As the struggling national economy weighs heavily on Illinois workers, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today launched “Workforce Outreach Days” to help people in North Central Illinois prepare for the job market, find new employment, and get their family through the economic slowdown. This week, Governor Blagojevich also launched a new Workforce Portal (www.illinois.gov/workforce) to connect parents, job seekers, veterans, people with disabilities, small business owners and employers with state services that can help them navigate through the poor economic climate. Illinoisans with questions about these services can call 1-800-966-9708. During the Governor’s Workforce Outreach Days, select Illinois workNet centers will not only provide their usual services such as free career planning, training and job placement services, but people will also be able to sign up for services like All Kids, Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Warrior Assistance, the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), and get information about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Unemployment Assistance and Homeowner Assistance.
As the struggling national economy weighs heavily on Illinois workers, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today launched “Workforce Outreach Days” to help people in North Central Illinois prepare for the job market, find new employment, and get their family through the economic slowdown. This week, Governor Blagojevich also launched a new Workforce Portal (www.illinois.gov/workforce) to connect parents, job seekers, veterans, people with disabilities, small business owners and employers with state services that can help them navigate through the poor economic climate. Illinoisans with questions about these services can call 1-800-966-9708. During the Governor’s Workforce Outreach Days, select Illinois workNet centers will not only provide their usual services such as free career planning, training and job placement services, but people will also be able to sign up for services like All Kids, Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Warrior Assistance, the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), and get information about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Unemployment Assistance and Homeowner Assistance.
11/14/2008
CHICAGO – Showing his concern for the increasing number of diabetes cases in Illinois, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today strongly urged all Illinoisans to learn more about diabetes and how it can be prevented and controlled through diet and exercise. Governor Blagojevich proclaimed Wednesday, November 14, World Diabetes Awareness Day in Illinois to correspond with the national awareness campaign. The theme of this year's World Diabetes Day campaign is Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. One of the main goals of this year’s commemoration is to promote healthy lifestyles to help prevent type 2 diabetes in children. More information is available at: www.worlddiabetesday.org/
CHICAGO – Showing his concern for the increasing number of diabetes cases in Illinois, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today strongly urged all Illinoisans to learn more about diabetes and how it can be prevented and controlled through diet and exercise. Governor Blagojevich proclaimed Wednesday, November 14, World Diabetes Awareness Day in Illinois to correspond with the national awareness campaign. The theme of this year's World Diabetes Day campaign is Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. One of the main goals of this year’s commemoration is to promote healthy lifestyles to help prevent type 2 diabetes in children. More information is available at: www.worlddiabetesday.org/
11/12/2008
CHICAGO – On Veterans Day, in honor of all of the brave men and women who fought for our freedoms, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich renewed his promise to help the state’s wounded military heroes. The Governor announced that this veto session he will once again be committed to giving a full property tax exemption to an estimated 16,000 Illinois Veterans who have a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more, and is urging the General Assembly to pass this tax relief legislation during the 2008 Veto Session.
CHICAGO – On Veterans Day, in honor of all of the brave men and women who fought for our freedoms, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich renewed his promise to help the state’s wounded military heroes. The Governor announced that this veto session he will once again be committed to giving a full property tax exemption to an estimated 16,000 Illinois Veterans who have a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more, and is urging the General Assembly to pass this tax relief legislation during the 2008 Veto Session.
11/10/2008
Serve Illinois offers a great deal of information and services for volunteer programs and anyone who wants to give back. Search for events and organizations that need you to make a difference.
Serve Illinois offers a great deal of information and services for volunteer programs and anyone who wants to give back. Search for events and organizations that need you to make a difference.
11/10/2008
CHICAGO – To aid in the research, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced $190,000 in grants generated by the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund. The fund was created through donations made by Illinois taxpayers on their 2007 Illinois individual income tax returns. In an effort to promote advocacy activities, the study of Alzheimer’s disease and to honor those whose lives have been impacted by it, the Governor also proclaimed November Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Illinois.
CHICAGO – To aid in the research, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced $190,000 in grants generated by the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund. The fund was created through donations made by Illinois taxpayers on their 2007 Illinois individual income tax returns. In an effort to promote advocacy activities, the study of Alzheimer’s disease and to honor those whose lives have been impacted by it, the Governor also proclaimed November Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Illinois.
10/30/2008
CHICAGO – Standing with Ada Brown at the home she almost lost to an unaffordable adjustable rate mortgage, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today renewed his call for legislation to help Illinois homeowners in jeopardy of foreclosure. The legislation, which will be sponsored by State Senate Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) and State Representative Julie Hamos (D-Evanston), will provide up to three months to work out new mortgages for homeowners who enter counseling. Governor Blagojevich also announced today that despite recent reports of mortgage delinquencies reaching all-time highs, many Illinois homeowners are seeing an improvement in their own financial situations due to the Homeowner’s Assistance Initiative launched by the Governor in February. At the nine-month mark, approximately $1 billion in low-cost, fixed-rate loans have been written to help more than 4,000 families keep their homes.
