November 17, 2008

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Dan Arnold, founder of the Road Ranger LLC of Rockford, was recently appointed by Governor Rod Blagojovich to the Historic Preservation Agency. Arnold’s appointment by the Governor was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday, November 13.

Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), who supported Arnold’s appointment, said “This prestigious appointment to the Historic Preservation Agency is a first for Northern Illinois and it means Rockford area will have a strong voice in this very important agency.”

The Historic Preservation Agency operates more than 60 historic sites and memorials including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Syverson noted Arnold’s appointment to the agency has even more significance, since 2009 is the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. The Festivities around the 200th Birthday will be held across the country to commemorate the anniversary, including many events throughout Illinois.

November 13, 2008/bc

SPRINGFIELD, IL –State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) is disappointed the Illinois Senate’s leadership is failing to use the fall veto session to advance crucial issues, such as a statewide construction plan and the lingering budget deficit.

“We’re here ready to work and address these key problems, but the Democratic leadership has other things in mind,” Syverson said. “It’s especially important we pass a construction plan, sooner rather than later. If the Governor and Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) fail to act, we probably won’t see a construction plan until late spring at the earliest, meaning another construction season is lost.”

Syverson said the passage of a construction plan would be instrumental in curbing Illinois’ rising unemployment rate, which at 6.9 percent is among the highest in the nation. He also noted construction costs are rising at about 9 percent a year, meaning the longer state government waits to pass a proposal, the more expensive it will be to address Illinois’ infrastructural needs.

“People are disappointed their state government is failing to step up,” Syverson said. “It’s been a decade since we’ve passed a comprehensive construction plan, and our roads, bridges and highways are in desperate need of repair. I urge the Senate’s leadership to take the lead in advancing a construction plan that will create thousands of jobs and help turn our state economy around.”