Mark Kirk for Congress News

Kirk fears bickering will cost Illinois $9 billion - Sun Times

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:49:00 CST

Illinois would be a national "laughingstock" if state leaders keep feuding over how to finance a statewide construction program and blow an October deadline to get $9 billion in federal matching funds, Rep. Mark Kirk said Monday.

"Gov. Schwarzenegger in California, Gov. Rendell in Pennsylvania, Gov. Crist in Florida, Gov. Paterson in New York, all are ready to put forward a match if Illinois drops the ball on the 5-yard line," the north suburban GOP congressman said.

The money has been in the federal budget waiting to go to Illinois since 2005. But Gov. Blagojevich, state House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and other leaders in Springfield have tangled over how to finance the state's portion of the tab to build roads, schools and other projects. Blagojevich has blamed Madigan for refusing to discuss options.

"If [Madigan] comes to the table, of course it can be done," Blagojevich spokeswoman Katie Ridgway said.

Madigan spokesman Steve Brown responded, "They still have a bill that is opposed by the city of Chicago. . . . They still have a lack of safeguards for the projects so people know how the money will be properly spent."

Brown said Illinois' strong congressional delegation should be able to delay a raid on the $9 billion if negotiations drag on past October.

Congressman Asks Terrorist Screening of Gaza Fulbrights - New York Sun

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:06:00 CST

WASHINGTON � A Republican congressman is pressing the State Department to screen three Palestinian Arab recipients of Fulbright grants to determine their links to terrorism after learning of their affiliation with a Hamas-sponsored university.

The three winners of American taxpayer-funded Fulbright grants to study in America � Fidaa Abed, Osama Dawoud, and Zohair Abu Shaban � have studied or taught at the Islamic University of Gaza. An Israeli newspaper, Yediot Ahronot, reported in 2007 that Islamic U. was one location where a kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, was kept after his abduction in 2006. The newspaper also said forces loyal to President Abbas had raided the university in 2007 and found stocks of rifles and rocket launchers.

"On its face, the State Department's decision to award Fulbright Scholarships to employees or affiliates of Islamic University of Gaza is a direct violation of new U.S. Law," Rep. Mark Kirk, a Republican from Illinois, wrote in a letter to the acting inspector general of the State Department, Harold Geisel, on June 10.

The letter also cites an Israeli press report that an officer in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard taught a course at the university in explosives-making, though one source cautioned that that claim may be propaganda from a rival Palestinian Arab faction.

During the weekend, Secretary of State Rice pressed Israel to allow the three Fulbright winners to leave Gaza, as Israel had allowed four other Gazan Fulbright winners to leave earlier this month. This week, Israeli officials had announced that two of Islamic University's Fulbright recipients would not be granted exit visas because their names were on an Israeli terror watch list.

The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times have taken up the cause of the Palestinian Arab Fulbright winners. But for Mr. Kirk the episode discloses a potential weakness in the Fulbright screening process.

In his letter to Mr. Geisel, the Republican lawmaker urged the acting inspector general to "investigate the Department's compliance mechanism so that U.S. taxpayer money never again ends up in the hands of those affiliated with institutions controlled by certified foreign terrorist organizations in violation of U.S. law."

Specifically Mr. Kirk wants the Fulbright winners to be vetted through the U.S. Agency for International Development's Terrorist Screening Center, a new vetting process created to keep development aid out of the hands of terrorists.

"Since the appropriations committee on behalf of the U.S. taxpayer paid for the TSC system, can't we run these names? The answer from State is, we don't do that," Mr. Kirk said in an interview.

The Islamic University of Gaza is intertwined with Hamas. In his letter, Mr. Kirk quotes Jameela El Shanty, a professor at the school who told the Baltimore Sun in 2006: "Hamas built this institution. The university presents the philosophy of Hamas. If you want to know what Hamas is, you can know it from the university."

While America has supported a recent cease-fire announced this week between Hamas and Israel, the State Department since 1997 has considered Hamas a foreign terrorist organization.

In a response to questions from Mr. Kirk, the State Department responded that it does not have formal ties with the Islamic University of Gaza, or IUG. "The U.S. Consulate does not deal with the IUG as an institution because of its links to Hamas. However, we continue to accept applications from individual students and professors. These applications go through the same vetting process as all other USG funded grantees," the State Department wrote in response.

Mr. Kirk however said he was dumbfounded as to why the Fulbright applicants from the Islamic University of Gaza were not fully screened.

"I am an internationalist, I am for exchange programs," he said. "But look at it like this. The upside is three guys get a U.S. education. The downside is the taxpayers funded terrorists entering the United States for God knows what."

The State Department's work on Fulbright scholarships in Gaza in the past has been cause for tragedy. On October 15, 2003, a roadside bomb blew up a convoy of American contractors who were in Gaza to interview applicants for the Fulbright program.

