09 Oct 2015

Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act introduced

By Grassley Press

Senator Grassley is an original cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation to improve telehealth services for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.  "Travel to a VA facility can be a real hardship for some veterans for whom it isn't easy to get to the nearest clinic or hospital that offers the care they need," Grassley said.  "Telehealth can make it less necessary to go to a facility as often and still help veterans get medical treatment."

Ernst, Hirono Introduce VETS Act

Bipartisan legislation to improve health care access and affordability for disabled or rural veterans by expanding VA telehealth services

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), led eight co-sponsors, in introducing the bipartisan Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act of 2015 (VETS Act), legislation to improve health care access for disabled or rural veterans by expanding telehealth services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

As defined by the Department of Health and Human Services telehealth is, "the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration. Technologies include videoconferencing, the internet, store-and-forward imaging, streaming media, and terrestrial and wireless communications."

Under current law, the VA may only waive the state license requirement for telehealth services if both the patient and physician are located in a federally owned facility. In addition, the VA may only perform at-home telehealth care when the patient and physician are located in the same state. These barriers are a deterrent for disabled or rural veterans who are seeking treatment from a physician in another state, in some cases forcing veterans to travel great lengths to a federal facility before receiving telehealth services by camera or phone.

The VETS Act would address these deficiencies by allowing qualified VA health professionals to operate across state lines and conduct telehealth services, including mental health care treatment, for veterans from the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

Telehealth is one of the VA's major transformational initiatives, and the number of veterans utilizing telehealth services continues to climb. In fact, VA telehealth care grew by 18 percent among veterans in Fiscal Year 2014 and in turn more than 12 percent of veterans received elements of their care through telehealth services. According to the VA, 88 percent of veterans who utilized the VA's telehealth services were satisfied with the care they received. Telehealth services are effective and affordable as veterans save on average $2,000 per year in health care related costs, including travel to a VA medical facility.

"The bipartisan Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act moves us one step closer to achieving more affordable, patient-centered health care that our veterans deserve by embracing telehealth services to offer physician care and health treatment beyond the walls of a VA facility," said Senator Ernst. "Telehealth care is an innovative and important means to meet the wide-ranging needs of veterans in Iowa and nationwide, including the invisible struggles of mental health care."

"Our nation has a moral obligation to provide the best care for all veterans," said Senator Hirono. "This legislation would eliminate the added burden of traveling long distances, or even to different states, in order to see a doctor. The VETS Act will build on a VA telemedicine program that is proven to work and removes barriers to accessing care particularly for veterans in rural areas like Hawaii's Neighbor Islands."

 

Additional cosponsors to the bipartisan VETS Act include : Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), John Boozman (R-AR), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Tom Udall (D-NM).

The VETS Act is widely endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the American Legion, Concerned Veterans for America, and the American Telemedicine Association.

The companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives was introduced by Congressmen Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Glen Thompson (R-PA).

Click here to read the full text of the VETS Act.

VETS Act:

 

·         Allows VA health professionals to practice telemedicine across state lines if they are qualified and practice within the scope of their authorized federal duties.

 

·         Ensures the VA and Congress provide oversight of the VA's telehealth program by requiring the VA to measure program effectiveness.

 

 

Benefits of VA Telehealth Services in Fiscal Year 2014:

 

·         Provided veterans telehealth care from more than 150 VA Medical Centers and over 750 Community Based Outpatient Clinics.

·         More than 12 percent of veterans received elements of their care through telehealth services.

·         More than 717,000 veterans participated in over 2.1 million telehealth care interactions.

·         45 percent of veterans who used telehealth services lived in rural areas.

·         Reduced hospital bed days of care by 54 percent.

·         Reduced hospital admissions by 32 percent.

·         VA telehealth care grew by 18 percent among veterans in Fiscal Year 2014.

·         Patient satisfaction for clinical video telehealth averaged 94 percent.

·         Patient satisfaction for overall home telehealth services averaged 88 percent.

·         Home telehealth services save veterans on average $2,000 per year.

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09 Oct 2015

Loebsack Comment on House GOP Speaker Election

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack made the following comment today after Rep. Kevin McCarthy's abrupt decision to not run for Speaker of the House.

"After today's latest failure of the House Republican Conference, it is clear that Republicans need to do some soul searching before they name their next Speaker. There are simply too many big problems facing America for this disarray to continue. Once again, the most extreme elements of the Republican Party put their own interests above those of the American people. I stand ready to work with any Member to pass legislation that will get Americans back to work and protect and promote American interests abroad."

