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Illinois ChannelUnedited Nonpartisan Coverage of Illinois State Government & Public Affairs January 09 Illinois Channel Blog MovingThe Illinois Channel Blog is moving. Be sure to visit us here from now on. Statement from Sec. of State Jesse White on Impeachment of Gov. BlagojevichFrom the Office of Secretary of State Jesse White
Since the day Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested, I have been calling for him to step aside or resign. Unfortunately, the Governor has refused to put the people of Illinois first and do the right thing.
I have closely monitored the progress of the House Special Investigative Committee and today’s vote to impeach the Governor. I applaud their efforts to ensure that the process was handled fairly and professionally.
While it is a sad day for the state of Illinois, this is a necessary first step toward restoring integrity to our great state. State Supreme Court Hands Down Opinion in Burris CaseIllinois Supreme Court says Sec. of State Jesse White is not required to sign and affix the state seal to the document appointing Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate. Read the opinion here. Governor Blagojevich to hold Press Conference at 2:00 p.m.It has been reported that Governor Blagojevich will hold a press conference today at 2:00 p.m.
Stay tuned for more details as they become available. Governor Blagojevich Impeached by House of RepresentativesThis morning, the Illinois House of Representatives voted 114-1-1 to impeach Governor Rod Blagojevich.
Rep. Milton Patterson (D-Chicago) cast the one "no" vote.
Rep. Elga Jefferies (D-Chicago) voted "present." Blagojevich Impeachment Moves to Full House, Senate Trial Begins Jan 26.The debate over impeaching Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich moves to the Illinois House of Representatives today. The debate begins at 9 AM. Not only are most of the Illinois media gathered in the state capitol today, but so are many national media outlets.
But while the other they will last for some hours in all likelihood, the vote is a foregone conclusion. No one expects to the governor to get much support in the House of Representatives. The due to the inauguration of PResident-Elect OBama, the Senate will not take up the trial of the Governor until January 26. The trial in the Senate is expected to last approximately 9 to 10 days. If all goes according to the current timetable, Gov. Blagojevich could be removed from office around February 4th. January 08 House Cmte. Votes 21-0 to Impeach Gov. Blagojevich. Gov's office issues StatementThe Special House Committee on Impeachment tonight voted 21-0 to recommend impeaching Governor Rod R. Blagojevich for misconduct in office. A full House debate on impeachment will be held starting Friday, January 9, 2009, at 9 am. A vote is expected from the Full House. Rep. Lou Lang, a member of the Special committee on impeachment, says he would not be surprised if the House votes unanimously to impeach the Governor.
In a statement issued by Governor Blagojevich' office after the votes reads:
“Today’s vote was not a surprise. The outcome was a foregone conclusion especially when you consider the committee released its report hours before wrapping up testimony. The Governor believes that the impeachment proceedings were flawed, biased and did not follow the rules of law. His team was not allowed to subpoena witnesses, they were never allowed to cross examine people and never given the chance to put on any kind of defense. In all, the Governor’s rights to due process were deprived. When the case moves to the Senate, an actual judge will preside over the hearings, and the Governor believes the outcome will be much different.” The Senate will vote on whether to convict the Governor, which would remove him from office if the vote goes against the governor. The Senate trial is not set, but is surely not going to start until after the inauguration of President-Elect Obama.
January 07 Burris Expects to Join Senate "Very Shortly"From WBBM News Radio 780
WASHINGTON (AP) - Roland Burris said Wednesday he should be able to join the Senate ``very shortly,'' after talking to newly supportive Democratic leaders and working on lingering legal obstacles. Talking to reporters on the second day of a Washington power odyssey that would intimidate many, the 71-year-old Burris declared himself ``very happy'' and said he was pleased with his meeting with Sens. Harry Reid and Dick Durbin. ``My whole interest in this experience is to be prepared'' to lead Illinois, Burris said, ``and very shortly I will have the opportunity to do that.'' Burris' legal issues include a pending decision by a court in his home state on whether Secretary of State Jesse White's signature is required on his certification papers. He's also expected to appear Thursday before a committee considering the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who appointed him to take Barack Obama's Senate seat. For his part, Obama stood above the fray, telling his own news conference that the decision on whether to allow Burris to join the Senate is a decision for Senate leaders. He did say that he knew him, liked him and would be happy to work with him if he is seated. Earlier, Reid, D-Nev., emerged with Durbin from a private meeting they had in the Capitol building with Burris, the former attorney general of Illinois. Reid said the Senate was awaiting a ruling by the state court that tests whether White has to put his signature on Burris' letter of appointment. White has taken the position that Blagojevich, accused of seeking to benefit financially from filling Obama's seat, did not have legal authority to make the appointment. Of Burris, Reid told reporters: ``We don't have a problem with him as an individual.'' And both he and Durbin, D-Ill., dramatically softened their party's opposition to seating any Blagojevich appointee. Knowledgeable Senate officials said the visual embrace of Burris was meant to show acceptance of his personal and professional qualifications, an indication that opposition to seating him was waning. Burris was on the second day of a bizarre introduction to Capitol Hill, standing