The scholarship awarded to both Americans to study abroad and foreigners to study here was named for Senator William Fulbright, a Democrat from Arkansas. In 2007, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee released the minutes from the executive meetings of that panel in 1967 that Fulbright chaired. In one meeting before the Six-Day War, Fulbright proposed eliminating the tax-exempt status of the United Jewish Appeal because it had lobbied to support Israel in that war. "The trouble is they think they have control of the Senate and they can do as they please," Fulbright was quoted as telling the secretary of state, Dean Rusk.

Kirk seeks to restore assault weapons ban - Pioneer Press

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:46:00 CST

Citing concern about an increase in gun violence nationwide, U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk has introduced legislation to restore the federal assault weapons ban that expired in 2004.

Kirk, R-10th, of Highland Park, held a press conference Monday in Chicago about the new gun control legislation. He was joined by supporters of the assault weapons ban, including Palatine Mayor Rita Mullins, Waukegan Police Chief Bill Biang, and Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence Executive Director Thom Mannard.

Kirk said when he ran for Congress in 1999, he opposed the federal assault weapons ban expiration in September 2004. He said he's backed legislation since then to reinstate it, and this year went even further by introducing his own.

"I was surprised because the Democrats control Congress, and yet 18 months after taking office they have yet to approve this legislation and that's why I introduced my own bill," he said.

During the 10 years the assault weapons ban was in effect from 1994 to 2004, Kirk said violent crimes involving assault weapons dropped by more than 60 percent.

In recent years, he said assault weapons have been used in 20 percent of the murders of police officers nationwide.

"Just two weeks ago, there was a hostage situation in Waukegan where a man armed with two assault weapons shot over 30 rounds of ammunition at police officers," said Kirk.

No police officers were injured in the shooting, but the suspect committed suicide.

The assault weapons ban covers a host of semi-automatic weapons, such as M16s, AK47s, UZIs, and TEC-9s, as well as revolving cylinder shotguns such as the Street Sweeper and Striker 12...

Officials decry financial crisis at Lake County homeless shelter - Pioneer Press

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:44:00 CST

The slumping economy is not just affecting those with a roof over their heads.

Officials of PADS, Lake County's homeless shelter, are facing a severe financial crisis and are encouraging residents to make contributions.

At the PADS Crisis Service location Tuesday in North Chicago, U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, State Sen. Susan Garrett, State Rep. Karen May and Director of Lake County Health Department Irene Piece were among the elected officials to show their support for the organization.

The mayors of North Chicago and Waukegan, as well as Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran and the supervisors from West Deerfield, Shields and Waukegan townships, also were present.

"Our goal was to bring together all the leaders of Lake County to fully understand the need to reach out and raise funds for the increasing homeless population that confronts Lake County," said Garrett of Lake Forest.

"In order to help our homeless population, we're reaching out to our churches, foundations and private individuals to make a contribution of any size," she added.

Mortgage problems

Because of the economy, mortgage foreclosures and high gas prices, the number of homeless people has increased in the past year, leaving PADS with a dramatic shortfall in funding.

"Our numbers are increasing greatly. Lots of families are touched by mortgage foreclosures because their landlords have been foreclosed, so the renters have to move out," said PADS Director Cathy Curran.

PADS needs to cover a shortfall of $360,000 by Sept. 1, of which $150,000 must be received by June 30.

"We anticipate that in our coming fiscal year, which begins July 1, we'll need help," Curran said. "We're hoping that we have enough money from private donors and foundations and the government to continue our programs."

PADS is open all year and helps an average of 75 people each day, but more people are in need of help starting in October. The homeless shelter provides a variety of programs, including Street Outreach, PADS Day Resource Center, PADS Emergency Shelter, Family Center and New Beginnings for Seniors.

From June 2007 through May, PADS saw a 17 percent increase from the previous year in new clients and a 48 percent increase in children. Although the number of veterans (11 percent) was down last year, PADS expects the number to rise as veterans return from the wars.

"As the economy spirals and gas prices go up, PADS continues to see an increase in families who have nowhere to go but PADS shelters," Garrett said.

PADS board members said they will find a solution to solve the financial crisis, but will have to be creative.

Board Member Robert Braash said the number of homeless people has increased in overnight shelters and at two programs for 42 women and children and 10 senior men in Waukegan.

"We may have to provide less support and employ less people, but the beauty of PADS is we've never turned anybody away, nor do we intend to," Braash said.

To make a contribution to PADS, visit www.lakecountypads.org.

AN APOLOGY - Congressman Mark Kirk

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:00:00 CST

On Wednesday, I misspoke when talking with a local Chicago radio program regarding the current presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama as well as the status of our anti-terrorism efforts against Osama Bin Laden. During the course of this conversation, I mistakenly referred to "Osama" as "Obama." After being alerted to my mistake, I apologized to Senator Obama for my misstatement and will take extra care to make sure I do not make such a mistake again.

