Governor Pat Quinn's Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Address

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From the House Chamber in the State Capitol: Governor Pat Quinn delivers his Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Address. The Governor's proposed operating budget is just over $27 billion, but also contains a deficit of $13 billion. We hear what cuts Governor Quinn proposes to lower the budget deficit.

For more information, click here.

Recorded March 10, 2010.  Aired the week of March 15, 2010.  20 minutes.

Proposal to Eliminate the Office of Lt. Governor

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: we hear from Representative Jack Franks as he tells reporters about his proposal to have Illinois eliminate the position of Lt. Governor from the state constitution.

Recorded February 11, 2010.  Aired the week of February 15, 2010.  10 minutes.

2010 State of the State Address

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From the House Chamber at the State Capitol in Springfield: Governor Pat Quinn delivers his State of the State Address. This speech comes as Illinois faces a budget deficit of approximately $12 billion, which is more than 42% of the state's $28 billion operating budget.

For more information, click here.

Recorded January 13, 2010.  Aired the week of January 18, 2010.  1 hour & 20 minutes.

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D):

Auctioning Off the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias tells reporters how the state is preparing to sell a Springfield hotel his office foreclosed on. The hotel was previously owned by politically connected investors who received state loans.

For more information, click here.

Recorded October 20, 2009.  Aired the week of October 26, 2009.  12 minutes.

Gov. Pat Quinn (D) Explains His Vetoing a Budget Bill and Why He is Holding Out for a "Fully Funded Budget"

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Governor Pat Quinn meets with reporters and explains his position on the need for new taxes and why he says he will not sign a partially funded state budget.

Recorded June 30, 2009.  Aired the week of July 6, 2009.  15 minutes.

Senate Executive Committee:

Gov. Pat Quinn (D) Testifies on Proposed Government Reforms

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Governor Pat Quinn testifies before the Senate Executive Committee on proposed government reforms and campaign financing.  This testimony is part of a longer hearing that also heard from those who say the proposed reforms are not strong enough.

Recorded May 28, 2009.  Aired the week of June 1, 2009.  25 minutes.

Governor Pat Quinn (D):

Defending the Proposed Income Tax Hike

From the City Club of Chicago: as the legislature entered its final two weeks of session, Governor Quinn tells of the drastic cut-backs in state government that would be needed if his proposed tax increases are not part of the state budget.

Video Courtesy of CAN TV, Chicago.

Recorded May 18, 2009.  Aired the week of May 25, 2009.  40 minutes.

Illinois Business Day Annual Luncheon:

Gov. Pat Quinn (D)

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From Springfield: at the annual luncheon hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers' and Retail Merchants Associations, Governor Pat Quinn discusses his proposal to balance the budget through a combination of tax increases and reduced spending.  He also discusses the need for the state to make changes in the level of pension benefits for new state employees.

Recorded May 6, 2009.  Aired the week of May 11, 2009.  20 minutes.

Governor Quinn Comments on the Reform Commission's Report

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Governor Pat Quinn officially receives the Illinois Reform Commission's final report and takes reporters' questions on how he will proceed.

Recorded April 28, 2009.  Aired the week of May 4, 2009.  10 minutes.

Gov. Pat Quinn (D) Reopens State Historic Sites

From the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield: Governor Quinn announces the reopening of 11 state historic sites that had been closed by his predecessor, Rod Blagojevich.  Governor Quinn made his announcement at the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Dana-Thomas House.

Click here to watch the Illinois Channel's tour of the Dana-Thomas House.

Recorded April 23, 2009.  Aired the week of April 27, 2009.  25 minutes.

The Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act

From Mercy Hospital in Chicago: Attorney General Lisa Madigan discusses an agreement she has reached with healthcare providers to carry out a new law called the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act.  This new law, which took effect April 1, caps what hospitals can charge patients without health insurance and places other limits on medical charges to the uninsured.

Recorded March 30, 2009.  Aired the week of April 6, 2009.  10 minutes.

Governor Pat Quinn (D):

Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Address

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Governor Pat Quinn delivers his first Budget Address.  This budget is designed to finance state operations from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, and in the process, close an $11.6 billion deficit.

For more information, click here.

