05 Aug 2015

News from Senator Grassley's Office August 4, 2015

By Grassley Press

Grassley Pursues Inquiry into Planned Parenthood Fetal Tissue Transfers

WASHINGTON - Since media reports of videos describing in detail Planned Parenthood's role in the harvesting of fetal tissue, Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary, has opened an inquiry into the organization's facilitation of activities described in the videos. 

Grassley previously made an inquiry to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and more recently has requested information from each of the Planned Parenthood affiliates regarding each affiliate's fetal tissue policies as well as copies of documents such as policies, presentations, guidance, and communications related to its facilitation of the procurement and distribution of fetal tissue.

He has also made inquiries to the three companies noted in the videos as acquiring fetal tissue from Planned Parenthood.  StemExpress, Advanced Bioscience Resources, and Novogenix were asked to provide the committee with information about items such as communications, contracts, revenue and costs associated with their involvement with Planned Parenthood and its affiliates.

Additionally, on Friday, Grassley requested from the Center for Medical Progress all videos and documents related to its fetal tissue investigation that may lawfully be provided to the committee.

In his initial inquiry on July 15, to Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards, Grassley asked questions about the organization's facilitation of the activities described in the video.  In a separate letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch sent the same day, Grassley noted that the video shows Planned Parenthood's Senior Director for Medical Services, Deborah Nucatola, discussing the statutory interpretation and intent of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban.  He asked Lynch to provide the Judiciary Committee with a description of the actions taken by the Department of Justice to ensure compliance with the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act.

Planned Parenthood has hired an attorney to answer Grassley's questions.  The Justice Department has not responded to Grassley's questions.

Copies of Grassley's letters to the Planned Parenthood affiliates can be found here (the same letter was sent to all affiliates).  A copy of the letters to StemExpress, Advanced Bioscience Resources, and Novogenix can be found here.  A copy of the letter to the Center for Medical Progress can be found here.  Grassley's July 15 letter to Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards can be found here.  A copy of the letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch can be found here.

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Camp Counselor Kept Job, Immigration Benefit Despite Being 'Potentially Egregious' Risk

WASHINGTON - A California camp counselor now charged with child molestation was considered to be a "potentially egregious public safety" risk months before his arrest, but was still allowed to keep his job and immigration benefits, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The information responds to questions raised by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley regarding federal immigration authorities' investigation of the counselor who was in the country based on executive actions taken by President Obama prior to his arrest.

USCIS confirmed that Edgar Covarrubias-Padilla was granted work authorization through the President's deferred deportation program, commonly known as DACA, which allowed him to work as a camp counselor at Walden West Science Camp.  Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was aware that Covarrubias-Padilla was under investigation for child exploitation as early as November 17, 2014, according to records provided by USCIS. While USCIS acknowledged that ICE officials "typically apprise USCIS when a recipient of DACA or an immigration benefit is an investigative target," USCIS failed to learn of the ongoing investigation until March 31, 2015.

According to the response from USCIS, Department of Homeland Security officials notified the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office of Covarrubias-Padilla's suspicious activities on April 29, 2015, the same day that ICE officials confirmed he was employed by the Santa Clara Office of Education.  It wasn't until May 13, 2015, six days after Covarrubias-Padilla was arrested for child molestation and distribution of child pornography, that immigration officials took action to revoke his DACA status and work authorization.

It remains unclear why no action was taken to revoke Covarrubias-Padilla's work authorization and immigration benefits, given that multiple agencies were aware of the ongoing investigation, that he was employed by the Office of Education and that he was considered a "potentially egregious public safety" risk.  Grassley raised this and other questions in a recent letter to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.

A signed copy of the letter is available here.  Full text of the letter follows:

Grassley Continues State Department Document Request Amid New Information

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Chuck Grassley is continuing his inquiry into State Department personnel practices amid new information and allegations over a leave payment dispute involving a top aide and significant communications between the aide and an outside firm, potentially creating conflict of interest concerns.  The employee, Huma Abedin, worked for the State Department as a Special Government Employee, an outside firm, Teneo, and the Clinton Foundation at the same time.

"This started as an inquiry about whether a federal personnel designation works as intended," Grassley said.  "As information came in, it evolved to focus on an agency that used the designation in a different way than others in at least one high profile case.   Revelations of private email use and multiple jobs held at the same time by one individual raised more questions.   Now, more details are coming in, and they warrant more questions.  The bottom line is still whether the taxpayers are well-served by agency practices and spending.  No one will know for sure until the State Department is more transparent about how it operates."

Since June 2013, Grassley has sought information about the Special Government Employee designation at the State Department.   He sought all communications between the State Department and Teneo after learning of Abedin's dual employment.  Revelations that Abedin reportedly had a private address on an email server in then-Secretary Hillary Clinton's personal residence and allegedly forwarded some official emails to that private address have raised more questions about the transparency of communications.  In addition, these allegations shed light on possible interference of Freedom of Information Act requests by State Department officials.

Grassley recently received new allegations that Abedin received an undeserved payment for unused leave, to the concern of the Office of Inspector General; concerns over Abedin's potential conflicts of interest, including reportedly being on thousands of emails with a Teneo aide connected to the Clintons, with an alleged request to help with an executive branch appointment for a Clinton Foundation donor; and suggestions that Abedin continued her Special Government Status to have her travel paid to and from New York.

Grassley asked for extensive records and communications on these allegations and information in letters to Secretary of State John Kerry; State Department Inspector General Steve Linick; and Abedin.  His letters are available here, here and here.

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Here is information about Senator Grassley's schedule this week, as of Monday, August 3, 2015.  The Senate is in session.

