Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Telecommunications
061610Quinn1 :13.2 …that are state-of-the-art.”
Governor Pat Quinn says the new law would pave the way for newer technologies in the state.
061610Chilsen1 :17.9 …does generate jobs.”
But Citizens Utility Board spokesman John Chilsen says the new law does not guarantee a specific number of jobs would come to Illinois.
061610Chilsen2 :20 …get new life.”
CUB spokesman Jim Chilsen says the new law keeps affordable plans for landline users.
061610Bond1 : 11 …companies to invest.”
Suburban Democrat Michael Bond, says developments in how people communicate made the new law necessary.
061610Jacobs1 :13 …was so important.”
Quad-Cities Democrat Mike Jacobs says the new law struck a good balance between business and consumer interests.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Quinn/ Blago
060810Quinn1 :17 …Rod Blagojevich”
Quinn says he thinks recall could insulate Illinois from future scandals.
060810Quinn3 :22 …of his administration.”
Quinn says his opposition to Blagojevich made him an outsider to the previous governor’s administration.
060810DanBrady1 :19 …the party”
Republican State Representative Dan Brady says he understands how Quinn could work with Blagojevich without knowing what was going on.
University Borrowing
060810QuinnBorrowing1 :15 …time of crisis.”
Governor Pat Quinn says borrowing can help universities during the state’s dismal budget situation.
060810QuinnBorrowing2 :12 …they’re major employers.”
Governor Pat Quinn says borrowing would help universities continue to contribute to the state’s economy.
060810Poshard1 :16 …July and August payrolls.”
Southern Illinois University President Glen Poshard says borrowing will help provide the cash needed to pay university employee salaries.
060810DanBradyBorrowing1 :18 … of state funding.”
Bloomington Republican Dan Brady says the alternative to borrowing is far worse.
060810Forby1 :13 …have to borrow.”
Southern Illinois Democrat Gary Forby says borrowing is not an ideal funding route for the universities.
Tuesday June 8, 2010
Eddie Washington Implications
060710Cook1 :15.8 …loved one like that.”
Bob Cook who heads the Lake County GOP says he is considering “3 or 4″ people to run as an independent candidate in November.
060710Cook2 :14.9 …what’s ahead of them.”
Bob Cook who heads the Lake County GOP says he will try to find a worthy candidate to replace Washington.
060710Link1 :20.0 …in their lives.”
State Senator Terry Link respected Representative Eddie Washington for his service to the state.
060710Link2 :20.3 …time here for him.”
Suburban Democrat Terry Link says he’ll wait until after Representative Eddie Washington’s funeral before seeking his replacement.
060710Menzel1 :19.5 …sort of thing.”
Ken Menzel with the state Board of Elections says people interested in Washington’s seat will be getting in touch with Link’s committee.
Quinn Tornados
Quinn says he wanted to visit the devastated areas to remind residents that the state is with them.
060710Halvorson1 :14 …these thresholds”
Congressman Debbie Halvorson says she is committed to getting residents the help they need.
Thursday May 20, 2010
052010McCloud1 :20 …in this area.
Chris McCloud of IDNR says the mission of the Asian carp project is to get information for future projects.
052010McCloud2 :11 …we find here.
Chris McCloud of IDNR says the mission of the Asian carp project is for future work.
052010McCloud3 :17 …near Lake Michigan.
Chris McCloud of IDNR says they ahve not yet found Asian carp in the Great Lakes but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
052010Darin1 :15 …the great lakes.
Jack Darin of the Sierra Club says he is glad the Obama and Quinn administrations are doing this to eradicate teh Asian carp and it will be a disaster if they get into the Great Lakes.
052010Darin2 :20 …protect Lake Michigan
Jack Darin of the Sierra Club says the Chicago River is recovering, but the threat of the carp gives them little choice.
Jack Darin of the Sierra Club says most of the fish poisoned will be killed.
U of I
052010Ikenberry1 :19 …within the university”
Former University of Illinois president Stanley Ikenberry says students need to pay their part.
052010Ikenberry2 :24 …we should hire”
Former University of Illinois president Stanley Ikenberry says the university needs to save money in any way it can.
052010Ikenberry3 :19 …to the university”
Former University of Illinois president Stanley Ikenberry says the new president is well-quipped to deal with problems with the state.
052010Sandoval1 :16 …past president”
State Senator Martin Sandoval says the new University of Illinois president needs to be realistic about his paycheck.
Wednesday, May 13
New UI President
051210Black2 :12.3 …did in Connecticut.”
Central Illinois Republican Bill Black thinks new president Michael Hogan can bring some much-needed stability to the U-of-I.
051210Handley1 :18 …constituents, universities and colleges.”
Connecticut state senator Mary Ann Handley says new Michael Hogan, former president of UConn was willing to talk with lawmakers to a degree.
