DOE backs away from FutureGen Jan 30, 2008
Dick Durbin and Republican congressmen Tim Johnson and John Shimkus plan to take their fight for FutureGen to President Bush. The lawmakers were joined by several other members of the Illinois congressional delegation at a Tuesday meeting with Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, who told the lawmakers DOE plans to dismantle or restructure the FutureGen program and pursue other energy initiatives. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Investigators Suspects Substandard Care Led to 19 Deaths at Illinois VA Hospital Jan 30, 2008
John Shimkus, a Republican from Collinsville, Ill. called Monday's findings "shocking." Durbin said the reports "confirm what many of us in Illinois feared" that the Marion VA's medical care was substandard and protocol for protecting patients was ignored. (Fox News -- Politics)
Marion veterans center death rate called shocking Jan 30, 2008
Marion veterans center death rate called shocking - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star. Advanced Search Options. (Rockford Register Star)
Energy Department pulls support for virtually emission-free plant Jan 30, 2008
John Shimkus, a Republican from nearby Collinsville, Ill. said "our greatest fears have been realized" with the Energy Department's pullout. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Report on Marion VA investigation released Jan 30, 2008
"This report is very critical of the way healthcare was delivered at the Marion VA Medical Center," said Congressman John Shimkus. "While many patients received quality care, others did not. There were many people, doctors and staff, who failed in their duties, who failed the veterans in their care. The former administrative staff at Marion also withheld information from the public and legislators. Something like this must not be allowed to ever happen again. Those responsible will now face... (Marion Daily Republican, IL)
VA Links Poor Care To 19 Deaths In Ill. Jan 29, 2008
John Shimkus, a Republican from Collinsville, Ill. called Monday's findings "shocking." Durbin said the reports "confirm what many of us in Illinois feared" - that the Marion VA's medical care was substandard and that protocol for protecting patients was ignored. (CBS News)
Lawmakers quiet after meeting with DOE officials in Washington Wednesday Jan 26, 2008
Dick Durbin and Congressmen Tim Johnson and John Shimkus were represented at the DOE meeting this week. All three lawmakers have expressed support for funding the FutureGen project, which has been estimated to cost 1. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Blagojevich asks for help on FutureGen Jan 26, 2008
John Shimkus, a Collinsville Republican, said the agency was considering downsizing the plant or dividing it between sites around the country. Blagojevich's letter urges other states to oppose the possible changes. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Blagojevich tries to rally governors for FutureGen Jan 25, 2008
John Shimkus, a Collinsville Republican, said the agency was considering downsizing the plant or dividing it between sites around the country. Blagojevich s letter urges other states to oppose the possible changes. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
FutureGen sticks by Mattoon Jan 19, 2008
Last week, Congressman John Shimkus, a long-time supporter of FutureGen, said that reassessment could mean restructuring the energy program into five smaller research sites. Though it would not necessarily eliminate Mattoon, it could downscale the work there, Shimkus said. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Quiet Democratic race to oppose Shimkus Jan 17, 2008
JOHN SHIMKUS, R-Collinsville. Springfield lawyer JOE McMENAMIN says he's working hard to build support among "hard Democrats" in the 19th Congressional District, and he's been having some success. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Iraq not big focus of many Ill. campaigns Jan 16, 2008
Republican John Shimkus a West Point graduate whose district includes Centralia, has been a supporter of the war and is widely viewed as a safe bet for re-election talks a lot about Iraq and veterans' benefits, according to Anderson, the Centralia planning director. Democratic Rep. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
OUR VIEW: Alliance shows staunch belief in FutureGen Jan 13, 2008
John Shimkus said in a visit to Mattoon on Thursday that it looks like the project would have to be modified before it could proceed. He said the Energy Department likely would use withholding the record of decision as a bargaining chip to force its strong hand. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
FutureGen might be 'rescoped' to meet DOE funding concerns Jan 12, 2008
John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, said Thursday morning. Shimkus said that is one scenario he has heard being considered by the U.S. Department of Energy as a cost-cutting measure. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
FutureGen, DOE may be working out cost concerns Jan 12, 2008