Senator Grassley will meet with Iowans in Washington, D.C., from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, the National Society of Accountants and the University of Iowa Student Government.

Senator Grassley will meet with Iowa families from Fredericksburg, Bettendorf, Lisbon, West Des Moines, Iowa City, Council Bluffs, LaPorte City, Carlisle, Le Mars, Toledo, Waterloo, Ames, Reinbeck, North Liberty, Clarksville, Marion, Waverly, Stockton, Urbandale, Williamsburg, Montezuma, Cedar Rapids and Mason City.

Senator Grassley was a guest on a public affairs program hosted by Cindy Kohlmann on KDTH in Dubuque and Bob Leonard on KNIA/KRLS in Knoxville/Pella and will be a guest on public affairs programs hosted by Doug Wagner on WMT in Cedar Rapids and Greg Haubrich on WGEM in Quincy.

On Tuesday, August 4, at 10 a.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will participate in a Finance Committee hearing on "A Way Back Home: Preserving Families and Reducing the Need for Foster Care."  Senator Grassley is the founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth.

On Wednesday, August 5, at 10 a.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will preside over a Judiciary Committee hearing, "'All' Means 'All': The Justice Department's Failure to Comply with its Legal Obligation to Ensure Inspector General Access to all Records Needed for Independent Oversight."  Inspector General Michael Horowitz will testify.  Grassley has led a bipartisan, bicameral effort expressing concern with a recent opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel that allows the Justice Department to deny access to records sought by the Inspector General.

On Wednesday, August 5, at 10 a.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will participate in an executive session of the Finance Committee to consider the nominations of Marisa Lago of New York to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative and W. Thomas Reeder, Jr. of Virginia to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

On Thursday, August 6, at 10 a.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will preside over the weekly executive business meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  The committee may consider S. 1814, the Stop Sanctuary Cities Act, sponsored by Senators David Vitter and Jeff Flake and S. 32, the Transnational Drug Trafficking Act of 2015, sponsored by Senators Grassley, Dianne Feinstein, Chuck Schumer, John Cornyn, Amy Klobuchar and Richard Blumenthal.

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NOTICE OF COMMITTEE HEARING

The Senate Committee on the Judiciary hearing entitled, "'All' Means 'All': The Justice Department's Failure to Comply With Its Legal Obligation to Ensure Inspector General Access to All Records Needed For Independent Oversight," scheduled for Wednesday, August 5 at 10:00 a.m., will be held in Room 106 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

By order of the Chairman.

Witness List

Hearing before the
Senate Committee on the Judiciary

On

"'All' Means 'All': The Justice Department's Failure to Comply With Its Legal Obligation to Ensure Inspector General Access to All Records Needed For Independent Oversight"

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 106

10:00 a.m.

 

Panel I

The Honorable Michael E. Horowitz

Inspector General

United States Department of Justice

 

Mr. Kevin L. Perkins

Associate Deputy Director

Federal Bureau of Investigation

 

Mr. Carlos Uriarte

Associate Deputy Attorney General

United States Department of Justice

 

Mr. David Smith

Acting Inspector General

United States Department of Commerce

 

 

Panel II

 

Ms. Danielle Brian

Executive Director

Project on Government Oversight

Washington, D.C.

 

Professor Paul Light

Professor

Robert G. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

New York University

New York, NY

 

Mr. Brian Miller

Former Inspector General

United States General Services Administration

Managing Director

Navigant Consulting, Inc.

Washington, D.C.

 

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05 Aug 2015

Local students receive spring 2015 University of Iowa degrees

By Lin Larson

IOWA CITY, IA (08/03/2015)(readMedia)-- About 5,100 students received degrees from the University of Iowa at the close of the spring 2015 semester.

Students from your area receiving degrees included:

Todd Ancelet of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers with Distinction degree

Dinesh Balani of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program degree

Neelkanth Behere of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program degree

Brooke Bierhaus of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Journalism and Mass Communication degree

Brian Boettcher of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Psychology degree

Danielle Brown of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BS-Human Physiology degree

Matthew Cabel of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Journalism and Mass Communication; CER-Writing degree

Scott Castro of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BBA-Marketing degree

David Conway of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BBA-Management; CER-Entrepreneurial Management degree

Mackenzie Coopman of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Journalism and Mass Communication; CER-Fundraising and Philanthropy Communication; CER-Public Health Certificate-Undergraduate degree

Taylor Curran of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Spanish degree

Trevin Cusimano of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Theatre Arts degree

Ashley Daugherty of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a PHR-Pharmacy degree

Lauren Delzell of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BS-Human Physiology degree

Kimberley Donald of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a DNP-Nursing degree

Kayla Dreher of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Sociology; CER-Sustainability Program degree

Taylor Earnest of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Communication Studies degree

Alan Edwards of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MD-Medicine degree

Daniel Farrell of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BS-Biochemistry degree

Jessica Fitzgerald of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BS-Leisure Studies degree

Chance Foster of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BBA-Finance; BBA-Management degree

Rachel Fuller of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BBA-Accounting degree

Merissa Fussell of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a JD-Law degree

Nicholas Gerwe of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BSE-Mechanical Engineering with Highest Distinction degree

Dennis Goad of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program degree

Drew Grace of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Interdepartmental Studies degree

Christopher Grycki of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Computer Science degree

Samantha Heckert of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Communication Studies degree

Kathryn Hendricks of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Communication Studies; BFA-Art degree

Adriane Hubbard of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers degree

Joshua Jacobs of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program degree

