21 Dec 2015

Congress Removes Lumps of Coal from Taxpayers' Stockings

By Rick Martin

By U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

For many Americans, the IRS is like the Grinch who stole Christmas.

Nothing spoils the spirit of the season like a reminder that Tax Day is little more than three months away. Although no one relishes the idea of paying taxes, for many Americans the rub lies with the sheer complexity of the tax code and mismanagement by the federal agency that administers it.

As a longtime taxpayer watchdog, I hound the IRS to improve "service" at the Internal Revenue Service. I've secured legislative reforms to help ensure that all taxes owed are paid and more importantly, collected fairly. For example, my bipartisan IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 enacted 71 new taxpayer rights to rein in bad management and improve customer service for taxpayers, especially small businesses.  Prior to that, I supported reforms that created the Office of National Taxpayer Advocate to serve as an independent voice for taxpayers inside the IRS and to advise Congress on ways to improve administrative practices at the federal tax collection agency. Each year I review its two annual reports to determine if the IRS is measuring up to its obligations to properly administer the tax laws and serve taxpayers.

Let's not fool ourselves. No tax collecting entity is likely to win a popularity contest. On the other hand, the IRS is more likely to be crowned most unpopular. (Although the EPA may snag runner-up in that category.)

A string of missteps, including fiscal incompetence, mismanagement and political targeting has undermined the credibility of the IRS in the eyes of the taxpaying public. Singling out law-abiding taxpayers for their political affiliation is indefensible in the United States of America. That's why I'm continuing to scrutinize practices at the IRS and working to nip future assaults on taxpayer privacy and political affiliation. The IRS must keep its nose out of the political process and has no business trying to influence it or intimidate taxpayers. It's pretty brazen that the IRS would assign resources to track political affiliation and scrub non-profits for donor information when it has struggled for decades to update its antiquated computer architecture and adopt 21st century information technology.

Misplacing priorities has become a recurring theme at IRS headquarters. Consider that it hung up on more than 8 million taxpayers this year who called in for assistance with their tax returns. What's more, the agency seems more hung up on the union activities of its workforce and is spread thin because so many of its employees are sitting at home on paid administrative leave. Despite these misplaced priorities, the IRS prioritized $60 million in employee bonuses this year.

The good news is that Congress took steps in December to dial up better customer service and remove the lumps of coal left in taxpayers' stockings by gross mismanagement and unethical standards of stewardship at the IRS.

New taxpayer rights I co-authored with Sen. John Thune this summer were passed and sent to the president's desk, which he signed.

It writes a number of my Taxpayer Bill of Rights provisions into federal statute. Now when taxpayers go into a meeting with the IRS, the following 10 rights go with them: be informed; quality service; pay no more than the correct amount of tax; challenge the position of the IRS and be heard; appeal a decision of the IRS in an independent forum; finality; privacy; confidentiality; retain representation; and, a fair and just tax system.  Other pro-taxpayer provisions folded in end-of-year legislation include reforms that:

·         prohibit IRS employees from using personal email accounts for official business;

·         permit 501(c)(4) entities and other organizations to seek timely review in federal court if the IRS drags its feet on making a determination on a tax-exempt application;

·         clarify termination of employment at the IRS for taking official actions for political purposes; and,

·         ban the IRS from imposing the gift tax on donations to 501(c) organizations to prevent the agency from misusing the tax code as an intimidation tactic to screen for political affiliation.

The IRS has tremendous authority over the taxpaying public. As always, I work to make sure federal agencies remember they serve the people, not the other way around. I'll keep working to rein in abuses of government authority where I see it.

I also work to improve compliance tools to help recoup uncollected taxes. Let's face it. Our system of voluntary compliance hinges on the concept that all taxpayers pay their fair share. Tax cheats undermine the system and create a heavier burden on law-abiding taxpayers.  To help narrow the tax gap, root out tax fraud and deter evasion, I champion the IRS whistleblower program and supported the resurrection of the private debt collection program to make our tax collection system work as fairly and efficiently as possible.

When tax season opens after the New Year, these new taxpayer rights will be on the books. Taxpayers work hard enough to make ends meet at home and run their businesses without worrying about the IRS making unscrupulous decisions that only a Grinch would approve.

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21 Dec 2015

Gov. Branstad's office issues statement on Medicaid Modernization final procurement decision

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES)  - Tonight, Director Janet Phipps released her final decision on Medicaid Modernization.  Gov. Terry Branstad's Communications Director, Ben Hammes, issued a statement on the decision that was released late this evening.

