22 Nov 2011

Braley to Discuss Vets Hiring Tax Credit in Cedar Rapids

By Jeff Giertz

For months, Braley has pushed veterans hiring tax credit; bill sitting on President Obama's desk

 

Washington, DC - This morning, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will hold an event at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Cedar Rapids to discuss the Wounded Warrior and Returning Heroes tax credits passed by the US House last week.  President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law as early as this week.

Braley will be joined at the event by veterans and officials with Alliant Energy.

In response to high unemployment rates for veterans, in August, Braley introduced the Combat Veterans Back to Work Act, a precursor to the House-passed bill that provides a payroll tax break for businesses who hire a current member of the National Guard or Reserve or any unemployed veteran who has returned from deployment within the last 18 months.

In October, Braley hosted a House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity field hearing in Waterloo to focus on veterans' unemployment.  Braley is the highest ranking Democrat on that subcommittee.

TODAY, Monday, November 21st, 2011

 

10:00am in the Lobby of the Veterans Memorial Building, 50 - 2nd  Ave., Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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21 Nov 2011

Braley Lauds House Passage of Veterans Hiring Tax Credits

By Jeff Giertz

For months, Braley has pushed for tax credits for employers hiring veterans; House passes unanimously 

 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) applauded the House passage this afternoon of the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors tax credits, which passed the House with a unanimous vote minutes ago.  These provisions would create new tax credit programs to spur the hiring of unemployed veterans and directly help hundreds of Iowa National Guard members who have returned home from overseas deployments. In August, Braley introduced the Combat Veterans Back to Work Act, a precursor to the tax credit programs that passed today.

"The best way to thank our veterans and tell them 'good job' is to help them find a good job when they return home," Braley said.  "I've been working for months to promote the idea of tax credits for businesses that hire returning veterans, and today's bipartisan vote shows that this issue has big support on both sides of the aisle.

 

"The tax credits passed by the House today will boost the hiring of veterans.  Other provisions will improve resources available for vets to translate their military skills into the civilian workforce and provide veterans with new tools to help them search for a job.  Unemployment among returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans is three times the national average.  The bill passed today will help bring those numbers down."

 

Late this summer, 3,500 members of the Iowa National Guard returned from a deployment to Afghanistan.  More than 600 of these men and women reported being out of work when they returned home - equivalent to an unemployment rate of over 17 percent.  Iowa's unemployment rate in September was 6.0 percent; the national unemployment rate last month was 9.0 percent.

In response to high unemployment rates for veterans, in August, Braley introduced the Combat Veterans Back to Work Act, a bill that provides a payroll tax break for businesses who hire a current member of the National Guard or Reserve or any unemployed veteran who has returned from deployment within the last 18 months.

The Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors tax credits build on Braley's bill, providing tax credits for employers that hire unemployed veterans and long-term unemployed veterans with service-connected disabilities.  The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars have all endorsed the bill.

Yesterday, Braley released a letter sent to Republican and Democratic House leaders urging them to allow the House to vote on the tax credits immediately.

The bill will now be sent to the President for his signature.

Braley is the highest ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

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15 Nov 2011

Braley Urges House to Pass Veterans Tax Credit Bill

By Jeff Giertz

Senate unanimously passed bill yesterday that includes similar provisions to Braley bill to increase veteran hiring

Washington, DC - After the US Senate unanimously passed the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors Tax Credit yesterday, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) used Veterans Day today to urge House leadership to take up the bill immediately and send it to the president's desk.  The legislation includes language similar to the Combat Veterans Back to Work Act, a bill Braley introduced in August.

"Our service men and women put their lives on the line for our country," Braley said.  "They shouldn't have to fight for a job when they come home.  Unemployment among returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans is three times the national average.  That's unacceptable.

"This bill will increase the hiring of veterans, improve resources for vets to translate their military skills into the civilian workforce, and provide veterans with new tools to help their search for a job.  I urge Congress to act immediately to pass the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors Tax Credit, because our veterans can't afford to wait."