Jacob Johnson of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MBA-MBA Full-time Program degree

Megan Johnson of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MPH-MPH Program degree

Prajwal Kedilaya of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BSE-Electrical Engineering degree

Lauren Kostoglanis of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-English; BA-Social Work degree

David Krones of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program degree

Sanjay Kumar of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BS-Mathematics with Distinction degree

Aleksandra Kuznetsov of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BSN-Nursing degree

Jeremy Leifker of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program degree

Kayla Lindstrom of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BBA-Management degree

Nick Martinson of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BSE-Electrical Engineering degree

Justin McDermott of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program with Distinction degree

Cecily Mellenthin of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-English degree

Andrew Miles of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-International Relations with Distinction; BA-Political Science with Distinction degree

Saraja Pandit of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BS-Human Physiology degree

Collin Petoskey of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a DDS-Dentistry degree

Ekaterini Pliakos of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BS-Human Physiology degree

Julia Rubino of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers degree

Julia Sears of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Theatre Arts degree

Erik Sieg of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BS-Biology degree

Taylor Sprank of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BBA-Finance; CER-Entrepreneurial Management degree

Jennifer Svendsen of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MD-Medicine degree

Noel Thachil of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BS-Human Physiology degree

Carrie TouVelle of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Elementary Education degree

Kevin Townsend of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MS-Biomedical Engineering degree

Julie Trepa of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a EDS-Educational Policy and Leadership Studies degree

Holly Van Den Beldt of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a MD-Medicine degree

Shannon Wallace of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BA-Communication Studies; BA-English degree

Trace Welch of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BBA-Finance; BS-Leisure Studies degree

Eric Wells of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BBA-Finance degree

Alyson Wennlund of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BBA-Business Analytics and Information Systems; BBA-Marketing degree

Matthew Wheat of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BS-Biology degree

Shaun Wilkinson of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a EDS-Psychological and Quantitative Foundations degree

Ellonyia Yenney of Bettendorf, IA 52722, received a BAS-Bachelor of Applied Studies; CER-Entrepreneurial Management degree

Adam Hay of Blue Grass, IA 52726, received a BBA-Finance; BBA-Management degree

Thomas Hosmanek of Blue Grass, IA 52726, received a CER-Nonprofit Management degree

Francis Agnoli of Davenport, IA 52806, received a MA-Film Studies degree

Alexandra Baltimore of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BA-Communication Studies; CER-Entrepreneurial Management degree

Beth Baustian of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BA-Health and Human Physiology degree

Meenakshi Brandt of Davenport, IA 52803, received a JD-Law degree

Rachel Brandt of Davenport, IA 52806, received a BA-Health and Human Physiology with Highest Distinction degree

Courtney Brokloff of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BBA-Economics with Highest Distinction degree

Sophie Brown of Davenport, IA 52804, received a BA-Art History; BA-German degree

Manuel Camacho of Davenport, IA 52807, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program with Distinction degree

Zachary Cleve of Davenport, IA 52803, received a MFA-Art degree

Spencer Conrad of Davenport, IA 52806, received a BBA-Finance degree

Emily Culliton of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BA-Speech and Hearing Science; CER-American Sign Language and Deaf Studies degree

Joseph Daniel of Davenport, IA 52807, received a MAC-Accounting degree

Jennefer Davis of Davenport, IA 52801, received a PHR-Pharmacy degree

Nicholas De La Cruz of Davenport, IA 52807, received a JD-Law with Distinction degree

Melinda Dietz of Davenport, IA 52804, received a BBA-Management degree

Jordan Dix of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BLS-Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree

Tyler Drury of Davenport, IA 52803, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers degree

Amanda Dvorak of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BS-Human Physiology degree

Callie Espanto of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BS-Human Physiology degree

Kimberly Gardner of Davenport, IA 52806, received a MA-Music degree

Dustin Gaskin of Davenport, IA 52806, received a PHR-Pharmacy degree

Elizabeth Gielau of Davenport, IA 52804, received a PHD-Spanish degree

Taylor Gillhouse of Davenport, IA 52803, received a BFA-Dance degree

Elizabeth Goodall of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BS-Human Physiology degree

Gary Harland of Davenport, IA 52806, received a BS-Computer Science degree

Christopher Hoffman of Davenport, IA 52803, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program degree

Nathan Hoil of Davenport, IA 52803, received a BA-English degree

Kevan Kadavy of Davenport, IA 52807, received a DDS-Dentistry degree

Alex Karwath of Davenport, IA 52804, received a BSE-Industrial Engineering degree

Tyler Klenske of Davenport, IA 52804, received a BM-Music; BS-Human Physiology degree

Tess Krommenhoek of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BA-Communication Studies degree

Cameron Lovich of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BBA-Business Analytics and Information Systems; BBA-Economics; BBA-Finance degree

Andrew Miller of Davenport, IA 52804, received a BA-Ethics and Public Policy degree

Erin Monroe of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BA-Communication Studies; CER-Entrepreneurial Management; CER-Fundraising and Philanthropy Communication degree

Aaron Morrow of Davenport, IA 52803, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program with Distinction degree

Anh Thu Ngo of Davenport, IA 52804, received a BA-Health and Human Physiology degree

Kyle Overmire of Davenport, IA 52806, received a BA-Health and Human Physiology degree

Jeffrey Owens of Davenport, IA 52806, received a BA-Psychology degree

Ryan Perry of Davenport, IA 52806, received a BAS-Bachelor of Applied Studies degree

Megan Peterson of Davenport, IA 52806, received a BS-Human Physiology degree

Meredith Rausch of Davenport, IA 52804, received a PHD-Rehabilitation and Counselor Education degree

