SPRINGFIELD — Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today balanced the Fiscal Year 2009 budget after the Illinois House of Representatives failed to pass new funding to support a spending plan that was over $2 billion out of balance. The Governor was forced to veto $1.4 billion in initiatives after the House of Representatives showed Wednesday that they did not intend to take any action on the deficit.
SPRINGFIELD — Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today balanced the Fiscal Year 2009 budget after the Illinois House of Representatives failed to pass new funding to support a spending plan that was over $2 billion out of balance. The Governor was forced to veto $1.4 billion in initiatives after the House of Representatives showed Wednesday that they did not intend to take any action on the deficit.
07/03/2008
To protect consumers this holiday weekend, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that he is creating the Illinois Gas SWAT (State Wide Action Team) in the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
To protect consumers this holiday weekend, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that he is creating the Illinois Gas SWAT (State Wide Action Team) in the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The Illinois Gas SWAT will increase inspections and enforcement of gas stations to ensure motorists get both the quantity and quality of fuel they pay for this holiday weekend. Rigged pumps and diluted octane levels cheat customers when gas prices are already too high.
If you think you aren't getting the gas you are paying for, you can file a complaint at
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today called on the General Assembly to return to Springfield on July 9 and July 10 to fix the $2 billion shortfall in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget passed by the General Assembly in May. Last week, the Governor urged the House to return on its own to pass revenue bills already passed by the Senate, but the House leadership has not taken any action.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today called on the General Assembly to return to Springfield on July 9 and July 10 to fix the $2 billion shortfall in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget passed by the General Assembly in May. Last week, the Governor urged the House to return on its own to pass revenue bills already passed by the Senate, but the House leadership has not taken any action.
06/26/2008
THURSDAY - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced Summer Youth Works, a program that provides young people from communities throughout Illinois summer employment. This summer, the program will provide summer jobs for up to 10,000 youth helping them to establish productive work habits while investing in their communities. The Summer Youth Works initiative will provide jobs focused on community service, community and highway beautification, job training programs and pre-professional training such as working with highway engineering firms.
"Summer jobs gave me the opportunity to work and be engaged in positive activities as a teenager. For some of our youth, having a summer job means earning money and providing real alternatives to gangs and violence," said Governor Blagojevich. "Programs like this mean a lot for communities that are suffering from crime and increased violence– communities that need our help. The time for help is now."
THURSDAY - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced Summer Youth Works, a program that provides young people from communities throughout Illinois summer employment. This summer, the program will provide summer jobs for up to 10,000 youth helping them to establish productive work habits while investing in their communities. The Summer Youth Works initiative will provide jobs focused on community service, community and highway beautification, job training programs and pre-professional training such as working with highway engineering firms.
"Summer jobs gave me the opportunity to work and be engaged in positive activities as a teenager. For some of our youth, having a summer job means earning money and providing real alternatives to gangs and violence," said Governor Blagojevich. "Programs like this mean a lot for communities that are suffering from crime and increased violence– communities that need our help. The time for help is now."
TUESDAY – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the state is setting up a toll-free hotline to provide flood victims with easy access to information and assistance that can help them begin the recovery process. People affected by the flooding can reach the center at 1-866-848-2067 (866-214-4479 TTY) for information about available state assistance programs.
"People who have been forced from their homes by floodwaters need assistance right now," said Gov. Blagojevich. "Many of our state agencies and offices have information and programs that can help flood victims get on the road to recovery. The Flood Recovery Assistance Hotline will give them prompt, easy access to these services."
Also today, the Governor joined with the governors of Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin in a letter urging President Bush to increase to 90 percent the federal government’s share of federal disaster assistance for flooding in the five Midwestern states. If approved, the action would significantly ease the burden of recovery for state and local governments.
Call 1-866-848-2067 for information about available state flood assistance programs.
TUESDAY – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the state is setting up a toll-free hotline to provide flood victims with easy access to information and assistance that can help them begin the recovery process. People affected by the flooding can reach the center at 1-866-848-2067 (866-214-4479 TTY) for information about available state assistance programs.
