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11/02/2009 |
CHICAGO – October 31, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today signed named a diverse group of 35 Illinois professionals to the newly-formed Economic Recovery Commission, a panel charged with providing guidance for dealing with the current economic downturn while also preparing plans to ensure the long-term health and prosperity of Illinois’ economy. |
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Commission to Provide Guidance for Recovery and Growth
CHICAGO – October 31, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today signed named a diverse group of 35 Illinois professionals to the newly-formed Economic Recovery Commission, a panel charged with providing guidance for dealing with the current economic downturn while also preparing plans to ensure the long-term health and prosperity of Illinois’ economy.
“The Economic Recovery Commission will help develop strategies to improve the state’s economic climate,” said Governor Quinn. “It will explore realistic and effective ways to create jobs, strengthen Illinois’ business base, and help plan our state’s long-term economic revival. I look forward to receiving its counsel and assistance.”
The Economic Recovery Commission consists of Illinois citizens with exceptional professional reputations and diverse experience in business, academia, finance, non-profit administration and government.
Governor Quinn named Alexander I. Rorke and John A. Spring as co-chairs of the Commission. Rorke, of Evanston, is an investment banker with extensive experience working with state and local governments, start up companies and civic organizations. Spring is the Mayor of Quincy. A longtime community activist, Spring was also a school administrator. (Spring Background, Rorke Background)
The Commission is charged with determining how Illinois can best harness its business, labor, educational, natural and other resources to provide growth and opportunity for its citizens. The Commission will provide independent, non-partisan information and advice to Governor Quinn in a number of areas that are central to the future of the Illinois economy and the Governor's job creation efforts.
Topic areas include infrastructure, innovation, sustainability, global markets, education, and government. For each of these areas, the Commission will review Illinois' current strategies and policies, evaluate successful programs and initiatives from other states and countries, and suggest new ideas to drive job creation and economic recovery for Illinois.
The Commission with submit a report outlining its findings and recommendations to Governor Quinn on or before March 31, 2010.
The first meeting of the Commission will be Monday, November 2, 2009, at 2 p.m. in room 2-025 at the James R. Thompson Center and in the lobby theater at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity at 620 East Adams Street in Springfield.
The Commission meeting can be listened to live at Economy.Illinois.gov.
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10/30/2009 |
CHICAGO – October 30, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn will join with third-graders from the Donald J. Marquez Charter School at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago and will also welcome hundreds of trick-or-treaters to the Executive Mansion in Springfield this Halloween. Governor Quinn is encouraging Illinois children to help others by participating in the United Nations Children's Fund’s (UNICEF) Trick-or-Treat program. |
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CHICAGO – October 30, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn will join with third-graders from the Donald J. Marquez Charter School at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago and will also welcome hundreds of trick-or-treaters to the Executive Mansion in Springfield this Halloween. Governor Quinn is encouraging Illinois children to help others by participating in the United Nations Children's Fund’s (UNICEF) Trick-or-Treat program. 
“Carrying a UNICEF collection box this Halloween while trick-or-treating is a simple way that our children can help less-fortunate children around the world,” said Governor Quinn. “I encourage every child in Illinois to participate in this important program and make a difference this Halloween.”
The program allows children to collect money while trick-or-treating to help UNICEF provide food, water, medicine and education to needy children in more than 150 countries. Treat-or-treaters can pick up a UNICEF collection box at Pier 1 Imports, Hallmark and Baskin-Robbins retail locations around Illinois.
Governor Quinn will host a reception for trick-or-treaters this Halloween at the Executive Mansion in Springfield from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with candy generously provided by Hershey, Mars and Wrigley. Trick-or-treaters who are 12-years-old and younger and accompanied by an adult are encouraged to stop by the mansion.
For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world’s leading international children’s organization. The money raised by trick-or-treaters helps to provide clean water, health care, food and education to children in more than 150 countries. Last year alone, kids, schools and communities raised more than $4.4 million. To date, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has raised more than $140 million.
For more information please visit http://youth.unicefusa.org/trickortreat.
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10/28/2009 |
October 28, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today kicked off the statewide launch of the newest Veterans’ Cash scratch-off lottery ticket, the Stars & Stripes ticket. The ticket’s net proceeds benefit rehabilitative programs and services for Illinois Veterans. Since Governor Quinn first championed and launched the program in 2006, Veterans’ Cash has awarded more than $7 million to Veterans organizations statewide. |
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Proceeds Benefit Illinois’ Veterans; More Than $7 Million Raised Since 2006
October 28, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today kicked off the statewide launch of the newest Veterans’ Cash scratch-off lottery ticket, the Stars & Stripes ticket. The ticket’s net proceeds benefit rehabilitative programs and services for Illinois Veterans. Since Governor Quinn first championed and launched the program in 2006, Veterans’ Cash has awarded more than $7 million to Veterans organizations statewide.
