Governorquinn

08/22/11: Governor Quinn Signs Bill to Reduce Transportation Costs for Illinois Businesses

Order: Reorder
Duration: 5:39
Published: 23 Aug 2011
Uploaded: 29 Aug 2011
Author: GovernorQuinn

EAST ALTON -- August 22, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to help reduce fuel and equipment costs for trucking companies throughout Illinois. The new law allows the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to issue permits for loads that previously exceeded size and weight restrictions for travel on state highways if specific conditions are met.

08/15/11: Governor Quinn Signs Bill Expanding Access to Life-Saving Allergy Medicine for Children

Order: Reorder
Duration: 6:16
Published: 19 Aug 2011
Uploaded: 19 Aug 2011
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO -- August 15, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to increase access to potentially life-saving medicine for children with severe allergies. House Bill 3294, the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, allows schools to stock and utilize epinephrine auto-injectors (often known as 'epi-pens') in the case of life-threatening allergic reactions.

10/05/10: Governor Quinn Creates Elgin-O'Hare West Bypass Advisory Council

Order: Reorder
Duration: 5:16
Published: 06 Oct 2010
Uploaded: 04 Nov 2010
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO -- October 5, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by a broad spectrum of public and private sector leaders to announce the formation of a council to assist in the planning and building of the Elgin-O'Hare West Bypass. The Elgin-O'Hare West Bypass Advisory Council will work to advance the major project to extend the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway east and build the long-sought west bypass route around O'Hare International Airport. The project will create more than 21000 short-term and 60000 long-term jobs, and fulfill one of the most important transportation needs in the state. "Constructing the Elgin-O'Hare West Bypass will help O'Hare International Airport to reach its full potential as an economic engine for Northeast Illinois and support our continued economic recovery by creating 80000 jobs," said Governor Quinn. "New access to O'Hare will be a magnet for businesses looking to connect with customers throughout the world." Established by executive order, the Governor's advisory council will include 19 members representing local governments, the business community, regional planning groups, labor and public finance. The council reflects the regional consensus to move the project forward. Last year, impacted communities reached an agreement on the path the road will take, which will follow east along Thorndale Avenue before linking with the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) and the Tri-State Tollway (I-294). The advisory council will act as a sounding board for ...

01/31/11: Governor Quinn Signs Historic Law to Legalize Civil Unions in Illinois

Order: Reorder
Duration: 7:03
Published: 01 Feb 2011
Uploaded: 05 Apr 2011
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO -- January 31, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn was joined today by lawmakers, advocates and hundreds of Illinois residents as he signed a historic new law that makes Illinois one of just six states nationwide to legalize civil unions. Senate Bill 1716 ensures that for the first time in state history, couples united under a civil union -- including same-sex couples -- will have access to the full state legal rights and responsibilities enjoyed by couples that are married.

4/30/10: Governor Quinn Honors President Lech Kaczynski, Commemorates Polish Constitution Day

Order: Reorder
Duration: 7:23
Published: 30 Apr 2010
Uploaded: 04 Jul 2011
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO April 30, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn joined members of Illinois Polish community to commemorate Polish Constitution Day and to honor the memory of Polish President Lech Kaczynski and the other victims who died in a recent plane crash in western Russia. Polish Constitution Day observes the 219th anniversary of the Polish Constitution, which was adopted on May 3, 1791. The Polish Constitution is the worlds second written constitution. Polish Constitution Day marks an historic and important occasion—the day when the government of Poland agreed in writing to honor the rights and will of the people, said Governor Quinn. President Kaczynski believed in the ideals of the Polish Constitution and in the people of Poland, so it is fitting and proper that we honor him on this historic anniversary. On April 10, President Kaczynski, his wife Maria, and senior members of the Polish government and military were killed in a tragic plane crash in western Russia. In recognition of their sacrifice, Governor Quinn called for a moment of silence during todays ceremony. He was joined at the event by: Zygmunt Matynia, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago; Frank Spula, President of the Polish National Alliance; Major General William L. Enyart, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard; servicemembers who personally worked with victims of the plane crash; and members of the Polish delegation. Governor Quinn has hosted a celebration for Polish Constitution Day in ...

