WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 1, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation yesterday to award the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) who provided, as civilian volunteers using their own aircraft, extraordinary public and combat emergency services during World War II.  Joining Harkin, the Commander of the Congressional Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, in introducing the legislation were Senators Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Mark Begich (D-AK).

"With aircraft that was often only equipped with a compass and a single radio, and lacking any personal safety equipment, members of the civil air patrol flew over 24 million miles during World War II, playing a vital role in protecting the nation," said Senator Harkin. "These individuals courageously answered the call of duty and deserve to be honored for their extraordinary service."

"These brave men and women, using little more than the basic aeronautical instruments, dutifully patrolled our air space and searched for submarines off our coasts during World War II.  They made the same sacrifices that I and thousands of uniformed armed service members made during that epic conflict," said Senator Daniel K. Inouye, a World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient. "They deserve our praise and I am thankful that they will finally be honored for their service.  This recognition is long overdue."

"I could not be more pleased to recognize the heroic World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol by joining this critical bill," said Senator Snowe. "The volunteer civilian men and women of the Civil Air Patrol provided vital wartime service to the military, states, and communities nationwide.  Their selfless missions, ranging from search and rescue operations, to submarine patrols, to border patrol and forest fire patrol, just to name a few, contributed immeasurably to the welfare and safety of our nation.  We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have put their lives on the line for the security and protection of our nation, and I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in recognizing the many unsung heroes of World War II who served in the Civil Air Patrol."

"During World War II, American heroes were not only found on the shores of Normandy or Iwo Jima but were training fighter pilots and sinking enemy U-boats along the U.S. coast," Senator Wyden said. "The brave men and women of the Civil Air Patrol - some of whom gave their lives - deserve the highest honor their nation can offer which is why I have cosponsored this bill to award them the Congressional Gold Medal."

"The members of the Civil Air Patrol went well above and beyond the call during World War II, giving of themselves and their personal property to defend our nation," Senator Crapo said. "These brave Americans stood willing during a critical time of need for the nation and deserve the utmost recognition for their selfless service."

"This is a very deserving honor for these volunteers who were a critical part of the effort during World War II," said Senator Begich. "The Civil Air Patrol still operates in Alaska today and is a vital part of search and rescue efforts throughout our state."

In March of 1942, members of the Civil Air Patrol started an anti-submarine coastal patrol off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. CAP operations reported 173 submarines and found 325 survivors of attacks. There were more than 60,000 adult civilian members of the CAP in a wide range of positions, and CAP aircrews flew a total of approximately 750,000 hours during the war, most of which were in their personal aircraft and often at real risk to their lives. CAP operations were characterized by an exceptional emphasis on safety, discipline and organization.  However, by the end of the war, 64 members of the CAP had died in service.

Budget Would Damage Food, Agriculture, and Farm Conservation Initiatives Critical to Iowa

Date:     February 25, 2011

Late last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed budget legislation covering the remainder of fiscal year 2011 and making severe cuts in funding to address a broad range of our nation's critically important priorities and needs in the areas of food, agriculture, and farm conservation.  If enacted, this budgetary onslaught would seriously impair efforts to improve the quality of life in rural communities; to ensure safe food for American consumers; to conserve soil, enhance water quality, restore wildlife habitat; and to spur economic growth and create jobs.  The budget proposal passed by the House is thus especially detrimental to Iowa.

"Without a doubt, the time has come for making and enacting tough budget decisions through a balanced, careful, and thoughtful approach encompassing both spending and revenue levels while not shortchanging the essential needs of Americans or our nation's future," said Harkin.  "But those decisions must not at the expense of Iowa's farmers and rural communities."

Some of the more significant and damaging consequences facing Iowa if the House-passed budget bill were to become law include :

Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils:  The House bill would eliminate funding for the RC&D program, which assists rural communities in boosting economic opportunity and creating and retaining jobs while protecting and conserving natural resources and improving the quality of life in rural communities.  Zeroing out $50.3 million in RC&D funding, as the House proposes, would withdraw support for 375 local RC&D councils across the nation.  In Iowa, the 17 RC&D councils spanning the state would lose their entire $1.9 million in federal assistance, as compared to fiscal 2010.  For a map of those locations, please click here.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP):  EQIP provides assistance, in the form of cost-share and incentive payments, to help producers of crops, livestock, dairy, and poultry meet their environmental challenges and requirements.  The House bill would reduce fiscal 2011 funding for EQIP by $350 million (22 percent) below the amount dedicated to EQIP in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act (2008 farm bill).  Based on Iowa's share of national EQIP funding in fiscal 2010, the cut proposed by the House would deprive Iowa farmers some $7.3 million in EQIP funding that had been committed in the 2008 farm bill.

Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP):  This voluntary program compensates landowners for protecting, restoring, and enhancing wetlands.  Under the House budget bill, WRP funding would be cut by $119 million in fiscal 2011, a reduction of 22 percent from the funds dedicated to WRP in the 2008 farm bill and otherwise available this year.  According to Iowa's typical share of total WRP funds, the House action would deny $3.1 million to Iowa landowners for wetlands conservation.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP):  The House bill, by reducing CSP funds by some $39 million below the farm bill's level for fiscal 2011, would cut CSP assistance to Iowa farmers by $2.7 million.

Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations:  Funding through this program for preventing flooding, conserving soil, and managing natural resources in watersheds would be eliminated in the House budget bill.  In fiscal 2010, Iowa received over $2 million in such watershed and flood prevention funding, but would receive none if the House bill were enacted.

Food and Agriculture Research:  Such research carried out at federal facilities of USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) would be cut in the House bill by nearly 10 percent ($114 million) compared to fiscal 2010, thereby reducing by some $5.0 million the amount of ARS funding in Iowa for research covering topics such as crop and animal production, food safety, and natural resources and sustainable agriculture systems.  The legislation would also cut by about 16 percent ($217 million), as compared to fiscal 2010, the funding for grants by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) supporting food and agriculture research, education, and extension at land grant institutions, such as Iowa State University, and similar entities.  Iowa would thus receive some $5.3 million less through NIFA this year as compared to fiscal 2010 if the House budget proposal were enacted.

Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Inspection:  Despite repeated incidents showing the need to strengthen federal food safety protections, the House bill would carve some 10 percent off the level of funding Congress adopted for last year and had tentatively approved for fiscal 2011.  Reducing food safety funding would risk the safety of American consumers as well as the ability of Iowa's meat processing plants to operate at full capacity.

Harkin's full statement on the budget proposals before Congress can be found here.

With spring just around the corner, it also means that April 15 - Tax Day - will soon be upon us.  Many options are available to file your taxes, but many eligible Iowans may also be able to take advantage of free tax preparation services available through the IRS Free File program.  Since its inception in 2003, IRS Free File has offered low-to-moderate income taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software.

What are the advantages of the IRS Free File Program?

In addition to the cost savings, the online program walks taxpayers through the filing process to make filing your taxes simple and fast.  According to the Free File Alliance, Free File software not only increases accuracy, but delivers a quick turn-around on tax refunds, getting it to consumers in as little as 10 days.  Free File Alliance member companies have continually worked with the IRS to strengthen IRS Free File and ensure that it remains both accurate and secure.

Who is eligible?

This year, every taxpayer with a 2010 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov/efile to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.

How do I use the Free File Program?

To begin, you must visit the IRS website, www.IRS.gov, and click on the "Free File" icon.  Users will find a list of free file alliance member companies and may either choose the one that fits their needs or utilize the "help me find a company" tool. After selecting a company, taxpayers will be transferred to the company's website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns.  Three of the 19 participating software companies also offer services in Spanish.

Where can I find more information on the Free File Alliance?

For more information, please visit www.freefilealliance.org or feel free to contact any of my Iowa or Washington, D.C. offices.

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DATE:                  February 24, 2011

Last week the U.S House of Representatives approved a budget for the rest of Fiscal Year 2011 that would drastically cut funding for programs that help working families, such as child care subsidies for low-income families and a wide range of education programs.  

"Working families in Iowa and around the country are sitting around their kitchen tables and wondering how to balance the struggles of child care and access to a quality education with busy schedules and a tough economy," said Harkin.  "For low-income Iowans, those struggles are multiplied.  There is no question that the time has come for tough budget decisions, but the smart way to bring down the deficit is for Congress to pursue a balanced approach of major spending cuts and necessary revenue increases, while continuing to invest in the programs that grow our future, while creating and maintaining jobs."