“As the nation prepares to honor its military heroes this coming Veterans Day, we encourage the public to honor their sacrifices by buying a Veterans’ Cash-Stars & Stripes ticket,” said Governor Quinn. “I’m proud that this program has awarded more than $7 million to programs supporting Illinois’ Veterans, and we look forward to doing even more.”
Governor Quinn began the tour in Chicago on Wednesday, October 28, followed by stops in Peoria and Springfield. Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director (IDVA) Dan Grant and Illinois Lottery Acting Superintendent Jodie Winnett joined Governor Quinn on the tour. IDVA and Lottery officials will also make stops in Central and Southern Illinois on Thursday, October 29.
The schedule includes:
Wednesday, October 28 (with Governor Quinn)
- Chicago: 9 a.m. -- Union League Club, 65 West Jackson Boulevard, Rm. 700 (7th floor)
- Peoria: 11 a.m. -- Gateway Building, 200 Northeast Water Street
- Springfield: 1 p.m. -- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 North 6th Street
Thursday, October 29
- Champaign-Urbana: 9 a.m. -- Illini Union Pine Lounge, 1401 West Green Street, Urbana
- Carbondale: 3 p.m. -- Southern Illinois University Student Health Center, 374 East Grand
Click here for the full release and more information.
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10/26/2009 |
CHICAGO – October 26, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointment of John Colgan to the Illinois Commerce Commission. Colgan had been Vice President for Public Policy for the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA). |
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John Colgan to join Illinois Commerce Commission
CHICAGO – October 26, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointment of John Colgan to the Illinois Commerce Commission. Colgan had been Vice President for Public Policy for the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA).
“John is a lifelong public servant, dedicated to fighting for the citizens of our state,” said Governor Quinn. “I know he will serve on the Commerce Commission with integrity and provide a strong voice for Illinois’ consumers.”
Colgan has more than thirty years experience in community organizing and administration, serving for 12 years as founding executive director of the Illinois Hunger Coalition, prior to accepting a position with IACAA in 2001. At IACAA, he worked tirelessly for affordable energy for Illinois’ low-income families. (background information)
In 2004, Colgan co-authored the Affordable Energy Plan, which was used as the basis for the creation and passage of the Illinois Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), which Governor Quinn signed into law on July 10 (Public Act 096-0033). The PIPP helps low-income families, seniors and other fixed-income households pay their utility bills by modernizing of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
“I am honored to serve on the Illinois Commerce Commission on behalf of the people of Illinois,” said Colgan.
Colgan also helped negotiate rate relief contracts with Ameren and ComEd and implement them for the statewide Community Action network. The adjusted contracts to aid low-income families took effect in June 2007 and saved them more than $50 million over four years. Colgan will fill the vacancy left by Robert F. Lieberman.
The Illinois Commerce Commission’s acts as a bridge between consumers and Illinois’ utility companies, seeking an appropriate balance between the interests of consumers and service providers in order to ensure adequate, efficient, reliable, safe and least-cost public utility services for all citizens of Illinois.
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10/24/2009 |
CHICAGO – October 24, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today named former Chicago Bulls point guard
B.J. Armstrong as senior advisor for youth outreach. The announcement, made at the James R. Jordan Boys
and Girls Club and Chicago Bulls Family Life Center on the West Side of Chicago, is another move in
Governor Quinn’s continuing effort to stress the importance of anti-violence programs for youths and the
positive influence such efforts have on our community. |
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Teaming Up with Former Point Guard B.J. Armstrong
CHICAGO – October 24, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today named former Chicago Bulls point guard B.J. Armstrong as senior advisor for youth outreach. The announcement, made at the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club and Chicago Bulls Family Life Center on the West Side of Chicago, is another move in Governor Quinn’s continuing effort to stress the importance of anti-violence programs for youths and the positive influence such efforts have on our community.
“I am proud to team up with B.J. Armstrong, who is a great role model for our youth because he’s a winner on the basketball court and in the all-important game of life. In his new role, B.J. Armstrong will continue to guide and assist young people in Chicago and throughout our state,” said Governor Quinn. “It is essential that we continue to support programs that strengthen communities and provide our children with healthy alternatives to risky behavior.”