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09 Oct 2015

Smiddy Bill Defines Attacks Against Soldiers and Veterans as Hate Crimes

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - In response to tragic attacks, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is sponsoring legislation expanding the definition of hate crimes in Illinois to include crimes against  current or former military members.
"The attacks on July 16 in Chattanooga show us that military members are targeted, simply as a result of their service," Smiddy said. "This bill will honor the victims of the attack in Chattanooga by acting as a deterrent for those who would target the men and women who sacrifice just to keep us safe."
Smiddy is cosponsoring House Bill 4308 which designates crimes committed against uniformed members of the Armed Forces or veterans' organizations as potential hate crimes. Under current Illinois law, the 'hate crime' designation is a way to strengthen punishment when crimes are committed against individuals based on their actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin. The measure ensures that specifically trying to harm military personnel can result in increased penalties at the time of sentencing.
"Criminals who target military members who have sacrificed for our nation deserve strict punishment under the law, and this bill will strengthen the penalties they face," Smiddy said. "We have to continue to take steps to ensure veterans, military members and their families are safe here at home."
House Bill 4308 was filed on October 6 and will be sent to a House committee for consideration.
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09 Oct 2015

Thousands Of Screaming Tweens To Take Over Davenport For 'Tween Stars Live' National Tour Stop

By Rick Martin

Tween Stars Live Nationwide Tour stops in Davenport, IA October 25.

Davenport IA (October 8, 2015) - Tween Stars Live will bring the best and brightest young stars from television to fans across the country with a series of interactive shows. The nationwide tour will stop in Davenport on Sunday October 25 at the Adler Theatre, featuring Calum Worthy ("Dez", Austin & Ally), Spencer Boldman ("Adam", Lab Rats), Karan Brar ("Ravi", Jesse and Bunk'd), Paris Berelc ("Skyler", Mighty Med), Trinitee Stokes ("Judy", KC Undercover) and Noah Munck ("Gibby", iCarly).

This highly interactive family variety show features 90-minutes of surprise-filled family fun, plus the opportunity for fans to interact with their favorite TV stars, all together on one stage. The show features comedy, music, games, improvisations, unpredictable funny in-audience Q & A session, behind the scenes secrets, totally Tween trivia, multiple opportunities for fans to play along on stage and in the audience up close and personal with the Tween Stars.  There are prizes, surprises and fun for the whole family.

Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to purchase post-show VIP Party tickets, to hang out with the tween stars, take pictures and selfies, get autographs and personally meet all of the celebrities.

"These fans who have been following us for years on our TV shows, now get to come on stage to perform and interact with us. Afterwards, we always do an autograph signing and take photos. It's definitely something that everyone has to check out," said Callum Worthy, "Dez" from Austin & Ally and one of the Tween Stars Live cast members.

Chicago Stage review called it, "the best family show ever".

When: Sunday October 25, 2015

Where: Adler Theatre - 136 E 3rd St Davenport, IA 52801

Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm Show

2:00 - 4:00 pm VIP Autograph & Photo Session  **Parents do not need a ticket to attend the VIP Party.

Who:

Tickets: $21.00 - $62.00 for show

$75 for VIP party, must be purchased with a show ticket

All tickets available for purchase at www.tweenstarslive.com/shows/

The tour will make stops at the National Western Complex in Denver, CO (October 17); Colorado Springs World Arena in Colorado Springs, CO (October 18); Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, IL (October 24); Adler Theatre in Davenport, IA (October 25); Mobile Center Arena & Theatre in Mobile, AL (November 14) and Lake Charles Civic Center, Lake Charles LA (November 15).

The tour will run until Spring 2016 with more shows to be announced in the coming weeks.

Tween Stars Live is presented by Style Me Up, who will have prizes and giveaways at each show, product demos and great takeaways for the whole family.

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About Tween Stars Live: Tween Stars Live is a North American touring variety show, featuring some of the biggest tween stars on television. The tour will begin October 17 2015 in Colorado, with stops in Illinois, Iowa, Alabama, Louisiana, Wyoming and more, until Spring 2016.

About Style Me Up: Style Me Up is a fashion forward line for creative tweens who thrive on Do-It-Yourself fashion projects. Personalization and freedom of creation lets tweens be truly unique with every single Style Me Up design. Style Me Up offers a safe, fun and interactive online platform for tweens to browse collections and fashion trends, play games, enter contests, and explore events and promotions.

