CHICAGO – On Saturday, February 21, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn launched Recovery.Illinois.gov, a website created to help ensure that Illinois takes full advantage of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.
Website will track stimulus projects’ spending and job creation
CHICAGO – On Saturday, February 21, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn launched Recovery.Illinois.gov, a website created to help ensure that Illinois takes full advantage of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.
“Our recovery team is ready to carry out the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act here in Illinois,” said Governor Quinn.
The new website, Recovery.Illinois.gov, is the portal to Illinois’ implementation of the federal stimulus plan and will:
Keep track of projects, spending and job creation;
List state run programs receiving supplemental funding including unemployment benefits, food stamps, vocational rehabilitation and other services;
Connect to agency sites where proposed project lists will be posted as they become available; and
Allow Illinoisans to suggest a project that is eligible for federal stimulus funds.
“We are moving as quickly as possible to get projects going so that we can get the people of Illinois back to work,” said Governor Quinn. “This website will help them learn about important programs and track our progress.”
02/19/2009
CHICAGO – On Wednesday, February 18, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn named a dozen staff members to his Administration.
CHICAGO – On Wednesday, February 18, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn named a dozen staff members to his Administration. They include:
Jack Lavin – Chief Operating Officer Lavin will primarily focus on directing the Federal stimulus program for Illinois while assisting in the management of the Governor’s office. He has served as the Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity since 2003. Lavin has a Master’s degree in business with a specialization in finance as well as a Master’s degree in international relations from the University of Chicago.
Carolyn Brown Hodge – Deputy Chief of Staff Hodge will assist the Chief of Staff in running the Office of the Governor in Springfield. She was previously the Director of Rural Affairs in the Office of the Lt. Governor. Hodge has been a leader on the Rural Health Task Force, the Rural Water Task Force and the Broadband Deployment Council.
Simone McNeil – Director of Operations McNeil will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Governor’s Office, a position she also held for six years in the Office of the Lt. Governor. She brings a depth of management experience, including serving for four years as Human Resources Director in the Office of the State Treasurer. McNeil has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois.
Robert Reed – Director of Communications Reed will manage media relations, a position he also held with the Office of the Lt. Governor. He has an extensive journalism background previously working for Business Week, Chicago magazine, Bloomberg Business News, WBBM-Newsradio 780 and as editor of Crain’s Chicago Business. Reed has a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Northern Illinois University.
Michelle Saddler – Director of Policy Saddler will oversee a number of policy initiatives including economic development, health care, education, housing, fiscal policy and ethics. She brings strong financial management and public policy experience, serving as Director of Investments for four years in the Office of the State Treasurer and later managing one of the nation’s top performing investment pools for nearly 200 Illinois municipalities. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and a Master’s degree in Management from the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management.
LaDawn Burnett – Senior Policy Advisor Burnett will work on a range of policy initiatives including economic development, health care, education and fiscal matters. Previously, Burnett was the Director of Policy and Issues for the Office of Lt. Governor. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science from Valparaiso University.
Kate Tomford – Director of Sustainability Tomford will manage and advocate for the implementation of the Governor’s green initiatives throughout the state. Well versed in environmental policy and sustainability initiatives, she was previously a Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Lt. Governor, tasked with overseeing the Green Governments Coordinating Council and other green projects. Tomford received a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a Master’s in environmental science and policy from the University Of Chicago Harris School Of Public Policy.
Cory Foster – Director of Community Affairs Foster will act as a liaison to diverse communities throughout Illinois, a position he also held for two years with the Office of the Lt. Governor. He has extensive background working with faith-based institutions and managing educational service programs, such as the Learn and Serve America Program with State Board of Education. Foster also has extensively worked on media and event coordination efforts. He has a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Drury University.
Jennifer Hoelzle – Director of Scheduling & Advance Hoelzle will manage the Governor’s schedule as well as coordinate travel and logistics. She was Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the Office of the Lt. Governor. She holds a Master’s degree from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism.
Jay Stewart – Senior Counsel Stewart will provide legal counsel to the Governor and assist the General Counsel in a number of capacities. He was previously the Executive Director of the Better Government Association. Stewart graduated from DePaul University College of Law.
Sean Vinck – Chief Legislative Counsel Vinck will be the Governor’s primary representative in the Illinois General Assembly. He has worked with Illinois legislators over the past two years as Legislative Counsel to the Lt. Governor. Vinck received a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and J.D. from the University of Notre Dame.
