19 May 2014

Loebsack Statement on the Resignation of VA Undersecretary for Health Care

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after it was announced that Robert Petzel, the Veterans Administration's (VA) undersecretary for health care, has resigned.

"I have been extremely concerned about the reports that have recently come to light of alleged preventable deaths and subsequent cover up at VA health clinics. As a parent of military children, I am incredibly upset that this could have ever happened to the men and women who honorably served our nation. We owe it to our nation's veterans to do all we can to determine exactly what happened and we need to do it immediately."

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09 May 2014

Congressman Loebsack & Community come together to fill River Bend Food Bank

By Joe Hand

Letter Carriers continue proud tradition of service to Quad Citians

Quad Cities, USA–On Saturday May 10th, members of the National Association of Letter Carriers from all across the country will be collecting sturdy bags of non-perishable food from front porches and mail boxes during the largest single day food drive in the world. In 2013, collections peaked over 74 million pounds. Locally, the haul was over 60,000lbs.

For 2014, the Quad City Federation of Labor, the United Way of the Quad Cities Area,  Loffredo Fresh Produce, Teamsters Local 371, Quad City letters carriers and postal workers, and countless volunteers will be working together to bring in a record haul of 100,000lbs of food. All of the food collected on Saturday will be donated to the River Bend Food Bank and subsequently distributed to thousands of families in need throughout the Quad Cities.

Congressman Dave Loebsack and Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba will be doing their part by joining with volunteers at the Downtown Davenport Post Office located at 933 W. 2nd St at 11:00am. Quad Citians are encouraged to follow in their example and volunteer a few hours of their time for this worthwhile cause, in addition to leaving a sturdy bag of non-perishable goods near their mailboxes on the morning of Saturday May 10th.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison, Joshua Schipp, at 309-738-6536. Volunteer information is listed below.

Volunteer Time Slots:

12-3pm

3pm-6pm

(or any amount of time between 12-6pm)

Locations:

Moline Post Office - 514 17th Street

Rock Island Post Office - 2633 11th Street

Davenport Post Offices - 933 W 2nd St & 4018 Marquette St

05 May 2014

Loebsack Announces Nearly $420,000 in AmeriCorps Funding for Davenport

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that the City of Davenport will receive $418,918 in AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

"As we have seen firsthand here in Iowa, AmeriCorps members are an indispensable resource for the communities and individuals they serve," said Loebsack. "We are fortunate here in Iowa where civic engagement and a sense of community are the norm. I am proud to support AmeriCorps and other programs that truly make a difference in our communities. I congratulate the City of Davenport for receiving this grant, and thank all those who have answered the call to serve others."

This competitively awarded grant will be used to put 73 AmeriCorps members on the ground in Davenport to help improve graduation rates across the city. At the end of the first program year, the AmeriCorps members will be responsible for raising the attendance rates and course grades, and decreasing the high-risk behaviors and disciplinary actions, for at least 1,000 at-risk youth in the Quad Cities region. In addition, the AmeriCorps members will leverage an additional 600 volunteers who will be engaged in one-to-one youth mentoring each year.

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24 Apr 2014

Loebsack Announces Start of Online Voting for 2014 Congressional Art Contest

By Joe Hand

To vote, visit:  http://loebsack.house.gov/ 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that online voting to select the 2014 People's Choice Award to represent Iowa's Second Congressional District in the Congressional Art Contest has now begun. The piece that receives the most votes will be named this year's winner and will be displayed in the tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol for one year. The winning student and guardian will also each receive a free flight to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception held in their honor. This year, Loebsack's office received a record 167 entries from 13 different high schools in 10 counties.

For the first time, to open the process to as many students and Iowans as possible, the winner will be chosen by the public. Voting is now open and closes on Friday, May 2nd at 5:00pm CDT. The winner will be notified and announced the week of May 5th.

Click HERE to vote. Scroll through to view the entries and then chose from the dropdown list at the bottom to select who you think is the best.

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22 Apr 2014

Loebsack Encourages Students to Apply for Summer Internships

By Joe Hand
Washington, D.C - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that his office is now accepting applications from Iowa college students to participate in a Congressional internship program in his Washington, D.C. office. The internship program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates, regardless of major. Summer internships typical begin around Memorial Day and run through August, though some positions are available immediately and specific dates can be set for each individual.

"As a former educator, I have seen the benefits that internships can provide by giving students a firsthand look into the government process," said Loebsack. "I encourage all hardworking, motivated students and recent graduates to apply."

Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and the federal government by working closely with the legislative, communications and constituent services staff members. Interested candidates should email their cover letter, resume, a short writing sample and a letter of recommendation to LoebsackInternship@mail.house.gov.

