River Cities' Reader | News Releases

April 22 Deadline Near for Contractors to Obtain Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Certification

(Kansas City, Kan., March 10, 2010) – Beginning next month, federal law will require that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified in the new EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) and follow specific work practices to reduce human exposures to lead.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. All contractors must be trained and certified by April 22, 2010.

Landlords, property managers, and their employees are responsible for ensuring compliance with the rule and play an important role in protecting public health by helping prevent lead exposure from their housing units.

Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.

Lead exposure can cause reduced IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delays and behavioral problems in young children.

To locate an EPA-accredited training provider or to l earn more about protecting your family from lead-based paint, visit EPA’s Get Lead Safe web site, http://www.epa.gov/getleadsafe or contact the National Lead Information Center, 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

For information about Iowa’s certification and training program, contact the Iowa Bureau of Lead Poisoning Prevention, 515-281-3479 or 1-800-972-2026, or visit http://www.idph.state.ia.us/ eh/lead_poisoning_prevention. asp .

For information about the Kansas certification and training program, contact the Kansas Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program, 1-800-865-3233, or visit http://www.kshealthyhomes.org .

Missouri and Nebraska residents can locate an EPA-accredited training provider through EPA’s Get Lead Safe web site, http://www.epa.gov/getleadsafe , or by calling the National Lead Information Center, 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). Information is also available from EPA Region 7 by calling 1-800-223-0425.

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For more information go to EPA’s Get Lead Safe website:

http://www.epa.gov/getleadsafe

Braley Announces First Iowa Guard Members Receive Respite Leave Payments

Braley has led two-year effort ensuring thousands of troops receive promised benefits

Washington, DC – Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) announced today that members of the Iowa National Guard have finally started receiving long-overdue payments they were promised for extended tours in Iraq. Braley has worked to ensure delivery of Respite Leave benefits for over two years.

“The news that Iowa’s National Guard members are finally receiving the Respite Leave payments they earned is both exciting and long overdue,” Braley said. “Hundreds of Iowa National Guard members bravely served our country and waited patiently to be compensated. I’ve been working for over two years now to fix this problem, and I’m thrilled to announce today that these troops are finally being paid for their service.”

Braley has been leading efforts to fix this back pay problem and ensure that thousands of troops nationwide receive proper compensation. His Guaranteed Benefits for Our Troops Act (HR 1222) was signed into law in October as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act and enables the Pentagon to release the promised benefits.

Under Braley’s fix, hundreds of Iowa National Guard members will be provided benefits they were promised under the Department of Defense’s Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence (PDMRA) program, commonly known as “Respite Leave.” Due to a delay between the announcement of the PDMRA program by the Department of Defense and the implementation of the program by the individual services, thousands of Army National Guard troops across the country did not receive proper Respite Leave compensation. The majority of affected troops nationwide are expected to be paid by March 19, 2010.

Braley first introduced the Guaranteed Benefits for Our Troops Act in July 2008. It allows the Pentagon to retroactively grant up to $200 per day to affected troops.

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Community Lenders Question Focus of Consumer Credit Reform

ALEXANDRIA , Va. -Today, the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA), the trade association representing America's responsible, small denomination, short-term payday lenders, questioned the activities of certain large Wall Street financial institutions for promoting their own interests over those of hard-working, middle income consumers.

"Unlike those who are responsisble for the collapse of our financial system, payday lenders provide a fully disclosed, transparent and highly regulated product to working families with the highest customer satisfacion rate of any comparable product," said CFSA Board Chair D. Lynn DeVault. "We are not an industry trying to hide behind preemption, in fact we are highly regulated in the 34 states we do business in. The attorneys general, banking commissioners and legislators in those states monitor our neighborhood stores on a daily basis."

DeVault continued, "The same interests who brought complex and costly transactions that created havoc for millions of Americans are now trying to create a system of winners and losers that is stacked unfairly in their favor and is a bad deal for the average consumer."

Facing stricter regulations and tightening credit criteria and recognizing the demand for short-term credit, large financial institutions and credit unions are attempting to offer similar products while lobbying Congress to eliminate the payday lending industry as competition. Indeed, according to the National Consumer Law Center, some federally chartered credit unions charge fees that drive the effective rate of short-term loans over the APR allowed by law, prompting an admonition from the National Credit Union Administration in August.

