Forret: "He's not a typical Republican. He knows what built America... organized labor and the American farmer."

MOLINE, IL -- Bobby Schilling received a major endorsement today from Bradley Forret, former President and organizer for the Laborers Local 309 in Rock Island. Forret also served as a member of the Great Plains Laborers District Council.

Forret said that Schilling was the better choice for organized labor.

"Bobby Schilling best reflects my beliefs as a business owner, a veteran, a hunter, an outdoorsman, a Christian, a gun owner with rights for concealed carry, and as a laborer," Forret said.
Forret praised Schilling's 13 years of union experience.

"He's not a typical Republican," Forret said. "Bobby is a union man. He knows what built America?organized labor and the American farmer. He'll protect our right to organize and belong to organized labor. And he'll work to fix our economy and create more union jobs."

Forret also pointed out that Schilling is a strong supporter of the second amendment.

"Bobby Schilling respects our constitutional right to bear arms, and he supports the right to carry," Forret said.

"I endorse Mr. Schilling," Forret continued. "And I ask you, as a constituent of the 17th District, to also support him. It's time to vote for the person, not the party."

PELLA, (10/20/2014)(readMedia)-- Area students earn presidential scholarships from Central College for their commitment to high academic achievement.

Annie De Vries of Eldridge is a recent graduate from North Scott H S and is now a freshman at Central College.

Tegan Hoover of Leclaire is a recent graduate from Pleasant Valley H S and is now a freshman at Central College.

Sarah Kersten of Davenport is a recent graduate from Davenport Central H S and is now a freshman at Central College.

Jacob Logan of Bettendorf is a recent graduate from Bettendorf H S and is now a freshman at Central College.

Alexis Lotspeich of Davenport is a recent graduate from Davenport West H S and is now a freshman at Central College.

Lauren Parsons of Davenport is a recent graduate from Davenport West H S and is now a freshman at Central College.

Adam Sargeant of Bettendorf is a recent graduate from Pleasant Valley H S and is now a freshman at Central College.

Central's presidential scholarships range from $14,500 to $18,500 and are renewable for four years. Central evaluates scholarships based on a combination of cumulative high school GPA and ACT/SAT composite test score results.

Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to the education of 1,500 undergraduate students. Founded in 1853, the college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and NCAA Division III athletics. Central is a recognized leader in study abroad as a result of its international, residential programs. The college is located in Pella, Iowa, a thriving community of 10,000 two minutes from the state's largest lake and 40 minutes southeast of Des Moines. Learn more at www.central.edu.

Former President Jimmy Carter will join audiences in 70 locations nationwide for a live "town hall" meeting on the U.S.-China relationship.

 

Some of the world's most critical issues, including economics, climate change, security and trade, will require the United States and China?the two largest economies, energy users and greenhouse gas emitters?to cooperate to achieve lasting global solutions. To help Americans understand the dynamic U.S.-China relationship and answer questions on issues that touch their daily lives, the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations in collaboration with The Carter Center is conducting the eighth annual CHINA Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections program at more than 70 locations nationwide featuring a live webcast and Q&A with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on October 16, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. President Carter's discussion and responses to questions submitted by the nationwide audience will be moderated by National Committee President Stephen Orlins.

Location and time:

University of Iowa - Tippie School of Management

Cedar Rapids Center- 221 2nd Ave SE, Suite 300, Cedar Rapids IA

Registration 5:15 pm CST                            Cost: $15

Program 5:45 -8:00 CST                                        Register at www.iowatraders.org

Refreshments will be served                                      Prior to October 13th

In addition to the national portion of the program, each venue will have a prominent China specialist on site to address topics of interest to the local community, including economics and trade, energy and the environment, security and other issues.  Dru E Finley, China Gold Solutions. Dru E. Finley is an entrepreneur and innovator who has worked with China for more than 25 years, successfully founding, building and selling companies in both China and the United States. An interactive list of program locations nationwide will be available at: www.ncuscr.org/cth

Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter, Jr.) was the 39th President of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981. Under Carter's leadership, on January 1, 1979, the United States established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. In 1982, he became University Distinguished Professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and founded The Carter Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that addresses national and international issues of public policy. Since leaving office, President Carter has visited China 12 times, including most recently in September 2014.

The National Committee on United States-China Relations is the leading national, non-partisan public affairs organization devoted exclusively to building constructive and durable relationships between the United States and China

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement this evening following the President's speech on the Islamic State. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Loebsack has received briefings regarding the ongoing situation.

"Without question, the security situation in Iraq and Syria and the escalating threat from ISIS is a national security concern for the United States. The challenge with assessing ISIS is not whether these are evil people, because they have clearly proven they are. We have known that for a long time. I agree with the President that we must not put troops back in Iraq, but targeted air strikes may be necessary to degrade and defeat ISIS. We must do everything we can to protect the American people and our interests at home and abroad. Those who pose a real threat to Americans must know, there is no hiding from America's strength.