Cuts to specific programs that would affect Iowans include :

Head Start: The House plan would cut over $1 billion from the Head Start program, which provides comprehensive early childhood services?education, nutrition, health, social, and emotional development?to nearly one million low-income children and their families.  This would eliminate those services for about 218,000 children and their families next year (an almost 25 percent reduction), close 16,000 Head Start classrooms, and lay off 55,000 teachers, teacher assistants and related staff. 
  • Estimated Impact on Iowa: There are 18 Head Start grantees in Iowa providing early childhood services to over 7,000 low-income children and their families.  The House plan would eliminate those services for about 1,800 children next year, close 100 classrooms, and lay off 400 teachers and related staff. A map of the Iowa Head Start centers can be found here.

Child Care: The House plan would cut $39 million nationally from the Child Care and Development Block Grant, just as child care funding provided in the 2009 Recovery Act is coming to an end.  The grant program provides subsidies to low-income working families to help pay for the cost of child care, as well as funds to improve the quality of care.  The House plan would eliminate subsidies for about 165,000 low-income children, significantly reducing the availability and affordability of quality child care for low-income families.  These are families that are working, or in some cases looking for work, and that depend on those subsidies to do so.

  • Estimated Impact on Iowa: The House plan would eliminate child care subsidies for over 1,500 low-income Iowa families next year.

Afterschool Programs: The House plan would cut funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program by $100 million, which would eliminate before- and after-school services, summer enrichment programs, and similar services for an estimated 100,000 students across the country.  Such programs provide a safe environment and extended learning opportunities for students, and make it easier for parents to work.  Funding is targeted to schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families.

  • Estimated Impact on Iowa: Iowa would lose more than $500,000 in funding, denying more than 500 students an opportunity to benefit from safe and productive learning environments after school and other extended learning opportunities.

Title I Grants: The House plan cuts Title I education funding by nearly $700 million, meaning 2,400 schools serving one million disadvantaged students could lose funding, and approximately 10,000 teachers and aides could lose their jobs.  Title I funding is the foundation of federal support for elementary and secondary education and provides a flexible source of funding that can be used to support extended learning opportunities for students.

  • Estimated Impact on Iowa: Iowa would lose more than $4.5 million in grants to local educational agencies under the House plan.

School Improvement Grants: The House plan cuts school improvement grant funding by nearly $337 million.  These funds are targeted by states to their lowest performing schools.  These funds may be used by schools to provide extended learning time for students.

  • Estimated Impact on Iowa: Iowa would lose more than $1.7 million in grants to local educational agencies under the House plan.

Harkin's full statement on the budget proposals before Congress can be found here.

For a compilation of all outreach pieces on this issue, please click here

February 23, 2011

Last week, the U.S. House approved a budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2011 that includes substantial cuts to community service programs across the country.  Analysis released today shows that this plan would have a detrimental impact on projects throughout Iowa.

"Last summer, in Cedar Rapids, I saw firsthand what it means when students pitch in, hammer a nail and rebuild a family's home after disaster strikes," said Harkin.  "There is no question that the time has come for tough budget decisions, but the smart way to bring down the deficit is for Congress to pursue a balanced approach of major spending cuts and necessary revenue increases, while continuing to take steps to strengthen the Iowa economy.  At a time when budgets are stretching thin in Iowa and around the country, community service is extremely valuable.  The benefits of these programs far outweigh the modest costs to fund them."

Specific Iowa programs that would be affected include :

AmeriCorps
Each year, approximately 80,000 Americans sign up to work at community service projects in exchange for a modest stipend and a $5,000 scholarship.  Projects across Iowa include tutoring, mentoring, assisting as communities respond to tornadoes and floods, cleaning up parks, helping the elderly stay in their homes, and addressing a host of other community needs.  Iowa students access more than $5 million of scholarships each year that they use at Iowa colleges and universities.

A map of volunteer service in Iowa can be found here.

VISTA
Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) agree to work full-time for a year to alleviate poverty in their communities.  In Iowa, 90 individuals create programs that could include setting up soup kitchens and shelters, weatherizing homes, organizing volunteer financial counseling programs, and developing school supply drives for children in need.  All projects must be self-sustaining by the end of the VISTA service.