051210Handley2 :22.2 …decision-making process.”
Connecticut state senator Mary Ann Handley suggests Illinois legislators reach out to Hogan.
051210Hardy1 :28 …competitor, peer institutions.”
UI spokesman Tom Hardy says the market for top university administrators determined the raise in salary.
051210Sandoval1 :13 …racial or ethnic backgrounds.”
State Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-Chicago, hopes the new president won’t price out in-state or minority students.
Tuesday, May 12
Waivers Veto
051110Canary1 :14.5 …they can do.”
Cyndi Canary with the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform says getting rid of the scholarships would be straightforward.
051110Dugan1 :20.3 … the main focus.”
Kankakee Democrat Lisa Dugan says she doesn’t hand out legislative scholarships because of the state’s struggles with funding schools.
Schools Waiting
051110Layzell1 :34 …state appropriations”
Dan Layzell, the Vice President of Finance and Planning at Illinois State University (ISU) says things are difficult, but they have enough money to keep ISU running while they wait.
051110Layzell2 :17 …through this”
Dan Layzell, the Vice President of Finance and Planning at Illinois State University says they will rely on tuition and borrowing to cover the state’s bills until they hear different.
051110Sievers1 :20 …at 1.8 percent”
Sievers said he expects the board to rule against increases on Thursday, but he said the school will have to find somewhere else to make up the extra money.
051110Sievers2 :18 …right now”
Rod Sievers from Southern Illinois University says the school has decided against raising tuition to deal with the state’s money crisis.
051110Nunn1 :19 ..our district”
Agnes Nunn, the Director of Business Services at Springfield public schools, says the area’s property taxes will fill the gap left by the state.
051110Nunn2 :18 …fund budget.”
Agnes Nunn, the Director of Business Services at Springfield public schools, says they are waiting to hear which education programs will be cut.
Emergency Budget
051110Nowlan3 :22.2 …cut in the past.”
Jim Nowlan, a fellow at the University of Illinois and a former lawmaker, says Governor Pat Quinn would have great discretion with emergency authority.
051110Jacobs3 :22.5 …very, very dangerous.”
Former lawmaker Denny Jacobs says giving Governor Pat Quinn emergency powers minimizes the role of the legislature.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Dem’s Budget
050610Syverson1 :24 …we’re not going to help you.”
Senator Dave Syverson says he believes Democrats are passing off the problem to the next governor.
050610Syverson2 :13 …believes what their saying.”
Senator Dave Syverson says he is skeptical of the Democratic senators plan to pay off its pension debt later this year.
050610Trotter1 :09 …seen ours either”
Senator Trotter says Thursday nights budget is not necessarily the final version.
050610Tryon1 :16 …set forth by Illinois”
Representative Michael Tryon asks the Illinois House how the budget will get done if the chamber gives the budget power over to the governor.
050610Vaught1 :17 …we’re out of money”
The director of the Governor’s office of Management and Budget David Vaught says the state has very few options at this point.
050610Currie1 :12 …some flexibility”
House Majority Leader Barbara Currie says Governor Quinn needs extra powers from the General Assembly so he can find the funding for education.
050610Currie2 :09 …meet all those needs”
House Majority Leader Barbara Currie says the Governor can use the special powers to save money from different programs.
Grab Bag
050610Murphy1 :10 …not big enough”
State Sen. Matt Murphy agrees with Fritchey. Murphy said if lawmakers and local leaders in Cook County can’t find a solution for sky-rocketing tax bills, there will be a day of reckoning.
050610Murphy2 :17 …if you expand it.”
The so-called “7-percent Solution” will be extended. Palatine Republican Matt Murphy says the plan is only a band aid.
050610Fritcheyproptax1 :18 …done now”
State Representative Fritchey says Illinois needed this change to property tax in parts of Chicago.
050610Frankssalestax :21 …back to school”
State Rep. Jack Franks says stores should start planning now for what could be a very busy August.
050610Blacksalestax1 :18 ..think so”
And while State Rep. Bill Black says families will save on the $400 usually spent, the tax break will cost the state.
050610Fritcheysalestax1 :18 …it’s not enough”
State Rep. John Fritchey, D-Chicago, said he’ll take what he can get.
050610Forby1 :24 …good thing for the state.”
Senator Forby says the sales tax holiday will be a good thing for the economy of his district.
Senator Forby says the sales tax holiday is a practical way to take care of the state’s children.
Telecom
050610Jacobs1 :16 …country on how to do this”
Senator Mike Jacobs says the telecom bill is a good direction that the rest of the country will follow.
050610Jacobs2 :13 …a reduction.”
State Senator Mike Jacobs says some folks may see some changes, but the state will see some benefits.
050610Hultgren1 :13 …going to be there.”
But Suburban Republican Randy Hultgren says people with land lines won’t see that many changes.
