14 Aug 2015

Former Congressman Jim Leach Joins Iowa Pays the Price

By Brad Anderson
Iowa Pays the Price bipartisan Steering Committee expands across the state
DES MOINES, Iowa - Today, "Iowa Pays the Price," a non-partisan organization highlighting the need to reform the issue of money in politics, is proud to announce former Iowa Congressman Jim Leach has joined the organization as a co-chair.  

Leach served as a Republican member of Congress from 1977 to 2007 and currently serves as a visiting professor of law at the University of Iowa.  Since leaving Congress he has expressed particular concern about the Supreme Court ruling referred to as "Citizens United" which he believes misreads American history and misunderstands our Constitutional heritage.  "In a linguistic gyration," Leach notes, "the Court holds that 'money' is 'speech' and that inanimate corporations have 1st Amendment rights to infuse in the political process unconstrained levels of funds.  Because the powers granted corporations by the Court now exceed the rights and capacities of individual citizens, the nature of the individual rights centered democracy that our founders envisioned and that successor generations refined is in transition," Leach contends.  "The case for reversing the corporatism that has taken hold and restraining the egregious role of money in politics is compelling.  'Iowa Pays the Price' is helping lead the way."

Iowa Pays the Price continues to gain momentum on both sides of the aisle across the state.  In addition to Congressman Leach's joining our organization we are pleased to announce our bipartisan, statewide steering committee made up of activists and leaders across Iowa who believe there is too much money in politics and the time has come for meaningful election reform.  

IOWA PAYS THE PRICE STEERING COMMITTEE:

•    Myrna Beeber (R-Guthrie): Myrna is a longtime GOP activist from Guthrie County. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Guthrie County GOP Central Committee and resides in Yale, IA.

•    Randall Ericksen (R-Buena Vista): Ericksen is longtime resident of Buena Vista County.  He currently serves as the County Chair for the Republican party.   Before retiring, he worked for a marketing firm as the political advisor for many local and national campaigns.

•   Laura Hubka (D-Howard): Laura is a Navy veteran and ultrasound technologist living in Riceville with her husband Kenny. Laura is Chair of the Howard County Democrats and Vice Chair of the Tri-County Democrats. She is also Co Chair of Iowa Veterans Outreach at Democratic National Committee.

•   Marlon Mormann (R-Polk): Mormann is a lifelong conservative Republican and 2012 precinct organizer for Mitt Romney.  Mormann earned his J.D. from the University of Nebraska and is a former unemployment judge who is now in private civil practice in Des Moines, Iowa

•    Penny Rosfjord (D-Woodbury): Penny is the chair of the Woodbury County Democrats and serves on the Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee.  She is a medical secretary for Mercy Medical in Sioux City, where she lives with her husband Jim. 

•    Steve Sovern (D-Linn): Sen. Sovern has been a champion for campaign finance reform since his days in the Iowa Senate. Since that time, he has worked as a successful professional mediator. Sovern is involved in many organizations in his home city of Cedar Rapids.

•    John Stone (D-Cerro Gordo): John is the chair of the Cerro Gordo County Democrats. He is a lifelong resident of Mason City, where he has been involved in the community and in politics nearly his whole life.

•    David Yansky (R-Johnson): David is active in the political arena and is currently serving in the roll Co-Chair of the Johnson County Republicans and member of the Republican 2nd District committee. Dave is currently employed with a high tech firm in Cedar Rapids as a manager but with Diane also share a lucrative hobby that turned into a business - buying older homes in disrepair and rebuilding them into nice homes for families.  

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14 Aug 2015

September MRA Training Events

By Kathy Riley

MRA - The Management Association, 3800 Avenue of the Cities, Suite 100 in Moline, Illinois has several training events planned in September.

September 3 & September 17: 8 AM - 4 PM, Principles of Leadership Excellence Series: Module 3 - Culture, Motivation, and Aligning Goals with Strategies. The goal of the Principles of Leadership Excellence Certificate Series (PLX) is to provide you with opportunities to learn the skills, behaviors, and knowledge needed for effective, successful leadership.  Cost is MRA Members: $495  Nonmembers:$655 (Pricing also available if you sign up for the entire 6 module series).

