11 Jul 2014

Braley Seeks Input of Iowans on Proposed Social Security Cuts

By Kirsten Hartman

Congressman releases survey ahead of impending cuts to Social Security Administration services

Washington, D.C. - Days after sending a letter to administration officials demanding answers on Social Security service cuts, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today is calling on Iowans to share their experiences with Iowa Social Security Administration offices as he continues his push to delay the cuts to the essential services that 11 million Americans?including many Iowa seniors?used just last year. Braley will share the comments he receives with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

"It's important the Social Security Administration knows that Iowans are paying attention and aren't going to sit around while these important services disappear without warning or a single penny saved," Braley said. "Tens of thousands of Iowans use these services and the Social Security Administration needs to hear exactly how those Iowans are going to be affected."

Iowans are encouraged to go to braley.house.gov to share their experiences and take a survey about their experience utilizing services at Social Security Administration field offices.

Beginning August 2014, SSA will no longer issue Social Security number printouts in its field offices. In addition, beginning October 2014, SSA field offices will stop providing benefit verification letters, except in emergency situations. Many seniors rely on these verification letters for a variety of services. Those requesting this information would be able to do so only online or over the phone. Last year alone, 11 million Americans used SSA offices to request this information.

Iowa's 19 SSA field offices are located in Cedar Rapids, Decorah, Dubuque, Marshalltown, Waterloo, Burlington, Coralville, Davenport, Ottumwa, Council Bluffs, Creston, Des Moines, Ames, Carroll, Ft. Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City, Spencer, and Storm Lake.

Over 450,000 Iowa seniors received Social Security benefits in 2013.

Braley's Seniors' Access to Social Security Act would prevent those cuts for one year, during which time Braley will seek verification that the proposed service cuts will not adversely affect Iowa's seniors and will save taxpayers money.

This week, Braley wrote a letter to SSA Commissioner Carolyn Colvin asking her to provide a series of answers about the proposed cuts, including whether an analysis of cost savings has been done and if public input was solicited prior to the proposed cuts. Braley also sought information from Colvin on how Iowans seeking these services would be informed of cuts.

In June, Braley joined a Congressional push to prevent the elimination of the SSA services in a letter to the head of the SSA, noting that it's vital that seniors be able to receive these services in person especially given that telephone wait times for SSA services have risen drastically in the last year, and that many seniors lack internet access.

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11 Jul 2014

Anderson urges both parties to consider measures to strengthen caucus integrity

By Sam Roecker

Plan includes using electronic poll books for check-in

DES MOINES, Iowa - Today, Brad Anderson, candidate for Iowa Secretary of State, releases his plan to strengthen the integrity of the caucuses and keep Iowa first in the nation.

The caucuses are, and must remain strictly a party function run independently by the Republican Party of Iowa and the Iowa Democratic Party. This ensures we will maintain our special relationship with New Hampshire and our first in the nation status with the two national parties.

Although there is no formal role the state should play in the caucuses, given the importance of the caucuses in the nomination process, as well as to Iowa's reputation and economy, there are ways the next Iowa Secretary of State can be supportive to keep Iowa first in the nation.

"I commend both parties for exploring ways to increase participation in the caucuses," said Anderson. "I believe any caucus reforms should include measures to strengthen the integrity of the caucuses to further ensure only eligible Iowa voters are participating. The technology exists to strengthen caucus integrity, shorten lines and modernize the check-in process, and the Secretary of State's office can play a vital role in assisting the parties by providing technical support and quality data. Given the record participation we saw in the caucuses in 2008, the time has come to utilize 21st Century innovation such as electronic poll books to accommodate the tremendous interest in the Iowa caucuses."

ANDERSON PLAN TO STRENGTHEN CAUCUS INTEGRITY AND KEEP IOWA FIRST IN THE NATION:

ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT USE OF ELECTRONIC POLL BOOKS FOR CAUCUS CHECK-IN: Strengthening the integrity of the caucuses should be a top priority for both parties. In the age of Twitter, any perceived impropriety could be tweeted, re-tweeted and become viral in a matter of minutes. Both parties should utilize 21st Century solutions to ensure only eligible caucus-goers are attending and participating in the process. The days of printing out reams of paper with outdated lists of eligible caucus-goers for volunteers to reference during the cumbersome check-in process must come to an end. Parties should be encouraged to utilize electronic poll book technology that would provide up-to-date lists and allow Iowans to check-in electronically. I believe the next Secretary of State should work with each of the parties to develop and support an affordable, efficient and effective electronic poll book that would allow caucus participants to easily check-in and allow volunteers to immediately confirm eligibility. Utilizing existing technology to develop a caucus poll book will increase the speed of development and cut down on cost for the parties.