EDITORIAL: Reinstate the ban - News Sun

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:28:00 CST

For those of us who decry violence in our communities, losing the federal ban on assault weapons was a blow to law enforcement. Now, U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park, has introduced legislation in Congress to restore the ban that expired in 2004. The fact is that military-style assault weapons are designed to kill as many people as possible in rapid-fire succession. One hardly needs an AK-47 and a magazine containing as many as 40 rounds to go duck hunting in the fall on the Chain O'Lakes.

Most Americans and numerous law enforcement organizations support the ban, which had been in effect for 10 years. Waukegan Police Chief Bill Biang endorses the measure. Just two weeks ago, Waukegan police were drawn into a standoff with a suspect, who later committed suicide, who had at least one assault weapon in his possession. Currently, there are an estimated 1.5 million privately owned assault weapons in the U.S.

Chicago police argue assault weapons are being used to militarize street gangs. One study suggests automatic weapons like AK-47s are used in 20 percent of murders of law enforcement officers. Illinois does not have a statewide assault weapons ban or large magazine restriction, which in itself is a travesty.

It is not only law enforcement groups which back the ban. Trauma-care physicians who treat the victims of such weapons feel the same way. They and many others can make the common-sense distinction between owning regular firearms and the folly of legalizing weapons whose primary function is to kill and maim indiscriminately.

It is estimated that while the United States had the ban, there was a 66 percent drop in the number of assault weapons used in violent crimes. Kirk's legislation would make it illegal to manufacture, transfer or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon or high-capacity magazines.

Assault weapons go beyond our right to bear arms. Reinstating the ban deserves bipartisan support.

Kirk Wants Assault Weapons Ban Re-Instated - WGN Radio

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:22:00 CST

(WGN-AM) - The 1994 Assault Weapons Ban expired four years ago, but North Shore Republican Congressman Mark Kirk would like to see it reinstated.

He wants the sale, possesion, or transfer of semi-automatic, high capacity firearms to be illegal.

Kirk said the old assault weapons ban worked.

"We had a 66% drop in crimes involving assault weapons. Weapons designed with only one purpose, to kill human beings," Kirk said.
Richard Pearson of the Illinois State Rifle Association said the drop in crime reflected the increasing number of people allowed to carry concealed firearms.

"What happened during that time Rep. Kirk talked about was that Concealed-Carry legislation went through in most states," Pearson said.

Pearson added hunters would be affected by a re-born assault weapons ban.

Call for renewed assault weapon ban - ABC 7 Chicago

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:20:00 CST

CHICAGO (WLS) -- More flights have been cleared to land at O'Hare Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration is lifting flight caps that have limited arrivals at the airport since 2004.

The weapons were banned in 1994 but that ban expired in 2004.

Monday, Kirk joined local law enforcement leaders to push for new legislation that would get assault weapons off the streets.

Kirk says, without the ban, even police officers in full body armor are in danger.

"They can feel somewhat protected from a normal pistol, but against weapons like these body armor offers no significant protection for a police officer," said Rep. Mark Kirk, (R) Illinois.

The proposed legislation would make it illegal to manufacture, transfer or possess semi-automatic assault weapons and ammunition.
Opponents say the law will not cut down on the number of violent crimes.

Kirk Not Worried by Storm - Roll Call

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:24:00 CST

Election Day won't be the first time Rep. Mark Kirk's (R-Ill.) fate has been tested on the banks of Lake Michigan.

When he was a teenager, the four-term incumbent encountered the Great Lake's notoriously unpredictable rough seas in little more than a dingy. After flipping his sail boat, Kirk lost his glasses and the boat's centerboard, rendering the vessel useless and his options limited.

More than a mile from shore, the future lawmaker reckoned he'd brave the 40-degree water and swim back, Kirk recently recalled in an interview. He soon found himself too overwhelmed by the cold to continue.

But moments before the 16-year-old Kirk nearly cashed in his life's chips, he said he was thrown a rope. Kirk next remembers waking up in the hole of a Coast Guard boat. His body temperature had reached 82 degrees, two degrees shy of cardiac failure. He asked whether he was going to die. The Coast Guardsman said he wasn't sure.

"It was the life-defining event of my life," Kirk said. "It changed everything."

This year, Kirk's world again is expected to experience "change," except this time it's a slogan carried by the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), and an unusually large number of new Democratic voters in the Land of Lincoln.

And unlike his first clash with fate, there is little possibility of a political lifeline for Kirk this year. The National Republican Congressional Committee, which declined to comment on the race, is broke and may have bigger fish to fry other than protecting its best-heeled incumbent in his rematch with Dan Seals (D). The marketing consultant, who lost last cycle by 13,000 votes, has substantial support this time from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and is expected to be one of top beneficiaries nationally of an Obama-led ticket.

But Kirk apparently saw the writing on the wall early on this cycle, raising an impressive $2.9 million so far.