September 10 & September 11: 8 AM - 3:30 PM, FMLA Administration in the Real World - A Method to the Madness.  This is the premier course for those responsible for FMLA Administration and teaches the full leave life cycle from when an employer learns of the need for leave through the employee's return to work.  Cost is MRA Members: $460  Nonmembers: $665.

September 10: 8 AM - 4 PM, Administrative Professionals Certificate Series: Leadership Skills for the Administrative Professional.  Learning professional skills to be more effective in the workplace.  Participants explore their individual communication style and ways to improve their communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills.  Cost is MRA members: $250 Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 4 module series).

September 18: 8 AM - 3:30 PM, Meeting Facilitation Skills.  A good meeting facilitator has the skills to make ordinary group meetings dynamic and productive.  In this program participants practice using skills and tools that help keep meetings on track and groups moving forward.  Cost is MRA members: $250  Nonmembers: $340.

September 22: 8 AM - 4 PM, Frontline Leadership Certificate Series: Motivation and Trust Building.  Group leaders learn how to meet the demands of leading work, while doing work.  This program gives participants a practical understanding of basic leadership skills, work values, organizational responsibility, and trust building.  Cost is MRA Members: $250  Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 5 module series).

September 24: 8 AM - 4 PM, Emotionally Intelligent Leader.  Participants in this program learn critical skills necessary to effectively understand and use emotion constructively in the workplace.  Cost is MRA Members: $275  Nonmembers: $360.

September 24: 8 AM - 4 PM, Administrative Professionals Certificate Series: Juggling Multiple Priorities for Administrative Professionals.  Time cannot be managed. Time is uncontrollable; therefore, you can only manage yourself and your use of the time you have.  Identify time stealers and learn how to pinpoint where you need to take control by dealing with procrastination, interruptions, and stress.  Cost is MRA members: $250 Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 4 module series).

September 29: 8 AM - 4 PM, Frontline Leadership Certificate Series: Communication Skills.  This workshop helps group leaders become more effective communicators with both their workers and their supervisors.  Participants gain effective listening skills and the ability to give and receive feedback.  Cost is MRA Members: $250  Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 5 module series).

To register for any of these courses, or for more details, contact Kathy Riley at 309.277.4186 or at Kathy.riley@mranet.org.  You can also find training information on our website at www.mranet.org/Training-Events.


14 Aug 2015

SUBJECT: MRA/ASSE Annual Safety Conference

By Kathy Riley

MRA brings safety training to the Quad Cities in partnership with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE).  Engage in the latest safety topics and select specific sessions with tracks focused on manufacturing, construction, and small business.

On Friday, October 2, 2015 from 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, the MRA Safety Conference will be held at the i-Wireless Center located at 1201 River Drive in Moline, Illinois.

Cost is: Early Bird Registration until August 25, 2015 MRA/ASSE Members: $125 Nonmembers: $175.  After August 25, 2015, MRA/ASSE Members: $175 Nonmembers: $200.  Registration includes Vendor Fair, Keynote Speaker, Breakout sessions and Breakfast and Lunch.

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities are also available.

For more information or to register, contact Kathy Riley, MRA Member Relations Coordinator at 309.277.4186 or at Kathy.riley@mranet.org or go to our website at www.mranet.org/Training-Events/Conferences-Special-Events/Safety-Conference.

About MRA-The Management Association
Founded in 1901, MRA-The Management is a not-for-profit employer association that serves more than 4,000 employers throughout the Midwest, covering 800,000+ employees. As one of the largest employer associations in the nation, MRA helps its member organizations thrive by creating powerful teams and safe, successful workplaces. MRA conducts more than 2,000 learning events each year. Members of MRA also receive access to expert guidance, best practices, professionally facilitated roundtables, essential tools, and dozens of business services in the areas of human resources and training. MRA is headquartered in Waukesha, Wis., and has regional offices in Palatine, Ill.; Moline, Ill.; and Plymouth, Minn. To learn more and to become a member of MRA, visit www.mranet.org.