Recorded March 18, 2009.  Aired the week of March 23, 2009.  40 minutes.

Governor Pat Quinn (D):

Addressing the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies

From Springfield: Governor Pat Quinn addresses the annual meeting of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies.  He also signs an executive order moving the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Recorded March 10, 2009.  Aired the week of March 16, 2009.  15 minutes.

Gov. Pat Quinn (D):

Reopening Illinois State Parks

From Springfield: Governor Pat Quinn holds a press conference at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to announce he is reopening seven state parks closed by former Governor Blagojevich.

Recorded February 26, 2009.  Aired the week of March 9, 2009.  10 minutes.

Celebrating Lincoln's 200th Birthday:

Governor Quinn Speaks with Reporters on Honoring Lincoln and Pending Policy Issues

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From the Executive Mansion in Springfield: Governor Pat Quinn holds a press conference to discuss how Illinois is honoring President Lincoln during the bicentennial of his birth.

Recorded February 12, 2009.  Aired the week of February 16, 2009.  25 minutes.

The Impeachment Trial of Gov. Rod Blagojevich:

Closing Arguments of Prosecutor David Ellis

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From the State Capitol in Springfield: senators listen to David Ellis, prosecutor for the impeachment trial of Gov. Rod Blagojevich.  Mr. Ellis makes his closing arguments, which include a replay of some of the wiretap evidence, and explains why he feels these support the Governor's removal from office.

Recorded January 29, 2009.  Aired the week of February 2, 2009.  40 minutes.

The Impeachment Trial of Gov. Rod Blagojevich:

Closing Arguments of Gov. Rod Blagojevich

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From the State Capitol in Springfield: Gov. Rod Blagojevich addresses senators as they were about to vote on whether to remove him from office.

Recorded January 29, 2009.  Aired the week of February 2, 2009.  45 minutes.

Swearing-In Ceremony of Pat Quinn as Illinois' 41st Governor

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From the State Capitol in Springfield: following the vote to remove Rod Blagojevich from office, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn is sworn in as Illinois' 41st governor.  After Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke delivers the oath of office, Governor Quinn delivers his inaugural address.

Recorded January 29, 2009.  Aired the week of February 2, 2009.  10 minutes.

First Press Conference of Gov. Pat Quinn

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From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: just after taking the oath of office, Gov. Pat Quinn meets with reporters to explain his style of governing and what steps he may soon take to undo some of the actions taken by Rod Blagojevich.

Recorded January 29, 2009.  Aired the week of February 2, 2009.  20 minutes.

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn (D)

From Springfield: a portion of an interview we conducted with Lt. Governor Pat Quinn in March of 2006.  Lt. Governor Quinn, who may soon be Illinois' next governor, talked with us about his thoughts on renewable energy and his efforts to encourage people to walk to improve their health.

Recorded March 30, 2006.  Aired the week of January 12, 2009.  5 minutes.

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn Calls for the Resignation of Governor Blagojevich

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From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: Lt. Governor Pat Quinn holds a press conference in which he asks Governor Blagojevich to resign, or failing that, the Lt. Governor asks the Illinois legislature to begin impeachment proceedings.

Recorded December 11, 2008.  Aired the week of December 15, 2008.  50 minutes.

Governor Blagojevich's Policies and Priorities

From the City Club of Chicago: Governor Rod Blagojevich gives a defense of his administration and tells of his policy priorities. The governor is introduced by Senate President Emil Jones.

Video Courtesy of CAN TV, Chicago.

Recorded August 11, 2008.  Aired the week of September 1, 2008.  50 minutes.

"Under the Dome: The Workings of Illinois State Government"

The Illinois State Treasurer

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From Springfield: another program in our series on the workings of Illinois State Government.  In this installment, we hear from State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias on the role of the State Treasurer.

For more information, click here.

This program is underwritten by a grant from AT&T.

Recorded 2008.  Aired the week of July 7, 2008.  10 minutes.

Comptroller Dan Hynes (D):

Funding State Pensions & Balancing Budgets

From the Executive Mansion in Springfield: at the Annual Meeting of the State Universities Annuitants Association, State Comptroller Dan Hynes delivers remarks on the state's unfunded budget and the continuing challenge of funding the state's retirement systems.