John Shimkus said DOE wants to rescope the FutureGen project. This story will be updated. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Giuliani to speak in Springfield Feb. 2 Jan 3, 2008
The two Republican members of Congress whose districts include parts of the county John Shimkus of Collinsville and Ray LaHood of Peoria are both running to be Republican National Convention delegates supporting U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona for president, for example. (Marion Daily Republican, IL)
Reservoir emptied; Ray named county engineer Dec 29, 2007
John Shimkus has presented a check for 31,446 to the Norris City Fire Protection District; the money will be used for operations, as well as to finance the purchase of a breathing air compressor. An article by Christine South of Enfield, "Segregation in Carmi, Ill.," has been published in the January issue of Illinois History Magazine. (Carmi Times, IL)
With Christmas gone, it's now time for campaigning Dec 27, 2007
John Shimkus next year, including Daniel Davis, Joe McMenamin, Shirley Roney and Vic Roberts. In the 118th District, Democrat Brandon Phelps has a clear road to the nomination, but he faces opposition in the November 2008 General Election in November. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Lawmakers go to bat for FutureGen Dec 21, 2007
Mark Kirk, Jerry Weller, Jerry Costello, Judy Biggert, Dennis Hastert, Don Manzullo, Ray LaHood, and John Shimkus. Hours after Tuesday s FutureGen announcement naming Mattoon as the site for the coal-burning, near-zero-emissions power plant, DOE issued a statement calling for a reassessment of costs on the FutureGen project. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
County receives $98,000 grant Dec 21, 2007
John Shimkus announced Thursday morning that several projects have been funded in the federal government's omnibus appropriations bill, which passed the Senate Tuesday and the House Wednesday. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law, said the Collinsville Republican. (Carmi Times, IL)
OUR VIEW: FutureGen shows collaborative efforts work Dec 19, 2007
Dick Durbin was a key advocate along with several representatives, including John Shimkus, Jerry Costello and Tim Johnson. Also on stage Tuesday was Glenn Poshard, a former area congressman who now is president of Southern Illinois University, where the clean coal institute is a key player in the future of coal development. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Illinois is getting FutureGen project Dec 19, 2007
John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, Timothy Johnson, R-Urbana, and Jerry Costello, D-Belleville, issued a joint news release immediately after the site selection was announced to the public. "I am thrilled that the hard work of the Mattoon community, State of Illinois, and our Congressional delegation has paid off. FutureGen will be a benefit to central Illinois, to the coal industry, to our nation's energy future, and to the world, Shimkus said. I know that we must now turn to focusing on keeping... (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Mattoon chosen as FutureGen site Dec 19, 2007
Jerry Costello, D-Belleville, and John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, had sought. The bill is expected to be approved by the Senate this week. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Officials: FutureGen clash doesn't hurt area sites Dec 14, 2007
The alliance believes the final Environmental Impact Statement (released on Nov. 9) gives enough information to make a decision and 30 days has passed on the waiting period, said Steve Tomaszewski, press spokesman in Collinsville for Congressman John Shimkus, one of several Illinois lawmakers involved in the FutureGen effort. So they want to move ahead. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Durbin: FutureGen could end up like '80s supercollider Dec 8, 2007
John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, said that if FutureGen is eventually slated for Illinois, the congressional delegation will have to fight hard for money every year to keep it going. He said it s difficult to predict how easy that will be, because new members of Congress and a different president might not be as attached to the project as current officials. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
OUR VIEW: Illinois sites clear another hurdle in FutureGen race Nov 18, 2007
U.S. Representatives Tim Johnson, John Shimkus and Jerry Costello recently announced the U.S. Department of Energy found. all four alternative sites to be acceptable. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Congressmen: Local FutureGen sites still are in the running Nov 9, 2007
Tim Johnson, John Shimkus and Jerry Costello. The Department of Energy s Record of Decision is expected the week of Dec. 17. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Hundreds line up to file for Feb. 5 primary election Oct 31, 2007
John Shimkus of Collinsville. The Associated Press contributed to this report. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Democrats fill building for annual event, expecting much support Oct 25, 2007
