31 Jul 2014

Is Bustos Really Taking Medicare Away from IL-17 Seniors?

By Bobby Schilling

Yes.  Bustos supports a law that cut $700 billion from Medicare and will kick 7.4 million seniors off their Medicare Advantage plans by 2016.

EAST MOLINE, Ill.?Congresswoman and Obamacare supporter Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline) has mostly avoided discussing her support for the President's failed health care law during her first term. However, her campaign manager, Jeremy Jansen, couldn't help himself on Monday as he defended Obamacare and argued that we need to "move forward" on implementing the law.

Jansen plead ignorance to the increased cost of health insurance that hard-working taxpayers are now facing, instead launching into a series of generic talking points against Bobby Schilling (R-Colona) in an effort to change the subject. 

Jansen should be praised for his noble effort at damage control by trying to deflect attention from Bustos' support for Obamacare?after all, his boss not only supports higher insurance rates for hard-working taxpayers, but she also supports taking Medicare away from seniors living on a fixed income.

Politifact famously called President Obama's empty promise "if you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan" the 2013 Lie of the Year. That's because millions of Americans are losing their health insurance under Obamacare. This empty promise is now affecting seniors on Medicare Advantage as well because of the $700 billion in cuts to Medicare written into the President's failed health care law. Nearly half of the 15 million seniors on Medicare Advantage are projected to lose their coverage by 2017.

Bobby Schilling, candidate for Congress in the Illinois 17th District, said that Medicare should be preserved and protected from politicians like Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline) who are hellbent on destroying it.

"Medicare is on a collision course with bankruptcy, and Cheri Bustos is driving the car right toward it," Schilling said. "I disagree with the Congresswoman?I do not support cutting $700 billion from Medicare to promote the President's failed health care law. I do not support destroying Medicare Advantage as we know it. A promise made is a promise kept, and I am committed to keeping Medicare and Social Security solvent for current and future generations."

Jon Schweppe, communications director at Bobby Schilling for Congress, said that Bustos has the wrong priorities and is displaying a complete lack of regard for her struggling constituents.

"It's bad enough that Cheri Bustos wants to crush hard-working taxpayers with ridiculous health insurance rate increases, but now she's going after seniors living on a fixed income, too," Schweppe said. "Why hasn't Cheri Bustos introduced a bill to reverse the $700 billion to Medicare cuts? Why won't she help the more than seven million seniors who are set to lose their Medicare Advantage coverage? Cheri Bustos continues to put loyalty to Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama first, while displaying a complete disregard for seniors living on a fixed income and hard-working taxpayers living paycheck to paycheck."

Bobby Schilling was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He has been married to his wife, Christie for 27 years and together they have 10 children. Schilling represented the Illinois 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2012, serving on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. Schilling is seeking another term and is running against incumbent Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline).


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31 Jul 2014

4 Reasons Why Some E-Cigs Are a Safer Alternative to Traditional Smoking

By Ginny Grimsley
CEO Applauds FDA's Proposed Regulations

The Food and Drug Administration is trying to get a handle on new smoking products, including electronic cigarettes, with newly proposed regulations that include banning sales to minors and requiring manufacturers to register all of their products and ingredients with the FDA.

"I like these proposals; the public needs clarity on smoking alternatives because we have 42.1 million adult tobacco smokers [CDC, 2012] who may be able to benefit from them," says Anthony Sarvucci, CEO of American Heritage International, (www.americanheritageonline.com), a company that develops e-cigarettes expressly for adult tobacco smokers who want to quit but have not succeeded.

"The bottom line is that we know how terrible traditional cigarettes are for people, but there has been a vacuum of information about e-cigs, which leads to a great deal of misinformation, some fear-mongering, and even simply making stuff up."

Sarvucci gives four reasons why some e-cigarettes are easily a better alternative.

•  According to the American Lung Association, the average cigarette contains acetone, found in nail polish remover; acetic acid, an ingredient in hair dye; ammonia, a common household cleaner; arsenic, used in rat poison; benzene, found in rubber cement; butane, used in lighter fluid; cadmium, active component in battery acid; carbon monoxide, released in car exhaust fumes; formaldehyde, embalming fluid; hexamine, found in barbecue lighter fluid; lead, used in batteries; naphthalene, an ingredient in moth balls; methanol, a main component in rocket fuel; nicotine, used as insecticide; tar, material for paving roads; and toluene, used to manufacture paint.