in the rain Tuesday to say he wouldn't be seated and then giving a much more upbeat assessment of prospects Wednesday after his meeting with Reid and Durbin. Burris was asked about the obviously warmer reception he got the second time around this week. ``I don't know what pressure they were under, but they, I guess they have to keep the integrity of the Senate,'' he said. ``And they did not want to rush into anything and make a decision where they have to then be trying to reverse that. And that would even be worse.'' Asked if he, Reid and Durbin discussed any conditions under which he could be seated, he said that subject ``wasn't even on their radar screen.'' When a reporter inquired as to whether Burris might have had any ``pay to play'' discussions with Blagojevich or his office, Burris said that couldn't have happened ``because I don't have no money.'' Opposition to Seating Burris in Senate WeakeningFrom WBBM News Radio 780 WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris is closer to taking President-elect Barack Obama's seat in the Senate, say knowledgeable officials in both parties, despite Democratic leaders' vows to reject any appointee of Gov. Rod Blagojevich. After being rejected Tuesday when he tried to join the class of incoming freshmen senators, Burris is finding new support on Capitol Hill as Democratic leaders scramble for a way to defuse the standoff with growing racial, political and legal complications. The likelihood that Burris, a Democrat, will eventually prevail and become the Senate's only black member after Obama's resignation from the seat, increased Tuesday evening when a key chairwoman got behind him, cracking what had been united public front by Senate Democrats against a Blagojevich appointee. Burris was scheduled to meet with the Senate's top two Democrats - Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and assistant leader Dick Durbin of Illinois - on Wednesday, a day after his paperwork was rejected at the opening of the 111th Congress. Senate officials in both parties, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly for Senate members, said there is a growing expectation on Capitol Hill that the saga will end with Burris being seated. Blagojevich shocked Democratic leaders by appointing Burris to finish the final two years of Obama's six-year term in the Senate just three weeks after the governor was arrested on corruption charges in what federal prosecutors said was a scheme to sell or trade Obama's vacated Senate seat to the highest bidder, Blagojevich denies the accusations and has yet to be indicted. There has been no indication that Burris was involved in the alleged scheme, and he has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Democrats have repeatedly said the issue is Blagojevich, not Burris' qualifications. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who chairs the Rules Committee, told reporters Tuesday evening that Burris should be seated. "If you don't seat Mr. Burris, it has ramifications for gubernatorial appointments all over America," the California Democrat said. "Mr. Burris is a senior, experienced politician. He has been attorney general, he has been controller, and he is very well-respected. I am hopeful that this will be settled." In a piece of political theater, Burris, 71, tried and failed Tuesday to take Obama's seat. He marched into the Capitol, declaring himself "the junior senator from the state of Illinois," and asked Secretary of the Senate Nancy Erickson to accept a certification of his appointment signed by Blagojevich. Erickson refused, saying it lacked Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White's signature and the state seal. White has refused to sign the appointment letter that Blagojevich gave to Burris, saying he won't sign onto any such decision by a governor under legal siege. White said Wednesday says he's being unfairly blamed by senators for not seating Burris, saying Burris could have been accepted there without his signature, calling that "mostly ceremonial." And in Chicago, Burris' attorneys asked the Illinois Supreme Court on Tuesday to expedite a hearing on their petition for a court order directing White to certify his appointment. Burris also was considering a federal lawsuit to force Senate Democrats to seat him. "Our credentials were rejected by the secretary of the Senate," said Timothy W. Wright III, an attorney for Burris. "We were not allowed to be placed in the record book. We were not allowed to proceed to the floor for purposes of taking oath. All of which we think was improperly done and is against the law of this land." Report: Democrats to Seat BurrisFrom the Chicago Tribune
WASHINGTON -- Senate Democrats plan to accept Roland Burris for President-elect Barack Obama's vacant seat, the Associated Press is reporting. Details to come. January 06 Durbin Introduces Bill to Stem Record ForeclosuresFrom the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced the Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act, announcing that its passage is a top priority this year. Durbin’s bill could help millions of at-risk homeowners prevent foreclosures by allowing them to modify the terms of their mortgages in bankruptcy proceedings. This change to an outdated bankruptcy code would help stabilize the flagging economy by addressing the root cause of its continued downturn: the nearly two-year-old housing crisis.
“For nearly two years, we’ve heard dire predictions about the housing crisis and its effects on the economy. Sadly, they have not only come true, but have been far worse than anyone imagined,” Durbin said. “The question that faces us now is this: after committing over one trillion dollars in taxpayer money to address the financial crisis, why don’t we take a step that would indisputably reduce foreclosures and that would cost taxpayers nothing?” Durbin asked.
Durbin first introduced this bill in the fall of 2007, when experts estimated that nearly 2 million homeowners were at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure. Over the last fourteen months, that number has quadrupled. Today nearly 8.1 million homeowners – 16 percent of all homeowners – are at risk of foreclosure.