Eric Reinsch of Davenport, IA 52806, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers degree

Tevin Robbins of Davenport, IA 52803, received a MA-Educational Policy and Leadership Studies degree

Natalie Rogalski of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BA-Elementary Education with Distinction degree

Laura Ruebling of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BS-Anthropology degree

Allison Schlue of Davenport, IA 52806, received a BA-Interdepartmental Studies degree

Blake Schneden of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BA-Elementary Education degree

Benjamin Schneider of Davenport, IA 52806, received a PHR-Pharmacy degree

Elizabeth Sharp of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BBA-Management degree

Tiffanie Smith of Davenport, IA 52806, received a DDS-Dentistry degree

Hannah Solchenberger of Davenport, IA 52806, received a BA-Health and Human Physiology degree

Avery Stahr of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BA-American Studies; BA-Journalism and Mass Communication degree

Linsey Strittmater of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BBA-Management degree

Scott Struelens of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BBA-Finance; CER-Sustainability Program degree

Matt Suiter of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BA-Psychology; BS-Biology degree

Robert Taylor of Davenport, IA 52803, received a BA-Psychology; BS-Biology degree

Samantha Themas of Davenport, IA 52807, received a PHR-Pharmacy with HIGH Distinction degree

Dylan Thiemann of Davenport, IA 52803, received a BA-Biochemistry with Distinction; BS-Computer Science with Distinction degree

Grant Thompson of Davenport, IA 52804, received a BA-Interdepartmental Studies degree

Larry Thumann of Davenport, IA 52804, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers degree

Lawrence Trosen of Davenport, IA 52802, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers degree

Kyle Tucker of Davenport, IA 52806, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers degree

Allison Valenzuela of Davenport, IA 52807, received a BFA-Art; CER-Entrepreneurial Management degree

Ashley Vance of Davenport, IA 52804, received a BA-Communication Studies with Distinction; BA-Journalism and Mass Communication with Distinction; CER-Fundraising and Philanthropy Communication degree

Joshua Vinar of Davenport, IA 52806, received a BA-Economics degree

Allan Wiens of Davenport, IA 52803, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program degree

Joshua Wilhelm of Davenport, IA 52803, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers degree

Lindsey Zimanek of Davenport, IA 52804, received a BBA-Business Analytics and Information Systems; BBA-Marketing degree

Katherine Blaser of De Witt, IA 52742, received a BA-Health and Human Physiology degree

Chas Cahill of De Witt, IA 52742, received a BS-Environmental Policy and Planning; BS-Political Science; CER-Sustainability Program degree

Bryan Connell of De Witt, IA 52742, received a BA-International Relations; BA-Political Science degree

Dillon Connell of De Witt, IA 52742, received a BS-Sport and Recreation Management degree

Brittney Donovan of De Witt, IA 52742, received a MS-Epidemiology degree

Haley Kreiter of De Witt, IA 52742, received a BA-Speech and Hearing Science with HIGH Distinction degree

Mackenzie Leonard of De Witt, IA 52742, received a BA-International Studies with HIGH Distinction; BA-Political Science with HIGH Distinction degree

Taylor McWilliams of De Witt, IA 52742, received a BA-Health and Human Physiology degree

Shawn Paarmann of De Witt, IA 52742, received a BA-Cinema degree

Allyson Schnoor of De Witt, IA 52742, received a BA-Political Science; CER-Fundraising and Philanthropy Communication degree

Adrian Simonson of De Witt, IA 52742, received a BSE-Civil Engineering degree

Matthew Walker of De Witt, IA 52742, received a BBA-Finance degree

Mackenzie Wing of De Witt, IA 52742, received a BS-Radiation Sciences degree

Walter Gillmor of Donahue, IA 52746, received a BBA-Management; CER-Sustainability Program degree

William Aden of Eldridge, IA 52748, received a BA-Journalism and Mass Communication degree

John Davison of Eldridge, IA 52748, received a BA-Chemistry degree

Madeleine LeDoux of Eldridge, IA 52748, received a BA-Communication Studies degree

Aubrey Pillard of Eldridge, IA 52748, received a BS-Radiation Sciences degree

Amanda Ploof of Eldridge, IA 52748, received a BA-Ethics and Public Policy with HIGH Distinction; BA-Political Science with HIGH Distinction degree

McKenna Rollinger of Eldridge, IA 52748, received a BBA-Marketing degree

Grayson Schmidt of Eldridge, IA 52748, received a BA-Journalism and Mass Communication degree

James Schmidt of Eldridge, IA 52748, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers degree

Chad White of Eldridge, IA 52748, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers with Distinction degree

Hope Wilson of Eldridge, IA 52748, received a BA-Journalism and Mass Communication; CER-Fundraising and Philanthropy Communication degree

Brandon Dowty of Le Claire, IA 52753, received a BA-Biochemistry degree

Delaine Haack of Leclaire, IA 52753, received a BAS-Bachelor of Applied Studies degree

Ellen Conklin of Long Grove, IA 52756, received a BA-Communication Studies degree

Erin Rubach of Long Grove, IA 52756, received a DDS-Dentistry degree

Danielle Abdallah of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BBA-Management; BBA-Marketing degree

Jacob Allison of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-International Relations degree

Richard Andersen of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program degree

Hunter Berry of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BFA-Art degree

Steven Bieber of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-Cinema with Distinction; BA-Journalism and Mass Communication with Distinction degree

Katelyn Bunn of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BBA-Marketing degree

Amanda Burroughs of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BSN-Nursing-RN degree

