Gov. Quinn will deliver his annual State of the State address Wednesday afternoon. He is expected to address gun control, jobs for veterans, and online voter registration, according to the AP.
He is also expected to introduce an ethics proposal that will define what is considered a conflict of interest. The proposal would bar lawmakers from representing a person or corporation where there may be a financial or personal conflict of interest, according to the AP.
The Northwest Herald will provide live updates during Quinn's speech.
12:00 Quinn begins State of the State address.
12:05 Thanks military members for their service. Highlights Illinois Military Family Relief Fund.
12:07 First mention of pension concerns. “Doing what's hard isn't always what's popular. But hard is not impossible.”
12:13 Quinn talks about commitment to small business. $23 million in federal funding as gone to small businesses, many of which are minority and women owned businesses.
12:15 “In Illinois, we leave no worker behind.” Says there are 140,000 job openings in Illinois. Says its important to get people the necessary skills they need. “We'll help more companies hire more veterans.”
12:17 “Nobody in Illinois should work 40 hours a week and live in property.” Quinn wants to raise the minimum wage to at least $10/hr.
12:20 On education: “Illinois is setting the reform agenda for the nation.” Reforms “put the students of Illinois first. Reforms set clear bench marks for teacher evaluations.”
12:21 Second mention of Illinois pension problem. “Our children are being short changed” because of financial strain caused by pension crisis.
12:22 Mentions gun violence in Newtown, Chicago. “We cannot wait for another tragedy to happen before we take action.” Speaks of moving forward with strong public safety legislation. Prohibit sale of assault weapons and high capacity magazines in Illinois. “We must abide by send amendment. But there is no place in our state for military style assault weapons.”
12:28 On people with mental disabilities: Quin says he is committed to making sure all citizens have the opportunity to “reach their full potential.” Illinois will receiving new resources to provide housing for people with mental disabilities.
12:29 On gay marriage: “Marriage equality is coming to Illinois. Let's pass this bill for marriage equality and let's do it now.”
12:34 On government ethics: “Citizens should be able at all times to trust their elected officials.” Calls to ban conflict of interest voting.
12:35 On pension crisis: “Toughest of all issues.” Says it has led to cuts in education, roads. “Pension reform is job 1 for general assembly.”
12:40 State of the State address concludes.