For more information, click here.

Recorded June 17, 2008.  Aired the week of June 23, 2008.  15 minutes.

Economist Ralph Martire on the State's Budget Deficit and

Comptroller Dan Hynes on the State's "Leadership Deficit"

From Southern Illinois University in Carbondale: Economist Ralph Martire remarks on Illinois' troubled economy.  We then hear a speech by Comptroller Dan Hynes (D), who says the state lacks leadership by the Governor to address its fiscal problems.

Video Courtesy of WSIU TV, Carbondale.

Recorded April 23, 2008.  Aired the week of May 12, 2008.  25 minutes.

John Filan:

Chief Operating Officer of the State of Illinois

From Chicago: John Filan, Chief Operating Officer of the State of Illinois and former Budget Director, discusses the state of Illinois' finances and why he says the state's financial situation is not as dire as reported.

Video Courtesy of CAN TV, Chicago.

Recorded April 21, 2008.  Aired the week of April 28, 2008.  55 minutes.

Protecting the Future of the Illinois River

From Peoria: Lt. Governor Pat Quinn discusses the importance of partnerships being formed to protect the Illinois River.  Lt. Governor Quinn's remarks were delivered as part of a gathering concerning protecting the Illinois River's future for commerce, recreation, and environmental quality.

For more information, click here.

Recorded March 7, 2008.  Aired the week of April 21, 2008.  20 minutes.

Managing and Investing State Government Funds

From Springfield: our one-on-one interview with State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who has now served in office for 16 months.  Treasurer Giannoulias discusses the changes he has made in the office since taking over and what he sees as the role of the State Treasurer in the Budget process.

For more information, click here.

Recorded April 9, 2008.  Aired the week of April 14, 2008.  20 minutes.

"Under the Dome: The Workings of Illinois State Government"

The Illinois Secretary of State

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From the Secretary of State's Office in Springfield: Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White explains the services and duties carried out by the Illinois Secretary of State's Office.

This program is underwritten by a grant from AT&T.

Recorded 2007.  Aired the week of April 14, 2008.  25 minutes.

Curbing Finders' Fees on Lost Assets

From the State Capitol in Springfield: State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias proposes to curb the fees charged by certain businesses to find lost financial assets.

For more information, click here.

Recorded March 17, 2008.  Aired the week of March 24, 2008.  20 minutes.

Gov. Blagojevich's FY 2009 Budget Address

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Governor Rod Blagojevich delivers his Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Address.  This is the Governor's blueprint for funding state government from July 2008 through June 2009.

For a brief overview of the proposed budget, click here.

To read a .pdf version of the Budget Address, click here.

Recorded February 20, 2008.  Aired the week of February 25, 2008.  25 minutes.

Issues Behind the Budget Deadlock

From the State Capitol in Springfield: lawmakers, journalist Aaron Chambers, and Comptroller Daniel Hynes discuss reasons behind the continuing deadlock in efforts to create a new state budget and what would happen if state government is forced to shut down.

Recorded July 31, 2007.  Aired the week of August 6, 2007.  30 minutes.

Tammy Duckworth:

Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs

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From Springfield: our one-on-one interview with the Director of the Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Tammy Duckworth.  Director Duckworth, who was wounded while serving as a helicopter pilot in Iraq, discusses the services available to veterans from all wars and their family members.  Director Duckworth, the daughter of a WWII Veteran, currently serves as a Major in the Illinois National Guard and is married to an active duty serviceman.

Recorded May 31, 2007.  Aired the week of June 11, 2007.  35 minutes.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan:

Fighting Mortgage Fraud & Online Sexual Predators

From the City Club of Chicago: Attorney General Lisa Madigan discusses her office's efforts to crack down on fraudulent mortgage lenders who she says are targeting poorer neighborhoods with high interest rates and misleading contracts.  The Attorney General also talks about the growing problem of sexual predators targeting children and teens on the Internet.

Recorded April 24, 2007.  Aired the week of May 21, 2007.  40 minutes.

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn (D):

The Gross Receipts Tax and Increased Electric Rates

From the State Capitol in Springfield: in our one-on-one conversation with Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, he discuss both his reaction to the Governor's proposed Gross Receipts Tax and the increase in electric rates since the beginning of the year.

