Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today helped break ground on the construction of the new Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to treating children worldwide and accommodating the needs of their families. A $100 million gift, the largest contribution in the hospital’s 25-year history, was provided by Ann Lurie and will be used to help create the new hospital in Chicago's Streeterville community and to enhance its pediatric research initiatives.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today helped break ground on the construction of the new Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to treating children worldwide and accommodating the needs of their families. A $100 million gift, the largest contribution in the hospital’s 25-year history, was provided by Ann Lurie and will be used to help create the new hospital in Chicago’s Streeterville community and to enhance its pediatric research initiatives.
04/15/2008
The Governor today backed the legislative proposals released by the Campus Security Task Force to enhance safety on college campuses. The proposals include a $25 million grant program to boost campus security, a new law to require campus emergency response and violence prevention plans. Governor Blagojevich created the Task Force in the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy to develop recommendations for increasing security at the more than 180 institutions of higher learning in Illinois. The Governor asked task force members to continue to meet on efforts to improve campus security.
The Governor today backed the legislative proposals released by the Campus Security Task Force to enhance safety on college campuses. The proposals include a $25 million grant program to boost campus security, a new law to require campus emergency response and violence prevention plans. Governor Blagojevich created the Task Force in the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy to develop recommendations for increasing security at the more than 180 institutions of higher learning in Illinois. The Governor asked task force members to continue to meet on efforts to improve campus security.
As part of his efforts to improve Illinois families’ access to quality health care, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the launch of a new physician profile feature available to the public on the state’s regulatory website. The feature, available at IDFPR.com, allows health care consumers to review important information about the professional and disciplinary background of 44,000 physicians and surgeons licensed to practice in Illinois.
As part of his efforts to improve Illinois families’ access to quality health care, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the launch of a new physician profile feature available to the public on the state’s regulatory website. The feature, available at IDFPR.com, allows health care consumers to review important information about the professional and disciplinary background of 44,000 physicians and surgeons licensed to practice in Illinois.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced an expansion of the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Initiative, the nation’s most comprehensive state approach to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. On Thursday the Governor announced that four more lenders have joined the Homeowner Assistance Pool, bringing the total amount of refinancing funds available to $310 million. The Governor is also working with state Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) to introduce legislation that will make sure borrowers are notified when they’re at risk of losing their homes, and given a grace period of up to 60 days to work with counselors on payment or refinancing options before a lender can move to foreclosure. For more information go to www.illinois.gov/homeowner
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced an expansion of the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Initiative, the nation’s most comprehensive state approach to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. On Thursday the Governor announced that four more lenders have joined the Homeowner Assistance Pool, bringing the total amount of refinancing funds available to $310 million. The Governor is also working with state Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) to introduce legislation that will make sure borrowers are notified when they’re at risk of losing their homes, and given a grace period of up to 60 days to work with counselors on payment or refinancing options before a lender can move to foreclosure. For more information go to www.illinois.gov/homeowner
03/26/2008
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced that the State of Illinois will participate in Earth Hour, a climate change awareness event created by World Wildlife Fund where businesses and residents will turn off the lights in their buildings for one hour on March 29th, 2008 to symbolize the need to take action on this global issue. More than 30 cities on six continents around the world are participating in Earth Hour. Chicago was chosen as the flagship Earth Hour city in the United States, and we will be joined by Atlanta, Phoenix, and San Francisco, as well asCopenhagen, Toronto, Melbourne, Brisbane, Bangkok, Dubai, Dublin, Christchurch and Tel Avivglobally.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced that the State of Illinois will participate in Earth Hour, a climate change awareness event created by World Wildlife Fund where businesses and residents will turn off the lights in their buildings for one hour on March 29th, 2008 to symbolize the need to take action on this global issue. More than 30 cities on six continents around the world are participating in Earth Hour. Chicago was chosen as the flagship Earth Hour city in the United States, and we will be joined by Atlanta, Phoenix, and San Francisco, as well asCopenhagen, Toronto, Melbourne, Brisbane, Bangkok, Dubai, Dublin, Christchurch and Tel Avivglobally.
