CHICAGO – Governor Bruce Rauner issued the following statement today on the death of First Lady Nancy Reagan:

“As our nation's First Lady, Nancy Reagan will be remembered for her unwavering support of our country and as a pillar of s...

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds issue statements celebrating DowDuPont’s decision to locate Global Business Center in Iowa

(DES MOINES) – Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today issued statements...

Loebsack Statement on RFS Announcement

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final rule for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) obligations. Loebsack, a co-chair of the Biofuels Caucus, has led the fight for a strong RFS and highlighted its importance to Iowa.

"The RFS has proven it works. It creates jobs, supports our agricultural communities and lessens our dependence on foreign oil. I have been leading the bipartisan fight in Congress for a strong RFS, and while the numbers are greater than the original proposal, they do not go far enough. I will continue to work with the EPA to ensure the RFS remains good for Iowa."

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Renewable fuel volumes disappoint; EPA missed the mark

For months, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa has urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise and increase its proposed volume obligations for renewable biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014, 2015 and 2016.  After hearing from Grassley and other senators, the EPA released a final rule today that improves the volume requirements over its last proposal but still underestimates the capacity for farmers and ethanol and biodiesel producers to generate enough renewable fuel to meet higher goals.  Grassley made the following comment on the final rule.

"This rule is a slight improvement but it still sells biofuels short.  The EPA just doesn't appreciate that farmers and biofuels producers can generate enough renewable fuels to meet the goals set by Congress.   The EPA doesn't seem to appreciate that the law on the books requires strong biofuels targets and that consumers like the chance to use alternate fuels.  Instead, the EPA took a flawed approach that seems to buy into Big Oil's rhetoric.  The new rule is not only more than two years late, but it also sets back the development of next generation biofuels.  This rule undermines the efforts to commercialize the next generation of biofuels.  It's unfortunate that this Administration, which claims to be for renewable and clean energy, would stand in the way of the production and use of more renewable fuels."

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Final Renewable Fuel Standard biodiesel volumes closer to industry ask, Iowa Biodiesel Board says numbers still 'fall a little short'

ANKENY, Iowa - The Environmental Protection Agency today released final Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for the coming years. The rule includes additional growth in the biodiesel category from what was proposed earlier. The Biomass-based Diesel volumes are:
2014 - 1.63 Billion Gallons
2015 - 1.73 BG
2016 - 1.90 BG
2017 - 2.00 BG

Additionally, the rule includes growth in the overall Advanced Biofuel volumes, which offer further opportunity for biodiesel growth. Those volumes climb to 3.61 billion gallons in 2016. Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, issued the following statement:

"Compared to the initial draft proposal that flat-lined biodiesel at 1.28 billion gallons, today's Renewable Fuel Standard announcement is a move in the right direction for Iowa, which has elevated itself to the position of a leading renewable energy producer. The biodiesel industry relies on the RFS as strong national energy policy to facilitate growth and stability in the face of centuries of fossil fuel dominance.

"While we are thankful for the improved numbers from EPA and the White House, they still fall a little short of what the industry had asked for and what the industry is capable of. This is especially true in light of the imports of subsidized foreign-produced biodiesel we've seen from places like Argentina and Southeast Asia. Yet, overall, we are still pleased with the modest increase and grateful to have more market certainty. In future years, we hope implementation of this policy will have clearer direction for our producers well in advance, and reflect actual production capabilities.

"With our state's 13 plants producing more than a quarter-billion gallons of biodiesel last year, Iowa stands to benefit the most from this policy as the nation's leading biodiesel producer. Our industry supports thousands of jobs and economic development while replacing foreign oil and diversifying our fuel supply."

The national biodiesel industry had asked for volumes of 2 billion gallons in 2016 and 2.3 billion gallons in 2017.

Biodiesel - made from a variety of resources including soybean oil, recycled cooking oil and animal fats - is the first EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide.

The Iowa Biodiesel Board is a state trade association representing the biodiesel industry.

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Branstad, Reynolds release statement on EPA's final Renewable Fuel Standard rule 

 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today released statements upon learning of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume obligation levels for 2014, 2015 and 2016.