The policy-oriented lawmaker said another part of his strategy this cycle by is to continue to stake out moderate positions on abortion, gun control and other issues that resonate in the district, which takes in wealthy suburbs like leafy Highland Park north of Chicago.

Kirk also said he has paid particular attention to local environmental issues and organized gang infestation in the district's poorer enclaves.

So far, Kirk's battle plan appears to be working. In a ballot test released Tuesday, Kirk was well ahead of Seals, 53 percent to 32 percent.

The poll, taken by McLaughlin and Associates on Monday, included 300 likely general election voters and had a 5.6-point margin of error.
More importantly, the survey also explored Obama's possible effect downballot, which Democrats are speculating may open new doors for their party in traditional Republican strongholds like Virginia and North Carolina.

But the recent campaign survey memo suggests that, in fact, a dramatically different dynamic is under way in Kirk's district.

"In a district that is 33 percent Republican and 35 percent Democrat, the answer to this question will be decided by 'independents' and 'ticket splitters,'" the polling memo stated. "Currently, these likely Obama voters are breaking for Kirk by a 2-to-1 margin and have a significantly highly favorable opinion of Mark Kirk."

In an interview last week, just days before the poll was released, Kirk argued a similar logic, claiming that although Obama will carry his predominately wealthy and highly educated constituency in November, it may not be a blowout against the presumptive GOP nominee, Sen. John McCain (Ariz.).

And unlike the GOP moderates of last cycle, Kirk also is not planning to stow away every last vestige of his party affiliation ahead of the election. Quite the contrary. He is arranging joint campaign appearances with McCain in the district and, in early September, Kirk plans on attending the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

Moreover, Kirk predicted that the district's heavily Jewish population, which he estimated at 20 percent of the electorate, will gravitate toward McCain, who is often considered to hold a stronger stances on Israel and national security than Obama.

Kirk also said many Democratic district voters rarely leave the polling place without picking at least one Republican.

"People in our district feel guilty unless they vote for someone in the other party," Kirk said. "There is a popularity for McCain in the Jewish community that was not there for the president."
President Bush lost Kirk's district twice, taking 47 percent of the vote each time.

And if Jewish voters continue to question Obama, Kirk said, they too may look skeptically at his opponent, Seals, a candidate who shares a similar profile with Obama and whose campaign undoubtedly is counting on a massive boost from the presidential nominee on Election Day.

Still, Seals worked early on to secure strong backing from Jewish leaders and soundly defeated Jay Footlik, a former Clinton White House official, in this year's Democratic primary.

Chief among Seals' early champions were Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and former federal judge Abner Mikva, who represented Kirk's district in Congress decades ago and now is a political confidant to Seals.

Ironically, Kirk said one of his first political jobs was working for the Democratic Mikva in the early 1970s. Kirk later switched parties - because a Democratic lawmaker was mean to him, he said - and he eventually become an aide to ex-Rep. John Porter (R-Ill.), whose seat he won after Porter retired in 2000.

Early on, Porter warned Kirk about the now-octogenarian Mikva, who is still known as a gun-slinging Windy City partisan and perpetual antagonist to Kirk or to any other Republican who dares campaign in the Chicagoland area.

At a social engagement after he was elected to Congress, Kirk recalled that he once unsuccessfully tried to bury the hatchet with Mikva.

"I came up to him and said: 'Ab, I'm Mark Kirk ... I worked for you in 1974," Kirk recalled. "[Mikva] said, 'well, I hope you lose.'"
In an interview, Mikva did not dispute Kirk's recollection, other than to say, "I hope I didn't say it meanly."

The former Clinton White House lawyer argued that Kirk ultimately will be a casualty of the battered Republican brand, which also will suffer in his district this fall because of the aging McCain, who will "come across as very old" to voters.

Mikva also said Kirk should study up on his narrow 1976 victory in the district, which perhaps set the bar for what Kirk must accomplish should Obama win big. That year, newcomer Jimmy Carter (D) lost to incumbent Gerald Ford (R) in the North Shore district by 30,000 votes, while Mikva eked out a 201-vote victory.

"That's about a big of swing as you can hope for between the president and the Congressman," Mikva said.

Local vets flown to D.C. to see memorial - ABC 7 Chicago

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:21:00 CST

WASHINGTON (WLS) -- There was a very special journey Wednesday for a group of Illinois veterans.

Sixty-five of them went to Washington D.C. All of them are World War II veterans.

This is the first trip for a venture called Honor Flight Chicago. Its purpose: to honor those vets, to give them a day to remember and to let them know their service to our nation is not forgotten.

They travel at a slower pace these days... Some use wheelchairs and walkers. And the day has been long in coming as well. They are seeing, for the first time, the World War II memorial that stands in their honor.

Morrie Koebele from west suburban Aurora was thinking of those who never came home.