In August, Braley introduced the Combat Veterans Back to Work Act, a bill which exempts a business from paying their share of an employee's Social Security taxes for one year when they hire a current member of the National Guard or Reserve or any veteran who has returned from deployment within the last 18 months and is currently unemployed.

The Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors Tax Credit includes similar provisions.  The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars have all endorsed the bill.

Braley is the highest ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

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14 Nov 2011

Braley Statement on Veterans Day

By Jeff Giertz

"Every day should be Veterans Day" when it comes to our nation's commitment to vets 

 

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement regarding Veterans Day, which is tomorrow, November 11th:

"As US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan ends, it's more important than ever that our nation works to address the challenges faced by the men and women who fought there.  The unemployment rate among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans is three times higher than the national average.   Thousands of veterans have been left with physical and mental injuries that will be with them for the rest of their lives.  Rates of veteran suicide are on the rise.

 

"Veterans Day is observed on November 11th, but every day needs to be Veterans Day when it comes to our nation's commitment to the men and women who have fought to ensure our freedom.  Keeping our nation's promises to our veterans isn't a partisan issue, it's the right thing to do."

 

Braley is a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and is the highest-ranking Democrat on the Veterans' Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Braley participated in the first-ever Andrew Connolly Day of Service yesterday, which honored the legacy of the late Andrew Connolly, a Dubuque native and Iowa National Guard veteran who never stopped urging others to "pay it forward" in every aspect of their lives.  Volunteers helped remodel the new Veterans' Freedom Center in Dubuque.

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14 Nov 2011

First-Ever Andrew Connolly Day of Service Benefits Dubuque Vets Center

By Jeff Giertz

Volunteers honor legacy of Dubuque veteran by "paying it forward" to Veterans' Freedom Center

 

Dubuque, IA - At 8:30 this morning, just two days before Veterans Day, dozens of volunteers from across the tri-state area gathered to put up drywall, paint, and help renovate the new home of the Dubuque Veterans' Freedom Center during the first-ever Andrew Connolly Day of Service.

The day of service honors the legacy of the late Andrew Connolly, a Dubuque native and Iowa National Guard veteran who never stopped urging others to "pay it forward" in every aspect of their lives.  Before he passed away on August 26, 2011, after a battle with spinal cancer, Andrew Connolly could often be found at Dubuque's Veterans' Freedom Center, a place close to his heart.

"Andrew's life was committed to serving others," Braley said.  "Whether he was with his wife, Jenny, or his son, Brody, or serving overseas in Iraq, or advocating on Capitol Hill on behalf of other veterans, Andrew led by example.  The mantra he often repeated was 'pay it forward.'

 

"We organized today's day of service to honor and commemorate Andrew's selfless spirit and 'pay it forward' to the Dubuque Veterans' Freedom Center.  I hope this day grows in its scope and significance from this point forward - it's a fitting tribute to a man who was so focused on helping others despite a life that dealt him a very challenging set of circumstances."

Braley joined Jenny Connolly, the Freedom Center, and local groups to organize the day of service.  Braley spent his time putting up new drywall.  Volunteers were given custom Andrew Connolly Day of Service t-shirts.

Andrew Connolly worked hard to help his fellow veterans.  In May, the US House passed the Andrew Connolly Veterans' Housing Act, a bill Braley introduced to expand grant programs for permanently disabled veterans to remodel their homes and make them more disability-accessible

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11 Nov 2011

Braley Announces Veterans Administration Online Career Fair

By Jeff Giertz

Over 60 national employers participating in virtual career fair this Thursday

 

Waterloo, IA - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a virtual online job fair for veterans this Thursday November 10, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Central Time, the day before Veterans Day.

"Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our nation and after returning from the battlefield they deserve good jobs," Braley said. "I am committed to use every opportunity possible to help these veterans.  Iowa veterans should visit www.veteranscareerfair.com to register and take advantage of this great opportunity."

