02 Sep 2015

Quad City Labor Day Event

By Lance Coles

2015 Theme:  Working. For A Better Life.

QUAD CITIES -- The Quad City Labor Day Parade Alliance will hold their 32nd Annual Labor Day Parade in East Moline on Monday, September 7th. This year's Grand Marshall is Brother Tom Moritz, UFCW #431 1st Vice President and Iowa Vice President for the Quad City Federation of Labor. On Labor Day, more than sixty area unions, community non-profits, businesses, and elected officials will march west on 15th Avenue from 13th Street to 3rd Street in East Moline, IL. Line up begins at 8 a.m. at the John Deere Harvester Works Parking Lot: 1100 13th Avenue, East Moline, IL. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. After the parade, join us at the "Salute to Labor Chicken Fry" at Illiniwek Park, Rt 84 Hampton, IL. Serving from 11:30-3:00pm. The picnic tickets are $10 for adults and $6.00 for children under 12 and can be purchased at the event.

This Labor Day, we recognize the incredible achievements of America's working people and celebrate all those who make our country run. Many of us will be busy this weekend with barbecues, festivals and other types of family events. But this is also a time to truly consider what strengthens our families and take a look at how failed public policies have diminished working peoples' ability to sustain a good living and created an economy that is increasingly out of balance. Working people are the backbone of our economy and need to be recognized as such, both in word and deed. Too often, working people have taken a back seat to corporate interests that put profits above their pursuit of a better life?a better life they are perfectly willing to work for. Many hardworking people are frustrated because despite our sweat, our sacrifice and our innovation, too many of us struggle to support our families. We recognize the need for change, because the cost of living continues to rise while employers deny working people the wages and benefits needed to sustain their families.

Born from struggle and driven to find solutions, the labor movement is fighting back to correct this economic imbalance, and these efforts have captured the attention of everyone from the President to the Pope. We are determined to counteract these imbalances because we know they did not come about by chance. They have been the result of failed public policies and a rise in political and corporate attacks on working people. Simply put, it is time to change the rules. Working people are united under the banner of Raising Wages because America should have an economy of shared prosperity that lifts families up and strengthens our nation. By raising wages, providing for paid sick days, paid maternity leave and equal pay for equal work, combating wage theft and other things that stand in the way of economic stability, we can empower working people to not just survive, but thrive. On Labor Day, let us refocus on doing what is best for our families, our communities, our state and our nation. Working people everywhere are standing up and speaking out for fundamental, lasting change, regardless of whether they work in manufacturing, engineering, service or retail. Every day, they work hard and sacrifice to make our country stronger. This Labor Day should be a celebration of working families, because we are ready to speak up together, change the rules and bring lasting economic balance so every family can pursue the American Dream and work for a better life.

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02 Sep 2015

Branstad, Reynolds announce broadband expansion to nearly 90,000 homes across Iowa

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Federal grants through the FCC accepted by four companies will foster high-speed broadband Internet growth

 

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today were joined at the administration's weekly press conference by leaders from CenturyLink, Windstream, Frontier and Consolidated Communications to announce that the companies will expand broadband internet services across Iowa to nearly 90,000 homes. The broadband internet expansion, a priority of the Branstad-Reynolds administration, was made possible by $53.2 million in grants from the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Connect America Fund (CAF).

SEE THE MAP OF THE EXPANSION TO UNSERVED AND UNDERSERVED AREAS

"In Iowa, technology and access to broadband Internet is the great equalizer for our rural communities," said Branstad. "We have put a focus on broadband Internet expansion because if our small businesses are to compete in a global economy, our schools are to have access to an abundance of online learning resources and our farmers are to connect their modern equipment for precision farming, we must connect every acre with broadband infrastructure.  I'm pleased that CenturyLink, Windstream, Frontier and Consolidated Communications are all choosing to invest in Iowa to connect our communities."

"To date, nineteen communities across our state have become certified Connected Communities. These cities and towns have demonstrated a commitment to continued economic growth by embracing the opportunity presented by 21st century technology," said Reynolds. "As an elected official who grew up in rural Iowa, I know that a key part of maintaining continued growth in all corners of our state is our vision to connect every acre with broadband Internet and becoming the most connected state in the Midwest."