Exodus Cardoza of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-Communication Studies; CER-Fundraising and Philanthropy Communication degree

Kenny Carlson of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BS-Psychology degree

Beth Colon of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a DNP-Nursing degree

Cody Connor of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a MD-Medicine degree

Randal Cooper of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-International Relations degree

Allison Curry of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-Art; BA-Communication Studies degree

Brabra Dansou of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-French; BA-International Studies degree

Amy Dew of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BBA-Marketing degree

Katelyn Dew of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BBA-Marketing degree

Joseph Duehlmeyer of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BSE-Electrical Engineering degree

Hannah Eichelberger of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-Communication Studies; CER-International Business degree

Jessica Fletcher-Frye of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-English degree

Tyson Foglesong of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BS-Leisure Studies degree

Levi Goff of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-Chemistry with Distinction degree

Curtis Greenwald of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-Interdepartmental Studies degree

Gabriel Jardim of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BSE-Biomedical Engineering degree

Jason Kaalberg of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a PHR-Pharmacy degree

Brandon Klassen of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BBA-Finance degree

Austin Lovan of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-Economics degree

Adrienne McKee of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-Computer Science degree

Cole Miller of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BS-Human Physiology degree

Aaron Mueller of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BSE-Mechanical Engineering degree

Raul O'campo Landa of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BS-Human Physiology degree

Mariaisabel Perdomo of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a MSW-Social Work degree

Katherine Posten of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BFA-Art degree

Daniel Rada of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-Cinema degree

Sam Stewart of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-Journalism and Mass Communication degree

Natalie Sturms of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BSN-Nursing with HIGH Distinction degree

Samuel Stych of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BS-Sport and Recreation Management degree

Kathryn Temple of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BSE-Electrical Engineering degree

Jeffrey Tjebkes of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program degree

Leticia Trimboli of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BFA-Art degree

Thomas Van Hemert of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BA-Psychology degree

Brandon Verwers of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BS-Economics degree

Kaylee Vieira of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BBA-Management degree

Taylor Woods of Muscatine, IA 52761, received a BM-Music degree

Jonathan Weeks of Pleasant Valley, IA 52767, received a MA-Library and Information Science degree

Skylar Moore of Princeton, IA 52768, received a BA-English; CER-Entrepreneurial Management; CER-Writing degree

Liene Topko of Princeton, IA 52768, received a BA-Health and Human Physiology degree

Jeremy Tinkler of Stockton, IA 52769, received a BA-Journalism and Mass Communication with Distinction; BA-Sport Studies with Distinction degree

Bailey Kraft of Walcott, IA 52773, received a BA-Psychology degree

Hunter Fiers of Geneseo, IL 61254, received a BBA-Accounting; BBA-Finance degree

Savanna Haugse of Geneseo, IL 61254, received a BS-Leisure Studies degree

Madeline Fickel of Milan, IL 61264, received a BSE-Electrical Engineering degree

Katlyn Rhodes of Milan, IL 61264, received a BA-Interdepartmental Studies degree

Ashley Brosius of Moline, IL 61265, received a JD-Law with HIGH Distinction degree

Alex Butter of Moline, IL 61265, received a BA-Mathematics degree

Justin Cook of Moline, IL 61265, received a BSE-Industrial Engineering degree

Carissa Dewaele of Moline, IL 61265, received a BS-Anthropology with HIGH Distinction; CER-Museum Studies degree

Jordyn Elder of Moline, IL 61265, received a BA-Communication Studies degree

Chandramohan Govindarajan of Moline, IL 61265, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers degree

Mercedes Masias of Moline, IL 61265, received a BFA-Art degree

Mary McLaughlin of Moline, IL 61265, received a BA-Communication Studies degree

Andrew Palmer of Moline, IL 61265, received a BBA-Management degree

Eugene Pavinato of Moline, IL 61265, received a BBA-Finance with Highest Distinction degree

Nithin Rajasekar of Moline, IL 61265, received a MBA-MBA for Professionals and Managers degree

Thomas Seaberg of Moline, IL 61265, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program degree

Ceara Campos of Rock Island, IL 61201, received a MHA-Health Management and Policy degree

John Fieweger of Rock Island, IL 61201, received a BA-Health and Human Physiology; CER-Entrepreneurial Management degree

Angella Dieterich of Taylor Ridge, IL 61284, received a MBA-MBA Executive Program degree

Nathan Woeber of Taylor Ridge, IL 61284, received a BS-Human Physiology degree

04 Aug 2015

Governor Rauner Requests FEMA Help with Flood, Storm Damage Assessments

By Catherine Kelly

Issues Disaster Proclamation for 23 Counties

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner today asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with damage assessments in 23 counties devastated by a series of severe storms In June and July that caused heavy rainfall, flash and river flooding, tornadoes and straight-line winds. Governor Rauner also issued a state disaster proclamation for those counties.

"These counties were battered by a series of severe storms for most of June and July," Governor Rauner said. "We're working to do everything within our power to help people and communities affected by the tornadoes, flooding and damaging winds these storms generated. These damage assessments will provide us with greater detail as to the impact of these storms and could be used to support a request for federal assistance."

Personnel from FEMA, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local emergency management agencies are expected to begin assessing damage to homes and businesses in Adams, Grundy, Iroquois, Jersey, Mason, Tazewell and Warren counties later this week.

The state also requested FEMA assistance with assessments of storm-related costs incurred by local governments in Adams, Alexander, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Coles, Fulton, Greene, Grundy, Iroquois, Jersey, Mason, Monroe, Morgan, Peoria, Pike, Randolph, Richland, Schuyler, Scott, Tazewell, Vermilion and Warren counties.  Those assessments are expected to begin the week of August 10.