In that time, Durbin has held three hearings on his bill and tried on three occasions to pass it, each time facing opposition from mortgage bankers and Republicans. All the while the housing crisis worsened and we entered the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
In addition, recent voluntary efforts to modify mortgages have failed woefully. According to a recently-published study, almost half of these so-called foreclosure prevention efforts actually increased the monthly payments of homeowners. “How does that help families save their homes?” Durbin asked.
Durbin’s bill costs taxpayers nothing and would help families save their homes by:
Today, virtually every type of personal debt, including vacation homes and family farms, can be restructured in bankruptcy with the exception of mortgages on a primary residence. This exception dates to the 1970's, when most mortgages were fixed rate, long term agreements between local bankers and their neighborhood customers. The mortgage market has changed considerably since the 1970’s, and mortgages on primary residences are often now the primary cause of financial distress. This bill would help the bankruptcy code catch up with these changes in the mortgage market.
A companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives today by Rep. Conyers (D-MI). Durbin is also working to include the bill’s language in the upcoming economic stimulus package. Statement from Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich on Today's Actions by the U.S. SenateFrom the Office of Governor Rod Blagojevich CHICAGO - “The people of Illinois are entitled to be represented by two senators in the United States Senate. As governor, it is my duty and obligation to appoint a senator when there is a vacancy. I have done that by appointing Roland Burris, a good and decent man with a long history of public service in Illinois. Any allegations against me should not be held against him and especially not the people of Illinois,” Governor Rod R. Blagojevich said. Blagojevich Administration Joins Respiratory Health Association to Mark First Anniversary of Smoke-Free Illinois ActFrom the Office of Governor Rod Blagojevich CHICAGO - Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold today joined the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, legislators and advocates to celebrate the first year anniversary of the Smoke-free Illinois Act by unveiling a sculpture created from ashtrays that were donated in support of the new law. In commemoration of Illinois’ first year of being smoke-free, the sculpture will be on display at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago for one week before moving to a local hospital where it will remain for the rest of the year. “The Smoke-free Illinois Act has been a great success. It is one of the most significant achievements in Illinois public health history and we are seeing widespread compliance throughout the state,” said Governor Blagojevich. “The people of Illinois are now free from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke while at work or when they go out to restaurants or other public places.”
“Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Inhaling secondhand smoke can cause premature death and diseases in children and adults who do not smoke. It causes lung cancer and coronary heart disease in healthy non-smoking adults and increases the risk of serious respiratory problems in children, such as a greater number and severity of asthma attacks and lower respiratory tract infections,” said Dr. Arnold. “As the director of the state’s health promotion and disease prevention agency, I am proud of the efforts of local health departments, police, state’s attorneys, the public, and my agency in supporting this effort to make Illinois smoke-free.”
In light of the first year of the Smoke-free Illinois Act, students of Columbia College created a sculpture made from ashtrays donated to the Respiratory Health Association in a show of support for the new law.
“We find ‘Phoenix’ an appropriate title for this work in the purpose of giving a new life, a more beautiful existence, to the ugly past of the ashtrays. No longer serving the smoker but instead enriching the viewer,” said Emanuel Aguilar, one of three student sculptors.
The Smoke-free Illinois Act went into effect January 1, 2008 and prohibits smoking in enclosed public places, workplaces and government vehicles. In addition, smoking is not permitted within 15-feet of any entrance to an enclosed public place or place of employment.
“As result of this law we will see fewer Illinoisans suffer from lung cancer, fewer heart attack hospitalizations and fewer asthma attacks. Simply stated the Smoke-Free Illinois law will save lives,” said Joel Africk, president and CEO of Respiratory Health Association.
Although the state has gone Smoke-free there are still thousands of Illinoisans struggling with tobacco addiction.
“Cook County recognized the huge need for tobacco cessation services and has created the Healthy Lungs Initiative in response. We estimate that we will work with over 40,000 smokers over the five year life of the program,” said Dr. David Goldberg, Director of the Section of Preventative Medicine at Stroger Hospital.
To highlight the success of the Smoke-free Illinois Act one year after becoming law, Governor Blagojevich last week announced a new media campaign. Illinoisans are now seeing and hearing television and radio ads, featuring a pulmonary critical care physician and a bar and restaurant owner explaining how the Smoke-free Illinois Act has improved the lives of their patients, patrons and employees.
Every year in Illinois, exposure to secondhand smoke kills 2,900 non-smoking adults and children. The U.S. Surgeon General’s June 2006 report concluded there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, a mixture of smoke given off by the burning end of tobacco products and the smoke exhaled by smokers.
Levels of secondhand smoke in restaurants and bars were found to be two to five times higher than in residences with smokers and two to six times higher than in office workplaces, according to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services.
The World Health Organization issued a report stating that no-smoking laws are an effective way of preventing heart disease, getting cigarette users to quit and protecting children from smoke. The report also stated there is enough evidence to prove that smoke-free policies work without hurting businesses such as restaurants and bars.
