Gov Quinn's Monthly Newsletter. Helping you Be Informed about the Gubernatiorial Race.

Monthly Newsletter of the Office of the Governor (IL) Please do not reply to this email. To contact us, click here.

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Governor's Monthly Newsletter

This electronic newsletter is an opportunity for you to learn more about what we’ve accomplished in Illinois government, and how you can get involved. Whether it’s volunteering in a Serve Illinois volunteer project, receiving state services, or learning about new laws and programs, I want to ensure that you know what’s happening in your government.

If you have ideas for improving any State service, program, or this very newsletter, please click here and let us know.

Sincerely,

Pat Quinn
Governor

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Featured Articles

Governor Quinn Appoints Independent Task Force to Restore Trust in Northeastern Illinois Public Transit

On August 15th, Governor Pat Quinn issued an Executive Order creating the Northeastern Illinois Public Transit Task Force, an independent panel of transit, finance and good government leaders who will issue recommendations to reform the mass transit system in northeastern Illinois. The 15-member blue-ribbon task force is charged with developing ways to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse and streamline operations to ensure improved transit service for millions of users each year. The task force will issue recommendations to be considered by the General Assembly and Governor Quinn for both the veto and spring sessions.

Governor Quinn Signs Major Legislation to Make Communities Safer and Keep Guns Off the Streets

On August 18th, Governor Pat Quinn signed a new gun safety law that requires background checks for all gun purchases statewide as well as the reporting of all lost and stolen guns for the first time in Illinois history. This major legislation was a key priority in Governor Quinn’s 2013 State of the State address and is part of the Governor's agenda to improve public safety across Illinois. The state joins Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia in requiring the reporting of lost and stolen guns to law enforcement. The reporting requirement for lost and stolen guns takes effect immediately; the new background check system will take effect January 1, 2014.

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Ensure All Illinois Students Get an Early Start on Learning

On August 15th, Governor Quinn signed a new law that lowers the compulsory school age for students in Illinois in order to ensure all children have the opportunity to build a solid foundation for academic achievement. The law will also help to combat truancy. Research shows that children who start school at an earlier age are less likely to drop out of school, be placed in special education or commit crimes, and more likely to attend college. Under the new law, any student turning six years old on or before September 1 must be enrolled to attend school for that school year, starting in 2014. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2014.

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