Sheila Simon

Rural EMS Faces Challenges in Illinois

Bill Knight — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:43:25 +0000

Even if lawmakers may not always realize the consequences for rural areas if Emergency Medical Services troubles aren’t addressed, operations fold, and rural residents have to rely on help from bigger cities, State Rep. Don Moffitt appreciates how everyday people get it.

Making Higher Education Affordable to All

Brian Mackey — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:28:14 +0000

As state funding for colleges and universities declines in Illinois, the lieutenant governor said the schools need to find ways to remain accessible to a wide range of students.

The problem is multi-faceted. The state legislature has cut support for universities in recent years. Those schools then raise tuition. That means more students rely on financial aid, but the state has been cutting that too.

Simon Won’t Run Again for Illinois Lt Gov

Illinois Public Radio — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 23:41:26 +0000

Sheila Simon said she doesn’t want to serve as Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s lieutenant governor any more.

The Democrat said she will be seeking election to another public office, but during a news conference in Chicago she wouldn’t say which one.

“What I’m doing is really focused on how I can serve the people of the State of Illinois,” Simon said. “I’ve, I think, been an effective servant as lieutenant governor. I think I can be an even more effective public servant in other elective office.”

Eradicating Asian Carp from Illinois Rivers

Rich Egger — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:28:58 +0000

Illinois has come up with a straightforward solution to its Asian carp problem: fishing.

“It’s simple but it’s exciting to see it work,” said Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon, who chairs the state’s river coordinating councils.

The state is encouraging businesses to fish for the carp by promoting markets for them. The fish are being touted as a high protein meal for foreign and domestic markets. But don’t look for “Asian Carp” on a local menu – it’s been rebranded as “Silver Fin.”

Rural Residents Concerned About EMS

Rich Egger — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:19:06 +0000

Rural parts of Illinois do not have adequate access to emergency medical services. That's the conclusion of a state panel assigned to study how the state can better serve its farm communities.

After months of surveys and meeting with people around Illinois, representatives from the Governor's Rural Affairs Council say they repeatedly heard from people worried about "the fragile nature of rural EMS."

Simon Pushes for College Affordability

Rich Egger — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 23:46:28 +0000

Illinois’ lieutenant governor wants more done to ensure a college education remains affordable. Democrat Sheila Simon is taking her message around the state as she visits each of the 12 public universities in Illinois.

“I do want to make sure that the state understands the value of investment in public higher education. That we still recognize the investment in higher education as the best economic development investment we can make,” said Simon during her stop at Western Illinois University.

World Recognition for the Emiquon Complex

Rich Egger — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 23:19:32 +0000

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon recognized two wetlands along the Illinois River for their importance to conservation.

The Emiquon Complex near Lewistown and the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge near Hennepin received the Ramsar designation this year. The honor highlights efforts to restore both sites to their natural states.

Before a ceremony at Dickson Mounds Museum, Simon said the international designation can help boost tourism for the region.

Illinois Committee Endorses New Math Standard

Rich Egger — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:06:59 +0000

An Illinois House education panel okayed a plan that would change math standards for middle and high school students.

The measure was developed by Democratic Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon. It would require the State Board of Education to develop a curriculum that includes an extra year of math in high schools. Currently only three years are required by the state, though many schools already require four years.

Simon has visited each of the state's 48 community colleges and said she repeatedly heard students lacked math skills.