Over 60 national employers and nearly 40,000 veterans have already registered to participate in the online career fair.

"As we work to help Veterans find good paying jobs, it is important that we take advantage of online resources that connect our Veterans with employers around the Nation who want to hire these highly qualified and experienced men and women," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

Veterans are encouraged to pre-register at http://www.veteranscareerfair.com for the online career fair.  During the career fair on Thursday, veterans from across Iowa and the country can log in and visit virtual employer booths, search for and apply to job openings, and chat with recruiters online.

Braley is the Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and last month held a field hearing in Waterloo that focused on veterans' economic opportunity and job creation, focusing especially on Iowa National Guard and Reserve members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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08 Nov 2011

Braley Bill Would Boost Iowa Jobs in Growing Wind Energy Industry

By Jeff Giertz

Braley working across party lines to extend wind energy production tax credit 

 

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced a bipartisan effort to boost job growth in the expanding wind energy industry.  Braley joined with Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) to introduce a bill extending the renewable energy production tax credit through 2016.  Unless current law is changed, the wind energy tax credit will expire at the end of 2012.

Iowa is first in the nation in per-capita wind energy production, and second nationally in total annual wind energy production in megawatt-hours.  According to the Iowa Wind Energy Association, the Iowa wind energy industry already employs over 3,000 full-time workers.

"Investments in Iowa's wind energy industry have created thousands of jobs and made Iowa a world leader in clean energy technology," Braley said.  "Extending the renewable energy production tax credit will keep the economic momentum going.  Wind energy is still a widely untapped resource in Iowa - and that means there's still untapped potential for business investment and job creation.

 

"Wind energy is good for the economy, good for the environment, and good for farmers.  Our bipartisan bill will promote job-creating wind energy projects and provide incentives to expand wind energy production."

The American Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit Extension Act extends the wind energy production tax credit by four years, allowing it to expire at the end of 2016.  It also extends a production tax credit for biomass and geothermal energy production by three years, allowing it to expire at the end of 2016 as well.

Braley introduced similar legislation extending the renewable energy production tax credit in 2008 and 2009.

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01 Nov 2011

Andrew Connolly Day of Service Set for November 9th in Dubuque

By Jeff Giertz

Volunteers will gather to honor legacy of Dubuque veteran by "paying it forward" to Veterans' Freedom Center

Waterloo, IA - On Wednesday, November 9th in Dubuque, volunteers will gather to observe the first ever Andrew Connolly Day of Service to honor the legacy of Dubuque native and Iowa National Guard veteran Andrew Connolly, who never stopped urging others to "pay it forward" in every aspect of their lives.

Before he passed away on August 26, 2011, Andrew Connolly could often be found at Dubuque's Veterans' Freedom Center, a place close to his heart.  That's why, on November 9th beginning at 8:30am, volunteers will "pay it forward" by donating their time to help clean up and prepare the new home of the Veterans' Freedom Center at 2245 Kerper Blvd. in Dubuque.

"Andrew's life was committed to serving others," Braley said.  "Whether he was with his wife, Jenny, or son, Brody, or serving overseas in Iraq, or advocating on Capitol Hill on behalf of other disabled veterans, Andrew led by example.  The mantra he often repeated was 'pay it forward.'

"That's why on November 9th we're going to 'pay it forward' to the Dubuque Veterans' Freedom Center to launch the first ever Andrew Connolly Day of Service.  I hope this day grows in scope and significance from this point forward - it's a fitting tribute to a man who was so focused on helping others despite a life that dealt him a very challenging hand."

The late Andrew Connolly served multiple overseas tours with the Iowa National Guard, including a combat tour in Iraq.  Andrew was diagnosed with spinal cancer after his Iraq tour.  As the disease progressed Andrew lost the use of his legs and lost dexterity in his hands.  His family utilized a Veterans Administration housing grant to build a new home that helped Andrew maintain his independence until he passed away.