Armstrong will advise the Governor on youth sports and programs related to curtailing obesity, promoting sportsmanship and civic engagement, and strengthening community support for youth. He will also work on projects dealing specifically with children and youth after-school programs. The position is honorary and unpaid.
“Young people who are subject to violence and crime need strong support from their community and family to stay healthy and safe,” said Armstrong. “I thank Governor Quinn for appointing me to this position, which allows me to positively impact our youth.”
As a starting point guard for the Chicago Bulls in the early 1990s, Armstrong was a key member of the team dynasty that dominated the National Basketball Association (NBA) and won six championships in eight years with legendary players that included Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. In 1994, Armstrong was voted a starter in the NBA All-Star game and finished second in the league in three-point field goal percentage. Until late in the 1996-1997 season, he had played 577 consecutive games. Armstrong has three NBA championship rings.
The James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club and Chicago Bulls Family Life Center offers visitors the opportunity to play basketball in the state-of-the-art gymnasium, receive employment skills training, make use of day care service for infants and toddlers, and cook a meal in the restaurant-like kitchen, among other things. The Center is just a few blocks from the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls.
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10/18/2009 |
CHICAGO – October 18, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to cover critical
second-semester MAP funding for nearly 138,000 eligible students. Senate Bill 1180 appropriates full funding
for the need-based student aid program, allowing both students and colleges to plan for the Spring 2010
college term. |
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Covers Second Semester Funding for 138,000 Illinois College Students
CHICAGO – October 18, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to cover critical second-semester MAP funding for nearly 138,000 eligible students. Senate Bill 1180 appropriates full funding for the need-based student aid program, allowing both students and colleges to plan for the Spring 2010 college term.
“I salute the General Assembly for their swift response to what could have been a serious setback to students across the state who rely on MAP funding for their education,” said Governor Quinn. “I look forward to continuing to work with the legislature to find revenue to support this critical program.”
The Illinois Monetary Award Program is a need-based grant available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Budget cuts in the Spring 2009 legislative session severely limited student aid for the 2009-2010 academic year, causing approximately 138,000 MAP grant recipients to receive only 50 percent of their award, covering only the Fall 2009 school term. In addition, an estimated 130,000 eligible students, who applied in Illinois after May 15, would have received no MAP aid at all.
Over the past few months, Governor Quinn has participated in rallies with students, parents, teachers, administrators, lawmakers and other interested citizens across the state in the last few weeks to draw attention to the critical problem facing students who rely on MAP grants. Governor Quinn has addressed MAP rallies at Bradley University, Black Hawk Community College, John Wood Community College, University of Illinois at Champaign, SIU Carbondale, SIU Edwardsville, Northern Illinois University, University of Illinois at Chicago and in Springfield at the Illinois Education Association Center.
The legislation takes effect immediately.
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10/15/2009 |
SPRINGFIELD – October 15, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn applauded passage of new recall legislation that enables Illinois residents to vote on a constitutional amendment for the power to remove a governor from office. If the measure is approved by voters next year, the Illinois Constitution would be amended to include the recall process. |
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Historic Measure Will Empower Illinois Voters
SPRINGFIELD – October 15, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn applauded passage of new recall legislation that enables Illinois residents to vote on a constitutional amendment for the power to remove a governor from office. If the measure is approved by voters next year, the Illinois Constitution would be amended to include the recall process.
“Recall empowers everyday people by providing them an opportunity to remove a governor who is not working in the public’s best interest,” said Governor Quinn. “Recall is the ultimate ethics reform and I applaud the General Assembly for taking this important step.”
Today, the Illinois Senate passed House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 31 by a vote of 56 to 1.
The proposal now goes on the November 2010 ballot and 60 percent of voters must approve the measure for the Illinois Constitution to be amended to allow recall.
If voters give themselves recall authority, the measure then requires them to clear several hurdles before voting to remove a sitting governor. Among them is a requirement that voters seeking to recall the governor collect signatures from 15 percent of the total number of voters in the previous race for governor within five months.
“The people of Illinois will use recall wisely and prudently,” said Governor Quinn. “This measure will make sure that our government stands up right and our governor stands up right all the time."
At present, 18 states permit the recall of state officials, including Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin in the Midwest. Governor Quinn has been a long time advocate for recall in Illinois.
