Governor Ryan, however, refused to take the free pills from the federal government and settled for a donation from Exelon corporation, a nuclear energy company operating in the state.

“This is a victory for Illinois residents.  Common sense finally prevailed in the Governor’s office. After months of footdragging and my repeated requests for action, the state of Illinois has finally announced plans to distribute potassium iodide pills to residents living within ten miles of nuclear power plants.  Potassium iodide pills protect the thyroid from absorbing dangerous radioactive substances, such as Iodine 131, that may cause cancer,” Schakowsky said.

Schakowsky added, “Out of curiosity, I would like to know why Governor Ryan rejected the federal government’s free offer of potassium iodide pills months ago, and instead waited for a handout from Exelon Corporation, a nuclear power giant in the state.”

Schakowsky will be holding a Congressional field hearing in Chicago on Tuesday, July 2 on “How Effectively is the Federal Government Assisting State and Local Governments in Preparing for a Biological, Chemical or Nuclear Attack?”  The hearing falls under the jurisdiction of the he Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, Financial Management and Intergovernmental Relations, of which Schakowsky is the ranking Democrat.  It will begin at 10:00 A.M., in room 2525 of the Dirksen Federal Building.