Senior Corps
Senior Corps engages over 400,000 Americans age 55 and older to devote 10-20 hours a week volunteering in their community.  Under the Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent programs, low-income Iowa seniors receive a small stipend ($2.65 an hour) to work with homebound seniors and children with special needs, respectively. Over 6,000 Iowa seniors volunteer.

A map of proposed cuts in the House budget to community service programs can be found here.

Learn and Serve
Across the country, almost 1.5 million students each year experience some form of service-learning as a result of the Learn and Serve program.  Through service-learning, 11,000 young Iowans ?from kindergarteners to college students? use what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems, learning to be engaged community members, as well as educated adults.

Last year, service projects in Iowa provided a wide variety of services that would be lost if the programs above are eliminated:

·    Over 11,000 students had the opportunity to engage in community service linked to academic achievement and civic engagement.

·    More than 1,100 individuals affected by disaster received assistance and over 400 disaster affected homes were repaired with more than 20,000 sandbags filled and placed.

·    More than 9,700 children had a mentor/tutor.

·    More than 13,000 disadvantaged children and youth had access to youth development programming.

·    Over 100,000 volunteers were recruited and utilized in Iowa communities.

·    More than 90 houses were built for families in need.

·    Over 11,000 youth were provided with safe places to play and learn during out of-school hours.

·    Over 2,000 youth were engaged in "Healthy Start" programming to promote nutrition and exercise.

·    1,550 youth learned about school to work transition.

·    Over 700 homebound seniors and older adults received help continuing to living independently in their own homes.

·    Over 1000 community agencies get critical services to keep their doors open.

Harkin's full statement on the budget proposals before Congress can be found here.

For a compilation of all outreach pieces on this issue, please click here.
February 19, 2011

This week the House proposed cutting funding the Social Security Administration's (SSA) administrative expenses by more than $125 million below last year's funding level. The current funding proposal expires on March 4, 2011.  Analysis shows that the budget proposal will have a detrimental impact on Social Security in Iowa.

Harkin's full statement on the budget proposals before Congress can be found here.

"The economic downturn coupled with an aging population has caused a dramatic increase in the number of Americans filing for disability and retirement benefits since 2008.  While funding for the Social Security Administration's administrative expenses has largely kept pace with this increased work in recent years, the House proposal jeopardizes the basic administration of Social Security programs," said Harkin.

Below are some specific cuts Iowa will face in Social Security if the House budget is enacted.

The House proposal would force SSA to freeze all hiring, meaning they couldn't replace workers as they retire or leave the agency. This would leave SSA with about 3,500 fewer staff at the end of the year.  Furthermore this attrition wouldn't happen uniformly so it will leave some of SSA's 1,400 offices (more than 20 in Iowa) disproportionately understaffed. 

The House proposal may ultimately force SSA to furlough its more than 60,000 employees for up to four weeks. Jerry Nelson, the field office manager of the Waterloo Social Security Field Office, recently testified in front of Senator Harkin's Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee on the effect of what just one furlough day would mean to his office. (Full testimony can be found here):

"Furloughs would be devastating to both the public that depends on us and to our employees... In my office, one furlough day would translate to 100 visitors not seen, 32 claims not taken, 150 phone calls unanswered, and 7 redeterminations not done... As people return to conduct business on days the office is open, walk-in office visitors would have longer waits to see a representative. Members of the public would also have to wait longer for scheduled appointments. Claims processing time would increase. A furlough day could be devastating to someone in a dire need situation desperate for a critical or immediate payment, or for a beneficiary needing verification information to qualify for food stamps, to obtain housing, or to get Medicaid."

Nationwide, as a result of the House proposal, the millions of Americans and thousands of Iowans filing for retirement and disability benefits this year would wait longer for the benefits they've earned, backlogs of those with pending disability claims and hearings could reach record levels, and waiting times at field offices and SSA's 1-800 number would increase dramatically.  Delaying these services to the most vulnerable populations?retirees, survivors, and person with disabilities?not only devastates millions of American families, but also hurts the economy.