"People who have been forced from their homes by floodwaters need assistance right now," said Gov. Blagojevich. "Many of our state agencies and offices have information and programs that can help flood victims get on the road to recovery. The Flood Recovery Assistance Hotline will give them prompt, easy access to these services."
Also today, the Governor joined with the governors of Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin in a letter urging President Bush to increase to 90 percent the federal government’s share of federal disaster assistance for flooding in the five Midwestern states. If approved, the action would significantly ease the burden of recovery for state and local governments.
Call 1-866-848-2067 for information about available state flood assistance programs.
TUESDAY – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today called upon the House of Representatives to pass revenues already approved by the Illinois Senate, warning that funding will be unavailable for $1.5 billion in spending if funding is not passed. Reductions would be required to close a $2 billion dollar shortfall in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget passed by the General Assembly in May.
"As I’ve said before, the budget sent to me fails to meet the Constitutional requirement that spending be matched by funding to pay for it, and it jeopardizes the State’s ability to meet core responsibilities like teaching our children, providing healthcare, and protecting the public," Gov. Blagojevich said. "Without new funding, the impact will be felt far and wide. It will mean the reduction of agriculture programs, mental health services, and healthcare services. It will mean the loss of jobs during a time when people are already struggling to make ends meet. That’s why I hope the House will do the responsible thing and pass additional revenue sources."
TUESDAY – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today called upon the House of Representatives to pass revenues already approved by the Illinois Senate, warning that funding will be unavailable for $1.5 billion in spending if funding is not passed. Reductions would be required to close a $2 billion dollar shortfall in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget passed by the General Assembly in May.
"As I’ve said before, the budget sent to me fails to meet the Constitutional requirement that spending be matched by funding to pay for it, and it jeopardizes the State’s ability to meet core responsibilities like teaching our children, providing healthcare, and protecting the public," Gov. Blagojevich said. "Without new funding, the impact will be felt far and wide. It will mean the reduction of agriculture programs, mental health services, and healthcare services. It will mean the loss of jobs during a time when people are already struggling to make ends meet. That’s why I hope the House will do the responsible thing and pass additional revenue sources."
06/23/2008
MONDAY – In a push to provide immediate assistance to three Metro-East counties affected by recent flooding in Illinois, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed legislation that provides additional tools to Madison, Monroe and St. Clair Counties. SB 836 allows these three counties to pay for projects to be reimbursed when the newly authorized Flood Prevention Districts have been established.
"We are seeing the effects of what happens when levees break; homes, businesses, farmland, and people's livelihoods can be destroyed in just moments," said Gov. Blagojevich. "I am committed to doing everything I can to help the people of this area fight for their towns and livelihoods, both now and in the future. That’s why this bill, which sets the stage for repair of these levees and further preparation, is so important."
MONDAY – In a push to provide immediate assistance to three Metro-East counties affected by recent flooding in Illinois, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed legislation that provides additional tools to Madison, Monroe and St. Clair Counties. SB 836 allows these three counties to pay for projects to be reimbursed when the newly authorized Flood Prevention Districts have been established.
"We are seeing the effects of what happens when levees break; homes, businesses, farmland, and people's livelihoods can be destroyed in just moments," said Gov. Blagojevich. "I am committed to doing everything I can to help the people of this area fight for their towns and livelihoods, both now and in the future. That’s why this bill, which sets the stage for repair of these levees and further preparation, is so important."
FRIDAY – During his third visit in a week to flooded sites along the Mississippi River in western Illinois, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that he is asking President Bush to speed aid to people and communities devastated by flooding in more than 20 Illinois counties.
"I've seen firsthand the growing magnitude of this flooding disaster, and unfortunately the end is not yet in sight," said Gov. Blagojevich. "There is no doubt in my mind that federal assistance is a necessity to help people get back on their feet and start the road to recovery. We also urgently need federal assistance to help communities up and down the Mississippi River and elsewhere in the state recover from the staggering cost of this flood fight and the massive cleanup work still to come. I urge President Bush to quickly approve my request so the recovery process can begin."
