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IGNN: Governor's Office Press Releases

The Governor's Office News page provides access to all press releases from the Governor's Press Office, addressing topics such as education, budget issues, Illinois resources, public safety, health care, and much more.

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January

2004

January 30, 2004
BLAGOJEVICH NOMINATES WATERSHEDS FOR FEDERAL FUNDING
GRANTS WOULD PROTECT STATE’S AGRICULTURE AND FIGHT GULF “DEAD ZONE” Kaskaskia River, Upper Sangamon River and Middle Mississippi River Watersheds Nominated
SPRINGFIELD --- Two major Illinois watersheds and an interstate segment of the Middle Mississippi River watershed have been nominated by Gov. Rod Blagojevich as contenders for federal funding to address Gulf Hypoxia---the so-called Gulf of Mexico “dead zone”---by reducing farm chemical washoff from farm fields in agricultural states including Illinois--- that will also benefit Illinois farmers and waterways.

January 28, 2004
GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH BRINGS OPPORTUNITY RETURNS TO WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS
Unprecedented regional economic development plan upgrades local infrastructure, promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, invests in renewable energy, strengthens education and job training, and promotes tourism to create jobs and spark economic growth throughout the West Central region
QUINCY – Speaking before a crowd of business, labor and civic leaders, and local legislators at the Oakley- Lindsay Center, Governor Rod Blagojevich unveiled his sixth of ten new major economic plans to spur growth in the region and across the state. The Governor’s initiative, Opportunity Returns, is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. This grassroots plan is a product of significant outreach over the past several months throughout the region, with business, civic and labor leaders, and government officials.

January 27, 2004
Governor distributes grants to 110 counties and cities
$2.8 million grant earmarked for all-hazard emergency plans
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that 110 counties and cities will receive grants totaling $2.8 million from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to assist them with their comprehensive all-hazards emergency operations plans.

January 26, 2004
Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe Campaign a Success
Governor’s campaign nets more than 650 winter clothing items
SPRINGFIELD – Just in time for the latest blast of winter weather, Governor Rod Blagojevich announced today his “Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe” campaign was a success. The holiday drive netted more than 650 children’s mittens, gloves, hats and scarves.

January 25, 2004
Blagojevich launches children’s mental health initiative
Three state agencies team up to create a single mental health screening program; New plan sets up a statewide crisis hotline, leverages $1.1 million in federal funds
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rod Blagojevich today announced an ambitious plan to upgrade Illinois’ children’s mental health system by creating a one-stop, statewide screening program and hotline that would deliver crisis services and direct low-income children in need of treatment to community-based providers.

January 23, 2004
Illinois first state to employ comprehensive strategic marketing program to help pay for services
Governor Selects Team Services to Help Implement Innovative State-Corporate Partnership Plan
CHICAGO – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that Illinois will become the first state to implement a strategic asset-marketing initiative to increase revenue for programs and services. He has chosen Team Services, LLC, to help Illinois identify, market and develop new profitable partnerships between the state and private businesses.

January 23, 2004
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES ANOTHER IMPORTANT EVENT FOR WORLD SHOOTING COMPLEX
SPRINGFIELD, ILL - Governor Rod Blagojevich announced today the Cowboy action shooters will b bring their action-packed event to the World Shooting Complex in Sparta in July 2005. Earlier this month, the Governor announced that the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) had agreed to bring its Grand American event, the oldest and most prestigious shooting competition in the world, to the World Shooting Complex in 2006. The World Shooting Complex is a key project in the Governor’s Opportunity Returns economic development plan for Southwest Illinois that he unveiled in December.

January 22, 2004
Governor announces first year for refundable Earned Income Tax Credit
State promotes EITC and free tax preparation for low income families
SPRINGFIELD - As Illinoisans begin filing their tax returns, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today encouraged low-income Illinoisans to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and free tax counseling provided by the Department of Human Services.

January 22, 2004
Governor Signs Bills Into Law
Thursday, January 22, 2004
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed into law 3 bills.

January 22, 2004
Governor gives Law Enforcement Personal Protective Equipment
Illinois only state distributing PPE to all first responders to protect them from nuclear, biological and chemical hazards
SPRINGFIELD – Continuing his effort to keep the state’s first responders safe during an emergency involving nuclear, biological or chemical hazards, Governor Rod Blagojevich announced today that by mid February virtually every law enforcement officer outside the City of Chicago will have received equipment that could save their lives during a response.

