debt collectors will stop at nothing to track down their targets.  This law will help make sure they don’t overstep their boundaries and use harassment or threats to collect,” said Gov. Blagojevich.

SB 1398 was sponsored by State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and State Representative Marlow Colvin (D-Chicago). The law takes effect January 1, 2008.

Marilyn D. from Spring Grove would benefit from the provisions of SB 1398. Marilyn’s last name resembles that of her husband’s ex-wife, who had acquired some previous debt which remains unpaid and has been sent to collection by the original creditor. Marilyn has been receiving calls at her place of employment and, despite numerous attempts to notify the collection agency that they may not call her there they have persisted and have threatened to make her “debt” known to others at her place of employment, if she doesn’t “pay up.” 

Marilyn is also dealing with harassing calls from the collector and the fear that her employment may be jeopardized by the unscrupulous tactics of the collection agency.  The additional protections offered by SB1398 would provide her with the weapons she needs to fight this obvious harassment.

SB1398 contains a set of basic consumer protections for debtors which will prevent Illinois collection agencies from harassing them unfairly and attempting to embarrass them with coworkers and family members in efforts to collect debts. It also ensures that consumers are informed of the amount of the debt, who is owed the money, that the debtor has the right to dispute the debt. 

“It isn’t fair for debt collectors to harass people who are trying to pay their bills or have already hired lawyers to deal with their debts.  Under this law, debt collectors will have to respect the privacy of those in debt,” said Rep. Colvin. 

“Being in debt is never easy, but with these new restrictions, debt collectors will have to be more respectful of the debtor’s privacy and instructions regarding payment,” said Sen. Harmon.

SB 1398 requires debt collectors to honor a consumer’s instruction to contact their attorney instead of themselves, and cease collection efforts if the debtor notifies the collector that he or she will not pay the debt.  Finally if a debtor can show that he or she is the victim of identity theft, the collection efforts must stop until the collector can demonstrate that the debt was incurred by the target of the collector and not the thief. 

-30- 

“Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has done the right thing in tendering his resignation.  The American people and the Congress have lost faith in him and many were losing faith in our entire Justice system.

The Attorney General is not intended to serve as the President's lawyer- he represents all Americans and the interests of justice.  The American people will not tolerate another Attorney General who tarnishes the Department of Justice by rising to defend questionable acts of an Administration as Gonzales did with warrantless wiretapping, the torture of detainees and the political firing of US Attorneys.

President Bush now has an opportunity to appoint a person of the highest skill and integrity to this important post who will lead the thousands of fine career attorneys who continue to serve at the Department of Justice.”