FRIDAY – During his third visit in a week to flooded sites along the Mississippi River in western Illinois, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that he is asking President Bush to speed aid to people and communities devastated by flooding in more than 20 Illinois counties.
"I've seen firsthand the growing magnitude of this flooding disaster, and unfortunately the end is not yet in sight," said Gov. Blagojevich. "There is no doubt in my mind that federal assistance is a necessity to help people get back on their feet and start the road to recovery. We also urgently need federal assistance to help communities up and down the Mississippi River and elsewhere in the state recover from the staggering cost of this flood fight and the massive cleanup work still to come. I urge President Bush to quickly approve my request so the recovery process can begin."
THURSDAY – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today added St. Clair and Edgar counties to a state disaster declaration, a move that will expedite state assistance needed to help Edgar County in southeastern Illinois recover from recent storms and flash flooding and St. Clair County battle flooding along the Mississippi River.
“We are continuing to provide help to people battling flood waters along the Mississippi River and flood ravaged areas in other parts of the state,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “We will work around the clock to ensure communities get the help they need during this critical time.”
THURSDAY – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today added St. Clair and Edgar counties to a state disaster declaration, a move that will expedite state assistance needed to help Edgar County in southeastern Illinois recover from recent storms and flash flooding and St. Clair County battle flooding along the Mississippi River.
“We are continuing to provide help to people battling flood waters along the Mississippi River and flood ravaged areas in other parts of the state,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “We will work around the clock to ensure communities get the help they need during this critical time.”
WEDNESDAY - Today Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich visited the Quincy area to tour flooding along the Mississippi River, after two additional levees broke early this morning. The Lima Lake levee in Adams County broke around 1:30 this morning, followed by the Indian Grave levee at approximately 6:30.
WEDNESDAY - Today Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich visited the Quincy area to tour flooding along the Mississippi River, after two additional levees broke early this morning. The Lima Lake levee in Adams County broke around 1:30 this morning, followed by the Indian Grave levee at approximately 6:30.
"Our priority remains protecting residents along the Mississippi River. We are not only providing help for communities affected by flood waters in areas where levees have broken, but we are also planning for the possibility that more areas could be affected," said Gov. Blagojevich.
TUESDAY – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today added Knox and Madison counties to a state disaster declaration to help those areas respond to flooding issues along the Mississippi River. Since Wednesday, the Governor has declared 19 counties state disaster areas.
"We continue to plan for all possible situations as flood waters continue to threaten communities along the Mississippi River. We are mobilizing resources, not only to shore up levees to protect lives, homes, roads and critical infrastructures, but also to prepare for all contingencies should flood waters break through," said Gov. Blagojevich. "We are working around the clock to protect residents and the communities they live in and to make sure they have the resources they need during this critical time."
TUESDAY – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today added Knox and Madison counties to a state disaster declaration to help those areas respond to flooding issues along the Mississippi River. Since Wednesday, the Governor has declared 19 counties state disaster areas.
"We continue to plan for all possible situations as flood waters continue to threaten communities along the Mississippi River. We are mobilizing resources, not only to shore up levees to protect lives, homes, roads and critical infrastructures, but also to prepare for all contingencies should flood waters break through," said Gov. Blagojevich. "We are working around the clock to protect residents and the communities they live in and to make sure they have the resources they need during this critical time."
Tuesday - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today activated an additional 400 Illinois National Guard troops to assist with flood efforts along the Mississippi River, bringing the total troops engaged in the flood fight to 1,100.
"As flood waters continue to rise, we are working hard to help keep people safe and reduce damage along the Mississippi River. The Illinois National Guard has been instrumental in this effort by filling sandbags and building protective walls around communities,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “We are operating around the clock to ensure communities get the help they need during this critical time."