5/4/10: Governor Quinn Announces Ground-breaking Consumer Health Insurance Reform Legislation

Order: Reorder
Duration: 8:26
Published: 05 May 2010
Uploaded: 26 Aug 2010
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO May 4, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced legislation that will expand insurance coverage for uninsured people with pre-existing conditions by tapping into nearly $200 million in federal funds this summer. As part of this legislative push, Governor Quinn is also introducing a measure to create a Health Consumers Bill of Rights. Both bills will help Illinois to quickly implement significant aspects of the recently-passed federal health insurance reform law. We must act now to increase health insurance protections for Illinois families and ensure that the state receives nearly $200 million in federal funds to help cover those who are uninsured and have pre-existing conditions, said Governor Quinn. The state is committed to meeting President Obamas vision of expanding health coverage, making it more affordable and ensuring health insurance companies are more accountable. The first bill allows the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan to form an expanded high-risk pool with approximately $200 million in federal funds that will be made available this summer. The high-risk pool will provide affordable coverage for uninsured persons with pre-existing conditions and is required under the federal health insurance reforms. The second bill creates the Health Insurance Consumers Bill of Rights. That bill will: Guarantee coverage for children with pre-existing conditions; Guarantee residents the ability to have health insurance rescissions reviewed by the state ...

07/29/10: Governor Quinn Signs Historic Legislation to Reform Long-Term Care in Illinois

Order: Reorder
Duration: 4:40
Published: 02 Aug 2010
Uploaded: 14 Aug 2010
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO -- July 29, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed historic legislation that transforms Illinois' system of care for frail older adults and persons with disabilities. The new law is the product of months of research and deliberation initiated by the Nursing Home Safety Task Force that Governor Quinn appointed in October. The task force was charged with ensuring all Illinois nursing home residents are safe and receive the treatment appropriate for their condition. "Today begins a new era of nursing home care in Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "Older adults who require 24-hour care deserve a safe, high-quality home, and persons with mental illness must have the care and treatment they need to live full and productive lives in their communities. This law protects Illinois' most vulnerable adults." Senate Bill 326, sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago), resulted from strong collaboration between state agencies, members of the Illinois General Assembly, advocates, home and community based service providers, residents and the nursing home profession, led by Governor Quinn's Nursing Home Safety Task Force. The new law remakes the system of admission to nursing homes, ensuring that only those in need of 24-hour skilled care are admitted. The law also strengthens the screening process to prevent residents with violent criminal histories from being placed with vulnerable, older adults. The law sets higher nursing home quality ...

08/02/10: Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Spur Construction of Affordable Housing, Job Creation

Order: Reorder
Duration: 5:26
Published: 04 Aug 2010
Uploaded: 18 Dec 2010
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO - August 2, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will boost affordable housing development across Illinois. Governor Quinn also signed a bill into law that will for the first time create funding to protect Illinois homeowners from foreclosure, and help stabilize communities throughout the state. "In these tough economic times, we must work to increase affordable housing for Illinois families and create more construction jobs," said Governor Quinn. "We also must do what we can to make sure our state's residents have the resources they need to weather this national financial crisis and keep their homes." Governor Quinn extended a statewide program that leverages private investment in the development of affordable housing and creates construction jobs across Illinois. House Bill 6038, sponsored by Sen. James Clayborne Jr. (D-East St. Louis) and Rep. Arthur Turner (D-Chicago), extends the Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit through 2016. Set to expire next year, the credit available through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) provides a 50 percent state income tax credit for affordable housing and employer-assisted donations to qualified non-profit affordable housing sponsors. As a result of the extension, an estimated 15000 jobs will be created. "With the extension of the state donation tax credit, Illinois will continue to have available, valuable and affordable housing development resources during this foreclosure crisis," said ...