MAINTAIN OPEN DIALOGUE WITH NEW HAMPSHIRE SECRETARY OF STATE: For decades Iowa has had a productive, working relationship with New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner. Maintaining this relationship must be a priority for Iowa's next Secretary of State. As Iowa Republicans and Democrats search for ways to increase participation and strengthen the integrity of the process, we must continue to engage New Hampshire and the national parties to ensure the caucuses remain a true caucus and adhere to the spirit and guidelines of the nomination calendar.

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11 Jul 2014

House Members Should Insist on Proper Deliberation of This Highly Controversial H.R. 4156 Legislation

By Kevin Mitchell

Airlines Triple Down on H.R. 4156

A House of Cards Premised on A Big Lie

July 10, 2014, Washington, DC - Business Travel Coalition (BTC) today has learned that H.R. 4156, the Transparent Airfares Act of 2014, is on the short list in the U.S. House of Representatives for a Suspension Calendar vote prior to the August recess. Suspension of the rules is a procedure used to quickly pass non-controversial bills in the House. H.R. 4156 arguably represents one of the most controversial aviation bills in a generation. (See http://btc.travel.)

The bill was passed out of Committee on April 9, 2014 without any hearings, debate or opportunity for consumer or travel industry stakeholders (other than airlines) to inform Congress of their views and the flaws in this bill. This is not the harmonious naming of a Post Office - the type of bill the Suspension Calendar is used for - but rather, contentious legislation that would harm consumers by reversing a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rule implemented in 2012 as a cure to misleading airline advertising. House Members should reject this Suspension Calendar scheme and insist on proper deliberation of this highly controversial legislation.

This week, in a scene right out of NetFlix's House of Cards, airlines tripled down on their Big Lie and the manipulation of Congress that H.R. 4156 is premised upon. From the trade group Airlines For America, "...consumers deserve to clearly know just how much they are paying in federally imposed taxes and fees every time they purchase a ticket." (See http://btcnews.co/W0pxMe.)

Likewise, from American Airlines' in-flight magazine, American Way, the carrier's CEO asserts, "I can assure you that at American Airlines, you will never be asked to finalize a purchase without knowing the full price of the ticket, including all federal taxes and fees. But with this legislation, you will be better informed to know exactly what you are paying for in advance..." (See http://btcnews.co/1rXoM3d.)

THE BIG LIE; THE TRUTH

"Airlines falsely claimed to Congress, and continue to double and triple down in the press, that the DOT advertising rule forces them to hide government taxes and fees. The opposite is true. Airlines are free to list these amounts in an advertisement or solicitation so long as they are less prominently displayed than the total airfare, stated BTC founder Kevin Mitchell. "Moreover, airlines can list all taxes and fees on ticket itineraries and further remind passengers of these costs when printing out boarding passes. They simply choose not to," added Mitchell.

Some find Frank Underwood's lies and manipulation in House of Cards highly entertaining. But when it comes to reality in Congress and consumer protections, at least one Member of Congress finds airlines' duplicity deeply disturbing and has the courage to stand up to them. U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), a House Transportation Committee member who voted (perhaps alone) against H.R. 4156 succinctly told The Associated Press in a May 8 article: "The bill is 'a gift to the airlines...' 'What you're going to see is $200 for the airfare, and then you're going to be shocked when it turns out to really be $250,' he said. 'It's misleading to the consumer. It's just dishonest.'"

At http://btc.travel find relevant foundational documents, analyses and industry statements representing all views on H.R. 4156 as well as press editorials and stories.

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About BTC
Founded in 1994, the mission of Business Travel Coalition is to interpret industry and government policies and practices and provide a platform to enable the managed travel community to influence issues of strategic importance to their organizations.

11 Jul 2014

Iowa State Fair Offers Entertainment and Activities Just for Kids

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/10/2014)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair has a wide variety of free, family-friendly fun coming to the 2014 Fair. Kids' activities and entertainment, all free with admission, can be found everywhere from the Kids' Zone to the Fun Forest Stage. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set August 7-17.

The Kids' Zone - a special area packed with games and entertainment - is planned with young Fairgoers in mind. Experience the wonders of Bruno's Tiger Show. Learn about farming and celebrate Little Hands on the Farm's 10th anniversary. Learn more about water, light, soil nutrients and plant growth at the interactive Seed Survivor display. Before you leave, visit the Blue Ribbon Kids tent for fun Fair-themed activities every weekday.

Blue Ribbon Kids, the Fair's special club for ages 10 and under, allows children to experience the Fair from a unique perspective. Blue Ribbon Kids members will get to be part of the action during special club activities every morning at 10 a.m. in the kids' club tent in the Kids' Zone, north of the Animal Learning Center and will last 30-60 minutes. Membership is free and children can sign up between 9 and 9:30 a.m. for any club event or download a form at iowastatefair.org/just-for-kids/blue-ribbon-kids-club and bring it along.