050610Hultgren2 :12 …consumers and businesses?”
School Borrowing
050610Bradley1 :11 …by the state”
Bradley says this is an unwanted situation for lawmakers and universities, but it is necessary to keep these schools open.
050610Haine1 :13 …this option”
State Sen. William Haine was the Senate sponsor and agrees with Bradley that this is not an ideal bill, but it is needed.
050610Leuchtefeld1 :11 …in this situation”
State Sen. David Leuchtefeld says the bill should already have been passed because it is so important.
050610Myers1 :26 …at their disposal”
State Rep. Richard Myers says he has seen the school suffer financially to meet payroll and this is a good option for them to pay their bills.
050610Bost1 :14 …house in order”
Representative Mike Bost says the financial road Illinois is on is dangerous.
Police Memorial
Governor Pat Quinn says the three men will be remembered long past the memorial on the grounds of the Illinois statehouse.
050610Quinn1 :14 …never ever forget them.”
Governor Pat Quinn says the three men will be remembered long past the memorial on the grounds of the Illinois statehouse.
050610Johnson1 :18 …Police Officer Memorial Day”
Lieutenant Johnson says this memorial is of special note this year.
April 28th, 2010
Budget Deja Vu
042810Murphy1 :20 …it’s not responsible.”
Suburban Republican Matt Murphy says borrowing large amounts of money is not a long-term budget solution.
042810Murphy2 :16 …be a priority.
Suburban Republican Matt Murphy doesn’t think Governor Pat Quinn will go through with cuts to education.
042810Jefferson1 :11 …that might come.”
Rockford Democrat Chuck Jefferson supports a tax increase as a long-term budget solution. He says lawmakers should push for a tax increase even if it puts their political futures at risk.
042810Verschoore1 :17 …on the schools.”
Quad-Cities Democrat Pat Verschoore says his colleagues are going to struggle even more so than last legislative session.
042810Forby1 :20 …really getting hurt.”
Southern Illinois Democrat Gary Forby says he doesn’t like the state to borrow money because the state has to pay back the money with interest.
042810Brady :19 …Have the debate then.”
Bloomington Republican Dan Brady says the first step towards fixing the budget is cuts.
042810Watson1 :11 …address those issues.”
Jacksonville Republican Jim Watson is still hopeful he and his colleagues can come up with substantial solutions.
Mell Engagement
042810Mell1 :10 …to get married”
Mell says that Illinois’ laws are not going to keep her from having a wedding.
042810Mell2 :17 …honored and celebrated”
Representative Deborah Mell says that the legal obstacles shouldn’t keep anyone from marrying the person they love.
042810Mell3 :19 …friends live”
Mell says her engagement is bittersweet in light of Illinois gay marriage laws.
042810Harris1 :18 …are not valid”
Representative Greg Harris says he is frustrated that Illinois laws will keep Mell from enjoying the same rights as heterosexuals.
042810Harris2 :13 …on your journey”
State Representative Greg Harris says he is optimistic that equal rights for homosexuals is coming.
Quinn Budget
042810Quinn2 :09 …the Congress is.”
Governor Pat Quinn says he’s willing to consider a number of options for the new state budget. But he says he’s hoping for another round of cash from Washington D.C.
042810Quinn1 :27 …hold your breath on that one.”
Governor Pat Quinn says he’s willing to consider a number of options for the new state budget. But Quinn says he’s not that interested in a possible tax amnesty.
April 22nd, 2010
Vouchers
042210Brady1 :20 …that somehow?
State Rep. Dan Brady, R- Bloomington, asks how the school voucher tuition will be paid and if the private schools will be able to subsidize it.
042210Tryon1 :17 …to another school.
State Rep. Mike Tryon, R- Crystal Lake, says he is going to support the voucher bill if the money CPS gets from the state is going back to the families participating in the program.
042210Wills1 :16 …by that factor.
Nicole Wills of ISBE says the General Assembly is going to have to appropriate the voucher program and create a line item for it.
042210Piccioli1 :15 …high quality teachers.
Dave Piccioli of the Illinois Federation of Teachers says hte coucher bill will cost the sstate money, especially in suburban and downstate areas where the program is not used.
042210Joyce1 :27 …a private school.
State Rep. Kevin Joyce, D- Worth, says what the CPS school voucher program is and how it works.
042210Joyce2 :10 …chance at it.
State Rep. Kevin Joyce, D- Worth, says there is a “desire” in many communities to have a choice of schools for their children.
Teachers Unions
Brent Clark, the Executive Director of the Illinois Association of School Administrators, says there is no doubt that the outlook for the state’s education is bleak if a tax increase is not passed this year
042210Clark2 :13 …payments on time”
Brent Clark, the Executive Director of the Illinois Association of School Administrators says schools are struggling from the cuts and missed payments from the state.