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14 Aug 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Friday Announcements - 08/14/15

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

CALENDAR

Register now to take part in the 2015 Tug Fest 5K and 1 Mile Color Fun Run! When: August 15; Time: 8am; Where: Race starts and ends at Pleasant Valley Jr. High. There will be water stations on the race course and food and refreshments provided by Slagle's after the race.  Awards for top finishers. Early registrants receive a free T-Shirt! Find race registration information at www.tugfest.com

 

August 13th-15th - Tug Fest! Carnival wristband night on Thursday. Parade and huge fireworks display on Friday evening. Saturday morning there is a 5K Run/1Mile Color Fun Run and kids' tug is at 11am. The main event, tug-of-war across the Mississippi River between LeClaire, Iowa and Port Byron, Illinois, is from 12:30-3:00pm on Saturday. Details can be found at www.tugfest.com

 

August 13th - 16th - Blue Iguana $2.50 cans through Tug Fest!

 

August 13th - Ribbon Cutting - Abundant Health Chiropractic 878 Middle Creek Rd, Bettendorf. 11:30a.m. - Everyone Welcome!

 

August 14th - Wide River Winery Live Music Pieces of Candy 5-8p.m.

 

August 14th - Steventon's Summer Sunset Concert on the Deck - Lewis Knudsen - 6-9pm

 

August 19th - Buffalo Bill Museum featured on American Pickers History Channel 8p.m. The Pickers made a donation to the Museum, and this will be featured on the show!

 

August 21st - Movies in the Park to benefit LeClaire Youth Baseball & Softball. Join us for one last summer's night of fun with dinner and movies with family and friends! Gate opens at 6pm at Veteran's Memorial Field on N. 3rd Street in LeClaire. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be open serving Happy Joe's Pizza. No outside food or drinks allowed. Meet Happy the Dog from Happy Joe's. There will be a 50/50 Raffle and "Minute to Win It" games. The first movie, "Sandlot," will start at dusk with a 15 minute intermission followed by "Jurassic Park." Free admission; donations accepted. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LeClaire-Youth-Baseball-Softball/1585779614981545?fref=nf

 

August 21st - Wide River Winery Live Music The Ripplers 5-8p.m.

 

August 21st - Steventon's Summer Sunset Concert on the Deck - Jordan Danielson - 6-9pm

 

August 22nd - LIVEFIT WITH LUPUS 2nd Annual Golf Outing 1pm - Palmer Hills, Bettendorf. $78 ($68 before Aug 1) includes cart, prizes, t-shirt, dinner following outing Contact Marcia@livefitwithlupus.org or getmeregistered.com

 

August 22nd - MS Golf Outing - Hidden Hills Golf Course. 1pm. $70 person/ 4 person team.

Registration Includes: 18 holes of golf with cart, tee package with sleeve of Wilson golf balls, a koozie, a commemorative tee shirt,  participation in flag events with prizes and a scoring/awards party.  Dinner buffet and two complimentary drinks at the Bierstube following completion of play.

 

August 23rd - Buffalo Bill Museum 1pm dedication of the 1939 Chris Craft display donated by the Suiter family in the River Pilot's Pier. Refreshments will be served.

 

August 24th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall 8a.m.

 

August 26th - Princeton Community Center - An Afternoon of Euchre beginning around 12:30 p.m.  Anyone interested in lunch can meet at 11:30 a.m. and we will order from Go Fish. Event co-sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church. Coffee and dessert included. No fee to play.

 

August 28th - Wide River Winery Live Music HC Wallace 5-8p.m.

 

August 28th - Steventon's Summer Sunset Concert on the Deck Louis Knudsen - 6-9pm

 

Through August 31st - Isabel Bloom Stop in an pick up the new fall flyer and Save $10 on our set of 3 Gourds!

 

SAVE THE DATE

September 4th - First Friday in LeClaire

Wide River Winery - Live Music The Old 57s - 5-8pm

 

September 4th - LeClaire Civic Club Community Food Drive for non-perishable items, and cash donations, from 5-7p.m., parking lot in the 100 block of South Cody Road.  Donors will be able to drive up, drop-off, and never leave their car.

 

September 5th - LeClaire Civic Club Community Food Drive for non-perishable items, and cash donations, from 9-11a.m., parking lot in the 100 block of South Cody Road.  Donors will be able to drive up, drop-off, and never leave their car.

 

September 8th - Chamber Networking Event, Steventon's 5:30-7p.m. Everyone Welcome!

 

September 11th - Wide River Winery Live Music - Whoozdads 5-8p.m.