"I am extremely disappointed that the EPA's final decision failed to follow the renewable volume levels set by Congress," said Branstad.  "Unfortunately, today's decision shows the lack of interest in providing consumers choice at the pump, creating jobs and increasing incomes in Rural America, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.  This rule falls far too short of a robust RFS and short of the standards set by Congress."

"This entire process has negatively impacted Iowa families through reduced commodity prices, farm incomes, and farmland values," said Reynolds. "We were hopeful that the EPA would fully recognize the importance of renewable fuels after years of regulatory uncertainty.  However, the EPA's decision only marginally improves volume levels in a step that will hurt Iowa families, businesses, and farmers."

The State of Iowa has supported both the production and use of biofuels, including renewable fuel infrastructure development through the Fueling Our Future Program and the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, to ensure that consumers have true choices at the pump.

Branstad and Reynolds have been engaged in calling for a strong and robust Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) over the past two years.

Highlights of Iowa leaders' engagement on the RFS include :

  • State and Federal elected officials, including Gov. Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds, participated in a "Defend the RFS" event.
  • Gov. Branstad traveled to Washington, DC, joining a group of Iowa farmers and biofuels producers, to testify at the Federal government's only public hearing and met with EPA Administrator McCarthy.
  • Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Secretary Bill Northey and the entire Iowa congressional delegation sent a joint letter to Federal leaders advocating for the many benefits that flow from the RFS.
  • Gov. Terry Branstad and Gov. Mark Dayton (D-MN) penned an op-ed in support of a strong Renewable Fuel Standard.
  • Gov. Terry Branstad brought together a bipartisan group of six governors to sign on to a letter to President Barack Obama, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expressing their support for a strong RFS.
  • Leaders from across the Midwest joined Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds for their "Hearing in Heartland," which was open to all interested citizens; 83 panelists from across the Midwest Region spoke from the heart about the importance of the RFS to their livelihoods and a healthy rural economy while only two individuals expressed opposition to a robust RFS.
  • Gov. Branstad, in his Condition of the State address, called on the Iowa Legislature to pass a resolution in support of a robust RFS. The Legislature unanimously passed bicameral, bipartisan resolutions calling for the EPA to reverse course and support a strong RFS. View the resolutions: House Resolution 101 | Senate Resolution 101
  • State of Iowa leaders submitted formal comments to the EPA with current data and analysis that provides Federal leaders the opportunity and obligation to revise their initial volume obligations upward.
  • Gov. Branstad joined Gov. Jay Nixon (D-MO), in testifying at the EPA RFS hearing in Kansas City, Kansas
  • Lt. Gov. Reynolds participated in RFS event with Gov. Pete Ricketts (R-NE)
  • State of Iowa leaders again submitted formal comments in 2015 on the EPA's revised RFS proposed rule
  • Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds underscored the importance of the RFS at the grand opening of Dupont's cellulosic ethanol plant in Nevada, Iowa in October.
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Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds issue statement in wake of attacks in Paris

(DES MOINES) -Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds issued statements and offered condolences to the people of France in the wake of terrrorist attacks yesterday in Paris.

"On behalf of the state of Iowa, I offer my sincerest sympathies to the French people.  Iowa shares many historical connections to France and these despicable attacks are an assault to the freedoms and liberties both our nations so deeply cherish.  My thoughts and prayers are with the families at this very difficult time," said Branstad.

Lt. Gov. Reynolds continued by saying, "Iowans, and Americans across the country are in mourning today.  My heartfelt prayers are with the families who are suffering from these senseless acts of terrorism perpetrated by radical jihadists on peaceful Parisians and felt around the world.  We must stand shoulder to shoulder with France, our closest ally in rooting out this evil from the civilized world."