"The final decision this evening from Director Phipps confirms that the Department of Human Services conducted a 'thorough and methodical' procurement.  Our focus continues to be on Iowa Medicaid patients' health and the providers who make their care possible.  During the 60 day grace period Iowa will continue building towards a March 1 kickoff for Medicaid Modernization."

 

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21 Dec 2015

Grassley Nominates Iowa Students to the U.S. Service Academies

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has nominated 41 Iowa students for consideration for appointments to the U.S. service academies.

"Young Iowans who want to enter the academies and serve our country are a remarkable reflection on our state and signal continued excellence in the U.S. armed forces.  These candidates' accomplishments and leadership are outstanding," Grassley said.

Each year Grassley has the opportunity as a U.S. senator to nominate either current or future Iowa high school graduates for a select few service academy placements.  The Air Force, Military and Naval academies all select at least one qualified student from Grassley's nominations.  The Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to states' representation in Congress.

Grassley said he encourages Iowa students to consider applying to more than one service academy due to the highly competitive nature of admissions and seeking multiple nominations.  Iowa representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives make nominations in addition to both of Iowa's U.S. senators.  Students may receive more than one nomination.

Students interested in academy appointments should begin the application process in the spring of their junior year of high school.  Early application is encouraged.  The academies select students based on the number of vacancies available for the next school year.

"The academies offer some of the best options for higher education, and they offer an outstanding way to serve our country.  It's a tremendous opportunity for young Iowans," Grassley said.

Traditionally, the high quality of Iowa nominees results in several Iowa students being offered admission to attend each of the service academies.  The students then choose whether or not to attend the academy.  More information about service academy nominations can be found here.

Grassley said he will make announcements as academy appointments are offered to Iowans.

The lists below include the names and hometowns of Grassley's nominees for the 2016-2017 school year.

U.S. Air Force Academy
Sidney Alsager, Jewell
Justin Ashley, Waukee
Emma Baller, Sioux City
Alan Chatfield, Muscatine
Abraham Fisher, Clinton
Brandon Gore, Bettendorf
Kaitlin Greene, Coralville
Daniel Holt, Cedar Rapids
Zane Johnson, Johnston
Olivia Ketron, Dixon
Nathan Leon, West Des Moines
Jared Logomarcino, West Des Moines
Riley Lowe, Swisher
Samuel Pisney, Cedar Rapids
Hannah Schwartz, Ames*
Patrick Schwartzhoff, Davenport
Corbyn Shumaker, Ankeny
Andrew Shumway, Des Moines
John Sullivan, Davenport
Thomas Treptau, Lansing

U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Jerry Bastin, Muscatine
Garrett Dunn, State Center
Christian Flege, Waverly
Zachary Gilbert, Cedar Rapids
Alexander Gudenkauf, Coralville
Harrison Jones, Council Bluffs
Jonas Mason, Cedar Rapids
Katelyn Miller, Clear Lake
Patrick Ramirez, State Center
Joseph Zasadney, Walker

U.S. Naval Academy
Caroline Ascherl, Granville
Robert Beardsley, Bettendorf*
Michael Berry, Cedar Rapids
Evan Boss, Central City
John Buck, Dallas Center
Darek Garman, Corwith
Jason Nye, Urbandale
Ross Otte, Clive
Cole Patton, Des Moines
Hunter Wargo, West Branch

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Robert Beardsley, Bettendorf*
Meeghan Rodamaker, Mason City
Hannah Schwartz, Ames*

Students denoted with an asterisk (*) were also nominated for appointments to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in addition to the Air Force, Military or Naval academies.

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21 Dec 2015

Governor Announces Appointments 12/18/2015

By Catherine Kelly

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments to the Illinois Labor Relations Board and the Illinois Arts Council.

Name: John Hartnett

Position: Chairman - Illinois Labor Relations Board

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed John Hartnett as the Chairman of the Illinois Labor Relations Board (ILRB). He has served as the board's chairman since 2012. Hartnett has an extensive background in labor relations from his time as a state employee and as a consultant in labor negotiations.

For 26 years, Hartnett served as a labor relations manager at Central Management Services and then at the Illinois Department of Human Services. In these positions, he administered the labor relations program for the agency. In 2003, he joined JHDH, Inc. as Vice President. It is a negotiation and labor relations consulting firm that represents employers in the public and private sectors.

