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 "I am proud of my administration's accomplishments during the first
100 days, but this is only the beginning," Quinn said. "During the
next 23 days, I am committed to three major initiatives: landmark
reform of state government, passing a fair and balanced budget, and
enacting a major jobs plan that will put thousands of Illinois
citizens back to work."
Here are some of the Quinn administration's major accomplishments
over the first 100 days:
Restoring ethics to state government -- In his first official
act, Quinn signed an executive order establishing the Illinois
Reform Commission. Headed by former U.S. Attorney Pat Collins, the
independent advisory board has closely examined government's ethics
rules and practices. On April 27, the commission issued its 100-day
report, which is serving as a blueprint for much-needed reforms.
Passing a $3 billion jobs program -- On April 3, Quinn signed
the first capital construction program the state has seen in 10
years. The Jump Start Capital Plan provides $3 billion to make
critical improvements to roads, bridges and public transit. The plan
allows Illinois to take advantage of the first round of stimulus
funding. Together, the Jump Start Capital Plan and stimulus funds
will create approximately 60,000 jobs. Working with the General
Assembly, Quinn is also seeking to pass the $26 billion Illinois
Jobs Now, a program that will support 340,000 jobs.
Swiftly responding to the swine flu outbreak -- The Quinn
administration took quick and decisive action to mitigate the spread
of the swine flu, ensuring that Illinois received and distributed
its share of the federal flu medicine stockpile. In collaboration
with Illinois Department of Public Health Director Damon Arnold and
Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Andrew Velasquez, the
state notified citizens of the immediate threat, provided timely
information on how to combat spread of swine flu and opened up a
call center to help manage the public's concern.
Reopening state parks and historic sites -- On Feb. 25, Quinn
announced the reopening of seven state parks closed by his
predecessor. On April 23, from the steps of the historic Dana-Thomas
House in Springfield, the governor reopened 11 state historic sites
closed last year. An estimated 44 million citizens visit Illinois
state parks and other sites each year, generating an estimated $790
million in overall economic impact in the state.
Maximizing the federal stimulus dollars Illinois receives --
Quinn has taken swift action to ensure that Illinois receives the
maximum amount of funds available through the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act. Illinois ranks first in the number of
transportation projects and the amount of ARRA dollars approved by
the Obama administration and was the first state to have a signed
memorandum of understanding for high-speed rail. Illinois has also
initiated increased services such as extended unemployment benefits
and ordered over 3.5 million pounds of food for food banks. To
ensure transparency and accountability, the governor launched
Recovery.Illinois.gov.
Making tough choices, cutting costs -- On March 18, Quinn
presented a $53 billion budget plan to the Illinois General Assembly
for fiscal year 2010. The budget boldly addresses the state's
staggering $11.6 billion deficit and mountain of unpaid bills and
puts an end an era of fiscal irresponsibility and mismanagement.
Only two weeks after taking office, Quinn ordered a series of
government cost-saving measures. His directive reduces state
spending, cuts travel expenses, defers major purchases, limits
contract work and restricts hiring.
Helping working families -- Quinn has signed a number of
bills into law to help working families in Illinois. In March, he
signed
Senate Bill 1174, which makes more uninsured women eligible
for breast cancer screenings and treatment and increases payments to
doctors who provide these critical services. The governor also
signed
Senate Bill 2513, which provides struggling homeowners up to
a 90-day moratorium before foreclosure -- giving families the time
they need to refinance or figure out a payment plan before losing
their home. In February, he signed
Senate Bill 2757 to strengthen
the Smoke Free Illinois Act, which will protect people in Illinois
from the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke.
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Installing new leadership at major Illinois agencies -- Quinn
is putting his stamp on state government by appointing a team of
vigorous, experienced and battle-tested directors at major Illinois
agencies. Among his appointments are new leaders at the Illinois
Department of Veterans' Affairs, Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity, Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Natural
Resources, and Illinois Department of Transportation. His
appointments reflect his pledge to restore integrity and
professionalism to state government.
Advocating for a green Illinois -- A longtime
environmentalist, Quinn visited the innovative GobNob Wind Turbine
in Farmersville and saluted the Rural Electric Convenience
Cooperative for its efforts to create the 230-foot energy-producing
wind turbine. He also kicked off a major riverfront restoration
project in Peoria. Quinn signed an executive order to reduce the
environmental impact of state government operations and an agreement
to purchase 100 percent wind power for all Springfield state
buildings managed by Central Management Services.
Easing the clemency petition backlog -- Quinn is committed to
easing the massive backlog of nearly 2,400 clemency cases left by
his predecessor. The Office of the General Counsel is systematically
reviewing every case.
Launching fundamental pension reform -- Quinn has signed
legislation to overhaul Illinois' major state pension boards by
implementing necessary structural reforms and making the boards
transparent and accountable. The governor is backing an effort to
strengthen the pension system by modernizing benefits and creating a
uniform state retirement program for all new hires.
Repairing state boards and commissions -- Quinn launched
Appointments.Illinois.gov, a Web site that allows Illinois citizens
to access information about members and vacancies in the state's 300
boards and commissions. The site was created under an executive
order issued to ensure appointments to Illinois boards and
commissions are open, fair and transparent.
Honoring military service members -- Throughout the state,
Quinn has rallied Illinois citizens to honor and remember our brave
men and women in the armed forces by donating to the Illinois
Military Family Relief Fund. The fund has distributed $8 million and
approved funds for over 14,000 applications from Illinois military
families.
Protecting high standards for children's education --
Illinois is expected to receive $3 billion in education funding
through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Quinn
has proposed using $2 billion of these funds to pay the remaining
general state aid payments to districts and ensure that education
funding is not cut. In addition, Quinn's fiscal 2010 budget proposes
to use additional ARRA state stabilization discretionary dollars to
increase education funding by $174 million. On April 14, Quinn
joined with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at Andrew
Jackson Language Academy to highlight Illinois' strong investment in
education.
Reviving the historic executive mansion -- On Feb. 12, the
bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, Quinn revived the executive
mansion by hosting an open house that was attended by thousands of
Illinois citizens. Quinn recently announced the "greening" of the
mansion by installing light-emitting diode bulbs and using rain
barrels. On Easter, the governor hosted an Easter egg hunt at the
mansion for children with disabilities.
[Text from
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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