CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today made the following statement regarding Abner Mikva, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, from President Barack Obama:

"There are few people in our nation's history who have served the public for as many years and in as many ways as Abner Mikva.

"As a former state lawmaker, U.S. Representative, federal judge and key White House aide, he has always served the public with integrity, dedication and hard work.

"Through his historic career and his Mikva Challenge, which helps engage young people in politics, he has helped ensure that everyone has an opportunity to get involved in the political process, and our country is better for it.

"I join the people of Illinois in congratulating Abner Mikva on receiving our nation's highest civilian honor."

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack recently continued his fight against misguided cuts to Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) that provide care to many Iowans living in rural areas. Loebsack helped lead a bipartisan effort with 45 Members of Congress in calling on the President to refrain from including arbitrary cuts to CAH in his upcoming budget proposal.

"(Critical Access Hospitals) play an important role in communities by providing access to primary, emergency, and acute care services," the lawmakers wrote. "As you consider the FY 2016 budget, we believe that indiscriminate cuts to CAHs, similar to those included in previous budgets, are not the answer."

A copy of the letter can be seen here.

L&D15 begins their bi-weekly Meet Your Maker series with a silkscreen demonstration on Sunday, November 30 from 1-4pm. L&D15 co-founder David Balluff will talk about silkscreen printing and artist Andy Warhol. Balluff worked previously at The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, PA as an Artist-Educator, and also prints t-shirts for the clothing line, General Assembly.

The Meet Your Maker series was conceived by co-founders David Balluff and Lopeti Etu as a way to provide artists and art lovers with a forum to share ideas, techniques and information about a wide range of artistic topics. Future events may include demonstrations, artist talks, and skill sharing workshops.

L&D15 brings a new style of retail to the Quad Cities, featuring clothing, accessories and housewares created by local and international artists and designers. The store is located at 520 W. 2nd Street in downtown Davenport. For more information, please visit http://www.landd15.com.

Coffee will be provided.

-30-

WASHINGTON, DC - On Wednesday, December 10, 2014, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) will be joined by leaders of the U.S. House and Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of members of the Civil Air Patrol whose valor and dedication saved countless lives during World War II.  Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.

Senator Harkin and Congressman McCaul introduced the legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Civil Air Patrol. The legislation passed the Senate in May 2013 and the House in May 2014. Their bipartisan bill received unanimous support and was signed by the President into law in May 2014.

"As the Commander of the Congressional Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, I am happy that the World War II members will receive this overdue recognition. Thousands of volunteers, many too young or too old to serve in the active military, took their own, often rudimentary, aircraft into the skies at great risk to themselves and successfully cleared the American coastline of enemy U-boats," said Harkin. "Between that mission, search and rescue missions, and even towing targets for live fire target practice, CAP helped us win the war and saved countless lives. I can think of no more fitting award for these men and women than the Congressional Gold Medal, and I am honored to have introduced this legislation."

"Decades after the end of WWII, it is long overdue and altogether fitting that Congress finally bestows this honor upon the WWII members of the Civil Air Patrol. The valiant efforts of these brave men and women who volunteered to defend our coastlines, provide essential combat support services, and fly dangerous humanitarian missions in America during World War II embodies the American Spirit of volunteerism. As the son of a WWII bombardier, this honor is especially significant," said McCaul. "I had the opportunity to meet with Jayne Price, a 92 year old member of the Civil Air Patrol earlier this year. I was impressed by her tales of perilous flights and inspired by her love for her country. This Gold Medal has been well earned by all members of the Civil Air Patrol, and I thank them for their dedication and service to our country."

Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will take part in the bipartisan, bicameral ceremony.