A Blueprint for Illinois Job Creation

From the Illinois House Republican Caucus…

We traveled around Illinois this week introducing our new jobs plan to several communities in an effort to become more competitive with other states in order to retain and grow jobs.

Media Round-up:

We’ve all seen the news. Mounting debt, sluggish consumer confidence, zero jobs created in August – the first time since World War II that the U.S. economy had a net zero jobs created for a month – and the Illinois unemployment rate at a staggering 9.9%, nearly a full point higher than the national average.
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A Blueprint for Illinois Job Creation”


Cook Commissioners Refuse to Take Furlough Days?

-By Warner Todd Huston

News today had it that two Cook County Commissioners have refused to take the agreed upon furlough days as required by the 2011 budget, days meant to save the county money. Both William Beavers and Earlene Collins have both refused to take the 10 days off.

Collins claimed on Chicago’s WLS AM 89 radio that she shouldn’t have to suffer the indignities of the cut in salary that the days off would mean. She says her base pay has never risen since she was first elected to office and that she has already cut out much of her office allowances and other staffing funds so she should not have to take a cut in pay, too.

In fact, claims Collins, she’s already made cuts that amount to more than the some $9,000 that her 10 day furlough would add up to.
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Cook Commissioners Refuse to Take Furlough Days?”


Hultgren Statement On President Obama’s Remarks To UNGA

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (Ill., 14th District)…

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement in response to President Obama’s speech to the United Nations General Assembly.

“This week, the Palestinian Authority may attempt to have the United Nations vote on the question of Palestinian statehood; this is not only misguided, it is a stunning violation of the spirit of the Oslo Accords,” said Hultgren. “We find ourselves at this crossroads due to a failure of leadership on behalf of President Obama. Had the President been a more effective leader, he would have issued his veto threat at an earlier date, in time to influence and shape international opinion against any change in Palestine’s status at the UN.

“I had hoped that the President would use his speech before the General Assembly today to lay down a clear marker of his support for Israel. Instead, he once again chose the route of moral equivalence, falsely blaming Israel for the peace process’s lack of progress.

“I have always believed that our relationship with Israel is unique in world history, and critical to both countries. Those beliefs were reinforced when I had the opportunity to visit Israel and meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu in May. President Obama must stand up this week not only for Israel and the Israeli people, but also for a commitment to the peace process and the rule of law.”

http://hultgren.house.gov/


Rep. Walsh WILL Run Against Hultgren in the New 14th District

-By Warner Todd Huston

I spoke to Rep. Joe Walsh in Lake Villa, Illinois this past weekend and one of his first questions to me was about running against Hultgren in the new 14th District. Obviously the question was weighing heavily on him that weekend.

I told him it would be a tough fight but that I felt Joe had gone a long way to get his name recognition up in his first big year in D.C. Other than that, I had no advice on whether or not Joe could win there.

Well, now Congressman Walsh has made the final decision and will run against Republican Randy Hultgren in the new 14th District.
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Rep. Walsh WILL Run Against Hultgren in the New 14th District”


Illinois Jobs Need to be Job One

-By Illinois GOP House Leader Tom Cross

For nearly 100 years, Modern Drop Forge employees have been manufacturing metal forging tools in Blue Island. In August, the company announced it was moving to Indiana and taking 240 jobs with it. The reason: Illinois’ “poor business environment”–specifically, workers compensation laws and high taxes.

How many more companies and good jobs are we willing to let go before we get serious about workers compensation, regulatory, tort and tax reform?

In January, after Illinois’ governor and Democrats in the General Assembly passed the largest income tax hike and corporate tax hike in state history, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels actively began recruiting Illinois businesses. He isn’t alone. Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey came to Illinois and ran TV ads after the tax vote marketing his state to businesses.
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Illinois Jobs Need to be Job One”


Cliff Surges for IL Senate Comments on Illinois’ Business Climate

From the campaign of Cliff Surges for Illinois State Senate, 33rd District…

The Chicago Tribune recently reported that Illinois is ranked among the three worst states for business, according to a survey of U.S. corporate executives. Illinois’ business climate consists of many more problems than a 67% income tax increase. Career politicians statewide have failed to properly address worker’s compensation, spending reform, and have continued with government barriers to job creation.