The state has provided assistance to many of the affected communities, including sandbags filled and placed by offenders from the Illinois Department of Corrections, debris removal and delivery of flood-fighting supplies by the Illinois Department of Transportation, emergency management support from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and security support from the Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Corrections. In addition, the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield was activated several times in June and July to coordinate state assistance.

###
04 Aug 2015

Gov. Branstad's request for Presidential Disaster Declaration for 19 Iowa counties approved

By Randy Stalsberg

Governor Branstad issues disaster proclamation for four counties

 

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad has received word that FEMA has approved his request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 19 counties impacted by severe weather in June.

The counties included in the declaration are: Allamakee, Appanoose, Butler, Clayton, Dallas, Davis, Des Moines, Guthrie, Howard, Jefferson, Lee, Lucas, Marion, Mitchell, Monroe, Warren, Wayne, Winneshiek and Wright.

The governor sent the request for a declaration on July 22, 2015, in response to significant damage that was caused by damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, hail and thunderstorms from June 20-25, 2015.

The declaration by the President will provide federal funding to the declared counties under the Public Assistance Program. A Presidential Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance puts into motion long-term federal recovery programs, some of which are matched by state programs, and designed to help public entities and select non-profits. Public Assistance funds may be used for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and may include debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair of damaged public property, loans needed by communities for essential government functions and grants for public schools.

The Governor also received notification that the Presidential Disaster Declaration includes funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state. With this funding, Iowa will be able to minimize the impact of future disasters by taking steps now to strengthen existing infrastructure.

This is Iowa's first Presidential Disaster Declaration in 2015, and the 22nd Presidential Disaster Declaration Iowa has received since March 2007.

In addition, today Gov. Branstad issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Guthrie, Marion, Union and Warren counties. This is in response to the ongoing flooding and severe weather beginning July 26, 2015.

The governor's proclamation allows State resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of these storms. Today's proclamation also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Program for all four counties.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $40,180, for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

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04 Aug 2015

USDA Recognizes WIC Agencies for Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers

By USDA Office of Communications

August 1-7 is National WIC Breastfeeding Week

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is recognizing state and local agencies of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (more commonly known as WIC) that excel in offering education and support for breastfeeding mothers. As part of World Breastfeeding Week activities, Vilsack has also proclaimed this week, Aug. 1-7, as National WIC Breastfeeding Week, "in appreciation of breastfeeding mothers and of all the dedicated volunteers, professionals, communities, and organizations who support their efforts."

"The work being done by WIC programs to empower mothers to breastfeed?addressing societal barriers, enhancing peer counselor programs, building key coalitions, and more-is absolutely vital and deserves recognition," said Vilsack. "There is no better food than breast milk for a baby's first year of life. Increasing breastfeeding rates can help reduce the prevalence of various illnesses and health conditions, which in turn results in lower health care costs."

According to a 2010 study, if 90 percent of U.S. families could comply with medical recommendations to breastfeed exclusively for six months, the United States would prevent more than 900 deaths save $13 billion per year and from reduced direct and indirect medical costs and the cost of premature death.

Throughout the week the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is recognizing outstanding breastfeeding programs with WIC Breastfeeding Performance Bonuses and the WIC Loving Support Awards of Excellence. The recognition supports the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which calls for increased emphasis on breastfeeding promotion and support in the WIC program.

This year, WIC Breastfeeding Performance Bonuses are presented to large (>1,000 infants) and small (<1,000 infants) high-performing WIC agencies with the greatest improvement in the percentage of exclusively breastfed infants over the past year. A total of $500,000 will be awarded to eight state WIC agencies and Indian tribal organizations that have demonstrated successful breastfeeding promotion and support efforts. The performance bonuses highlight WIC agencies' successful breastfeeding initiatives, while encouraging and motivating other state agencies to strengthen their breastfeeding promotion and support services.

For the first time, USDA is also recognizing exemplary WIC local agencies with the WIC Loving Support Awards of Excellence. WIC agencies utilizing the USDA Loving Support Model for a successful peer counseling program were eligible to apply for the honor, which considers their breastfeeding performance measures, effective peer counseling programs and community partnerships. A total of 55 local WIC agencies across the country qualified for an award. By recognizing their success and sharing best practices, the WIC Loving Support Awards of Excellence will provide successful models and motivation to other WIC local agencies with the goal of ultimately increase breastfeeding rates among WIC participants.

The WIC program provides nutritious foods to supplement diets, nutrition education (including breastfeeding promotion and support), and referrals to health and other social services to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. Services are made available through approximately 1,900 local agencies and 10,000 clinic sites. Visit www.fns.usda.gov/WIC to learn more about the WIC program.

In addition to WIC, USDA's Food and Nutrition Services administers several other programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, National School Lunch Program, and the Summer Food Service Program which together comprise America's nutrition safety net. For more information, visit www.fns.usda.gov.