David Vaught – Senior Advisor to the Governor Vaught will consult and advise the Governor on a range of policy matters, including fiscal and economic development issues. He previously served Governor Quinn as a key advisor in the Office of the State Treasurer. Vaught is a West Point graduate.
02/18/2009
DEKALB – On Saturday, February 14, 2009 at Northern Illinois University (NIU) Martin Luther King Commons, Governor Pat Quinn joined NIU President John Peters, students, teachers and other community members in a memorial walk from the Martin Luther King Commons to Cole Hall to remember the five students that lost their lives one year ago. They placed wreaths at the future site of a memorial dedicated to those who died on February 14, 2008.
DEKALB – On Saturday, February 14, 2009 at Northern Illinois University (NIU) Martin Luther King Commons, Governor Pat Quinn joined NIU President John Peters, students, teachers and other community members in a memorial walk from the Martin Luther King Commons to Cole Hall to remember the five students that lost their lives one year ago. They placed wreaths at the future site of a memorial dedicated to those who died on February 14, 2008.
“One year ago, five students lost their life in a tragic, senseless shooting,” Governor Quinn said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those students and we thank the NIU community that has come together to grieve and comfort each other.”
On February 14, 2008, a gunman opened fire on the campus of NIU in DeKalb; 17 people were wounded and five students died, including Gayle Dubowski, Catalina Garcia, Julianna Gehant, Ryanne Mace, and Daniel Parmenter. Cole Hall, where the Governor and community members placed wreaths on Saturday, was the location of the tragic shooting.
This senseless act of violence happened less than a year after the shooting at Virginia Tech, one of the deadliest campus shootings in U.S. history.
Governor Quinn was joined in DeKalb by NIU President John Peters, students, teachers and other community members.
02/17/2009
DEKALB – On Saturday, February 14, 2009 at Northern Illinois University (NIU) Martin Luther King Commons, Governor Pat Quinn joined NIU President John Peters, students, teachers and other community members in a memorial walk from the Martin Luther King Commons to Cole Hall to remember the five students that lost their lives one year ago. They placed wreaths at the future site of a memorial dedicated to those who died on February 14, 2008.
DEKALB – On Saturday, February 14, 2009 at Northern Illinois University (NIU) Martin Luther King Commons, Governor Pat Quinn joined NIU President John Peters, students, teachers and other community members in a memorial walk from the Martin Luther King Commons to Cole Hall to remember the five students that lost their lives one year ago. They placed wreaths at the future site of a memorial dedicated to those who died on February 14, 2008.
“One year ago, five students lost their life in a tragic, senseless shooting,” Governor Quinn said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those students and we thank the NIU community that has come together to grieve and comfort each other.”
On February 14, 2008, a gunman opened fire on the campus of NIU in DeKalb; 17 people were wounded and five students died, including Gayle Dubowski, Catalina Garcia, Julianna Gehant, Ryanne Mace, and Daniel Parmenter. Cole Hall, where the Governor and community members placed wreaths on Saturday, was the location of the tragic shooting.
This senseless act of violence happened less than a year after the shooting at Virginia Tech, one of the deadliest campus shootings in U.S. history.
Governor Quinn was joined in DeKalb by NIU President John Peters, students, teachers and other community members.
02/10/2009
CHICAGO – February 10, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn announced a series of cost-saving measures aimed at easing Illinois’ current budget crisis. The changes go into effect immediately at state agencies and apply to the state’s Fiscal 2009 budget.
Agencies to Decrease Spending; Restrict Travel, Purchases, Hiring
CHICAGO – February 10, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn announced a series of cost-saving measures aimed at easing Illinois’ current budget crisis. The changes go into effect immediately at state agencies and apply to the state’s Fiscal 2009 budget.
“Quick and decisive action is needed to address Illinois’ unprecedented budgetary crisis,” said Governor Quinn. “Better financial management and increased belt-tightening are necessary as we begin to deal with this serious problem.”
Governor Quinn’s cost-saving plan for Fiscal 2009 includes:
Reduce spending – Spending will be cut by an additional 1 percent. This reduction is in addition to a previous 3-percent reduction for Fiscal 2009, ending June 30, 2009, and will allow the state to address continuing revenue decline.
Cut travel expenses – Non-essential out-of-state travel for employees will be greatly limited. In addition, in-state travel will also be curtailed while use of teleconferencing will be increased.
Defer major purchases – The acquisition of equipment and other major purchases will be delayed.
Limit contract work – The number of existing contracts will be reduced and agencies will not enter into new contracts.
Restrict hiring – Vacancies for non-essential positions will not be filled.