"The reason our model works is that it is cost competitive and, unlike banks and credit unions, the payday loan industry issues small dollar, short-term loans on an unsecured basis that people can actually understand," said DeVault. "Payday loans are well-regulated by the states and adhere to strict industry best practices."

A comparison of credit industries in the U.S. in 2008, which is the most recent year with full data available, reveals the relatively low systemic risk of the payday loan industry.

Total Amount of Loans Granted	Average Debt per Borrower
Payday Loans	$48 billion [1]	$345 [2]
Auto Loans	$80 billion ^{^[3]}	$12,040 [4]
Mortgage Loans	$1.5 trillion ^{^[5]}	$192,287 [6]
Credit Card Loans	$2.1 trillion ^{^[7]}	$5,729 [8]

"We are fully supportive of efforts to address the ever-changing needs of the American consumer; however, these efforts should be focused on preserving viable financial options for consumers, not protecting special interests and large financial institutions which do not adequately serve all Americans. The reality is that one size does not fit all for financial services," concluded DeVault.

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About the Community Financial Services Association of America

The Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) is the only national organization dedicated solely to promoting responsible regulation of the payday advance industry and consumer protections through CFSA's Best Practices. As such, we are committed to working with policymakers, consumer advocates and CFSA member companies to ensure that the payday advance is a safe and viable credit option for consumers.

[1] http://www.fdic.gov/bank/ analytical/quarterly/2009_ vol3_1/Quarterly_Vol3No1_ entire_issue_FINAL.pdf

[2] http://www.business.gwu.edu/ research/centers/fsrp/pdf/m41. pdf

[3] Ibid

[4] http://www.fdic.gov/bank/ analytical/quarterly/2009_ vol3_1/Quarterly_Vol3No1_ entire_issue_FINAL.pdf

[5] http://www.fhfa.gov/webfiles/ 15312/Report_HMM_and_the_ Enterprises_in_2008.pdf

[6] http://www.biia.com/cci_ industry_news/TransUnion% 20Auto%20Delinquency%20Report% 20News%20Release%20Issued.pdf

[7] http://www.creditcards.com/ credit-card-news/credit-card- industry-facts-personal-debt- statistics-1276.php

[8] http://www.earthtimes.org/ articles/show/average-credit- card-delinquency-rates, 1172750.shtml

Build America Bonds getting richer; Goldman Sachs responses

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Senator Chuck Grassley today made the following comment about the House “jobs” legislation’s expansion of the Build America Bonds provision. The Senate could take up the House bill this week. Grassley also released two responses from Goldman Sachs to his inquiries ...

SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES CATTLEMEN'S BEEF BOARD APPOINTMENTS

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced 36 appointments to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board. All appointees will serve 3-year terms beginning immediately.

"These appointees represent a cross section of the beef industry and I am confident that...

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Education & Schools

IFAA Offers Iowa Youth $81,000 In Scholarships

DES MOINES, IA (03/10/2010)(readMedia)-- College-bound Iowa youth active in 4-H and/or FFA livestock projects and current undergraduate students may apply for $81,000 in scholarships available from the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFAA).

The scholarships are available to freshmen ent...

Iowa College Aid Announces Free ACT®, SAT® and GRE® Test Prep

Students can prepare for free at www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov

Des Moines, IA., March 10, 2009 – Iowa students have access to a free test preparation resource to help them prepare for quickly approaching ACT® and SAT® test dates. Free online ACT® and SAT® test prep, available through Iowa’s statewid...

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General Info

Don't Forget to Show Your Love for the Iowa State Fair on Your Taxes!

DES MOINES, IA (03/09/2010)(readMedia)-- April 15 is right around the corner! When you file your Iowa state income tax return, don't forget to support the Iowa State Fair by participating in the Corndog Tax Checkoff and show your love for the Fair. From funnel cakes, to ferris wheels, food on a stic...

“Free Groceries for a Year!” Sweepstakes Partners with Iowa’s Food Banks to Make Donations Easy

Des Moines, Iowa (March 8, 2010) – In the first two months of the Iowa Farmers Feed US ( www.FarmersFeedUS.org ) sweepstakes, Iowa consumers have taken advantage of the chance to win free groceries for a year, while also meeting the hard-working men and women who raise their food. In fact, since the ...

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Media & Communications

THE PEOPLE WHO BRING YOU FOX 18 AND THE QUAD CITIES’ CW ARE PROUD TO PRESENT THIS QUAD CITIES, MGM’S FREE MOVIE CHANNEL!