PROGRESS ILLINOIS: Quinn Speaks At Civil Union Ceremony

Order: Reorder
Duration: 1:33
Published: 02 Jun 2011
Uploaded: 02 Jun 2011
Author: ProgressIllinois

Gov. Quinn speaks at the high-profile civil union ceremony at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago.

08/17/10: Governor Quinn Signs Bills to Increase Solar Energy Use in Illinois

Order: Reorder
Duration: 5:35
Published: 17 Aug 2010
Uploaded: 23 Aug 2010
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO -- August 17, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that promotes energy independence by furthering the use of solar power by individuals and by industry. The new laws establish strengthened targets for utilities that will be purchasing more solar energy and help homeowners who want to increase their solar energy usage. "Solar energy is the wave of the future, and it is important that our public utilities and homeowners are able to more easily increase their use of solar energy," said Governor Quinn. "We must do everything we can to increase our use of solar energy, which will help us protect natural resources and reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources, such as foreign oil." House Bill 6202, sponsored by Rep. William Burns (D-Chicago) and Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), amends both the Illinois Power Agency Act and the Public Utilities Act to change the date by which Commonwealth Edison and Ameren must begin purchasing solar energy as part of the renewable energy portfolio requirement. The new law changes the date to 2012, which is three years earlier than the previous 2015 deadline. Specifically, the power industry will now be required to purchase .5 percent of its power from solar sources by June 1, 2012; 1.5 percent by June 1, 2013; 3 percent by June 1, 2014; and 6 percent by June 1, 2015, and each year thereafter. House Bill 5429, sponsored by Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and Sen. Michael Noland (D-Elgin), creates the Homeowners ...

7/27/09 Governor Quinn, Senator Durbin, Mayor Daley Host High Speed Rail Summit

Order: Reorder
Duration: 8:01
Published: 27 Jul 2009
Uploaded: 24 Oct 2010
Author: GovernorQuinn

Governor Quinn, Senator Durbin, Mayor Daley Host Midwest High Speed Rail Summit Five Governors Attend, Eight States Sign Agreement CHICAGO July 27, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn was joined by Senator Dick Durbin and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley to host Midwest Governors and rail executives at the Midwest High Speed Rail Summit. The Governors today announced an agreement between the eight states to work cooperatively to achieve funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to develop the Midwest corridor. We are stronger working as a region than we are individually, and I want to thank the other Midwest Governors for their cooperation and commitment, said Governor Quinn. We are determined to take full advantage of federal recovery funds and bring high speed rail to Illinois and the Midwest. Todays agreement will help make our vision a reality. Governors attending the summit included: Iowa Governor Chet Culver; Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle; Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. Eight Midwest states signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. Mayor Daley also signed the MOU on behalf of the City of Chicago. A nationwide network of high speed rail with Chicago as hub is a vital component of the new economy that will emerge from this recession. High speed rail will help us in the challenging task of bringing new businesses, new industries and new ...

1/21/10 Governor Quinn Signs Law to Create "Gateways to Opportunity" Program

Order: Reorder
Duration: 3:45
Published: 21 Jan 2010
Uploaded: 15 Aug 2010
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO January 21, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that creates the Gateways to Opportunity program, which will award credentials to educators who go above and beyond in making sure they are able to provide the highest quality of education for Illinois young minds. Todays students will be tomorrows workforce, which is why it is critical that our children get top quality educations, said Governor Quinn. By making sure our educators have learned the latest skills and techniques, we can accelerate children down the path of learning at an early age. Gateways to Opportunity is a professional development system that aims to enhance childrens learning by improving the quality of services they receive in learning environments, increasing positive outcomes, and expanding the availability of coursework and training available to educators. The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) will administer the program and award Gateways to Opportunity credentials, as symbols of professional achievement, to educators who have completed approved college or university programs or who have compiled a portfolio that documents education and experience. Gateways to Opportunity also provides educators access to scholarships and wage supplements so that they can continue their own educations and professional development. Also under the new law, children who attended a non-public preschool, a non-public kindergarten, were taught kindergarten by a certified teacher or will ...