Governor Quinn said these cost reductions are the start in a series of tough fiscal decisions his Administration will be making as it deals with the state’s estimated $9 billion deficit for the current fiscal year and Fiscal 2010.
“I want everyone in Illinois to know that we are working every day to solve this budget crisis and restore the state’s fiscal health,” said Governor Quinn.
02/09/2009
CHICAGO – February 9, 2008. Governor Pat Quinn announced two major appointments to the governor's staff by naming Jerome Stermer as Chief of Staff and Theodore T. Chung as General Counsel. Stermer was President of Voices for Illinois Children and Chung was a partner in the Chicago office of Perkins Coie LLP.
Appoints New Chief of Staff, General Counsel
CHICAGO – February 9, 2008. Governor Pat Quinn announced two major appointments to the governor’s staff by naming Jerome Stermer as Chief of Staff and Theodore T. Chung as General Counsel. Stermer was President of Voices for Illinois Children and Chung was a partner in the Chicago office of Perkins Coie LLP.
“I am very pleased these two experienced and honorable professionals are joining my Administration,” said Governor Quinn. “I look forward to working with them on behalf of the people of Illinois.”
Jerome Stermer, 65, is a highly-regarded manager and community leader. As president of Voices for Illinois Children since 1987, Stermer built that organization into a leading child advocacy group that promotes public investment in children’s education, health care and early development. Stermer also has an extensive background in state government including positions as assistant to the director at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and executive director of the Legislative Advisory Committee on Public Aid. (See attached fact sheet for Jerome Stermer's background information (PDF 21 KB).)
Theodore Chung, 42, is a partner in Perkins Coie’s litigation practice. Prior to joining Perkins in 2007, Chung was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago and a First Assistant Corporation Counsel to the City of Chicago. He also served as General Counsel to the recently-formed Illinois Reform Commission. (See attached fact sheet for Theodore Chung's background information (PDF 21 KB).)
Governor Quinn added that other key personnel decisions will be announced within the near future.
02/05/2009
SPRINGFIELD – February 5, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn joined with leading environmental groups for a bill signing ceremony in his office to make sure the state of Illinois protects more than $15 million in funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Action to secure more than $15 million for Illinois from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
SPRINGFIELD – February 5, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn joined with leading environmental groups for a bill signing ceremony in his office to make sure the state of Illinois protects more than $15 million in funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“Conservation and recreation are of great value to our state,” Governor Quinn said. “These federal funds will ensure that Illinois citizens can continue to be good stewards of our natural resources and enjoy the outdoors.”
Last year, former Governor Rod Blagojevich authorized a transfer of more than $9 million out of six state funds controlled by the Department of Natural Resources. In doing so, Illinois was at risk of losing millions of dollars in matching funds from the federal government.
Senate Bill 1132 returns that money to the following state funds: Wildlife and Fish Fund; Fish and Wildlife Endowment Fund; State Pheasant Fund; Illinois Habitat Endowment Trust Fund; Illinois Habitat Fund; and the State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Fund.
In addition, the legislation restores money to the offices of the secretary of state, attorney general and treasurer. Blagojevich slashed the budgets of those offices by double-digit percentages last summer.
02/04/2009
SPRINGFIELD – February 4, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn signed his first bill into law since being sworn-in as the 41st governor of Illinois last week. A signing ceremony was held in Governor Quinn’s office, following a meeting with all four of the state’s legislative leaders.
Legislation designed to strengthen the Smoke Free Illinois Act
SPRINGFIELD – February 4, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn signed his first bill into law since being sworn-in as the 41st governor of Illinois last week. A signing ceremony was held in Governor Quinn’s office, following a meeting with all four of the state’s legislative leaders.
Senate Bill 2757 clarifies exemption and enforcement components of the Smoke Free Illinois Act. The measure was sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), Senator Terry Link (D-Lake Bluff), and by Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Broadview) in the House.
“The new law strengthens the fundamentals of the Smoke Free Illinois Act,” Governor Quinn said. “We must continue to make sure the residents of the Land of Lincoln can breathe fresh air while they are at work and in public places.”
The bill strengthens enforcement of the Smoke Free Illinois Act by providing additional guidelines for writing citations. It also provides greater information about contesting citations.
“This act has helped Illinois workers and patrons to breathe cleaner air and have safer work environments over the past year,” President Cullerton said. “Now one of the most protective public health laws in the country has an enforcement process that will ensure compliance across the entire state.”
The Smoke Free Illinois Act went into effect January 1, 2008, making Illinois the 23rd state in the nation to adopt a smoking ban. The act prohibits smoking in all indoor public places and workplaces, including bars, taverns, private clubs, restaurants and casinos.
