Illinois Summary 6/29/11

Quinn To Be Honored As Governor Of Year

(Washington, DC) -- Governor Pat Quinn is being honored as governor of the year by BIO International. The Washington, DC-based group will honor Quinn today at its annual conference. He is being recognized for his efforts to create jobs in Illinois.

Quinn: Illinois Lost Champion In Lura Lynn Ryan

(Springfield,IL) -- Governor Quinn says the people of Illinois have lost a champion in Lura Lynn Ryan. As first lady of Illinois, Ryan worked to protect the future of Illinois' children. She was also an advocate for seniors and those battling substance abuse. Quinn says she dedicated herself to those who had no voice. Ryan died on Monday after a long battle with cancer.

Political Scientist Says State Can Heal After Blagojevich Verdict

(Bloomington, IL) -- One political scientist says the Rod Blagojevich verdict proves that politicians in Illinois will not get away with corrupt behaviors. Illinois State University Professor Bob Bradley says now Illinois can start to heal from its reputation of being corrupt. He says he thinks Blagojevich will be sentenced to more than ten years in prison.

Illinois State Medical Society Speaks Out Against Workers Comp Reform

(Springfield, IL ) -- The medical community is speaking out against Governor Quinn's changes to the worker's compensation system. New provisions cut payments to medical providers by 30-percent, which some say will limit access to healthcare for injured workers. Illinois State Medical Society President Wayne Polek says the measure will trigger higher medical costs in the long run because injured workers will have to wait longer for care. The move is expected to save businesses at least a half a billion dollars a year, but Polek says it does nothing to solve the state's inability to pay its bills on time.

Blagojevich "All Kids" Program Being Dissected

(Springfield, IL) -- About four-thousand kids across the state will soon be without healthcare. Starting Friday, the All Kids program will be available only to children who are living more than 300-percent above poverty levels. However, families above the income cap but already enrolled in the program will have one year to find new healthcare options. Kathy Chan with the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition says parents of children with pre-existing conditions may be eligible for the state's CHIP and IPXT insurance programs.

Illinois Rotary Looks To Expand Membership

(Springfield, IL) -- The Illinois Rotary Club is looking to expand its membership. Chicago President Barry Axler says it's the most rewarding way for anyone to give back to the community. He noted outreach efforts to inner city youth, children with autism, and women who need help paying for mammograms. Beyond the U.S. borders, Axler says the Clubs work in India and Equador is second to none. He says if each member recruited one person, they can double their reach. Axler was installed as president of the Chicago Chapter yesterday.