| Dear Friends,
Yesterday, my colleagues and I gathered to watch Governor Pat Quinn give his 2012 State of the State Address. The governor presented a number of ideas he will outline more fully in the weeks ahead. The governor introduced tax credits for families with children and employers who hire unemployed veterans; suggested more funding for Monetary Award Program grants for higher education and early childhood education; and encouraged more exports, alternative energy and technology advances to create more jobs. Those are great ideas, and I am eager to hear his funding ideas for those proposals. I am also hopeful we will hear him speak to other major issues our state must address this year, including pension reform, Medicaid costs, and how Illinois will continue to establish Healthcare Exchanges for people who will qualify for provisions of the Affordable Care Act, President Obama’s healthcare reform. On my website you’ll find a short video of my reaction to the governor’s message. I hope you will take a moment to watch it and let me know what you think. Please share with me your concerns for our State. Hearing from you is the only way I can be your voice. Sincerely, Senator Michael Noland |