01/30/2009
SPRINGFIELD - January 30, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today issued a state disaster declaration for Alexander, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski and Union counties to help those areas recover from a severe winter storm this week that downed trees and electrical lines and cut power to more than 12,000 homes. The gubernatorial proclamation enables the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to coordinate state resources to support local governments in their disaster response and recovery efforts.
Will help counties recover from ice and snow storm
SPRINGFIELD - January 30, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today issued a state disaster declaration for Alexander, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski and Union counties to help those areas recover from a severe winter storm this week that downed trees and electrical lines and cut power to more than 12,000 homes. The gubernatorial proclamation enables the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to coordinate state resources to support local governments in their disaster response and recovery efforts.
“IEMA has been coordinating closely with local officials to determine what assistance they need from the state,” said Gov. Quinn. “This declaration will ensure that state assets are available to help them protect the safety of their citizens and quickly recover from this destructive winter storm.”
Quinn said the state has an array of assets that can be mobilized to help communities recover from disasters, including personnel and equipment to assist with security and other public safety issues, as well as trucks, heavy equipment and work crews to speed debris removal.
IEMA officials are continuing to work with local emergency managers to determine what types of state assistance will be needed. Earlier, crews from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police cleared interstate roads and are working on secondary highways and local roads.
01/29/2009
SPRINGFIELD – January 29, 2009. Former Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn has become the 41st Governor of the State of Illinois, having taken the Oath of Office at 5:40 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2009 The Oath of Office was administered by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke in a brief ceremony in the Chamber of the Illinois House of Representatives.
SPRINGFIELD – January 29, 2009. Former Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn has become the 41st Governor of the State of Illinois, having taken the Oath of Office at 5:40 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2009 The Oath of Office was administered by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke in a brief ceremony in the Chamber of the Illinois House of Representatives.
“I pledge an open and fair state government worthy of being called the Land of Lincoln," Quinn said. “The people of Illinois have the right to expect integrity and diligence from their elected officials.”
On Thursday, the Illinois Senate convicted Governor Blagojevich on Articles of Impeachment the House passed earlier this month. Therefore, under Article V, Section 6(c) of the Constitution of the State of Illinois, the Lt. Governor assumes all duties and powers of Governor.
“In the coming days, we will face some tough choices. I am confident that by working together we will meet these challenges to emerge a much stronger and vibrant state.”
Governor Quinn reminds Illinois citizens of President Abraham Lincoln’s immortal words: "Government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this earth.”
01/22/2009
CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today urged Illinois families struggling in this slow economy to take advantage of tax preparation assistance and the easy filing options available at http://www.tax.illinois.gov.. Working together, the Illinois Departments of Revenue (IDOR), Human Services (IDHS) and Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) are offering an array of services to help Illinoisans file their taxes and get their whole refund quickly.
CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today urged Illinois families struggling in this slow economy to take advantage of tax preparation assistance and the easy filing options available at http://www.tax.illinois.gov.. Working together, the Illinois Departments of Revenue (IDOR), Human Services (IDHS) and Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) are offering an array of services to help Illinoisans file their taxes and get their whole refund quickly.
01/12/2009
CHICAGO – Taking another bold step toward establishing Illinois as a national leader in fighting climate change and creating a cleaner and more energy independent future, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed Senate Bill 1987, which creates a Clean Coal Portfolio standard that will encourage construction of facilities that emit far fewer pollutants than are older, traditional coal-fired power plants.
CHICAGO – Taking another bold step toward establishing Illinois as a national leader in fighting climate change and creating a cleaner and more energy independent future, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed Senate Bill 1987, which creates a Clean Coal Portfolio standard that will encourage construction of facilities that emit far fewer pollutants than are older, traditional coal-fired power plants.
01/05/2009
CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today issued a Writ of Election designating Tuesday April 7, 2009, as the date for the Special Congressional Election for the Fifth District Seat which was formerly held by Rahm Emanuel, now President-elect Barack Obama's chief of staff. The Governor also set Tuesday, March 3, 2009, as the date for the Special Primary Election.
CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today issued a Writ of Election designating Tuesday April 7, 2009, as the date for the Special Congressional Election for the Fifth District Seat which was formerly held by Rahm Emanuel, now President-elect Barack Obama's chief of staff. The Governor also set Tuesday, March 3, 2009, as the date for the Special Primary Election.