•  "Adult consumers of e-cigarettes deserve to know what they're smoking," says Sarvucci, who adds that minors "absolutely should not be smoking or vaping, period." American Heritage's vapor fluid contains water and three food-grade quality ingredients - kosher vegetable glycerin and vegetable propylene and natural flavoring, and the nicotine is derived naturally. "We're the only e-cigarette company for which all of the e-juice ingredients are sourced and mixed in the United States," he says. "Fluid for most other e-cigarettes is sourced and mixed in China and it often contains dozens of ingredients."

•  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarettes harm nearly every organ in your body and cause dozens of diseases. Cigarette smoke causes more deaths - combined - than HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol consumption, motor vehicle injuries and gun incidents. "We've made significant progress against cigarette smoke in recent decades, but it's not only a problem of the past," he says. Almost half a million Americans will continue to die each year, even though they know the statistics as well as anyone, because they are severely addicted. "Mimicking an authentic smoking experience, like my company tries to do, at least gives these people a better option that's also healthier for the people around them," Sarvucci says.

•  Smokers deserve hope ... In American culture, we have a can-do attitude that is unique to the world, which largely accounts for our influence. We often have a tough time, however, admitting that an individual has a problem that's beyond his or her control. Smoking cigarettes is that problem for more than 40 million of our friends, family and neighbors.

"Look – I wouldn't have gotten into this business if it were to create new smokers," Sarvucci says. "I went this route because, yes, it's a highly profitable space, but it's also an extremely helpful alternative for traditional smokers. If you're a nonsmoker, ask yourself: What would you rather have in your body, a few edible compounds, water and naturally sourced nicotine, or nicotine accompanied by the chemical used to exterminate rats?"

About Anthony Sarvucci

Anthony Sarvucci is the CEO of American Heritage International, (www.americanheritageonline.com), a publicly traded company that manufactures, distributes and sells disposable premium electronic cigarettes. The product uses ingredients that are exclusively sourced and mixed in America, and is designed strictly as an alternative for tobacco smokers and chewers. Sarvucci is past president and co-founder of Prairie West Oil and Gas Ltd. and serves as an investment banking consultant.

31 Jul 2014

Magic of the Iowa State Fair Comes to Life in New Book

By Allison Means
The University of Iowa Press is proud to present our newest Iowa and the Midwest Experience series book, The Iowa State Fair, by Kurt Ullrich.

"Kurt Ullrich immersed himself in the 2013 Iowa State Fair with awe and curiosity. He competed, conversed, indulged, and enjoyed himself as a true Iowan while documenting the process. His images show the diversity and beauty of the state's greatest event."--Mary Willie, multimedia journalist, Des Moines Register

"You can almost smell the corndogs. . . . In his photographs, Kurt Ullrich captures the food, the fun, and, best of all, the faces--everything that makes the Iowa State Fair unforgettable."  --Sally Finder, editor, Meredith Corporation

Get Your Signed Copy
Saturday, August 2
1:00pm
Prairie Lights Books
15 S. Dubuque St.
Iowa City, IA
Sunday, August 10
1:00pm
4550 University Ave.
West Des Moines, IA

Friday, August 15
All day
Iowa State Fair
The University of Iowa Booth in the Varied Industries Building
31 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Announces Historic Workers' Compensation Rate Reductions

By Rick Martin

Savings from 2011 Reforms Expected to Save $450 Million for Businesses Across Illinois

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has filed a request for lower workers compensation rates, recommending a 5.5 percent drop in the 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 18 percent, saving Illinois' employers more than $450 million.

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.

"We've been getting the job done on workers' compensation reform and now that reform is generating hundreds of millions of dollars in dividends for Illinois businesses and workers," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois is making a comeback and historic reforms like these will keep it going strong, driving our economy forward and creating jobs in every corner of our state."

State officials at the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) estimate the latest proposed reduction in workers' compensation advisory and loss cost rates could result in overall reduction in premiums of up to $143 million in 2015, with the total savings since the reforms were enacted of $458 million. This estimate is based on the credit rating organization A.M. Best's calculations as they reviewed 2011 premiums. Individual rates for businesses may vary based on claims experience, payroll and other factors.

The NCCI advisory rates determine the premiums businesses pay for workers' compensation insurance. DOI actuaries must confirm the calculations submitted by NCCI, a process that typically takes about 60 days.