"The challenge that remains is whether or not certain military actions will create long-term, unintended consequences. Our foreign policy cannot be bomb first, ask questions later - that is what got us into this situation in the first place. Our allies around the world, and specifically in the region, must share this burden and work together to bolster political and economic conditions in Iraq and Syria. We cannot overcome centuries of sectarian strife with bombs alone. Ultimately the governments in Iraq and Syria must take responsibility for their own security."

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Iowa political classic takes place Sunday, September 14th

(INDIANOLA, IOWA) - U.S. Senator Tom Harkin today announced that his last Steak Fry will feature both Bill and Hillary Clinton as speakers. The 42nd President of the United States will be attending his fourth Steak Fry, the Former Secretary of State her second.

Looking ahead to important, closely contested Iowa elections in November, including the one to determine his own Senate successor, Harkin promised to cap 37 years of high powered, high spirited political rhetoric at the Midwestern classic with a bang.

"Not only will this be my last Steak Fry, we'll also need to rally our troops for outstanding, progressive Iowa champions on the ballot this Fall - all of whom have tough races, all of which we need to win!"

"That's why I couldn't be happier than to share this special day with two such close friends. They have contributed so much good, inspiring leadership to this country for many years, and I am sure they will continue to do so in the years ahead," Harkin said.

First held on a farm in Madison County, the Harkin Steak Fry has become a signature political event in Iowa. Past special guests have included Bill and Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama, Vice Presidents Joe Biden and Al Gore, Senators Paul Wellstone, Al Franken and Bernie Sanders, Governor Martin O'Malley, now-HUD Secretary Julian Castro and all of the major Democratic presidential candidates in 2003 and 2007, among many other luminaries.

The event will be held Sunday, September 14th from 1:00 - 4:00pm at the Indianola Balloon Field.

"What started out nearly 40 years ago as a handful of interested Iowans sitting around on hay bales, discussing politics, has grown to be an iconic gathering," said Senator Harkin.  "This year's Steak Fry just might be the best ever."

General admission tickets for the Steak Fry cost $30 and include refreshments and a steak dinner. To purchase tickets, get directions or learn more about the 37th Annual Harkin Steak Fry, visit www.TomHarkin.com or call 515-277-9966.

Register for press credentials at www.TomHarkin.com.
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22 Iowa counties receive Presidential designation 

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad received word today that President Obama approved his request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 22 counties impacted by severe weather in June and July.

The counties included in the declaration are: Audubon, Black Hawk, Butler, Cedar, Des Moines, Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Ida, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Lee, Linn, Mahaska, Muscatine, Poweshiek, Tama, and Washington.

The governor sent the request for a declaration on July 29, 2014, in response to significant damage that was caused by severe weather that produced damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, hail, and thunderstorms beginning June 26 through July 7. This is Iowa's third Presidential Disaster Declaration in 2014.

The declaration by the President will provide federal funding to the declared counties under the Public Assistance Program. A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance puts into motion long-term federal recovery programs, some of which are matched by state programs, and designed to help public entities and select non-profits. Public Assistance funds may be used for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and may include debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair of damaged public property, loans needed by communities for essential government functions and grants for public schools.

The Governor also received notification that the Presidential Disaster Declaration includes funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state. With this funding, Iowa will be able to minimize the impact of future disasters by taking steps now to strengthen existing infrastructure.

This Presidential Disaster Declaration is the 21st Major Presidential Disaster Declaration Iowa has received since March 2007.

 

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(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad today signed a letter to be delivered to President Obama requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 22 Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe weather that produced damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, hail, and thunderstorms beginning June 26 through July 7, 2014.

The counties included in the request are: Audubon, Black Hawk, Butler, Cedar, Des Moines, Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Ida, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Lee, Linn, Mahaska, Muscatine, Poweshiek, Tama and Washington.

The Governor requested funding under the Public Assistance Program, which is used to rebuild damaged infrastructure that may include roads, bridges, culverts and other public facilities, or to cover costs of emergency work during, and debris removal after, the storms. A joint federal, state and local preliminary damage assessment of the 22 counties found the severe weather caused an estimated $13 million worth of damage that could be eligible under the Public Assistance Program.

The Governor also requested funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state.

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Pair calls for border security, sound immigration policy that respects the rule of law and transparency from the Obama Administration

 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today sent a letter to President Barack Obama seeking answers to the Obama Administration's immigration crisis along the southern border. In the letter, Branstad and Reynolds encourage the President to secure the border, work with Congress to install a sound immigration policy that respects the United States' rule of law, and seek transparency and clarity from the Obama administration, who has failed to answer the State of Iowa's basic questions regarding this immigration crisis.

"We are deeply empathetic for the unaccompanied alien children who are coming to the United States for a better life," Branstad and Reynolds state. "However, the lack of a secure border and sound immigration policy is sending a signal of false hope to the unaccompanied alien children."

They continue, "...the policies of your Administration jeopardize the lives of unaccompanied alien children who are currently making a very dangerous journey from Central America."