For more information on the Smoke-free Illinois Act, visit www.smoke-free.illinois.gov. You are also able to use the Web site to log a complaint about a business or individual violating the law. For smokers looking for help in their efforts to quit, the Department funds a toll-free help line at 866-QUIT-YES. Burris Seat Denied by U.S. SenateFrom WBBM News Radio 780
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Roland Burris announced Tuesday he was rejected for Barack Obama's Senate seat, in a bizarre rainy-day scene on the Capitol grounds as lawmakers awaited the gaveling of the 111th Congress into session. Standing amid a huge throng of reporters and television cameras in a cold and steady rain, Burris, 71, declared that he had been informed that ``my credentials are not in order and will not be accepted.'' The former Illinois attorney general said he was ``not seeking to have any type of confrontation'' over taking the seat that he was appointed to by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich. But Burris also said he was looking at options for taking the seat. It was a spectacular demonstration of political gridlock at a time when the Democratic-controlled Congress has been eagerly awaiting Obama's inauguration while nervously anticipating tense work on a much-discussed stimulus program to steady the faltering economy. An attorney for Burris, Timothy W. Wright III, said that ``our credentials were rejected by the secretary of the Senate. We were not allowed to be placed in the record books. We were not allowed to proceed to the floor for purposes of taking oath. All of which we think was improperly done and is against the law of this land. We will consider our options and we will certainly let you know what our decisions will be soon thereafter.'' Asked what his options were, Wright said there possibly could be a court challenge and he said that Burris also would continue to talk to the Senate leadership. There had been earlier indications that the Senate would disallow Burris to take his seat, at least in part because his letter of appointment from Blagojevich was not co-signed by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. Some of Burris' supporters have bemoaned the fact that Democrats would stand in the way of the Senate gaining its only black member. Burris himself downplayed the issue of race, telling reporters: ``I cannot control my supporters. I have never in my life, in all my years of being elected to office, thought anything about race.'' Earlier Tuesday, Burris had tense negotiations with Terrence Gainer, the Senate's sergeant at arms. ``I'm presenting myself as the legally appointed senator from the state of Illinois. It is my hope and prayer that they recognize that the appointment is legal,'' he said earlier in a nationally broadcast interview. Burris dismissed the Senate Democratic leadership's position that he cannot be seated because he was appointed by a governor accused in a criminal complaint of trying to benefit financially from his authority to fill the seat that Obama vacated after winning the presidential election. Burriss said his belief is that his appointment is constitutional and that ``I have no knowledge of where a secretary of state has veto power over a governor carrying out his constitutional duties.'' Burris also maintained that the announcement by Blagojevich Monday of a date for an election for a successor to Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., proves the governor still has legal authority to carry out his duties. Emanuel will be Obama's White House chief of staff. ``There's nothing wrong with Roland Burris and there's nothing wrong with the appointment,'' Burris said. Burris has found little support among fellow Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had said Monday that Burris would not be permitted to take his seat because Burris ``has not been certified by the state of Illinois,'' a reference to incomplete paperwork that only touches on the dispute. Senate Democrats maintain that Burris' appointment is tainted because of the charges against Blagojevich. While Blagojevich has signed formal appointment papers, White has not, and Senate rules require that signature. Burris, in turn, has gone to court hoping to win an order for White to sign the necessary paperwork, and he has also threatened to sue to take his seat in the Senate. President-Elect Obama to Host Youth Ball, Regional Balls on Inaugural NightFrom the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. - President-elect Barack Obama will host a Youth Inaugural Ball, five Regional Inaugural balls, and a ball for his Home States - Illinois and Hawaii. Vice President-elect Joe Biden will host a ball for his Home States as well: Delaware and Pennsylvania. These balls round out the list of official inaugural balls to be held on Tuesday, January 20, along with the previously announced Neighborhood Inaugural Ball and Commander in Chief's Ball. The President-elect and the Vice President-elect will appear at each of the ten inaugural balls. "This is America's inaugural celebration in every way," said Presidential Inaugural Committee Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau. "Young people are more engaged in this country's future than ever before and we want to harness that excitement by inviting them to participate in this historic occasion. In that same vein, we are hosting events to bring people from all walks of life and from across the country - from the President-elect and Vice President-elect's home states, as well as every corner of the nation - to celebrate this country's unity moving forward." The Youth ball is intended for young Americans aged 18-35 and will celebrate the inauguration of the new president and the role young Americans can play to serve their communities. Tickets will be available at a reduced price of $75. The Regional Inaugural Balls are an inaugural tradition that President-elect Obama will continue, inviting guests from the Midwest, the West, the East, the South, and the Mid-Atlantic regions to their own celebrations. Tickets will be available to invited guests for $150. To cap off the night, Obama and Biden will each host guests from their home states to a ball to celebrate their inaugurations with those who know them best - their friends, families and local supporters. Tickets to this event will also be available to invited guests for $150. Additional details about the balls are below: Youth Inaugural Ball - Young Americans aged 18-35; Washington Hilton Obama Home States Inaugural Ball - Illinois and Hawaii invited guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center Biden Home States Inaugural Ball -Delaware and Pennsylvania invited guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center Eastern Inaugural Ball - CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, PR, and USVI invited guests; Union Station Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball - MD, VA, DC, NY, NJ, and WV invited guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center Midwest Inaugural Ball - KS, IN, IA, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI, and MO invited guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center Southern Inaugural Ball - AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, and TX invited guests; National Guard Armory Western Inaugural Ball - AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY, AZ, CO, NV, NM, UT, OK, GUAM/AS invited guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center Neighborhood Inaugural Ball - DC residents, additional guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball - Enlisted active duty and reserve military; National Building Museum January 05 IL Student Assistance Commission Statement on the Death of Sen. Clairborne Pell
CHICAGO—The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) issued a statement today about the passing of former Senator Claiborne Pell on January 1, 2009. Pell’s legacy includes the creation of perhaps the most effective student aid program in U.S. history, the Basic Opportunity Grant, which was later renamed in his honor. Services for the late senator were held in Newport, Rhode Island, on the morning of Monday, January 5.