"We're pleased that the NCCI has proposed a rate reduction in Illinois for the third straight year," DOI Director Andrew Boron said. "The lower rate will deliver significant savings for Illinois employers. This rate review process will ensure the state has a responsible advisory rate that supports business growth and protects workers."

Upon taking office in 2009, Governor Quinn made it a priority to reform workers' compensation and to work with business owners and legislators on legislation 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.

A steady and significant decline in the advisory rate for workers compensation insurance in Illinois shows that these reforms are working. The advisory rate dropped 3.8 percent in 2013, 4.5 percent in 2014 and will have dropped an additional 5.5 percent for 2015. The downward trend reflects actuaries' observations that the reform of workers' compensation in Illinois reduced costs.

"NCCI's reduction of its advisory rates for Illinois workers' compensation provides objective proof that demonstrates that workers compensation costs have been reduced in Illinois," Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Chairman Michael Latz said. "Actuaries are very careful - and before they recommend that insurance companies reduce their rates - they must first have confirmed data showing reduced costs."

With the implementation of the proposed rate reduction, the advisory rate level will have dropped 18.1 percent below the advisory rate level prior to the 2011 workers' compensation reform legislation. This will be the fourth rate reduction in five years since the reforms were enacted. Individual companies may experience rate changes at different levels.

If DOI accepts the filing, to be effective Jan. 1, 2015, employers should contact their insurance agent prior to their 2015 renewal date to determine the impact on their premium.

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31 Jul 2014

LUMBERKINGS OVERCOME BANDITS' BIG SWINGS

By Marco LaNave

Brett Phillips has five of Quad Cities' 10 home runs in the last five games for a team total of 29 in July

DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 30, 2014) - Brett Phillips became the first Quad Cities player in at least 16 seasons to homer in five straight games, and A.J. Reed homered for the second time in three Midwest League games, but the Clinton LumberKings overcame a 4-0 deficit and scored the deciding run in the ninth inning of a 6-5 win for the visitors in front of 2,977 at Modern Woodmen Park Wednesday night.

Quad Cities (21-17 second half, 56-51 overall) and Clinton (14-24, 44-62) were scoreless until the fourth inning. River Bandits left-hander Chris Lee struck out five in his first four innings, while LumberKings right-hander Seon-Gi Kim struck out the game's first four batters and recorded the first six outs on strikeouts. Kim had retired 10 of the first 11 batters when first baseman Chase McDonald hit a one-out single in the fourth inning for his team's first hit. Reed hit the next pitch from Kim over the right-field for his second hit - and second home run - in the Midwest League. Lee kept the 2-0 lead by getting his third ground-ball double play of the night in a scoreless top of the fifth inning.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, River Bandits third baseman Marc Wik hit a double down the left-field line, and two batters later, with shortstop Thomas Lindauer at the plate and one out, an opossum came onto the field and delayed the game briefly. Once it was removed from the field, Kim fanned Lindauer for his season-high eight strikeout, but Phillips followed with a home run to right-center field.

Phillips' home run was his 12th of the season and his career and gave Quad Cities a 4-0 lead. His home runs in five straight games is a feat unmatched by a Quad Cities player since at least the 1998 season. In July, Phillips has eight home runs - the most in a single month by a Quad Cities player since Tyler Greene hit nine in July 2006. The River Bandits' 29 home runs in 27 July games are their most in a single month since hitting 30 in 31 games in May 2012.

Once Lee started the sixth inning, the lead did not last until the first out. A walk by center fielder Aaron Barbosa and single by shortstop Jack Reinheimer preceded a two-run triple by left fielder Chantz Mack, who scored on designated hitter Justin Seager's RBI single to chase Lee after five-plus innings, in which he allowed four earned runs on seven hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Left-hander Chris Cotton came in and allowed a game-tying triple by catcher Marcus Littlewood and a go-ahead single by first baseman Jeff Zimmerman for a 5-4 Clinton lead. Cotton got the next three outs and did not allow a run in the rest of his 2 2/3 innings.

After Kim allowed four earned runs on four hits and two walks in five innings, left-hander Paul Fry inherited a 5-4 lead to start the sixth inning. Catcher Brian Holberton singled to left field and went to second on an error by Mack, went to third base on a single by left fielder Ryan Bottger and scored on Wik's sacrifice fly. Quad Cities would get only one hit in its final 11 at-bats and was out-hit by Clinton, 12-7.

