To Ensure They are Getting the Care and Attention They Deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs

Washington, DC – Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) will be hosting a forum specifically for veterans this Saturday, May 12 featuring Mr. Duane Honeycutt, Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Chicago (VARO), and Ms. Dawn Oxley, Acting Director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System.  Director Honeycutt and Ms. Oxley have graciously agreed to meet with area veterans to gather input from them about their needs and provide them with information about veterans benefits and processes.  

The forum is intended to be educational and will address issues pertaining to the operation of the VARO, such as how to properly file a claim, the claim and appeal process, what documents are necessary to file a claim, the length of time to review a claim, and more.  The forum is open to veterans, their spouses, VSOs, and other individuals who may have concerns related to the specific nature of the forum.

"Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much for our country, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the care they deserve," Schilling said.  "This forum will give our area's heroes the opportunity to speak directly with VA officials to share their ideas about what can be done both in Illinois and in Washington to improve their access to care."

  • WHO: Mr. Duane Honeycutt, Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Chicago (VARO), Ms. Dawn Oxley, Acting Director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System
  • WHAT: Veterans Forum, to gather input on veterans' needs and provide information about veterans benefits and processes
  • WHEN: Saturday, May 12 from 10:00am CST - 12:00pm CST
  • WHERE: American Legion, 571 E. North St., Galesburg, Illinois
  • WHY: In an effort to ensure our area's heroes are getting the care and attention they deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs

Those interested in attending the forum can contact Schilling's office in Moline by calling (309) 757-7630.  Due to the sensitive nature of casework the forum itself is closed to the press.  Media should check in with Ken Moffett upon arriving for further information.

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Moline, IL - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) will be hosting a reception in honor of the 2012 Congressional Art Competition on Saturday, May 5 at the Augustana College Art Museum in Rock Island.  This is the annual Congressional Art Show's 30th year, and Schilling has invited high schools from across the district to participate.

"The Congressional Art Competition is a wonderful opportunity to highlight our area's talented young people," Schilling said. "I look forward to seeing their skill and creativity on display at this weekend's reception."

Each high school in the 17th District has been offered the opportunity to submit up to five pieces of artwork for display at Saturday's art show.  A total of three votes will determine the winners.  Two local art experts will be the core judges, with the third vote cast by a compilation of votes cast by the reception's attendees.  The first place finisher will have his or her piece displayed for the next year in a corridor of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC along with winning pieces from other congressional districts around the country.  Sponsored by the Congressional Institute, the first place finisher and one guest will receive a free flight to Washington, DC to attend the 2012 Congressional Art Competition Reception on Capitol Hill and see their work on display.  The remaining four artists may select to have their pieces featured in Schilling's district offices for the remainder of the year.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 as a way to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of our country's youth. Since it was launched, more than 650,000 students have participated nationwide.

The Augustana College Art Museum is located at the front of Centennial Hall, at the northwest corner of the intersection of 7th Avenue and 38th Street in Rock Island.  Interested students or parents can contact Claudia Ridenour with questions at (309) 757-7630.

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WHO: The family of late World War II veteran Private First Class (PFC) Theodore "Ted" Bruch, Congressman Bobby Schilling, and First Army Deputy Commanding General for Support, Maj. Gen. Mark MacCarely.  Also expected is East Moline Mayor John Thodos.  

WHAT: A ceremony presenting the family of late WWII veteran PFC Bruch with a number of awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, the World War II Victory medal, the Army of Occupation with Germany clasp, the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and the Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.

WHEN: Thursday May 3, 2012 at 12:00pm CST.

WHERE: East Moline City Hall's Council Room, 912 16th Avenue, East Moline Illinois 61244.

WHY: To give well-deserved recognition for the service of  PFC Bruch.  PFC Bruch was born in Waterloo, Iowa in 1926.  He joined the United States Army in June 1944, and served as a Combat Engineer in the European Theater of Operations, conducting a number of engineer missions.  PFC Bruch served until he was Honorably Discharged in June 1946.  He passed away on July 26, 2011. 