Andrew Davis, ISAC Executive Director, said:
“The single most important feature of college affordability in the US today, and for the last 36 years, has been the Pell grant program. These need-based grants channeled directly to students were the idea, and became the passion of the just-deceased Senator from Rhode Island. By giving the money to students, and not to the institutions of higher learning, Senator Pell showed his trust in the individual’s ability to best make decisions for themselves. A free market thinker, this liberal New Englander was. He had the foresight to protect the schools themselves from the inevitable meddling that is certain partner of federal funding.
“Perhaps most importantly, in structuring the grants as need-based, the Pell grant most elegantly enhances the cause of affordability while in no way helping to fuel the fires of tuition inflation that other less carefully crafted programs have been accurately accused of. These reflect the wisdom, fine sense of policy and economic balance that the Senator brought to student financial aid.
“After 36 years this national treasure of a program continues to help make college affordable here in Illinois. For the most current completed year, Department of Education reports show that over two hundred thousand students here in Illinois are receiving nearly 500 million dollars of aid from Pell grants. What a great public servant and statesman. We are honored to carry on his vision.”
Illinois ranked seventh among Pell Grant monies received and also in the number of recipients, according to the most recent Department of Education statistics available. Illinois students received $482,953,597 worth of Pell Grant aid in 2006-07, with 201,326 recipients statewide.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission provides students of all ages and backgrounds with the resources and support to obtain financial aid for higher education.
A state agency, ISAC has paved the path to post-secondary education with innovative programs for more than 50 years. Last year alone, ISAC continued its mission to make college affordable for Illinois students by issuing 185,000 grants and scholarships totaling more than $448 million.
The Commission coordinates educational funding with student loans, as a loan guarantor and via numerous public programs such as the successful Monetary Award Program (MAP), the Illinois Veteran Grant and College Illinois!sm the Commission’s groundbreaking 529 prepaid college tuition program. Students and families have free access to a wealth of financial aid and college planning information at ISAC’s family of websites available at: www.knowhow2GOIllinois.org. -30- Lt Governor Quinn Forms Reform CommissionJan 5, 2009
Lt. Governor Pat Quinn announced today the formation of the Illinois Reform Commission, headed by former assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Collins.
The people of Illinois demand clean government and the highest ethical conduct from public servants, especially their leaders, and they are going to get it,” said Lt. Gov. Quinn. The reform effort will be conducted under the auspices of the Lt. Governor’s office. Other commission members will be named in the near future.
The initiative will investigate areas where reform is most needed. The Reform Commission will seek to work with victims of corruption and with experts from business, law enforcement, government, education, the military and not-for-profit community groups. In addition, the Reform Commission will invite everyday citizens to suggest what changes are needed to clean up state government. Citizens can share their views by going to ReformIllinoisNow.org and posting comments. “I am honored that Patrick Collins has agreed to head this important initiative. He is a strong voice for fairness and accountability in government. He will stand up for the people of Illinois,” said Lt. Gov. Quinn. As a 12-year assistant U.S. Attorney, Mr. Collins spearheaded corruption investigations at the city, county, state and federal levels. Most notably, Mr. Collins was the lead prosecutor in the eight-year Operation Safe Road investigation into corruption at the Secretary of State's office which culminated in the trial and conviction of former governor George Ryan. Since April 2007, Collins has been a partner at the law firm Perkins Coie LLP. Mr. Collins received his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, in economics from the University of Notre Dame, where he was also Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School. For more information, please visit ReformIllinoisNow.org.