Iowans receiving and filing for Social Security benefits:

·    There are over 600,000 Iowans receiving Social Security benefits; 45,000 will file for retirement benefits this year alone.  
·    The number of Iowans filing for disability benefits has increased 23 percent since 2008 and the number of appeals of those decisions has increased 57 percent.

Disability Benefits

Disability Claims Received                                 2008              2010             2008 to 2010 Increase
Iowa.................................................................20,269           24,964          23%
National............................................................2,591,900      3,129,023     21%
Disability Review Hearings Requested            
Iowa.................................................................2,302             3,615            57%
National............................................................589,449         720,161        22%

To view the location of Social Security Administration offices across Iowa, click here.

Washington, D.C. - February 18, 2011.

This week, the U.S. House is considering a budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2011.  The current funding proposal expires on March 4, 2011.  Analysis released today shows that the budget proposal will have a detrimental impact on law enforcement in Iowa.

Harkin's full statement on the budget proposals before Congress can be found here.

"Cutting essential law enforcement funding is not the answer," said Harkin.  "Iowa continues to face a meth problem, with the number of meth labs up 50 percent since 2007.  And, drugs and crime continue to impact our communities.  Cuts to law enforcement will make our streets less safe and our nation less secure.  

"There is no question that the time has come for tough budget decisions, but the smart way to bring down the deficit is for Congress to pursue a balanced approach of major spending cuts and necessary revenue increases."


Below are some specific cuts Iowa will face in law enforcement if the House budget is enacted.

State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance by the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP)

The House proposal cuts $250 million from State and local law enforcement assistance by the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP). If enacted, this will result in significant cuts to essential programs that are critical to ensuring Iowa's cities and towns are safe and drug free.  Most significantly, this would inadequately fund the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) program.

One of the most important uses of this funding is for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, which help local law enforcement reduce drug-related violent crime and gang activity in our communities.  Nationally, Byrne/JAG funding leads to over 200,000 arrests, over 50,000 weapons seized, and the breakup of over 9,000 methamphetamine labs each year.

Last year over $24 million in OJP grants came to Iowa, supporting jobs for over 90 Iowans who are directly responsible for making our state safer.  In Iowa, Byrne funded drug task forces:

•    Were responsible for over 2,400 felony arrests;
•    Dismantled 275 gangs;
•    Seized over 8,200 illegal firearms;
•    Seized nearly 20,000 kilograms of illicit drugs, like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine;

These successes show we need to continue to support this program, not cut it back.

Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities

The House proposal would cut $50 million for drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. This includes funding for 14 state counter-drug plans and five regional counter-drug training centers, to include the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center (MCTC) at Camp Dodge.  Without this funding, MCTC would be forced to close its doors, and thousands of law enforcement officials would go without necessary training.  Additionally, federal funding for the Iowa Counterdrug Task Force would be cut, effectively shutting down the program.

If this cut were enacted:

•    Nearly 7,000 Iowa law enforcement officials would not receive necessary counterdrug training at MCTC.  
•    State and local law enforcement officials would not receive support such as intelligence analysis and aviation support from the Iowa Counterdrug Task force.  
•    Thirty jobs would be lost at the Iowa Counterdrug Task Force.  
•    Twenty-three jobs would be lost at MCTC.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 18, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today issued the following statement on the budget protest in Wisconsin:

"States around the country are facing tough budget decisions - just as we are here in Washington.  But what does it say about our priorities when we pass tax cuts for the wealthiest, yet ask public employees who are already being stretched thin to give even more?  These are our nation's teachers and caregivers - people our families rely on each day who are living within their means.  Yet, those in the upper income bracket are not being asked to sacrifice anything.  That's unfair.

"In Wisconsin, public servants are being scapegoated and budget cuts are being used as an excuse to undermine workers' rights.  That's no way to go about building consensus and it's no way to treat American workers."

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that the Iowa Department of Transportation received $5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Transit Administration's State of Good Repair Grant Program. Harkin is a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds transportation initiatives.  The funds will be allocated to local transit agencies across the state as listed below based on a mileage formula.

"These funds will help transit agencies provide safe and efficient transportation for people, especially the elderly and those with disabilities, get to work and around their communities," Harkin said.

Individual grant recipients are listed below.

