FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022
March 5, 2008

SCHILLERSTROM APPOINTED TO “ILLINOISWORKS COALITION” 

WHEATON―    DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom, recognized for his leadership on regional transit issues, has been asked to serve on Governor Rod Blagojevich’s “Illinois Works Coaltion.” 

The Illinois Works Coalition, a bipartisan working group, will draw expertise from business, labor and local leaders across the state and will focus on helping pass a statewide infrastructure plan in Illinois. (Source:  Governor’s press release, March 5, 2008). 

“I’m honored that Governor Blagojevich has asked me to serve on this distinguished panel,” said Schillerstrom.  “Throughout this process, it is important that we hear from each community, and every elected official, about the needs in their district.  We must bring people together and form a consensus on the critical needs facing our State, primarily public transit, which isn’t a local issue, it’s a regional issue.”

Last month the Governor proposed Illinois Works, a $25 billion capital plan, as the central piece of a statewide stimulus package aimed at boosting Illinois’ economy in the face of a slowing national economy.   Former Speaker of the U.S. House Dennis Hastert and Southern Illinois University (SIU) President and former U.S. Congressman Glenn Poshard will serve as co-chairs.  (Source:  Governor’s press release, March 5, 2008)

“I look forward to working with Speaker Hastert, former Congressman Glen Poshard, and the other distinguished members as we begin to examine the important capital needs of our State,” said Schillerstrom.

Other members of theIllinois Works Coalition included:

• Michael Carrigan – President of the Illinois AFL-CIO
• Jerry Roper - President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
• Tom Villanova – President of the Chicago  & Cook County Building Trades Council
• Edward Smith - Midwest Regional Manager of the Laborer's International Union of North America
• Tod Faerber – President of the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association
• Bob Schillerstrom – Chairman of the DuPage County Board
• Larry Ivory – Chairman and CEO of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce
• Omar Duque – President and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Florence Cox – Executive Director of the Black Contractors United
• Tim Davlin – Mayor of the City of Springfield
• Kim Robinson - Executive Director of the Illinois Construction Industry Committee
• Allan Reyhan Jr. - President of the Associated General Contractors of Illinois
• Karen McConnaughay - Chairwoman of the Kane County Board
• Clayton Harris III – Executive Director of theIllinois Works Coalition and Chief of Staff of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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