Did you hear? @TweenStarsLive is coming to

09 Oct 2015

Conversation with Thomas Jefferson Wednesday, Oct. 28 1:30 - 3:30 pm

By Putnam Museum
Mr. Jefferson will be speaking on the importance of maintaining history as a primary subject to be learned. Mr. Jefferson is portrayed by Bill Barker, who has been bringing this Founding Father to life for over 30 years. Mr. Barker appears regularly at Colonial Williamsburg, and has performed as Jefferson at Monticello, The White House, the Palace of Versailles, and throughout the United States, Great Britain and France. You may also recognize him as the face of Thomas Jefferson in the Visitor's Center videos at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C.
Cost for the event is $5.00 per person, which includes light refreshments, time for questions and answers, and the unique opportunity to meet Mr. Jefferson. Call 563-324-1944 to reserve your seat!
The Putnam wishes to thank the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the Iowa Society of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America for making Mr. Jefferson's visit possible.
09 Oct 2015

World Adventure Series 2015 - 2016: Hot Spots: America's Volcanic Legacy

By Putnam Museum
Tuesday, Oct. 13 - 1:00 & 7:00pm
Presented by Gray Warriner

Hawaii is one of America's hot spots, but so are the frozen summits of the Aleutian Islands, and high, alpine parklands in the Pacific Northwest. Yellowstone's famous geysers and hot springs and the largest rapid in Arizona's Grand Canyon share something in common: volcanism! High, violent volcanoes punctuate the Pacific Northwest's Cascade Mountains. Life is returning to the base of Mt. St. Helens, but its 1980 eruption still scars the land. Visit the spectacular, towering giants along America's ring of fire: Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood and Mt. Shasta. Hike to the desolate, sulfur-scarred landscape of Mt. Lassen's 'Bumpass Hell', where the inferno that powered its last eruption still lurks below the surface.
To register for World Adventure Series films, fill out this form and return or mail it to: 

Putnam Museum & Science Center
1717 W. 12th St. Davenport, IA 52804

Or call to register at 563-324-1933
09 Oct 2015

Quad Cities Jewish Heritage Now on Exhibit at the Putnam

By Putnam Museum
Experience first hand the regional and national impact created by the Jewish community of the Quad Cities including contributions in the arts, business and much more. Artifacts and stories from the local Jewish population paint a picture of religious and everyday life and a sense of how we can relate with our neighbors throughout their history in the Quad Cities.
Sponsors: Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, Rauch Family Foundation II, Illinois Humanities and Humanities Iowa

This program is supported by Humanities Iowa, Illinois Humanities, the Illinois General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The views and opinions expressed by this program do not necessarily reflect those of the supporting agencies.

1717 W 12th St. | Davenport, IA | 563.324.1933 | Putnam.org

09 Oct 2015

Grassley Weekly Video Address - Oct 8, 2015

By Grassley Press

Video can be found here.

Judiciary Committee Field Hearing to Discuss the Ongoing Fight against Meth

I'm hosting a Senate Judiciary Committee field hearing in Des Moines to discuss the ongoing fight against methamphetamine in Iowa.

During my 99 county meetings I often hear from constituents and law enforcement officials about how severe the meth problem is in Iowa.

Some state and federal laws have helped to limit meth production in our state.

But, now Mexican drug cartels are apparently stepping in to eliminate the gains we've made in the fight against meth.

This hearing is designed to learn about current trends concerning meth use and distribution in Iowa, bring awareness to the issue, and find out if there are ways the federal government can help address the problem.

At the hearing, we'll hear from witnesses on the front lines in the battle against meth abuse.

In addition, to help us gain a full understanding of the problem, Iowans can submit written testimony for the hearing record.

The hearing is open to the public and will take place Tuesday, October 13, at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of the State Historical Building.
09 Oct 2015

USDA Deputy Secretary Harden Announces $17 Million to Support America's Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

By Angela Orr

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Aims to Develop a Strong, Diverse Next Generation of American Farmers; Supports Efforts to Bring Veterans and Socially Disadvantaged Entrepreneurs into Farming and Ranching

UPDATED RELEASE

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced more than $17 million in grants for organizations that will develop training and provide other resources for beginning farmers and ranchers across the nation. The awards are made through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which is administered by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

"When new farmers and ranchers start their operations, the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program can help them implement tested strategies and new ideas that in turn benefit all of us by reducing food insecurity, growing economic opportunities, and building communities," said Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden. "Today, we are partnering with organizations who recognize that an investment in our beginning farmers and ranchers is also an investment in our future."