"General Eisenhower was there, giving them a pep talk. When they got the signal to go, they went. There was a lot of& courage in their hearts," he said.

Sixteen million served their country in World War II. 400,000 gave their lives.

On Wednesday, the veterans were greeted by Illinois Congressman Mark Kirk and former senator Bob Dole, who was instrumental in having the memorial built.

"It's just a wonderful, unique, dignified tribute, and it reminds people who visit here that sometimes in your life you're called to give a sacrifice, and that's what these men have done," Dole said.
The sound of the memorial's fountain, the families visiting the site, medals glistening on veterans' caps - regardless of which branch of the service they fought under, it's an emotional day.

"You wanna know something? All together, we won it. That's the main thing," said Frank Outly, Kankakee.

The Illinois group gathered to place a wreath at the memorial as well as a folded American flag with the picture of a fallen hero.
"I can't believe what my eyes are seeing. It's wonderful. I wish it was here when I was young," said Leo Feller, Manteno.

Feller uses a wheelchair. But in that place, at that moment, he said he felt he must stand.

The Honor Flights are provided free to the veterans, paid for by donations. On Wednesday night, those vets will be welcomed back to Chicago as heroes when they arrive at Midway.

Speaker in the House - Lake County News Sun

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:25:00 CST

Before politicians can go about making decisions in the upcoming session of Congress, a Waukegan pastor will have the floor.

John Caples of Jesus Name Apostolic Church is scheduled to give the opening prayer for the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.

The pastor's prayer will kick off the June session of Congress.
Caples, 52, said his 150-word message will preach the importance of working together.

"We've become a country of special interests," Caples said. "(The prayer's) message is to remind us that the whole is more important than any other parts," Caples said.

Caples, a registered Democrat, was invited to speak through his relationship with U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park.

Kirk, in a statement, said he respects the work Caples and his congregation have done in the community.

"When we talk about strengthening our community, we can take many steps like going after gangs or encouraging economic development," Kirk said. "Pastor Caples and his 4,000 congregants recognize that a holistic approach including faith, education and local support programs is the best way to address many of the problems we currently face."

Caples, a Zion native who has been preaching at Jesus Name Apostolic Church for 16 years, said he thinks politicians also need to concentrate locally. He'll briefly touch on that point Wednesday as well.

"Sometimes when we get to Washington we forget the places we're representing," Caples said. "(The prayer) will remind them that people still count."

The congressional session will be broadcast at 9 a.m. local time on C-SPAN.

$335,000 literacy grant for new immigrants and their children - News Sun

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:23:00 CST

A literacy initiative designed for Latino parents and their young children through the College of Lake County will continue after Congressman Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park, announced a $335,043 grant from the U.S. Department of Education on Monday.

The program "Families Involved in Reading Stories Together" began in 2005, but was scaled back earlier this year when the initial federal grant money ran out and local funding was used to keep the program going.

"The need for this program is very high and we are thrilled to be able to resume it to its original scope and even expand it," said Mary Charuhas, CLC's dean of adult education.

The FIRST program offers parents instruction in English as a Second Language and parenting skills, while their children age 6 or younger do activities promoting reading and learning.

The program began in 2005, building on previous programs offered at the Round Lake Area Library and Adult Learning and Technology Center in Waukegan. During the first 18 months, 397 parents and children were served.

Services funded by the new grant will be offered in partnership with the Waukegan Public Library, Round Lake Area Library, Zion-Benton Public Library and Literacy Volunteers of Lake County.

"Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers, so it's very important that they can read with their children in English," Charuhas said.

Classes are held two hours a day, three days a week for 16 weeks and will begin in August.

For more information or to register for a class, call (847) 543-2021.

Legislative stalemate threatens fed road funds - Lake County News Sun

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 16:44:00 CST

The state's legislative stalemate with regard to a capital program continues to jeopardize billions of dollars in federal matching funds for transit and road projects, according to U.S. Rep Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park.

Kirk, addressing members of the Transportation Management Association of Lake-Cook Monday morning, said a lack of matching funds from the state puts more than $4 billion for transit projects and another $4 billion for road projects at risk.

Kirk said in the battle for federal transportation funding, the enemy isn't Republicans or Democrats, but other states such as Florida and California with underfunded federal road programs and state matching funds ready to go.

"No one would think that in the titanic battle between the states, our own state would fail," Kirk said. "It's like dropping the ball on the five-yard line."

Kirk said Illinois was able to benefit in the past from the clout of former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, and that the battle will be tougher when future federal transportation bills are written and adopted.

Kirk said October is probably the "political deadline" for Illinois to solidify its matching funds and ensure that the federal money available now remains designated for the state.

Referencing what he called a "Shakespearian battle" taking place among state leaders, Kirk said "we all need to work together regardless of what the governor or the speaker of the General Assembly think."

