10 Sep 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on Indiana and Wisconsin Court Ruling on Marriage Equality

By Dave Blanchette

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement on the U.S. appeals court ruling in Chicago that same-sex marriage bans in Wisconsin and Indiana are unconstitutional:

"This ruling is another victory for all people of our great country.

"In Illinois, we do not discriminate when it comes to love and marriage. Since the marriage equality went into effect in our state in June, couples across the Land of Lincoln have been able to marry freely and equally.

"We won't stop until everyone in America has those same rights and protections under law. We set a model for the country in Illinois and now Wisconsin and Indiana will become the 20th and 21st states to enact marriage equality.

"Our country was founded on the desire to embrace all people and today is another step forward."

 

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10 Sep 2014

Spotlight: Ernst's Risky Medicare Plans Would Increase Costs for Iowa Seniors by Thousands of Dollars

By Rick Martin
Ernst Supports GOP Budget that would have increased out-of-pocket health care costs for Iowa seniors by nearly $6,000
Des Moines, IA - State Sen. Joni Ernst's risky plans to end Medicare as we know it wouldn't just put Iowans' retirement security at risk, it would also increase costs for Iowa seniors and end guaranteed benefits they have paid into their entire working lives.

While the GOP Budget introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan 2011 was popular with Tea Party obstructionists and corporations who received large tax breaks, it was widely panned for the devastating impact it would have on seniors. Yet when given a chance in the Iowa Senate to oppose these drastic cuts to Medicare, Ernst instead decided to put her risky Tea Party ideology before Iowa. Here's what Ernst's plan would have meant for Iowa seniors:
  • Increased out-of-pocked health care costs for a typical 65-year old Iowa senior by $5,999 in 2022
  • Forced at least 11,600 Iowa seniors to pay over $1.2 million more for annual wellness visits in 2012
  • Made more than 49,5000 Iowa seniors pay $28 million more for prescription drugs in 2012 alone
  • By 2030, typical 65 year olds would be required to pay 68 percent of the total cost of their coverage, which includes premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs, compared with the 25 percent they would pay under current law
  • Raise the Medicare eligibility age

"Joni Ernst's risky proposals for Medicare would leave Iowa's seniors with higher health costs and less retirement security," said Braley for Iowa spokesman Sam Lau. "In fact, if Ernst had her way, Iowa seniors could be paying nearly $6,000 more in out-of-pocket health care costs, while paying more for prescription drugs and wellness visits. Iowa seniors simply can't afford Ernst's radical Medicare proposals."

In contrast to Ernst's risky proposals, Bruce Braley, who has earned the endorsement of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and the Alliance for Retired Americans, has strongly opposed efforts to transform Medicare into a voucher program. He has also supported efforts to strengthen Medicare and expand benefits, including free preventive benefits, cancer screenings, and closing the Medicare prescription drug 'donut hole' gap in coverage.

BACKGROUND:

Ernst Voted To Support Paul Ryan's Medicare And Medicaid Proposals. On June 27, 2011, Ernst voted against adoption of SR 15, "A Resolution opposing proposed Congressional changes to the Medicare and Medicaid programs...the United States House of Representatives has recently adopted House Concurrent Resolution 34 encompassing the budget proposal of Budget Chairman Paul Ryan which would make fundamental changes to the Medicare and Medicaid programs...BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the Senate respectfully expresses its opposition to the budget proposal encompassed in House Concurrent Resolution 34 and any proposals to change the Medicare or Medicaid programs that are projected to lead to fewer Americans, especially those most vulnerable due to age, disability, or poverty, being able to obtain or retain health care coverage." The resolution was adopted by a vote of 26-21. [Senate Vote on SR 15, Iowa State Senate Journal, 6/27/11; Senate Resolution 15; HCR 34, introduced 4/11/11]

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10 Sep 2014

" The Concept of Evil in Judeo-Christian thought"

By Narveen Aryaputri

The concept of evil in judeo-christian thought. "
Open discussion

7.00 pm.
The Moline Commercial Club. 1530 5th Ave. 
Moline.

Doors open at 6.30pm.

10 Sep 2014

Military Retiree Appreciation Day Oct. 25 at Rock Island Arsenal

By Theresa R. Fitzgerald
FORT McCOY, Wis. - A military Retiree Appreciation Day will be held Saturday, Oct. 25 at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. Retirees from all branches of the armed forces and their family members are eligible to attend. The event begins at 7 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m.

