DES MOINES - School choice supporters from across Iowa will gather at the State Historical Building in Des Moines for a special celebration to commemorate National School Choice Week 2015 on Monday, January 26, 2015. The event is scheduled to feature remarks and a proclamation presentation by Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds.

Students, parents, teachers and community leaders will attend the celebration, which will shine a positive spotlight on all types of education options available for children in the Hawkeye State, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, online learning and homeschooling.

The event, which will begin at 2:00 pm, is being organized by the Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education, Iowa Advocates for Choice in Education, Connections Academy, NICHE Homeschools, and the Ankeny Christian Academy.

"Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education is pleased to be a part of School Choice Week festivities in Iowa.  Iowans have many quality options for educating their children, and we are proud to celebrate those options and parental choice in education," said Trish Wilger, Executive Director, Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education. 

Celebrated every year in January, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on all types of effective education options for children, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. The celebration is nonpartisan and nonpolitical. National School Choice Week 2015 will feature a history-making 11,082 independently-planned and independently-funded events across all 50 states. 

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Cedar Falls, IA - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today as he traveled with President Obama to Cedar Falls for his announcement on his plans to provide more Americans with access to fast and affordable broadband. Loebsack was recently named to the Communications and Technology Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over broadband issues.

"The future of economic development in Iowa and across the country depends, in large part, on access to the internet and specifically broadband. I have met with many small businesses, farmers, and rural telecommunication companies who have stressed the importance of expanding high speed internet to rural areas. Broadband also gives small and rural schools the power to vastly expand their educational options, providing students with a cutting-edge 21st Century education regardless of geography. Today's announcement is a necessary step for rural economic development, education, job growth, businesses, farmers, and families

"I was pleased to join President Obama today as he laid out his plan to make sure Iowans and others in rural areas are not left behind. Expanding broadband for all Iowans is critical so that this economic development tool is available for everyone, regardless of where they live."

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DES MOINES, IA (01/14/2015)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced that Tuesday's Invest in Iowa online auction was the most successful to date. All forty-two of Iowa's participating financial institutions received deposits, for a total of $78.2 million. "We use an auction format offering state deposits to Iowa financial institutions six times a year. This allows the state to earn a competitive return on the funds while ensuring local financial institutions have the money they need to keep the economy moving," Treasurer Fitzgerald said. "The program currently has over $232.9 million invested in Iowa banks."

Fitzgerald created the Invest in Iowa program in 1983 as a way to deposit state funds in Iowa financial institutions. The financial institutions hold the funds as CDs and use the money to make loans.

"Demand for funds reached its highest peak this year," Fitzgerald stated. "This is a reflection of the current market. I am glad this program is available to help stimulate lending around the state."

Invest in Iowa quarterly auctions are held on the second Tuesday of January, April, July and October. In response to growing interest in this program, two auctions offering one-year term CDs are also held throughout the year. The next auction is scheduled for February 24, 2015 at 10 a.m and will offer one-year term CDs. Each auction has an established minimum interest rate and a minimum bid. To learn more about the Invest in Iowa program, visit iowatreasurer.gov, select "Invest in Iowa" under the "For Businesses" tab or contact the treasurer's office at 515-281-5368.

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Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4:30

Teens can stop by the Teen Corner of the Moline Public Library on Wednesdays between 2:30 and 4:30 to enjoy a variety of video games, board games, crafts, and other activities. January crafts will be based on Marvel characters, movies, and shows. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at  http://www.molinelibrary.com.

Brilliant Companions

Monday, February 2 @ 6:30

The Brilliant Companions, a Doctor Who fan club, will meet at the Moline Public Library on Monday, February 2 at 6:30 to discuss season 9 of the Classic Doctor Who featuring Jon Pertwee. This program is free and open to all ages. No registration is required. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com.

Teen Advisory Group

Thursday, February 5 @ 3:30

The Teen Advisory Group of the Moline Public Library will meet on Thursday, February 5 at 3:30. Quad City area teens in grades 6 through 12 are invited to help plan programs and events for teens, give feedback about the library, and meet new friends. No registration is required. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com.

Anime Club

Tuesday, February 17 @ 3:30

Fans of anime, manga, and all things Japanese are invited to join the Moline Public Library's Anime Club on Tuesday, February 17 at 3:30. Bring your anime and manga to share with the group or exchange for something new. This program is free and open to ages 12 to 21. No registration is required. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com.

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