Recorded May 2, 2007.  Aired the week of May 7, 2007.  10 minutes.

Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D)

From the City Club of Chicago: State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias discusses his approach to running the State Treasurer's Office, some of the policy changes he has already made, and why he feels state government should be run more as a business.

Recorded March 29, 2007.  Aired the week of April 16, 2007.  35 minutes.

Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Address

Click here to read a .pdf version of the Governor's Budget Address.

Recorded March 7, 2007.  Aired the week of March 12, 2007.  35 minutes.

Tougher Standards on Teen Drivers

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: Secretary of State Jesse White and State Senator Bill Brady of Bloomington announce legislation that will require more time behind the wheel in order for teens to receive their drivers license.  This legislation would also put further limits on the hours that teen drivers will be allowed on the roads.

Recorded January 24, 2007.  Aired the week of February 5, 2007.  25 minutes.

2007 Inauguration of Executive Officers

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From Springfield: the 2007 inauguration of Illinois' Constitutional Officers.  Democrats now hold all six statewide offices, and Governor Blagojevich is the first Democrat to be sworn-in for a second term since the second inaugural of Otto Kerner in January 1965.

Click here to read a copy of Governor Blagojevich's Inaugural Address.

Recorded January 8, 2007.  Aired the week of January 15, 2007.  1 hour & 45 minutes.

2007 Inaugural Ball

From Springfield: later the same evening as the Inaugural Ceremony, Constitutional Officers, legislators, and supporters gathered at the Illinois State Fairgrounds for the Inaugural Ball.  Here is a look at some of the celebration and celebrants.

Recorded January 8, 2007.  Aired the week of January 15, 2007.  10 minutes.

State of Illinois' Economic Health

From Springfield: our one-on-one interview with State Comptroller Dan Hynes.  Comptroller Hynes discusses the state's backlog of bills and why he feels the state is operating with a $3 billion debt, while others say the budget is balanced.  He also talks about problems plaguing the state's taxing structure that have led some to say the state is now operating with a "structural deficit."

Recorded November 29, 2006.  Aired the week of December 4, 2006.  30 minutes.

Blagojevich Administration's Policy Initiatives

From Chicago: Jeff Berkowitz, host of the program "Public Affairs," interviews Deputy Governor Bradley Tusk on the Blagojevich Administration's policies and priorities.

Recorded June 25, 2006.  Aired the week of July 24, 2006.  30 minutes.

Creating a Budget Review Period

From the State Capitol in Springfield: the state budget is generally the last piece of business in the legislature's Spring session.  Members may get the printed budget just an hour before they vote on it.  Here, State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka briefs reporters on her proposal that would ensure legislators and the public have at least seven days to review the state budget before a final vote.

Recorded May 2, 2006.  Aired the week of May 8, 2006.  15 minutes.

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn's Policy Positions & Initiatives

From Springfield: our exclusive interview with Lt. Governor Pat Quinn.  In a wide array of topics, the Lt. Governor defends the Blagojevich Administration's push to raise the minimum wage, discusses potential new oversight on consumer electric rates, and tells us what Illinois should be doing to further develop sources of renewable energy.

Recorded March 30, 2006.  Aired the week of April 10, 2006.  35 minutes.

Rally in Support of "Assault Weapons" Ban

From Springfield: Governor Rod Blagojevich, legislators, and family members of gun-violence victims rally in support of House Bill 2414, which would ban certain semi-automatic guns, which bill supporters call “assault weapons.”

For more information, click here.

Recorded March 23, 2006.  Aired the week of March 27, 2006.  40 minutes.

Governor Pushes Passage of Capital Spending Bill

From Rochester High School in Rochester: Governor Blagojevich campaigns for passage of his $3.2 billion capital spending bill.  If approved by the legislature, the bill would fund building projects such as roads and schools.

Recorded March 6, 2006.  Aired the week of March 13, 2006.  20 minutes.

Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Address

Click here to access the Governor's PowerPoint Presentation illustrating the Fiscal Year 2007 budget.

Recorded February 15, 2006.  Aired the week of February 20, 2006.  40 minutes.