“The last thing people in the 33rd Senate District need is another career politician in Springfield. Voters need a State Senator with experience and knowledge in creating jobs, paying our bills, and improving our economic climate,” says Clifford Surges.

Current leadership has come up short and has promoted a poor substitute for the pro-growth policies that remove barriers to job creation. People in the 33rd State Senate district, who live from Geneva and St. Charles up north to Crystal Lake and Huntley, demand better.

http://www.cliffsurges.com/


Roskam Statement on Obama’s Debt Plan

From the office of Rep. Peter ROskam (Ill., 6th District)…

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06), issued the following statement in response to the President’s debt plan:

“It is disappointing that with our economy on the verge of a double-dip recession President Obama is proposing trillions in higher taxes. Small businesses are already begging for mercy from Washington’s high tax and regulatory environment. Higher taxes – and the uncertainty caused by the threat of them – is the last thing American small businesses and job creators need to endure. It’s unfortunate but this latest proposal is predictably sad and sadly predictable from an Administration that has over-taxed, over-regulated, and over-spent our way to nine-percent unemployment and $14 trillion in debt.”

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Roskam Statement on Obama’s Debt Plan”


Run for Republican Precinct Committeeman

-By Doug Ibendahl

In 2010 there were a total of 6,705 precincts in Illinois. (That’s across the state’s 101 counties other than Cook County. Cook has a unique legal structure and neither political party elects Precinct Committeemen there as explained below.)

Of those 6,705 precincts: 3,440 had no one running for Republican Precinct Committeeman in 2010. That’s a 51% statewide vacancy rate.

It also represents a major lost opportunity for thousands of Republicans and our entire Party. It’s unacceptable, and it’s a big reason why good Republican candidates are losing winnable races to the Democrats in Illinois.
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Run for Republican Precinct Committeeman”


Illinois Congressman Apologizes to Muslims for Being Discriminated Against

-By Warner Todd Huston

Mike Quigley, the Democrat Congressman from the Chicago area’s 5th Congressional District thinks he needs to apologize for America. Why? Well, because we have been so darn evil towards Muslims and all, dontcha know? And why are we so mean to Muslims? It’s because Republicans want to cut the budget.

It looks like Quigley has taken a page out of President Obama’s world apology tour playbook by going back to his district to attend the American Islamic College Conference in Chicago where he felt compelled to apologize for America.

After a long winded wind up saying that the “war” we are experiencing between the diverging ideas about the economy is an “ideological war,” and it’s one that is causing us to somehow lash out against Muslims! Never mind that Muslims declared war on the U.S. long before the U.S. had any major economic troubles. He capped that surreal assessment with his grand apology…
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Illinois Congressman Apologizes to Muslims for Being Discriminated Against”


Hultgren Huddle: Americans Speak Out‏

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (Ill., 14th District)…

“I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our Constitution. I would be willing to depend on that alone for the reduction of the administration of our government; I mean an additional article taking from the Federal Government the power of borrowing.” –Thomas Jefferson, 1789

“Only a constitutional amendment will do the job. We’ve tried the carrot, and it failed. With the stick of a Balanced Budget Amendment, we can stop government squandering, overtaxing ways, and save our economy.” –Ronald Reagan, 1982
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Hultgren Huddle: Americans Speak Out‏”


Rep. Walsh: Obama’s Jobs Speech, It Was Political

From Rep. Joe Walsh (Ill., 8th District)…

Last week, I announced that instead of attending Obama’s political speech, I would host a small business job forum. I told you I would not be a political prop in Obama’s latest campaign game.

It looks as though I have been proven correct.

The Democratic National Committee just released their latest web ad promoting Obama. What is the topic? You guessed it: Obama’s joint session. The video is titled “14 Months”, the remaining time until the next election. As reported by “The Daily Caller”, it is evident the ad’s purpose is to raise money for the democrats.
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Rep. Walsh: Obama’s Jobs Speech, It Was Political”


Peter Roskam: Creating Jobs‏

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (Ill, 6th District)…

America needs real solutions that will help private-sector businesses grow and create jobs. Yet, even with 9+ percent unemployment, Democrats continue to force Washington-imposed excessive regulations on our economy.

