Press Releases/Announcements from local sources
Rep.Randy Ramey
[At approximately 11:10 on Saturday, March 31,2007, Illinois Representative Randy Ramey was interviewed by Contessa Brewer concerning issuing driver's licenses to illegal aliens. Randy argued that the state should not extend driving privileges to persons who broke the law to enter the country. - Bob]
“The small guy, as we’ve seen in other professions — the butcher, the grocer and now the druggist — in metro areas it’s just impossible to be competitive with the big guys,” said Royce, a 58-year-old West Chicago resident who’s owned Rachielles for 27 years."
Elected
officials caught in loophole“It was one of the things I saw as a municipal official in the last couple elections,” he [Rep Fortner] said. “It fixes the language that became problematic when we switched to provisional ballots.”
Sen
Durbin"There are three Amtrak route options. All three travel from Chicago to Rockford then Galena and end in Dubuque. The Rockford Airport and Belvidere are each mentioned once and Elgin twice in the plan. The trains would run round-trip daily. And would cost 20-dollars and less than two hours of time to ride from Rockford to Chicago."
"Durbin’s bill, the Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act, was inspired by the work of the late Senator Paul Simon and is based on recommendations published by the bipartisan Lincoln Study Abroad Commission."
Sen.
Obama"Brian Schatz, spokesman for the Hawai'i for Obama Campaign, calls the rallies a "new and exciting element of old-fashioned grass-roots politics. It's community-based, with use of Web technology, all driven by a very special candidate."
"Vintage Espanol will publish "La Audacia de la Esperanza" in June with a first printing of 50-thousand. A spokesman for Vintage says it will be the imprint's biggest book of the year in Spanish."
ePluribus Media
"House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas, House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Illinois and Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana are among those whose names have surfaced in recent months as a Senate committee, federal investigators and the media have delved into the controversy."
"Meanwhile, the number of illegal immigrants went up by 50% in the mostly suburban Illinois constituency of Dennis Hastert, the former Republican speaker of the House of Representatives. Indeed, across America, where comparisons are possible, Democratic districts added undocumented residents at half the rate of Republican ones. That helps to explain why Republican candidates talked so much about illegal immigration before last year's mid-term elections."
Rep Peter Roskam“We welcome Congressman Roskam’s membership in the Armenian Caucus and looking forward to working with him on issues relevant to our community.”
"The Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), a provider of operational support to several Department of Defense agencies, has hired a PR agency on behalf of the President's Commission on Care for Americas' Returning Wounded Warriors in the aftermath of the controversy that has erupted over conditions at Walter Reed hospital."
[Somehow the purchase of additional disinfectant would seem more reasonable to me. It's not the press... it's the mold and red tape. - Bob]
Rep.Randy Ramey
"With motorcycle injuries and fatalities on the rise, State Rep. Randy Ramey (R-Carol Stream) has passed a bill that will ensure motorcycle safety programs are adequately funded as proposed in the state budget."
City
ofWest Chicago
- Franciscan Way PUD
- Drug Paraphenalia
- Warrenville's Animal Pound
- Blooming Fest
- We-Go-Run 5K/10K Run
- Hawthorne Lane Reconstruction
[This meeting will begin at 7:30 AM rather than the normal 7:00PM at City Hall. - Bob]
- Early voting has started and ends April 12th
- Annual Township Meeting is April 10th.
Keep
fire protection services strong"Our fire district needs a “yes” from each voter. I have a personal stake in fire protection. So do you. You never know when you and your family may dial 911. Will the men/women and equipment quickly reach you no matter where you live? Will each fire station be fully staffed? Fire protection is an investment for home and community. The district has been and continues to be good stewards of their funds... Martha Joy Noble"
[Since the letters to the editor disappear in 24 hours, a copy has been saved here. - Bob]
"Pioneer Elementary School in West Chicago, an Illinois Honor Roll school in 2004, had 13 percent fewer students pass the 2006 ISAT test. About 70 percent of pupils passed, compared with more than 82 percent in 2005. Two other West Chicago Elementary School District 33 schools -- Gary and Currier Elementary Schools -- also had a smaller percentage of pupils pass the test."