The FCC created the CAF in 2011 to foster growth in broadband access by transitioning funding that was supporting rural landline service to broadband service.

Joining the governor and lt. governor at the press conference were Michael Sadler, Assistant Vice President Public Policy and Government Relations of CenturyLink, Gregory Gray, Iowa Operations Chief of Windstream, Jack Phillips, Director of Government and External Affairs of Frontier and Mike Shultz, Vice President Regulatory and Public Policy of Consolidated Communications. The companies are planning the following buildout of broadband Internet in Iowa:

  • CenturyLink will be receiving $17,893,887 to build out broadband to 34,827 locations.
  • Windstream will be receiving $28,672,554 to build out broadband to 44,930 locations.
  • Frontier will be receiving $4,240,587 to build out broadband to 5,438 locations.
  • Consolidated Communications will be receiving $2,393,216 to build out broadband to 3,019 locations.
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02 Sep 2015

With costs rising in the U.S., more retirees are looking overseas to find a comfortable lifestyle with lower costs, good healthcare, and better weather.

By C. Barron

A growing number of the 8,000 baby boomers who turn 65 each year are looking overseas in search of a better retirement. They're looking to havens where costs are lower, the climate is often better, the healthcare is top-notch, and property prices deliver good value, report the retire-overseas experts at InternationalLiving.com.

"The traditional age for retirement in the U.S. is 65, but many Americans feel they'll have to keep working into their 70s before they can retire comfortably... if they ever can," says Executive Editor of InternationalLiving.com, Jennifer Stevens.

"As many as 92% of working American households aren't meeting recommended savings targets. But you can't just tell people to save more. For many folks, it's not possible. So retirees face a choice: 1. toil on?perhaps indefinitely, 2. significantly scale back plans for a 'comfortable' retirement, or 3. consider better options overseas. In some of the countries we recommend, a couple could cut their monthly costs to as little as $1,000 and still enjoy a great lifestyle. That would be nearly impossible to do in the States these days."

Expats Duane and Judy Allen, for instance, originally from Tampa, Florida, were able to trade up in retirement by going abroad. They always wanted to live by the beach, and for years, they say, they scoured Florida's coasts looking for an affordable property. But everything was out of reach. Today, though, they're living their dream on a good-value Caribbean island where they live comfortably, right on the water, on a budget of $1,300 a month.

"Our view is breathtaking, no matter what time of day it is," says Judy. "Sitting on our porch watching the sun rise is a daily pleasure."

Expats report that when things cost less, they can do more?thus improving their quality of life. Amanda Walkins, a writer for InternationalLiving.com based in Roatan, says, "My two-bedroom, beachfront apartment runs me about $750 per month with all utilities included. I go out to eat several nights per week, share drinks with friends, and I regularly host barbecues at my house?all without flinching at the cost."

InternationalLiving.com report increasing interest in their products and services among Americans and Canadians looking to maximize their retirements overseas. The number of attendees at International Living's live events, for instance, has increased significantly over the past few years.

The organization's annual Fast Track Your Retirement Overseas Conference, held in Las Vegas every September, has seen the attendee number rise to 650 in 2014. And International Living expects that number to rise again for this year's conference, set for September 25-27, 2015.

For those considering a similar move overseas, International Living's annual Fast Track Your Retirement Overseas Conference covers more than a dozen beautiful places in the world where retirees can live a great lifestyle on a low budget and turn their dreams of a comfortable retirement into reality?for a small fraction of what it would cost at home.

Registration remains open for International Living's Fast Track Your Retirement Overseas Conference 2015. For details about this event, see here: Fast Track Your Retirement Overseas Conference.

(US), CBarron@InternationalLiving.

For 35 years, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore, and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money, and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has more than 200 correspondents traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate, and investment.

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02 Sep 2015

WASTE COMMISSION FACILITIES CLOSED LABOR DAY

By Brandy Welvaert

DAVENPORT, IA–Waste Commission of Scott County facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, 2015 in observance of Labor Day. Normal hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. Facilities closed include the following:

  • Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Ave., Davenport
  • Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Ave., Davenport
  • Scott Area Household Hazardous Material Facilities, Davenport
  • Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, 1048 East 59th St., Davenport

Waste Commission of Scott County is an inter-governmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.