Retiree Appreciation Day is an opportunity for all armed forces retirees, spouses, widows, and/or guests to receive updated information about retiree entitlement programs.

Photo identification is required for all personnel to access the installation.

Pre-registration is required and must be accomplished by Oct. 10. The registration form, available online at http://www.mccoy.army.mil/Services/ACAP_Documents/2014_RAD_REGISTER.PDF, contains detailed information about the event. Direct any questions to 563-508-5123 or 563-445-0191.

-30-
09 Sep 2014

THE POWER OF ADULT DAY SERVICES - THE FUTURE OF CARE

By Rick Martin

Jane's Place Adult Day Services Celebrates National Adult Day Care Week - September 14-20

Davenport, IA - September 8, 2014 - Every 60 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and one in three adults living with Alzheimer's will die from the disease.* These are staggering statistics that thousands of Quad City families face daily as they deal with the challenge of providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer's. Help is available with the Power of Adult Day Services at Jane's Place Adult Day Services Center in Davenport. The Quad City community is invited to learn more about the benefits of adult day services for individuals living with Alzheimer's and/or dementia at an open house Sunday, September 14 from 1-3 p.m. at Jane's Place Adult Day Center, 1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806.

Jane's Place, the only adult day services center in Scott County, is located in the Center For Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI), and provides a low-cost alternative to nursing home placement with a secure, structured home-like environment that encourages fun interaction through social and therapeutic activities within a friendly group setting. "Alzheimer's is a devastating disease for the patients and their families," said Dr. Lynn B. Geick, Family Physician, John Deere Medical Group. "Jane's Place is a wonderful option to help the patient and the family deal with the transition as the disease progresses." Jane's Place works with participants who require assistance in daily living activities, such as personal hygiene, ambulation, and toileting.

Why The Need For Adult Day Services Week?

It is projected that more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. The need for adult day services has never been greater as more than 13% of Iowa adults age 65 and older currently have this diagnose.* Often family members and caregivers don't think about adult day services until they are overwhelmed and feel they have nowhere to turn.

On September 27, 1983 President Ronald Reagan highlighted the need for adult day service centers when he signed Proclamation 5107, recognizing the third week of September as National Adult Day Care Week.

In this proclamation President Reagan called upon "every American community to consider the value of adult day care centers and to give appropriate recognition to centers offering these important services." In 2004 former President Regan died from complications associated with Alzheimer's.

Today, Jane's Place is one of more than 3,500 adult day centers supporting the needs of families and caregivers who offer an alternative to nursing homes and assisted living.**

Jane's Place Adult Day Services Community Open House is from 1-3pm, on Sunday, September 14, at 1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806. For more information about the services provided by Jane's Place call 563-386-7477 Ext. 236 or visit the CASI website, www.CASISeniors.org.

09 Sep 2014

ALL GOOD DAYS - A Benefit for the Family of Jon Herath

By Pat Herath
Saturday, October 4th, 2014

9:30pm - 12:00am

Miller Time Bowling

2902 E. Kimberly Rd., Davenport, IA

Jon and Holly Herath have beaten the odds over and over. At 25 years old, just over a year after marrying his college sweetheart Holly, Jon was diagnosed with advanced cancer. Hard times were upon them. With grit, determination, ongoing love, and the
support of fantastic medical staff, Jon survived his cancer and came out with a renewed passion for life, dedication to faith and family, and making the most of his time here. Despite ongoing renal issues, Jon finished his degree, went on to achieve a masters in educational administration, and built a life with Holly. They were lucky to be blessed with 2 children, Theodore and Ivy.

Jon and Holly lived lives of service. As passionate educators and musicians, they taught not only the love of music, but the idea that music can be a pathway to learn responsibility and scholarship. Jon found a home at District 300 in Lakewood School. He was a huge component of the school family there, forging strong relationships with his students over the years. Holly is a dedicated active member of the Air Force National Guard, serving her community and her country faithfully. Jon and Holly both have worked to personally raise thousands of dollars for cancer research over the years since Jon's illness. Additionally, Jon's impact on SD300 was profound, procuring tens of thousands of dollars in grant money for the district and sponsoring many after school programs for the kids.

Jon loved music, especially country and classical, and playing percussion. He was a die-hard Chicago sports fan, a lifelong lover of the Fighting Illini, and a Bears season ticket holder. Many of his students described him as like a second father.