STATEMENT OF PATRICK M. COLLINS
I was honored to receive a call last week from Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn who asked me if I would be willing to serve as the chairman of the Illinois Reform Commission at this important time in our state's history. With a great sense of humility and purpose, I have accepted Lt. Gov. Quinn's invitation. One of the primary reasons I agreed to accept the invitation was that Lt. Gov. Quinn's request was direct, straightforward and without preconditions: Would I be willing to help assemble people of accomplishment and good faith who love Illinois to propose comprehensive ethical reforms for our government in an expeditious manner? After 12 years as a federal prosecutor working public corruption cases, I saw first-hand how a culture of corruption has seeped into our governmental institutions and compromised the essence of our democracy. Today, I will begin asking a number of individuals from across Illinois from a variety of walks of life to join the Commission and help it achieve its mission. In the upcoming weeks, the Commission will seek the advice and counsel of experts in the field, and importantly, will actively seek the input of the public through a variety of means. I have little doubt that if we can actively engage the public in this endeavor and obtain their collective input and support, we will be successful. While there are no quick fixes to the multi-faceted ethical problems we face and no shortage of justifiable cynicism to surmount, I firmly believe this Commission can help bring about some meaningful, tangible improvements to the nagging culture of corruption that infects our governmental institutions. In accepting this volunteer position, I pledge that the Commission's work will be independent, apolitical and premised upon an important investigative principle I learned during my years as a federal prosecutor: aggressively gather the facts and then let the chips fall where they may. There will be more to say shortly when the Commission is fully formed, but for now, let me close by again expressing gratitude for this unique opportunity to help make a contribution on this important issue. Thank you. April 7 Set as Election Date to Replace Rahm Emanuel
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today issued a Writ of Election designating Tuesday April 7, 2009, as the date for the Special Congressional Election for the Fifth District Seat which was formerly held by Rahm Emanuel, now President-elect Barack Obama’s chief of staff. The Governor also set Tuesday, March 3, 2009, as the date for the Special Primary Election.
The two dates follow the recommendations outlined in a letter from Cook County Clerk David Orr and Lance Gough, Executive Director of the Chicago Election Board. Both officials serve as the two election authorities over the district. Orr and Gough contend that these dates allow for increased voter turnout while allowing the Fifth Congressional District to be represented in Congress as soon as possible.
“I am pleased to set these election dates so that the people of the Fifth Congressional District can have a representative in Congress as quickly as possible. With our nation in a recession, we need to ensure that Illinois’ voice is being represented in Washington D.C. to get our economy back on track,” said Governor Blagojevich.
By state law, the Governor is required to set the date of a special election for a Congressional seat within five days after the vacancy is created. December 31 Feds Seek Extension for Guv IndictmentFrom Crain's Chicago Business
(AP) — U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has filed a motion seeking a 90-day extension to return an indictment against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Federal prosecutors normally have 30 days to file an indictment against a defendant. That deadline would have been Jan. 7, and the extension would give prosecutors until April 7 instead.
Authorities arrested Blagojevich on Dec. 9 on corruption charges that accuse him of trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder.
Blagojevich has denied any wrongdoing.
Governor Reminds Illinoisans of New Public Safety Laws Effective January 1, 2009From the Office of Governor Rod Blagojevich
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced six new public safety laws designed to protect Illinoisans from danger and crime. The laws will take effect January 1, 2009. They allow for the use of GPS tracking devices in certain domestic violence cases, provide a stronger plan for colleges and universities in the event of an emergency, equip firefighters with more authority, strengthen penalties for unlawful use of certain weapons, and outlaw the use of a bumpkey.
In response to the death of Cindy Bischof, an Arlington Heights woman killed by her ex-boyfriend, Senate Bill 2719, sponsored by State Senator Susan Garrett (D – Highwood) and State Representative Suzanne Bassi (R – Palatine), increases protection for domestic violence victims. The bill establishes the Domestic Violence Surveillance Program where offenders who violate an order of protection could be ordered to wear a GPS tracking device while on bail, as a condition of their probation, or upon release from custody.
“We have to do everything in our power to protect our communities from domestic violence; it needlessly takes the lives of too many people every year,” said Governor Blagojevich. “This new law will help combat some of the dangers these individuals face and help them feel more secure. In general, these new laws all have the same goal – to ensure the safety of the public.”
Those who attempt to illegally obtain a firearm will now face steeper punishment. House Bill 5524, sponsored by State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R – Addison) and State Senator John Millner (R – St. Charles), increases the penalty for those who illegally obtain or attempt to obtain firearms to a possible Class X felony which carries a sentence of up to 40 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. This law also revokes the possibility of probation, periodic imprisonment, or conditional discharge.
In an effort to make campuses safer statewide, State Senator John Sullivan (D – Quincy) and State Representative Robert Pritchard (R – Sycamore) sponsored Senate Bill 2691, requiring all public and private colleges and universities to have an annual emergency response plan and campus violence prevention plan exercises. Local emergency managers and Illinois Emergency Management Agency regional coordinators are required to provide schools with appropriate standards and guidelines to assist in the development and maintenance of the plans.
Senate Bill 2488, sponsored by State Senator Gary Forby (D – Benton) and State Representative John Bradley (D – Marion), permits firefighters to close off lanes of traffic while responding to an emergency situation if no law enforcement or highway officials are present. This bill also increases the penalty for reckless homicide cases to a Class 2 felony if the individual fails to follow procedure required when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, or if the defendant caused the death of two or more persons as part of a single course of conduct.
House Bill 2757 includes stricter guidelines to protect Illinois residents from the use of knuckle weapons. Previously the law only applied to metal knuckle weapons. Now the new amendment of the bill includes all knuckle weapons regardless of composition. House Bill 2757 was sponsored by State Representative Fred Crespo (D – Streamwood) and State Senator Iris Martinez (D – Chicago).