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02 Sep 2015

Smiddy-Backed Legislation Aimed at Stopping Sexual Assault on College Campuses Becomes Law

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Students starting college this fall will have more support and security to combat sexual assault thanks to a new law supported by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale.
"A college education can be a great resource, and no one should have their safety at risk while they gain an education," Smiddy said. "Sexual violence affects far too many young people on campuses right here in Illinois, and by incorporating the ideas of organizations and advocates across the state, students will have more resources and help."
The new law that Smiddy backed, Public Act 99-0426, requires institutions of higher learning to offer victims and witnesses of sexual assault more options to report incidents confidentially. Schools must make confidential advisors available, have better systems in place to make students aware of their options, train students and employees to improve responsiveness to allegations, and adopt a uniform process for addressing and adjudicating sexual violence.
"As a father, I want my kids to have a safe, secure place to learn and grow," Smiddy. "This new law will help colleges create a community where sexual violence is not tolerated, and students feel protected, listened to, and supported."
Public Act 99-0426 was signed into law and took effect on August 21.
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02 Sep 2015

Governor Announces Appointments 8/28/2015

By Catherine Kelly

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments to the Illinois Workforce Investment Board, the State Employees' Retirement System, the State Board of Health and the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.

 

Name: Julie Adkins
Position: Member - Illinois State Board of Health 

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Julie Adkins to the Illinois State Board of Health. She previously served on the board from 2011-2014.

 

Currently, Adkins is an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) and family nurse practitioner at SIMCA. She has been with the practice since 2012. Prior to her time at SIMCA, Adkins was a nurse practitioner with Charles Neal, MD from 2001-2012.

 

Akins also serves as a state representative for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and is a past president of the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing.

 

Adkins earned an associate's degree in nursing from Kaskaskia College and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. In 2011, she earned her doctorate in nursing from University of Alabama at Birmingham. She lives in West Frankfort.

 

 

Name: Melinda M. Rowe-Sullivan
Position: Arbitrator - Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission 

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Melinda M. Rowe-Sullivan an arbitrator for the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. She brings 12 years of law experience to the commission.

 

Currently, Rowe-Sullivan is an associate attorney at Ganan & Shapiro. Her primary responsibilities surround case management of workers' compensation defense litigation. She has been with the firm since 2008. Her prior experience includes a year at Schweickert & Ganassin and four years with Quinn, Johnston, Henderson & Pretorius.

 

Rowe-Sullivan earned a bachelor's degree in community health and health administration and a law degree from Northern Illinois University. She also received an MBA from Lewis University. She lives in Peoria.

 

 

Name: Alicia Martin

Position: Board Member - Workforce Investment Board

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Alicia Martin to the Workforce Investment Board. Martin brings nearly eight years of experience in business development to the board, as well as an understanding of state government.

 

Martin is currently the President and CEO of the Illinois Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. She provides top-level executives strategic operations planning to further business development. Previously she was the Vice President of Membership and Business Development.

 

Martin earned her bachelor's degree from Blackburn College. She lives in Jacksonville.

 

 

Name: Thomas Ashby

Position: Board Member - Workforce Investment Board

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed the Centralia Mayor Thomas Ashby to the Workforce Investment Board. He has been a member of this board since 2008.

 

In addition to his role as mayor, Ashby is the President of Coordinated Transportation Development where he manages the transit operations of Rock Island, Ill. He previously was the Director of the South Central Mass Transit District for 13 years.

 

Ashby attended Kansas Newman College and Eastern Illinois University, and earned an industry certification from the Transportation Association of America. He lives in Centralia.

 

 

Name: Carl Jenkins

Position: Member - State Employees' Retirement System

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Carl Jenkins to the State Employees Retirement System Board. Jenkins' has more than 20 years of experience in banking and investments making him well suited for the position.

 

Currently, Jenkins works for BMO Harris Bank in the corporate finance division serving as the Managing Director and Group Head of Community Invests. He has worked for the bank since 2000 and has held a number of roles in community development lending and capital markets.

 

Jenkins earned his bachelor's degree from Washington University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina. He lives in Chicago.