Lisa Madigan (D)

Illinois Attorney General

From Washington, DC: Attorney General Lisa Madigan explains why she testified before a Congressional Committee on prohibiting the sale of cell phone records.  She also talks about her effort to crack down on mortgage fraud and her proposal to require nonprofit hospitals to spend eight-percent of their revenues on charity care.

Recorded February 1, 2006.  Aired the week of February 13, 2006.  5 minutes.

Governor Blagojevich Recognized for "All Kids" Program

From Washington, DC: At a meeting of Families USA, a national healthcare organization, Governor Rod Blagojevich receives the Villers Award for creating his "All Kids" healthcare plan.  The annual Villers Award recognizes achievement in children's healthcare.

Recorded January 26, 2006.  Aired the week of February 6, 2006.  20 minutes.

2006 State of the State Address

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Governor Rod Blagojevich delivers his fourth State of the State Address.  This annual speech contains a review of the legislative accomplishments of past years and the Governor's proposals for this Spring's legislative action.

Recorded January 18, 2006.  Aired the week of January 23, 2006.  40 minutes.

Role of the Attorney General

From the Sangamo Club in Springfield: Attorney General Lisa Madigan remarks on how she performs her role as Illinois Attorney General.  She also discusses some of the policy initiatives her office is taking to stop the spread of Methamphetamine.

This program is underwritten in part by the Institute of Government & Public Affairs at the University of Illinois and the Center for State Policy & Leadership at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Recorded September 28, 2005.  Aired the week of October 2, 2005.  1 hour.

Increasing Oversight of Gas Prices

From Springfield: Lt. Governor Pat Quinn announces his intention to have legislation passed that would give the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) watchdog authority over the sale price of gasoline in Illinois.  Quinn also promotes the use of E-85, a form of fuel consisting of 85% ethanol.

Recorded September 7, 2005.  Aired the week of September 11, 2005.  30 minutes.

Illinois Aids Victims of Hurricane Katrina

From Decatur: Governor Rod Blagojevich meets with reporters during the Farm Progress Show to discuss what his administration is doing to help hurricane victims and what might be done to lower gas prices for Illinois consumers.  We also hear from Roger Walker, Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, on his department's efforts to help the Gulf states.

Recorded August 31, 2005.  Aired the week of September 4, 2005.  5 minutes.

E-85 Gasoline Grants

From the Farm Progress Show in Decatur: Governor Rod Blagojevich and Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn announce grants to promote the use of E-85 gasoline.  Made largely of ethanol produced from corn, backers claim E-85 gasoline will bring more money to Illinois farmers while lowering fuel costs to consumers.

Recorded August 31, 2005.  Aired the week of September 4, 2005.  35 minutes.

$54 Billion Fiscal Year 2006 State Budget

We get reactions from State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, Budget Director John Filan, and Senators Steve Rauschenberger (R) and Kwame Raoul (D).

Recorded May 31, 2005.  Aired the week of June 5, 2005.  30 minutes.

Supervision Lengthened for Sexual Offenders

From the State Capitol: a portion of a press conference in which Attorney General Lisa Madigan discusses new legislation that could lead to lifetime supervision of those convicted of a sexual offense.

Recorded May 16, 2005. Aired the week of May 22, 2005.  5 minutes.

Lobbying for Rare Isotope Accelerator

From Washington, DC: a delegation from Illinois, including Senator Dick Durbin and Governor Rod Blagojevich, announce plans to seek a $1 billion project, the Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA) from the U.S. Energy Department.  Governor James R. Thompson and JPMorgan Chase Chairman of the Midwest William M. Daley, also in attendance, have been appointed by Governor Blagojevich to co-chair a special task force charged with helping Illinois land RIA.

For more information, visit: www.riaforillinois.com.

Recorded April 27, 2005.  Aired the week of May 1, 2005.  20 minutes.

Role and Duties of the Lieutenant Governor

For more information on topics discussed in this program, visit:

www.homefront.org and www.blackoutsolutions.org

Recorded March 9, 2005.  Aired the week of March 13, 2005.  30 minutes.

Limiting Court Supervision for Bad Drivers

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: Secretary of State Jesse White announces his intention to seek new legislation that would stop drivers from having past violations removed from their permanent records.