042210Preckwinkle1 :10 …go into effect”
Steve Preckwinkle, the director of political activities for the Illinois Federation of Teachers says the cuts effect resident graduates too.
042210Preckwinkle2 :17 …for a vote”
Steve Preckwinkle, the director of political activities for the Illinois Federation of Teachers says he believes the increase can pass if lawmakers allow the measure to be heard.
042210Swanson1 :12 …be made up”
Illinois Education Association President Ken Swanson says the cuts to education will lead to long-term problems for the state’s students.
April 21st. 2010
042110Kendall1 :19 …the judicial system.”
Angie Kendal with the Skip Along Child Care Center in Moline says state funding is they key to keeping her doors open, and keeping kids in her program. She says the state can pay one way or the other for the kids she helps.
042110Rios1 :19 …kids at risk.”
Christina Rios from the Quad Cities says if her local daycare in Moline closes because of a lack of state funding, she’d have to quit her job and drop out of school to take care of her kids.
042110Freaner1 :26 …solution to this problem.
Monica Rios, the Peoria Chairman for the Illinois Education Association, says schools have been cutting but will have to cut more before many parents believe that there is a crisis.
042110Schador1 :16 …teachers that are being let go.”
Tara Schador a student from Dundee Illinois says she made the trip to Springfield to try and convince lawmakers to stop many of the cuts that have hit her school this spring.
042110Lang1 :21 …this school year.”
Belvidere Central Middle School Teacher Mary Lang says the lack of money from Springfield has cost new teachers their jobs at her school, and could lead to more cuts by next school year.
042110Asbury1 :11 …not out there.”
Kendra Asbury teaches at the Belvidere Central Middle School, she says dozens of new teachers that she works with were just laid-off, and she doesn’t know if they’ll all come back.
042110Edwards1 :26 …middle class lifestyle.”
Home healthcare worker Patricia Edwards from Peoria says late state payments have her worried about her paycheck. So much that he husband has had to go back to work to provide a steady paycheck.
042110Cacciapaglia1 :26 …in other fees.”
Gary Cacciapaglia is the local AFSCME boss for union workers for the city of Rockford. He says if people in Rockford don’t want to see the taxes go up, government is going to have to find money some other way.
042110Isett1 :04 …someone who will.”
The political anger from Wednesday’s statehouse rally was apparent. Mt. Vernon home healthcare worker Tonya Isett said lawmakers had better be paying attention.
042110Luna1 :24 …those big figures”
Harrisburg High School spanish teacher Larry Luna says some school districts may have fat to trim from their budgets, but not his southern Illinois district.
042110Mooney1 :16 …necessarily, radically? No.
UIS Political Science Professor Chris Mooney says the union rally will show a lot of lawmakers the “intensity” of the protest, but does not think it will change policy.
042110Bayer1 :15 …do your job.
AFSCME Director Henry Bayer says the problem is the lawmakers, who have jobs and don’t want to do their jobs.
042110Geppert1 :14 …need it now.
Illinois Federation of Teachers President Ed Geppert says lawmakers cannot sit around and talk anymore and it is time for them to act.
042110Whelan1 :19 …not allow it.
Illinois Action for Children President Maria Whelan says lawmakers cannot balance the budget at the sake of education and social services in Illinois.
April 20th, 2010
042010Jacobs1 :15 …the general assembly.
State Sen. Mike Jacobs, D- Moline, says the rally is going to be a historic event in Illinois and it could be the biggest crowd ever assembled in the Illinois General Assembly.
042010Syverson1 :16 …pay anything more.
State Sen. Dave Syverson, R- Rockford, says he doesn’t know if the rally will accomplish much, but people need to realize the state has financial problems and taxpayers can’t afford to pay for it.
042010Risinger1 :13 …of the story.
State Sen. Dale Risinger, R- Peoria, says lawmakers are expecting a lot of people to show up for the rally Wednesday, but their story is only one side.
042010Forby1 :17 …it’s all about.
State Sen. Gary Forby, D- Benton, says the rally will show lawmakers that people are concerned and that the state does have a problem that needs to be fixed.
042010Winters1 :21 …of the day.
State Rep. Dave Winters, R- Rockford, says he does not know if the rally will do anything and you can’t ask taxpayers to “extract” more money from their pockets to fix state government.
042010Verschoore1 :19 …better words, mess.
State Rep. Pat Verschoore, D- Rock Island, says the state capital will be a “zoo” Wednesday for the rally.
042010Bradley1 :06 …does everybody else.
State Rep John Bradley, D- Marion, says there is “a lot of frustration” among people in Illinois.
042010Rutherford1 :17 …go into effect.
State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R- Pontiac, says that the best way for people to influence public policy is to have a sit down with lawmakers and talk though a logical discussion.