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10/11/2009 |
CHICAGO – October 11, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today named Michelle Saddler, Director of Policy for the Quinn Administration, as Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). In addition, Governor Quinn named Dr. Carol Adams, who served as Secretary of DHS for the past six years, as Illinois Representative to Africa. |
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Michelle Saddler to Head Department of Human Services; Dr. Carol Adams to Serve as Illinois Representative to Africa
CHICAGO – October 11, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today named Michelle Saddler, Director of Policy for the Quinn Administration, as Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). In addition, Governor Quinn named Dr. Carol Adams, who served as Secretary of DHS for the past six years, as Illinois Representative to Africa.
“It is a pleasure to appoint these two experienced professionals to these important positions. Both will bring a deep sense of commitment and great vigor to their new roles as they continue to serve the people of Illinois,” said Governor Quinn.
Before being named policy chief for the Quinn Administration, Saddler held a number of key management and policy positions including being Director of Investments with then-Illinois State Treasurer Pat Quinn. Saddler earned her Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and a Master’s of Management Degree from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management. (Saddler background)
One of the state’s largest agencies, the DHS provides integrated services for individuals, families and communities with regards to community health and prevention, developmental disabilities, mental health, rehabilitation services and alcoholism and substance abuse, among others.
“I am honored to serve in this distinguished position at the Department of Human Services,” said Saddler. “The Department is vital to ensuring our citizens receive the care and support they deserve.”
Dr. Adams will serve as Illinois Representative to Africa within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Trade and Investment. Her position is effective January 1, 2010. Until then, she will serve as Senior Advisor to the Governor.
“It has been an honor to be a public servant to the people of Illinois over the past six years," said Dr. Adams. "This next step is a culmination of my lifelong work and dedication to the development and advancement of Africa and to enhance Illinois’ presence in the global community.”
She earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Fisk University and a Master's in Sociology from Boston University. Dr. Adams did her doctorate work in Sociology at the University of Chicago and completed her dissertation at The Union Graduate School. (Adams background)
The Office of Trade and Investment provides a variety of programs designed to help Illinois companies locate distribution channels for their products and services in foreign markets.
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10/05/2009 |
CHICAGO – October 5, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today named his Senior Advisor David Vaught as Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB). Vaught will succeed Ginger Ostro, who was named Senior Policy Advisor at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). These appointments are effective immediately. |
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Vaught Heads State Budget Effort, Ostro to ISAC
CHICAGO – October 5, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today named his Senior Advisor David Vaught as Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB). Vaught will succeed Ginger Ostro, who was named Senior Policy Advisor at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). These appointments are effective immediately.
“The people of Illinois will be well-served by these two experienced and hard-working public servants,” said Governor Pat Quinn. “David Vaught brings a wealth of accomplishments to his new position as Budget Chief. Also, I look forward to benefiting from Ginger Ostro’s expertise at ISAC and want to express my thanks for her fine work at GOMB.”
Vaught, an attorney and financial analyst, is Senior Advisor to Governor Quinn and Chairman of Illinois’ Procurement Policy Board. As Senior Advisor he has focused on advancing Governor’s Quinn’s legislative, fiscal and economic development efforts. Previously, Vaught worked for then-Illinois Treasurer Pat Quinn from 1991 to 1995 and served as an ISAC commissioner from 2005 to 2008. He has also been elected to two school boards and is a trustee of the Great Lakes Protection Fund.
Prior to his current state service, Vaught was Managing Director for Mitchell Vaught & Taylor, Inc. Investment Advisors. He is a graduate of the Southern Illinois University School of Law and the United States Military Academy at West Point. He also served in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division as a field artillery officer.
“I look forward serving as Governor Quinn’s Budget Director,” said Vaught. “I am eager to take on Illinois’ unprecedented budgetary challenge and am confident that we can emerge a stronger and more resilient state.”
Ostro, who has held numerous positions in state government for nearly 20 years, was with GOMB for six years and in 2007 was named the agency’s director. She received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago and a Master's degree in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
As Senior Policy Advisor at ISAC, Ostro will focus on the agency’s strategic direction while also developing innovative ways to make college more affordable for students and their families.
"It has been an extraordinary and exhilarating six years with the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, and a distinct honor to help Governor Quinn through the most challenging budget in state history,” said Ostro. “I look forward to continuing my service to the people of Illinois as Senior Policy Advisor at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.”
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09/29/2009 |
October 7, 2009 - Governor Pat Quinn today joined hundreds of Illinois college students to call on the Illinois General Assembly to restore critical second-semester MAP funding for nearly 138,000 eligible students. |
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Joins Hundreds at Schools across Illinois to Rally for Scholarship Funds
October 7, 2009 - Governor Pat Quinn today joined hundreds of Illinois college students to call on the Illinois General Assembly to restore critical second-semester MAP funding for nearly 138,000 eligible students.
