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Congressman Quigley Announces Open Office Hours for Project Request Guidance

January 29, 2010

Restricts requests to non-profits and public entities to ensure federal funding is available to those who need it most

CHICAGO Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) provided information on how to apply for project funding from the federal government in 2011 and announced that his office will be holding meetings to help people and organizations through the process. Just as President Barack Obama stressed the need for earmark reform in his State of the Union address, Quigley, too, is committed to making sure federal funding is focused on those who need it most, which is why he introduced a bill to prohibit for-profit entities from receiving earmarks and will not consider their requests.

"First and foremost, my job in Washington is to represent and help the people and communities of the 5th District, and that is exactly what these projects are designed to do." said Quigley. "When properly planned and executed with complete public oversight and transparency, federal funding can create jobs and spur economic activity while making vital long term investments in our neighborhoods."

Congressman Quigley's staff will be holding extended office hours to meet with non-profit organizations, public entities, and constituents who are interested in applying for and learning about federal appropriation requests. Staff members will be available on Wednesday, Feb. 3rd from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 4th from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. to answer questions and assist in the application process. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. To make an appointment or for more information, please contact Chad Obermiller at chad.obermiller@mail.house.gov or 202-225-4061. Quigley's office is located at 3742 West Irving Park Road in Chicago.

Quigley's approach to project funding is guided by four principles. Beyond limiting funding to non-profit and public entities, he believes in full transparency and disclosure throughout the application process, and all requests will be published on his Web site at www.quigley.house.gov. Further, requests must provide a justified use of taxpayer dollars, offering a clear plan and budget; and finally, to ensure both input and proper scrutiny, projects will be made available for review by the branches of local and state governments impacted by the proposals (click here for a complete explanation of all four principles).

As a Cook County Commissioner, Quigley led the fight to increase transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility across the county. In addition to the proposed legislation to restrict for-profit entities from receiving earmarks, Quigley has continued his unwavering commitment to reform during his first year in Congress by publicizing all his appropriation requests online and introducing H.R. 3427, the State Ethics Law Protection Act, a bill to strengthen states' laws to prohibit the practice of pay-to-play.