Davenport, IA – March 3rd , 2010 – THIS TV, the free broadcast movie network from MGM Studios and Weigel Broadcasting, is coming to the Quad Cities! While over-the-air viewers have been able to watch THIS Quad Cities on channel 26.2 since December 10th, 2009, Muscatine Power & Water Cab...

Book Signing Event

Connie (Corcoran) Wilson will be signing her new collection of short stories entitled Hellfire and Damnation (Sam's Dot Press) at Barnes & Noble bookstore at Northpark Mall in Davenport from 1 to 3 p.m. (or later) on Saturday, March 13th. Visit www. HellfireandDamnationtheBook. com to see a trailer...

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Not-for-Profit News

MOLINE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES GRANT DEADLINE FOR KAREN’S SUMMERTIME FUND

The Moline Foundation has a grant opportunity through a fund called Karen’s Summertime FUNd in honor of Karen Getz. Through the Karen’s Summertime FUNd, The Moline Foundation is offering mini-grants between $300 and $1,000. The object of this special opportunity is to provide non-profit...

MOLINE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES DEADLINE FOR GRANTS APPLICATIONS

A grants submission deadline has been announced by the Moline Community Foundation. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply if they serve the citizens of Moline and the surrounding region, including the Quad Cities.

All materials necessary to receive funds are due in The Moline Foundati...

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Science & Technology

New wind energy study

Chuck Grassley released the following comment after learning of a study that shows Iowa’s wind energy production accounts for up to 20 percent of Iowa’s electricity.

Grassley is the author of the wind energy production tax credit, and has worked to see that the credit is extended. He has receiv...

Braley Urges Pelosi to Fund Energy Efficient Appliance Rebates

Iowa’s Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program exhausted nearly $2.8 million in one day

Washington, DC – Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) sent a letter today urging Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to include funding for clean energy appliance rebate programs in any jobs legislation considered...

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Travel & Tourism

I-80 Bridge to shut down to eastbound traffic

The Interstate 80 bridge over the Mississippi River will handle only westbound traffic starting April 5. It is the hope of the DOT that the bridge will return to two-way traffic as early as June 15, if work on the eastbound span is completed by then. The repair contract includes incentives for early...

Local Events

Save the Date: July 3, 2010 Extraordinary Musical Celebration of America’s Freedom along Quad-Cities Riverfront

(Quad Cities – Iowa/Illinois) - Mark July 3, 2010 on your calendar to attend the most patriotic, musical celebration of our country’s freedom in the region. Red, White & Boom organizers, the Mississippi Valley Blues Society and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra are working together to produce...

The Younkers Goodwill Sale Event

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY BY DONATING TO GOODWILL ^® DURING

THE YOUNKERS GOODWILL SALE EVENT

Earn a Discount at Younkers Through Donations to Goodwill

MILWAUKEE, WI (March 4, 2010) — The economy is showing signs of recovery, but a new survey from the National Association for Business Economics shows that job...

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Stage & Theatre

DON'T LET SHAKESPEARE DIE... again

The Genesius Guild needs the help of everyone in the Quad Cites to win a grant from Pepsi. The Rock Island based theatre needs enough votes at www.refresheverything.com/ genesius to receive a $50,000 grant to help replace outdated equipment. In a time of shrinking funding, this grant is very importan...

Solve the mysteries of Galena’s latest murder cases! B&B innkeepers present two weekends of interactive intrigue

GALENA, Ill. - The Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers of Galena, tucked away in the scenic and hilly corner of northwest Illinois, will once again present their annual interactive Murder Mystery weekends! These two-day events take place right in downtown Galena, with participants staying with the city’s...

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Civic News & Info

Do Americans Have Standing Anymore?

This Thursday, March 11, 2010 In U.S. Court of Appeals...
One American Argues Historical Lawsuit Against the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury For Unconstitutional Billion-Dollar AIG Bailouts

WHO: Robert “Bob” Schulz, Chairman

We the People Foundation for Constitutional Education and We the People...

22 Iowa Employers Nominated for 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

Employers across the Nation Nominated for Superior Support to

Guard and Reservist Employees

ARLINGTON, Va. – 24 Iowa Guard and Reserve service members nominated their employers for the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given b...

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Environment & Weather

Iowa American Water Plans Temporary Treatment Change and Water Main Flushing

Company will switch to “free chlorine” treatment temporarily during its annual water main and hydrant flushing program.