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Washington, DC - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) today voted in favor of a bill to prevent a scheduled July 1 hike in interest rates on Stafford student loans.  Under a 2007 law, the interest rate on these subsidized loans to undergraduate students was decreased from 6.8% to 3.4% through June 30, at which time under the law the interest rates will increase.  Without Congressional action, these interest rates will return to previous levels and double on July 1.

"As a parent, the increasing cost of tuition and students' mounting debt are serious problems to me," Schilling said.  "Also serious is the fact that once kids graduate from college, they enter a tough job market where about half of them are left jobless or are underemployed, in addition to starting out thousands of dollars in the hole.  Washington should work to ensure that all Americans, including these young men and women, have the opportunity to succeed, and that our economy is growing and creating new jobs for them to pursue."

To pay for the $6 billion, one-year extension, H.R. 4628, the Interest Rate Reduction Act, cuts from a program in the Administration's health care reform law that has been criticized as a 'slush fund' with little oversight or purpose.  Already signed into law is bipartisan legislation that takes money from the fund, and President Obama's Fiscal Year 2013 budget also proposed cutting it by more than $4 billion.  Schilling joined 214 Republicans and Democrats in supporting low interest rates for students.

"This bill will keep student loan rates low without raising taxes on the folks we are asking to lead us into economic recovery and give these kids jobs," Schilling said.  "I urge the Senate to act on this, and to move on the more than 25 House-passed jobs bills sitting in the Senate that will cut wasteful spending and help businesses grow and hire new employees, providing more hope for our unemployed friends, neighbors, and recent graduates."

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"This bridge is structurally deficient and needs to be prioritized"

Washington, DC - Upon the announcement that the United States Secretary of Transportation, the Honorable Ray LaHood, would be traveling to Illinois on Monday, April 30, Congressmen Bobby Schilling (IL-17) and Dave Loebsack (IA-02) today invited him to the Quad Cities in order to view the structurally-deficient I-74 Bridge first-hand.  Today's letter continues the Congressmen's bipartisan push for officials to prioritize advancing large interstate bridge projects in federal transportation legislation and in state long-term infrastructure plans.

"Sometimes you have to go the final three feet to truly appreciate why certain issues and situations must be rectified and we would be happy to come with you on those last three feet to show you the problems we are facing with the I-74 Bridge," the Congressmen wrote. "This bridge is an important addition to our local community, region, and states.  By working together we can ensure that the people of Illinois and Iowa can safely have their needs met and encourage growth in our local and state economies."

In 2005, the I-74 Bridge became the most traveled bridge in the Quad Cities with an average of 77,800 vehicles crossing daily.  This is despite the fact that it was built for 48,000 such crossings.  The Bridge itself is functionally obsolete, however, and has never met Interstate standards.  In addition to improving travelers' safety, the I-74 Bridge project would spur economic growth, create construction jobs, reduce traffic backups, and improve air quality.

A copy of the letter can be seen here.

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Washington, DC – Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) has announced the schedule of upcoming mobile office hours. His staff will travel throughout the 17th Congressional District to meet with constituents and address any questions or concerns they may have. No appointments are necessary. A field representative will be available in the following locations at the following times:

May 2, 2012
Monmouth City Hall- Council Chambers
100 East Broadway
Monmouth, IL 61462
9:00am - 12:00pm

Albany City Hall
102 S Main St.
Albany, IL 61230
1:00pm - 4:00pm

May 16, 2012
Oquawka Village Hall
507 Schuyler St.
Oquawka, IL 61469
9:00am - 12:00pm

Aledo City Hall - Council Chambers
120 North College Ave
Aledo, IL 61231
9:00am - 1:00pm

May 23, 2012
Kewanee City Hall
401 East Third Street
Kewanee, IL  61443
9:00am - 4:00pm

Constituents are also encouraged to visit the Moline, Galesburg, Canton, and Rock Falls offices during normal office hours:

Moline District Office
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
3000 41st St., Suite B
Moline, IL 61265
P: (309) 757-7630

Galesburg District Office
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:30am to 5:00pm
Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce
185 South Kellogg St.
Galesburg, IL 61401
P: (309) 343-2220

