17 Oct 2014

Harkin Announces Nearly $48.5 Million in Low-Income Heating Assistance for Iowans

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), announced today that Iowa will receive an initial allocation of nearly $48.5 million to help low-income Iowans meet home energy costs. This funding was made available by language Harkin helped to secure in the fiscal year 2015 Continuing Resolution that passed Congress in September. This funding is part of a total of $3 billion announced today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) recipients throughout the country. Additional funding will be made available later in the year once a final fiscal year 2015 appropriations bill is enacted. Harkin is the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS subcommittee) that oversees these initiatives.

"No family should have to choose between paying their heating bill and putting food on the table," said Harkin. "Access to LIHEAP provides a safety net for low-income households, especially those with children, people with disabilities, and senior citizens. As temperatures begin to drop across the state, many Iowans will start to feel the effects of higher heating bills and this funding is welcome relief for the thousands of Iowans families that depend upon the program."

Last year, this program provided home heating assistance to approximately 85,000 Iowan households. Read more about Harkin's legacy in fighting for the middle class: http://www.harkin.senate.gov/labor.cfm.

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17 Oct 2014

State Treasury Invests in Iowa's Economy

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (10/15/2014)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced that Tuesday's Invest in Iowa online auction was one of the most successful to date. All thirty-four of Iowa's participating financial institutions received money, for a total of $57.5 million in deposits. "We use an auction format offering state deposits to Iowa financial institutions six times a year. This allows the state to earn a competitive return on the funds while ensuring local financial institutions have the money they need to keep the economy moving," Treasurer Fitzgerald said. "The program currently has over $230 million invested in Iowa banks."

Fitzgerald created the Invest in Iowa program in 1983 as a way to invest state funds in Iowa financial institutions. The financial institutions hold the funds as CDs and use the money to make loans.

Invest in Iowa quarterly auctions are held on the second Tuesday of January, April, July and October. The next auction is scheduled for January 13, 2015 at 10 a.m. Each auction has an established minimum interest rate and a minimum bid. To learn more about the Invest in Iowa program, visit iowatreasurer.gov, select "Invest in Iowa" under the "For Businesses" tab or contact the Treasurer's office at 515-281-5368.

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17 Oct 2014

USDA Announces Measures to Help Farmers Diversify Weed Control Efforts

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced several steps that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking to address the increase of herbicide resistant weeds in U.S. agricultural systems.

"Weed control in major crops is almost entirely accomplished with herbicides today," said Vilsack. "USDA, working in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency, must continue to identify ways to encourage producers to adopt diverse tactics for weed management in addition to herbicide control. The actions we are taking today are part of this effort."

Today USDA is announcing several of the steps it is taking to help farmers manage their herbicide resistant weed problems in a more holistic and sustainable way:

  • USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) will offer financial assistance under its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for herbicide resistant weed control practices that utilize Integrated Pest Management plans and practices.
  • Later this year NRCS will be soliciting proposals under the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Program for innovative conservation systems that address herbicide resistant weeds.
  • USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will actively promote use of best management practices (BMPs) in design protocols for regulated authorized releases of genetically engineered (GE) crops and will include recommendations for BMPs with the authorization of field trials of HR crops.
  • USDA is partnering with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and is providing funds to develop education and outreach materials for various stakeholders on managing herbicide-resistant weeds. The Secretary has directed Dr. Sheryl Kunickis, Director of the USDA Office of Pest Management Policy, as the point person leading this effort with the USDA.

The issue of herbicide resistant weeds has become one of increasing importance for agriculture. When herbicides are repeatedly used to control weeds, the weeds that survive herbicide treatment can multiply and spread.

With EPA's announcement today on the registration of new uses for herbicide mixtures containing the herbicides 2,4-D and glyphosate (in the Enlist® formulation) in conjunction with new genetically engineered crop varieties, farmers are being offered one more new tool to better manage emerging populations of herbicide-resistant weeds in corn and soybeans crops. In its decision for 2,4-D use on genetically modified corn and soybean, EPA has outlined new requirements for registrants as part of a product stewardship program.

The USDA Office of Pest Management Policy worked with EPA to address the issue of herbicide resistance through appropriate label language that will require registrants to develop a stewardship program for the herbicide, develop training and education on proper use of the product that includes diversifying weed management, investigate and report nonperformance, and develop and implement a remediation plan for suspected herbicide resistant weeds.

EPA intends to require the same stewardship plans for all new applications for product registration on genetically modified crops with the goal being to encourage effective resistance management while maintaining needed flexibility for growers.

USDA recognizes that the problem of herbicide resistant weed control will not be solved solely through the application of new herbicides. USDA has worked with the Weed Science Society of America for a number of years on identifying best management practices for farmers and on addressing impediments to adoption of those practices.