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Prepared Floor Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee

On Paris Attacks and Syrian Refugees

Monday, November 16, 2015

 

Mr. President, I want to express my deepest sympathies to the people of Paris and all those affected by Friday's terrible attacks by Islamic extremists.  As we all know, hundreds of innocent people were killed or injured in the attacks, including at least one American citizen.  No one should face such horrific violence when attending soccer games or concerts, or simply carrying on their daily lives.  On behalf of Iowans, I stand with the people of France.  I offer our support in recovering from and responding to these attacks.

Unfortunately, there is fear that similar attacks could soon take place on U.S. soil.  There is even a video ISIS released earlier today threatening to attack America.  Moreover, if we follow the administration's announced plans to bring in thousands of new Syrian refugees, we could very well be letting in similar extremists who want to harm Americans.  That is because it appears that at least one of the ISIS terrorists in Paris had recently registered as a Syrian refugee in Greece.  Until last Friday, he appeared to all the world to be no different from any of the other thousands of people fleeing the chaos in Syria.  But this could happen here too.

The number one responsibility of the U.S. federal government is to protect the homeland and to secure the country against all threats.  We must do all we can to prevent a Paris-style attack from happening here.

But under the administration's proposed plan, we may not be able to stop such an attack.  We cannot tell who, among the thousands of Syrian refugees the administration wishes to resettle here, are terrorists.  One particularly alarming statement to this effect came from the Director of the FBI, James Comey.  In a hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs on October 8th of this year, Director Comey said, "there are certain gaps . . . in the data available to us" in screening Syrian refugees.  This data, which includes fingerprints, background, or biographic information, is crucial for an adequate screening of potential refugees entering the United States.  Director Comey continued in that hearing saying, "There is risk associated with bringing anybody in from the outside, but especially from a conflict zone like that."

Director Comey has also previously acknowledged that despite a large pool of data on Iraqi refugees, our past program for admitting refugees from Iraq inadvertently allowed into our country "a number of people who were of serious concern, including two that were charged when we found their fingerprints on improvised explosive devices from Iraq."  Our ability to screen individuals from war-torn Syria is extremely limited by comparison.

Several states' governors have recognized this difficulty and have accordingly moved to suspend cooperation with the administration in settling Syrian refugees in their states until these security concerns are addressed.

I share such concerns for protecting our country against terrorists who have clearly infiltrated the Syrian refugee population.  I recently wrote a letter to the leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  In that letter, I asked that taxpayer funds be used effectively to properly and securely screen refugees entering the United States.  I also requested in the letter that, as part of the appropriations legislation before the committee, it require a comprehensive plan on how security will be achieved.  I requested this be a condition for any funding for refugee resettlement for Syrian refugees.

I said then, and emphasize now, that not one dollar should be expended until stringent parameters for vetting these refugees are established.

I would also suggest to President Obama that he reconsider his plans to admit Syrian refugees until the dust settles and we get to the bottom of the Paris attacks.  We need to analyze what happened.  We need to figure out how we can better screen these refugees and ensure that terrorists among them are not evading proper screenings.  We need a time-out before we press forward.

I stress that the United States remains an extremely generous country.  This year alone, we will allow 75,000 refugees fleeing persecution around the world to enter our country.  But we have to set our own citizens' security as our top priority.   I call on Congress to act to ensure that this administration certifies that the most stringent security standards are in place before allowing any more of the Syrian refugees into this country.  It's our responsibility to do everything we can to prevent Friday's attacks from happening here.

I yield the floor.

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Sen. Chuck Grassley made the following comment on the passing of David Stanley, a former member of the Iowa House of Representatives and the founder of Iowans for Tax Relief.

"Dave and I served together in the state House.  He was a close ally on the issues and a good friend.  He was a prominent leader on fiscal concerns and had a tremendous impact as a result.  Dave dedicated himself to reducing the tax burden on Iowans so they could prosper and enjoy a better quality of life.  He provided checks and balances on the growth of state government.  His work as a watchdog and a guardian of the purse strings was inspiring, and his legacy is invaluable."

Gov. Branstad releases statement on passing of Dave Stanley

 

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad released a statement on the passing of David M. Stanley, former member of the Iowa Senate and Iowa House, and founder of Iowans for Tax Relief:

"Dave Stanley served honorably in the Iowa General Assembly as both the Iowa Senate Majority Leader and as the Iowa House Ways and Means chairman. For many years, David has been a strong and effective voice for the taxpayers of Iowa.  Dave Stanley will be deeply missed."