January 22, 2004
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES $23 MILLION IN GRANTS
FOR ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL PARKS
SPRINGFIELD, ILL., – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced $23 million in grants for dozens of local park districts to assist them in their efforts to buy land for and develop parks in communities throughout Illinois.

January 22, 2004
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES IMPORTANT GRANT TO HELP MORRISON BEEF COMPANY INCREASE SALES THROUGH TARGETED MARKETING AND PROMOTION
SPRINGFIELD – As part of his innovative Opportunity Returns regional economic development plan, Governor Rod Blagojevich today announced a $25,000 grant to Glacier Beef, a Morrison agriculture company, to help better promote and market its beef products. Morrison is in Whiteside County and is part of the Northwest region.

January 22, 2004
GOVERNOR AWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT TO McLEAN COUNTY
Funds Will Protect Beach and Promote Recreation at Evergreen Lake
BLOOMINGTON – Governor Rod Blagojevich announced today a $40,000 Opportunity Returns grant to the City of Bloomington in McLean County to stabilize 600 feet of shoreline on either side of the swimming area at Evergreen Lake, a popular recreational destination, in Comlara Park.

January 21, 2004
Governor rallies support for innovative education plan
Governor rallies in Rockford area for new Department of Education and urged public to participate in unique opportunity to reshape Illinois education
ROCKFORD – Hundreds of elected officials, school administrators, teachers, parents and students rallied today with Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, as he urged the public to support his sweeping plan to reform Illinois education. At Belvidere High School near Rockford, the Governor explained ways his innovative plan to create a new Department of Education will save the state and local districts money, limit the bureaucratic burden on schools and most importantly, improve the way Illinois children learn.

January 21, 2004
Blagojevich unveils effort to promote healthy, eating and physical activity among children
Initiative to start in six grade-schools and expand
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of a concerted effort to address the obesity epidemic among children, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced a new initiative designed to help promote healthy eating and physical activity in elementary schools.

January 21, 2004
BLAGOJEVICH ANNOUNCES ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOPS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION INDUSTRIES
State agencies to help companies prevent environmental hazards and violations
SPRINGFIELD — Governor Rod Blagojevich today encouraged the construction, demolition and building code industry to learn how to help prevent environmental hazards and violations at one of the state environmental workshops to be held around the state.

January 20, 2004
Blagojevich signs final piece of major death penalty reform package
New laws address serious flaws in Illinois’ capital punishment system
CHICAGO – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today signed into law the final piece of the state’s most comprehensive death penalty reform package ever, helping to restore confidence in Illinois’ troubled criminal justice system.

January 20, 2004
ILLINOIS EPA PROMOTES BUSINESS EFFICIENCY BY PROPOSING STREAMLINING REGULATIONS FOR SEVERAL IMPORTANT INDUSTRIES
SPRINGFIELD – Several environmental regulations impacting the printing, auto repair, furniture, dry cleaning and other industries in and around Chicago and the Metro East region would be streamlined and clarified under regulatory changes proposed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to the Illinois Pollution Control Board. The EPA’s proposed changes would allow many small businesses to operate more efficiently and increase their overall competitiveness, a major priority of Governor Rod Blagojevich’s innovative Opportunity Returns initiative - the historic, regional economic development plan that he rolled out for the Metro East region last December. In the coming months, the Governor will unveil his plan for Chicago and the Northeast region.

January 18, 2004
Governor takes bold education plan to Citizens of Illinois
Governor outlines new Department of Education to teachers, parents and students Call 1-800-750-6042 to answer education questions
CHICAGO – During a rally at Chicago's Kelly High School today, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich took his innovative education plan that will move Illinois forward directly to school administrators, teachers, parents and students. The Governor outlined various ways his plan will save the state and local districts money, how it will limit the bureaucratic burden on schools and most importantly, how it will improve the way Illinois children learn.

January 16, 2004
Governor Signs Chicago Pension Bill
Early retirement option helps to avoid city worker layoffs
CHICAGO – – Governor Blagojevich today signed a bill into law that provides a program of early retirement incentives to City of Chicago workers. With the passage of the bill an estimated 600 city workers will not be laid off.

January 15, 2004
Blagojevich outlines bold agenda during his State of the State Address to reform Illinois Education System
Governor announces plans for new Illinois Department of Education, other forward-thinking initiatives to reform Education
SPRINGFIELD – During his second annual State of the State address, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today called for sweeping changes to the Illinois education system, starting with transferring the administrative responsibilities of overly bureaucratic Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to a new Illinois Department of Education.