Braley worked with Jenny Connolly, the Freedom Center, and local groups to organize the day of service.  Braley will volunteer his time to renovate the Veterans' Freedom Center and share Andrew Connolly's legacy, including the Andrew Connolly Veterans' Housing Act, a bill Braley introduced in May that expands grant programs for permanently disabled veterans to remodel their homes and make them more disability-accessible.

Interested members of the public are welcomed to volunteer their time.  If you're interested in volunteering, please contact the Dubuque Veterans' Freedom Center at (563) 845-0034.  Volunteers are encouraged to bring any painting materials they own - brushes, paint rollers, etc.  Only limited amounts will be available at the Freedom Center, although paint will be provided.

Wednesday November 9th, 2011

8:30am -               Andrew Connolly Day of Service

12:00pm               New Veterans' Freedom Center

2245 Kerper Blvd.

Dubuque, Iowa

*Interested volunteers should contact the Veterans' Freedom Center at (563) 845-0034 to RSVP their attendance.*

**Volunteers are encouraged to bring any painting materials they own - brushes, paint rollers, etc.  Only limited amounts will be available at the Freedom Center, although paint will be provided.**

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25 Oct 2011

Braley Introduces Bill to Keep Doctors in Iowa

By Jeff Giertz

Bill would stop a scheduled end-of-year Medicare reimbursement cut to Iowa doctors

 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today introduced a bill to make sure Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians in Iowa and other rural states don't drop precipitously at the end of the year and endanger Iowans' access to doctors and high-quality medicine.

Legislation written by Braley and passed in 2010 ensures that doctors in Iowa and other rural states get paid by Medicare at rates closer to those of doctors in larger, more urban states.  The law is set to expire on December 31st, 2011.

Braley's Medicare Equity Extension Act, introduced today, extends the current reimbursement rates for an additional two years.  The legislation would help Iowa retain doctors and improve patient access to quality healthcare.

"It's funny math.  Medicare pays doctors based on geography, not quality of care," Braley said.  "Iowa doctors rank near the top in quality of care, but get penalized for their success since Medicare pays doctors more money in big states even if quality is lower.

 

"Doctors should have an incentive to provide good care.  Instead, there's an incentive to leave states like Iowa for bigger states with higher payment rates.

 

"The Medicare Equity Extension Act will stop Medicare from cutting payments to Iowa doctors, preventing a potential exodus of good physicians to other states and providing an incentive to doctors to provide the best care possible."

Medicare calculates reimbursements to physicians using two indexes that factor in the cost of doctors' labor and the cost of doctors' physical expenses like office space and equipment.  Because Medicare considers the cost of doing business in Iowa and other rural states to be low, this negatively impacts the amount doctors are reimbursed for their services.

Current law sets a floor on the indexes, and thus a floor on reimbursements, ensuring rural states' reimbursement rates more closely match large states'.  Those floors would expire on December 31st unless legislation is passed to extend them.  The Iowa Medical Society, among other groups, has urged an extension.

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25 Oct 2011

Braley Questions DOT as Mexican Trucks Hit US Highways

By Jeff Giertz

Braley has long opposed program allowing Mexican trucks to enter and operate in United States 

 

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) wrote US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, urging him to explain what steps the US Department of Transportation is taking to ensure Mexican trucks operating in the United States are doing so safely.  Mexican trucks are being allowed to operate freely in the United States for the first time starting today under an agreement announced by the US DOT in July.

"Allowing this program to continue puts US drivers at danger and threatens American jobs," Braley said.  "Mexican truck safety standards don't even compare to ours, and letting tens of thousands of potentially unsafe Mexican trucks onto our highways poses a threat to American drivers.  Allowing thousands of Mexican workers to operate trucks in the US takes jobs away from American workers.

 

"At the very least, Mexican trucks in this program should be held to the same standards as American trucks."

 

For years, Braley has worked to stop programs allowing Mexican trucks and drivers to enter the US despite not being held to the same safety standards.

Earlier this year, Braley introduced the Protecting American Roads Act to block the US Department of Transportation from allowing Mexican trucks into the United States.

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