DAVENPORT, IA (March 9, 2010) Iowa American Water will adjust its treatment process for the next five weeks as part of its regular, ongoing hydrant maintenance and flushing progra...

Disaster Aid to Iowa after Severe Winter Storms

WASHINGTON – Chuck Grassley today said President Barack Obama declared a major disaster declaration for Iowa, triggering the release of FEMA funds to help Iowa recover from the severe winter storms that occurred on January 19 - 26. Additional designations may be made at a later date after furthe...

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Health & Medicine

Walkers “Join the Movement” to Create a World Free of MS

Bettendorf, IA – The North Central States Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society will hold its annual walk MS in the Quad Cities on Saturday, May 8th, 2010 at Veterans Memorial Park.

More than 700 walkers are expected to come out and help raise the goal of $57,500. Funds rais...

Drink This, Not That!

MADISON, Wis.—The human body is composed of about 70 percent water. Take that as a hint.

Water is at the top of the list of things you should be drinking plenty of, says Dr. Kristina Penniston, a clinical nutritionist with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH).

Penn...

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Music & Entertainment

Filmshift Film Festival and Screenplay Competition is Now Accepting Entries

Submit today! http://www.filmshift.org

The Filmshift Film Festival and screenplay competition is now accepting entries from both professional and Student filmmakers. We are looking for works that tell original and compelling stories.

Our prize sponsors are the giants of the independent film world. FI...

Frank Drew – CD Release party

Frank Drew, QC Area saxophonist and composer, will be hosting a CD Release Party announcing his new CD, “Straight up Diversity” on March 26th at the 11th Street Precinct in the Village of East Davenport. The party starts at 9PM and goes until 1AM. There is no cover charge and CD’s will be ...

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Politics & Elections

Harkin Applauds Senate Bill to Extend Unemployment, Health Insurance Benefits Through the End of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, today applauded Senate passage of legislation to extend unemployment benefits and other crucial programs through the end of 2010. Once the House passes the measure and the bil...

Bill Fennelly Announces Run For Re-Election

March 8, 2010, Davenport, Iowa – Scott County Treasurer Bill Fennelly announced that he is seeking re-election as Treasurer. This is Fennelly’s fifth run as county Treasurer.

Prior to his first election as Treasurer in 1994, Fennelly served on the Scott County Board of Supervisors for 13 years ...

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Sports & Recreation

Iowa Basketball Film, Winning Favor

February 17, 2010 (Des Moines, Iowa) Iowa basketball film, Winning Favor, is set to premiere in Holland Plaza’s new Digital Theater on February 19, 2010 in Orange CIty, Iowa, and will run through March 4. The film will then play at Sioux City's Promenade Theater March 12 through March 19.

Winning ...

1st Annual Camp Courageous Sprint Triathlon

MONTICELLO, IA - Camp Courageous will be hosting its First Annual Camp Courageous Sprint Triathlon on Sunday, August 1, 2010, 8:00 am. All net proceeds will go to Camp Courageous.

The 500-yard swim will take place at Central Park Lake, near Amber in Jones County. The 17-mile bike leg will be a po... More:

Food & Dining

FDA Criminal Division

Senator Chuck Grassley issued the comment below about a newly released report of the Government Accountability Office regarding the criminal division of the Food and Drug Administration. Grassley requested the review, in 2009, in response to allegations about lax standards and poor accountability ...

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Addresses the School Nutrition Association, Issues Call to Action for Child Nutrition Stakeholders

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2010 - Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke to the School Nutrition Association and highlighted the Obama Administration's priorities for the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act and issued a call to stakeholders to improve the health and nutrition of our nation'...

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Art & Galleries

Braley Announces 2010 Congressional Art Competition for Iowa High School Students

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Waterloo) announced his office’s participation in the 2010 Congressional art competition: “An Artistic Discovery.” Last year, Mitch Doll from Davenport won the First District contest.

“An Artistic Discovery” is the annual art contest conducted ...

Call for Artists – Applications Available for 48th Annual Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair

Peoria, Ill. – The Peoria Art Guild is accepting applications for the 48th Annual Fine Art Fair to be held at the Peoria Riverfront on September 25-26, 2010.
Artists can only apply online at juriedartservices.com. The deadline for applications is March 15.

Rated as one of the top fine art fairs in t...

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