State Sen. Susan Garrett, D-Lake Forest, and State Rep. Sidney Mathias, R-Buffalo Grove, both attended Monday's TMA meeting held at the HSBC national headquarters building in Mettawa.

Garrett said the state won't be able to provide all of the matching funds that are being sought, but she expressed confidence that a capital bill including matching funds will still be adopted.
"It's not all gloom and doom," she said. "This isn't the end. It's not over yet."

"We do have some responsibility in the General Assembly to make sure that we do not lose any of the federal dollars that we received in the last federal transportation bill," Mathias said. "We must match the transit part and we should review projects in the road program to make sure they are still viable."

Before adjourning, the State Legislature passed an operating budget, but not a capital bill for construction projects and other capital improvements.

Kirk said the state would need to provide $2.7 billion to receive $4.1 billion in federal funding for the projects, including Metra and RTA line upgrades and the completion of Metra's proposed STAR line.

CLC expands program for Hispanic kids - Daily Herald

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 16:39:00 CST

Rosaura Acosta doesn't have any problems communicating with her four children.

But she knows as soon as they are old enough to go to school, her limited knowledge of English will pose a problem, particularly when it comes to helping them with homework.

Because of this, Acosta, who moved from Mexico to Round Lake Beach eight years ago, joined Families Involved in Reading Stories Together, or FIRST, a program to teach English to young Hispanic mothers so they can assist their sons and daughters with homework.

"Thank you for the program," Acosta said. "It is very good for my babies. It is very good for mothers too."

The program began in 2005, but was scaled back when funding was cut.

On Monday, Congressman Mark Kirk announced a $335,043 U.S. Department of Education Grant, to expand FIRST.

"We want to say you are welcome here and we want your kids to succeed," Kirk said. "I hope this program will be a model for the United States."

Studies show nearly 30 percent of Hispanic students don't finish high school, compared with 8 percent of white students.

According to College of Lake County administrators, one critical reason for high dropout rates is the lack of parent involvement in a child's education.

When FIRST was launched in 2005, sites were created at Round Lake Area Library, the Adult Learning and Technology Center in Waukegan, CLC's Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan and the Lake County Health Department in Wauconda.

The first year, nearly 400 parents and children enrolled in the program.

Funding was cut the next year, and a scaled-back version of the program has continued at CLC.

With the new grant, the program will be expanded to Waukegan, Mundelein, Round Lake and Wauconda.

The FIRST program has five components: adult education, child education, parenting, parent and child together (PACT) activities and library education.

Each week, parents are given a new children's book to read at home. Adults and children also learn how to use local libraries and computers, as well as develop literacy and social skills.

"The need for this program is very high, and we are thrilled to be able to resume it to its original scope and even expand it," said Mary Charuhas, CLC's dean of adult basic education, GED and ESL.

Program helps Latina parents learn English - ABC 7 Chicago

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 11:24:00 CST

State leaders are bringing back a program to help Latina mothers make sure their children get better grades.

Congressman Mark Kirk is reviving "Families Involved in Reading Stories Together" or "FIRST." Through the program, mothers can learn English so they can help their children with homework. The College of Lake County is funding the program with a $335,000 grant.

Kirk says nearly 30 percent of Latino students don't finish high school. One reason is because the language barrier keeps parents from getting involved in their child's education.

"Together, we make sure that moms and dads are reading with their kids, helping with homework -- helping them to succeed in high school and making sure that they go onto college," said Rep. Mark Kirk, (R) Illinois.

Lincolnshire Mayor endorses Kirk - Pioneer Press

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 11:28:00 CST

Lincolnshire Mayor Brett Blomberg today endorsed U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park) to keep his seat in the 10th District, citing the congressman's efforts to fight gas prices, reduce congestion, and expand Metra.

Two weeks after Kirk's opponent, Dan Seals, staged a campaign event at a Lincolnshire gas designed to draw attention to rising gas prices under the Bush administration, Blomberg used the backdrop of the Prairie View Metra station to praise Kirk for legislation that would encourage employers to offer free transit benefits to their workers.

"Kirk remains a tireless advocate for his constituents and I am pleased to give him my strongest endorsement for re-election," Blomberg said in a release. "We need more leaders in Washington like Kirk who can reach across the aisle to stop rising gas prices, reduce traffic gridlock and expand access to public transportation."
Kirk's legislation would offer incentives for companies to boost employee participation in public transportation. According to Kirk's staff, a study by Business Week Research services estimated that 53 percent of employees in Chicago would take public transportation if their employer provided access to current transit benefits.

Blomberg also praised Kirk for his efforts to double track the North Central Metra Line and his bipartisan work with Melissa Bean, D-8th, to ensure the state passes a transportation capital plan.

Kirk's opponent, Democrat Dan Seals, is attempting to paint a different picture of Kirk's effectiveness on transportation issues. Seals maintains Kirk has supported the Bush administration, which has done nothing to relieve rising gas prices.