But his greatest love was his family: Holly, Theodore, and Ivy. Anyone who met Jon and Holly knew that they were a perfect match with a special relationship. Jon doted on the kids and saw them as gifts from God. They led busy but very fulfilling lives, and they found strength in each other. Jon was the image of positive attitude and he strived to teach his students this same spirit. He would say, "We don't have bad days, only bad moments," trying to get others to understand that every moment is our chance to find good and to have a positive impact. We should strive for all good days.

On February 15th, 2014, Jon went to the doctor because he had been suffering from increasing exhaustion. The doctors identified a heart valve infection and immediately admitted him to the hospital. Three weeks later, after multiple surgeries, strokes, aneurysms, and complications, Jon was taken from Holly, Theodore, and Ivy on March 8th, and delivered to heaven to watch over them forever.

Family and friends of Jon Herath have planned a benefit for Holly, Theodore and Ivy to assist with their devastating loss and overwhelming expenses. We are writing to invite you to donate a silent auction item, merchandise, basket or monetary donation. An account has been established at Edward Jones. All proceeds go directly to the benefit of the family and will be used to help offset the high educational and care expenses for the kids, along with any ongoing medical expenses from Jon's treatment. Any gifts can be dropped off directly to 256 16th Ave., in East Moline or by contacting one of the committee members listed below for pickup. For any monetary donation, please make any checks payable to: The All Good Days Foundation. Please visit our website, www.all-good-days.com for more information.
09 Sep 2014

Governor Quinn Announces Nearly 20 Percent Reduction in Workers' Compensation Costs

By Rick Martin

Governor's Historic Reforms Continue to Drive Illinois' Comeback and Increase Savings for Businesses Across Illinois

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that workers' compensation costs in Illinois have dropped 19.3 percentage points since the passage of workers' compensation reform in 2011. This drop, reported by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), reflects a major reduction in the cost of claims paid by insurers and provides key savings for businesses across Illinois. News of the significant reduction comes on the heels of last month's announcement that Illinois' unemployment rate has dropped to an almost six-year low.

Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to strengthen Illinois' business climate, drive economic growth and ensure that all workers are treated fairly and receive the compensation they deserve.

"The major workers' compensation reforms we enacted in 2011 are protecting workers while continuing to reduce the cost of doing business in Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois' economy is making a comeback and major reforms like those to workers' compensation are driving it. We are getting the job done for our hardworking men and women and businesses across Illinois."

The NCCI credits these reductions in workers compensation costs to the 2011 reform signed by Governor Quinn. The Council is an independent bureau that analyzes workers compensation data nationwide and provides information and research to the insurance industry.

"The NCCI's reported decrease is proof that workers compensation costs are significantly lower than they were in 2011," Chairman of the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission Michael Latz said. "This demonstrates that insurance companies have had to pay less money on claims since 2011 and have enjoyed more profit."

Illinois' combined ratio for workers compensation costs is 93.7 percent. When applied to an insurance company's overall results, the combined ratio is a measure of the insurance company's profit against losses - a combined ratio below 100 percent shows an underwriting profit. Since 2010, the combined ratio for insurance companies writing workers compensation insurance in Illinois has decreased from 121.4 to 93.7. This indicates that insurance companies are experiencing a decrease in paid losses and retaining more profit.

Today's news follows an announcement from NCCI in July that it had recommended a 5.5 percent drop in the workers compensation advisory rate for 2015. This decrease will bring the total rate reduction since historic reforms championed by the Governor were enacted in 2011 to more than 19 percent, saving Illinois' employers more than $450 million. The NCCI advisory rates determine the premiums businesses pay for workers' compensation insurance.

Last month Illinois' unemployment fell to a six-year low. During July, 11,200 new private sector jobs were added, including 3,900 manufacturing jobs. The state's unemployment rate has fallen steadily since July 2013, when it stood at 9.2 percent, and has completed its steepest 12-month decline of 2.4 percentage points since August 1984. Since February 2010, Illinois has added 263,100 private sector jobs.

Governor Quinn made it a priority to reform workers' compensation and to work with business owners and legislators to make it easier to do business in Illinois. He launched a working group on the issue, proposed legislation and worked with the General Assembly to enact historic reform that is allowing businesses to save hundreds of millions of dollars, driving economic growth throughout the state.

