Tagged: Governor Pat Quinn

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says the toughest issue for the state is its worst-in-the-nation public pension system, but he only made scattered references to it throughout his State of the State address Wednesday. Quinn supports Senate Bill 1, which would increase contributions and reduce benefits. The bill sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton failed to get a House vote. Illinois has nearly $100 billion in unfunded liability.

A new law is requiring all Illinois public schools to have sexual assault and abuse awareness programs. Gov. Pat Quinn signed the requirement Thursday, effective immediately. Age appropriate programs will be instituted for pre-K, elementary, middle and high school students. Erin’s Law is named after Illinois native Erin Merryn who was a victim of sexual abuse as a child and is trying to pass the law in all 50 states.

The Illinois House has not overridden Gov. Pat Quinn’s budget cuts that are forcing some prisons and other state facilities to close. The House did not consider an override vote Wednesday before adjourning the last day of veto session. House Speaker Michael Madigan did not think it was necessary to take action against the measure.

Illinois lawmakers will face high-profile issues in their six-day full session that begins Tuesday. Legislators will decide whether to reject vetoes by Governor Pat Quinn on expanded gambling, keeping prisons open and banning assault rifles. Quinn also rejected a plan to add five casinos in the state, but lawmakers hope to avoid overriding the veto and plant to negotiate a deal.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has bought $20 worth of Veterans Cash lottery tickets and is calling on others to play the game which benefits military veterans in the state. The governor helped launch the new game ahead of Veterans Day.

A southern Illinois judge has again barred Governor Pat Quinn from going forward with his plan to close two prisons. Circuit Judge Charles Cavaness cited safety concerns when he issued the injunction yesterday in Alexander County. It replaces a temporary restraining order he issued last month and requires the prisons to remain open while the administration and a union go through arbitration.