CHICAGO – Standing with Ada Brown at the home she almost lost to an unaffordable adjustable rate mortgage, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today renewed his call for legislation to help Illinois homeowners in jeopardy of foreclosure. The legislation, which will be sponsored by State Senate Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) and State Representative Julie Hamos (D-Evanston), will provide up to three months to work out new mortgages for homeowners who enter counseling. Governor Blagojevich also announced today that despite recent reports of mortgage delinquencies reaching all-time highs, many Illinois homeowners are seeing an improvement in their own financial situations due to the Homeowner’s Assistance Initiative launched by the Governor in February. At the nine-month mark, approximately $1 billion in low-cost, fixed-rate loans have been written to help more than 4,000 families keep their homes.
10/27/2008
CHICAGO – As part of the ongoing effort to help Illinoisans through the tough economic times, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that his administration will convene the first Illinois Poverty Summit, entitled Opportunities for Change: Taking Action to End Extreme Poverty in Illinois, on December 9th and 10th, 2008. The summit will be hosted in partnership with Northwestern University's Institute for Policy Research in Evanston, IL. Those interested in attending the summit can register online at www.illinois.gov/povertysummit. The summit, cosponsored by the Illinois Department of Human Services and Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights and hosted with Northwestern University, will bring together leaders and advocates to develop recommendations to bring about a substantive decrease in the numbers of Illinoisans living in extreme poverty.
CHICAGO – As part of the ongoing effort to help Illinoisans through the tough economic times, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that his administration will convene the first Illinois Poverty Summit, entitled Opportunities for Change: Taking Action to End Extreme Poverty in Illinois, on December 9th and 10th, 2008. The summit will be hosted in partnership with Northwestern University's Institute for Policy Research in Evanston, IL. Those interested in attending the summit can register online at www.illinois.gov/povertysummit. The summit, cosponsored by the Illinois Department of Human Services and Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights and hosted with Northwestern University, will bring together leaders and advocates to develop recommendations to bring about a substantive decrease in the numbers of Illinoisans living in extreme poverty.
10/23/2008
SPRINGFIELD – Beginning Friday, low-income disabled individuals will be allowed free rides on all regularly scheduled buses and trains that run on fixed-routes throughout the state. Governor Rod R. Blagojevich welcomed the implementation of the new People with Disabilities Ride Free program for which he signed Senate Bill 1920 in August, which requires transit systems throughout the state to provide free rides to people with disabilities who meet the income requirements of the State’s Circuit Breaker program. Since August, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) has contacted approximately 114,000 current Circuit Breaker enrollees with disabilities to notify them of their eligibility to receive free transit rides.
SPRINGFIELD – Beginning Friday, low-income disabled individuals will be allowed free rides on all regularly scheduled buses and trains that run on fixed-routes throughout the state. Governor Rod R. Blagojevich welcomed the implementation of the new People with Disabilities Ride Free program for which he signed Senate Bill 1920 in August, which requires transit systems throughout the state to provide free rides to people with disabilities who meet the income requirements of the State’s Circuit Breaker program. Since August, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) has contacted approximately 114,000 current Circuit Breaker enrollees with disabilities to notify them of their eligibility to receive free transit rides.
10/22/2008
CHICAGO – As a result of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich’s signing of “Tina’s Law,” the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today installed the first authorized DUI memorial sign to recognize the tragic loss of life due to drunk driving. “Tina’s Law” allows DUI crash victims’ family members to request that IDOT install memorial signs along Illinois highways. The first sign, honoring 17-year-old DUI crash victim Caitlin Elizabeth Weese of Elgin, was installed today along Illinois 72 in the north suburbs of Chicago.
CHICAGO – As a result of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich’s signing of “Tina’s Law,” the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today installed the first authorized DUI memorial sign to recognize the tragic loss of life due to drunk driving. “Tina’s Law” allows DUI crash victims’ family members to request that IDOT install memorial signs along Illinois highways. The first sign, honoring 17-year-old DUI crash victim Caitlin Elizabeth Weese of Elgin, was installed today along Illinois 72 in the north suburbs of Chicago.
10/20/2008
CHICAGO – Low income families finding it hard to make ends meet got some good news today when the Blagojevich Administration announced a nine-percent increase in the benefit amount for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. The increase in the TANF benefit amount was announced today by Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D. at a press conference at the IDHS Family Community Resource Center in Wicker Park.