April 19th, 2010
041910Schneck1 :16 ….fully in years.
Moline Education Association president Ken Schneck says Illinois is “out of touch with reality” and hasn’t funded pensions enough in years
041910Schneck2 :19 …the pension funds.
Moline Education Association president Ken Schneck says teachers have been paying into pensions for years and the state should do their “constitutional duty” and pay in the funds.
041910Urbanek1 :14 …the current system.
TRA Spokesperson Dave Urbanek says teachers currently in the system will be in the current system no matter what.
041910Urbanek2 :14 ….current retirement structure.
TRA spokesperson Dave Urbanek says as soon as teachers pay into TRN, they are always in the system they first paid into.
041910Lee1 :09 …we might need.
Moline Superintendent Cal Lee says he is concerned that in the future school districts mihgt not get the type of people they need applying for jobs.
041910Lee2 :15 …Some confusion? Yes.
Moline Superintendent Cal Lee says he thinks the new plan will create confusion and some districts will do much better jobs explaining it to teachers and employees.
Quinn Bridge
041910Quinn1 :14 …hard-working people”
Governor Quinn says the new bridge will be a major job creator for the state.
041910Quinn2 :12 …to do it”
The bridge project is the result of a job creation plan Governor Quinn and lawmakers passed last year. The plan dedicates $31 billion dollars to new public works projects.
041910Quinn3 :14 …the land”
Governor Quinn calls the bridge a win-win for both states.
Pontiac OMA
041910McCoy1 :10 …within our school board.”
Former Pontiac mayor Scott McCoy wants Attorney General Lisa Madigan to take action against the school board of Pontiac SD 429.
041910McCoy2 :23 …what they’re discussing.”
Former Pontiac mayor Scott McCoy says the school board of Pontiac SD 429 has been avoiding accountability when they close their meetings.
041910Funk1 :11 …discussed in close session.”
Jeff Funk, a lawyer who represents Pontiac SD 429, says the board closed off part of the meeting to discuss sensitive topics, such as personnel decisions and student disciplining, which is allowed by state law.
041910Funk2 :17 …follow the law.”
Jeff Funk, a lawyer who represents Pontiac SD 429, says the school board has complied with the state’s open meetings laws.
April 15th, 2010
Cigarettes
041510Cullerton1 :19 …smokers would stop.
Senate President John Cullerton says even if ths tax increase brought in no money, it would still be a good idea for Illinois residents because it would stop and prevent people from smoking.
041510Cullerton2 :10 …so much money.
Sen. President John Cullerton says this bill is an obvious one to pass because it has so many benefits, including fiscal.
041510Yarbrough1 :15 …cigarette tax rates.
State Rep Karen Yarbrough, D- Broadview, says Illinois is behind in tobacco taxes.
041510Schoenberg1 :21 …tobacco-related illnesses.
State Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg, D- Evanston, says people who oppose a tobacco tax increase fail to remember how much money is spent on treating people who have tobacco-related illnesses.
041510O’Flaherty1 :11 …an easy choice.
Regional Advocacy Director of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Children Kevin O’Flaherty says lawmakers in Springfield have hard decisions to make, but cigarette taxes is an easy choice.
041510O’Flaherty2 :27 …to catch up.
Regional Advocacy Director of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Children Kevin O’Flaherty says Illinois is behind the national cigarette tax average by over 50 cents.
Brady Budget
041510Brady1 :09 …in Illinois”
GOP candidate for governor Bill Brady says that Governor Quinn’s proposed surcharge is a bad idea for the state’s economic growth.
041510Brady2 :21 …last ten years”
Brady says he agrees with Quinn that the state needs more money, but he says a tax increase is not the only way to get it.
041510Brady3 :16 …save 10 percent”
Brady believes his plan is a long term solution, whereas Quinn’s plan is only a stop gap.
041410Quinnontaxincrease :14 …or their parents”
Governor Quinn says the surcharge is necessary for the state to continue providing quality education.
Road Plan
041510Quinn1 :12 …this very year.”
Governor Pat Quinn announced a six-year plan on Thursday that will maintain and modernize the state’s road system.
041510Quinn2 :22 …the case might be.”
Governor Pat Quinn announced a six-year plan on Thursday that will maintain and modernize the state’s road system.
041510Sullivan1 :17 …state of Illinois.”
Western Illinois Democrat John Sullivan is excited to hear about the projects, even if drivers have to wait on the road a little longer.
041510Sullivan2 :14 …wide and broad.”
Western Illinois Democrat John Sullivan says the state will benefit from a widespread consruction plan.
041510Syverson1 :21 …developing those areas.
Rockford Republican Dave Syverson says the Road Plan will provide projects that will help his local district.
041510Hannig1 :09 …w
Illinois Department of Transportation head Gary Hannig says he expects a significant portion of the Road Plan to start in the next couple of months.