Monday, March 17, 2008 - Senior citizens age 65 and older can ride public transportation for free in Illinois starting today. In January the Governor added a provision to a mass transit funding package that ensures seniors can ride public transportation for free. Seniors riding CTA, Metra or Pace in the Chicago area can use their existing reduced fare card to ride for free.
Monday, March 17, 2008 - Senior citizens age 65 and older can ride public transportation for free in Illinois starting today. In January the Governor added a provision to a mass transit funding package that ensures seniors can ride public transportation for free. Seniors riding CTA, Metra or Pace in the Chicago area can use their existing reduced fare card to ride for free.
CHICAGO -- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today named two of the state’s most influential leaders, former Speaker of the U.S. House Dennis Hastert and Southern Illinois University (SIU) President and former U.S. Congressman Glenn Poshard, as co-chairs of the newly created Illinois Works Coalition. The new bipartisan working group will draw expertise from business, labor and local leaders across the state and will focus on helping pass a statewide infrastructure plan in Illinois. Last month in his annual budget address, Gov. Blagojevich proposed Illinois Works, a $25 billion capital plan, as the central piece of a statewide stimulus package aimed at boosting Illinois’ economy in the face of a slowing national economy.
CHICAGO -- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today named two of the state’s most influential leaders, former Speaker of the U.S. House Dennis Hastert and Southern Illinois University (SIU) President and former U.S. Congressman Glenn Poshard, as co-chairs of the newly created Illinois Works Coalition. The new bipartisan working group will draw expertise from business, labor and local leaders across the state and will focus on helping pass a statewide infrastructure plan in Illinois. Last month in his annual budget address, Gov. Blagojevich proposed Illinois Works, a $25 billion capital plan, as the central piece of a statewide stimulus package aimed at boosting Illinois’ economy in the face of a slowing national economy.
In the face of a national economic slowdown, Governor Blagojevich is seeking an immediate stimulus package to help businesses, protect jobs and put more money in Illinois families’ pockets. The budget also continues progress toward long-term goals of expanding access to affordable healthcare and quality education.
In the face of a national economic slowdown, Governor Blagojevich is seeking an immediate stimulus package to help businesses, protect jobs and put more money in Illinois families’ pockets. The budget also continues progress toward long-term goals of expanding access to affordable healthcare and quality education.
DEKALB – To honor the victims and help the student body move forward, Governor Blagojevich joined NIU President John G. Peters, legislators and students at Northern Illinois University (NIU) to announce that he will introduce emergency funding legislation to provide the University with $40 million to demolish Cole Hall, the scene of the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of five students and injured 17 more, and replace it with a state-of-the-art classroom building to be named "Memorial Hall".
DEKALB – To honor the victims and help the student body move forward, Governor Blagojevich joined NIU President John G. Peters, legislators and students at Northern Illinois University (NIU) to announce that he will introduce emergency funding legislation to provide the University with $40 million to demolish Cole Hall, the scene of the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of five students and injured 17 more, and replace it with a state-of-the-art classroom building to be named "Memorial Hall".
02/21/2008
The Governor's "Strengthen Illinois" stimulus package provides tax credits for working parents, tax cuts for businesses, and a statewide infrastructure and job-creation plan. Governor Blagojevich delivered his annual budget address on Wednesday, February 20, calling for the stimulus plan in order to boost Illinois' economy and help working families.
The Governor's "Strengthen Illinois" stimulus package provides tax credits for working parents, tax cuts for businesses, and a statewide infrastructure and job-creation plan. Governor Blagojevich delivered his annual budget address on Wednesday, February 20, calling for the stimulus plan in order to boost Illinois' economy and help working families.
In the face of a national economic slowdown, Governor Blagojevich is seeking an immediate stimulus package to help businesses, protect jobs and put more money in Illinois families’ pockets. The budget also continues progress toward long-term goals of expanding access to affordable healthcare and quality education.