07/07/11: Governor Quinn Signs Major Mass Transit Reform Legislation

Order: Reorder
Duration: 4:30
Published: 08 Jul 2011
Uploaded: 17 Jul 2011
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO -- July 7, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to reform mass transit in the Chicago region by creating a universal fare card for riders of the CTA, Metra and Pace, and taking the first step towards making free wireless internet available on buses and trains throughout the region. The new law also requires Metra to provide web-based, real-time train arrival information, and lays the groundwork for the installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on Metra passenger trains.

5/2/10: Governor Quinn Introduces Homeowners Property Tax Relief Initiative of 2010

Order: Reorder
Duration: 6:29
Published: 04 May 2010
Uploaded: 19 Aug 2010
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO May 2, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today unveiled legislation that will provide extensive and much-needed property tax relief to millions of taxpayers while also pressing for greater citizen participation and openness in the tax assessment process. This week, Governor Quinn will present the legislation, called the Homeowners Property Tax Relief Initiative of 2010, to the Illinois General Assembly. Throughout my public life I have fought for taxpayers and for tax fairness. This legislation is an important step in achieving these important goals and I am proud to present this legislation to the General Assembly, said Governor Quinn. I urge state lawmakers to consider this bill and to make it the law of the land. Governor Quinns Homeowners Property Tax Relief Initiative of 2010, HB 6863, centers on three major points: Create the Taxpayer Action Board. Under the proposed legislation, every county in Illinois could form a Taxpayer Action Board either through a county board resolution or petition drive and ballot referendum. The Taxpayer Action Board would be membership-only group modeled after the highly-successful Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a statewide utility watchdog and consumer advocate. In contrast, the Taxpayer Action Board would advocate for the states property taxpayers. The Taxpayer Action Board would be an independent, non-partisan advocacy group designed to empower taxpayers and assist in appealing their property tax bills and assessments. Where one ...

08/01/10: Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Spur Construction of Affordable Housing, Job Creation

Order: Reorder
Duration: 5:36
Published: 02 Aug 2010
Uploaded: 17 Aug 2010
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO -- August 1, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law to reform property assessments for millions of Illinois homeowners and provide property tax relief for Cook County residents. Senate Bill 3638 extends the "7 percent solution" property tax cap in Cook County and creates Taxpayer Action Boards (TABs) to provide oversight of the way property is assessed in seven counties. (APPLY HERE) It also expands a returning Veterans' exemption and makes it easier for Veterans with disabilities to qualify for property tax relief. "Cook County homeowners need property tax relief during these tough economic times," said Governor Quinn. "This new law provides that relief and creates Taxpayer Action Boards to ensure that regular people evaluate our property tax systems and make the process more transparent. This new law will also help Illinois' Veterans stay in their homes." The new law extends the Cook County Alternative General Homestead exemption, also known as the "7 percent solution," by three years, reducing the exemption from $20000 in the first additional year, to $16000 in the second and $12000 in the final year. Under the new law, Governor Quinn will name seven people to TABs in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties. Each board will oversee the implementation of a new law (Public Act 96-122) that requires county assessors to provide property owners with a clear, easy-to-understand explanation of how tax assessments are determined ...

5/21/10: Governor Quinn Signs Bill Making Birth Records More Accessible to Adopted Adults

Order: Reorder
Duration: 9:11
Published: 21 May 2010
Uploaded: 03 Aug 2011
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO May 21, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that provides adopted adults greater access to copies of their original birth certificates without having to get a court order. The new law will also help adopted adults learn more about their birth families, including medical histories. This new law provides adopted adults with the tools they need to obtain and review crucial personal information and background, said Governor Quinn. At the same time, this law respects all the parties involved in the adoption process. Under the prior law, it was difficult for an adopted person to access their original birth certificate because getting a copy of the document often required a court order. House Bill 5428, sponsored by Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and Senator AJ Wilhelmi (D-Joliet), allows adopted adults to obtain copies of their birth certificates without going to court. Adopted adults born before Jan. 1, 1946, can immediately request copies of their original birth certificates, and those born after Jan. 1, 1946 can do so beginning Nov. 15, 2011. The law is effective immediately. After Governor Quinn signs this legislation, I will be able to walk into the states office of Vital Records, plunk down my $15 and get a copy of my original birth certificate. On it will be the name of the woman who gave birth to me 53 years ago. I can't wait to hold it in my hand, said Rep. Feigenholtz. Today, we're opening a new chapter in adoption history in ...