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Governor Quinn Expands Green Transportation Program on Illinois' Highways 

'Bus on Shoulders' Program Made Permanent and Will Now Transport Even More People Over More Illinois Highways

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to expand the innovative 'Bus on Shoulders' program and make Illinois' highways more environmentally-friendly, efficient and accessible. The legislation is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive Illinois' economy forward and protect the environment by modernizing Illinois' infrastructure.

"Bus on Shoulders has proven to be a creative approach and a green solution to cut down on commuting times, encourage the use of mass transit and improve access to jobs," Governor Quinn said. "By making minimal investments in our existing infrastructure, we are providing big dividends for commuters and families throughout the region."

House Bill 5664, sponsored by State Representative Robert Rita (D-Blue Island) and State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago), makes permanent the successful 'Bus on Shoulders' pilot program and paves the way for the popular Pace service to expand to other parts of the Chicago expressway system as well as the Illinois Tollway.

Since Governor Quinn launched the program as an experimental service in 2011, ridership has jumped by 226 percent and on-time performance has dramatically improved on the Pace routes that utilize the Stevenson Expressway (Interstate 55) shoulders during heavy congestion.

As part of Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, $9.5 million was allocated in 2011 to upgrade and prepare the I-55 shoulders to enable Pace routes 755 and 855, which connect the southwest suburbs, downtown Chicago and the Illinois Medical District, to use the inside inbound shoulder for the morning rush hour and inside outbound shoulder for the afternoon return trip. Also for the first time in the Chicago area, the Pace buses on these routes offered free Wi-Fi service. Since Governor Quinn launched Bus on Shoulders, average daily ridership on both Pace routes has grown from 302 to 985, with on-time performance jumping from 68 percent to 93 percent.

"When we began this project in 2011, we set out to do three things: increase ridership, improve on-time performance and operate safely," Pace Chairman of the Board Richard Kwasneski said. "We've achieved all of these benchmarks and are grateful to Governor Quinn, the General Assembly, our project partners IDOT and RTA and our customers for their support throughout the planning and implementation process. Thanks to this legislation, we can take what we have learned on I-55 and bring express bus service to the shoulders of other highways and tollways in the region."

In addition to making Bus on Shoulders a long-term solution to meeting the region's highway and mass transit needs, the new law permits Pace to expand the program and include more routes. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is investing $362,631 to improve the shoulders from Kedzie Avenue to just west of the Dan Ryan Expressway (Interstate 90/94) so the existing service on I-55 can be extended approximately three miles east later this year. The department expects to complete a study by fall that will determine the scope of improvements needed to enable Pace to use the shoulders between Foster Avenue and Lake-Cook Road on the Edens Expressway (Interstate 94).

"This is an idea whose time has come," Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Erica Borggren said. "We at IDOT have enjoyed a productive partnership with Pace during the start of Bus on Shoulders. We look forward to working together far into the future as we continue exploring new and innovative ways to build a world-class transportation system for the Chicago area."

The Illinois Tollway's $2.5 billion rebuild and widening of the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (Interstate 90) will include wider shoulders to accommodate Pace buses from the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) to Barrington Road in 2016 and future service expansions to Rockford. As part of the 15-year, $12 billion Move Illinois Program, the project includes $240 million to integrate transit on I-90 in partnership with Pace. This investment marks the first time the in the Illinois Tollway's history that the agency has built one of its roads specifically to accommodate transit. The Tollway also is designing the new Elgin O'Hare Western Access project to accommodate Bus on Shoulders.

"We know we can't build our way out of congestion and that's why we designed the new Jane Addams Memorial Tollway to accommodate transit and provide direct access to Pace bus service," Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said. "By following Governor Quinn's vision to integrate transit into our state's roadways, we are maximizing our existing assets to meet the demand for safe and efficient travel on our roads now and into the future."