Since taking office and inheriting decades of mismanagement, Governor Quinn has enacted major reforms that are saving taxpayers billions of dollars. The Governor has saved taxpayers more than $3 billion by overhauling Illinois' Medicaid system, cutting Medicaid spending and rooting out waste, fraud and abuse. He also passed comprehensive pension reform that will save taxpayers more than $140 billion over the next 30 years. Over the last five years, Governor Quinn has cut state spending by more than $5.7 billion.

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09 Sep 2014

Milton Hershey School Roots for Alum Garry Gilliam In His First NFL Game

By Keri Straub

MHS community rallying behind one of its own

HERSHEY, PA– Milton Hershey School® (MHS) graduate Garry Gilliam 2009 will make his official NFL debut tonight as an offensive tackle for the defending Super Bowl champions Seattle Seahawks. Gilliam, an undrafted free agent, was signed this weekend as part of the Seahawk's 53-man roster.

"When people tell me there's a high chance that I can't do something or won't do something, it drives me to prove them wrong. So, it definitely feels good when you know all of your hard work paid off and you get a spot on the team," Gilliam said.

Gilliam enrolled at MHS, a cost-free, private, residential school for children from families of low-income, when he was seven years old. The school provided him with a top-notch education, structured home life and access to a variety of activities.

"There is a lot of support at Milton Hershey School, and the way the classes are structured definitely helped me in college. The school also can make you grow up, and if you embrace the opportunities, it can definitely benefit anyone," Gilliam said.

An honor roll student at MHS, Gilliam also played four sports. He was named an All-American, All-State and All-Mid Penn Conference honoree as a four-year starter, playing tight end and defensive end. He also participated in the Big 33 game.

"Garry is an excellent representation of the Milton Hershey School graduate who works tremendously hard to achieve a goal. His MHS family is extremely proud. It is always wonderful to see our graduates moving on and leading successful and productive lives postgraduation," MHS President Peter Gurt '85 said.

After graduating from MHS, Gilliam played four years as tight end and offensive tackle for the Penn State Nittany Lions. He graduated in 2013 with a double major in advertising/public relations, and management.

Gilliam will suit up for his first NFL game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle tonight against the Green Bay Packers at 8:30 p.m. The game will be televised nationally on NBC.

Click here to find out more about Garry Gilliam's journey from MHS to Seattle.

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ABOUT MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL
Milton Hershey School® offers a top-notch education, state-of-the art facilities, advanced technology and a wide array of activities to children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from families of low income. This cost-free, private, coeducational school in Hershey, PA is funded by a trust established by Milton and Catherine Hershey. The school provides a positive, structured home life year-round and an excellent education, focusing on the whole child. Our vision centers on high-quality academics, college preparation, career readiness and providing children with the skills necessary to be successful in all aspects of life. Learn more at www.mhskids.org.

09 Sep 2014

LEE, RAMSAY WIN ASTROS' AUGUST HONORS

By Scott Kornberg
Former Bandits Sclafani, Jankowski, Holmes, Kemmer, Joyce and Melendez take home honors across various levels in Astros system

DAVENPORT, Iowa (September 4, 2014) - Outfielder James Ramsay is the Quad Cities River Bandits Player of the Month for August, and left-handed pitcher Chris Lee is the team's Pitcher of the Month, the Houston Astros announced on Thursday.

The Houston Astros Player Development Department named a Pitcher and Player of the Month at each of their four full-season affiliates, three short-season affiliates and two Dominican Summer League affiliates. These awards are chosen every month by the field staff of each team.

Ramsay, Houston's seventh-round pick in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, batted .322 with three doubles, one triple, three homers, 12 RBIs, 13 runs scored, 11 stolen bases, a .368 on-base percentage, .483 slugging percentage and .851 OPS in 23 August games, earning a promotion to Lancaster on August 26. The Brandon, Fla. native finished the season leading the River Bandits in runs (70), doubles (26), stolen bases (33) and walks (59). He batted .247 with a .339 OBP, .373 SLG, .713 OPS, 10 triples, three homers and 35 RBIs.