In addition to his time in the private sector, Hartnett was a senior associate at the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois, where he provided leadership education and management development to elected officials of local governments. In addition, he was an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois-Springfield in the School of Public Administration until 2012.

Hartnett earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree from Western Illinois University. He lives in Springfield.

 

Illinois Arts Council Appointments

Christina Gidwitz

Tim Touhy

William Brattain*

Peggy Montes*

Cecilia Rodhe*

Howard Tullman*

 

*denotes reappointment

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21 Dec 2015

Grassley, Ernst Recognize 150th Anniversary of the University of Iowa College of Law

By Grassley Press
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate today recognized the 150th anniversary of the University of Iowa College of Law by passing a resolution commemorating some of the school's achievements.  The resolution was introduced by Iowa's two U.S. senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst.

The University of Iowa College of Law is the first law school in continuous operation west of the Mississippi to reach the 150 year milestone.

The resolution notes several significant achievements of the College of Law, including the graduation of what is believed to be the first female law student and one of the first African-American law students.  The College of Law also graduated the first United States Attorney of American Indian ancestry.

"The University of Iowa College of law is the oldest continuous law school west of the Mississippi River and has produced generations of attorneys that have been dedicated to improving and enhancing the practice of law in Iowa and throughout the nation. Currently, Iowa Law has more than 10,000 living alumni who practice in Iowa and across the world.  This is a well-deserved recognition," Grassley said.

"I'm proud to recognize the significant milestone reached by the University of Iowa's College of Law and celebrate their time honored tradition of providing an exceptional education to folks from Iowa and across the country," said Ernst. "I congratulate the College of Law on this achievement and look forward to celebrating what I'm sure will be many more achievements in the years to come."

21 Dec 2015

Loebsack to Participate in "Acts of Kindness" Events Across Iowa

By Rick Martin

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will participate in a variety of events next week to help encourage folks to give back to those in need during this holiday season. Loebsack will visit food pantries, crisis centers and other community support centers throughout the state.  Media are invited to attend.

 

MONDAY 12/21

NORTH LIBERTY

Volunteer at Community Pantry

89 N Jones Blvd.

10:45am

 

IOWA CITY

Volunteer at Crisis Center of Johnson County

1121 Gilbert Court

12:15pm

 

TUESDAY 12/22

DAVENPORT

Volunteer at River Bend Food Bank

4010 Kimmel Dr.

10:00am

 

Serve Meals at Café on Vine

932 W 6th St

11:30am

NOTE: Media is only allowed to film or photograph volunteers

 

WEDNESDAY 12/23

OTTUMWA

Volunteer at Food Bank of Southern Iowa

705 West Main St.

12:15pm

 

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21 Dec 2015

Iowa Federal Judicial Nominees to Receive Vote After Senate Convenes Next Year

By Grassley Press
WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley said today that two Iowans who have been nominated by President Barack Obama for federal judgeships will be voted on by the full Senate early next year.

In an agreement between both the Republican and Democratic leaders announced on the Senate floor earlier this week, Iowans Leonard Strand of Sioux City, and Rebecca Ebinger of Des Moines, are two of five judicial nominees who will be voted on before President's Day.  The other nominees who will receive votes are Luis Restrepo of Pennsylvania, Wilhelmina Wright of Minnesota, and John Vazquez of New Jersey.  As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley helped lead the effort to reach the agreement.

"These two Iowans are uniquely qualified to be federal judges and have exceptional credentials.  I'm glad they will be voted on by the full Senate in short order," Grassley said.

Grassley recommended Strand and Ebinger to the White House after an extensive effort by a Judicial Selection Commission that Grassley formed after two judges announced their intention to take senior status.  The commission was comprised of highly qualified members of the Iowa legal community, and led by Cynthia Moser, a former Iowa State Bar Association president. The commission also included Richard Sapp, Jeffrey Goodman, Harlan D. Hockenberg, and Adam Freed.

These lawyers spent hundreds of hours carefully reviewing applications and interviewing each of the 39 Iowans who submitted applications and sought consideration.  Eleven applicants were then selected to participate in a lengthy second interview.  The commission's review included not only these interviews, but also a thorough study and examination of the applicants' professional history, credentials, and qualifications.  The commission then made recommendations to Grassley, who - in consultation with Senator Joni Ernst - reviewed the candidates and their qualifications before submitting his recommendations to the White House.

