Dupage Policy Journal

The City of West Chicago recently unveiled the 2015 recipients of its Brilliance in Business Awards. Since 2009, West Chicago has used the award to spotlight stand-out organizations within its business community, recognizing the most impressive business models in a variety of categories.

Networking-solutions firm Coriant names new CEO, chairman

Naperville-based Coriant, a supplier of innovative networking solutions to a global marketplace, recently said Shaygan Kheradpir has been named CEO and chairman of the board. Kheradpir comes to Coriant from Marlin Equity Partners, where, as operating executive, he worked closely with Coriant’s senior management team over the past several months.

Warrenville receives Initiative Award at Illinois Bike Summit

Several Warrenville officials attended the Fourth Annual Bike Summit, recently held in Champaign. Warrenville Planner/GIS Technician and Warrenville Bicyclists and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) Staff Liaison Ginny McIntosh, Alderman Bill Weidner, and BPAC Commissioner Kate Perkins attended the event, during which Warrenville was presented with the Initiative Award, one of only three awards presented at this year's summit.

Aurora groups invited to apply for 2016 Festival Funding Grants

The City of Aurora is inviting neighborhood and community groups to apply for Neighborhood Festival Funding Grants to help pay for 2016 events. The grants are available from the city government for assistance with the planning and execution of organized festivals and celebrations during 2016.

Fortner hosts forum on Illinois Clean Jobs Bill

State Rep. Mike Fortner (R-Dist. 49) recently hosted a forum to provide background and other data related to the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill, which is currently in the Illinois House (H.B. 2607). During the forum, advocates from a variety of community sectors, including government, business, education and interest groups, came together to discuss concerns and information related to the clean-energy issue.

U.S. Senate confirms Gilmore as new marshal for Northern District of Illinois

U.S. Sens. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) said late last week that the Senate unanimously confirmed Edward Gilmore to serve as the U.S. marshal for the Northern District of Illinois. “The U.S. marshals play a critical role in the effort to protect our communities from criminal fugitives and gun violence,” Kirk said.

Duckworth bill aims to build community college-workforce partnerships

Late last week, U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Dist. 8) and U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) introduced complementary legislation in their respective chambers designed to close the “skills gap,” a condition that currently makes it difficult for small businesses and other employers to locate qualified candidates for unfilled jobs.

Quigley, other House Democrats target gun-violence research funding ban

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Dist. 5) joined 109 fellow Democratic House members recently in urging House leaders to discontinue the longtime de facto ban on federal funding for research related to U.S. gun violence. The lawmakers said this ban has resulted in very limited academic research into the causes of gun violence and its impact on public health.

Duckworth explains vote for Bipartisan Budget Act

After the U.S. House passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which President Obama signed into law on Monday, U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Dist. 8) released a statement explaining her support for the legislation, as well as the importance of preventing a government shutdown and creating a window for actual progress to be made.

Quigley, colleagues introduce Taxpayer Receipt Act

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Dist. 5), co-chair of the Transparency Caucus, and three House colleagues introduced the bipartisan Taxpayer Receipt Act on Wednesday, which would provide all taxpayers with itemized receipts detailing where taxpayers' dollars will be spent, as well as how much money the federal government is borrowing in their name.

Lipinski: Renewal of Ex-Im Bank would benefit Third District, nation

After the U.S. House recently voted to approve reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Dist. 3) released a statement to praise his colleagues for cooperating in a bipartisan manner to pass the measure.The bill has been sent to the Senate for further consideration.

Roselle budget plan available at website; board meeting tonight

The Proposed 2016 Budget Document for the Village of Roselle is now available in PDF format for Roselle residents to download and review the village website: www.roselle.il.us/700/Proposed-Budget---2016. The Village Board will host a special Committee of the Whole meeting today at 7 p.m. CST, during which the budget will be discussed at length.

Hultgren votes against Budget Act, calls for 'structural reforms'

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Dist. 14) stood with other House lawmakers in voting against the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which passed the House on Wednesday, then was approved by the Senate on Friday.The new budget plan increases the debt ceiling through March 2017, while offering no significant spending cuts to offset the expenditures.

Hultgren votes with House majority for Retail Investor Protection Act

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Dist. 14) voted with a House majority on Tuesday for the Retail Investor Protection Act, which would maintain access for Americans to significant services and advice regarding their retirement.The bill currently is under consideration in the Senate.The Department of Labor recently proposed a rule to raise costs and reduce access to retirement investment counseling for lower-income Americans and small-business employees.

Duckworth votes with House majority to renew Export Import Bank

U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Dist. 8) supported small businesses and job growth in her district on Tuesday when she voted to renew the charter for the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Reauthorizing the bank retains the institution’s authority to finance U.S. companies of all sizes, as well as entrepreneurs.

Itasca begins sidewalk, curb replacement project

The sidewalk-replacement project in Itasca began on Wednesday. The Itasca Public Works Department will restore sidewalks and curbs in front of several Itasca homes, which have been marked as construction zones. The project is expected to take seven days.

Woodridge honored for environmental improvement efforts