April 14th, 2010
041410Quinn1 :10 …employees and teachers.
Gov. Pat Quinn says the new pension law will protect taxpayers in Illinois as well as the retirement of of public employees.
041410Quinn2 :25 …set of rules.
Gov. Pat Quinn says the rules of the current pension will no longer be in effect come Jan. 1, 2011.
041410Cullerton1 :10 …sponsored the bill.
Sen. President John Cullerton says the changes will be painful, but they are necessary for reform.
041410Radogno1 :13 …impact current employees.
Republican Minority Leader Christine Radgono says this reform is a good first step, but there are many more steps that could be taken in the future.
041410Madigan1 :17 …be spread around.
Speaker of the House Michael Madigan says he is happy the bill passed and there are a lot of people who deserve credit for it.
041410McCarthy1 :08 …our taxpayers more.
State Rep. Kevin McCarthy, D- Orland Park, says he agrees with Radogno that it is a good first step moving towards the future.
041410Vaught1 :11 …pay for it.
Budget Director David Vaught says the age demographics in the United States have changed and the pension bill adjusts so that there can be more money for the pension fund.
041410Vaught2 :13 …in our state.
Budget Director David Vaught says the pension bill will help Illinois’ bond rating because it will show that Illinois government can make good fiscal decisions.
041410Goldfarb1 :21 …next year”
“My hope is we will get those payments as soon as possible. But then we also know we’re going to be reduced next year, if the what the Governor recommends is what passes our stimulus funds will no longer be in our budget. For Western is about a 6.8 percent budget reduction and so our concern both about that budget reduction and having the same kind of cash flow problems next year.”
041410Goldfarb2 :14 …that also”
I think it’s got to be a combination of strategies. But I think there’s going to have to be some new resources. I don’t think the state, given how far behind it is fiscally, can cut as many services as it would need to cut to make up it’s budget. On the other hand we are going to have to do some cutting as well. We’re all recognizing that also.
041410Perry1 :20 …Illinois deserve”
“But I think as university’s we need to realize that we cannot depend all the time on state funding. And so, what we have to do is look for new ways to solve our problems, be more efficient and offer up the excellence in education that the citizens of the state of Illinois deserve.”
041410Perry2 :16 …sources of revenue”
“Next year our tuition increase is going to be less than it has been in the past. That’s just part of a recognition of the times that we’re in, the income profiles of our students families and so on. So we need to find other sources of revenue.”
041410Ikenberry :17 …several months”
“It’s been raining all year and the reservers are all exhausted. Basically it’s been tuition money from students and parents that’s allowed us to meet our payroll for the next several months.”
041410Ikenberry2 :18 …going forward”
“So we’ve done everything that we can do. That’s going to carry us into the end of the fiscal year, but beyond then if this fiscal situation of the state doesn’t improve we’re gonna face a very unpredictable future I think going forward.”
041410Whitley1 :21 …in the long term.”
Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Doug Whitley says the state need to stop restraining employers.
041410Lawson1 :20 …education piece is critical.”
Lynn Toi Lawson, head of a local South Chicago chamber of commerce says employers and employees need to focus on education in this difficult time.
041410Slinkard1 :10 …in that category.”
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce President Russ Slinkard says the state is preventing business growth.
041410Slinkard2 :17 …he did that.”
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce President Russ Slinkard says Governor Quinn’s tax credit is a good start for small businesses.
April 13th, 2010
041310Quinn1 :19 …it done right.”
Governor Pat Quinn says he has not acted on the pension proposal because he wants to make sure the changes benefit Illinois.
041310Quinn2 :10 …not sign a bill.”
The governor says he will take action on the pension proposal shortly, but did not indicate if he would sign the proposal into law or veto it.
041310Quinn3 :15 ….this legislative session.”
Governor Quinn says he will leave every option on the table to help reduce the state’s budget deficit.
041310Breese1 :20 …educate these students.
Stephen Breese, regional superintendent for Brown, Kass, Morgan and Scott counties alternative schools, says for at risk youth, the alternative schools are the last hope and they need money.
041310Gallagher1 :13 …state of Illinois.
Ellen Gallagher of recording for the blind and dyslexic says they don’t expect any answers from lawmakers today, but they are hoping seeing students and testifying to lawmakers will help them realize they can’t cut funding.
041310Zabelski1 :10 …is very important.
Richard Zabelski, parent of a blind child, says he testified to lawmakers so he could “provide insight” as to why and how technology and classroom materials are so important to visually impaired students.
041310Dempsey1 :16 …outcomes are fantastic.
Tom Dempsey of Illinois Association of Private Special Education Centers says the schools he works for work and provide students with opportunities to live a good life, unlike past decades.
041310Satter1 :14 …changing the structure.”