CHICAGO – Low income families finding it hard to make ends meet got some good news today when the Blagojevich Administration announced a nine-percent increase in the benefit amount for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. The increase in the TANF benefit amount was announced today by Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D. at a press conference at the IDHS Family Community Resource Center in Wicker Park.
10/15/2008
CHICAGO – In an effort to reduce congestion, cut down on emissions and invest in Illinois jobs, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today unveiled a new Illinois Tollway Improvement Plan which will include the introduction of Green Lanes and interchange construction. Building on the successes of the Tollway’s current Congestion-Relief Program, the second phase – Tomorrow’s Transportation Today – is a $1.8 billion project designed to continue congestion-relief efforts, improve the environment and enhance mobility across Northern Illinois.
CHICAGO – In an effort to reduce congestion, cut down on emissions and invest in Illinois jobs, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today unveiled a new Illinois Tollway Improvement Plan which will include the introduction of Green Lanes and interchange construction. Building on the successes of the Tollway’s current Congestion-Relief Program, the second phase – Tomorrow’s Transportation Today – is a $1.8 billion project designed to continue congestion-relief efforts, improve the environment and enhance mobility across Northern Illinois.
10/14/2008
CHICAGO – As home foreclosures across the nation and state reach record levels and abandoned and foreclosed homes threaten to the stability and economic health of Illinois neighborhoods, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) designating the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) as the lead agency to administer more than $53 million in federal funds to help redevelop communities and address housing needs.
CHICAGO – As home foreclosures across the nation and state reach record levels and abandoned and foreclosed homes threaten to the stability and economic health of Illinois neighborhoods, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) designating the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) as the lead agency to administer more than $53 million in federal funds to help redevelop communities and address housing needs.
10/09/2008
CHICAGO – Celebrating the one year anniversary of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich’s groundbreaking expansion of the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), Deputy Governor Louanner Peters and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold today announced in Chicago a partnership between the State of Illinois and Walgreens to encourage women to get screened during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The first 2,000 women to sign up for IBCCP by calling the Women’s Health Line at 1-888-522-1282 to schedule and keep their screening appointment will receive a $25 gift card from Walgreens. The gift card can be used to help cover the cost of prescription medications during these tight economic times or for other necessary purchases. Joining in the announcement was Y’lonn Salon, one of the State’s partners in the new “Beautiful Inside & Out” initiative aimed to help spread the word about the importance of early detection, and to let their clients know that all uninsured women may be eligible for free screenings and low-cost treatment through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.
CHICAGO – Celebrating the one year anniversary of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich’s groundbreaking expansion of the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), Deputy Governor Louanner Peters and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold today announced in Chicago a partnership between the State of Illinois and Walgreens to encourage women to get screened during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The first 2,000 women to sign up for IBCCP by calling the Women’s Health Line at 1-888-522-1282 to schedule and keep their screening appointment will receive a $25 gift card from Walgreens. The gift card can be used to help cover the cost of prescription medications during these tight economic times or for other necessary purchases. Joining in the announcement was Y’lonn Salon, one of the State’s partners in the new “Beautiful Inside & Out” initiative aimed to help spread the word about the importance of early detection, and to let their clients know that all uninsured women may be eligible for free screenings and low-cost treatment through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.
10/07/2008
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today acted on legislation that will allow the courts to admit a statement from a witness who was intentionally murdered by the defendant if they determine the murder was to prevent the witness from testifying against the defendant. With support from the bill sponsors, advocates and prosecutors, the Governor used his amendatory veto power to give the act an immediate effective date. Governor Blagojevich took action at the request of the bill’s sponsors. Without the amendatory veto, the legislation would not take effect until June 1, 2009. The General Assembly will now need to act to accept the amendatory veto and so that the voices of the silenced victims can be heard immediately. The General Assembly is expected to act next month.
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today acted on legislation that will allow the courts to admit a statement from a witness who was intentionally murdered by the defendant if they determine the murder was to prevent the witness from testifying against the defendant. With support from the bill sponsors, advocates and prosecutors, the Governor used his amendatory veto power to give the act an immediate effective date. Governor Blagojevich took action at the request of the bill’s sponsors. Without the amendatory veto, the legislation would not take effect until June 1, 2009. The General Assembly will now need to act to accept the amendatory veto and so that the voices of the silenced victims can be heard immediately. The General Assembly is expected to act next month.