Under the permanent program, buses will continue to use the shoulders as a passing lane only when traffic is moving slower than 35 mph. They are restricted to traveling no more than 15 mph over the top speed of vehicles in the expressway lanes and never greater than 35 mph. Pace cannot use the shoulders if they are already being used for snow removal, vehicle breakdowns and traffic stops by law enforcement. Safety always will be a top priority of the program. The shoulders will always be available to motorists in the event of an emergency.

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Governor Quinn Announces Innovative Swedish-Based Manufacturer to Expand in Naperville; SKF Group Creating 80 Jobs, Investing $18.6 Million in Research Center

CHICAGO ? Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Swedish-based SKF Group has selected Illinois for its new North American research and development facility, which will create 40 full-time jobs within two years and another 40 within four years. The company chose a site in Naperville over locations in several other states. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"SKF Group has a long history of providing quality technology products and services all over the world," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois is making a comeback and innovative companies like SKF are an important part of it. We are proud SKF has chosen to open this new facility and create jobs for Illinois' highly-skilled and educated workforce."

"One of SKF's driving forces is to continue to deliver world-leading research and innovation and to develop products which deliver significant energy savings for our customers," SKF President and CEO Tom Johnstone said. "This newest center supports our growth ambitions for the U.S. and the investments of over $2.5 billion that we have made during the past five years. The Naperville-based R&D center will strengthen our global network of technical centers that support each of our key regions. It provides a central location to some of our most significant U.S. customers, proximity to many local world class research universities and a highly-educated workforce that is critical to our knowledge engineering efforts."

The new 130,000-square-foot facility will be built for SKF at 1203 Warrenville Road?along the Interstate 88 business corridor?and will house engineers, scientists and administrative staff. The company selected Naperville in order to access the state's superior transportation network, highly-educated workforce, culture of entrepreneurship and competitive cost structure.

Factoring into the company's decision was a state incentive package worth an estimated $2.2 million over 10 years. The incentive is primarily a credit against the company's state income tax liability under the state's Economic Development for a Growing Economy, or EDGE program. The package also includes a $20,000 grant for job training. The EDGE program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), requires companies to meet agreed-upon targets for job creation or retention and capital investment in order to receive the credits. The agreement with SKF USA requires the company to invest at least $18.6 million at its Naperville location over the next 10 years.

While the legal commitment to the state is for a minimum of 80 new jobs within four years, SKF said the facility eventually might have up to 200 employees.

"We are grateful for the trust SKF has placed in the state of Illinois," DCEO Director Adam Pollet said. "With our investments in our people and infrastructure, we want to make Illinois an easy choice for employers looking to expand their skilled labor force."

SKF USA Inc. is the United States subsidiary of the SKF Group of Gothenburg, Sweden and is based in Lansdale, PA. SKF Group is a leading global provider of bearings, seals, lubrication systems and industrial services and consulting covering every major business sector including transportation, paper, mining, oil and gas, food and beverages, machine tool, metals, and aerospace and energy.

Illinois is already home to two SKF manufacturing facilities, including one in Elgin since 1960, and the other in Waukegan since 2009. SKF employs about 390 people at the two locations.

For more information on doing business in Illinois, visit www.illinois.gov/dceo.

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Governor Quinn Signs "Sign and Drive" Law; Legislation Ends the Practice of Posting a Driver's License for Traffic Citations  

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to end the practice of posting a valid driver's license as security for traffic citations in Illinois. Today's action on the "Sign and Drive" law continues the Governor's commitment to making Illinois government more accountable, transparent and effective.

"A driver's license is an important form of identification, and without it many residents may run into problems during everyday situations when a valid ID is required," Governor Quinn said. "This common sense legislation will allow law enforcement officials to continue doing their jobs while letting motorists hang onto a vital piece of identification. 'Sign and Drive' will help ensure motorists comply with the law and keep traffic moving on our streets."