The 5-5 tie remained until the ninth inning, when right-hander Andrew Walter allowed singles by third baseman Martin Peguero and second baseman Luis Caballero. A fielder's choice on a bunt, a wild pitch and a walk loaded the bases with one out. Mack hit popup that Lindauer caught sliding in foul territory behind third base, on which Caballero scored the go-ahead run. In the bottom of the inning, right-hander Kevin McCoy allowed a leadoff single to Bottger but stranded the tying run at second base to end his team's six-game losing streak.

Quad Cities plays the rubber match of its three-game series with Clinton at 7 p.m. Thursday. River Bandits right-hander Michael Feliz (6-3) is scheduled to face LumberKings left-hander Blake Holovach (5-4).

UP NEXT: "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase will appear at Modern Woodmen Park for Pro Wrestling Night on Thursday. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a Thirst-Day with $2 drink specials presented by the River Cities' Reader. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership recently 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, and Space Camp opened June 20; the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line has also reopened. Soon to come is another new ride, this one called a "Drop and Twist." In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

*****
31 Jul 2014

Berlin: Divided Past/United Future New Exhibition at the German American Heritage Center Open August 3rd

By Janet Brown-Lowe

Join us on Sunday, August 3rd at 2:00 as Dr. David Ellis of Augustana College shares his program "Berlin on the Brink - 1945 to 1962." He will include postwar Berlin, the Berlin airlift, pivotal Berlin policies between the superpowers and the final decision to construct the wall. Come hear a great presenter with a personal connection to Berlin - he was there when the wall came down! See you there!

This event will open our two newest exhibitions commemorating the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Berlin: Divided Past, United Future

This exhibition will explore the history of East and West Berlin from 1961-1989 and beyond. Artifacts, video, and iconic images bring the recent history of this area of the Cold War back to our communal memory. Visit this informative exhibit on the wall that seemed impossible to go up and impossible to fall.

Berlins: Made in the USA

This exhibition comes to us via the German American Heritage Museum in Washington D.C. It takes us on a road trip through the U.S.A. visiting the over 40 cities named Berlin. We find out where and why we have so many cities named after the capital of Germany.

Berlin: Divided Past, United Future is sponsored by the H. J. Dane Law Firm of Davenport. We are grateful for their generous support in bringing the exhibit and companion programming to the Quad City community.

Starting August 3rd, the Centennial Bridge will be closed for about a month. Please make alternative plans for reaching the Center if traveling from Illinois. I-74 Bridge, the Arsenal Bridge, and the I-280 Bridge may be available options. Thank you for supporting us during this time that may result in slower than usual traffic for the museum.

31 Jul 2014

Simon Named to Leadership of Nation's Lieutenant Governors Association

By Rick Martin

CHICAGO – July 30, 2014. Illinois Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will serve on the leadership committee of the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA).  NLGA is a professional association enabling regional and nationwide policy discussion and progress at the state level.

 

"I'm very proud to continue serving in the NLGA, and look forward to keeping the lines of communication open between Illinois and other states as we work toward bipartisan, nationwide progress on the issues that cross state lines," Simon said Wednesday.

Simon has been named Midwest Regional Chair of the NLGA Executive Committee. She was elected unanimously by a bipartisan group of other lieutenant governors who are members of the organization.

The Association provides research and best practices exchange to the officeholders first in line of succession to governor in all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

"Through NLGA's bi-partisan nature, the priorities of lieutenant governors and their states and territories are united, not divided," said NLGA Director Julia Hurst.

The committee meets about three times a year and is responsible for charting the course of policy issues and national impact to be pursued by the nation's second-highest state and territorial officeholders.  In addition to its specific duties, the committee will also address issues of mutual concern to all members.

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31 Jul 2014

Free Viewing of the Stars at Night

By Quad Cities Astronomical Society
Join The Quad Cities Astronomical Society and Davenport Parks and Recreation for a public family viewing of the stars!

Participants can see the celestial sights through the QCAS and member telescopes.

This program is free.

The weather pattern is likely to stay the same for the remainder of the week, which means, clouds in the afternoon, but clearing in the evening. The Moon will be a pretty crescent shape, that night, which makes for some very nice views of craters as seen through telescopes.