To underscore the claims, the Seals campaign held an event May 22 at a Marathon station on Milwaukee Avenue in Lincolnshire, advertising gas at $1.85 a gallon, the price the campaign claims gas was at before Kirk went to Congress. The first 50 drivers were able to buy up to 10 gallons of gas at $1.85 a gallon, with the Seal's campaign picking up the difference.

The event created long lines on Milwaukee Avenue, and prompted the Lincolnshire police department to seek compensation from the Seals campaign for traffic control measures.

Kirk has suggested the event may have violated federal vote-buying laws. But Seals says vote buying clearly was not taking place.

Seals gets bill from Lincolnshire for traffic control; Village says it was caught off guard by high-volume campaign stunt - Chicago Tribune

Sat, 24 May 2008 15:37:00 CST

A Democratic congressional candidate who staged a campaign stunt to highlight the high cost of fuel found out Friday that the tab for police traffic control is more than twice as much.

The Lincolnshire Police Department sent a $2,200 bill to 10th Congressional District candidate Dan Seals, who on Thursday offered motorists the chance to purchase gas for $1.85 a gallon-the price of fuel when Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk won his first election to Congress in 2000.

Seals, who is making his second run against Kirk, offered to pay the difference between the $1.85 per gallon and $4.14 per gallon pump price at a Lincolnshire gas station with a 10-gallon limit per car.

Campaign officials estimated 50 cars made it to the pumps during the hour-long event that created a 1.5-mile line of cars that created a massive traffic jam during the busy lunch hour. The campaign had to turn away scores of motorists seeking the bargain-basement price.

A campaign spokeswoman said workers were still tallying the gas bill Friday, but assuming each of the 50 motorists squeezed at least 10 gallons of gas into their cars, Seals' gas bill would have totaled $1,145 - or $1,055 less than what it cost for about two dozen police officers and village Public Works employees to direct traffic around the event for about three hours.

Police Chief Randy Melvin said the village had to scramble to set up the traffic-control operation because the Seals campaign did not touch base with the village before hosting the event. It was only after several residents called Village Hall to ask about the promotion that the Police Department contacted the Seals campaign and learned about it, Melvin said.

"Our Public Works Department really jumped on it," Melvin said. "They literally had to drop everything they were doing to help."

Campaign spokeswoman Elisabeth Smith said even Seals was surprised by the huge turnout at the pumps.

"We're going to fully reimburse the Police Department," she said. "We greatly appreciated their help."

Political gas giveaway jams traffic, raises questions - Daily Herald

Fri, 23 May 2008 15:46:00 CST

The last time Democratic congressional candidate Dan Seals held an event at the Lincolnshire Marathon gas station it drew little public interest.

That was two years ago when he was only talking about gas prices. The reception was much improved Thursday when he invited motorists to fill up at $1.85 a gallon, and paid the difference from the going price of $4.14 a gallon for regular.

Seals' offer was based on the price of gas at the time his opponent, incumbent U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, was elected eight years ago. Seals made a surprisingly close run against Kirk in 2006 and is trying again.

"At least for an hour. At least it's something," Seals said, offering sympathy to price-weary motorists.

Kirk dismissed the event as grandstanding and called for a review to determine if the political event was legal.

About 50 drivers, limited to 10 gallons -- a savings of $22.90 each -- took up Seals on his offer.

Tracy Gentile of Grayslake got a new car two weeks ago because of high gas prices. The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu saves her about $50 a week compared with her old car, a 1998 V-6 Pontiac Grand Prix. "I hated paying 20 bucks a day to get back and forth to work," said Gentile, who works in Lincolnshire.

Gentile said she wasn't aware the event was sponsored by a politician, but she was happy to get the savings.

"It worked," she said.

Seals said rising gas prices have people upset. But even he seemed startled at the response, which led to some on-the-fly maneuvering because of the large turnout.

At its peak, traffic jammed Milwaukee Avenue and backed up around the corner for about a mile onto Half Day Road. Ten Lincolnshire police officers, with help from Buffalo Grove, kept order. Seals will be billed for that, too, said Lincolnshire Police Chief Randy Melvin.

"We're as surprised as anyone the amount of attention we're getting here," Seals said. "There are very few things you can name that have increased that quickly. It's a problem. We need to talk about it."

He dodged the legality question.

"We're not asking people to vote for me," Seals said. "What this is about is to show how expensive the price of gas has become."

Kirk ripped the advertised noon-to-1 p.m. giveaway and asked the Federal Election Commission and others to investigate. Kirk cited his effort to reduce gas prices, raise fuel economy standards, break up fuel monopolies and support renewable energy and efficiency programs as examples of practical solutions.

"While gas prices have jumped nearly $1.50 since Democrats took control of Congress in 2007, political stunts will not bring relief to Americans at the gas pump," said Kirk spokesman Eric Elk.

Like Kirk, Green Party 10th District candidate David Kalbfleisch objected to Seals' event.

