It's not the result of one meeting. As we continue to be in a better financial position we will continue to fill more positions. We hired 13 more people to staff state parks in the past month.

We had to make tough choices. We have moved forward despite some financial hardships.

Illinois has always been proactive in mine safety and it is very important that we as a state continue to look at new procedures ... to ensure our miners are as safe as they can be.

We made it clear in our meeting, we will not waver in our position,

I really do not take one position over another,

There were some contributing things, but I made mistakes, and that's why I'm in this position. I'm not going to hide from it. If anything, it's going to make me that much more focused, that much more hungry. Some people think I won't be able to bounce back, but that's my motivation.