Recorded February 24, 2005.  Aired the week of February 27, 2005.  20 minutes.

Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Address

From the State Capitol: Governor Rod Blagojevich delivers his $53 Billion Budget Address, proposing some $43.5 Billion in spending for Operations and $9.4 Billion in Capital spending.  The Governor also calls for reforming state pensions, reforming Medicaid, and centralizing spending on state healthcare.

Speech Transcript - PDF      Speech Transcript - HTML

Recorded February 16, 2005.  Aired the week of February 20, 2005.  60 minutes.

Mid-Term Evaluation of the Blagojevich Administration

From Springfield: Capitol Journalists give a review of the Blagojevich Administration as it reaches the half-way mark of a four-year term.  We hear from Kevin McDermott, Capitol Bureau Chief for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Bernie Schoenburg, political reporter and columnist for the Springfield State Journal-Register; and Jim Nowlan, former legislator and now Senior Fellow at the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois.

This program is underwritten in part by the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois and the Center for State Policy and Leadership at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Recorded January 26, 2005.  Aired the week of February 13, 2005.  80 minutes.

2005 State of the State Address

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Governor Rod Blagojevich delivers the annual State of the State Address.  This is the third time Governor Blagojevich has delivered this address, which covers the Governor's assessment of past accomplishments and remaining challenges facing Illinois.  Immediately following the Governor's remarks, legislators share their thoughts on the speech.

  Speech Transcript - PDF       Speech Transcript - HTML

Recorded February 3, 2005.  Aired the week of February 6, 2005.  84 minutes.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan

From Chicago: Attorney General Lisa Madigan discusses recent initiatives handled by her office, including her recent argument of a Fourth Amendment case before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC.  In 2002, Attorney General Madigan became the first woman elected to serve as Illinois Attorney General.

Recorded November 16, 2004.  Aired the week of December 5, 2004.  40 minutes.

U.S. Supreme Court: Illinois v. Caballes

From Washington, DC: Attorney General Lisa Madigan comments on the case Illinois v. Caballes and the Fourth Amendment issues involved.

Recorded November 10, 2004.  Aired the week of November 21, 2004.  10 minutes.

AARP Legislative Lobby Day Rally

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Governor Rod Blagojevich talks to AARP members about his efforts to allow importation of prescription drugs from Canada.  We will also hear from the state’s newest Senator, Kwame Raoul, who replaced Barack Obama in the Illinois Legislature.

Recorded November 16, 2004.  Aired the week of November 21, 2004.  20 minutes.

Website Rx for Drug Savings

From Chicago: Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is joined by Wisconsin Governor Doyle (D) at a press conference in which the two governors announce a plan to allow citizens to buy prescription drugs from outside the U.S.  Using a website set up by the state of Illinois, citizens of both Illinois and Wisconsin can enroll to buy their prescriptions, or just check to compare the costs of their prescriptions against what they could pay if they join the new I-SaveRx program.

Recorded October 5, 2004.  Aired the week of October 10, 2004.  28 minutes.

Tribute to Ulysses S. Grant

From New York, NY: During the Republican National Convention, Illinoisans pay tribute to the legacy of Ulysses S. Grant at his tomb in New York.  Members of the delegation include Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar-Topinka.

Recorded September 1, 2004.  Aired the week of October 3, 2004.

Capitol Shooting of Statehouse Guard

From Springfield: Governor Blagojevich is joined by Illinois law enforcement officers on the evening of the killing of an unarmed Illinois Statehouse guard.  The officials discuss details of the shooting and Capitol security changes that may be implemented in the future.

Recorded September 20, 2004.  Aired the week of September 26, 2004.  20 minutes.

Capitol Shooting Briefing

From Springfield: Secretary-of-State Jesse White and law enforcement officers brief members of the press on the shooting at the Capitol and the status of the investigation into the shooting.

Recorded September 20, 2004.  Aired the week of September 26, 2004.  25 minutes.

Reform of the State Board of Education

From Springfield: Governor Blagojevich holds a press conference where he introduces the new members of the State Board of Education.  He also announces the passing of Senate Bill 3000, which allows the Governor to have more control over the Board.

Recorded September 14, 2004.  Aired the week of September 19, 2004.  50 minutes.