The disappointing reality is that what may seem like a faceless regulation to most actually has a devastating effect on our local economy and our everyday lives. Read my latest op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times about the severe effects of what excessive Washington-imposed regulations are doing to Chicago-area jobs.
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Peter Roskam: Creating Jobs‏”


Ill. Policy Institute: IL has the most people in poverty since 1992‏

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Poverty is on the rise in Illinois. In 2010, almost 2 million Illinoisans lived in poverty – the highest number since 1992. What have politicians proposed to reduce poverty and put Illinois back to work? Unfortunately, only increased spending and higher taxes.

You and your family are affected everyday by failed,
government-centric policies handed down by Washington to Springfield.

But after the pain of the recession and the absence of a real recovery, we all know there’s no way more government spending will turn the economy around. In fact, higher taxes are only going to hurt struggling families.

If you’re tired of footing the bill for politicians’ reckless ways, check out my latest blog about Obama’s most recent effort to employ the same tax, spend and borrow policies that have sunk the state’s economy for years.
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Ill. Policy Institute: IL has the most people in poverty since 1992‏”


Hultgren Co-Sponsors Resolution Honoring WWII POWs

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (Ill, 14th District)…

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today announced his support for a bipartisan resolution which commemorates the men and women who were taken as U.S. POWs in the Pacific during World War II.

“Today, September 16, is National POW/MIA Recognition Day, on which our nation honors the commitments and sacrifices made by our American prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action,” said Hultgren. “It is our moral obligation to honor the men and women who suffered grave injustices during World War II and with fewer than 500 surviving World War II POWs alive today, this resolution is a small, but significant, gesture to show these brave men and women that Congress has not forgotten about their experience and sacrifice.”

H.Res. 333 has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and currently has 28 cosponsors.

http://hultgren.house.gov/


Rep. Peter Roskam to Deliver the Weekly Republican Address

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (Ill, 6th District)…

Chief Deputy Whip Will Discuss House’s Efforts to Address Excessive Regulations That Hamper Job Creation

WASHINGTON, DC – Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) will provide an update on the House’s efforts to address excessive federal regulations that hamper job creation in America. Last week, Roskam recruited job creators hurt by Washington overregulation to attend the president’s address to Congress as guests of Speaker Boehner.

“Small business owners are fighting to create and innovate every day, but continue to be shackled by excessive regulatory barriers to job creation,” Rep. Roskam said. “Appropriate and responsible regulations help protect our health and safety, yet Washington has turned rule-making into an assault on American businesses and the jobs they create. Small businesses already struggling in a down economy are facing the additional burden of job-destroying regulations written by unelected bureaucrats at federal agencies in Washington. That’s why House Republicans are taking action to grow our economy, voting all this fall to stop some of Washington’s most excessive regulations. I hope this address helps shed light on excessive federal regulations, and the need to get government out of the way of America’s job creators.”

Peter Roskam is in his third term as Congressman for the Sixth District of Illinois and is the Chief Deputy Whip, a member of House leadership. He is a member of the House Ways & Means Committee and is the co-chair of the Republican Israel Caucus. Roskam has emerged as a leading advocate for fundamental tax reform and passing the three stalled free trade agreements.
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Rep. Peter Roskam to Deliver the Weekly Republican Address”


Hultgren Accepting Military Academy Applications

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (Ill, 14th District)…

Geneva, IL – US Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today announced that he is now accepting applications for nomination from young men and women interested in attending one of the United States military academies for summer 2012 admission.

“As the school year begins, many students are thinking about what’s next,” said Hultgren. “My staff and I are eager to provide information and assist with nominations to the military academies.”

To be eligible for appointment, you must be a United States citizen; at least 17 and not more than 23 years of age on July 1, 2012; unmarried; not pregnant; have no dependents; good moral character; and a legal resident of the 14th Congressional District of Illinois. Average acceptable ACT scores are 24 in both math and English.
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Hultgren Accepting Military Academy Applications”


Kinzinger… IL Democrat to Taxpayers: Send More Money

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Ill., 11th District)…

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger spoke out against Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky who yesterday advocated for more of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars to be sent to Washington.