 

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02 Sep 2015

St. Alban's Autumn Daze Bazaar

By Laura Showers
St. Alban's Episcopal Church is having their "Autumn Daze" Bazaar from 9 AM until 4 PM, Sat., Oct. 3rd, 2015. Join us for a fun filled day of great bazaar shopping. A luncheon will be served from 11 AM - 1 PM. Many tables of crafts, books, and jewelry. There will be a bake sale and LOTS of raffle prizes.
St. Alban's Episcopal Church       563-386-4087
3510 W. Central Park Ave.
Davenport, IA 52804
02 Sep 2015

THE RAUCH FAMILY FOUNDATION I AWARDS GRANT TO CHURCHES UNITED

By Rhonda Johnson

The Rauch Family Foundation I has awarded a $3,500.00 grant to Churches United, in support of its Hunger Program the Quad City Area.  We are especially grateful for this very kind and generous grant.  This gift will greatly benefit those who hunger in our area.

Churches United has a 53-year history of reaching out to our community.  Its 134 member churches represent 50,000 people from the Quad City Area.  As well as 26 food pantries and 3 hot meal sites, Churches United also operates Winnie's Place, a shelter for women (with or without children) who are homeless and/or victims of domestic violence.  For information about services offered, or ways to support Churches United, call 563-332-5002, or visit our website at www.CUQCA.org.

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02 Sep 2015

Breast Cancer Screenings Coverage Required as Smiddy Bill Becomes Law

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.–To prevent instances of insurance companies excluding preventative breast cancer screenings, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, spearheaded a new law requiring all insurance plans to cover preventative testing which became law on August 21.
"As the husband of a breast cancer survivor, I know how important it is to detect this aggressive disease as early as possible, and I don't want any woman in Illinois to go without the testing they deserve," Smiddy said. "This new law makes sure insurance companies can't say no to proven life-saving screening."
Smiddy credits his wife's survival over breast cancer in large part due to early detection. He introduced House Bill 3673 to ensure all Illinois women in Illinois have access to the same resources. The bill requires every insurance plan in Illinois to include breast cancer screening for all women 35 years and older. Under the previous law, breast cancer screening was available for low-income families through the state. However, women not meeting the income requirements could have their testing left of their private plans. The new law requires preventative testing be available under every insurance plan serving Illinois residents. Additionally, a grant program is created to increase testing centers in rural, medically underserved areas.
"This law is an important step in the ongoing fight against breast cancer, and will help thousands of women across Illinois receive the testing they need," Smiddy said. "Our family had to face an enormous challenge when my wife was diagnosed, and no family should be without the lifesaving testing that we know saves lives because insurance companies want to save money."
House Bill 3673 received bipartisan support in both houses of the General Assembly and was signed by the governor on August 21. The legislation has an immediate effective date but residents are urged to contact their insurance providers to ensure their plans have been updated and include the new regulations.
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02 Sep 2015

ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD, IEMA CONDUCT MAJOR EARTHQUAKE EXERCISE

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/28/2015)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard conducted a week-long, multi-agency exercise dubbed Prairie Assurance Aug. 24 to 28. The exercise trained elements of a task force of personnel from the Illinois Army and Air National Guard to rapidly respond to a major earthquake in southern Illinois.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) along with representatives from other state agencies, National Guard Bureau, US Northern Command, and the Polish Armed Forces participated in the exercise, providing incident management and emergency management teams, agency technical experts, and military personnel to support the military's training scenario.

"We gained a tremendous amount of insight by having IEMA, other civilian agencies, National Guard Bureau, US NORTHCOM, and Poland participate in this event," said Col. Rick G. Yoder, commander of the joint task force. "It's critical to strengthen partnerships with local, state, and federal partners before a disaster happens."

The exercise simulated a 7.2 magnitude earthquake centered on the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The event took place at the 183rd Fighter Wing and the Joint Forces Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois.

The National Guard has a standing mission to provide support to civil authorities during natural disasters. The joint task force provides command and control of military personnel and equipment in support of civil authorities during a complex catastrophe like an earthquake.

"We want to be able to respond rapidly and efficiently and training together supports that goal," said Yoder. "We train the force to anticipate need. It's ultimately about saving lives and property."

Approximately 220 Army and Air National Guard members and more than 100 civilian emergency management personnel participated in.

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