12/16/2008
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed Senate Bill 934 into law, providing insurance coverage to parents of children with autism. The new law, also known as "Brianna's Law" and which received overwhelming support from the Illinois General Assembly, will provide coverage for all individuals under age 21 for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) up to $36,000 per year. The new law is named for Brianna DiCianni, who was diagnosed with autism in 2006 and was denied coverage by her family's health insurance company.
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed Senate Bill 934 into law, providing insurance coverage to parents of children with autism. The new law, also known as "Brianna's Law" and which received overwhelming support from the Illinois General Assembly, will provide coverage for all individuals under age 21 for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) up to $36,000 per year. The new law is named for Brianna DiCianni, who was diagnosed with autism in 2006 and was denied coverage by her family's health insurance company.
12/15/2008
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed Senate Bill 934 into law, providing insurance coverage to parents of children with autism. The new law, which received overwhelming support from the Illinois General Assembly, will provide coverage for all individuals under age 21 for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) up to $36,000 per year. Approximately 26,000 children in Illinois have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Before the passage of this law, only those in large group insurance policies (50 or more beneficiaries) were able to receive coverage for children with autism and even at that, only inpatient and outpatient mental health services were covered.
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed Senate Bill 934 into law, providing insurance coverage to parents of children with autism. The new law, which received overwhelming support from the Illinois General Assembly, will provide coverage for all individuals under age 21 for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) up to $36,000 per year. Approximately 26,000 children in Illinois have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Before the passage of this law, only those in large group insurance policies (50 or more beneficiaries) were able to receive coverage for children with autism and even at that, only inpatient and outpatient mental health services were covered.
12/12/2008
As part of ongoing statewide efforts to reduce poverty throughout the state and protect Illinoisans from economic hardship and the impacts of the national recession, the Illinois Department of Human Services convened the unprecedented two-day Illinois Poverty Summit this week to develop recommendations to bring about a substantive decrease in the number of Illinoisans living in extreme poverty. The Illinois Poverty Summit was cosponsored with the Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights and hosted with Northwestern University’s Institute for Policy Research.
As part of ongoing statewide efforts to reduce poverty throughout the state and protect Illinoisans from economic hardship and the impacts of the national recession, the Illinois Department of Human Services convened the unprecedented two-day Illinois Poverty Summit this week to develop recommendations to bring about a substantive decrease in the number of Illinoisans living in extreme poverty. The Illinois Poverty Summit was cosponsored with the Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights and hosted with Northwestern University’s Institute for Policy Research.
12/08/2008
CHICAGO – Showing solidarity and stressing the importance of protecting workers’ rights, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today met with laid-off employees at the shuttered Republic Windows & Doors in Chicago. Governor Blagojevich told workers, who have been peacefully protesting at the plant since it closed on Friday, that the State would suspend business with Republic Windows & Doors and Bank of America, its lender, and the Illinois Department of Labor would file a complaint if negotiations are not quickly concluded.
CHICAGO – Showing solidarity and stressing the importance of protecting workers’ rights, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today met with laid-off employees at the shuttered Republic Windows & Doors in Chicago. Governor Blagojevich told workers, who have been peacefully protesting at the plant since it closed on Friday, that the State would suspend business with Republic Windows & Doors and Bank of America, its lender, and the Illinois Department of Labor would file a complaint if negotiations are not quickly concluded.
12/08/2008
The annual Keep Kids Warm and Safe Campaign is underway. The campaign is an annual effort by the State of Illinois to collect warm winter items, car seats, and food for Illinois families in need. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of items have been collected. This year's drive hopes to set a new standard. Please click here to read more.
The annual Keep Kids Warm and Safe Campaign is underway. The campaign is an annual effort by the State of Illinois to collect warm winter items, car seats, and food for Illinois families in need. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of items have been collected. This year's drive hopes to set a new standard. Please click here to read more.
12/04/2008
CHICAGO – On the heels of reports that the nation is in an economic recession, hospitals and other medical providers will receive millions of federal dollars to help them care for Medicaid patients, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS) approved the Governor’s 2009 Hospital Assessment, which he advocated for and signed this summer. Federal approval means hospitals, especially those with high volumes of Medicaid patients, will receive millions of additional dollars in federal matching funds.
CHICAGO – On the heels of reports that the nation is in an economic recession, hospitals and other medical providers will receive millions of federal dollars to help them care for Medicaid patients, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS) approved the Governor’s 2009 Hospital Assessment, which he advocated for and signed this summer. Federal approval means hospitals, especially those with high volumes of Medicaid patients, will receive millions of additional dollars in federal matching funds.