Canton District Office
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30am - 5:00pm
8 South Main St., Suite 200
Canton, IL 61520
P: (309) 649-3307

Rock Falls District Office
Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9:00am - 4:00pm
1600 First Ave., Suite A
Rock Falls, IL 61071
P: (815) 548-9440

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Washington, DC - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) today released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 9, the Small Business Tax Cut Act, which would allow small businesses - those with fewer than 500 employees - to deduct 20 percent of their income from taxes regardless of how they are organized:

"Instead of raising taxes, discouraging investment, and punishing the many small businesses that file their taxes as individuals, we in the House want to work together and make it easier for Illinois' more than 200,000 small businesses to grow, create jobs for our unemployed friends and neighbors, and lead us into economic recovery.  It's simple - the more government takes from job creators, the less flexibility they have to maintain current product prices, keep folks on the payroll, or even expand their payroll.  From mom and pop shops to small manufacturing companies; businesses owned by men, women, and minorities alike; we want to help all small businesses provide hope and opportunities for folks looking for work.

"I focus on what we can do to improve things for my constituents and make it easier for them to succeed, not on what the talking heads say can't  be accomplished.  Americans deserve policies like the Small Business Tax Cut Act that promote growth and opportunity, not more taxes and spending.

"I am committed to overhauling the tax code and making it simpler, fairer, and flatter, but this is a step we can take right now to help small business owners grow jobs and paychecks and make a real difference in folks' lives."

Schilling spoke on the floor of the House today in support of the Small Business Tax Cut Act.  Video of his floor speech can be found here.

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Washington, DC - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) today sent a letter to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Ann L. Schneider, requesting information as to where on the Department's priority list the I-74 Bridge resides, the criteria being used to prioritize Illinois' infrastructure needs, and a meeting to discuss how the project can move forward.  

IDOT has confirmed that funding for its portion of the I-74 Bridge project's construction has not been set aside.  Further, recent reports indicate that the Iowa Department of Transportation, due to IDOT's lack of commitment to the project, is contemplating pulling back the funding they have secured, putting the Bridge's planned construction in Fiscal Year 2016 in jeopardy.

"I understand that Illinois received $1.475 billion in federal funds in Fiscal Year 2011, and that projects totaling millions of dollars around the state, especially in the Chicago area, continue to be funded." Schilling wrote.  "This suggests the state is capable of moving forward on projects it deems a priority; however it is hard to imagine a higher priority than a bridge that is functionally obsolete and handles 70,000 vehicle crossings per day when it was built for 48,000 such crossings.

"I understand that the planning processes between Illinois and Iowa are different.  However, in order for this project to come to fruition, a timeline is necessary for the respective Departments of Transportation, contractors, and the communities being impacted.  Because of these concerns I would appreciate an update on the current budget that IDOT has for the I-74 Bridge and the current shortfall on the project."

[Text of today's letter below]

Secretary Schneider,

Thank you for responding to my letter regarding the prioritization of the I-74 Bridge project.  I also appreciate that the I-74 Mississippi River Bridge was listed as a priority for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) through your fiscal year 2013 Illinois Federal Fiscal Year Priorities Book.  I strongly support this large project that will create construction jobs, reduce traffic backups, improve air quality, and relieve congestion, and I appreciate that you are working with Iowa towards its finalization.  This project will bring much needed safety to that river crossing.

I respectfully request to know specifically where on your priority list this vital project resides, as well as the criteria being used to determine these priorities.  Recent news reports suggest that Illinois might not have money programmed for the I-74 Bridge Project.  If accurate, this could result in the Iowa Department of Transportation retracting its portion of the project funding and applying it elsewhere.  This would add further uncertainty to the completion date of this project, which is on your priority list.  

Furthermore, I understand that Illinois received $1.475 billion in federal funds in Fiscal Year 2011, and that projects totaling millions of dollars around the state, especially in the Chicago area, continue to be funded.  This suggests the state is capable of moving forward on projects it deems a priority; however it is hard to imagine a higher priority than a bridge that is functionally obsolete and handles 70,000 vehicle crossings per day when it was built for 48,000 such crossings.