When asked about the President’s job proposal, which will cost nearly $450 billion and includes an estimated $467 billion in permanent tax increases, Schakowsky defended the plan and later added: “You don’t deserve to keep all of [your money] and it’s not a question of deserving because what government is, is those things that we decide to do together.”

“Unfortunately Congresswoman Schakowsky has proven herself to be vastly out-of-touch with Illinois families and believes more money from taxpayers, more government and more of the same failed policies of the last two+ years are the stepping stones toward prosperity and job creation,” said Kinzinger. “The fact of the matter is, 31 months ago, the President stood in front of Americans and pledged under his near-one trillion dollar stimulus package, unemployment would not rise about eight percent. The President got his stimulus and here we are today with unemployment above nine percent.
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Kinzinger… IL Democrat to Taxpayers: Send More Money”


Cook County Board: Upcoming Events

From the office of Timothy O Schneider, Cook County Board…

Property Taxes

The Cook county Board of Review has launched a new web page that allows Cook County homeowners to appeal their property tax assessments online. Residents can visit the new site by clicking here.

Please note that you can only file an appeal when your township is open for appeal. You can see when your township opens for appeal by clicking here.
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Cook County Board: Upcoming Events”


Congratulations to Sig Vaznelis, New Cook County GOP Chairman

-By Warner Todd Huston

Cook County Republicans have a new chairman. Lemont Township Highway Commissioner Sigitas “Sig” Vaznelis was elected by Cook County’s Republican committeemen to become the newest party chairman Thursday night.

Former Cook County GOP Chairman Lee Roupas stepped down late last month to become the DuPage County assistant state’s attorney leaving the seat open. The election was held at the Parthenon restaurant in Chicago’s Greektown.

We discussed the Cook Chairman race a few weeks ago and in the intervening time a few of the possible candidates dropped out leaving only Vaznelis, Aaron Del Mar, and one-time favorite for the seat Ruth O’Connell of Wheeling Township.
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Congratulations to Sig Vaznelis, New Cook County GOP Chairman”


State of Illinois Salaries Posted Online – The Books Are Open!‏

From For the Good of Illinois…

We opened the books. We posted the payroll and pensions of virtually every public employee from every level of Illinois government. Click here to visit the new website.

Open the books on your local taxing body. See how they are spending your property, sales, and income taxes. Then, please forward this email to your entire address book.

Our purpose was to help you answer a simple question, “How much does my government cost?” For the first time in history, you can quickly and privately find an answer.
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State of Illinois Salaries Posted Online – The Books Are Open!‏”


Kinzinger on Fox Business: Reducing Regulations Will have Immediate Impact on Economy‏

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinsinger (Ill., 11th District)…

On Tuesday night, Congressman Adam Kinzinger joined David Asman on America’s Nightly Scoreboard on Fox Business to discuss whether substantive regulation reform that will help small businesses is possible before the next election.

“The president has thrown basically all of himself into the fact that, once again, we need another stimulus-lite plan, and it’s going to be like the 10th white horse that Washington’s ridden in on to try to save the American economy. It’s not going to be Washington. It’s going to be Main Street.”

Excerpts:

David Asman: Well, we don’t hear the president talking about really substantial deregulation, but you think a lot of new congressmen are. Will it pass before 2012 elections?
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Kinzinger on Fox Business: Reducing Regulations Will have Immediate Impact on Economy‏”


Hultgren: America’s Chance to Speak Out for a Balanced Budget Amendment

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (Ill, 14th District)…

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today announced the kick-off of the America Speaking Out (ASO) initiative for residents to express their opinion about a balanced budget amendment (BBA) to the U.S. Constitution.

“I feel that the only permanent solution to our debt crisis is to enshrine it in the Constitution and legally force future Congresses and Presidents to stop spending money they don’t have,” said Hultgren. “Currently, 49 states abide by some form of a balanced budget requirement and national polls prove that the American people support a balanced budget amendment to our Constitution.”