Branstad and Reynolds made the following basic requests of President Obama and his administration:

1.       Should clandestine placements continue, we request written certification from Secretary Sylvia Burwell that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USHHS) takes full responsibility and is ensuring the unaccompanied alien children are educated and in healthy and safe environments complying with the laws of the State of Iowa.

2.       That the Obama Administration begins sharing individual-level data on all placements in Iowa with the Iowa Department of Human Services. This transparency is critically important on a real-time basis so State and local leaders are empowered with the information needed to make sound decisions and ensure the health, safety and well-being of their citizens.

3.       To be kept informed, in real-time, of departure information for unaccompanied alien children.

"We write to express our deep concerns about the immigration crisis created by the inability of the federal government to secure the Southwest Border," the letter reads. "Like many Iowans, we find the lack of transparency from your Administration with State and local leaders and the public on this important issue troubling."

Branstad and Reynolds close the letter by calling on President Obama and Congress to come to a solution to the federal government's immigration crisis by stating, "Therefore, it is incumbent upon your Administration and Congress to find a solution to this crisis and not just push the issue upon the States."

The full text of the letter is as follows:

 

July 24, 2014

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC  20500

Dear President Obama:

We write to express our deep concerns about the immigration crisis created by the inability of the federal government to secure the Southwest Border. Like many Iowans, we find the lack of transparency from your Administration with State and local leaders and the public on this important issue troubling.

At a recent National Governors Association meeting, Secretary Sylvia Burwell pledged to notify State leaders before any illegal immigrant children would be placed in our State.  However, earlier this week, our office first learned from a news reporter that 122 illegal immigrant children had been placed with sponsors in the State of Iowa during the first six months of the year.  The following day, another reporter indicated that 17 additional individuals had been placed in Iowa during the first 18 days of July. On July 22, senior Federal officials communicated that State or local leaders will only be notified about facility placements and will not be notified when individuals are placed with sponsors in their jurisdiction.  Federal officials have not been able to communicate how many of the 139 individuals placed in Iowa remain in the State.  Further, Federal officials indicated that sponsors are not being asked about their legal status, which further erodes public confidence in your Administration's approach, particularly when there is no accountability to ensure that unaccompanied alien children and sponsors will indeed appear at any scheduled immigration hearings.

We respectfully request that your Administration begin sharing individual-level data on all placements in Iowa with the Iowa Department of Human Services.  Additionally, it is important for States to be kept informed of departure information for unaccompanied alien children. This transparency is critically important on a real-time basis so State and local leaders are empowered with the information needed to make sound decisions and ensure the health, safety and well-being of their citizens.

We are deeply empathetic for the unaccompanied alien children who are coming to the United States for a better life. However, the lack of a secure border and sound immigration policy is sending a signal of false hope to the unaccompanied alien children. Should clandestine placements continue, we request written certification from Secretary Burwell that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USHHS) takes full responsibility for ensuring the unaccompanied alien children are educated and in healthy and safe environments complying with the laws of the State of Iowa.

Iowa is a welcoming State with a history of opening its arms to legal immigrants from around the world. Legal immigrants are an important part of our nation's and Iowa's history and will continue to be an important part of our future growth, innovation and culture. However, the policies of your Administration jeopardize the lives of unaccompanied alien children who are currently making a very dangerous journey from Central America.

Further, the clandestine placement of unaccompanied alien children into communities across the country erodes public trust and puts a strain on already scarce State and Federal resources.  Respectfully, your Administration's policies and actions created this crisis and are perpetuating the problems for unaccompanied alien children while ignoring the true costs these actions are imposing on local, State and federal taxpayers.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon your Administration and Congress to find a solution to this crisis and not just push the issue upon the States.

Thank you for your time and we look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

26 Iowa counties receive Presidential designation

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad received word today that President Barack Obama approved his request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 26 counties impacted by severe weather in June.

The counties included in the declaration are: Allamakee, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Butler, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Humboldt, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, Winnebago, Winneshiek, Woodbury, and Wright.

 

As the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department continues to assess damage in other counties affected by severe weather, Branstad noted that additional requests for a Presidential Disaster Declaration may be sent at a later date.

The governor sent the request for a declaration on July 14, 2014, in response to significant damage that was caused by severe storms, damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rain, hail and flooding that occurred June 14-23, 2014. This is Iowa's second Presidential Disaster Declaration in 2014.

The declaration by the President will provide federal funding to the declared counties under the Public Assistance Program. A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance puts into motion long-term federal recovery programs, some of which are matched by state programs, and designed to help public entities and select non-profits. Public Assistance funds may be used for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and may include debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair of damaged public property, loans needed by communities for essential government functions and grants for public schools.

The Governor also received notification that the Presidential Disaster Declaration includes funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state. With this funding, Iowa will be able to minimize the impact of future disasters by taking steps now to strengthen existing infrastructure.

This Presidential Disaster Declaration is the 20th Major Presidential Disaster Declaration Iowa has received since March 2007.

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