Gov. Quinn signs $31 billion 'Illinois Jobs Now'

[July 14, 2009]  CHICAGO -- On Monday, Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law bills that create the $31 billion "Illinois Jobs Now!" plan, which will revive the state's ailing economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over the next six years. At a bill-signing ceremony, the governor stressed that this is the first statewide capital construction effort to become law in over a decade.

"This is a crucial economic recovery initiative that will generate what's needed most in Illinois: jobs, jobs, jobs," Quinn said. "Illinois Jobs Now provides many long-awaited improvements to our bridges and roads, transportation networks, schools, and communities."

The governor added that the plan will create many new "green" weatherization jobs, protect and improve the state's fresh water supplies, and advance high-speed rail from Chicago to St. Louis, which will cut down on auto traffic and emissions.

"With Illinois Jobs Now, our state rises to the challenge of building a viable green economy for the 21st century that serves our people and strengthens our businesses," Quinn said.

During the signing ceremony at Marshall High School, Quinn expressed appreciation to the leaders of the General Assembly for their important role in passing the plan. The governor also thanked members of the General Assembly, organized labor, business groups and community activists for their support of the plan.

Also speaking at the signing ceremony were Chicago Mayor Richard Daley; Republican Senate Leader Christine Radogno; Republican House Leader Tom Cross; Michael Carrigan, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO; Dennis Gannon, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor; Tom Villanova, president of the Chicago and Cook County Building and Construction Trades Council; Jerry Roper, president and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; Juan Rangel, CEO of United Neighborhood Organization; and Jacky Grimshaw, vice president of policy at the Center for Neighborhood Technology.

A complete list of projects is available at http://jobsnow.illinois.gov/.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]