Tuesday - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today activated an additional 400 Illinois National Guard troops to assist with flood efforts along the Mississippi River, bringing the total troops engaged in the flood fight to 1,100.
"As flood waters continue to rise, we are working hard to help keep people safe and reduce damage along the Mississippi River. The Illinois National Guard has been instrumental in this effort by filling sandbags and building protective walls around communities,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “We are operating around the clock to ensure communities get the help they need during this critical time."
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich proclaimed the week of June 9th to June 15th as Men’s Health Week in Illinois, encouraging men throughout the state to recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and medical check-ups. Throughout Men’s Health Week, members of the Blagojevich Administration will join minor league baseball teams around Illinois for the Step Up to the Plate campaign to get the word out about preventable health problems, and encourage early detection and treatment among men and boys. During Men’s Health Week, men young and old are encouraged to check out the new men’s health Web site www.illinois.gov/menshealth
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich proclaimed the week of June 9th to June 15th as Men’s Health Week in Illinois, encouraging men throughout the state to recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and medical check-ups. Throughout Men’s Health Week, members of the Blagojevich Administration will join minor league baseball teams around Illinois for the Step Up to the Plate campaign to get the word out about preventable health problems, and encourage early detection and treatment among men and boys. During Men’s Health Week, men young and old are encouraged to check out the new men’s health Web site www.illinois.gov/menshealth
06/02/2008
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced that after an initial review, his budget experts have found the Fiscal Year 2009 budget passed by the General Assembly on Saturday to contain $2.1 billion more in spending than anticipated revenue will support, making it unconstitutional. The Illinois State Constitution requires the legislature to pass a balanced budget. The Governor said he will call the four legislative leaders together this week to resume work so the people of Illinois will have a budget that fulfills constitutional requirements and meets the state’s needs by July 1.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced that after an initial review, his budget experts have found the Fiscal Year 2009 budget passed by the General Assembly on Saturday to contain $2.1 billion more in spending than anticipated revenue will support, making it unconstitutional. The Illinois State Constitution requires the legislature to pass a balanced budget. The Governor said he will call the four legislative leaders together this week to resume work so the people of Illinois will have a budget that fulfills constitutional requirements and meets the state’s needs by July 1.
05/28/2008
Standing with Illinois Works Coalition Co-Chair Illinois University President Glenn Poshard, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, Senate President Emil Jones, Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, and House Minority Leader Tom Cross today endorsed the new $31 billion comprehensive capital infrastructure plan recommended by the Illinois Works Coalition. Last week, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Dennis Hastert and Poshard announced their recommendations for a capital infrastructure plan and revenue streams to pay for it after a comprehensive statewide listening tour launched in March and a series of meetings with Governor Blagojevich and legislative leaders. The Governor and the three legislative leaders called for passage of the plan prior to the scheduled legislative adjournment date later this week. More information on the Illinois Works Coalition plan.
Standing with Illinois Works Coalition Co-Chair Illinois University President Glenn Poshard, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, Senate President Emil Jones, Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, and House Minority Leader Tom Cross today endorsed the new $31 billion comprehensive capital infrastructure plan recommended by the Illinois Works Coalition. Last week, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Dennis Hastert and Poshard announced their recommendations for a capital infrastructure plan and revenue streams to pay for it after a comprehensive statewide listening tour launched in March and a series of meetings with Governor Blagojevich and legislative leaders. The Governor and the three legislative leaders called for passage of the plan prior to the scheduled legislative adjournment date later this week. More information on the Illinois Works Coalition plan.
05/27/2008
Governor Blagojevich today signed legislation to renew the Illinois Film Tax Credit, building on his commitment to help the Illinois film industry continue to achieve record success. The Governor was joined at the signing by Harold Ramis, life-long Chicago actor, writer, producer and director first made famous by his role as Dr. Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989), and by up and coming producer John W. Bosher who is finishing up work on the movie “Chicago Overcoat,” which was filmed entirely in Chicago. Also joining the Governor was the star of “Chicago Overcoat” and former “Sopranos” actor, Frank Vincent.