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21 Apr 2014

Loebsack Public Schedule for Tuesday, April 22

By Joe Hand

Speak at RSVP Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will speak at the annual event that honors local RSVP Volunteers

WHERE Fountains Senior Living Clubhouse, 3752 Thunder Ridge Road, Bettendorf

TIME 11:30am

 

Tour JMTC Ambulance Line

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

Col. David Luders, Commander JMTC

Rick Nesbitt, Deputy Commander JMTC

WHAT Dave will tour the facility and learn more about the ambulance line

WHERE Rock Island Arsenal JMTC, Building 210 on Rodman Ave

TIME 1:30pm

NOTE Due to timing, Dave will be available to speak with press about this tour following the CDBG event

 

Speak at Davenport's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Week Event

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will speak at the event celebrating the 40th anniversary of CDBG

WHERE The Freight House, 421 W. River Drive, Davenport

TIME 4:00pm


11 Apr 2014

Loebsack Statement on FY2015 Ryan Budget

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after House Republicans, led by Rep. Paul Ryan, passed their misguided budget for Fiscal Year 2015.

"As someone who was raised in poverty, I know all too well about sitting around the kitchen table and having to make tough decisions. And it is even more difficult when you are setting the budget for the entire nation. But when you are sitting at your kitchen table the last items you cut are medical and prescription costs, education expenses, and the grocery bill. Unfortunately the Ryan Budget makes those cuts first by ending the Medicare guarantee as we know it, slashing Pell Grants, increasing out of pocket costs for seniors who purchase prescription drugs by reopening the donut hole, and eliminating small business tax breaks. Pulling the rug out from under seniors, students, working families, women and small business owners, while giving tax breaks to millionaires, is not the way to address the unsustainable deficit that our nation faces.

"I hear from folks every weekend when I am back in Iowa about how dysfunctional Congress is and the need to quit all the political posturing so we can actually focus on growing the economy and creating jobs. I could not agree more. At a time when so many people are still struggling, now is not the time to go after those who can least afford it. Americans deserve a budget that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and connected."

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08 Apr 2014

Miller Announces New Subcommittee Ranking Democrats, Welcomes New Democratic Member

By Joe Hand

WASHINGTON–Today Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), senior Democrat on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, announced new subcommittee ranking Democrats, a new Democratic committee member, and subcommittee assignments for the remainder of the 113th Congress.

Committee Democrats held an organization meeting Monday evening, during which they elected Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.) as the ranking member of the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee and Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA) as the ranking member on the Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee.

"I would like to congratulate Congressmen Tierney and Loebsack on their new senior committee positions," said Miller. "Their work on behalf of America's students and working families is exceptional, and I am confident that their valued leadership will continue to help our committee advance our shared goals."

At the meeting, Democrats also welcomed Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) as the newest Democrat on the committee, where he fills a vacant seat. Takano will sit on the Higher Education and Workforce Training Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

"I am pleased to welcome Congressman Mark Takano, who has worked as a public school teacher and a community college trustee, to the committee," said Miller. "His passion for education and labor issues, combined with his real-world experience in K-12 and higher education, will serve this committee well."

Miller continued: "The rest of this session of Congress will surely bring new challenges, but committee Democrats will not lose sight of our responsibility to ensure that workers are treated fairly on the job and students can be successful in the classroom and in life. I look forward to working with all our members in order to grow and strengthen America's middle class."

The new subcommittee assignments for Education and the Workforce Committee Democrats are as follows:

Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education

David Loebsack, Iowa (Ranking Member)

Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, Virginia

Carolyn McCarthy, New York

Susan A. Davis, California

Raúl M. Grijalva, Arizona

Marcia L. Fudge, Ohio

Jared Polis, Colorado

Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Northern Mariana Islands

Subcommittee on Workforce Protections

Joe Courtney, Connecticut (Ranking Member)

Raul Grijalva, Arizona

Timothy H. Bishop, New York

Marcia L. Fudge, Ohio

Mark Pocan, Wisconsin

Mark Takano, California

 

Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training

Rubén Hinojosa, Texas (Ranking Member)

Timothy H. Bishop, New York

Frederica Wilson, Florida

Suzanne Bonamici, Oregon

Mark Takano, California

Carolyn McCarthy, New York

John Tierney, Massachusetts

Rush Holt, New Jersey

Susan A. Davis, California


Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions

John Tierney, Massachusetts (Ranking Member)

Rush Holt, New Jersey

Mark Pocan, Wisconsin

Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, Virginia

Rubén Hinojosa, Texas

David Loebsack, Iowa

Joe Courtney, Connecticut

Jared Polis, Colorado

Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Northern Mariana Islands

Frederica Wilson, Florida

Suzanne Bonamici, Oregon

 

 

Committee on Education and the Workforce Democrats

 

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07 Apr 2014

Loebsack Statement on Fifth Anniversary of Marriage Equality in Iowa

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today marking the fifth anniversary of the landmark Varnum decision by the Iowa Supreme Court to recognize same-sex marriages. The decision made Iowa the third state in the nation to grant marriage equality for LGBT couples.

"Iowa is no stranger to leading the fight for greater civil rights, whether it is based on race, gender or sexual orientation. And five years ago today, our great state again stood up and said enough is enough - we believe all couples, no matter straight or gay, should be allowed to marry who they love. Today's anniversary allows us time to pause to look back and see all that has been accomplished in moving marriage equality forward. It also reinforces the importance of continuing the fight for marriage equality so our LGBT brothers and sisters nationwide can have the same protections as Iowans.