Senate Bill 2583, sponsored by State Senator Michael Noland (D-Elgin) and State Representative John D'Amico (D-Chicago), eliminates the requirement that a valid driver's license must be posted as bail for certain traffic offenses. The new law allows a motorist's signature on the citation to be their guarantee that they will comply with the terms of the citation and either appear in court or pay the required fine. As before, the Secretary of State can suspend the driving privileges of any motorist who does not comply with the citation. The legislation is effective immediately.

"No longer will motorists be inconvenienced by having to give up their driver's license for nothing more than a moving violation," Senator Noland said. "With this bill, Illinois drivers will be able to keep their driver's license which is used as a primary form of identification for receiving services related to banking, travel, education and more. Now, with just their signature, drivers in Illinois can pay their fines online or by mail, appear if necessary, but keep their license as long as their fine is paid. This will save on time away from work, family matters and other more important activities of everyday life in Illinois. It will also make it less costly to process the ever increasing number of cases coming into our traffic courts. This bill is a win-win for our courts and our citizens. Safe travels to all."

"Senate Bill 2583 is a piece of commonsense legislation aimed at cutting down on the instances of identification misuse or misplacement," Representative D'Amico said. "This bill will get our safe drivers back on the road and keep our state moving forward."

Governor Quinn has supported and developed programs and signed legislation to make travel on Illinois roadways safer and more convenient. Last year he signed legislation to prohibit the use of all hand-held mobile phones while driving on Illinois roads and to increase the penalties where any use of an electronic device while driving is the cause of an accident. This summer, Governor Quinn signed legislation to prohibit municipalities from requiring police officers to meet ticket quotas and to prevent quotas from being used to evaluate an officer's performance.

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Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Support Illinois' Military Families; New Law Offers Gold Star License Plates to Children of Fallen Servicemembers

ROCKFORD - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to allow the children of fallen servicemembers apply for Gold Star license plates. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to support Illinois' military families.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to all the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country," Governor Quinn said. "We are proud of all Illinois military families for their continued support while their loved ones have answered the call to duty. The Gold Star license plates serve as a small but constant reminder of all those who have given everything to protect our freedoms here at home."

House Bill 5475, sponsored by State Representative John M. Cabello (R-Machesney Park) and State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), allows the sons and daughters of fallen servicemembers to apply for Gold Star license plates. Spouses, siblings or parents of persons who have lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces may already apply for these special plates. The law is effective Jan. 1, 2015.

The Gold Star is distributed to members of the immediate family of a fallen servicemember by the U.S. Department of Defense. The pin is distributed according to strict Department of Defense guidelines for servicemembers who have lost their lives in conflict or in support of certain military operations.

"Fallen military men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms that we enjoy today," Representative Cabello said. "Their families deserve our highest levels of support and respect. My hope is that these Gold Star license plates will provide an added way for these sons and daughters to be recognized for their sacrifice and the sacrifice and service of their loved one."

"A Gold Star shows that a loved one made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country," Senator Syverson said. "This will allow their children to keep the memory of their heroic actions alive for all to see."

Throughout his career, Governor Quinn has made commitment to veterans, servicemembers and their families a top priority. As lieutenant governor, he launched the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund that provides benefits for families of Illinois National Guard and Reserve servicemembers who are called to action during global conflict. Since its inception in 2003, the IMFRF has provided more than $15.4 million in support of 28,840 families of deployed servicemembers.

Governor Quinn recently signed a law to make it easier for the children of Illinois servicemembers to enroll in Illinois schools. He initiated the Illinois Veterans Grant and Illinois National Guard Grant, which cover tuition at all Illinois public universities and community colleges for eligible veterans and serving National Guard members. He also required colleges to post all benefits available to Illinois veterans and assign a staff member to serve as the point of contact for student-veterans who need information and assistance.

The Governor also launched the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program that helps veterans transition back to their daily lives and the Welcome Home Heroes program which helps support Illinois servicemembers seeking home ownership. In total, the state has targeted $20 million in Illinois Jobs Now! capital funds to the Welcome Home Heroes program to help increase affordable homeownership opportunities for military veterans and their families.