Where & When
8991 N Division St
Davenport, Iowa
Saturday, August 2
At Dusk (approximately 8:00pm)
31 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Expand Life-Saving Measures in Illinois Schools

By Andrew Mason

Expands Epinephrine Law to Protect Illinois' Students in Life-Threatening Emergencies

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to sign legislation that will help protect Illinois' students in life-threatening situations. The new law allows specially-trained school personnel to administer potentially life-saving epinephrine injections to help against serious allergic reactions. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to protect and improve the health and well-being of people across Illinois.

"We want our schools in Illinois to be high-quality places of learning and that includes making sure our students are safe," Governor Quinn said. "In cases of severe allergic reactions, there is precious time to act and potentially save a life. This new law will provide more life-saving tools to protect all who attend, work in or visit Illinois' schools."

"Increasing access to life-saving allergy medication in schools is a simple yet critical safety measure to better protect our children's health and safety, particularly at a time when dangerous food allergies are on the rise," Attorney General Madigan said. "This law will allow trained school personnel to act quickly in the case of an unforeseen medical emergency."

House Bill 5892 was an initiative of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and was sponsored by State Representative Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg) and State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill). The legislation allows properly-trained school personnel to administer an epinephrine injection, commonly known as epi-pen, when they believe a student, employee or school visitor is having an anaphylactic reaction. Previously, only school nurses could administer these injections to students. The law sets curriculum requirements to train school personnel and allows students to carry and administer their own epinephrine injections as well as their asthma medication with parental consent. The law is effective Aug. 1, 2014.

"Protecting our children both at school and their associated activities is a top priority," Representative Michelle Mussman said. "This legislation provides our teachers, school nurses, volunteers and students with the tools and resources they need to provide for the safety of every child and adult in our school buildings."

"More and more children are being diagnosed with food allergies, with peanuts, eggs, milk, soy and wheat as the most common culprits," Senator Andy Manar said. "Ensuring timely access to this life-saving medication can mean the difference between life and death for a child."

Governor Quinn is committed to bringing life-saving measures into Illinois schools. In 2013, Governor Quinn convened a School Safety Summit that included more than 50 top experts from across the state to develop short- and long-term actions to further safeguard Illinois schools. In June he signed a law that requires CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training for students in all Illinois high schools.

Governor Quinn also signed more school safety legislation, making safety drills mandatory at private schools, increasing school safety improvement funds and allowing public school districts to make updated emergency and crisis plans available to first responders, teachers, and administrators through electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets and laptops.

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31 Jul 2014

Braley Backs Bipartisan Veterans Administration Reform Compromise

By Kirsten Hartman

Congressman urges President to sign bill as quickly as possible

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today voted in favor of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014?the bipartisan reform package, meant to address problems within the Veterans Affairs Administration?as it overwhelmingly passed the House 420-5. Earlier this week, the package was agreed to by Senate VA Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and House VA Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Fla).

"I'm proud that both parties could come together today and support this legislation aimed at seriously addressing the misconduct that has been exposed at the VA," Braley said. "Our veterans deserve high quality, efficient, and easy-to-access care and this legislation is a big, bipartisan step in that direction. I urge the President to sign this bill as quickly as possible."

The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 has four main components:

·         Strengthen VA to meet veterans' needs: The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 would bolster VA staffing, add new infrastructure and facilities designated for veterans care, and authorize major medical facility leases for 27 new clinics in 18 states and Puerto Rico.

·         Expand access to care: The legislation would allow veterans who have waited more than 30 days for an appointment with the VA, or that live more than 40 miles from a VA facility, to seek care from a private physician, a community health center, a Department of Defense health care facility or Indian Health Center.

·         Support veterans and their families: The legislation would improve the delivery of care for veterans who experienced sexual trauma while in the military; survivor benefits will be expanded so surviving spouses can further their education, rebuild their lives, and take care of their families;  all veterans eligible for education benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill will qualify for in-state tuition; and the legislation would extend a program (set to expire) which provides housing for veterans struggling with traumatic brain injuries.

·         Remove incompetent senior officials: The VA secretary would be granted the authority to immediately remove senior executives based on poor job performance or misconduct and the Merit Systems Protection Board would prevent political firings or other abuses of power including retaliation against whistle blowers.

 

Braley had previously endorsed the framework outlined in the Senate package formulated by Senators Sanders and McCain (R-Ariz).

Last month, Braley called on Congressional leadership to pass his Veterans Access to Care Act to provide solutions to problems at the VA.

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