10/03/2008
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed two bills Friday to strengthen Illinois laws against adults who use the Internet to exploit children. Senate Bill 2855 and Senate Bill 2349 both overwhelmingly passed the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives late this summer. Senate Bill 2349, sponsored by Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Crest Hill) and Representative Maria Antonia Berrios (D-Chicago) creates the Illinois Child Online Exploitation Act adding restrictions to prohibit an adult from sending a minor a public transportation ticket for an unlawful purpose prohibit meeting with a minor for an unlawful purpose and prohibit sex offenders from knowingly communicating with a minor via the Internet or through digital media. The Governor also signed Senate Bill 2855, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Plainfield) and Representative Sidney H. Mathias (R-Arlington Heights), which stiffens penalties on adults who communicate online with minors with the intent to harm or solicit sexual activity.
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed two bills Friday to strengthen Illinois laws against adults who use the Internet to exploit children. Senate Bill 2855 and Senate Bill 2349 both overwhelmingly passed the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives late this summer. Senate Bill 2349, sponsored by Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Crest Hill) and Representative Maria Antonia Berrios (D-Chicago) creates the Illinois Child Online Exploitation Act adding restrictions to prohibit an adult from sending a minor a public transportation ticket for an unlawful purpose prohibit meeting with a minor for an unlawful purpose and prohibit sex offenders from knowingly communicating with a minor via the Internet or through digital media. The Governor also signed Senate Bill 2855, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Plainfield) and Representative Sidney H. Mathias (R-Arlington Heights), which stiffens penalties on adults who communicate online with minors with the intent to harm or solicit sexual activity.
10/01/2008
As part of the state’s ongoing effort to combat one of the fastest-growing and most dangerous illegal drug trades in Illinois, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today proclaimed October 1 Methamphetamine Awareness Day in Illinois. The proclamation is in accordance with House Resolution 139, which provides that the Illinois State Police, along with the State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Public Health, and local law enforcement agencies and school districts, will promote an educational campaign warning of the dire consequences of meth use and production.
As part of the state’s ongoing effort to combat one of the fastest-growing and most dangerous illegal drug trades in Illinois, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today proclaimed October 1 Methamphetamine Awareness Day in Illinois. The proclamation is in accordance with House Resolution 139, which provides that the Illinois State Police, along with the State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Public Health, and local law enforcement agencies and school districts, will promote an educational campaign warning of the dire consequences of meth use and production.
09/30/2008
CHICAGO — Building on his commitment to help Illinois veterans transition back to into civilian life, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the state was awarded more than $2 million dollars from the US Department of Health and Human Services to implement a pilot program in Cook and Rock Island counties to increase jail diversion services for veterans with mental illnesses. The Veterans Reintegration Initiative (VRI) will build on and create new partnerships among state agencies, local authorities, justice departments, community organizations and services providers to expand and define an infrastructure for intervention for veterans to prevent their involvement in the criminal justice system.
CHICAGO — Building on his commitment to help Illinois veterans transition back to into civilian life, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the state was awarded more than $2 million dollars from the US Department of Health and Human Services to implement a pilot program in Cook and Rock Island counties to increase jail diversion services for veterans with mental illnesses. The Veterans Reintegration Initiative (VRI) will build on and create new partnerships among state agencies, local authorities, justice departments, community organizations and services providers to expand and define an infrastructure for intervention for veterans to prevent their involvement in the criminal justice system.
09/25/2008
SPRINGFIELD – Seeking to help residents in seven Illinois counties recover from recent severe flooding, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today asked President Bush to declare Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will counties major disaster areas. If approved, a federal disaster declaration would enable people and businesses affected by the floods to apply for grants and loans to help with flood losses.
SPRINGFIELD – Seeking to help residents in seven Illinois counties recover from recent severe flooding, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today asked President Bush to declare Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will counties major disaster areas. If approved, a federal disaster declaration would enable people and businesses affected by the floods to apply for grants and loans to help with flood losses.
09/23/2008
SPRINGFIELD – "I would like to commend the Illinois Senate for making the right choice this morning and voting in favor of families with autistic children. By approving the amendment to House Bill 2070, the members of the Senate have once again stepped up and shown that they, like myself, want to take action to make sure these families have the opportunity to receive the care their children need. Parents with autistic children cannot afford to wait on the officials who are elected to serve them to decide whether or not their children deserve to have this vital health care coverage. That is why I strongly urge the leadership of the Illinois House of Representatives to finally take the same positive action on this legislation, now."
SPRINGFIELD – "I would like to commend the Illinois Senate for making the right choice this morning and voting in favor of families with autistic children. By approving the amendment to House Bill 2070, the members of the Senate have once again stepped up and shown that they, like myself, want to take action to make sure these families have the opportunity to receive the care their children need. Parents with autistic children cannot afford to wait on the officials who are elected to serve them to decide whether or not their children deserve to have this vital health care coverage. That is why I strongly urge the leadership of the Illinois House of Representatives to finally take the same positive action on this legislation, now."