Soy Bio-Diesel Fuel

From Decatur:  Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn proposes the development of soy bio-diesel fuel as an energy alternative source and to help the environment.

Recorded August 25, 2004.  Aired the week of September 5, 2004.  15 minutes.

Special Legislative Sessions Called to Resolve the State Budget

From Springfield: With the new fiscal year beginning on July 1, and no budget in sight, Governor Blagojevich says he will call legislators to Special Session every day until a new budget is passed.  The Governor's political tug-of-war is not only with legislative Republicans, but also with House Speaker Michael Madigan, who opposes the Special Sessions.

Recorded June 23, 2004.  Aired the week of June 27, 2004.  30 minutes.

Making Business Tax Breaks Public

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Governor Blagojevich calls for changes that would require corporations with assets over $100 million to publicly report the tax breaks they claim in order to reduce their state tax liabilities.  His legislative proposal would also require these businesses to report the number of Illinois jobs they've created.

Recorded May 12, 2004.  Aired the week of May 16, 2004.  40 minutes.

Revamping the Board of Education

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Senator Pat Welch (D-Peru), Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago), and Senate Education Committee Chairman, Senator Miguel del Valle (D-Chicago), join Governor Rod Blagojevich in announcing an agreement on reforming the State Board of Education.  In lieu of the Governor's State-of-the-State proposal to create a new department of education, this new proposal will allow the governor to appoint the majority of board members on the State Board of Education, thus giving the Governor effective control over that agency.

Recorded May 13, 2004.  Aired the week of May 16, 2004.

Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn and Representative Mike Boland on Prescription Drug Costs

From Springfield: Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn and Representative Mike Boland (D-Moline) meet with reporters to discuss the rising cost of prescription drugs and their efforts to control the cost of prescription drugs.

Recorded April 28, 2004.  Aired the week of May 2, 2004.  30 minutes.

Governor Blagojevich Meets the Press

From Springfield: From his office in the State Capitol, Gov. Rod Blagojevich offers his views on the state's budget and affirms his opposition to an across the board tax increase.  The governor also talks about his opposition to doctors efforts to cap malpractice awards.

Recorded April 28, 2004.  Aired the week of May 2, 2004.  35 minutes.

Governor Attends National Governor's Association Meeting

From the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC: Governor Rod Blagojevich meets with reporters following his lunch with the Illinois Congressional delegation. The Governor and Illinois congressmen discussed pending legislation and Illinois' legislative priorities. The Governor was in Washington attending the National Governor's Association winter meeting.

Recorded February 24, 2004.  Aired the week of March 1, 2004.

Illinois State Budget Address

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Governor Rod Blagojevich lays out his plan for spending in Fiscal Year 2005, which starts July 1, 2004.

Recorded February 18, 2004.  Aired the week of February 23, 2004.

Attorney-General Lisa Madigan

From Springfield: Now in office for 13 months as the Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan talks about her approach to fighting consumer fraud, registering sexual offenders, and pushing for new legislation to keep the law current with a growing wave of Internet based crimes.

Recorded February 18, 2004.  Aired the week of February 23, 2004.

Eliminating Statewide Offices

From the State Capitol in Springfield: State Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka is joined by House Republican Leader, Representative Tom Cross and Senate Republican Leader, Senator Frank Watson at a press conference in which they announce their plan to combine the Treasurer's office with the Comptroller's office and eliminate the office of the Lieutenant Governor.  The Republican leaders claim this will save the state between $4 million to $15 million a year and will lead to better operations within state government.

Recorded February 4, 2004.  Aired the week of February 9, 2004.  12 minutes.

2004 State of the State Address

From the State Capitol in Springfield: During his 2004 State of the State Address, Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) demonstrates the amount of regulations employed by the State Board of Education to regulate Illinois Education Policy.  The Governor spent the greater part of his one and a half hour speech attacking the State Board of Education and proposed to transfer much of its authority and duties to a Illinois Department of Education, which would be under the control of the Governor and the General Assembly.  The State Board of Education is authorized as an independent state agency.

FOR SPEECH TEXT CLICK HERE

Recorded January 15, 2004.  Aired the week of January 18, 2004.  1 hour and 35 minutes.