USDA will continue to work to ensure that growers have the diverse tools they need to address the management of herbicide resistant weeds.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


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16 Oct 2014

MY HELPENSTELL FOUNDATION FUND AWARDS GRANT TO CHURCHES UNITED

By Rhonda Johnson

Churches United of the Quad City Area has received a $20,000.00 grant from the Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund, in support of Winnie's Place.  We are extremely grateful for this gift.

Winnie's Place is a shelter serving women (and their children) who are homeless and/or victims of domestic violence. Last year, Winnie's Place served a total of 119 women and 147 children residentially, provided 4151 lodgings, 8229 meals, and answered 859 crisis calls.

Churches United has a 53-year history of reaching out to our community. Its 134 member churches represent 50,000 people from the Quad City Area. As well as Winnie's Place, Churches United operates 25 food pantries and 3 hot meal sites in the Quad City Area. For information about services offered, or ways to support Churches United, call 563-332-5002, or visit our website at www.CUQCA.org.

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16 Oct 2014

BHS Student's Film chosen for Screening at All American High School Film Festival

By Celeste R. Miller
Bettendorf High School Junior Karly Lent created a film called "Moving Forward" which was recently chosen one of 292 official selections for the 2014 Varsity Brands All American High School Film Festival. The documentary, entered into a special category telling stories about cancer, will be screened the weekend of October 24- 27 at the AMC Empire Theatres in New York City's Times Square.
The film was written, directed and edited by Karly and features Shari Baker, Bettendorf resident, who was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in January 2013. She talks about her experience with cancer, and ways that she changed throughout it all. She talks about the good and the bad, and how she learned to keep Moving Forward.

"My intentions in making the video were to prove to myself that I could reach my own goal of getting accepted into the festival," said Karly. "Shari is such an amazing person. I also felt like this was a way that I could show her how much I appreciate her and everything she has done for me."

More than 1,200 entries were submitted for multiple categories to the All-American Film Festival from more than 40 states and seven countries. This year's celebrity panel of judges includes Andrew Jenks, Kristen Stewart, Morgan Spurlock and Henry Winkler. The documentary, "Moving Forward.," is posted on YouTube.



16 Oct 2014

Significant investment in the Hilltop Campus Village

By Scott Tunnicliff

Davenport's Hilltop Campus Village will welcome its long-awaited new neighbor this Friday when ground is broken at the southwest corner of Brady and Locust Streets for a new branch of Ascentra Credit Union. A ground-breaking ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m. by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.

Ascentra purchased the site nearly two years ago, but has been waiting until its operation on 53rd Avenue in Bettendorf had been completed and was operational. "In the meantime, we had merged in the Scott Schools Credit Union nearby and have been positioning ourselves to be of service to this part of our community," said Ascentra President and CEO Dale Owen. "This is a wonderful location for our business, and we have been very pleased to work with the City staff, the City Council, the Design Review Board and the Hilltop Campus Village organization."

The building will be located near and on the site of the former Professional Arts Building, an office building that was demolished in early 2012. Ascentra purchased the 0.85 acre site in early 2013.

"Ever since it was purchased by Ascentra, we had been in close contact with their people," said Hilltop Campus Village Board President Robert Lee. "Our director Scott Tunnicliff had made contact early on to provide help and support for their planned expansion into the Hilltop Campus Village. They will be a great addition to the area."

Plans call for an investment of over $1 million. The facility will be 3,468 square ft., with significant landscaping, drive up window and parking for 24 vehicles. Employment numbers at this point are expected to be in the range of 6 - 8 with an anticipated opening set for spring 2015.

16 Oct 2014

Honoring Our Heroes Past, Present, & Future

By Trish Burnett
The Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) and Ridgecrest Village will be hosting "Honoring Our Heroes - Past, Present, & Future" on Monday, November 10, 2014 at CASI. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and a free breakfast will be served starting at 7:45 a.m. to veterans, active duty military, and ROTC. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call CASI for tickets at 563-386-7477. Tickets for non-military are available for $5.00.

Bob Morrison of Ridgecrest Village and Honor Flight of the Quad Cities and KWQC-TV6's Gary Metivier will speak at the breakfast. Bob has been the driving force behind the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities working tirelessly to get our Quad City veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honoring their sacrifices. Gary is an award-winning author and journalist most recently publishing "Saluting Grandpa" inspired by a true story, with a forward by NBC's Tom Brokaw, this book is a wonderful celebration of our veterans. Gary will have his book available at the event and proceeds benefit the Honor Flight.