Schedule of Blue Ribbon Kids Events:

Thursday, August 7 - Become a Fair Entrant Day

Friday, August 8 - Paint the Sidewalks Day

Monday, August 11 - Dairy Daze Day

Tuesday, August 12 - Plant with Us Day

Wednesday, August 13 - Pay It Forward Day

Thursday, August 14 - Baby Farm Animal Day

Friday, August 15 - Make and Take Craft Day

Fun Forest Stage:

The Fair's family-friendly Fun Forest Stage is nestled in 1.5 acres of fun, located east of the John Deere Agriculture Building. All shows are ASL interpreted, courtesy of the Deaf Action Center and the Iowa State Fair.

James Johnson's World Record Balloon Stunt Show includes visual comedy, magic and stunts. He is best known for "pushing the limits" as he puts people inside a giant, 6 foot in diameter, latex balloon. Shows begin daily at 11 a.m.,1 and 3 p.m.

The Rubber Chicken Show starring Greg Frisbee, a comedian, juggler and escape artist. He keeps the audience on their toes by juggling while his hands are on fire, escaping from a straight jacket and launching a rubber chicken with a cannon. This family-friendly event is sure to entertain. Shows begin daily at Noon, 2 and 4 p.m.

Grounds Attractions:

The Red Trouser Show offers a high-end street theater production full of acrobatic tricks and hilarious stunts. This professional and highly skilled duo uses fire, juggling and illusions to provide a unique and visible attraction that leaves awe-stricken audiences laughing. Shows daily at Noon, 3, and 6 p.m. on Expo Hill.

Bandaloni gives musical entertainment a funny facelift as he belts out familiar family favorites while playing guitar, harmonica, tambourine, high-hat, kick-drum, snare and more - all at the same time! Strolling daily at 11 a.m.,1 and 3 p.m.

Hedrick's Petting Zoo is the ideal place for fairgoers can get up-close-and-personal with zebras, kangaroos, camels and more in a safe and fun environment. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. north of Gate 11.

More Entertainment:

In addition to feeling the squish of grapes between your toes during the Grape Stomp (daily, 11 a.m., 2, 3, and 6 p.m.), more Grape Getaway kids' activities will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in a tent north of Grandfather's Barn.

No matter what your age, fun will be had by all on Iowa Park and Recreation day, Thursday, August 14. Participate in bubble gum blowing (9 a.m.) and the pie eating contests (10:30 a.m.) on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage and the Big Wheel Races (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.), arts and crafts (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and scavenger hunts (1 p.m.) on the Grand Concourse.

Stop by the Maytag Family Theaters to enjoy Pella Wildlife Company's daily educational presentations. Learn about Iowa's wolves and bats, or become an expert on reptiles and birds of prey. Shows daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Stop by the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building Atrium for the return of Sandscapes, a team of national, international and world champion sand sculptors, and watch them construct an agriculture-themed masterpiece. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Silly Sally the Clown's shows teach and entertain audiences of all ages with magic, music, puppetry and dancing. The performance will be held on Thursday, August 7, at 10:30 a.m. on the Fairview Stage.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at www.iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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11 Jul 2014

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 7/10 - 7/16

By QC Chamber

Incubus fans are in for a treat this weekend when bass guitarist Ben Kenney performs in the Redstone Room at River Music Experience! Make your way to this Friday's Live at Five featuring the Franti Project sponsored by Living Lands & Waters and stick around to see his performance afterward. Until then, enjoy a performance of unique, eclectic folk/rock tunes by the Oh Hellos tonight!

Connect with hundreds of anime fans this weekend at the RiverCenter during Anime-zing! This annual three-day festival features autograph sessions, panels, workshops, concerts, and much, much more. On Sunday, the Adler Theatre hosts the rock-driven Newsboys as a part of the FAMiLY LEADER if 7:14 Call event. Tickets are complimentary and available from the FAMiLY LEADER.

Gather up the family and head to the Figge Art Museum this Saturday for Family Day. Explore the amazing displays of art, fiber, and more all for FREE! Here's a chance to peruse a new exhibit opening that same day- Two Americans in Paris: Stuart Davis and Grant Wood. If your teen signed up for the Teen Art Summer Drawing Program, keep in mind courses begin on Monday.

Canvas. Colors. Cocktails...what more could you want? Treat yourself to a night of fun and creativity at Re-Cre8 Studio this week. Sign up to for the "Flowing Colors" painting tonight or the "Sand and Surf" painting Wednesday. Bring your young-ins out on Tuesday for the Youth Open Studio session and let the employees assist them with the painting of their choice.

The Farmer's Market continues on this weekend at the Scott County Administration lot on 4th Street. And don't you worry, they'll have all the same great produce, hand-made crafts, and delicious food items like they always do! While you're in town, swing by Source Bookstore or My Favorite Frame Shop for more unique goods!

See you downtown!

Friday, July 11

Anime-zing!

Where: RiverCenter

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Price: $40

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