 

September 18th - First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Night for Nepal Gala to benefit victims of the recent earthquakes in Nepal.  The First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire and the Quad City Nepalese Society (QCNS) are partnering, 4:30-8:30 pm. Nepalese native dance and music and American desserts. $10 per person; $5 for children, 8 years and under. Carnival games for the children (4:30-6:30 pm), live auction and silent auctions. There is desperate need in Nepal since the earthquakes and aftershocks in April and May, 2015. We are accepting donations for the auctions and financial contributions to our Nepalese relief fund. Come, bring your friends and enjoy a fun evening for a good cause.

 

September 18th - Wide River Winery Live Music Jordan Danielson 5-8p.m.

 

September 19th - Twilight Dinner Cruise sponsored by the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a prime rib dinner and three hour cruise. Board at 4:30pm; cruise leaves promptly at 5pm. Cost is $45 per person. Purchase tickets at LeClaire, Iowa banks - First Central State Bank or Black Hawk Bank & Trust. Call Debbie at 563-289-2265 for more information.

 

September 25th - Wide River Winery Live Music Pieces of Candy 5-8p.m.

 

September 26th - Oktoberfest Celebration in Colona. 2-7pm. Enjoy Bierstube food and beer. Live music from Austrian band. Join us at the Bierstube for our Oktoberfest & for more food, beer & live music! 8-11pm

 

September 28th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall 8a.m.

 

October 24th - Foursquare Riverside Church Please join us on the levee for Le Claire's annual Witches Walk on Saturday October 24th (rain date 31st). If you would like to donate or help with this event please contact. Jenna Graff?, graff.jenna@gmail.com (717)580-1101 or Riverside Church, connect@riversidefoursquare.org, (563)-289-7712

 

FYI

Looking for Strolling Santas and Other Characters for Christmas in LeClaire! Volunteers for Friday evening after 4 p.m. Sat. from 11 until 7pm and Sunday from 12 noon until 3pm. Great Costumes and goodies to pass out provided! Just bring your Holiday Spirit and Smile to show everyone our community's spirit and zest for fun!  Call Kim and leave message - 563-289-5699. 4 to 6 women and 8 to 12 men needed for short shifts and longer periods to stroll and be on the trolley!

 

Reusable Usables - Every Sunday at 1:30 RU features "Re-purposed Sunday Art" with a new re-purposed project each week!

 

Expressions in Threads - The Row by Row Experience is a nationwide event that runs from June 21st through September 8th in which participating shops create a unique quilt row created by each, individual shop, based on a central theme, this year's them is water. Customers can travel to participating shops like Expressions in Threads and collect the row we've created, along with our shop's license plate, specially designed for the Row by Row event. For more information, go to: http://www.expressionsinthreads.com/module/events.htm?year=2015&month=Jun&day=22&eventId=803020

 

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

 

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. You will be contacted with confirmation of being included in the agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

 

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Milestones Area Agency, which serves meals to the elderly at the First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire and delivers meals to homebound seniors, is looking for someone to help deliver meals on Mondays, from 11 am to 12 noon. You would receive training in August and begin in September. This is a quick job,that is deeply appreciated by those receiving the meals and their families. Could you help two or more Mondays a month? If so, call Heide at 563-289-3646.

 

Pick up the LeClaire information guide at the LeClaire Information Center. It has many photos and great information for everyone including residents, potential residents, visitors, realtors, relocation personnel, schools, and more! Summer hours have started: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 1-4pm. 122 N. Cody Road. LIC Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

 

PROPERTY LISTINGS

House for Rent 926 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Ia.  Available September 1st.  $1100/ month.  Charming farmhouse on acreage with beautiful river view.  2 bedroom possible 3rd.

Lawn mowing, and snow removal provided. Walking distance to Slagle's grocery store.  Contact Penny Molumby 563-210-5662.

 

The shop building with upstairs apt. at 123 S Cody is for sale. For information please call D.R. Peterson at 563-289-5958.

Commercial Property for Rent - 1405 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. 2,500 SF newly constructed office/retail space. Co-Tenant Snap Fitness. Owner will subdivide space. Private parking lot. ADA compliant. Contact: Meg Halligan, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, mhalligan@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000 Website Link: http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7032508

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107.