04 Aug 2015

Governor Takes Bill Action 8/03/2015

By Catherine Kelly
 SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner took action on the following bills today:

 

Bill No.: HB 404

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 422

An Act Concerning Public Employee Benefits

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 642

An Act Concerning Finance

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 1418

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 1498

An Act Concerning Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 1876

An Act Concerning Public Aid

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 2580

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2685

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 2916

An Act Concerning Public Employee Benefits

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3161

An Act Concerning Domestic Violence

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3884

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3944

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3977

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 4097

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 7

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 764

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1062

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1252

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1445

An Act Concerning Utilities

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1620

An Act Concerning Motor Vehicle Theft

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

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04 Aug 2015

THERE IS NO "OTHER" - GOING TO THE RIVER: QUAD CITIES STANDING UNITED AGAINST HATE DAY SUNDAY, AUGUST 30

By Rick Martin

Glen Leach, Immigration and Disaster Relief Coordinator for Catholic Charities with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport:

"Hate and violence have become ingrained parts of our culture. We are so filled with them that we are in-sensitive to their effects, sometimes even when another horrific event occurs. We immediately divert our attention to ancillary issues, flags, militarization of police, the economy, lack of mental health support. The issue remains hate, and its inevitable sibling, violence. We deify hate, we worship it. We seek justification for our hate by reference to our religious texts, by defining individuals and groups as being less than us, less than loved by God. Our hate is the mirror of our own sense of inadequacy, our own fear that if we do not strike out at someone or something, we will be less or have less."

It is exactly because of that intransigent culture of hate that "Going to the River: the Quad Cities Standing United Against Hate," was started. Four City Governments are now poised to stand united against hate in the Quad Cities and organizers of this no hate event are challenging everyone to come down to the River that unites us on Sunday, August 30th at 5:00 p.m. When Rev. Rich Hendricks first heard the song, "Going to the River to Pray," by Ella Henderson, all he could think of was the need for Quad Citians to go use the resource of the mighty Mississippi River to unite us against the ghost of hate that so haunts our world today.

"In a world where our young people being recruited to join hate groups like the KKK and terrorist groups like ISIS, we need a proactive approach to combatting hate," says Hendricks. "We don't have to wait until some horrible tragedy strikes locally; we can be an example for communities all over the world."

The proclamation being considered by Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island and Moline states:

WHEREAS, one of the Quad Cities' greatest strengths is the diversity of its people, and

WHEREAS, the Quad Cities seeks to be a community that exemplifies the ideals of respect, fairness, diver-sity, equity, and the freedom to pursue an individually defined quality of life, and 

WHEREAS, there is too much hate in our world, as evidenced by racism, gang violence, Islamaphobia, Anti-Semitism, homophobia, religious intolerance and lack of respect for one another, and

WHEREAS, on Sunday August 30th, 2015, friends and neighbors and various houses of worship and community organizations all over the Quad Cities will join together at the Mississippi River at 5:00 p.m. to stand united against hate;

NOW THEREFORE, We, the Mayors and the City Councils of the City of the Quad Cities, do hereby proclaim Sunday, August 30th, 2015 to be "Standing United Against Hate Day" in the Quad Cities, and encourage all citizens to join in celebrating the spirit of love and respect for one another.

"We want to stand shower to shoulder with one another and take a stand against hatred in our community," states Latrice Lacey, Director of the Davenport Civil Rights Commission.

Organizers of this event include leaders from Jewish, Muslim, Catholic and Protestant Christian and Unitarian houses of worship and persons without any religious affiliation. They are adamant in their belief that we as a community are not powerless against hate and that now is the time to stand united - both to remind ourselves and to show the world that the power of love and peace is greater than the forces of evil in our world.

Rev. Jay Wolin of the Davenport Unitarian Universalist Congregation states: "My peace is not a passive peace but an active peace. We need to act with compassion to build the world we dream about." Any and all individuals or groups that support this simple premise are invited to come participate and to get out the word to all.

Kent Ferris, Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Davenport reminds us of Pope Francis' words regarding civil dialog: "Indeed, we are a single human family that is journeying on toward unity, making the most of solidarity and dialogue among peoples in the multiplicity of differences."

At each site, there will be an opportunity for people to participate through chants and music. An interfaith prayer will also be offered, with the leaders symbolically dipping their hands in the Mississippi River as a sign of cleansing against the ghosts of hate in our world. Ella Henderson's song has a refrain that states: "Give up the ghost." That's exactly what organizers of the event are asking people to do?to give up the ghost of hate. Quad Cities Interfaith Executive Director, Leslie Kilgannon says: "This gathering is an important opportunity for our Quad Cities to come together to proclaim that there is no room for hate in our community. Bringing together people to celebrate the human dignity in all of us is a powerful thing."

Representatives of Quad Cities Standing United Against Hate Committee:
Kent Ferris, Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport ferris@davenportdiocese.org
Rich Hendricks, Metro Community Church pastorrich@mccqc.org
Rabbi Henry Karp, Temple Emanuel ravkarp@msn.com
Lisa Killinger, Muslim Community of the Quad Cities killingerlisaz@gmail.com
Anne Walchal, Churches United of the Quad Cities Area
Jay Wolin, Davenport Unitarian Universalist Congregation jaywolin@gmail.com

There is no "other" - one human race, one planet earth

The Quad Cities Standing
United Against Hate
5 pm Sunday, August 30th
LeClaire Park, Davenport; Leach Park, Bettendorf
Butterworth Park, Moline; Sunset Marina Park, Rock Island

For more info contact MCC QC at 563.324.8281

03 Aug 2015

Monmouth's first annual BaconFest August 7, 2015

By Jeannie Weber

Monmouth, Illinois - Monmouth Business Council and Smithfield Foods, along with Cloverleaf Cold Storage will be hosting its first annual BaconFest Friday, August 7, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Monmouth's Public Square. Numerous food vendors from Monmouth will be serving tapas-style bacon creations, with dishes that include bacon-crusted sirloin bites, bacon cupcakes, sweet and spicy bacon sliders, candied bacon, spicy bacon mix, and bacon and cheese puffs. All food will be available at $3 a plate.