As part of the debt ceiling increase in August, the House and Senate are required to vote on a BBA between October 1, 2011, and December 31, 2011. If the BBA receives two-thirds support in both the House and the Senate, it will be sent to all 50 states for ratification.
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Hultgren: America’s Chance to Speak Out for a Balanced Budget Amendment”


Roskam Applauds House Passage of NLRB Legislation

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (Ill 6th District)…

WASHINGTON – Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06), Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2587, the Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act, a bill restricting the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) from ordering any employer to close, relocate, or transfer employment. The NLRB sued Boeing and told them they could not open a new plant in South Carolina, a right-to-work state, saying Boeing’s actions were an act of retaliation against unions. The House passed the bill 238-186.

“I applaud the House for taking action to free a Chicago-based business blocked by unelected Washington bureaucrats from simply creating more American jobs. The NLRB’s declaration and lawsuit was an unprecedented regulatory overreach – made worse since Boeing had already invested over $1 billion in their new South Carolina plant. Washington has no place telling American companies where they can and cannot create American jobs. The disappointing reality is that the NLRB’s cheap political trick has real consequences on local economies and families. Not only is South Carolina’s economy affected by the thousands of new good-paying jobs being stalled, but Boeing devoting resources to fighting this regulation means there’s less to invest in other parts of their business, a company with employees in all 50 states.

“Today’s vote is just the latest solution from House Republicans to help grow our economy and remove the government barriers to job creation. With roughly a dozen House-passed bills stalled in the Senate, it’s long past time the Senate joined us to make real solutions the law.”

http://roskam.house.gov/


VIDEO: Roskam Discusses Obama Jobs Proposal on CNBC

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (Ill 6th District)…

Roskam: “… the President created an urgency in his speech saying ‘pass this now,’ but it’s important to recognize that the White House can change the dynamic on regulations immediately.”

Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL), Chief Deputy Whip, appeared on CNBC’s Kudlow Report last evening to discuss the President’s new spending proposal.

On Reducing Regulations Now to Help the Economy:

“… the President created an urgency in his speech saying ‘pass this now,’ but it’s important to recognize that the White House can change the dynamic on regulations immediately.”
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VIDEO: Roskam Discusses Obama Jobs Proposal on CNBC”


You Can Win a Chance to Meet Glenn Beck at TeaCon

From the Chicago Tea Party…

TeaCon 2011, the Midwest Tea Party Convention is coming up soon on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1 in Schaumburg, IL. TeaCon will feature Glenn Beck, Andrew Breitbart, Dana Loesch, Steven Crowder, a day of engaging training and breakout sessions, a Presidential Straw Poll and much more. Tickets are going fast, so make sure to get yours now. Please use code “CHI” at checkout and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Chicago Tea Party.

We are also offering an exciting opportunity to attend an exclusive meet and greet with Glenn Beck at TeaCon. This is your chance to meet and talk with Glenn and have your picture taken with him. We have three different ways you can win:
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You Can Win a Chance to Meet Glenn Beck at TeaCon”


Roskam Urges Americans to Speak Out About a Balanced Budget Amendment

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (Ill. 6th District)…

WASHINGTON – Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06), Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement today urging Americans to use the America Speaking Out (ASO) initiative to express their opinion about a balanced budget amendment (BBA) to the U.S. Constitution:

“With over $14 trillion in debt, continued 9-plus percent unemployment and a liberal Washington orthodoxy that demands continuously higher borrowing and spending, the American economy is on the verge of drowning in red ink. House Republicans have been speaking out for months about the need for a balanced budget amendment, legally binding Washington to produce annual budgets that spend no more than the government takes in. Now, through America Speaking Out, an innovative platform we first launched last year, I urge Americans to join the conversation, speak out, and tell us their views on a balanced budget amendment.
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Roskam Urges Americans to Speak Out About a Balanced Budget Amendment”


Kirk, Lipinski, Hultgren Call for Extension of Surface Transportation Legislation

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (14th District)…

Longer-term bipartisan bill could mobilize $100 billion in new public-private partnerships

Chicago, IL – In a show of bipartisan, bi-cameral unity United States Senator Mark Kirk, Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3), and Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14) joined representatives from the Illinois Road Builders Association, Operating Engineers Local 150 and other transportation advocates in calling for Congress to extend the expiring Surface Transportation Act. This legislation authorizes federal transportation projects across the nation, and allows the collection of revenues that fund infrastructure improvements. It was introduced in the House late Friday that would extend aviation programs through January and highway and transit programs through March. If Congress does not adopt this act by September 30th, federal reimbursement of highway and transit projects will stop, with $100 million in funding lost each day.