Republican Response to the State of the State Address

From Springfield: House Republican Leader, Representative Tom Cross responds to the Governor's State of the State immediately following its conclusion.  Our coverage of reaction to the speech includes comments by State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka (R), Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson (R), other legislative members, and State Superintendent of Schools, Robert Schiller, Ph.D., who rebuts the Governor's criticisms.

Recorded January 15, 2004.  Aired the week of January 18, 2004.  25 minutes.

Governor Blagojevich Press Conference

Recorded October 1, 2003.  Aired the week of October 5, 2003.  25 minutes.

Former Governor Jim Edgar on the Power and Responsibilities of the Office of the Governor

Recorded September 8, 2003.  Aired the week of September 21, 2003.  45 minutes.

Fighting Consumer Fraud & Scams

From the Illinois Attorney General's Office in Springfield: Each year various Illinois citizen becomes a targets of fraudulent businesses and scam artists.  For 21 years, Assistant Attorney General Deborah Hagan has worked in the area of consumer fraud.  She discusses how the Attorney General's office is pursuing current scams, and the recourse for citizens who were victimized.

Recorded August 7, 2003.  Aired the week of August 10, 2003.  26 minutes.

House Executive Committee

Recorded May 28, 2003.  20 minutes.

Governor Blagojevich on New Highway Projects

Recorded May 5, 2003.  Aired the week of May 11, 2003.  20 minutes.

Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn and Legislators Propose Benefits for Guard and Reservists

Recorded April 16, 2003.  Aired the week of April 20, 2003.  30 minutes.

Governor Blagojevich's Budget Address

Recorded April 12, 2003.  Aired the week of April 13, 2003.  90 minutes.

Governor Blagojevich on Security Appointments and Public Safety Preparations

Recorded March 19, 2003.  Aired the week of March 24, 2003.  22 minutes.

State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka: Low Interest Loans for Reservists

From Springfield: State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka discusses her office's low-interest loans available to active duty reservists.

For more information on this program click on this link: http://www.state.il.us/treas/Programs/operationprotect.htm

Recorded March 12, 2003.  Aired the week of March 24, 2003.  5 minutes.

Governor Blagojevich's State of the State Address

Recorded March 12, 2003.  55 minutes.

State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka: Republican Reaction

From Springfield: State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, who now leads the Illinois Republican Party, offers a Republican response to the Governor's State of the State Address.

Recorded March 12, 2003.  8 minutes.

Governor Blagojevich Press Conference Following His State of the State Address

Recorded March 12, 2003.  25 minutes.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan at the United States Supreme Court in Washington

From the United State Supreme Court in Washington, DC: Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan discusses the Illinois lawsuit against telemarketers.  This case involves First Amendment issues, and arises from a telemarketing firm that allegedly kept $6 million of $7 million raised on behalf of a charity.

Recorded March 3, 2003.  15 minutes.

Recorded January 13, 2003.  1 hour and 46 minutes.

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Jim Edgar first came to the State Capitol as a legislative intern in 1968. He went on to serve as Secretary of State, and then eight years as Governor.  As a result of his experience at the highest levels of state government, Governor Edgar brings a unique insight into the Governor’s current role and as it evolved over the last 34 years.

This program was recorded in one of the Senate committee rooms in the State Capitol as Governor Edgar addressed a graduate class in political studies.  His comments and answers to students’ questions are a great benefit to anyone wishing to expand their understanding of the legislative process and the human interaction between political leaders.

Recorded September 13, 2002.  1 hour.

Comptroller Dan Hynes

From Springfield: The Illinois Comptroller is one of two elected financial officers in state government, but just what does the Illinois Comptroller do?  Comptroller Dan Hynes discusses the roles and responsibilities of his office, how his office managed to avoid bouncing state checks even though the state's general revenue fund ended the last fiscal year with just nine cents left in the account, and what reforms he feels are needed to improve the state budget process.

Recorded August 8, 2002.  20 minutes.

State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka

From Springfield: In this candid interview, State Treasurer Topinka discusses the state budget process, why the state went from budget surpluses to fighting budget deficits, and flaws in the state budget process.

Recorded June 11, 2002.  10 minutes.

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