Quinn plans Washington lobbying trip

[February 02, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD (AP) -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says he'll travel to Washington during his first full week in office to lobby for federal money.

Quinn said in a speech Saturday to members of a state employee union in Springfield that he'll arrive in Washington on Tuesday. Quinn says he hopes to talk to as many federal officials as possible about ensuring Illinois receives a share of the proposed stimulus package.

The former lieutenant governor says he also hopes to repair relationships with national leaders that soured during former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's tenure. Blagojevich was impeached and removed from office Thursday.

Quinn also appeared Saturday in Peoria to urge low-income families to file for tax credits.

[Associated Press]

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