House Bill 2859 creates new protections for communities by outlawing common burglary tools. Possession of a bumpkey may show the intent to commit a crime of theft or other felony unless the person is authorized to possess such a tool. A bumpkey is a regular key that has been filed down to fit into and open any lock. This bill was sponsored by State Representative Michael P. McAuliffe (R – Chicago) and State Senator James DeLeo (D – Chicago). Governor Blagojevich Signs New Tax Credit to Attract New Business Projects; Strengthen Illinois EconomyFrom the Office of Governor Rod Blagojevich
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed Senate Bill 2015 into law, designed to provide an economic stimulus for Illinois in these difficult financial times. Senate Bill 2015, sponsored by State Senator James F. Clayborne Jr. (D- East St. Louis) and Representative Arthur L. Turner (D-Chicago), establishes a new state incentive for investment entities that have been approved for the federal New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program. The law will support small and developing businesses by making capital funds more easily available and will make the state more attractive to possible investors.
“During this national recession, we need to take every opportunity to promote economic development in our state. With the signing of this law, we will create jobs, spur investment, and promote new and innovative businesses here in Illinois,” Governor Rod R. Blagojevich said.
The Illinois New Markets Development Program, which is created by SB 2015, will provide state tax credits to investors against their state income tax liability to help drive at least $125 million into small businesses in Illinois low-income communities. In order to qualify, the investor must make investments into federally approved Community Development Entities (CDE) which in turn make investments in eligible projects located in low-income areas of Illinois. Many of these small businesses would be unable to qualify for development or expansion loans from large lending institutions because they lack credit history or necessary collateral. With the anticipation of the future tax credit, CDEs are able to make these loans available.
To qualify as a CDE, an organization must demonstrate a primary a mission of serving, or providing investment capital for low-income communities or low-income persons and maintain accountability to residents of low-income communities through representation on a governing board of or advisory board to the entity. The credit is claimed over a seven-year allowance period. The federal NMTC program was enacted by Congress in 2000 and extended for future years in both 2006 and 2008. It authorizes up to $23 billion of investment in low-income areas nationwide.
“We are always seeking innovative ways to promote Illinois as a place to do business. Illinois’ New Market Tax Credit will provide incentives for small business and investors to develop businesses and create jobs in low-income and under-served communities. This program will help strengthen Illinois’ economy and create needed jobs during these tough economic times,” Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Jack Lavin said.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is responsible for qualifying the CDEs and ensuring that the total tax credit liability of the state does not exceed the $10 million cap in any year. The Illinois Department of Revenue is responsible for monitoring CDE commitments.
Senate Bill 2015 is effective immediately. Gov. Blagojevich Reminds Illinoisans of Four Bills Designed to Protect Citizens from Sex OffendersFrom the Office of Governor Rod Blagojevich
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today reminded Illinoisans of four new laws that will take effect January 1, 2009, to protect children and sex abuse victims from sexual offenders in Illinois. These pieces of legislation will increase safety measures by: prohibiting sex offenders from serving as election judges; redefining the 500-foot boundary that offenders must adhere to; increasing penalties for possessing child pornography; and allowing prosecution of a sex crime at any time within 10 years after the crime, when the DNA profile of the sex offender is obtained.
“We must do everything in our power to keep our children and our communities safe from sex offenders,” said Governor Blagojevich. “These laws will keep children and sexual abuse victims safer by implementing commonsense restrictions on sex offenders and assisting law enforcement authorities in their duties.”
House Bill 3399, sponsored by State Representative Michael K. Smith (D – Pekin) and State Senator Antonio Munoz (D – Chicago), redefines the parameters of the 500-foot boundary to which sex offenders must adhere and makes it easier to prosecute violators. The 500-foot boundary currently applies to schools, parks, daycare centers, public parks, playgrounds, child care institutions, day care centers, per day child care facilities, facilities for children under age 18, and victims of a sexual offense under 21 years of age. Under the amended law, the measurement for the 500-foot boundary will be taken from the edge of the protected property or the location of the sex offense victim (if they are still under the age of 21 years) to the edge of the child sex offender’s residence or where the offender is loitering.
Recently, authorities in Illinois discovered that several sex offenders have been serving as election judges in Cook County schools. State Representative Fred Crespo (D – Streamwood) and State Senator Michael Noland (D – Elgin) sponsored House Bill 2671, which will prohibit sex offenders from serving as election judges and ensure that election authorities check the names of their election judges against Illinois’ sex offender registry.
Senate Bill 1887, sponsored by State Sen. William Haine (D – Alton) and State Rep. Careen Gordon (D – Coal City), allows authorities to begin a prosecution of a sex crime at any time when the DNA profile of the sex offender is obtained and entered into a DNA database within 10 years after the crime. With the improvements to DNA technology and data population of the nationwide Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), this new law will provide the potential for law enforcement officials to solve sex crimes and prosecute offenders who have escaped prosecution. It also lengthens the statute of limitation within which a victim of a sexual crime must report the offense. Victims now have 3 years from the date the crime was committed to report it to the police.