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126.

Commercial Property Available Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

 

LECLAIRE EVENTS COMING UP!

August 29th - Vettes on the River - LeClaire Levee

August 13-15 - Tug Fest

October 11 - LeClaire Apple Fest 11am to 4pm on the LeClaire Levee.  More to come!

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire

 

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

September 8th - Steventon's - Evening Event - 5:30p.m.

October 13th - Bierstube - Lunch - noon

14 Aug 2015

Just Announced - Darius Rucker

By Stephani Nagle
SOUTHERN STYLE TOUR
DARIUS RUCKER WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
DAVID NAIL
A THOUSAND HORSES
Saturday, November 14
iWireless Center
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 AT 10AM!
Ticketmaster Outlets | iWireless Center Box Office | 800-745-3000
14 Aug 2015

TINCAPS DELIVER FIRST SWEEP OF RIVER BANDITS

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities has season-high four straight losses after its first consecutive shutout defeats in four years

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (August 13, 2015) - Three Fort Wayne TinCaps pitchers combined for the team's second straight shutout of the Quad Cities River Bandits, who lost their season-high fourth straight game while being swept for the first time this season with a 3-0 defeat at Parkview Field Thursday night.

Following a 12-game winning streak that matched their season high, the River Bandits (29-17 second half, 74-40 overall) have lost four straight games for the first time since Aug. 12-15, 2014. Until Fort Wayne (29-17, 61-53) won its 10th straight home game Thursday - and sixth straight over Quad Cities dating back to 2014 - the River Bandits had not been swept in a series since Kane County swept three straight over the visiting River Bandits Aug. 12-14, 2014. The TinCaps pitched their final 23 innings of the series without allowing a run, dealing Quad Cities consecutive shutout losses for the first time since going scoreless in a doubleheader in Peoria April 20, 2011.

TinCaps right-hander Dinelson Lamet (4-6) allowed two walks and a single in the first inning, but catcher Jose Ruiz threw out center fielder Jason Martin on a steal attempt, and Lamet got second baseman Jose Fernandez to pop out with runners at first and third bases to end the inning. Martin and left fielder Bobby Boyd hit consecutive singles to begin the third inning, but Lamet struck out the next two batters, and Ruiz threw out Martin trying to steal third base to end the inning.

In a scoreless game with two outs in the bottom of the third inning, TinCaps center fielder Michael Gettys hit a drive over Martin in center field. The ball lodged at the bottom of the wall gave Gettys enough time to circle the bases ahead of the relay throw from Fernandez. The inside-the-park home run was the first run right-hander Agapito Barrios (1-1) allowed in the Midwest League and the first home run he allowed since Aug. 16, 2013, in the Gulf Coast League.

Quad Cities put a runner in scoring position in each of the first eight innings and six of the first seven. In the fourth inning, Fernandez and right fielder Ramon Laureano hit consecutive singles, but Lamet cut off a throw from Gettys and threw out Laureano at second base before retiring the next two batters. With two outs in the fifth inning, Boyd walked and went to third base on designated hitter Drew Ferguson's single, before Lamet struck out first baseman Bryan Muniz. Lamet scattered six hits and three walks with seven strikeouts in five innings.

Barrios went six innings for a second straight start and allowed two earned runs on five hits and one walk with four strikeouts. He allowed the second TinCaps run in the fifth inning. With one out, Ruiz tripled off the right-field wall, and scored on a single high off the right-field wall by left fielder Edwin Moreno. Laureano, who crashed into the wall attempting to catch Ruiz's triple, played Moreno's hit off the right-field wall and threw to shortstop Kristian Trompiz at second base to retire Moreno.

TinCaps right-hander Nick Monroe began the sixth inning and worked around a sixth-inning walk before allowing a seventh-inning, two-out single to Boyd and walk to Ferguson. With the tying run at first base, left-hander Kyle McGrath struck out Muniz to end the seventh inning and went on to face the minimum over the final 2 1/3 innings for his second save. The TinCaps' final run came in the seventh inning off right-hander Riley Ferrell, as third baseman Luis Tejada hit a leadoff single to center field and scored when first baseman Trae Santos singled to right field, and Laureano's throw to third base skipped into the third-base dugout.