Sen
Durbin"Passing WRDA will mean over 50,000 new jobs for the region, shorter shipping times, and improved business for Midwest producers along the river,"
Sen.
Obama"U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today called on President Bush to improve medical care for wounded service members by supporting the passage of the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act, legislation he introduced with Senator McCaskill in February."
"Through a combination of supporters signing up online and through the campaign staff, more than 5,000 Community Kickoffs will take place in homes, libraries, coffee shops and other gathering places including events in Iowa, New Hampshire, New York City, Alaska, Idaho and Hawaii."
GovernorBlagojevich
“As this war continues, Illinois is going to see more and more of it’s state’s military heroes returning home with an injury, with PTSD, or with trouble transitioning back to civilian life. Our job as citizens is to help our veterans in everyway possible. And buying this lottery ticket does exactly that,” said IDVA Director L. Tammy Duckworth.
"It’s a question of safety vs. fun, of security vs. “the .50 thrill.” There’s no reason a small group of people thrilled by shooting small animals with a large gun should be able to undermine our national security. We need a .50 caliber ban, and legislators in Illinois and elsewhere should agree."
Rep.Randy Ramey"Representatives Randy Ramey and Mike Fortner invite the business community to a Forum on Gross Receipts Tax. The Representatives will be providing information about the proposed Gross Receipts Tax and are encouraging a brief discussion with business leaders. "
Merle
Berle
City
Council Adopts FY07 budget"During the public hearing March 19 on the 2007-08 proposed budget, City Treasurer Don Earley presented a short profile of the city."
W.
Chicago restaurant is new home to jazz trio"The Bruce Oscar Trio, led by renowned jazz pianist and vocalist Bruce Oscar of Carol Stream, now performs from 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Italian eatery. After a15-year run at the recently closed Viking Steak House in Winfield, new Tivoli owner Tom Fawell was pleased to get the jazz combo over to his space."
"Duckworth said amputee patients under care of the federal Veterans Affairs Department are not receiving the same high-tech treatments their counterparts are getting at Walter Reed. Explaining why the VA is lacking in high-tech prosthetic equipment, she told the Senate's Veterans' Affairs Committee it is expensive and most VA personnel are not trained on the equipment, even that which has been on the market for several years."
"The new store features a convenient drive-through, an outdoor patio, wireless Internet access, upholstered furniture, and café tables and chairs. In addition to beverages, the store will carry specialty coffee beans, warm breakfast sandwiches, lunch items, pastries and merchandise, including coffee and espresso machines."
Longtime
police officer may be next chief“I have not been interviewing candidates. I believe in promoting from within,” Kwasman said. “We have more than competent people here and I think you get better service from employees by doing it.”
Eggs
will be rolling in West Chicago"The club has organized the spring event for about 10 years. Friends of the Library was created about 12 years ago, when a new library was built, Zarate said. The Egg Roll is free and materials will be provided. A puppet show for all ages will follow at 1:15 p.m., said Melody Coleman, library administrator."
Administrators
weigh pros and cons as high schools consider banning electronics“The benefits are outweighed by the negatives,” said Josh Chambers, assistant principal for administrative services, who believes banning electronics at school is the best route. “As the items become more powerful, it’s going to become very difficult to determine which have some benefits and which don’t. It’s a difficult situation.”
Lawn & Landscape - Cleveland,OH
"The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Ball Horticultural Co. in West Chicago for its more than 100 years of contributions to the landscape industry and not only with quality plants, new varieties and research. Ball is generous to students, active with schools, and fosters the need for understanding business as well as horticulture. Ball has promoted industry education by hosting three ILCA Summer Field Day events, giving contractors onsite access to their gardens."
Sen
DurbinIllionois
Senators
"Under the senators' proposal, the operations center would give the Illinois Air National Guard a chance to plan missions for other Air Force units. These units would include other Air National Guard units, as well as active duty Air Force squadrons."
Sen.
Obama“Senate Republicans voted to continue the War in Iraq indefinitely, but they rejected essential funding to provide medical treatment for our brave soldiers who return home bearing the scars of war,”
"Mr. Sampson’s testimony underscores my concern that Attorney General Gonzales subverted justice to promote a political agenda. I renew my call for Alberto Gonzales to be replaced as Attorney General with an advocate who will defend and promote the rights and liberties of the American people.”