Governor Quinn "on a roll" - Quinn For Illinois

Order: Reorder
Duration: 0:56
Published: 15 Jun 2010
Uploaded: 25 Aug 2010
Author: QuinnForIllinois

Illinois Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Doug Whitley, "Today we're here really to thank and praise the Governor, who I think is on a roll. Between the McCormick place re-write and the pension re-write and the Illiana Expressway and now a telecommunications act for the 21st century. These are the kinds of positive signs that many of us look for everyday from our government. That shows government leaders recognizing major issues and being willing to roll their sleeves up and take them on. And more importantly coming to a positive conclusion." SOURCE: il.gov - CHICAGO -- June 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that overhauls and modernizes Illinois' outdated telecommunications law. The new law will continue protecting consumers, while creating jobs and encouraging private investment in new broadband and wireless technologies. "Investment in broadband and wireless technology is a key to creating better jobs and providing unique educational opportunities across Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "I am proud to sign this law to encourage private investment in these critical technologies, which will put more people to work and protect consumers." The Illinois Telecommunications Act was written in 1985 -- well before the widespread use of cell phones and broadband Internet. Today, approximately 25 percent of Illinois households rely only on cell phones. The new law eliminates obsolete regulatory standards which will enable telecom companies to shift more ...

07/20/10: Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Keep Newborn Children Safe

Order: Reorder
Duration: 13:08
Published: 30 Jul 2010
Uploaded: 07 Jul 2011
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO - July 20, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation into law that will help protect Illinois' newborn children from preventable injury and death. The new laws require hospitals to provide new parents with information on how to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), increase penalties for causing a baby to die by shaking it, provide better resources to parents who relinquish newborn children, and educate parents about caring for premature newborns. "There is no greater gift than the birth of a baby, and we must do everything in our power to keep our youngest citizens safe from harm," said Governor Quinn. "These new laws will help protect our newborns and ensure that parents receive the information they need to properly care for them and stop preventable deaths." House Bill 5930, sponsored by Sen. AJ Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) and Rep. Emily McAsey (D-Lockport), requires hospitals to provide free SIDS educational materials to parents or guardians of newborns. The materials will include information to help parents understand SIDS and lower their child's risk for it. Hospital staff will be required to review the materials with new parents and discuss ways to reduce the likelihood of SIDS prior to their discharge from the hospital. The new law is effective Jan. 1, 2011. House Bill 5762, sponsored by Rep. Michael Carberry (D-Evergreen Park) and Sen. Gary Forby (D-Benton), requires anyone found guilty of causing a baby's death by shaking it to register with the ...

08/03/11: Governor Quinn Signs Measure to Help Return Lost Pets to Their Families

Order: Reorder
Duration: 6:14
Published: 03 Aug 2011
Uploaded: 03 Aug 2011
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO -- August 3, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that strengthens the rights of pet owners throughout Illinois and helps reunite lost animals with their owners. Senate Bill 1637, sponsored by Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) and Rep. David Reis (R-Olney), requires animal control centers to scan for implanted microchips twice and make other efforts to identify a lost animal's owner within 24 hours of the animal being impounded.

8/01/2011: Governor Quinn Breaks Ground on New Shipping Facility in Joliet Intermodal Park

Order: Reorder
Duration: 5:41
Published: 04 Aug 2011
Uploaded: 04 Aug 2011
Author: GovernorQuinn

JOLIET -- August 1, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today joined global transportation and logistics leader APL to break ground on a new terminal at the Joliet intermodal facility, which is expected to create 150 construction jobs and help expand Illinois' transportation and distribution capacity. The new facility is part of a larger development that will bring 27000 jobs to the state and strengthen Illinois' position as the nation's inland port.