House Bill 3477 creates tougher penalties and sentencing for a person convicted of possessing 100 or more images of child pornography. Sponsored by State Representative Fred Crespo (D – Streamwood) and State Senator John J. Milner (R – St. Charles), this will also extend the prohibition of posting identifying information on an adult obscenity or child pornography website without the consent of the person and prohibits the use of encryption to commit or assist in committing a criminal Internet offense. Durbin Statement on the Situation in GazaFrom the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today, on the deteriorating situation in Gaza.
“I understand and support Israel’s defense of its borders from rocket attacks by Hamas.
This defense has led to an escalation of violence and more death and suffering by innocent people on both sides. This crisis can only end with a ceasefire and honest negotiations for peace.
The Palestinian people deserve leadership that is committed to bringing an end to this violence.” December 30 Statement from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse WhiteFrom the Office of Secretary of State Jesse White
As I have previously stated publicly, I cannot co-sign a document that certifies any appointment by Rod Blagojevich for the vacant United States Senate seat from Illinois.
Although I have respect for former Attorney General Roland Burris, because of the current cloud of controversy surrounding the Governor, I cannot accept the document. Senate Democratic Leadership Statement on Gov. Blagojevich's Appointment of Roland Burris to the Vacant U.S. Senate Seat from IllinoisFrom the Senate Democratic Communications Center
Washington, DC—Senate Democratic Leadership - Senators Reid, Durbin, Murray and Schumer -- made the following statement today in response to reports that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will nominate Roland Burris to fill the vacant Illinois Senate seat. Earlier this month, all 50 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus called on Blagojevich to step down and under no circumstance make an appointment to fill the seat. The text of that letter is below the statement:
“It is truly regrettable that despite requests from all 50 Democratic Senators and public officials throughout Illinois, Gov. Blagojevich would take the imprudent step of appointing someone to the United States Senate who would serve under a shadow and be plagued by questions of impropriety. We say this without prejudice toward Roland Burris’s ability, and we respect his years of public service. But this is not about Mr. Burris; it is about the integrity of a governor accused of attempting to sell this United States Senate seat. Under these circumstances, anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus.
“Next week we will start one of the most important debates of the year – outlining an economic recovery plan to create jobs and invest in America. And in the coming weeks, we will be working to protect homeowners and consumers, make America more energy independent, strengthen our national security, and improve health care and educational opportunities. There is much work to do and a lot at stake. It is thus critical that Illinois and every other state have two seated Senators without delay.
“We again urge Gov. Blagojevich to not make this appointment. It is unfair to Mr. Burris, it is unfair to the people of Illinois and it will ultimately not stand. The governor must put the interests of the people of Illinois and all Americans first by stepping aside now and letting his successor appoint someone who we will seat.”
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December 10, 2008
Dear Governor Blagojevich:
We write to insist that you step down as Governor of Illinois and under no circumstance make an appointment to fill the vacant Illinois Senate seat. In light of your arrest yesterday on alleged federal corruption charges related to that Senate seat, any appointment by you would raise serious questions.
It is within the authority of the Illinois legislature to remove your power to make this appointment by providing for a special election. But a decision by you to resign or to step aside under Article V of the Illinois Constitution would be the most expeditious way for a new Senator to be chosen and seated in a manner that would earn the confidence of the people of Illinois and all Americans. We consider it imperative that a new senator be seated as soon as possible so that Illinois is fully represented in the Senate as the important work of the 111th Congress moves forward.
Please understand that should you decide to ignore the request of the Senate Democratic Caucus and make an appointment we would be forced to exercise our Constitutional authority under Article I, Section 5, to determine whether such a person should be seated.
We do not prejudge the outcome of the criminal charges against you or question your constitutional right to contest those charges. But for the good of the Senate and our nation, we implore you to refrain from making an appointment to the Senate.
Sincerely,
Sen. Reid
Sen. Durbin
Sen. Schumer
Sen. Murray
Sen. Akaka
Sen. Baucus
Sen. Bayh
Sen. Biden
Sen. Bingaman
Sen. Boxer
Sen. Brown
Sen. Byrd
Sen. Cantwell
Sen. Cardin
Sen. Carper
Sen. Casey
Sen. Clinton
Sen. Conrad
Sen. Dodd
Sen. Dorgan
Sen. Feingold
Sen. Feinstein
Sen. Harkin
Sen. Inouye
Sen. Johnson
Sen. Kennedy
Sen. Kerry
Sen. Klobuchar
Sen. Kohl
Sen. Landrieu
Sen. Lautenberg
Sen. Leahy
Sen. Levin
Sen. Lieberman
Sen. Lincoln
Sen. McCaskill
Sen. Menendez
Sen. Mikulski
Sen. Ben Nelson
Sen. Bill Nelson
Sen. Pryor
Sen. Reed
Sen. Rockefeller
Sen. Salazar
Sen. Sanders
Sen. Stabenow
Sen. Tester
Sen. Webb
Sen. Whitehouse
Sen. Wyden |
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