Des Moines ($161,020)
2 buses

Fort Dodge ($526,220)
3 buses

Iowa City ($777,150)
3 buses

Sioux City ($345,600)
1 bus

Waterloo ($896,400)
3 buses

Region 1 (Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties; and Sioux counties) ($107,900)
1 Minivan
1 bus

Region 4 (Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Plymouth, Woodbury, and Southern Union Counties; and South Dakota counties) ($112,847)
2 buses

Region 5 (Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Webster and Wright counties) ($353,580)
4 buses

Region 6 (Hardin, Marshall, Poweshiek and Tama counties) ($204,180)
1 Minivan
3 buses

Region 9 (Cedar, Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott; and the Illinois Quad Cities area) ($302,950)
5 buses

Region 10 (Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington counties) ($95,450)
1 Minivan
1 bus

Region 11 (Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, and Warren counties) ($434,090)
6 buses
1 Minivan

Region 12 (Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, and Sac counties) ($62,665)
1 bus

Region 13 (Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby counties) ($255,640)
4 buses

Region 14 (Adair, Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Ringgold, Taylor, and Union counties) ($125,330)
2 buses

Region 15 (Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren, Wapello and Wayne counties) ($195,880)
4 buses

Region 16 (Des Moines, Henry, and Louisa counties) ($73,040)
1 bus

February 17, 2011

This week, the U.S. House is considering a budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2011.  The current funding proposal expires on March 4, 2011.  Analysis released today shows that the budget proposal will have a detrimental impact on job training and assistance to workers who are trying to lift up their families in the fragile economy.

Harkin's full statement on the budget proposals before Congress can be found here.

"Imagine the struggle of a worker facing a layoff who then learns the job training or assistance he needs to recover is not available.  The same can be said of at-risk youths who are looking to improve their opportunities.  Under the House budget proposal, the door is closed to both of them," said Harkin.  "There is no question that the time has come for tough budget decisions, but the smart way to bring down the deficit is for Congress to pursue a balanced approach of major spending cuts and necessary revenue increases, while continuing to take steps to strengthen the Iowa economy."

Below are some specific cuts Iowa will face in job training if the House budget is enacted.


Job Training Programs.
The House plan would eliminate Federal funding - currently totaling $3 billion - for Adult Training, Dislocated Worker Assistance and Youth Training programs.  These programs provide job training and reemployment services to about 8 million Americans every year, including workers who have lost their jobs as a result of plant closings or mass layoffs, and disadvantaged youth, particularly those who have dropped out of school.   

•   Estimated Impact on Iowa:
Under current funding levels:
Funding Available in 2010: $13,967,648
Participants: 35,985
One-Stop Centers: 50

Under the House Proposal:
Funding Available: $0
Participants: 0
One-Stop Centers: 0


Dislocated Worker National Emergency Grants (NEGs).
The House plan provides $29 million for NEGs - a cut of $200 million (87 percent) below the current level of funding.  NEGs are used to respond to significant dislocation events such as industry wide layoffs and disasters by offering targeted training, affordable health insurance and income supports to displaced workers.  For example, when the John Morrell plant closed in Sioux City, an NEG assisted the 1400 workers and their families impacted by the closure.

•    Estimated Impact on Iowa:
Under current funding levels:
Funding Available in 2010: $16,367,015*
Estimated Participants: 4,685

Under the House Proposal:
Estimated Funding Available: $1,318,360
Estimated Participants: 377

*This includes $6 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act


Job Corps.
The House plan provides $1.02 billion for Job Corps - a cut of $691 million (41 percent) below current levels.  These cuts would mean the closure of more than half the 125 existing Job Corps centers and the loss of about 27,000 training slots nationwide.  Iowa has one Job Corps center currently and is slated to have a second open in Ottumwa in 2011.  The cuts proposed in the House bill make the continuation of either center uncertain.


Youthbuild.
The House's proposal would eliminate Youthbuild - terminating the education and job training opportunities the program offers to about 6,500 disadvantaged students nationally each year.  Youthbuild is currently funded at $103 million.

•    Estimated Impact on Iowa:
Under current funding levels:
Funding Available in 2009-2010: $1,388,669*

Under the House Proposal:
Funding Available: $0

*This includes funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act


For more information, please call Kate Cyrul or Bergen Kenny in Senator Harkin's press office at (202) 224-3254.

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