The River Bandits begin their final regular season interdivision series at 6 p.m. Central on Friday in Lake County. River Bandits right-hander Elieser Hernandez (2-1) is scheduled to face Captains left-hander Anderson Polanco (7-6) in the opener of a three-game series.

14 Aug 2015

Illinois community college system marks 50th anniversary

By Matt Berry

Gubernatorial proclamation declares 2015-2016 as "The Year of the Community College"

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois community college system is 50 years old! State legislators and higher education leaders celebrated this half-century of achievement on August 12 at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, birthplace of the nation's community college movement.

"The Illinois community college system is not the education of yesterday, but it's the education of tomorrow," said Dr. Karen Hunter Anderson, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board. "The system is one of the largest community college system in the country and without question the best system in the world."

"We don't offer shop classes or teach key punch anymore. We teach nanotechnology and photon therapy," she said. "We partner with local business and industry to develop skills that will be necessary for jobs of the future."

Dr. Anderson also presented a proclamation from Gov. Bruce Rauner declaring July 15, 2015 through July 15, 2016 as "The Year of the Community College" in honor of the Illinois system's 50 years of student success.

Since July 15, 1965, when the Illinois Public Community College Act was signed into law, the system has expanded across the state into 39 community college districts and 48 campuses. Illinois community colleges now serve approximately one million people each year.

State Sen. Pat McGuire, chair of the Illinois Senate Higher Education Committee, also congratulated the Illinois community college system on its 50th anniversary. He encouraged parents and students to "take our focus off selectiveness and focus on effectiveness" in education.

"So you know what? For my money, those exclusive joints on the East and West coast that send their graduates to Wall Street, let them be as smug and as self-satisfied as they want," said Sen. McGuire. "I'm sticking with Joliet Junior College and Illinois's other community colleges."

State Sen. Michael Hastings noted that he was proud to come from a family of Illinois community college graduates. "The opportunities you get at a community college are unbelievable," he said. "Not only are student trained for the future, but they graduate without high student-loan debts."

Illinois Community College Trustees Association president Andrew Bollman commented that  "Over the past 50 years, community colleges have strengthened this state and nation by providing workers in all fields of study, from healthcare and law enforcement to alternative forms of energy.

"Our community college graduates have contributed billions to the economy and tax roll. But, most importantly, our graduates have bettered this society with their increased knowledge and responsibility to the community," said Bollman, a graduate and former student trustee of Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon.

JJC president Dr. Debra Daniels said that as the nation's first public community college, Joliet Junior College was honored to host the launch of the 50th anniversary observance of the Illinois Public Community College Act.

"Together the Illinois community colleges educate and train the workforce for our communities, which is necessary to the economic health of our state," said Dr. Daniels. "We, at JJC, are proud to be a part of the Illinois community college system."

JJC student Eric Wilhelmi shared how he grew from an uninterested high school senior to president of the college's Student Government Association. "This place has just been riddled with opportunities," said Wilhelmi, who described his experience at JJC as "transformative."

"I was told this was going to be a springboard to my future but I would not insult my institution like that. To call it a springboard would imply it is something that's beneath you, that's something that you put your feet on, but this has been a first class ticket to a future," he said.

Organizations participating in the 50th anniversary observance include the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents, the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators, the Illinois Community College Faculty Association, and the National Council of Public Relations and Marketing.

For more information, contact:

Matt Berry, Illinois Community College Board, (217) 785-7411, matt.berry@illinois.gov

Kim Villanueva, Illinois Community College Trustees Association, (217) 528-2858, kvillanueva@communitycolleges.org

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14 Aug 2015

News from the Iowa State Fair 8/13/2015

By Mindy Williamson

Little Dancers, Singers and Piano Players Top Iowa State Fair Talent Search

DES MOINES, IA (08/13/2015)(readMedia)-- Five talented Sprout division acts (ages 2-12) have advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley's 56th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on Thursday, August 20, Friday, August 21, or Saturday, August 22.