In 2012, Governor Quinn and the Departments of Veterans and Military Affairs spearheaded the statewide public-private partnership, Illinois Joining Forces, which has been a model for other states to follow. The program Families, Children, and Survivors Working Group has been effectively collaborating to make sure Illinois is addressing the needs of military families and children here in Illinois.

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Governor Quinn Statement on Jackie Robinson West Little League Team

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement on the Jackie Robinson West Little League team's regional championship victory. The Chicago South Side team will now head to Williamsport, Pa. to compete in the Little League World Series.

"With power and poise, this group of young ballplayers has outperformed opponents across the state, region and now they have their eyes, gloves and hearts set on a bigger field.

"Last year, Jackie Robinson West came one game short of the big tournament. As underdogs they achieved so much that I declared it 'Jackie Robinson West Little League Champions Day' across Illinois.

"Like Jackie Robinson, they didn't hang up their cleats in the face of adversity. Now this year for the first time since 1983, they will get to compete in the Little League World Series.

"This group of young ballplayers and their coaches have made all of Illinois proud. I wish them the best of luck as they represent our state on the worldwide stage."

 

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Governor Quinn Statement Regarding Passing of Gene Callahan

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding the passing of Gene Callahan:

"Gene Callahan was one of those rare fixtures in the political world - a true gentleman who could work with anybody, any time, to get things done.

"It is hard to believe the 40-plus-year 'Callahan era' has come to a close.  Few of us can remember a time when Gene was not involved in public service. Thankfully, he has instilled those same values in his daughter Cheri Bustos, who has taken his ethic of hard work and honesty to the U.S. Congress.

"Illinois has suffered two huge losses recently - first former Senator Alan Dixon, and now the Senator's long-time friend and advisor, Gene Callahan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the thousands of people whose lives Gene touched during his long and storied life."

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Simon statement on the passing of Gene Callahan

 

CHICAGO - Aug. 4, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement on the passing of longtime friend and advisor Gene Callahan.

"Illinois will miss Gene Callahan. And the Simon family in particular has lost a dear friend.

"Gene served as chief of staff for my dad, a mentor for my brother, and a trusted advisor for me. He was always focused on what was best for the people of our state, not short-term political advantage. His ethical standards were the highest - standards I try to live up to daily.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Gene's family and all whose lives he touched."

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Schilling Statement on Passing of Gene Callahan

EAST MOLINE, Ill.–Bobby Schilling (R-Colona) released the following statement today about the passing of Gene Callahan, a dedicated public servant to the State of Illinois and father to Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline):

"Illinois lost a great statesman today. Gene Callahan admirably dedicated his life to public service and had a positive impact on the State of Illinois. My prayers go out to Congresswoman Bustos and her entire family."

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COMPTROLLER TOPINKA STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF GENE CALLAHAN

CHICAGO - Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka released the following statement in response to the passing of longtime civil servant Gene Callahan:

"Illinois lost a true statesman this morning with the passing of Gene Callahan. Gene was passionate about public service. Although he worked in government and politics for decades he was able to rise above partisanship and work with anyone for the good of the order. He was truly one of the good ones. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."


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  • Darsani Reddy Named to Honor List of Oxford College

ATLANTA, GA (07/02/2014)(readMedia)-- Darsani Reddy of Moline, IL (61265) was named to the Honor List of Oxford College, the two-year liberal arts division of Emory University located in Oxford, Georgia, for the 2014 spring semester.

Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher to be named to the Honor List.

Emory University is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate experience, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. Emory encompasses nine academic divisions as well as the Carlos Museum, The Carter Center, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, Georgia's largest and most comprehensive health care system.

  • ICC Presents Dean's List Honors for Academic Achievement

EAST PEORIA, IL (07/02/2014)(readMedia)-- Illinois Central College presented Dean's List honors to students who earned a grade point average of 3.5 - 3.99 on a 4.0 scale. Local students recognized for this academic achievement include :

Jacob Askew of Davenport IA (52804)

Jacqueline Twing of Rock Island IL (61201)

Located in East Peoria, Ill., Illinois Central College is a two-year community college that provides a high quality, affordable education to prepare students to enter to workforce or to transfer to a four-year college or university. For more information on ICC, visit www.icc.edu.

