Senator Mike Jacobs News

Jacobs skeptical of Quinn’s “balanced” budget

Written by Senate Democratic Caucus Staff Wednesday, 22 February 2012 16:51

Senator Mike Jacobs is concerned after hearing what Governor Quinn had to say in his budget address earlier today.

“Bad decisions by Democratic and Republican Governors over the last 30 years have forced Governor Quinn to make these drastic cuts. Simply, the chickens have come home to roost,” said Senator Jacobs. “Although these cuts will hurt, my Republican friends will say it is not enough. If that is the case, then I look forward to hearing their proposals.”

Jacobs noted that Phase Two of the Western Illinois University Quad-Cities Riverfront Campus will continue and by the end of 2014 the campus will have five new interconnecting buildings to complete the university expansion in the 36th District.

In addition, Governor Quinn is keeping the Illinois State Police telecommunication center in Sterling open, one of only four that will remain open across the state.

Senator Jacobs was also relieved that Jack Mabley Developmental Center was not on the list of facilities scheduled to be shuddered under Governor Quinn’s budget proposal.

Another high point in the Governor’s budget proposal is that violence prevention programs will once again funded, after being slashed last fiscal year. These program are essential to protect women and children from violence.

Jacobs concluded that, “To ensure these drastic cuts don’t appear in the final budget, we need to make some tough decisions now. This is a starting point for negotiations.”

Jacobs: Big plans needed to move Illinois forward

Written by Jacobs staff Wednesday, 01 February 2012 15:19

These programs the governor wants to enact are great ideas and I support them. However, these are small initiatives that may help the economy a bit, but will not fix the dire problems we are facing in Illinois including our back-logged bills, pension deficits and the rising costs of Medicaid.
- Sen. Mike Jacobs
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jacobs-75x75 Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) is concerned that the proposals laid out today in the Governor’s State of the State Address do not go far enough to get Illinois out of debt.

Today, the Governor proposed aiding working families by increasing the current child tax credit, which I agree is needed, however I don’t think that is enough.” stated Senator Jacobs. "I also believe the returning hero’s tax credit is owed to our brave men and women for protecting our freedom and putting their lives on the line every day.”

The Governor’s proposal also called for increasing the high school drop-out age to 18, increasing funding for the Monetary Award Program and putting additional funding into early childhood education programs.

“Education is my number one priority,” stated Jacobs. “Early education programs prepare students at young age to do well in school. In addition, increasing the MAP grant funding will aid students who want to attend college.”

The Governor also reiterated the need to create more jobs to bolster the states’ economy through the “21st Century Schools” program which will increase construction jobs throughout the state. Senator Jacobs added that the Western Illinois University – Quad Cities Riverfront Campus Building Two is a priority in the Governor’s plan. This facility is helping to keep a skilled technologically advanced workforce in Illinois.

“All of these programs the governor wants to enact are great ideas and I support them,” Senator Jacobs stated. “However, these are small initiatives that may help the economy a bit, but will not fix the dire problems we are facing in Illinois including our back-logged bills, pension deficits and the rising costs of Medicaid. I am looking forwards to hearing if the Governor has a way to pay for these initiatives in his upcoming budget speech.”

Jacobs applauds funding of the "Safe Route to School" program

Written by Jacobs Staff Wednesday, 25 January 2012 14:41

SPRINGFIELD, IL –Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) is proud to announce that the Governor's Office has finally released funding dollars for the "Safe Routes to School" program.

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Jacobs takes action to aid veterans

Written by Jacobs Staff Tuesday, 29 November 2011 17:16

SPRINGFIELD, IL –Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) passed a resolution through the Senate today that urges cable companies to look into creating a veterans cable access channel. This channel would be used to provide our veterans with information regarding social, material and psychological support in their local communities.

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Jacobs legislation will aid military parents during custody hearings

Written by Jacobs Staff Wednesday, 09 November 2011 15:35

SPRINGFIELD, IL –Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) has unanimously passed legislation out of the Senate that will provide additional support for parents in the military who are currently deployed or waiting to be deployed.

"The general purpose of this bill is to facilitate fairness in modifying custody and visitation orders for those in the military," stated Senator Jacobs. "We are trying to make it easier for military families who are dealing with custody issues. I believe this is the least we can do for those defending our freedom overseas."

Jacobs: Utility companies will be held responsible for promises made to consumers

Written by Jacobs Staff Thursday, 27 October 2011 12:57

SPRINGFIELD, IL –An improved Smart Grid plan was passed on to Governor Quinn this week by the General Assembly, passing both the Senate and the House of Representatives by veto-proof majorities. Sponsor of the original bill, Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline), said that Illinois utility companies must live up to the promises made and will be held accountable. Jacobs stated, "We will be watching them like a hawk."