Food vendors come from a 60-mile radius and include : DJ & Son Woodfire Grill, Knox County Pork Producers, Cerar's Barnstormer, Petey's, Johnny's Steakhouse, Bijou Pub, Danny's Tap, Alfano's, The Kitchen, Sparky's Smoke Shack, Green Bay Bar and Grill, and Sween Intentions by the Morgans. All of the vendors have been provided a variety of bacon by Smithfield Foods and have been encouraged to expand their creativity to create tastes that please a variety of pallets.

A competition will be held and trophies provided by Achievement Industries will be given for "Judges Choice-Best in Show," and "Audience Choice-Best in Show."

In addition to sizzling bacon treats, Monmouth's DeNovo Beers and G&M will be present, serving a variety of cold beer and soda. Entertainment includes Tennessee's music sensation Blue Mother Tupelo from 6-8 p.m. Blue Mother Tupelo's soulful sound has shared shows and stage with many wonderfully gifted and successful recording and touring artists.

"Bacon 'n Play" will be hosted by the Buchannan Center for the Arts in the public square's southwest quadrant. Activities include : piglet snout creations, bacon flags, sidewalk chalk art, face painting, and story hour. Brain games and bacon swag will also be available for winning and/or purchase.

Entry for this family-welcoming event is free, with minimal pricing on food and drinks. "We wanted to do something that was really different and really fun for Monmouth and surrounding communities," said Paul Schuytema, director of economic development for the City of Monmouth. "A great deal of work has been put into this by a number of community leaders. We know that this will be an event that everyone continues to look forward to every year."

For more information on BaconFest 2015, contact Paul Schuytema at paul.schuytema@cityofmonmouth.com or 309.734.2141.



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03 Aug 2015

"Nothing Compares" at the State Fair to State Treasurer Fitzgerald's Great Iowa Treasure Hunt

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (08/03/2015)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that a stop at the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt booth during the 2015 Iowa State Fair may pay off. "The State Fair is a tremendous opportunity for us to reunite people with their lost treasure," Fitzgerald said. "With over a million names listed in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, fairgoers could find they have unclaimed money waiting for them to claim."

"Over the years, we have been successful in reuniting people with their lost treasures," Fitzgerald added. "Last year during the fair, over 7,200 unclaimed property claim forms were printed off, totaling more than $1.6 million. Computers will be set up at the booth for people to search for their name and staff will be on hand to answer questions and help treasure hunters print claim forms."

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $198 million in unclaimed property to more than 468,000 people since Fitzgerald created it in 1983. Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report unclaimed property to the state treasurer's office. The assets are then held until the owner or heir of the property is found. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits and safe deposit box contents.

Stop by the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt booth at the Iowa State Fair, August 13-23 in the Varied Industries Building. The building will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.com to begin your search. Be sure to like Great Iowa Treasure Hunt on Facebook and follow the program on Twitter @GreatIATreasure.

###

03 Aug 2015

Over 50? Supersize Your Retirement Savings

By Steve Burke

By Nathaniel Sillin

If you're over age 50 and not sure whether you're going to be able to retire, it's time to focus, get advice and build a realistic plan.

You're not alone. The U.S. Government Accountability Office recently reported that most households approaching retirement have low savings, adding that nearly half of households led by individuals or couples aged 55 and older having no retirement savings accounts at all.

The first step is to define where you really stand financially. Consider speaking with a qualified financial and tax advisor to define your present financial circumstances. Such a conversation should take into account your household income, tax situation, debt and retirement assets in any form. Reviewing these factors can help shape your decisions about supersizing your retirement plan for maximum safe returns. While a customized plan is generally the best way to approach shortfalls, here are some general approaches.

Take time to reevaluate your budget (http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/budgeting). To accelerate retirement saving and investing, you need to find the money first. Non-mortgage debt is a major retirement savings obstacle. Better budgeting can help you find the money to pay off debt quicker. Adjust your spending across the board so you can accomplish this while adding more money to savings over time.

Know that you're going to need to accelerate your savings. Estimates vary, but generally, after age 50, it's best to direct at least 10 percent of your gross income in savings and investments to cover living expenses when you stop working. If you are employed, review your contribution and income limits for the most popular self-directed and tax-advantaged retirement savings vehicles. Those include :

  • 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans, which will have a maximum annual contribution limit of $18,000 in 2015
  • Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) - both Traditional and Roth - which will have maximum "catch-up" contribution limits of $6,500 (the regular $5,500 limit plus $1,000 for taxpayers aged 50 or over by yearend 2015)

If after all this effort you're still not able to find enough money to put away, consider making a greater effort on the income side. Many individuals boost their savings through a second job or freelancing from home. Consult qualified financial and tax professionals to make sure you're handling this extra income correctly from a tax perspective and putting it in investments that make sense for you.

Downsizing to a smaller home or an apartment in a lower cost-of-living destination or deciding to move in with friends or family at minimal costs may also provide additional savings for retirement. But first, consider what you might get for your home. If you are able to sell a primary residence at a significant profit over your purchase price - above $250,000 for a single taxpayer and above $500,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly -speak to a tax professional about ways to avert a significant tax liability.

Finally, put proper financial safety nets in place. Make sure you have an emergency fund (http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/emergencycalc) set up so you won't be forced to dip into savings to cover unexpected expenses. And don't forget insurance - having the right amount of property and casualty, health and disability insurance can protect your retirement nest egg from significant risk.

Bottom line: Building a retirement fund after age 50 is challenging, but not impossible. Get solid tax and financial advice, start downsizing immediately and don't forget critical financial safety nets.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa's financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

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