“Today I stand with students, teachers, administrators, lawmakers and everyday people to challenge the General Assembly to fully fund MAP grants,” said Governor Quinn. “When it comes to this important education funding issue, we will not accept a grade of ‘incomplete’ from the Legislature.”
The Illinois Monetary Award Program is a need-based grant available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Budget cuts by the General Assembly severely limited student aid for the 2009-2010 academic year, causing approximately 138,000 MAP grant recipients to receive only 50 percent of their award. Plus, an estimated 130,000 eligible students, who applied in Illinois after May 15, will receive no MAP aid at all.
The funding issue will be addressed in the upcoming General Assembly veto session, which takes place October 14-16 and October 28-30. Governor Quinn has urged the General Assembly to provide nearly $200 million necessary to completely fund MAP for the rest of this fiscal year.
Governor Quinn hosted rallies to save MAP grants at the University of Illinois-Chicago, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Bradley University, Black Hawk College, John Wood Community College and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
For more information, please visit SaveIllinoisMapGrants.org.
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09/28/2009 |
CHICAGO – September 27, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today presented Gold Star Banners to 27 Illinois mothers whose sons and daughters died in combat while serving their country in the Global War on Terror. More than 80 members of Illinois Gold Star families who lost family members on active duty since September 11, 2001 attended the ceremony at the University of Illinois at Chicago Student Center. |
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27 Mothers Presented with Gold Star Banners; More Than 80 Families Attend 
CHICAGO – September 27, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today presented Gold Star Banners to 27 Illinois mothers whose sons and daughters died in combat while serving their country in the Global War on Terror. More than 80 members of Illinois Gold Star families who lost family members on active duty since September 11, 2001 attended the ceremony at the University of Illinois at Chicago Student Center.
The ceremony, which was co-sponsored by USO of Illinois, marked Gold Star Mother’s Day. The day has been commemorated on the last Sunday in September since President Franklin Roosevelt declared the first Gold Star Mother’s Day in 1936. Please see attached list of the 2009 Illinois Gold Star Recipients.
On August 16, Governor Quinn signed legislation to formally designate the fourth Sunday in September as Gold Star Mothers Day in Illinois.
“Gold Star Mother’s Day honors those whose sons or daughters gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of our democracy,” said Governor Quinn. “It is so important that we give everyone in our state the opportunity to express our reverence and respect for these patriotic families and their loss.”
Presenting Gold Stars to mothers is an American tradition dating back to 1918, at the end of World War I. At that time, President Woodrow Wilson suggested that instead of wearing conventional mourning black from head to toe, families of men and women who had died in service to their country should wear a black armband with a gold star to signify their loss and their pride. Bereaved families also displayed Gold Star banners – gold stars on a white background with a wide red border – in the windows of their homes.
- Full Press Release Available Here -
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09/22/2009 |
CHICAGO - September 22, 2009. At Navy Pier, the Midwest's most visited tourist site, Governor Pat
Quinn and Mayor Richard M. Daley joined labor leaders, community advocates and other elected officials to
highlight the importance of the tourism industry to the city and state's economy. The visitor industry generates
billions of dollars in economic impact and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, according to Illinois' 2008
tourism numbers. |
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Retains More Than 303,500 Statewide Jobs
CHICAGO - September 22, 2009. At Navy Pier, the Midwest's most visited tourist site, Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor Richard M. Daley joined labor leaders, community advocates and other elected officials to highlight the importance of the tourism industry to the city and state's economy. The visitor industry generates billions of dollars in economic impact and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, according to Illinois' 2008 tourism numbers.
"Our convention and tourism industry is one of Illinois' prime economic growth engines. It produces thousands of jobs while bolstering the image of Chicago and the Land of Lincoln throughout the world," said Governor Pat Quinn. "Even in this difficult economy, we must always reinvest in this industry. We must keep it strong and vital so everyone in Illinois may benefit and prosper."
Statewide $30.8 billion was spent by visitors in 2008, yielding $2.1 billion in state and local taxes and generating 303,500 jobs.
Recently released data found that 45.6 million domestic and overseas travelers visited Chicago in 2008, generating $11.8 billion in spending, up 2.6 percent from 2007. That spending yielded more than $656 million in tax revenues for the City of Chicago and State of Illinois. Nearly 132,000 jobs were generated in the City of Chicago in 2008 as a result of the tourism industry, according to the Washington, D.C. - based U. S. Travel Association.
