$5.25 million grant will implement Sector Partnerships for workers displaced due to bird flu outbreak

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today applauded the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for awarding $5,250,000 to the Iowa Workforce Development to implement and expand Sector Partnerships in the state. Today's funding announcement will provide intensive worker-centered services including case management, individual and group skill building, soft-skills training, connection to community resources, and assistance in obtaining training, credentials, and certificates to individuals in rural areas who were displaced from the poultry and egg industry due to Avian Influenza. The funding comes from the DOL's Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant program.

Loebsack has been a long time champion of establishing and expanding Sector Partnerships. Portions of his legislation, the SECTORS Act, passed as a part of the bipartisan Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that was signed into law last year.

"I am pleased that the Iowa Workforce Development will receive this funding to make an investment in Iowa's greatest resource: its workers. Many parts of rural Iowa have been devastated by the recent Avian Flu outbreak and this emergency funding will help stem some of the losses our workers are facing," said Loebsack.

Washington, D.C. - June 2, 2015 - Congressman Dave Loebsack today welcomed the Quad Cities Honor Flight to the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington. The Quad Cities Honor Flight brings World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington to visit our nation's capital and Memorials built in their honor.

 "I look forward to welcoming each Honor Flight to our nation's capital so they can see the memorials that were built in their honor. Being able to welcome these veterans today was especially meaningful," said Loebsack. "We cannot thank these veterans enough for their service to our nation."

 The Honor Flights are all fully paid for, and the veterans are typically accompanied by volunteers who donate their time to ensure that the veterans have a safe trip. This group included 81 veterans. The Quad Cities Honor Flight left from the Quad City International Airport this morning and will return tonight.

 Loebsack is an avid supporter of our veterans. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has worked to improve care and benefits for our servicemembers and veterans, including expanding Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for the National Guard; expanding access to mental health care; helping our veterans find civilian jobs; and opening new Community Based Outpatient Clinics to improve access to VA services for Iowa veterans. He also co-introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate the waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for servicemembers wounded in combat.

Iowa's egg producers have had to destroy one-sixth of chickens due to outbreak of Avian Flu

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today called on leaders of the House Committee on Agriculture to hold a hearing on establishing a federal poultry insurance program to provide needed assistance to farmers in Iowa and across the nation. This year, due to the recent Avian Flu outbreak, one-sixth of Iowa's egg producing chickens have had to be destroyed leaving farmers without a safety net to protect their livelihood.  Loebsack wrote to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture calling on them to hold a hearing to discuss whether a federal poultry insurance program is needed to address future natural disasters similar to the Avian Flu outbreak.

"The men and women who put food own our tables deserve a discussion by lawmakers to decide if a federal poultry insurance program is warranted to assist when unforeseen events out of the control of our farmers happen," wrote Loebsack. "It's time we examine other ways to help protect producers who place their livelihood on the line every day. Thank you for your consideration of a hearing to make sure our producers and farmers are getting the aid they need when disasters occur."

A copy of the letter can be found here.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack recently introduced legislation to address the importance of increasing access to critical services in schools to address the non-academic factors that affect students' ability to learn. His legislation, the Reducing Barriers to Learning Act, would increase student access to school counselors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, specialized teachers, and community partners such as mental and physical health providers.

"As someone who grew up in poverty, I know firsthand how important outside factors can contribute to the success of the student in the classroom. We have to promote learning in safe and supportive school environments. Knowing who is available to help struggling students and those in need of more specialized supports is critical," said Loebsack.  "The Reducing Barriers to Learning Act will increase student access to services to better address the non-academic needs of students and help them learn in the classroom by addressing issues such as depression, low-self esteem, and speech and language disorders. This will not only set our children up for success both in school and in their future college and career pursuits, but will also support our teachers' efforts in the classroom."

Loebsack's bill would improve specialized instructional support services in schools and clarify the roles of specialized personnel to ensure they are able to best serve students' needs. It would also create a grant program to develop programs and train personnel dedicated to removing barriers to learning.