January 14, 2004
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES IMPORTANT JOB TRAINING GRANT FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY-CARBONDALE
CARBONDALE - Governor Rod Blagojevich announced today a $72,000 Opportunity Returns workforce-training grant to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale’s (SIUC) Office of Economic and Regional Development. The OERD office, which delivers training services to a number of Illinois companies across the state, will use the funding to train over 300 employees in critical 21st century job skills such as computer competencies, proficiency in new software programs, and e-commerce development - as well as in accounting and management training. Strengthening job training for Illinois workers is one of the major priorities of the Governor’s innovative Opportunity Returns initiative - the historic, regional economic development plan that he rolled out for Southern Illinois during his visit to SIUC last November.

January 14, 2004
Blagojevich, Jones to create GRADS, addressing alarming number of high school dropouts
Governor to unveil anti-dropout initiative during 2004 State of the State address, Senate President Emil Jones supports Governor also announces support for Illinois Childhood Hunger Relief Act
CHICAGO – Concerned about the growing number of high school dropouts, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones announced today a new statewide initiative that will better restructure existing state education programs to keep students in school in order for them to graduate. “Getting Results Achieving Dreams and Success” or GRADS, will invest resources within targeted communities and develop innovative approaches to help students graduate with a high school diploma.

January 13, 2004
Governor announces $907,200 in recreational trail grants
Six Illinois counties to expand family activity
SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod Blagojevich today announced $907,200 in grants for recreational trail development projects in six Illinois communities.

January 13, 2004
Blagojevich to add reading specialists in struggling Illinois elementary schools
Governor will outline plan to put reading specialists in Illinois schools during 2004 State of the State address
CHICAGO – Because reading is fundamental to success in all aspects of education, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today plans to make reading specialists permanent fixtures in struggling Illinois elementary schools. The Governor’s initiative targets elementary schools that are failing to meet reading achievement standards mandated by the “No Child Left Behind Act.”

January 13, 2004
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES VITAL JOB TRAINING GRANT FOR THE WORLD’S LEADING FARM EQUIPMENT PRODUCER
50 plus companies and 400 employees will also benefit from innovative grant
MOLINE - Governor Rod Blagojevich today announced a $110,000 Opportunity Returns workforce-training grant to Deere & Company, the world’s leading producer of farm equipment. Headquartered in Moline, John Deere is the Northwest region’s largest employer and most prominent manufacturer. Beneficiaries of the grant, however, will include a multitude of manufacturing companies throughout the region. Training dollars will be used to bolster skills of workers across John Deere’s supplier chain, totaling more than 50 companies and 400 employees. Courses will be taught in principles of efficient business production and management at John Deere locations and at its supply chain manufacturers across the Northwestern Illinois. Strengthening job training for Illinois workers is one of the major priorities of the Governor’s innovative Opportunity Returns initiative - the historic, regional economic development plan that he rolled out for the Northwest Region during his visit to East Moline last October.

January 12, 2004
Blagojevich proposes community service requirement for all high school students
Governor will outline community service legislation during 2004 State of the State address
CHICAGO – Because schools teach students values as well as math and science, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today he’s proposing legislation requiring all high school students to complete 40 hours of community service in order to graduate.

January 12, 2004
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES MAJOR OPPORTUNITY RETURNS TRAINING GRANT FOR SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE
More than 20 local companies and 1200 employees will benefit from grant
BELLEVILLE - Governor Rod Blagojevich announced today an Opportunity Returns workforce-training grant of more than $215,000 to Southwestern Illinois College that will allow the community college to provide customized, employer-driven training to companies throughout the Southwest region. The Center for Training Innovations at Southwestern Illinois College will train 1,220 employees from 22 participating companies looking to remain on the cutting edge, but in need of retooled leadership skills, manufacturing techniques, and related worker skills to remain competitive. The grant award follows the December rollout of the comprehensive economic development package for the Southwest region known as Opportunity Returns, the Governor’s regional, pro-active plan designed to create jobs and spur the local economy.

January 11, 2004
BLAGOJEVICH TO REVIVE PROJECT SUCCESS
One of several bold education initiatives the Governor will outline during his 2004 State of the State address
SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bolster parental and community involvement in a child’s education, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich proposes today bringing back a state program called Project Success. Project Success will ensure that children and families receive the services they need to succeed in school.