"We are doing all we can to support and expand our convention and tourism industry, and because of the thousands of jobs it creates it is one of our top economic development priorities. Chicago is one the world's great destinations and when we attract visitors to Chicago we help create jobs for hard-working people and keep our hospitality industry and all our local businesses strong," Mayor Daley said.
State tax revenues from visitor spending were approximately $1.4 billion in 2008, which added over $1 billion to the state's General Revenue Fund (GRF).
In 2008, Chicago welcomed more than 1.3 million overseas visitors - a 19 percent increase over 2007 and the largest volume of overseas visitors the city has ever hosted. Chicago is the 9th most popular city for overseas visitors to the U.S., and overseas visitation from the United Kingdom was up 14 percent, while only up one percent to the U.S.
Illinois maintained its ranking as the 6th most popular state for overseas visitors to the U.S. In 2008, the state hosted 1.4 million overseas visitors - an increase of 21 percent over the prior year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Tourism Industries.
Full Press Release Available Here (en Español)
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09/21/2009 |
CHICAGO – September 20, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today pledged Illinois’ full participation in the 2010 Census and encouraged residents across the state to get involved in this important effort. Governor Quinn also named Andre Ashmore, Director Regional Economic Development at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to lead the state’s efforts to ensure a complete count. |
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CHICAGO – September 20, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today pledged Illinois’ full participation in the 2010 Census and encouraged residents across the state to get involved in this important effort. Governor Quinn also named Andre Ashmore, Director Regional Economic Development at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to lead the state’s efforts to ensure a complete count.
“Everyone in, no one left out. That is what I believe, and that’s what the Census does,” said Governor Quinn. “Every community in our state will benefit from participating in this important process and I encourage everyone in Illinois to make sure they are counted.”
The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is required by the U.S. Constitution. Census questionnaires will be mailed or delivered to every household in the United States in March 2010. The questionnaire will ask residents to provide information about their household as of April 1, 2010. The 2010 questionnaire will be one of the shortest in history, consisting of ten questions and taking about ten minutes to complete.
Governor Quinn also announced a new website with information about the census and how residents can get involved. Residents can go to Census.Illinois.gov for up-to-date information regarding the Census and Illinois’ efforts. In addition, the state is partnering with the U. S. Census Bureau, the League of Women Voters (Illinois’ lead agency), the Joyce Foundation and participating state agencies in a joint effort to get a full census count.
Full Press Release Available Here (en Español)
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09/11/2009 |
CHICAGO - September 11, 2009. In remembrance of the attacks just eight years ago, Governor Pat Quinn joined with Gold Star families for a ceremony this morning and the unveiling of the Portrait of a Soldier memorial exhibition. Governor Quinn also issued a proclamation commemorating September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. |
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Portrait of a Soldier Exhibit Unveiled, Donation Made to Illinois Military Family Relief Fund
CHICAGO - September 11, 2009. In remembrance of the attacks just eight years ago, Governor Pat Quinn joined with Gold Star families for a ceremony this morning and the unveiling of the Portrait of a Soldier memorial exhibition. Governor Quinn also issued a proclamation commemorating September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
“Today, as we remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, it is fitting that we honor our servicemembers and their families,” said Governor Quinn. “I am honored to be joined today by Gold Star Families whose sons and daughters have lost their lives in the Global War on Terror and are Illinois’ true heroes.”
The memorial exhibition, which has been viewed by thousands of people in more than 45 cities and towns throughout Illinois, is a series of hand-drawn portraits of more than 220 Illinois men and women who have died in service to our country since Sept.11, 2001.
Governor Quinn and Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Dan Grant were joined by members of Gold Star families including: Clinton Crackel, father of Army SSG Alexander Crackel (North Aurora); Jose Vazquez, father of Army SSG Jason Vazquez (Chicago); Jim Frazier, father of Air Force SSG Jacob Frazier (St. Charles); Bill Wolfe, father of Marine Lance Cpl Anthony Mihalo (Naperville);Gary Patriquin, father of Army CPT Travis Patriquin (Lockport); Elie Bitton, father of Army CPL Albert Bitton (Chicago); and Bill Harris, father of Army SGT Joshua Harris (Forest Park).
The Skyway Concession Company also joined Governor Quinn to present a $5,000 donation to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund. The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund provides needs-based financial grants to the families of deployed Illinois servicemembers facing financial hardship.
To date the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund has distributed $10 million and approved funds for more than 18,700 applications from Illinois military families.
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