  • Local students named to University of Iowa Dean's List

IOWA CITY, IA (07/03/2014)(readMedia)-- Approximately 3,800 students have been named to the University of Iowa Dean's List for the 2014 spring semester.

Students from your area on the UI Dean's List for the previous semester include :

Kaylee Huber of Davenport

Chloe Miller of Davenport

Undergraduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the Tippie College of Business who achieve a grade point average of 3.50 or higher on 12 semester hours or more of UI graded course work during a given semester or summer session and who have no semester hours of I (incomplete) or O (no grade reported) during the same semester are recognized by inclusion on the Dean's List for that semester.

Undergraduate students in the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine may qualify for the Dean's List with fewer than 12 semester hours of graded credit if deemed appropriate by the college.

College of Nursing students participating in clinical courses must have a total of 12 semester hours of earned credit, with eight semester hours of graded credit with a grade point average of 3.50 or higher.

Loebsack Statement on the Resignation of VA Secretary Shinseki

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned.

"As a military parent, I have been outraged by what has come to light at VA health centers across the nation. I appreciate Secretary Shinseki's prior service to our nation, but believe that his resignation is the only way for the Agency to start fresh and ensure our veterans receive the timely access to health care they deserve. It is now time to move forward and focus on how we as a nation provide the best health care for those who defended our country. We must redouble our efforts to rectify this situation and provide the VA with the resources they need to prevent anything like this from happening in the future."

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Braley Statement on Resignation of Secretary Shinseki

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement following the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki.

"Despite the recent and ongoing issues at the VA that led to today's resignation, Secretary Shinseki's service to our country deserves our sincerest respect and gratitude. While I agree with today's decision, this in no way diminishes our responsibility to fully investigate recent allegations of misconduct, punish those involved?and most importantly?to work together to solve these problems in service to America's veterans. We all owe that to the generations of America's veterans who continue to rely on the VA for quality care."

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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Senator Chuck Grassley today commented on the announcement by MidAmerican Energy Company that it plans to seek authority to add up to 1,050 megawatts of wind generation in Iowa by year-end 2015, which would include up to 656 new wind turbines.

Grassley comment:

"Continued investment in wind-energy production emphasizes the value and success of the federal production tax credit.  Wind energy has proven that it's a force in America's energy supply, providing clean, renewable, and home-grown power.  Wind energy comes from local farms, it's for local customers and, most often, it adds investment value to local communities."

Background information:

A Grassley amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 1992 established the production tax credit for wind energy.  The idea behind Senator Grassley's proposal was to try to level the playing field with coal-fired and nuclear electricity generation.  Today, the wind-energy industry supports 75,000 jobs nationwide.  Iowa ranks second among every state for wind production, and there are 6,000 wind-energy related jobs in Iowa.  Under the wind-energy production tax credit, which Senator Grassley has worked successfully to extend numerous times, producers are eligible for a tax credit for each kilowatt-hour of electricity produced by a qualified project during the first 10 years of operations.  Right now, the tax credit is 2.2 cents per kilowatt-hour.  This tax credit is available only when wind energy is produced, so it's tax relief that rewards results.

Loebsack Statement on MidAmerican's Announcement of a $1.9 Billion Investment in Wind Energy

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after MidAmerican Energy announced they will be investing $1.9 billion in wind energy infrastructure in Iowa.  Loebsack has long supported wind energy production and led the way in the House to renew the Production Tax Credit for wind energy.  Last year he was named a USA Wind Champion by the American Wind Energy Association.

"Iowa is already a leader in wind energy production and today's announcement by MidAmerican Energy that they will be investing an additional $1.9 billion is great news for the state.  The wind industry creates good paying jobs in local communities and this announcement will create new jobs in addition to the over 7,000 Iowans who are already employed in the industry.  I am pleased this investment will help strengthen not only Iowa's leadership in wind energy but also create homegrown and affordable energy for Iowans and continue to grow our manufacturing sector in the state."

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