The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program was first established by the 2008 Farm Bill and was continued in the 2014 Farm Bill. The program provides support to those who have farmed or ranched for less than 10 years. NIFA awards grants to organizations throughout the United States that implement programs to train beginning farmers and ranchers, which may take place through workshops, educational teams, training, or technical assistance.

The 2014 Farm Bill mandated that at least five percent of BFRDP funding must support veterans and socially disadvantaged farmers. This year, 10 percent of the funding supports veterans and farming, while about 50 percent of the funding will serve socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Since 2009, 184 awards have been made for more than $90 million through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. These awards are part of USDA's deep commitment to empowering beginning farmers and ranchers across America.

Fiscal year 2015 grants include :

  • Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., $711,213
  • Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Ala., $459,914
  • University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark., $681,459
  • Farmer Veteran Coalition, Davis, Calif., $712,500
  • Planting Justice, Oakland, Calif., $708,700
  • American Farmland Trust, Washington, D.C., $669,796
  • Hmong National Development, Washington, D.C., $711,623
  • University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, $506,122
  • Chicago Horticultural Society, Chicago, Ill., $712,500
  • Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $698,393
  • Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Ky., $493,467
  • Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Unity, Maine, $709,713
  • World Farmers, Inc., Lancaster, Mass., $711,562
  • The Greening of Detroit, Detroit, Mich., $100,000
  • Hmong American Farmers Association, St. Paul, Minn., $712,500
  • Mississippi Delta Council for Farm Workers Opportunities, Inc., Clarksdale, Miss., $681,628
  • Winston County Self Help Cooperative, Jackson, Miss., $538,271
  • Legal Aid of Nebraska, Omaha, Neb., $654,902
  • Land for Good, Inc., Keene, N.H., $641,222
  • Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J., $460,170
  • Center of Southwest Culture, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M., $100,000
  • Hawthorne Valley Association, Ghent, N.Y., $693,918
  • Dakota Rural Action, Brookings, S.D., $225,079
  • South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D., $706,907
  • University of Texas - Pan American, Edinburg, Texas, $712,500
  • Arcadia Food, Inc., Alexandria, Va., $100,000
  • Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va., $656,903
  • University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt., $720,989
  • Organic Seed Alliance, Port Townsend, Wash., $251,237
  • Tri-State Local Foods, Inc., Huntington, W.V., $100,000
  • Easter Seals Wisconsin, Inc., Madison, Wisc., $496,914
  • Southwest Badger Resource Conservation & Development Council, Platteville, Wisc., $219,274
  • University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc., $187,379
  • Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Spring Valley, Wisc., $310,419

Information on past awards can be found on the NIFA website.

Funding for the BFRDP program is authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit the Farm Bill page on the USDA website.

More information about USDA support for new farmers and ranchers is available on the New Farmers page on the USDA website.

NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension and seeks to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges. To learn more about NIFA's impact on agricultural science, visit nifa.usda.gov/impacts or follow us on Twitter @usda_nifa using hashtag #NIFAImpacts.

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09 Oct 2015

You're Invited to QC Interfaith's 7th Annual Fundraising Breakfast! "Building a Beloved Community" Thursday, November 12, 2015 7:30 - 8:30 am

By Quad Cities Interfaith

On Thursday, November 12th Quad Cities Interfaith will host its 7th Annual Individual Donor Breakfast from 7:30am to 8:30am in the Rogalski Center Ballroom at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.

This year's theme is "Building A Beloved Community". Our guest speaker is Rev T. Ray McJunkins, pastor at Union Baptist Church, Springfield, Illinois and President of Gamaliel of Illinois. This one hour event will highlight the work of Quad Cities Interfaith and ask our Quad cities Community for support.

There is no cost to attend the breakfast but attendees will be asked to make a financial donation in support of  the organization. This breakfast is our largest fundraiser of the year and we need community support now more than ever! To reserve your spot, call 563-322-4910 or register at qcinterfaith@gmail.com.

Show Your Support for QCI With An AD in our 2015-16 Ad book!  And as you know, our work requires money and each November QCI asks the community for support at our fundraising breakfast.  At the breakfast we share our successes for the year, and ask for support in the development of local leaders and to continue the work of justice.  Each year we offer our breakfast guests an ad book.  The ad book serves as a community report, and is used not only at the breakfast but throughout the year. Its distributed to local congregations, funders , community partners, and at all of our actions and functions.  The ad book/annual report is also uploaded in pdf form to our website, so those who visit the site can see your ad. This past year, nearly 400 copies of the annual report have been distributed locally.  Please contact Rachael at QCI to take out ad ad. Ads are due October 30.

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