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Senate Democratic Caucus News

Small Efforts Can Make a Big Impact

Written by Senate President John J. Cullerton Wednesday, 25 November 2009 21:55

During the holiday season, many families in Illinois rely on assistance from food banks and food pantries to help feed their children. It is especially true this year. Many households are feeling the impacts of the economic downturn and job loss. As a result, many service organizations in Illinois are experiencing an increased demand for their assistance and are asking for our generous support during these tough times.

With unemployment rates reaching 11 percent statewide and home foreclosure rates skyrocketing, many families are turning to food banks and food pantries for the first time. That is why it is more important than ever to give your time and support during extraordinarily difficult times like these. No family should have to choose between paying their bills and feeding their families.

The governor recently signed a timely piece of legislation into law that aims to create hunger assistance for Illinois families. This measure, Senate Bill 1544, creates the Illinois Hunger Relief Fund that will finance grants for food banks throughout the state. This fund will be administered by the Department of Human Services and will be used solely for hunger relief efforts. This fund will purchase desperately needed food and household care items for families facing hard times. I am extremely proud of this timely measure initiated by my colleagues in the Senate because it provides much-needed relief for food banks as well as families that are feeling overwhelmed during the holiday season.

Food banks and food pantries have served as an important commodity for many in the past and remain important factors in hunger relief efforts in our state. “Feeding Illinois ,” formerly known as the Illinois Food Bank Association, is a coalition made up of eight food banks that cover the entire state. They strive to provide food for hungry people in Illinois and educate the public on the vital role that food banks play in addressing hunger. This is one of many service organizations that you can donate your time or food to.

Recently, my Senate staff decided to collect food and monetary donations for a local food bank in Springfield. This type of generosity is something that should be embraced by each of us this holiday season. These donations will make life a little better for those who are in need. I encourage you to consider others during this season of giving. Locate a local food bank or call a neighboring food pantry to show your support by donating what you can to this significant cause. By doing this, you can make the holidays a little brighter for struggling families throughout Illinois.

Senate President John J. Cullerton: Hospital Report Card now available online

Written by Senate President John J. Cullerton Friday, 20 November 2009 15:35

I would like to announce that the Illinois Department of Public Health has launched a new website that will be an important resource for healthcare consumers across the state. The catalyst for this initiative was a forward thinking Senator by the name of Barack Obama who worked with his fellow democrats including myself, Senator Jacqueline Collins and Senator Susan Garrett to ensure that hospitals across our state are held accountable to consumers.

The purpose of this site is to provide in-depth details to the public regarding nurse staffing levels, infection prevention measures and hospital acquired infections data so everyone could have the most accurate information when choosing a hospital or surgical center to receive care at.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has been collecting this data since 2003 when the Legislature passed a law which required all Illinois hospitals to report pertinent data back to them.

Everyone should have the right to access information about the quality of health care provided in Illinois. This Web site can help you to become a more informed consumer and to make better health care choices. This site will allow people to search for information on local and regional hospitals, including information on prices of procedures and how consumers rate the facilities' care.

You are encouraged to use this information to facilitate discussions with your family and health care providers about your specific needs and treatment options. Due to differences in the severity of illnesses treated, measuring quality of care is not an exact science. However, every effort has been made to provide the most reliable data for the quality measures currently available.

Additionally, you can access

volume and cost of services in hospitals and ambulatory surgery treatment centers,
quality and safety data,
nurse staffing data,
patient satisfaction surveys,
summaries and links to Illinois laws that ensure consumer protection.

To access this website please visit http://www.healthcarereportcard.illinois.gov/ or you can find a link to the site through the State of Illinois website www.illinois.gov.

This site will continue to grow as the department compiles new information and implements regular updates; your comments and suggestions for improving the site are always welcome.

Investing in Green Jobs

Written by Senator Michael Noland Friday, 20 November 2009 14:38

During my first term in the General Assembly creating new jobs and promoting environmentally friendly businesses has been a top priority. My first year in office I was chief sponsor of a measure allowing schools and community colleges to own and operate wind farms that directly reduce energy costs for taxpayers. The following year we expanded that legislation to cover counties and municipalities.

Raoul Honored by Illinois Press Association

Written by Administrator Wednesday, 18 November 2009 16:21

State Sen. Kwame Raoul (D - Chicago) was recently honored by the Illinois Press Association for his efforts to provide sunshine on Illinois government.

The Illinois Press Association Legislative Service Award is given to individuals who have shown a commitment to the principle of transparency and the protection of first amendment rights.

“I’d like to thank the Illinois Press Association for this honor and I look forward to continuing our shared commitment to make government more transparent,” said Raoul.

Maloney Recognized for Supporting Business Development

Written by Senate Democratic Caucus Wednesday, 18 November 2009 15:21

The Economic Development Council for the Southwest Suburbs (EDCSS) recognized State Sen. Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) for his efforts to foster a favorable business climate at their annual Business Champion Awards Banquet last night.

The business development group selected Sen. Maloney as this year’s recipient of their Excellence in Government Award. Senator Maloney has long been supportive of efforts to encourage business development and support existing businesses. EDCSS selected Maloney for his foresight in community planning, dedication to economic development, and his outstanding leadership in advancing education as Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee.