23 May 2012

Obama for America Iowa Hosting Next Round of Women's Events in Advance of President Obama's First Campaign Stop

By Randy Stalsberg

DES MOINES - Monday, May 21 Today and Tomorrow, Obama for America Iowa is holding its next round of Women for Obama events with Former Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge in Davenport, Dubuque and Independence.  The campaign is reminding Iowans about the President's record on women's issues and his efforts to protect and advance policies that promote fairness, equal opportunity, and a level playing field for all Americans.

On Monday, Former Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge and a Women for Obama Steering Committee member, will join a women's small business lunch in Davenport and attend a women's house party in Dubuque.  On Tuesday, she will meet with women for coffee in Independence.

Patty Judge will be talking about the critical role that women will play in this next election.  Obama for America Iowa is reaching out to supporters and volunteers across the state in advance of President Obama's first campaign event in Des Moines on Thursday.

 

Monday, May 21

12:00 PM

 

WHAT: Women's small business event with Former Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge and Cathy Lafrenz, owner of Miss Effie's flower garden.  Both will talk about what the President has done for small businesses and woman in the workplace.

WHERE: Nostalgia Farms Fresh Deli

421 West River Drive
Davenport, IA 52803

 

6:00 PM

WHAT: Former Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge will attend a Women for Obama house party to talk about why this election is so important for women.

WHERE: Home of Helen Varner

2330 High Cloud Dr.
Dubuque, IA 52002

 

Tuesday, May 22

9:30 AM

 

WHAT: Former Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge will meet for coffee with women supporters.

 

WHERE: Em's Coffee Company

324 First Street East

Independence, IA 50644
23 May 2012

Polish President and Governor Quinn Visit Soldiers at Marseilles Training Center

By Randy Stalsberg

Governor and Maj. Gen. Enyart receive Commander's Cross award from President Bronislaw Komorowski

MARSEILLES- May 20, 2012.  Governor Pat Quinn and Major General William Enyart of the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG) welcomed President of Poland Bronislaw Komorowski today at the Marseilles Training Center, where they visited with ILARNG soldiers and Polish officers in training. Governor Quinn and Maj. Gen. Enyart, of Belleville, Adjutant General for the ILARNG, were presented with the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which is bestowed upon foreigners for distinguished contribution to international cooperation with Poland. Thirteen of the soldiers were also presented with the cross.

"We welcome President Komorowski to Illinois and thank him for the continued economic and military partnership with our state and the Illinois Army National Guard," Governor Quinn said. "This visit is a show of solidarity and support for our troops, and a testament to the great friendship that we have with Poland. I am honored to accept the Commander's Cross with Illinois' outstanding servicemembers."

In addition to maintaining a strong military partnership with Poland, Illinois exports to the country totaled nearly $200 million in 2011, an 11% percent increase over 2010. Overall, Illinois ranks 5th among U.S. state in exports to Poland. Approximately 1 million Polish-Americans live in the Chicago-Area, the largest gathering of people of Polish Heritage outside of Warsaw.

The visit by Polish dignitaries coincides with the NATO Summit, taking place in Chicago May 20-21. In the past day, Governor Quinn also met with world leaders including the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Prime Minister of Belgium, Foreign Minister of Greece, President of Turkey, Prime Minister of Italy and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to strengthen economic partnerships and increase trade opportunities for Illinois.

"It was important for President Komorowski to see what training happens here in Illinois before his Soldiers deploy to a combat zone with Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers," said Enyart. "We truly value the great relationships we have developed with Poland since 1993 and today's visit only enhanced those relationships."

The Soldiers honored with the Commander's Cross included: Brig. Gen. Johnny Miller of Tamms, Col. Albert Cox of Newark, Lt. Col. Drew Dukett of Roodhouse, Lt. Col Joseph Schweickert of Peoria, Maj. Eric Davis of Mount Pulaski, Maj. Stanley Manes of Champaign, Capt. Andrew Adamczyk of Springfield, Capt. Douglas Coop of Jacksonville,, Master Sgt. Richard Schap of Sycamore, Master Sgt. Terry Martin of Dunlap, Master Sgt. David Ray of Millstadt, Sgt. 1st Class Ryanzo Perez of Springfield, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Markham of Glenarm.

Komorowski and other Polish dignitaries witnessed various training including firearms and vehicle rollover simulations, as well as assembling and dissembling of military equipment. ILARNG Soldiers have co-deployed with every Polish rotation to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003. Prior to deployment, Polish Soldiers travel to Illinois to conduct training at MTC. Governor Quinn visited Afghanistan on a mission led by Polish troops and supported by the ILARNG in 2009. As governor, he serves as the commander-in-chief of the ILARNG.

The Illinois National Guard State Partnership Program with Poland is one of the oldest and largest of all the state partnerships in the nation. Poland has been a state partner with the Illinois National Guard since 1993. It was originally created to assist Poland with military transformation and acceptance into NATO.

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23 May 2012

OFA Iowa Announces Additional Details About the President's Des Moines Grassroots Event

By Randy Stalsberg

Des Moines, IA - May 19, 2012 - Today, Obama for America Iowa announced that President Obama will hold the May 24th grassroots event at the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Thursday's event is the President's first campaign grassroots event in Iowa of this election cycle.

The grassroots event is open to the public, and no tickets are required. Space will be first come, first served. Doors will open at 4:30 PM CST. The address for the Iowa State Fairgrounds is 3000 East Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317, and guests should enter using the main entrance to the fair grounds at the intersection of East 30th St. and East Grand Ave.

"We are excited President Obama is coming back to host a grassroots event in Iowa," said State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald. "In Iowa, we have seen firsthand the choice in November as the President is fighting for the middle class and creating a pro-growth economy that is built to last and Mitt Romney, whose economic theories are based on outsourcing and tax breaks for the wealthy and biggest corporations that undercut middle class Iowans."

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14 May 2012

Reports dings IRS whistleblower progress, President should engage

By Randy Stalsberg

May 10 


Today the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration released a report calling for better Internal Revenue Service (IRS) management of the IRS whistleblower program aimed at curbing big-dollar tax cheating.  Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa last week expressed his "extreme disappointment in the management of the program" in a letter to the agency.  Grassley wrote the 2006 law improving the IRS whistleblower office.

Grassley made the following comment on today's report.

"This report confirms my concern that the IRS isn't serious about processing whistleblower claims in a timely way.   Open-ended timeframes don't get the job done.  Ironically, taxpayers are subject to strict deadlines and stiff penalties for foot-dragging with the IRS.  The accountability is one-sided.  Meanwhile, while the grass grows at the IRS, big-dollar tax cheating continues.   Whistleblowers who are trying to expose the wrongdoing are left twisting in the wind.   If the IRS and the Treasury Department really want to close the tax gap, they need to focus on cleaning up the processing of claims and issuing awards.   Instead of going to conferences in Miami and San Diego, they should process whistleblower claims and make these payments.    For example, the whistleblower office director's approval of an award apparently has to be reviewed by an executive committee before a whistleblower can be paid.   As I said in my letter last week, the IRS needs to get the process moving.   President Obama should make this a priority.  While he promotes higher taxes on millionaires, his own administration is allowing big-dollar tax cheating to continue by letting whistleblower cases sit on the shelf.  He could do a lot for tax compliance by lighting a fire under the IRS on whistleblowers."


Today's report is available here.

The text of Grassley's latest letter is available here.

09 May 2012

Statement by Iowa State Education Association President Chris Bern

By Randy Stalsberg

On the Education Reform Package

DES MOINES, IA (05/08/2012)(readMedia)-- "The ISEA is pleased with the steps taken giving educators more time to collaborate and work together to improve their craft. Preparing and supporting quality teachers in the classroom is an integral part of student success and the ISEA has supported this concept from the beginning of our discussions on education reform. Iowa has a long history of great schools and outstanding teachers in the classroom. We have high graduation rates and test scores and our teacher mentoring program is one of the best. We can be proud of the work our educators are doing and continue to do on a daily basis. The education reform package also takes some important first steps toward early literacy and kindergarten readiness programs which are important building blocks on the road to high student achievement. However, it is very important to remember that there also has to be a willingness to invest the resources needed for our students to succeed. The education reform package falls short in finding those resources."

The ISEA is a professional organization made up of nearly 34,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

09 May 2012

State Treasurer Fitzgerald Hosts College Student Body Representatives for Phone Call With President Obama

By Randy Stalsberg

DES MOINES, IA (05/08/2012)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald hosted five Iowa College Student Body Representatives in his office to join a call with President Obama regarding the potential interest rate hike for student loans. Public officials and students across the country joined together to support the President in his efforts to keep the student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1st.

Treasurer Fitzgerald invited student leaders from colleges across Iowa to participate in the discussion. The following students were able to join him on the call: Justin Meyers, Grandview College in Des Moines; Greg Ellingson, Central College in Pella; Jordan Bancroft-Smithe, the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls; Jared Knight, Iowa State University in Ames; and David Karaz, Drake University in Des Moines.

"It is great to have students actively involved in this conversation," Fitzgerald stated after the call. "Students need to use their voices to encourage their Congress Members to act. I am proud to have such high quality students here in Iowa representing all Iowa students."

President Obama urged the students on the call to get involved and ask Congress to act. "I need your help," the President explained.

"It's really great that President Obama took the time to talk with us and many other student, municipal and state leaders about the potential impending doubling of federally subsidized student loan interest rates. Here in Iowa, especially with the current "Brain Drain," it is imperative to the future of Iowa's economy that interest rates stay as low as possible. Iowa college and university students are leaving school with the highest levels of debt in the nation. If interest rates were to double, more students will be forced to leave Iowa in order to pay off those loans."- Jordan Bancroft-Smithe, Student Body President, University of Northern Iowa

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09 May 2012

Trinity appoints new foundation President

By Randy Stalsberg

Trinity Regional Health System has appointed Marika Jones as its new President of the Trinity Health Foundation, effective May 7.

Jones comes to Trinity with more than 17 years of experience in fund raising and foundation development. Most recently, Jones served in key development and coordination roles at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport. Prior to that, she held fundraising positions at the University of Michigan and Iowa State University. Jones also has provided fundraising consulting services to non-profit organizations including universities, health systems, museums and human services organizations.

"I am excited to work with Jones and know her broad experience in fundraising development along with her management background will be a great asset to our dedicated team of health care professionals," Trinity President and CEO Rick Seidler said.

Jones earned her Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. Jones and her family reside in Bettendorf.

Former Trinity Health Foundation President Berlinda Tyler-Jamison will transition to her new role as Trinity's Vice President of Community Impact and Advocacy.

-#-
02 May 2012

Loebsack Statement on the President's Speech on Afghanistan

By Randy Stalsberg

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement regarding President Obama's speech on Afghanistan.  Loebsack is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and has traveled to Afghanistan six times to meet with the troops and receive briefings from the commanders on the ground.

"With far too many Iowa families struggling here at home, I strongly believe that our nation's focus must be on rebuilding an economy that works for all Iowans. As I have long said, I also believe that we have done more than enough nation building in Afghanistan.  The situation we face there has changed.  It is past time to focus on rebuilding our economy here at home.

"As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I know the serious threats facing our nation.  We must continue to protect our country from the terrorist threats we face. As our military leaders have also testified, the strength and security of our nation is based on the strength of our economy.  Our current presence in Afghanistan does not address those threats."

"Our servicemembers and military families have made great sacrifices over the last decade and we owe them our unyielding gratitude, respect, and support.  As a nation, we have a responsibility to serve them with the same dedication and honor with which they have served us.  We must ensure that our wounded warriors, including those whose wounds are not visible, receive nothing but the best medical care and support, and that those looking for civilian jobs are able to find them..

"Our men and women in uniform, including our Iowa National Guard, have served courageously and performed their duty; it is now time to responsibly bring them home."

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30 Apr 2012

Loebsack Statement on President Obama's Speech at the University of Iowa

By Randy Stalsberg

Washington, D.C. Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the President spoke at the University of Iowa about the need to prevent student loan interest rates from doubling, from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent, on July 1st.  Loebsack is a cosponsor of H.R. 3826, which would ensure the increase does not occur.  Loebsack welcomed the President to Iowa at the Eastern Iowa Airport and attended his speech at the University of Iowa Field House.

"I was pleased President Obama chose the University of Iowa to highlight the looming rate increase if Congress does not take action.  This issue truly impacts many Iowans.  In fact, over the past year more than 3,900 people have contacted me with their concerns about the cost of college and student loans.  This is not all that surprising given that college grads in Iowa leave school with some of the highest debt load in the country.  They cannot afford a rate increase.

"I grew up in poverty, worked my way through college and relied on financial aid to pay for tuition.   I know firsthand the difference that a college education can make in a student's life.  No student should be turned away or lose out on attending college because their family can't afford to pay tuition.  Congress must act to avoid this rate increase."

During his time with the President, Loebsack also raised the need for bipartisan support in passing a long-term transportation bill.

"I talked with the President about an issue central to job creation and economic development in Iowa - transportation.  Iowans are sick of the bickering and partisan politics and are demanding that the work get done, which is why I have crossed party lines time and again to try and pass a Highway Bill.  I strongly urged the President to engage on a bipartisan basis to finally move a long-term transportation bill so projects critical to Iowa's families, businesses and farmers can move forward."

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25 Apr 2012

Americans for Prosperity to Host Rally During President Obama's Speech

By Randy Stalsberg

President Should Stop Obstructing Job Creation for America's College Graduates

Iowa City, IA - When President Barack Obama speaks at the University of Iowa campus today, Americans for Prosperity - Iowa (AFP-IA) will be on campus to rally in support of job creation and economic freedom. Americans for Prosperity - Iowa state director Mark Lucas believes the White House should change its policies to make it easier for companies to grow and create jobs.

"A college degree doesn't matter much when there are no jobs available in the economy," says Lucas.

Recent employment data shows that one in two college graduates are unemployed or underemployed and the unemployment rate for 21 to 24 year-olds is over 13 percent.

"The President had an opportunity to support the Keystone Pipeline which would have created thousands of much-needed jobs," said Lucas. "The White House claims they want to lower unemployment. This administration is content to see half a billion dollars wasted on failed companies like Solyndra, while blocking job growth that would come with the Keystone pipeline."

The rally will be held along Grande Avenue on the President's motorcade route. Americans for Prosperity - Iowa will watch the President's speech and discuss it over a pizza lunch at the Wig & Pen restaurant on 1220 Hwy 6 West at 1:00PM. The President is scheduled to speak at the University of Iowa campus today as part of his effort to get Congress to extend an interest rate cap on the federally subsidized Stafford college student loan program.

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