"The Varnum decision made Iowa a more welcoming place for everyone to live, work and raise a family. Now it is time for this basic civil right to be granted to LGBT couples nationwide."

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04 Apr 2014

Loebsack continues fight to renew job-creating wind energy credit

By Joe Hand

Two weeks ago, Congressman Loebsack joined with Rep. Steve King to lead 118 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives in calling for the extension of the Production Tax Credit for wind energy. Earlier this week, he joined Sens. Grassley and Udall and Rep. King in authoring an op-ed entitled "Don't Pull the Plug: Wind Energy Empowers America" to continue to call attention to the need to extend the PTC, which will provide the needed stability for the wind energy industry.

Loebsack has been a longtime proponent of the wind energy industry, including being named a USA Wind Champion by the American Wind Energy Association for his ongoing support of wind energy in Iowa and his work to extend the PTC. He has visited wind energy plants across Iowa to see firsthand the need for stability that an extension of the PTC would provide and has repeatedly urged the House and Senate leadership to protect these good Iowa jobs. 

A copy of the op-ed follows.

Don't Pull the Plug: Wind Energy Empowers America  

By Sen. Chuck Grassley, Sen. Mark Udall, Rep. Steve King & Rep. Dave Loebsack  

April 1, 2014

Momentum is building to extend expired tax provisions that lapsed Dec. 31. Of the 55 expired tax breaks on the table, wind energy incentives are among those left hanging. The industry faces instability and uncertainty caused by the expiration of the investment and production tax credits.  

We're working to build bipartisan, bicameral and regional alliances to secure a victory for America's 21st century clean energy policy. So far, 144 lawmakers have stood with us and hard-working families in our effort to support onshore and offshore wind energy developments in the tax extenders package.  

Specifically, we are pressing leaders in the House and Senate to prioritize extensions of the job-creating investment and production tax credits for wind energy. This federal tax policy has helped to launch a carbon-free energy source and diversify America's portfolio of homegrown, alternative sources of energy. The tax credits have helped to support 85,000 U.S. jobs; trigger $105 billion in private sector investment; reduce the carbon footprint by displacing carbon-emitting energy with clean generation wind energy (U.S. wind power capacity of more than 60,000 megawatts avoids 100 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of taking 17 million cars off the road); and, harness an inexhaustible source of affordable, domestic electricity for consumers. 

   

Opponents of wind energy tax incentives argue the industry doesn't need any government support, yet there are plenty of tax policies for various industries that have been on the books for decades longer than those for wind. If one measure is on the table for potential removal, all of them should be on the table. Everything deserves consideration on its merits, and wind energy stands up to scrutiny.  

   

Technology, tax incentives and private investment work to strengthen the renewable energy sector's position in the free marketplace and power America's carbon-free energy policies forward. Consider that 72 percent of a wind turbine's value today is made in the United States, compared to 25 percent in 2005. Over the past few decades, wind energy in the United States has changed the economic and energy landscape with nearly 900 utility-scale wind projects on the nation's electricity grid and more than 550 wind-related manufacturing facilities.  

 

Wind farms and/or factories have cropped up in all 50 states, putting people to work in good-paying jobs, diversifying farm and ranch income with an organic, drought- and weed-resistant cash crop, revitalizing rural communities and creating pollution-free electricity for millions of homes and businesses across the country.

Under one estimate, if the United States reaches 20 percent of wind-generated electricity, carbon emissions by the electricity sector would fall by up to 25 percent. That's the equivalent of taking 140 million vehicles off the road. In fact, at 27.4 percent, Iowa leads the nation, powering the equivalent of 1.3 million homes - Colorado is not far behind, powering roughly a million homes.

Critics looking for additional proof that wind energy tax incentives make good policy and good politics need to consider that wind energy is good for consumers, constituents and taxpayers. Wind energy projects operate in 70 percent of congressional districts. They require no oil spill liability fund to clean up environmental disasters. The U.S. taxpayer doesn't have to pay for catastrophic insurance as with nuclear power.

But despite its successes in the last two decades, the still-emerging wind industry is working to rebound after setbacks from the uncertainty of expiring tax policy. It suffered 4,500 job losses in 2012 within its manufacturing sector as orders and investment dwindled. Investment dropped from $25 billion to $2 billion.

And this debate is not taking place within a vacuum. A failure to renew wind energy tax credits not only jeopardizes U.S. manufacturing and our pursuit of energy security, but it also threatens U.S. leadership in the global energy race. If Congress pulls the rug out from under wind energy firms, other places like China are more than willing to step into the breach.

The United States can't afford to pull the plug on wind energy tax incentives that foster responsible environmental stewardship, encourage entrepreneurs to innovate clean-energy technologies and investors to finance the job-creating infrastructure that delivers clean electricity to America's homes and businesses.

Grassley is a Republican from Iowa. Udall is a Democrat from Colorado. King is a Republican from Iowa. Loebsack is a Democrat from Iowa.

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