"U.S. Senator Barack Obama today wrote a letter to the head of the Government Accountability Office calling for an investigation into long-term care following a report in the New York Times of a high number of claims being denied, and practices that make it “difficult – if not impossible – for policyholders to get paid.”
"On the House floor, members still stop to ask Mr. Hastert’s advice or inquire about his health — he recently had gallbladder surgery, which helped him to lose more than 50 pounds — and he gives them his customary slap on the back before taking a seat, usually toward the back of the chamber."
Merle
BerleMerle Berle's popular column again appears here. Please feel free to print off a copy and give it to your friends or neighbors who can no longer find it in the "Paper formerly Known as the West Chicago Press."
Sen
JohnMillner
Millner
Visits with DuPage Children’s Museum"State Senator John J. Millner (R- Carol Stream) receives a firsthand look at the work being done by the DuPage Children’s Museum during the annual Museum Day at the Illinois Capitol Wednesday, March 28."
West
Chicago fire, Roselle park ballots"It’s a request voters should approve. We recommend a yes vote to the district’s ballot proposition to raise its tax rate from 55 to 65 cents for four years. Funds from the tax hike would be used to construct two new stations and hire 12 new firefighters/paramedics."
[I am assured that the cost on a $300K home would be only about $100. - Bob]
Dist.
33 looks into middle school expansion“Personally, I would love to see it happen, but the community has to be informed and shouldn’t feel like it was pressured,” Superintendent Ed Leman said. “I want to give them the opportunity to consider the idea and give us an idea if they want it or not.”
For
school board in St. Charles "Yes, the same group that’s caused concern in several ways over recent years did so again recently with a boundary process that split the board and enraged some residents. Because of that, and other public disputes between board members, 10 candidates filed for three 4-year openings. Two notable board adversaries are vying for the one 2-year spot."
[The editorial page will disappear in 24 hours. A copy appears at For school board in St. Charles .
Sen
DurbinIllionois
SenatorsGovernorBlagojevich
“These grants will help fund the development of new agricultural products and innovative production practices that will keep the industry competitive, growing and creating better jobs for more people.”
"In our judgment, those who finance smears and lies of combat veterans don’t deserve to represent America on the world stage. We think too highly of the country we defended in combat to trust America in the hands of someone who would so casually bankroll lies about our combat records,"
ElementaryDistrict 33
"Kindergarten registration, for children who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2007 and live within the boundaries of West Chicago Elementary School District #33, will take place during the month of April at each neighborhood elementary school. "
"Students in Mrs. Correa's fifth grade class at Pioneer School in West Chicago Elementary School District 33 are conducting a new toy drive April 2 - April 13 to help sick children who have been hospitalized."
"West Chicago Lacrosse Club is hosting a huge multifamily indoor garage sale on Saturday, April 14, 2007 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the VWF Post 6791, 431 N. Neltnor Blvd. (Route 59) in West Chicago. "
Landlords
may pay the price for scofflaw tenants"It would give landlords the authority to evict tenants if they, members of their household or their guests engage in criminal activity or violate city code four or more times in a six-month period. “This is one of many fixes we need to accomplish in this city,” Acting Mayor Mike Kwasman said. “The law-abiding citizens shouldn’t worry about anything. People who break the law should worry.”"
Will
schools ever see a red cent under governor’s proposed plan?“The budget needs a perpetual budget stream, otherwise it’s all rhetoric,” he said, adding that a lease might make more sense than an outright sale. Still, Leman has concerns that the gross receipts tax, which he said puts the burden on the backs of businesses, will only drive corporations out of Illinois and make schools more dependent on property tax."
Sen
DurbinDURBIN
INTRODUCES PAUL SIMON STUDY ABROAD FOUNDATION ACT"Senator Paul Simon was one our nation's great public servants," said Durbin. "He had a vision -- to strengthen the role of the U.S. as a world leader by investing in the education of our young people. The international study abroad program we are introducing is based on his vision and advances his work."