Governor Blagojevich today signed legislation to renew the Illinois Film Tax Credit, building on his commitment to help the Illinois film industry continue to achieve record success. The Governor was joined at the signing by Harold Ramis, life-long Chicago actor, writer, producer and director first made famous by his role as Dr. Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989), and by up and coming producer John W. Bosher who is finishing up work on the movie “Chicago Overcoat,” which was filmed entirely in Chicago. Also joining the Governor was the star of “Chicago Overcoat” and former “Sopranos” actor, Frank Vincent.
05/20/2008
Co-Chairs of Governor Blagojevich’s Illinois Works Coalition, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Dennis Hastert and Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard today announced a new $31 billion comprehensive capital infrastructure plan and their recommendations for how to fund it. Their recommendations follow a comprehensive statewide listening tour launched in March and several meetings with Governor Blagojevich and the four legislative leaders.
Plan Recommendations
Co-Chairs of Governor Blagojevich’s Illinois Works Coalition, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Dennis Hastert and Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard today announced a new $31 billion comprehensive capital infrastructure plan and their recommendations for how to fund it. Their recommendations follow a comprehensive statewide listening tour launched in March and several meetings with Governor Blagojevich and the four legislative leaders.
Plan Recommendations
05/19/2008
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that statewide reforms have led to historic reductions in crimes by former offenders and significant savings for taxpayers. An intensive effort launched by the Governor in fiscal year 2004 to provide incarcerated offenders and parolees with access to education, job training, substance abuse treatment and counseling has led to the lowest conviction rate among parolees in state history, a 23% reduction in arrests among the general parolee population, and a 40% reduction in repeat incarceration among parolees with substance abuse histories who graduated from the Sheridan Drug and Reentry Program. The Governor also released a Blue Ribbon report with additional recommendations for further reducing recidivism and committed to pursuing implementation. Click here for a copy of the report.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that statewide reforms have led to historic reductions in crimes by former offenders and significant savings for taxpayers. An intensive effort launched by the Governor in fiscal year 2004 to provide incarcerated offenders and parolees with access to education, job training, substance abuse treatment and counseling has led to the lowest conviction rate among parolees in state history, a 23% reduction in arrests among the general parolee population, and a 40% reduction in repeat incarceration among parolees with substance abuse histories who graduated from the Sheridan Drug and Reentry Program. The Governor also released a Blue Ribbon report with additional recommendations for further reducing recidivism and committed to pursuing implementation. Click here for a copy of the report.
05/06/2008
In response to a recent spike in violence on Chicago streets, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced a comprehensive state plan to help reduce violence and save young lives. Joined by parents, community leaders, advocates, and clergy at the Martin Luther King Jr. Boys & Girls Club on the City’s west side, the Governor laid out his plan to curb the tide of violence in Illinois. The Governor’s plan, called Community Investment Works, will address a range of factors contributing to youth violence, including the lack of employment opportunities, lack of safe social and recreational opportunities, and disengagement from their communities.
In response to a recent spike in violence on Chicago streets, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced a comprehensive state plan to help reduce violence and save young lives. Joined by parents, community leaders, advocates, and clergy at the Martin Luther King Jr. Boys & Girls Club on the City’s west side, the Governor laid out his plan to curb the tide of violence in Illinois. The Governor’s plan, called Community Investment Works, will address a range of factors contributing to youth violence, including the lack of employment opportunities, lack of safe social and recreational opportunities, and disengagement from their communities.
Governor Blagojevich today signed legislation to renew the Illinois Film Tax Credit, building on his commitment to help the Illinois film industry continue to achieve record success. The Governor was joined at the signing by Harold Ramis, life-long Chicago actor, writer, producer and director first made famous by his role as Dr. Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989), and by up and coming producer John W. Bosher who is finishing up work on the movie “Chicago Overcoat,” which was filmed entirely in Chicago. Also joining the Governor was the star of “Chicago Overcoat” and former “Sopranos” actor, Frank Vincent.