January 11, 2004
Blagojevich and Jones want to give books to every Illinois child
Governor to unveil Imagination Libraries initiative during 2004 State of the State address, Senate President Emil Jones supports
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones today announced a plan to send books home to every Illinois child, regardless of income. Teaming up with the Dollywood Foundation of Tennessee and the Illinois Hospital Association, the collaborative effort is designed to improve statewide literacy. Governor Blagojevich and Senate President Jones made the announcement at the Salem Baptist Church, on Chicago’s south side.

January 9, 2004
Governor to add more agricultural inspectors
Additional livestock feed testing, more inspections Illinois Department of Agriculture secures new safeguards against Mad Cow
SPRINGFIELD—Governor Rod Blagojevich today implemented additional safeguards to boost consumer confidence in the safety of Illinois’ beef industry in light of the recent case of Mad Cow disease in Washington State.

January 9, 2004
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES THE AMATEUR TRAPSHOOTING ASSOCIATION WILL HOLD ITS GRAND EVENT IN ILLINOIS
Event at Sparta’s World Shooting Complex will generate millions for local economy
SPRINGFIELD, ILL - Governor Rod Blagojevich announced today that the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) has agreed to bring its Grand American event, the oldest and most prestigious shooting competition in the world, to Illinois beginning in 2006 to the World Shooting Complex in Sparta. The World Shooting Complex is a key project in the Governor’s Opportunity Returns economic development plan for Southwest Illinois that he unveiled in December.

January 8, 2004
Governor Signs Bills Into Law
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed into law today 6 bills.

January 8, 2004
Blagojevich hosts registration drive for state’s new Rx Buying Club
Seniors and the disabled can save an average of 20% on prescription drug costs
EVANSTON, Ill. – In a crowded gymnasium at the Levy Senior Center in Evanston, Ill., Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today talked with senior citizens and answered their questions about the long-anticipated Illinois Rx Buying Club, a new program that is expected to save seniors and people with disabilities in the state steep discounts at the pharmacy. Staff from the Illinois Department on Aging and representatives from the Area Aging Network were on hand to help individuals fill out registration forms.

January 7, 2004
Governor announces Tax Amnesty delivers $80 million to schools, local governments
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Blagojevich today announced that Illinois schools and local governments throughout the state will receive an additional $80 million as a result of the Illinois Tax Amnesty Program.

January 6, 2004
Blagojevich announces major success of upgraded Amber Alert system
Improvements implemented in 2003 resulted in recovery of six abducted children
SPRINGFIELD IL – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today released figures indicating that upgrades made to Illinois’ Amber Alert program during 2003 have made a dramatic difference in the system’s ability to help law enforcement quickly locate and recover missing children.

January 5, 2004
Gov. Blagojevich launches Illinois Healthy Women program to help up to 120,000 women in quest for economic security
Department of Public Aid initiative will provide women leaving Medicaid with basic health care and reproductive health education
SPRINGFIELD -- In an effort to help women leaving the Medicaid program better prepare for economic independence by avoiding unintended pregnancies and reproductive health problems, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the Illinois Department of Public Aid (IDPA) will offer family planning services to 120,000 women each year under a federally funded, five-year demonstration project.

January 2, 2004
Governor announces completion of bicycle trail near Moraine Hills State Park
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the completion of the new 1.8-mile Moraine Hills River Road Trail bicycle and hiking path, adjacent to Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry County.

January 2, 2004
Governor announces the opening of the Hennepin Canal Parkway Bicycle Trail
SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the opening of the final 12.1-mile segment of the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Trail - a new north-south segment extending from the Hennepin Canal feeder line’s Bridge 56 on Illinois Rt. 92 south to the Feeder Basin. The new trail segment completes 93 miles of paved trail for bicycle riders and pedestrians that are part of an historic 104.5-mile linear parkway in Rock Island, Bureau, Henry, Lee and Whiteside counties in northern Illinois.

January 2, 2004
Governor reopens Sheridan Correctional Center
Center to become national model on drug prison and crime reduction Reopening targeted at deterring crime by addressing the highest recidivism rates in state history, and restore jobs
CHICAGO - At a time when the state has reached the highest recidivism rate in history of 54 percent, Governor Rod. R. Blagojevich announced today the reopening of Sheridan Correctional Center as the largest fully-dedicated state drug prison and community crime reduction program in the nation. National, state and local experts involved in the planning process of the facility have already begun touting the program as showing great promise to reach its goal of becoming a national model for reducing crime.