"One key point Durbin is considering is whether companies that want to bring workers into the country on a temporary work visa should be required to try to hire American workers before considering non-U.S. laborers."
Sen.
Obama"No, it has not been a failure of resolve that has led us to this chaos, but a failure of strategy – a strategy that has only strengthened Iran’s strategic position; increased threats posed by terrorist organizations; reduced U.S. credibility and influence around the world; and placed Israel and other nations friendly to the United States in the region in greater peril."
"... introducing an amendment to the Iraq supplemental bill that would improve care for servicemembers at active duty military hospitals by adding caseworkers and mental health counselors, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, establishing a women’s mental health treatment program and providing a comprehensive mental health study to ensure that the needs of returning soldiers are met."
GovernorBlagojevich
"And while they have paid more, the wealthiest corporations in our state have paid less and less. It’s a system that for decades has been unfair to the small and medium-sized companies across the state that don’t have fancy accountants or powerful lobbyists."
“What the sponsors of this ad deliberately don't tell you is that the average individual taxpayer in Illinois pays ten times more in state income taxes than thousands of the wealthiest businesses. Now that we're asking those businesses to pay their fair share so regular working families can afford healthcare and can send their children to quality schools, big business is resorting to distortions and scare tactics,”
"The figures have now been vindicated by the government's own advisers. It's time we held our leaders to account for the 650,000 Iraqi dead... Scientists at the UK's Department for International Development thought differently. They concluded that the study's methods were "tried and tested". Indeed, the Hopkins approach would likely lead to an "underestimation of mortality"."
School
recognized nationally for AIDS ministry in Africa"Five years ago, a group of student leaders at Wheaton Academy in West Chicago got together and decided that they were meant to do something big — but they didn’t know what, or even how."
Board
relations, space issues key to hopefuls for 2-year Dist. 303 term"The Daily Herald asked St. Charles school board candidates to share their views on pertinent issues with readers. The district includes St. Charles and parts of South Elgin and West Chicago."
The New Guy
"Who says the local media is biased against West Chicago? Sunday's Sun-Times pumps Gateway Centre as a real estate investment."
"Tom J. Wingstedt, 19, 336 E. Pomeroy St., West Chicago, was arrested and charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor after an incident at 8:47 p.m. Saturday on the 100 block of Kane Street, in which he danced in the street near cars, according to police reports"
"In 2005 and 2006, the city paid an event planner to run the event. But city officials found that by paying the Chamber $110,000 to coordinate Railroad Days, the city will save about $25,000 from last year’s cost. And festival-goers may get a lot more bang out of those bucks. Sabathne said they plan to spend $109,752 on entertainment and recruit sponsors to pay for the Chamber’s time and expense."
Sen
Durbin"Many cats, dogs and other pets, considered members of the family are now suffering as a result of a flawed pet food inspection system," said Durbin. "Congresswoman DeLauro and I have once again reached out to FDA to work on eliminating the vulnerabilities that are affecting food safety."
"This intersection of commerce and conscience was the driving force for Illinois soybean farmers and others to support the McGovern-Dole Program and to form WISHH, a program that helps deliver U.S. high-protein soy to international feeding programs."
GovernorBlagojevich
"The Tree City USA program promotes tree planting and care programs in urban areas and calls public attention to the economic, health and aesthetic benefits trees offer. Citizen participation in community reforestation and beautification efforts is encouraged through this program."
Cable
ComChannel 17
"Be sure to watch West Chicago's State of the City Address being shown after each rebroadast of the City council meeting. Also, catch Classic CableCom television when we show three editions of the program 'Safety and You'. Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce, Channel 17 is broadcasting this year's fashion show 'Over the Rainbow' this week. Tune in and enjoy the variety only found on CableCom, West Chicago's Channel 17."
Schedule
debate continues at Community High School"The board decided to go ahead, but pressure to postpone continued over the past few weeks after Community High learned it had, for the second year in a row, met the Adequate Yearly Progress standards of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, known as AYP."
Suburban
reps split on war spending"Freshman Republican Rep. Peter Roskam of Wheaton, who narrowly defeated Democratic war veteran Tammy Duckworth last November, continued his support of the Bush administration on the war by voting “no.”"