Two candidates for U.S. Representative are vying for John Shimkus' seat in the 19th Congressional District, attorney Joseph E. McMenamin of Springfield and Daniel Davis of Harrisburg, son of former Harrisburg First Baptist Church pastor the Rev. Mike Davis. McMenamin said his father became a New Deal Democrat after taking up farming in 1914 and losing the farm in 1933. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
A deeper look into Poland’s visa problems Oct 20, 2007
John Shimkus, a Republican, and Rahm Emanuel, a Democrat, have jointly authored legislation to end the restriction in the current law. Nasstrom is professor emeritus of educational administration at Winona State University. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Peabody breaks ground for new Southern Illinois power plant Oct 3, 2007
John Shimkus and Jerry Costello. Still, Engelhardt added, "we have five more years to go and to a certain extent, we have the largest challenges ahead of us," including hiring a work force that will number 2,300 during its construction peak in 2009. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Davis will run against Shimkus Sep 22, 2007
John Shimkus next year. Daniel Davis, 26, who now lives in Springield, will formally announce his intentions 1 p.m. Saturday at the Saline County Fairgrounds. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Carmi Fire Department receives donation; awaiting word on grant Aug 30, 2007
John Shimkus has written a letter in support of the department being included in this round of grants. Yates said the White County Economic Development Group and the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission have always been helpful in preparing grants for the department. (Carmi Times, IL)
Leaders weigh pros, cons of new Farm Bill Aug 1, 2007
John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, voted against the Farm Bill because of the perceived tax increase. I do support the underlying programs in the Farm Bill that deal with commodities, subsidies and loan programs, Shimkus said. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Illinois GOP see opportunity in Democrats' discord Jul 22, 2007
John Shimkus, in a recorded video, called for united message from the party. He said without one, Republicans can't hope to win another statewide office. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
The writ of habeas corpus is precious to freedom Jul 10, 2007
Tim Johnson, John Shimkus and Ray LaHood, have not yet announced whether they will vote to restore this crucial constitutional protection. We urge each of these members and their colleagues in Congress to heed the words of the court of appeals and remember that the law of the land at its core provides that no man's life, liberty or property be forfeited as punishment until there has been a charge fairly made and fairly tried in a public tribunal. (West Frankfort Daily American, IL)
Unfilled U.S. attorney posts in limbo Jul 2, 2007
John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, said last week. But the attorney turned down the White House because only 19 months remain in the Bush administration. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
State financial outlook: Gloomy Jun 28, 2007
John Shimkus; Miki Pavelonis on behalf of Comptroller Dan Hynes; Danny Clayton from the Illinois Department of Transportation; and Harrisburg Mayor Valerie Rose Mitchell. Phelps and state Sen. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Illinois' great energy hunt Jun 17, 2007
Southern Illinois Congressmen Jerry Costello and John Shimkus support coal. Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, a corn-country Republican, has pushed ethanol for years; colleagues say he now hopes to make it his post-speaker legacy. (Chicago Tribune)
Congress targets cyber-thieves Jun 14, 2007
John Shimkus, an Illinois Republican and member of the House committee that handled the Spy Act. "They're going to say, 'I don't want that to happen.'". (Sunspot.net -- Business)
To infinity and beyond: Mulberry Grove rocketry team earns top-10 finish in national event Jun 7, 2007
John Shimkus (R, 19th). Three seniors at MGHS started the rocketry team last year as a physics project. (Vandalia Leader Union, IL)
Federal coal-to-liquids study focuses on Illinois coal basin May 22, 2007
John Shimkus of Collinsville, whose south-central Illinois district includes much of the state's coal. The study acknowledged that reducing oil imports and applying downward pressure on oil prices can be done by using renewable fuels such as ethanol, and having more access to oil offshore or on federal land. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Money still major obstacle to restoring hospital, SCU May 12, 2007
John Shimkus has been working on legislation to help make that happen. Once the hospital is open, the speaker said, Phoenix will need 1. (Carmi Times, IL)
Election 2007: Tammy Boose Apr 10, 2007