The proposed new telecom law would only change the rules for land lines, and the service they require, which is why Susan Satter with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office says lawmakers need not to rush.
041310Jacobs1 :19 …shouldn’t do well.”
Quad Cities Democrat Mike Jacobs says the state cannot go back to the time of one home phone. He says Illinois could lose out on jobs and investment in new technology.
041310LaSchiazza3 :14 …job creation.”
AT&T Illinois President Paul LaSchiazza said loosening those rules would open a spigot for new jobs and new investment to flood into the state.
041310LaSchiazza2 :22 …drive Illinois forward.”
LaSchiazza acknowledged that Illinois has seen some job and infrastructure growth, though he says the state is clearly behind.
April 12th, 2010
041210Raoul1 :09 …what they want.”
Chicago Democrat Kwame Raoul says the GOP redistricting plan would not work because legislative leaders would influence commission members.
041210Raoul2 :13 …get to pick.”
Chicago Democrat Kwame Raoul says his plan does not allow legislative leaders to influence the entire redistricting process.
041210Raoul3 :17 …greater opportunity for certainty.”
Chicago Democrat Kwame Raoul says giving each chamber its own option will make the redistricting process easier.
041210Burzynski1 :13 …step as well.”
Northern Illinois Republican Brad Burzynski says redistricting with lawmakers is far from a sure thing.
041210Radogno1 :20 …form of government.”
Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno says voters, good government groups and editorial boards favor the GOP plan for redistricting.
041210Bivins1 :12 …map amendment off.
State Sen. Tim Bivins, R- Dixon, says there is “speculation” many of the constitutional amendments introduced were just attempts to get the fair map amendment off the November ballot.
041210Bivins2 :10 …these do that.
State Sen. Tim Bivins, R- Dixon, says many of the amendments voted on this session would make government work better and he is all for it.
041210Lightford1 :19 …representing your constituents.
State Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D- Westchester, says the members of the executive subcommittee did a good job in voting down many of the amendments introduced, particularly the amendments suggesting legislature term limits.
April 9th, 2010
040910Madiar1 :09 …by October fifth.
Sen. Cullerton’s chief legal counsel Eric Madiar says he is confident a special master can make a decision on the final redistricting map.
040910Madiar2 :20 …not be agreement.
Sen. Cullerton’s chief legal counsel Eric Madiar says the Fair Map Amendment plan as well as the Republican’s plan is biased, despite the fact that lawmakers are not in the committee.
040910Gordon1 :15 …own district lines.
Sen Republican Spokesperson Mark Gordon says he does not think the Democrat’s plan is a good one because lawmakers will still be having input and citizens don’t get a say.
040910Gordon2 :15 ….intend to do.
Sen Republican Spokesperson Mark Gordon says Democrats are going to try to stop the Fair Map Amendment from being voted on.
040910Messan1 :19 …very, very happy.”
Ali Messan, a resident of Quincy, Illinois, says that this day was a long time coming.
040910Rasmussen1 :24 …an American citizen”
Mr. Rasmussen, the Secretary General of NATO says he is proud to support his son who became a U.S. citizen on Friday.
040910Rasmussen2 :13 …American wings now”
Henrik Rasmussen says he is excited to be a U.S. citizen, but he will not forget his Danish heritage.
April 8th
Comptroller Report
040810Mautino1 :22 …which ones don’t close.”
Central Illinois Democrat Frank Mautino says vendors who haven’t been paid by the state are appealing to him to avoid closure.
040810Mautino2 :12 …way out of this.”
Central Illinois Democrat Frank Mautino says fixing the state’s fiscal problems is not impossible.
040810Syverson1 :18 …its spending first.”
Rockford Republican Dave Syverson says lawmakers must control how much it spends in order to fix the budget shortfall.
040810Syverson2 :09 …they have better.”
Rockford Republican Dave Syverson says lawmakers must fix state spending first before considering a tax increase.
040810Sullivan1 :10 …the overreaching problem.”
Western Illinois Democrat John Sullivan says he would rather stay in Springfield as long as it takes to fix the deficit.
040810Sullivan2 :14 …go about it.”
Western Illinois Democrat John Sullivan says Governor Pat Quinn took a strong approach in highlighting the state’s budget problems.
Republicans Lead
040810Gidwitz1 :16 …eight figures”
Ron Gidwitz, a Chicago businessman who ran for Governor in 2006, says Kirk has a ways to go before he can be secure in the amount of money his campaign has.
040810Gidwitz2 :17 …now and November”
Ron Gidwitz, a Chicago businessman who ran for Governor in 2006, says the election won’t really heat up until later this fall.
040810Steger1 :12 …has Mark Kirk.”
Wayne Steger, a political science professor at DePaul University, says statewide campaigns are pricey.
040810Steger2 :13 …key to everything”
Wayne Steger, a political science professor at DePaul University, says no matter what the early numbers are, races this November will come down to the wire.