[This bill included $100 Billion in funding for the occupation of Iraq and $3.6 Billion in Veteran's benefits. - Bob]
Sen
Durbin"What Senator Domenici did under what circumstances, I don't know, so I'm not going to judge him," Durbin said. "I just think it's inappropriate for a member of Congress to contact a U.S. attorney or a prosecutor and to urge a prosecution in a political context."
"The legislation could bring up to $10 million over 10 years to the region for preservation, education and economic development, according to a news release from Durbin's office."
Sen.
Obama"Senator Barack Obama of Illinois appeared less conversant with the details of health policy and sometimes found himself on the defensive, trying to explain why he had yet to offer a detailed plan to cover all Americans. “The most important challenge is to build a political consensus around the need to solve this problem,” Mr. Obama said. "
Rep Peter Roskam"Freshman Peter Roskam (Ill.), who narrowly defeated Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth last year to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Henry Hyde (R), is the only freshman member listed. The Capitol Club fundraiser will be held on April 25 and feature Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) as the special guest, with a minimum contribution of $1,000. Money raised is divided evenly among the participating members."
West
ChicagoHigh School
"The 2006 School Report Card for Community High School District 94 is now available on the school website at www.d94.org"
"More summer opportunities received by the Counseling Office - if you would like further information, please use the contact listed."
WegoWeb
A new, and at this time anonymous writer, will be blogging at WegoWeb about local issues. The name of the column, "Wegolb" should tell you something about how he'll be seeing things differently. You'll want to check it out.
Sen
Durbin"Iran's leaders face a choice between the peaceful development of nuclear power for their citizens or the dangerous development of nuclear weapons," said Durbin. "This legislation provides pressure and incentives to help them choose the path to peace and nuclear non-proliferation."
"I think a lot of people in America on both sides of the fence have a sneaky feeling that our democracy is in real trouble, and it's no surprise. Take a look at what's going on in Washington today. But take a good, hard, honest look at the political money chase that has really spiraled out of control."
Sen.
Obama"We cannot sit on the sidelines while increasing numbers of Americans lose their homes," Obama said in a letter to Bernanke and Paulson. An estimated 1.5 million homeowners are expected to face foreclosure in 2007, a 20 percent to 25 percent increase over last year, according to research firm RealtyTrac."
“To the counter the threat climate change poses to America’s future, we must invest in clean, domestically produced energy that leaves no environmental footprint,” said Senator Obama. “Carbon sequestration is a first step we can take to solving the climate crisis by limiting the emissions of existing plants.”
“UL’s announcement brings us one step closer to giving drivers across the country the choice between powering their cars with home grown fuel from the Midwest, instead of imported oil from the Middle East,”
"We cannot sit on the sidelines while increasing numbers of American families face the risk of losing their homes. And while neither the government nor the private sector acting alone is capable of quickly balancing the important interests in widespread access to credit and responsible lending, both must act and act quickly."
Rep Peter Roskam“This spending bill should have gone to provide nothing more than the necessary funding to provide our troops with the resources they need to complete their missions successfully and come home safely and soon."
"In addition, the budget fails to fix the alternative minimum tax (AMT), which severely hurts middle class families. Democrats need to realize that fostering a strong, growing economy is the best means of raising revenue, not raiding the pocketbooks of Americans."
GovernorBlagojevich
“Our schools have been chronically underfunded for decades. Our Helping Kids Learn plan is not just an investment in schools, it’s an investment in our future, in our children,”
"After ordering Wiehl's microphone cut, O'Reilly added: "I'll scold my own people here 'cause they're not -- she's not telling you the truth. There is a transcript. Every word [White House senior adviser] Karl Rove and anybody else said would be on paper.""
West
ChicagoHigh School
"The Junior Statesman of America Club of West Chicago Community High School will be sponsoring a School Board Candidates Forum on Wednesday, April 4th at West Chicago Community High School, 320 Joliet Street, West Chicago. All candidates from district 25, 33, 34 and 94 have been invited. "
"Community High School District 94, in West Chicago, will be hosting a community wide reception to welcome their new principal Dr. Moses Cheng and his wife Anne. This reception is scheduled for Thursday, April 12th from 3:15 pm to 5:15pm in the Learning Resource Center."