6/12/10: Governor Quinn Signs Law To Help Veterans with Addiction, Mental Health Disorders

Order: Reorder
Duration: 5:15
Published: 14 Jun 2010
Uploaded: 28 Aug 2011
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO -- June 12, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that creates the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act. The new law allows counties throughout Illinois to create special judicial courts for Veterans who may have mental health or substance abuse disorders. "Many of our brave servicemembers come home suffering from the effects of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injuries, substance abuse and other service-related disabilities," said Governor Quinn. "This law will help us take better care of our Veterans who need treatment, not jail." House Bill 5214, sponsored by Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) and Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-Crystal Lake), allows the chief judge of each judicial circuit in Illinois to create a Veteran and Servicemembers Court Program (VSCP) for military Veterans charged with nonviolent crimes. Veterans who receive approval for enrollment in the VSCP will receive mental health and substance abuse screenings, and must submit to treatment. Upon successful completion of the program, the original charge(s) may be dismissed. "This is groundbreaking legislation that allows qualifying veterans the opportunity to pay their debt to society while also receiving much-needed treatment for service-related disabilities," said Dan Grant, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. "It is a proven and successful method of restoring mind, body and spirit to a veteran in need." The VSCP models other ...

Governor Quinn discusses his first 100 days in office

Order: Reorder
Duration: 7:49
Published: 12 May 2009
Uploaded: 09 Aug 2010
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO May 8, 2009. It has been 100 days since Governor Pat Quinn took office. During this span, he has focused on three major themes: Reform, Responsibility and Recovery. Today, the Governor reasserted his commitment to those objectives while stressing his Administration is ready and eager to accomplish much more. I am proud of my Administrations accomplishments during the first 100 days, but this is only the beginning, said Governor Quinn. During the next 23 days, I am committed to three major initiatives: Landmark reform of state government; passing a fair and balanced budget and enacting a major jobs plan that will put thousands of Illinois citizens back to work. Here are some of the Quinn Administrations major accomplishments over the first 100 days: * Restoring Ethics to State Government * Passing a $3-billion Jobs Program * Swiftly Responding to the Swine Flu Outbreak * Reopening State Parks and Historic Sites * Maximizing the Federal Stimulus Dollars Illinois Receives * Making Tough Choices, Cutting Costs * Helping Working Families * Installing New Leadership at Major Illinois Agencies * Advocating for a Green Illinois * Easing the Clemency Petition Backlog * Launching Fundamental Pension Reform * Repairing State Boards and Commissions * Honoring Military Servicemembers * Protecting High Standards for Childrens Education * Reviving the Historic Executive Mansion

09/05/10: Governor Quinn Touts Jobs for Returning Servicemembers

Order: Reorder
Duration: 6:03
Published: 09 Sep 2010
Uploaded: 09 Sep 2010
Author: GovernorQuinn

CHICAGO -- September 5, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn was joined today by Veterans and labor leaders to highlight the success of the Helmets to Hardhats program for returning servicemembers. Skills obtained through the program help transition Veterans from military duties to careers in the construction industry. The program also provides job placement assistance. "It is important to recognize the hard work and dedication of our state's workforce throughout the year, but particularly on Labor Day weekend," Governor Quinn said. "Thanks to the Helmets to Hardhats program, some of the most honored and respected members of our society, our servicemembers, are receiving the training they need to transition into good-paying jobs." Throughout his time in office, Governor Quinn has advocated for all laborers throughout Illinois. Governor Quinn has also committed himself to protecting the rights of employees, like signing legislation to prohibit discrimination based on pre-employment credit screenings. Helmets to Hardhats is a national initiative which connects National Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty military servicemembers to high-quality construction industry training and employment opportunities. The program, administered by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans Employment, seeks to ease the challenging transition to civilian life for servicemembers and their families. Launched in 2003, Helmets to Hardhats is co-sponsored by all 15 building and ...