The names, ages, hometowns and routines of the acts are:

Lucy Gannon, 8, West Des Moines, Piano Solo

Joey Kelley, 12, Fort Dodge, Vocal Solo

Macy Wiley, 11, Creston, Morgan Driskell, 10, Creston, Nevaeh Kuhlman, 10, Creston, Clog Trio

Lily Leding, 9, Clinton, Vocal Solo

Adysen Miller, 10, Des Moines, Jaden Miller, 12, Des Moines, Jazz Dance

Bill Riley, Jr. is once again hosting the competition. Two Sprout acts will be crowned champions every day of the semi-finals. The six winning acts will perform in the talent-packed championship set for Sunday, August 23, at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor KCWI.

Each of the six Sprout Champions will receive a prize of $250 after the Championship Show. More than $16,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined. This year's contest is sponsored by Hy-Vee.

# # #

Stars Shine on First Day of Talent Search at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/13/2015)(readMedia)-- Five talented Senior division acts (ages 13-21) have advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley's 56th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on Thursday, August 20, Friday, August 21, or Saturday, August 22.

The names, ages, hometowns and routines are:

Kilie Akers, 15, Mediapolis, Tap/Acro Dance

Hanna Bird, 19, Emmetsburg, Vocal Solo

Jonathan Wolf, 17, Ames, Violin Solo

Maddie Barnes, 16, Urbandale, Nick Rice, 18, Urbandale, Lyrical Dance

Kaeli Verbrugge, 15, Eldridge, Contemporary Dance

Acts competed statewide to qualify for competition in this year's Talent Search. The championship round will take place on Sunday, August 23, at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor KCWI. Bill Riley, Jr. is once again hosting the show.

The first-place winner will receive a prize of $8,000. The second and third-place winners will be awarded $4,000 and $2,000, respectively. More than $16,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined. This year's contest is sponsored by Hy-Vee.

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14 Aug 2015

Governor Takes Bill Action 8/13/2015

By Catherine Kelly

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner took action today on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 228

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 233

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 576

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB2644

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Veto

Note: Veto message is below.

 

Bill No.: HB3104

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB3231

An Act Concerning Animals

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3428

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3577

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 509

An Act Concerning Revenue

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 816

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Amendatory Veto

Note: Amendatory veto message below.

 

Bill No.: SB 1344

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Veto

Note: Veto message is below

 

Bill No.: SB 1360

An Act Concerning Business

Action: Veto

Note: Veto message is below.

 

Bill No.: SB 1714

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1861

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Veto Message HB 2644

 

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois House of Representatives

99th General Assembly:

 

Today I veto House Bill 2644 from the 99th General Assembly, which would limit the rights of condominium owners.

 

Current law permits condominium owners, acting by approval of 75% of unit owners, to limit or restrict certain rights of their board with respect to disputes and legal actions. This bill would remove that right and automatically void any contrary provision in a condominium instrument. This bill is an unnecessary restriction on the rights of condominium owners with respect to their property.

 

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bil 2644, "AN ACT concerning civil law", with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

 

 

Veto Message SB 816

 

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

99th General Assembly:

 

 

Today I return Senate Bill 816 with a specific recommendation for change.

Section 2.1 of the Water Commission Act authorizes a water commission to vote to dissolve itself and consolidate into another unit of government. This authority was only recently enacted into law in 2014 at the recommendation of the Local Government Consolidation Commission. Senate Bill 816 would remove this authority.

Illinois currently has almost 7,000 units of local government, far more than any state in the country. I strongly support the authority of units of local government to take initiative to dissolve and consolidate.

In one particular circumstance, however, this authority is hampering the DuPage Water Commission's ability to effectively serve its constituents. The Commission was created and funded by voluntary participating municipalities. Because the Commission can be effectively dissolved by those municipalities, the additional authority conferred by the 2014 law is not necessary in the limited case of the Commission.

I applaud the efforts of those members of the General Assembly who have championed the consolidation of local government. The change recommended below allows for the dissolution of water commissions best suited to their circumstances.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(e) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 816, entitled "AN ACT concerning local government", with the following specific recommendation for change:

On page 1, by replacing lines 7 through 23 with the following:

"Sec. 2.1. Cessation of commission organization.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a majority vote of the water commission is in favor of the proposition to annex the commission to another commission whose boundaries are contiguous, or consolidate the commission into a municipality with which the commission is coterminous or substantially coterminous, or consolidate the commission into the county in which the commission sits, and if the governing authorities of the governmental unit assuming the functions of the former commission agree by resolution to accept the functions (and jurisdiction over the territory, if applicable) of the consolidated or annexed commission, then the commission shall cease. On the effective date of the annexation or consolidation, all the rights, powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities, indebtedness, obligations, bonding authority, taxing authority, and responsibilities of the commission shall vest in and be assumed by the governmental unit assuming the functions of the former commission.