I understand that the planning processes between Illinois and Iowa are different.  However, in order for this project to come to fruition, a timeline is necessary for the respective Departments of Transportation, contractors, and the communities being impacted.  Because of these concerns I would appreciate an update on the current budget that IDOT has for the I-74 Bridge and the current shortfall on the project.  

I would also like to request a meeting to discuss how we can move forward together.  This bridge is an important addition to our local community, region, and state.  By working together we can ensure that the people of Illinois can safely have their needs met and encourage growth in our local and state economy.

Again, thank you for your time and consideration.  I will continue to advocate for a long-term transportation bill that will provide the certainty needed to most effectively build America's infrastructure.  I look forward to continuing our work to reinvest in the necessary infrastructure for our state to be safe and thrive.

Sincerely,
Bobby Schilling
Member of Congress

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Washington, DC - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) and a number of his colleagues testified yesterday before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health in support of various pieces of legislation relating to health care for American war veterans.  Schilling in December introduced H.R. 3723, the Enhanced Veteran Health Care Experience Act.  

"I truly believe you can tell a lot about a country by the way it treats its veterans," Schilling said in his testimony.  "I'm pursuing this legislation in large part because of the many constituents who constantly share their stories of having to drive long distances while experiencing substantial wait times in an effort to make sure they can get the health care they need.  But I also experienced this in my own family when helping to take care of my father - who served in Korea - near the end of his life.  We had to drive several hours to and from Iowa City for him to get the care he needed.  While we appreciated the service and the care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, I also believe that we must continue to make improvements for our veterans."

This legislation would allow, but not require, veterans to use fee-based care in their home towns with their own doctors.  Under the current veterans' health care system, veterans are shuttled back and forth between the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and their local doctors' offices, bound by the red tape that exists in the fee-based care system administered by the VA.  This red tape only exacerbates working with their local doctors' offices to receive the health care they need.  While increasing the ease with which veterans can receive care, studies and statements by the Government Accountability Office, Office of the Inspector General, and Veterans Service Organizations suggest that implementing the changes in this bill will create savings for the VA and address medical care concerns that veterans have when working with the VA fee-based care system.

"This idea is near and dear to me, and has received a positive response from veterans I have spoken with in my district," Schilling said in his testimony.  "The Congressional process is in place so that we can perfect legislation.  That is what I am working to do on this bill.  Since H.R. 3723's inception and also from its introduction, I have continued to work with Veteran Service Organizations to address their concerns.  I hope to continue to do this with the VSOs and the Committee."

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Washington, DC - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) released the following statement today - Tax Day - in advance of the House of Representatives' Thursday vote on H.R. 9, the Small Business Tax Cut Act:

"As we file our tax returns, Illinoisans feel the pinch of the tax increases imposed on them last year by state lawmakers in Springfield.  We were told these taxes would be used to pay Illinois' debts and prevent budget deficits down the line, but the truth, as many of us feared, is that these tax hikes have done nothing to help our state.  Illinois' unemployment has remained above nine percent since March of 2009, and our state currently has the lowest credit rating of all 50 states.  

"Thanks to the Illinois tax hikes and rising gas prices, our small businesses are cash-strapped and can currently face federal tax rates as high as 35 percent.  As a small business owner myself, I know that pain all too well.  Further, Americans spend more than $160 billion and over six billion hours a year filing their taxes, mostly when trying to figure out the various deductions and credits that are available.   

"There's broad, bipartisan support for pro-growth tax reform that simplifies the tax code, brings down rates, broadens the base, and closes loopholes.  Rather than advancing partisan and unserious show votes - votes on policies that don't lower gas prices, don't encourage economic and job growth, and don't impact our deficit - we in the House want to ensure more opportunities for job seekers and job creators, and make our tax code fairer, flatter, and simpler.  We want to cut wasteful spending and debt, and help small business owners grow both jobs and paychecks by providing them with tax relief.  I truly believe we can and must work together to get this done.  Illinoisans deserve policies that promote growth and opportunity, not more taxes, borrowing, and spending."

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