“Congress should quickly approve this extension legislation to avoid a shutdown of the Highway Trust Fund,” said Kirk. “We also support a longer-term solution by lifting federal barriers that could mobilize up to $100 billion for transportation private-public partnerships.”
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Kirk, Lipinski, Hultgren Call for Extension of Surface Transportation Legislation”


Schilling appointed to House Small Business Committee

From Congressman Bobby Schilling’s (IL-17) office…

House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) today announced that Rep. Bobby Schilling (R-IL) will join the House Small Business Committee in the 112th Congress. Congressman Schilling will be the 15th Republican Member on the Committee.

“As a small business owner, Congressman Schilling knows how government policies can help or harm job creation and entrepreneurship,” said Chairman Graves. “His commitment to creating jobs and helping other small companies thrive will make him a forceful advocate in Washington for small business owners and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Schilling and his family own and operate Saint Giuseppe’s Heavenly Pizzeria in Moline, Illinois. His experience as a small business owner shapes his understanding of government and its purpose. Members of the House Small Business Committee will play an integral role in shaping key policies that will help encourage new hiring and promote entrepreneurship in America.
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Schilling appointed to House Small Business Committee”


New Federal Policy Hinders Fight Against Human Trafficking Penalizes Faith-Based Groups Over Abortion Stance

From Lake County Right to Life…

(Grayslake, IL—September 7, 2011) Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, where immigrants are forced into prostitution or slave labor. Since 2000, with the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), the Department of Health and Human Services has operated anti-trafficking programs, providing them through nonprofit partner organizations. From the beginning, faith-based organizations were in the forefront of these efforts, instrumental in developing ATIP (Anti-trafficking in Persons Program) and providing a large percentage of services. Now changes in HHS grant requirements will exclude some of these very organizations from participating in the programs.

Between 14,500 and 17,500 victims are trafficked in the U.S. annually, about 1/3 of them children. Coalition partners identify victims, raise public awareness and provide services such as food, shelter, legal assistance, income assistance, mental health services, English language training, employment assistance and health care.
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New Federal Policy Hinders Fight Against Human Trafficking Penalizes Faith-Based Groups Over Abortion Stance”


Kinzinger, House Freshmen Who Have Served & Veterans, Pay Tribute to 9/11

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (11th District)…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) and twenty-one of his freshmen colleagues, who are veterans or have served in the military, released a video in honor and remembrance of the lives that were lost and the brave Americans who displayed heroic efforts on September 11th.

Kinzinger, a captain in the Air National Guard, issued the following statement as we approach the anniversary of September 11th:

“On September 11th and the days immediately following this tragedy, there were no Democrats or Republicans – we were Americans.

“Throughout my tours overseas, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with our men and women who are committed to fighting for the security of our nation and peace in the Middle East. Today, Americans stand proudly united as we pay tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform who continue to work tirelessly to eliminate acts of pure hatred and protect our country. Their sacrifice is the reason for our liberty.

“As we take time to reflect on the events that took place ten years ago, let us always remember that we live in the greatest country in the world, and we will never settle for anything less.”

NOTE: The following is a list of the twenty-two freshmen who appear in the video: Reps. Adam Kinzinger, Allen West, Andy Harris, Bill Johnson, Chip Cravaack, Chris Gibson, Jeff Denham, Jeff Landry, Joe Heck, Larry Bucshon, Michael Grimm, Mike Pompeo, Richard Nugent, Rick Crawford, Sandy Adams, Scott Rigell, Steve Pearce, Steve Stivers, Steve Womack, Steven Palazzo, Tim Griffin, and Todd Young.

http://kinzinger.house.gov/