April 7th
040710Raoul1 :18 …communities of interest.”
Chicago Democrat Kwame Raoul wants districts drawn with racial minorities in mind.
040710Burzynsk1 :10 …it’s incumbent protection.”
Sycamore Republican Brad Burzynski says the responsibility of redistricting should not fall to lawmakers.
April 6th
Governor Pat Quinn says the pension plan will help the state down the line.
033110Quinn4 :14 …the coming generation.”
State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, said little progress has been made so far to help the state, but agreed the pension reforms were needed.
033110Syverson2 :24 …for future hires.”
Looking to the second half of the session, he said he fears lawmakers will continue to borrow money and get out of session as soon as they can in early May. The scheduled date for adjournment is May 7, although recent past sessions have gone into summer.
033110Syverson4 :22 …and go home.”
State Rep. Pat Verschoore, D-Rock Island, agreed pension reform was the biggest bill of the first half of session, but said he expects the budget to take priority when lawmakers return from break.
040610Verschoore1 :12 …is the budget.”
Quincy Republican Jil Tracy says GOP bills were banished to committee and never considered.
040610Tracy1 :16 …that very frustrating.”
Looking ahead, Tracy said the focus should highlight constituents, especially in the areas of education, human services and disability assistance.
040610Tracy2 :11 …suffer for it.”
Master Sergeant Vega says even though enforcement is difficult, the law will save lives.
040610Vega2 :16 …Illinois roadways.”
April 5th
040510Schilling1 :15 …nice clear choice.”
GOP Congressional candidate Bobby Schilling from the Quad-Cities says he is reaching out to many groups, including Tea Partiers, to help him beat Democratic Congressman Phil Hare in November’s election.
040510Reynolds1 :09 …at the Tea Party.”
GOP state senate candidate Al Reynolds from Danville says Tea Partiers can help improve the Republican Party.
040510McCann1 :20 …their country back.”
GOP state senate candidate Sean McCann of Carlinville says Tea Partiers will fall into the Republican ranks in order to defeat Democrats come November.
040510RayBerglesSilvis1 :15 …a good situation.
Ray Bergles, superintendent of Silvis School District 34 near the Quad Cities, says this is a stressful time for the district, especially for teachers who are in fear of being laid off.
040510NormDurflingerPeoria1 :13 …always effects learning.
Norm Durflinger, superintendent of Peoria School District 150 says laying off 290 of his 1,200 teachers will put students at a disadvantage when it comes to learning.
040510Johnson1 :11 …the state level.
Sandi Johnson with Rockford-area Harlem School District 122 says students and parents will feel the affect of statewide teacher cuts.
March 30th
033110Syverson1 :13 …is exciting”
Rockford Senator Dave Syverson says he was thrilled about the increased job opportunities for the economic depleted area.
0331010Syverson2 :24 …tax dollars”
Rockford Senator Dave Syverson says the legisilative session thus far has been a mixed bag.
033110Syverson3 :16 …same thing”
Rockford Senator Dave Syverson says he hopes the legislature stays until they get something done.
Rockford Senator Dave Syverson says he is worried the legislature will put the state in more debt before the session is over.
032610Black1 :19 …purse for anything.
State Rep. Bill Black, R- Danville, says he has no intent to change history, but does not think taxpayers should have to pay for an impeached or convicted man’s portrait to hang in the capital.
032610Boland1 :09 …of our history.
Rep. Mike Boland, D- Moline, says Blagojevich’s portrait should be hung because he is part of Illinois history.
032610Mitchell1 :20 …shouldn’t be used.
Rep. Jerry Mitchell, R- Rock Falls, says he supports Black’s bill and it should be expanded so that Illinois residents never have to pay for a governor’s portrait, despite impeachment or conviction.
032610Davis1 :15 …removing a picture.
Rep. Monique Davis, D- Chicago, says the portraits are not hung to signify a good person, they are hung to signify a former governor and she does not support Black’s bill.
Quinn Pensions
32510Quinn2 :13 …not chicken feed.”
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says lawmakers created a political earthquake when they approved sweeping pension reforms this week.
32510Quinn4 :23 …state pension system.”
Gov. Quinn sounded a bit more optimistic that the pension reforms might help the chances of his tax increase proposal.
32510Quinn3 :15 …we did, yesterday.”
Gov. Quinn says he hopes nay-sayers will now finally shift their focus to fixing the state’s revenue needs.
TURNER SUPPORT
032510Boland1 :14 …in that matter.”
Quad-Cities Democrat Mike Boland believes Turner’s runner-up finish in the February primary qualifies him as the nominee.
032510Holbrook1 :15 …Art Turner in there.”
Downstate Democrat Thomas Holbrook says Turner is the best candidate to unite the state.
