Statement from Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich

CHICAGO - "Over the last five and a half years as governor, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Senate President Emil Jones.

 

The accomplishments I am most proud of - making Illinois the first state in the nation to provide access to health care to all children, access to pre-school for all three and four-year-olds, and investing a record amount of money in education without raising taxes on people - would not have happened without the leadership and support of Emil Jones.

 

Emil Jones used his position as Senate President to give those without a voice better health care, better funded schools and increases in the minimum wage.

 

Emil Jones is a man with a big heart and a man of action. He is a true champion of the people. He didn't just do the talk, he did the walk. All of us in Illinois owe him a great debt of gratitude."