The employees of the former commission shall be transferred to the governmental unit assuming the functions of the former commission. The governmental unit assuming the functions of the former commission shall exercise the rights and responsibilities of the former commission with respect to those employees. The status and rights of the employees of the former commission under any applicable contracts or collective bargaining agreements, historical representation rights under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act, or under any pension, retirement, or annuity plan shall not be affected by this amendatory Act.

(b) This Section shall not apply to any water commission organized in DuPage County."; and

 

On page 2, by deleting lines 1 through 12.

 

With this change, Senate Bill 816 will have my approval. I respectfully request your concurrence.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

 

 

Veto Message SB 1344

 

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

99th General Assembly:

 

 

Today I veto Senate Bill 1344 from the 99th General Assembly, which lowers the threshold required for common interest community associations to incorporate as municipalities.

 

Under current law, a common interest community association may initiate the process to incorporate as a municipality upon approval by two-thirds of its members. Senate Bill 1344 would lower that threshold from two-thirds to "51%" of the members.

 

The decision to incorporate as a municipality, which implicates a range of tax and local governance policies, should not be taken lightly. Illinois has almost 7,000 units of local government, more than any state in country. As such, we should maintain the higher threshold for initiating the incorporation process.

 

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 1344, "AN ACT concerning civil law", with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

 

 

Veto Message SB 1360

 

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

99th General Assembly:

 

Today I veto Senate Bill 1360 from the 99th General Assembly, which would increase the cost and burdens of doing business in Cook County.

 

Under current law, a business that operates with an assumed name is required to register that name with the Secretary of State and each county in which the business operates. The business is also required to renew that registration with the Secretary of State - and pay a renewal fee to the State - periodically. This bill would require the business to also renew its registration with Cook County, but no other county, every five years and pay a renewal fee to Cook County.

 

This new mandate and fee would apply mostly to small businesses. The economic climate in Illinois is already detrimental to business, particularly small business. Over and over, we hear small businesses report that they are overburdened with regulations and fees, which hamper their ability to expand and impose barriers to entry.

 

Moreover, the need for the bill is not apparent. The Secretary of State maintains a thorough and current online database of business registrations and assumed names. We should be exploring ways to consolidate and eliminate redundant filing requirements between the State and local governments, rather than expanding them.

 

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 1360, entitled "AN ACT concerning business", with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

 

 

 

###

14 Aug 2015

Debunking 8 Social Security Myths on Its 80th Birthday

By Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
August 13, 2015
August 14 marks the 80th birthday of the Social Security program, which was established in the Social Security Act of 1935. Over the past 80 years, Social Security has provided important cash benefits and income security to seniors, survivors, individuals with disabilities, and their families - including to nearly 60 million people today.
Yet Social Security is on a financially unsustainable course - and is not on track to be able to pay full benefits through its 100th birthday. Last year, the program paid $73 billion more in benefits than it raised from taxes. As the more of the baby boom population retires and Americans continue living longer, that gap is projected to grow - depleting the trust fund reserves of the disability program late next year and the old age program in the early- to mid-2030s. Failure to address the gap between spending and revenue could result in an immediate 19 percent cut to all workers with disabilities, and a 20 to 30 percent across-the-board cut to retirees.
Sadly, instead of identifying solutions to prevent depletion of the trust funds, many commenters have relied on myths and half-truths to avoid having a conversation about the necessary choices. In this paper, we identify eight such myths - though there are many more:
Myth #1: Social Security does not face a large funding shortfall
Myth #2: Today's workers will not receive Social Security benefits
Myth #3: Social Security would be fine if we hadn't "raided the trust fund"
Myth #4: Social Security cannot run a deficit
Myth #5: Social Security has nothing to do with the rest of the budget
Myth #6: We don't need to worry about Social Security for 20 years
Myth #7: Social Security reform is code for slashing benefits, especially for the poor
Myth #8: Social Security is too hard to fix

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