WC
Public Library"Please join us for an exciting program, Around the World in Sixty Minutes - A Journey to Sacred Places on 6 Continents, on Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 7:00 p.m."
Merle
BerleCentral
Main Street Redevelopment"The plan calls for a blend of housing, a mixed business use with the possibly a cluster of restaurants depending upon the site and the provision of parking."
State
of the City Address"They say seeing is believing! You may have heard West Chicago is the fastest growing suburb in DuPage County, but this past year proof of the fact is all around us,"
[For those have noticed that Merle's popular column at the Press was missing this week, you will please notice that it will still appear in its entirety here (and the city web site) albeit with a slightly different name and format and with a different financial arrangement that we will discuss at length later. - Bob]
"This year, 15,000 chocolate and candy eggs will dot the sprawling 20-acre lawn of Community Fellowship Church in West Chicago. And, for the fourth year in a row, the church is inviting kids ages 2 to 11 to come hunt them up at no cost, and with no registration required."
"A Glendale Heights man pleaded guilty Wednesday to the attempted abduction of two 11-year-old girls last year in West Chicago and was sentenced to 180 days in jail. Miguel Lara, 36, of the 1700 block of President Street also was sentenced to 2 years' probation."
"...the church adopted "policies and procedures for use with outside media sources." Any breach of the rules will lead to the reporter's immediate ouster from the church and the confiscation of all interview notes and photos."
Sen
Durbin"Without this amendment, Cook County Hospital and other hospitals throughout the state of Illinois could face restricted payments as soon as September under Medicaid, a program that provides basic services to the uninsured and those with limited insurance,"
"Illinois is one of many states suffering from nursing shortages. With 40,000 nurses in the state, many will be unable to join unions and collectively bargain, salary levels will be at risk and working conditions will be in question, driving more people to leave the profession and discouraging others from becoming nurses."
"If the Security Council does not act, the United States should engage with our allies to create a coalition that will impose economic penalties on the Sudanese government."
"Designating the land between the rivers as a heritage area will help us preserve the beauty, history and culture of this land for visiting families to enjoy year after year."
Sen.
Obama"We cannot sit on the sidelines while increasing numbers of American families face the risk of losing their homes. And while neither the government nor the private sector acting alone is capable of quickly balancing the important interests in widespread access to credit and responsible lending, both must act and act quickly."
"Today, Michelle and I join every American in sending our thoughts and prayers to Elizabeth and John and the entire Edwards family. We all admire Elizabeth's strength and determination and the deep love they so obviously share."
"I have been very clear even as a candidate that, once we were in, that we were going to have some responsibility to make it work as best we could, and more importantly that our troops had the best resources they needed to get home safely," Obama, an Illinois Democrat, told reporters in a conference call. "So I don't think there is any contradiction there."
Rep Peter Roskam"Bloomingdale, Ill.: Over 150 protestors demonstrated for an end to the war at the office of GOP Rep. Peter Roskam, March 17. The office is in the heart of DuPage County, the bastion of the state Republican Party. Support for the war has steeply eroded here. Nearly every passing automobile honked its support of demonstrators."
GovernorBlagojevich
"Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, today issued a warning about the dangers of consuming illegally manufactured Mexican-style cheeses, such as queso fresco or queso cotija. The warning came after a sample of Mexican-style cheeses from a grocery store in Kane County tested positive for Salmonella. The manufacturer of the Salmonella-contaminated cheese in Kane County has not been clearly identified."
"The All Night Long After Prom Committee is pleased to announce its 13th annual after prom event - a midnight cruise of Lake Michigan aboard the Odyssey cruise ship! "
Dist. 94 leader wants a ban on electronics"“My concern is that these devices are more and more becoming a distraction in the classroom,” Board President Tony Reyes said. Member Gordon Cole concurred, calling iPods and cell phones “a temptation.” District 94 staff is also spending too much time tracking down iPods and other devices that have been stolen or have gone missing, Reyes said."