Lee, Houston's fourth-round pick in 2011, went 2-1 with a 2.66 ERA in six August outings covering 23.2 innings. The Tampa, Fl. native fanned 18 while walking nine and giving up 24 hits. Over the second half of the season, Lee was 6-1 with a 2.91 ERA in 55.2 innings. From June 14 through July 6, Lee did not walk a batter for 14.2 straight innings, the longest for any Quad Cities pitcher this year. He finished the campaign tied for the team lead with eight wins. He lost six games and posted a 3.66 ERA, 75 strikeouts and 51 walks in 113.0 innings. The southpaw's 1.98 groundout-to-airout ratio was the best of any River Bandits starting pitcher.

Below is a list of the Players and Pitchers of the Month this season for Quad Cities:

 

April

Brett Phillips

Gonzalo Sanudo

 

May

Brian Holberton

Jandel Gustave

 

June

Tyler White

Evan Grills

 

July

Chase McDonald

Albert Minnis

 

August

James Ramsay

Chris Lee

 

Former River Bandits infielder Joe Sclafani was selected as Triple-A Oklahoma City's Player of the Month and ex-Quad Cities right-handed pitcher Jordan Jankowski grabbed Double-A Corpus Christi's Pitcher of the Month honors. Two more former Bandits, outfielder Jon Kemmer and left-handed pitcher Brian Holmes, took home the honors at Class A Advanced Lancaster. 2013 River Bandits outfielder Terrell Joyce won Short Season Class A Tri-City's Player of the Month and outfielder Alexander Melendez, who played in six August games with Quad Cities, earned his second consecutive GCL Player of the Month award.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop-N-Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.

09 Sep 2014

Minimum wage momentum is fueled by the facts

By Jack Temple

Over the past year, a record number of states and cities have taken action to raise the minimum wage. These long-overdue wage increases have won support in both "red" and "blue" parts of the country, and have passed with the shared backing of workers and businesses alike.

In fact, a virtual consensus exists today in support of raising the minimum wage, which would not be possible if, as Mr. Romeo suggests, voters were simply responding to an "urban myth" about the challenges facing low-wage workers. To the contrary, it's a testament to just how clear that facts have become that workers, businesses, and voters across the country now agree that raising the minimum wage is a top-tier priority for boosting the economy.

It's important to look at the whole picture when considering the impact of raising the minimum wage. While it's true that those earning exactly $7.25 per hour tend to be younger, increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would raise pay for 28 million workers earning between $7.25 and $10.10 (and likely some earning just over $10.10, as employers adjust their pay scales upward).

U.S. Census Bureau data confirm the following facts about workers who would benefit from raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour:

  • 88 percent are adults over the age of twenty - not teenagers, as many opponents of raising the minimum wage suggest;
  • The average worker contributes nearly half of his or her family's entire income, meaning that those who would benefit from raising the minimum wage are not working for side-money but in fact are breadwinners their households;
  • Over 14 million children - nearly one out of every five children in the U.S. - have at least one parent who would benefit from raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour.

Indeed, it's precisely because so many workers and their families now rely on low-wage jobs to make ends meet that growing numbers of small business owners - including those in the restaurant industry -have started to support raising the minimum wage. After all, when workers do not earn enough to afford the basics, consumer spending plummets, draining the economy of the demand it needs to grow.

A poll released by Small Business Majority in March of this year found that 57 percent of small business owners support raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, and that 52 percent of small business owners agree that increasing the minimum wage would boost consumer demand, helping them grow and hire.

The facts are clear: raising the minimum wage is a win-win for workers and businesses alike - it's those who continue to oppose raising the minimum wage that have rested their case on a myth.

From Aftan Romanczak:
Unfortunately, the public won't realize what they have approved in wage hikes until they see the price inflation on menus because operators will not absorb the cost increase. They also don't realize that if the minimum wage is $15.00, every employee above that rate must be moved up incrementally.

From "Jeff":
You should all be ashamed of yourselves. The government is involved because you are too greedy to pay a living wage. I hope fast food prices skyrocket and you all go broke.

From Tim Borden:
Be careful what you wish for, consumers!

From "Roccobiale":
If the public votes in favor of these wage hikes, what you will see is restaurants do either or both of the following: Replace servers with tablets, or add a service fee to the check ( replacing the tip) and the restaurant controls the fee and distributes the monies as they see fit. Restaurants can't pay servers $15 and have them make $ 200 a night while the back of the house gets paid way less. [It] can't happen.

From "Roccobiale":
Putting the minimum wage to a vote is like asking the foxes if they want to the door to the chicken coop left open. Why is government involved in the business of setting wages for private industry?

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