In the face of a national economic slowdown, Governor Blagojevich is seeking an immediate stimulus package to help businesses, protect jobs and put more money in Illinois families’ pockets. The budget also continues progress toward long-term goals of expanding access to affordable healthcare and quality education.
"Yesterday's shooting was a tragic, senseless and horrific event. At an institution devoted to learning, we've seen a terrible act of unthinkable evil. We will work with the University to help the community return to its core mission of education. If there was a way for this tragedy to be anticipated and stopped beforehand, we will find it. And we will work with the larger education community to keep them up-to-date as they review their own safety rules," said Governor Blagojevich. "Thanks to everyone who has opened their hearts and reached out to lend a hand, and I especially want to commend all the emergency personnel who are working hard to help the NIU community. Our prayers are with the families of those who lost a loved one and for the recovery of those who were injured in this senseless tragedy."
Friday, February 15, 2008
"Yesterday's shooting was a tragic, senseless and horrific event. At an institution devoted to learning, we've seen a terrible act of unthinkable evil. We will work with the University to help the community return to its core mission of education. If there was a way for this tragedy to be anticipated and stopped beforehand, we will find it. And we will work with the larger education community to keep them up-to-date as they review their own safety rules," said Governor Blagojevich. "Thanks to everyone who has opened their hearts and reached out to lend a hand, and I especially want to commend all the emergency personnel who are working hard to help the NIU community. Our prayers are with the families of those who lost a loved one and for the recovery of those who were injured in this senseless tragedy."
02/14/2008
Governor Blagojevich announced the most comprehensive statewide program to prevent foreclosures in the nation. Illinois mortgage lenders have agreed to provide a $200 million pool to refinance sub-prime loans into stable, fixed-rate mortgages for people who are struggling with their payments. The Governor also launched a Statewide counseling network to help homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Homeowners can call 1-888-995-HOPE to get connected to local mortgage counseling services.
Governor Blagojevich announced the most comprehensive statewide program to prevent foreclosures in the nation. Illinois mortgage lenders have agreed to provide a $200 million pool to refinance sub-prime loans into stable, fixed-rate mortgages for people who are struggling with their payments. The Governor also launched a Statewide counseling network to help homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Homeowners can call 1-888-995-HOPE to get connected to local mortgage counseling services.
By March 17, 2008, all Illinois seniors will be able to ride public transportation for free. Find out more about Seniors Ride Free in your community, visit www.illinois.gov/transit. Since the Governor launched a toll-free hotline and website for interested seniors a couple of weeks ago, more than 50,000 senior citizens statewide have pre-registered for free transit service.
By March 17, 2008, all Illinois seniors will be able to ride public transportation for free. Find out more about Seniors Ride Free in your community, visit www.illinois.gov/transit. Since the Governor launched a toll-free hotline and website for interested seniors a couple of weeks ago, more than 50,000 senior citizens statewide have pre-registered for free transit service.
01/31/2008
The Madison County Transit board today approved plans to begin offering seniors and the disabled free service starting Monday, February 4th. Since the Governor launched a toll-free hotline and website for interested seniors last week, more than 30,000 senior citizens statewide have pre-registered for free transit service.
The Madison County Transit board today approved plans to begin offering seniors and the disabled free service starting Monday, February 4th. Since the Governor launched a toll-free hotline and website for interested seniors last week, more than 30,000 senior citizens statewide have pre-registered for free transit service.
The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program is a first in the nation program that will screen returning Illinois National Guard members for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) while offering TBI screening to all Illinois veterans, and a 24-hour toll-free psychological helpline for veterans suffering from symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): 1-866-554-IWAP (4927).
The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program is a first in the nation program that will screen returning Illinois National Guard members for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) while offering TBI screening to all Illinois veterans, and a 24-hour toll-free psychological helpline for veterans suffering from symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): 1-866-554-IWAP (4927).