"A Glendale Heights man pleaded guilty today to the attempted abduction of two 11-year-old girls last year in West Chicago and was sentenced to 180 days in jail."
Sen
Durbin"This program, named for former Senators George McGovern and Bob Dole, provides school lunches to children in impoverished countries. Today's bill would reauthorize the McGovern-Dole program and provide it with additional funding so that it is restored to its original level of $300 million by 2012."
"Illinois is known as the Land of Lincoln," said Durbin. "This state shaped his character from youth to adulthood. Designating a National Heritage Area will allow us to bind together the elements of Lincoln's life in Illinois. We want to tell the whole Lincoln story to our students, families and visitors."
"The United States Postal Service has raised awareness for many worthy causes. We hope this legislation will move rapidly to a Senate vote, sending a strong message that the time has come to issue a stamp encouraging greater understanding and acceptance of people with this common genetic condition."
"That's why yesterday's introduction of the bipartisan Fair Elections Now Act by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) is as timely as it is necessary. Modeled after successful "Clean Elections"-style public financing laws at the state level, the bill would level the playing field and put voters in charge."
Sen.
Obama"The sacrifices of war are immeasurable. Too many have returned from Iraq with that soldier’s story – with broken bodies and shattered nerves and wounds that even the best care may not heal. Too many of our best have come home shrouded in the flag they loved. Too many moms and dads and husbands and wives have answered that knock on the door that’s the hardest for any loved one to hear."
"We must begin a phased redeployment of our forces starting May 1st, with the goal of removing all combat forces by March 30th, 2008. Letting the Iraqis know that we will not be there forever is our last, best hope to pressure the Iraqis to take ownership of their country and bring an end to their conflict."
"At the end of the day, each of you will decide how best to express yourselves in the town square of the Internet, which is helping to rekindle America's civic life. As you do, I urge you to continue to keep it positive -- on what we can achieve together to changes our politics and steer it away from the destructive tactics that have dominated Washington and our elections for too long. "
"Thus, it is my strong belief that the only sensible proposal to both help our environment and provide the electricity we need to fuel our economy is to increase our reliance upon nuclear power."
"I consider George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and Denny Hastert all to be good men," DeLay writes, "but there is not an articulate voice among them."
Rep Peter Roskam"Today I want to talk about a recent trip I took to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center…"
"Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Ill., on Wednesday sought to add to an executive-compensation bill a measure that would require disclosure of the pay of as many as three non-executive employees whose total compensation for the last fiscal year was greater than that of any of the company's top five officers."
GovernorBlagojevich
Honoring
Illinois' Fallen"The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Blagojevich’s Office to fly the United States and Illinois flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, March 26, 2007 for: Lance Corporal Raymond J. Holzhauer, United States Marine Corps"
"Four months after the San Diego United States Attorney's office launched an investigation into whether he had accepted bribes from defense contractors, and little more than a month before he pled guilty to those charges, Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-CA) signed on to a letter criticizing U.S. Attorney Carol Lam's "lax" handling of immigration crimes."
ElementaryDistrict 33
"Kindergarten registration, for children who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2007 and live within the boundaries of West Chicago Elementary School District 33, will take place during the month of April at each neighborhood elementary school."
City
ofWest Chicago
"West Chicago will be blooming again on Saturday, May 19, 2007, with the 7th Annual Blooming Fest, the city's downtown garden festival and signature spring event which includes a benefit 5k Run/Walk and 2k Family Fun Run for We Grow Dreams."
Sen
Durbin"This bill, known as the College Textbook Affordability Act, would help students manage costs by requiring publishers and colleges receiving federal assistance to print the price of textbooks and supplemental materials in the course schedule so students could take that into account when selecting classes."
"Today the amount of money spent in top ten competitive Senate races averages $34 million per campaign - double what it was just four years ago. It takes a mountain of money - about $7 million on average - even to lose a Senate campaign. This is not sustainable,"
Sen.
Obama"When I opposed this invasion in 2002, I said that I am not against all wars, but dumb wars, and I believed that authorizing this conflict would lead to a US occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. This is sadly where we find ourselves today. There is no military solution to this war."