Strand currently serves as a U.S. magistrate judge in Sioux City for the Northern District of Iowa.  He graduated first in his class from the College of Law at the University of Iowa and brings extensive experience in civil litigation from private practice in Cedar Rapids.

Ebinger is a state district judge in Polk County.  She graduated from Yale Law School, was an assistant U.S. attorney in both the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa, and clerked for Judge Michael J. Melloy of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

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21 Dec 2015

Jess Jacobsen named to Troy University Provost's List

By Andy Ellis

TROY, AL (12/18/2015)-- Jess Jacobsen of Bettendorf, IA, has been named to the Provost's List at Troy University for the fall semester/Term 2 of the 2015/2016 academic year.

The Provost's List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who have a grade point average of at least 3.65.

The fall semester includes students at the Troy, Ala., campus. Term 2 includes students at TROY's campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and Montgomery, Ala., and Global Campus, which consists of teaching sites outside of Alabama and online.

About Troy University

Troy University is a public, historic, international university with more than 145,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while working adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.

21 Dec 2015

ISU Extension and Outreach Scott County Calendar, late late-Dec 2015 into Jan 2016

By Amanda Heitz

December 24, 2015    EXTENSION OFFICE CLOSED


December 25, 2015    EXTENSION OFFICE CLOSED


January 1, 2016    EXTENSION OFFICE CLOSED


January 5, 2016    GrowingOn 2016 Scott County Extension Office 5:30pm-8:00pm


January 26, 2016    ServSafe Food Safety Certification Workshop Scott County Extension Office 9am-5pm


January 26, 2016    Extension Council Meeting Scott County Extension Office 7:00pm


January 29, 2016    2016 Crop Advantage Meeting-Moline  8:30am-4:00pm





Visit our events calendar at our web site:   http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

18 Dec 2015

Just in Time for the Holidays, Hy-Vee Aisles Online Grocery Shopping Service Available in All 240 Stores

By Tina Potthoff

Hy-Vee Aisles Online offers customers a convenient, easy way to shop online for groceries

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Dec. 18, 2015) ? Earlier this year, Hy-Vee, Inc. launched Hy-Vee Aisles Online, a new service that allows busy customers to shop the way they want to shop ? from anywhere and at any time. And now, just in time for the holidays, Hy-Vee Aisles Online is available in all of the supermarket chain's 240 stores across its eight-state region.

Through the Hy-Vee Aisles Online website, customers can shop for their groceries, pay electronically and choose to pick up their order or have it delivered to their home. The rollout of the program began in select stores in the Des Moines metro in April and was gradually launched across other markets throughout the summer. It became fully launched in all 240 Hy-Vee stores earlier this fall.

Hy-Vee Aisles Online promises customers the same helpful, friendly service that they would receive in stores. It also retains other benefits of in-store shopping, such as weekly specials, coupons and Fuel Saver + Perks® discounts.

"Hy-Vee is committed to providing customers with the best value, the greatest convenience and the most choice in their shopping experience. Hy-Vee Aisles Online is tailored to fit our customers' needs and their families' busy schedules," said Jeremy Gosch, senior vice president of merchandising for Hy-Vee. "We still love seeing our customers in the store, but we believe this is a value-added service for customers during those times when they can't make it to the store or are pressed for time."

Customers can use their hy-vee.com account to select their preferred store before shopping that store's inventory. Customers also can create shopping lists and mark products as their favorites. When customers link their account to their Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks card, their most recently purchased items will automatically be listed first, creating a seamless shopping experience.

Once customers place an order, an Aisles Online personal shopper hand-selects the products, which ensures the orders are fresh and accurate. The groceries are kept in climate-controlled totes until they are unloaded into the customer's vehicle or delivered to the customer's home. Store pickup and home delivery are both free with a $100 order; orders under $100 have a $2.95 fee for pickup and $4.95 fee for delivery.

"Our customers have been asking for an easy and convenient online shopping experience, and we're happy to be able to offer that to them. We're very proud of this new service and how it's been received," Gosch said.

Due to the holidays, customers should review the revised Aisles Online ordering schedule for Dec. 21, 2015, through Jan. 2, 2016, at www.hy-veeaislesonline.com.

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Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating 240 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $9.3 billion annually. Hy-Vee ranks among the top 25 supermarket chains and the top 50 private companies in the United States. Supermarket News, the authoritative voice of the food industry, has honored the company with a Whole Health Enterprise Award for its leadership in providing services and programs that promote a healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit www.hy-vee.com.

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