"It's dirty politics; it's one step away from directly paying people for their vote," said Kalbfleisch of Arlington Heights. "If it's not illegal, it should be."

Many of those in line heard of the giveaway on television, the radio or from co-workers. Although some waited an hour or more, they didn't seem to care why it was happening.

"Every little bit helps," said Debby Preciado of Lake Villa.

Gabriella Dawson, a political science major at Lake Forest College, said she will pay closer attention to energy issues. She said she likes Kirk's record on environmental matters.

Will she vote for Seals?

"There's definitely a good chance, but you never know," she said. "As much as I would like to be bribed, this is not how you get my vote. It takes a lot more than that."

10th District candidate Dan Seals' campaign ploy offering cheap gas snarls traffic - Chicago Tribune

Fri, 23 May 2008 15:13:00 CST

A political campaign stunt meant to draw attention to the nation's high oil prices backfired Thursday when hundreds of motorists seeking cheap gas caused a massive traffic jam in north suburban Lincolnshire before most were turned away.

Only about 50 motorists who waited in a 1.5-mile line of cars for more than an hour actually made it to the pumps at a Marathon station at Milwaukee Avenue and Half Day Road, where for one hour Democratic congressional candidate Dan Seals offered motorists the chance to buy as many as 10 gallons of gas for $1.85 per gallon.

With gas priced at $4.14 per gallon Thursday, Seals said he would make up the difference out of his campaign fund�an expenditure incumbent U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) contended could violate federal law. Green Party candidate David Kalbfleisch joined Kirk in criticizing the event.

Seals, who unsuccessfully challenged Kirk for his 10th District seat on the North Shore in 2006, scoffed at the notion the campaign event smacked of trading money for votes. Other Democratic candidates across the country have made similar offers of cheap gas recently.

"We're not asking people to vote for me," said Seals, who had campaign workers passing out campaign bumper stickers to motorists as they waited for fill ups. "We're holding this open to anyone who wants to come."

Come they did, causing a lunchtime traffic nightmare that left Lincolnshire Police Chief Randy Melvin fuming. He had almost half of his 25-officer staff directing traffic, which nearly came to a standstill.

"We have cars trying to come in from every direction," Melvin said during the event. "We've probably had fist fights. Cars are lined up for at least 1.5 miles. I'd say there's a couple hundred easy."

Melvin said that what particularly irked him was no one from the Seals campaign alerted him about the event until just before it started. By that time, traffic was a mess, and it remained snarled even after the scheduled 1 p.m. finishing time.

In the end, many bargain-hunting motorists found they had wasted their time�and their gasoline.

"This was a very disappointing experience, and we will remember it come election time," businessman Rick Hirschhaut complained in an e-mail. "Mr. Seals just demonstrated that he is a typical politician. What he says and what he does are not the same thing�just a lot of over-promising."

Seals said his campaign team didn't anticipate the event would draw so many. The campaign chose the $1.85-per-gallon price for motorists because that was what they were paying when Kirk won his seat in 2000.

"I knew the problem was bad . . . but I had no idea you'd have a line of cars like this," said Seals, who arrived late after he got stuck in traffic. "I think what this event illustrates is how people are hurting�how much this increase in gas year after year after year has been working into our pocketbooks."

In the end, Seals said he was encouraged by what he heard from many of those lucky enough to make it to the front of a line for the cheap gas.

"It's going to make me think twice when I go to vote," said Vernon Hills resident Jennifer Perelgut, 33, a Republican who has previously supported Kirk but said now she might consider Seals in November.

Perelgut, driving a GMC Yukon sport-utility vehicle, said she wasn't bothered by the idea that a politician would try to buy her vote.

"I hate to say it, but when it costs me $100 to fill up my tank, any benefit helps," she said.

Kenilworth honors nation's war sacrifices - Pioneer Press

Thu, 22 May 2008 18:23:00 CST

Kenilworth residents honored veterans' sacrifices Sunday with the village's 89th annual Memorial Day parade.

The parade featured the Bill Porter Band, local Scout troops and U.S. Rep Mark Kirk, R-10th, as the grand marshal. Kirk grew up in Kenilworth.

"As is typical of small towns, sometimes there are more people in the parade than actually watch it, which is kind of fun because we invite families, the School Board -- and everybody in town comes out for that event," said Jeff Hudson, president of the Kenilworth Assembly Hall Association, the event's sponsor.

As in the past, Kenilworth celebrates Memorial Day the weekend prior to the actual national holiday. Hudson said the schedule helps boost attendance because the official Memorial Day weekend falls close to graduations and other activities that take place near the end of the school year.

The day began with the local tradition of a two-mile jog through the village at 10:30 a.m. The parade and presentation at Kenilworth Assembly Hall Memorial Park were followed by a community picnic and open houses at the Kenilworth Historical Society and Police Department.