John Shimkus and other political officials to discuss the Second Judicial Circuit Methamphetamine Prevention Program. Boose and her husband have a daughter and two sons. (Olney Daily Mail, IL)
Lawmakers commit to digital TVswitch (Kara Rowland) Mar 29, 2007
Joe L. Barton of Texas and John Shimkus of Illinois said the amount can fund more than 22 million converters and is therefore enough to cover the expected demand for 21. 8 million, which they based on estimates by the Federal Communications Commission and broadcasters. (Washington Times, DC)
Computers to be donated Mar 11, 2007
Harrisburg Daily Register Online - News. Sunday, March 11, 2007. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
GOP needs to return to 'core message:' Righter Mar 6, 2007
John Shimkus, canceled in order to attend his son's high school basketball game. Both Righter and state Rep. (Carmi Times, IL)
A final saluteFallen soldier honored at SIUE Mar 1, 2007
John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, Edwardsville Mayor Gary Niebur and Edwardsville schools Superintendent Ed Hightower. Garbs was a 2005 graduate of Edwardsville High School. (Alton Telegraph, IL)
Watson talks about prison staffing, electric rate hikes Mar 1, 2007
The keynote speaker for the event was U.S. Congressman John Shimkus (R-Ill. 19th District), who talked about national issues such as the country's involvement in the Middle East. (Vandalia Leader Union, IL)
Republican's gather for annual Lincoln Day Dinner Feb 25, 2007
John Shimkus and state Sen. Bill Brady, the keynote speaker, also criticized Democrats in Congress and state government. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Conservative senator to speak to GOP Feb 21, 2007
John Shimkus also plans to attend the Lincoln Day dinner, according to Monty Field, GOP county chairman. Comments. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Congressman will cross party lines on Iraq resolution Feb 19, 2007
Jerry Weller of Morris, John Shimkus of Collinsville and Ray LaHood of Peoria will vote against it. Calling it a Democratic attempt to micromanage the war, LaHood said he expects the political fight over the resolution to spill over into battles about funding. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Celebration set for new Carrier Mills project Feb 16, 2007
John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, and former U.S. Rep. David Phelps, now assistant state transportation secretary. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Group chides Shimkus vote on drug bill Jan 21, 2007
John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, and others are being called to task for voting against a bipartisan bill to lower drug costs for seniors ... "As thousands of Illinois seniors celebrate the first major step forward in an effort to fix the costly, confusing and corrupt Medicare Part D prescription drug program, we criticize Representatives Jerry Weller, Peter Roskam, Ray LaHood, Judy Biggert and John Shimkus for their votes against House Bill 4 -- legislation that requires the secretary of Health... (Alton Telegraph, IL)
House OKs Better Protections for Pages Jan 20, 2007
The bipartisan resolution resulted from the failure of the House Page Board's past Republican chairman, Illinois Republican John Shimkus, to notify other board members that Foley had sent questionable e-mails to a former page. Pages are high school students who learn about Congress while running errands and attending a congressionally-run school. (Fox News)
House approves teen page reforms Jan 20, 2007
In remarks before the vote, lawmakers expressed anger that the past board chairman, John Shimkus, Illinois Republican, failed to convene the board when he learned in autumn of 2005 that Mr. Foley had sent overly friendly e-mails to a former Louisiana page. Frozen out were Reps. (Washington Times, DC)
Shimkus pleased with committee assignments Jan 12, 2007
John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, is pleased with his committee assignments in the 110th Congress. Shimkus will become the ranking Republican on the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee and will keep his seat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, according to a news release from Shimkus. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Minimum pay bill advances Jan 11, 2007
Judy Biggert, Tim Johnson, Mark Kirk, Ray LaHood, John Shimkus and Jerry Weller voted for the bill. Former Speaker Dennis Hastert, Don Manzullo and Peter Roskam voted no.. (FOX59, IN)
House passes 9/11 panel measures Jan 10, 2007
Tim Johnson, Mark Kirk, Ray LaHood, Peter Roskam, John Shimkus and Jerry Weller voted for the bill. Asked about the unhappiness of his GOP colleagues, Rep. (FOX59, IN)
Illinois Republicans have hard race for Senate seat Jan 8, 2007
John Shimkus of Collinsville argues that anyone who runs a close race against Durbin - even a losing one - would be in a good position to become the GOP nominee for governor in 2010 ... John Shimkus of Collinsville said he wants to stay in the House, where he was just elected to a fifth term. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
