Firefighters graduate from U of I

[MARCH 25, 2003]  Ryan Curry and Ashley Williams, two Lincoln Rural firefighters, recently attended a six-week course at the University of Illinois Fire Academy. After completion of the class, Ryan and Ashley were both certified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as Firefighter IIs and certified in hazmat awareness.

The six-week academy consisted of both classroom and live, hands-on training. Beginning the fourth week, students also had night drills, after a full day of training. The class was set up to teach each student the newer technologies to be an effective firefighter in today's as well as tomorrow's ever-changing environment.

The class blended extensive education with intensive physical labor, resulting in tremendous self-esteem and pride in a job well done.

Ryan Curry, 21, started as a volunteer with the Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District in March 2002.

Ashley Williams, 20, started as a volunteer at the department in February 2002.

Additionally, Ryan and Ashley are both advisers for the Explorer Post at Lincoln Rural.

[Robert Thomas, chief,
Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District]

[Photos courtesy of Robert Thomas]
Ryan Curry

Ashley Williams

State lawmakers back proposed pension financing plan saving $2 billion

[MARCH 25, 2003]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich applauded the Illinois House's approval of a pension financing plan that is a cornerstone of the governor's strategy to resolve the worst budget deficit in the state's history.

"I very much appreciate the Democratic and Republican members' support for this innovative, common-sense approach that I believe can help get us out of the current budget mess. I urge the Senate to quickly follow suit so we can get this package into the bond market and take advantage of unprecedented low interest rates. If we don't act expeditiously, we could throw away an opportunity for the state to save nearly $2 billion. Time is of the essence," Blagojevich said.

The bill authorizes an increase in the state's general obligation bond authority and grants permission to use those proceeds to make pension payments to five state retirement systems that cover 435,000 current employees and 155,000 retirees, including state and university employees, judges, and downstate teachers. The governor has estimated that by selling bonds for up to $10 billion of the state's $35 billion in unfunded pension liability the state can save approximately $300 million during the remainder of fiscal year 2003 and another $1.6 billion in fiscal year 2004, which begins July 1.

"Legislators and the public have anxiously waited for an explanation of how this administration will erase nearly $5 billion in red ink," Blagojevich said. "This is one of the innovative solutions my budget team has come up with that will not only help us meet the state's spending pressures without an increase in the income or sales taxes, but guarantee the solvency of these pension funds. The plan will result in a real savings in the long run, and it will provide significant savings to address our immediate fiscal crisis."

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Under the plan, pension fund contributions for the remainder of the current fiscal year and all of the next fiscal year would be covered by newly offered bonds rather than being paid primarily out of the state's general tax revenues and would free up $1.9 billion to offset a portion of the estimated $5 billion budget deficit.

The governor said the concept should sound familiar to many homeowners who take advantage of low interest rates to refinance their mortgages. It is expected that the new bonds can be sold at a rate of about 6 percent, while the state pays roughly 8 percent on the current bonds.

If no changes are made in the state's pension payment system, the annual pension burden is expected to rise by as much as $1 billion a year over the next four years.

H.B. 2660 was sponsored by Speaker Madigan and Rep. Hannig.

In addition to the support of the House, Blagojevich's plan has been endorsed by business groups from throughout the state, including the Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Manufacturers' Association, The Chicago Civic Federation, Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Taxpayers Federation of Illinois, AFSCME, Service Employees International Union, State Employees International Union, Illinois Petroleum Marketers' Association, Illinois Association of Convenience Stores and the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

[Illinois Government News Network
press release]

Senate week in review

March 17-21

[MARCH 25, 2003]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Senate rolled out a legislative measure expressing support for United States soldiers serving in the Middle East in the midst of the war that began last week, according to Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield.

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[News release]

Illinois strengthens homeland
security leadership team

[MARCH 25, 2003]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich has named new directors to two key agencies involved in responding to homeland security threats. Larry G. Trent was appointed director of the Illinois State Police, and William C. Burke was appointed director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. In addition, the governor further strengthened Illinois' homeland security leadership team by naming Mike Chamness the new chair of the Illinois Terrorism Task Force. Chamness has served as director of IEMA for the past four years.

Blagojevich also addressed the level of heightened security as the nation prepares for a possible war with Iraq. The governor outlined several measures taken since the nation was placed on the orange alert level on Monday evening, including (1) activating the State Emergency Operating Center so that all key decision makers among state agencies are ready to act immediately should the need arise; (2) placing the state's special response teams -- including the weapons of mass destruction team, the emergency medical response team and the hazardous materials team -- on alert (Illinois is the only state in the nation with its own weapons of mass destruction teams); (3) elevating health surveillance and monitoring systems; (4) increasing the frequency and level of testing of the water supply system; and (5) increasing security at critical infrastructure around the state. The governor also stressed that the state is in constant contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"My message today to the people of Illinois is to stay calm and go about your business as usual. I know that's easier said than done, but rest assured, we are fully prepared for any threat that could come our way," Blagojevich said.

"As our entire nation faces intensifying security threats, Illinois stands ready and prepared to respond," Blagojevich continued. "I am putting in place leaders who are experienced and well-prepared to direct a response to a terrorist attack in our state. With these additions to my cabinet and a full-time commitment to the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, Illinois is in an even better position to deal with acts of terrorism."

The governor's appointments announced Thursday reflect his commitment to maintaining a strong network of public safety officials to lead Illinois' terrorism preparedness efforts. Larry Trent, 55, is a decorated Army veteran who served 22 years in the Illinois State Police, starting in 1971. During his tenure, he held a variety of investigative and managerial positions and supervised more than 400 employees in 41 southern Illinois counties. He provided expert testimony for the Office of the Attorney General and frequently testified before legislative committees. He taught courses on criminal and constitutional law for the Illinois State Police Academy.

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"Larry Trent has a detailed understanding of the duties and operations of the Illinois State Police," Blagojevich said. "His experience in law enforcement and proven management ability will be valuable tools as he directs the state police force to meet its expanded responsibilities."

After leaving the state police in 1993, Trent served as vice president for Argosy Gaming Company, overseeing security and investigations, and was southern regional manager for the Special Olympics of Illinois. Since 2000, he has been president of the Growth Association of Southwestern Illinois, a regional chamber of commerce that represents more than 650 businesses.

Trent served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and was awarded numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He grew up in East Alton and now lives in Brighton.

Burke, 61, served as regional administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration. He directed logistics in a six-state region with over 1,000 employees. He managed annual budgets of $300 to $400 million and served as the agency's liaison to other federal agencies as well as congressional, state and local judicial officials.

Burke is also a decorated Army veteran. He served in Vietnam and the National Reserves and received several commendations, including the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal.

Burke also served as inspector general for the Illinois Department of Military Affairs, 33rd Infantry Brigade, where he developed and implemented the yearly training program for the 600-person battalion. He currently works as marketing director for Teng & Associates, a Chicago architectural engineering firm. Burke is a native of Hyde Park, where he now resides.

[Illinois Government News Network
press release]

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