Pat Quinn

A Cartoon Snake and Illinois Pensions

Rich Egger — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:30:55 +0000

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has finally unveiled his Internet campaign that is supposed to spur legislators to overhaul the state’s retirement systems.

Quinn is trying to use social media to educate voters about the "squeeze" pension costs are putting on other state spending, such as education.

New Program to Help Illinois Vets

Rich Egger — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 15:54:42 +0000

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced a newly launched public-private partnership designed to improve services for Illinois veterans, military personnel and their families.

Quinn said Illinois Joining Forces will increase collaboration and make sure veterans find out about services available to them, such as health care and jobs programs.

"We cannot have our service members who fought in Baghdad or now in Kabul or elsewhere in Afghanistan -- they fought there, they shouldn't have to fight for a job when they come home," Quinn said.

Dillard Talking About Another Bid for Governor

Rich Egger — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 23:50:41 +0000

Illinois state Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) said he's considering another run for governor.

Dillard’s name has often been mentioned as a top candidate for the 20-14 race. He narrowly lost the 2010 gubernatorial primary to fellow Republican Senator Bill Brady, who went on to lose to Democratic Governor Pat Quinn.

“Illinois has gotten a lot worse since the last gubernatorial primary when I ran, and I don’t want to be part of a generation that takes a great state like Illinois, and leaves it mediocre or worse," Dillard said.

State Panel Votes to Close Jacksonville Facility

Rich Egger — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 01:07:13 +0000

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is free to shut down the Jacksonville Developmental Center. A state board gave its approval on Tuesday, October 30.

Quinn's Department of Human Services issued a statement saying it's pleased because the decision "…will help to improve the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities."

The governor wants to move JDC residents into smaller, group homes. Some advocates agree that's best.

Galesburg Opens RR Overpass

Rich Egger — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 23:16:12 +0000

Drivers will no longer have to wait for trains at one crossing in Galesburg. Amid much hoopla, the city dedicated and opened the West Main Street Overpass on Friday, October 26.

The project cost $16.1 million. The state provided $14.5 million while the federal government contributed $809,000 and BNSF spent $806,150.

Governor Pat Quinn flew into Galesburg for the ceremony. He quoted Galesburg native Carl Sandburg while pointing out the overpass will especially benefit future generations.

Illinois and Feds Agree on Prison Deal

Rich Egger — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:13:37 +0000

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn said the state should pay down bills with the money it gets from selling a prison to the federal government.

Construction of the Thomson Correction Center was completed more than a decade ago, but the state has never had the money to fully operate it so the federal government is buying it in order to relieve overcrowding at its maximum-security facilities.

It's been appraised at $220 million, but Illinois agreed to sell it for $165 million.

Quinn said some of that money will be used to pay off debts related to the construction of Thomson.

Who Will Run for Illinois Governor?

Rich Egger — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 18:03:10 +0000

The bidding is starting early for Illinois Republicans interested in campaigning for Governor. The issue of who will run was a main topic of conversation during the GOP’s national convention in Tampa.

So many Republicans are considering it that at one point during the convention, Pat Brady, Chair of the Illinois GOP, joked about it.

“I do want to thank those of you in the room that aren't running for governor,” Brady cracked.

Major Gambling Expansion Vetoed in Illinois

Rich Egger — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 22:45:44 +0000

Governor Pat Quinn is hearing both praise and criticism for his decision to veto a large gambling package.

Lawmakers who pushed the gaming plan said he has been unwilling to work with them. But Quinn is also getting a few pats on the back.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel is one of the detractors. He planned to keep pushing to have a casino built in the city.

The proposal Quinn dismissed would also have allowed casinos to be built in Danville, Park City, Rockford, and at an undetermined spot in Chicago's south suburbs.

Quinn: Funding Decline If Higher Ed Pensions Not Changed

Rich Egger — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:46:50 +0000

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's office is touting a one-page analysis claiming higher education will suffer if lawmakers fail to address Illinois' pension problem.

In the so-called study, Quinn's budget office estimates that state funding of higher education will steadily decline over the next five years.

The projections show more money would be needed to pay for university and community college employees' pensions, which would leave less for schools and scholarships for needy students.

Coverage of the Illinois Prison System

Rich Egger — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:14:00 +0000

The panelists talk about attempts by Chicago Public Radio to report on conditions at two minimum security prisons in southern Illinois.