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich commended the General Assembly for accepting his improvements to a long-term mass transit funding bill that provides free public transportation to Illinois seniors. The CTA, Metra and Pace had planned for drastic service cuts, fare hikes, and layoffs if no solution was passed by Sunday.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich commended the General Assembly for accepting his improvements to a long-term mass transit funding bill that provides free public transportation to Illinois seniors. The CTA, Metra and Pace had planned for drastic service cuts, fare hikes, and layoffs if no solution was passed by Sunday.
Transit agencies, unions and others voice support for Governor’s plan to help seniors as lawmakers prepare to return to Springfield to vote on legislation
CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today joined RTA and CTA officials, transit union leaders, legislators and senior citizens at the Hallmark Retirement on Chicago’s lakeshore to urge members of the Illinois General Assembly to quickly return to Springfield and approve his improvements to a long-term mass transit funding bill. On Friday the Governor sent lawmakers an amendatory veto to the CTA funding bill they passed. The Governor’s change will allow senior citizens to use public transportation for free to minimize the impact they’d feel from the .25% increase in the sales tax included in the General Assembly’s legislation.
Transit agencies, unions and others voice support for Governor’s plan to help seniors as lawmakers prepare to return to Springfield to vote on legislation
CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today joined RTA and CTA officials, transit union leaders, legislators and senior citizens at the Hallmark Retirement on Chicago’s lakeshore to urge members of the Illinois General Assembly to quickly return to Springfield and approve his improvements to a long-term mass transit funding bill. On Friday the Governor sent lawmakers an amendatory veto to the CTA funding bill they passed. The Governor’s change will allow senior citizens to use public transportation for free to minimize the impact they’d feel from the .25% increase in the sales tax included in the General Assembly’s legislation.
01/10/2008
Will accept Hamos-version of solution passed by legislature, but will insert change to protect seniors from impact of .25% sales tax increase approved by lawmakers
SPRINGFIELD – Soon after both chambers of the General Assembly approved a long-term mass transit funding bill today, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich was joined by transit officials and state Rep. Julie Hamos as he announced his intention to act on the bill as soon as it is certified and sent to his desk. While the Governor has been clear in his opposition to increasing the sales tax to fund mass transit, he said today he will accept the approach passed by the General Assembly in House Bill 656 in order to avert devastating service cuts and fare increases, but will use his amendatory veto authority to make sure seniors citizens can use public transportation for free.
Will accept Hamos-version of solution passed by legislature, but will insert change to protect seniors from impact of .25% sales tax increase approved by lawmakers
SPRINGFIELD – Soon after both chambers of the General Assembly approved a long-term mass transit funding bill today, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich was joined by transit officials and state Rep. Julie Hamos as he announced his intention to act on the bill as soon as it is certified and sent to his desk. While the Governor has been clear in his opposition to increasing the sales tax to fund mass transit, he said today he will accept the approach passed by the General Assembly in House Bill 656 in order to avert devastating service cuts and fare increases, but will use his amendatory veto authority to make sure seniors citizens can use public transportation for free.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced an expansion of the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Initiative, the nation’s most comprehensive state approach to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. On Thursday the Governor announced that four more lenders have joined the Homeowner Assistance Pool, bringing the total amount of refinancing funds available to $310 million. The Governor is also working with state Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) to introduce legislation that will make sure borrowers are notified when they’re at risk of losing their homes, and given a grace period of up to 60 days to work with counselors on payment or refinancing options before a lender can move to foreclosure. For more information go to 
In the face of a national economic slowdown, Governor Blagojevich is seeking an immediate stimulus package to help businesses, protect jobs and put more money in Illinois families’ pockets. The budget also continues progress toward long-term goals of expanding access to affordable healthcare and quality education.
Will accept Hamos-version of solution passed by legislature, but will insert change to protect seniors from impact of .25% sales tax increase approved by lawmakers