Seating is limited to 150 and reservations are required. The event is free to veterans, active duty military, and ROTC. Call CASI at 563-386-7477 to make a reservation. Tickets for non-military are available for $5.00.
Please join us to honor and celebrate the heroes that have served our Country.
16 Oct 2014

Chicago Tribune Endorses Schilling over Bustos

By Jon Schweppe
EAST MOLINE, IL -- The Chicago Tribune has emphatically endorsed Bobby Schilling (R-Colona) in his bid against incumbent Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline).

The full endorsement can be found here.

Chicago Tribune endorses Bobby Schilling in the 17th Congressional District
Chicago Tribune Editorial Board
October 14, 2014

Two years ago, we supported Republican Bobby Schilling of Colona in his bid for a second term in the 17th Congressional District, freshly redrawn to favor a Democratic candidate. Then as now, Schilling had the courage to tell voters what it would take to get the nation's debt and spending under control.

Democrat Cheri Bustos of East Moline told voters what they wanted to hear, which was that she would protect the safety net. She didn't say how. She won.

Bustos has proved to be a hands-on representative in her district and a respectably moderate voice in Washington. She joined the Blue Dogs, a coalition of fiscally conservative Democrats, and has sided with her party on a relatively low 85 percent of votes.

But the questions she ducked remain unanswered. And the budget's still a mess.

In this year's rematch, Schilling's camp has put Bustos on the defensive by pointing out that she failed to keep a promise made in a meeting with the Tribune Editorial Board to give up 10 percent of her congressional salary if elected. Her explanation is that she made the pledge in Chicago, so it isn't binding in the 17th District. Say what?

What we most remember from that meeting is her frustrating refusal to own a position on how to rescue Medicare and Social Security from insolvency. It was all about "compromise and focused problem-solving," not about adjusting benefits.

This year, she has avoided making rash, nonbinding promises by refusing to do interviews outside her district, even by phone. She did complete our survey, and we found her answers much like before. Instead of committing to unpopular fiscal reforms, she championed nibble-around-the-edge measures or listed steps she would not take.

During his short tenure in Congress, Schilling twice took a politically risky vote to restructure entitlement programs in order to save them. He says he'd do it again. Schilling is endorsed.

Residents of the 17th District, which crawls along the western border of the state, are fortunate to have two distinct candidates waging a vigorous campaign. In other districts, voters have little choice.
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16 Oct 2014

Tom Harkin Rallies Iowa State Students to Vote Early

By Sam Lau
Harkin Points to Bruce Braley's Proven Record Supporting Iowa Students

Ames, IA - U.S. Senator Tom Harkin today rallied students at the Iowa State University to vote early on campus. In addition to highlighting the importance of voting early, Senator Harkin pointed to Bruce Braley's proven record of supporting higher education and Iowa's students.

"Voting early on campus is the easiest way for Iowa students to make their voice heard in this election," said Senator Harkin. "Bruce Braley is the clear choice for Iowa's students because he will work to expand opportunity for more Iowans to achieve a quality, affordable education. The opponent's ideas of abolishing the Department of Education and jeopardizing funding for education, is bad for Iowa's students and is bad for Iowa's middle class."

Iowa State University Students can vote early on campus, Monday-Friday from 9AM to 4PM at the Memorial Union Building. Additionally, students can vote early this Wednesday from 9:30AM to 3:30PM in Carver Hall and this Thursday from 9:30AM to 3:30PM at the Parks Library.

In Iowa:
  • 111,000 students receive Pell Grants.
  • 228,000 federal loans have been distributed to Iowa students.
  • Iowa State University:
  • 6,271 students received Pell Grants to attend Iowa State University
  • ISU graduates with student loan debt owed on average $24,300 in federal obligations

Iowans across the state can vote early in person from now until November 3, and can find their early voting location at vote.BruceBraley.com.

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16 Oct 2014

Tom Harkin: "Bruce Braley is on the side of Iowa's Seniors"

By Rick Martin
While meeting with seniors in Davenport and Iowa City, Senator Harkin contrasts Braley's support for strengthening Social Security with proposals to privatize the crucial program

Davenport, IA -U.S. Senator Tom Harkin today met with seniors in Davenport and Iowa City to discuss Bruce Braley's proven record of protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare. As Harkin detailed, Bruce Braley understands the importance of protecting the promise made to Iowa's seniors, and that is why he will fight to strengthen Social Security--so it can pay full benefits long into the future.

"Bruce Braley is a champion for seniors and ensuring that their retirement security is never gambled away with risky privatization schemes," said Harkin. "While he will work to strengthen Social Security for generations of Iowans to come, his opponent would put Iowans' earned benefits at risk. There's a clear choice in this election -Bruce Braley stands with Iowa seniors, while his opponent favors Wall Street and special interests."

Harkin's stops today were at The Good Samaritan Society in Davenport and The Hamburg Inn in Iowa City.
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