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.

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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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

Website

 

Ben Kenney (of Incubus)

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 8:00 p.m. / Show 9:00 p.m.

Price: $15 in adv. / $20 at the door

Website

 

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 6:00 p.m

Price: N/A

Website

Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: River's Edge
Time: 8:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.
Price: $10
Friday Live at 5 featuring Franti Project sponsored by Living Lands and Waters
Where: River Music Experience, Courtyard
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

 

Fridays at the Figge: Kids Class- Printmaking

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: $45/member; $55/non-member

Website

 

Japanese Artist Anna Ito- Calligraphy art, ZEN art stones, & Statement Jewelry Exhibit
Where: Bucktown Center for the Arts, Showcase #1
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: Available for purcase at affordable prices
Live Lunch with Tony Hoeppner
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Public Skate
Where: River's Edge
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: $5 and up
Saturday, July 12
Anime-zing!
Where: RiverCenter
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Price: $40

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery
Time: Noon, 1:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m, 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
Price: N/A

 

Bucktown Center for the Arts

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Exhibition: 100 Years, 100 Stories: Celebrating the Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($5 or less), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: A Moveable Museum: Works from the UIMA School Programs Collections

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Innovators and Legends

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Local Threads

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: The World of Berta Hummel
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Price: Museum Admission ($5 or less), or FREE with membership
Exhibition: Thunderstorm
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership
Exhibition Opens: Two Americans in Paris: Stuart Davis and Grant Wood
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

 

Family Day

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market

Where: Scott County Administration Lot; 600 W. 4th St.

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Japanese Artist Anna Ito- Calligraphy art, ZEN art stones, & Statement Jewelry Exhibit
Where: Bucktown Center for the Arts, Showcase #1
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: Available for purcase at affordable prices

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

QC Rock Academy Vocal Camp Concert

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Songwriter's All-Original Open Mic

Where: River Music Experience, Second Floor

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Tour: Two Americans in Paris

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Sunday, July 13

Anime-zing!
Where: RiverCenter
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: $40
"Celebration of 100 Years"
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Price: Museum Admission ($5 or less), or FREE with membership
Newsboys
Where: The Adler Theatre
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Price: Complimentary (available from the Family Leader)
Open Mic Night with Karl Beatty
Where: Barrel House 211
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Public Skate
Where: River's Edge
Time: 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. ; 2:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Price: $5 and up

 

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro

Where: Blackhawk Hotel

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Price: Adults - $17.95 and Kids - $8.95

Website

 

Sunday Specials

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Price: $3 craft and domestic drafts

Website

 

Tour: Innovators and Legends

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

Monday, July 14

 

Live Lunch with Lewis Knudsen

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Mexican Monday

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Margaritas & $6 Tacos

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Teen Art Program

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Price: $50/student

Website

Tuesday, July 15

 

Acoustic Music Club

Where: River Music Experience, Admissions Area

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Bar Wars Trivia

Where: Me & Billy

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Price: $5 Coors Light pitchers/$6 Cheeseburgers, fries, and Old Style Light

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market
Where: Freight House Building and Parking Lot
Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Price: FREE

 

It's Firkin Tuesday!

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Burger Baskets

Website

 

Managing Project Teams

Where: St. Ambrose University Downtown Education Center

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Price: $695

Website

 

Quad City Kix Band

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Youth Open Studio

Where: Re-Cre8 Studio

Time: 9:00 a.m. - Noon

Price: $15

Website

 

Wednesday, July 16

 

Acoustic Open Mic Night

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Attack of the Casks

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 5:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Japanese Artist Anna Ito- Calligraphy art, ZEN art stones, & Statement Jewelry Exhibit
Where: Bucktown Center for the Arts, Showcase #1
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: Available for purcase at affordable prices
Kids Class: Art in the Middle -
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Price: $50/member; $60/non-member
Live Lunch with Silly C
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Managing Project Teams
Where: St. Ambrose University Downtown Education Center
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Price: $695

 

Open Jam Session

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website

 

Quad Cities River Bandits vs. Fort Wayne TinCaps

Where: Modern Woodmen Park

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

"Sand and Surf" Painting

Where: Re-Cre8 Studio

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Price: $30

Website

Master Gardeners are volunteers, trained by Iowa State University (ISU) in horticulture, who return service to the community through educational projects. What really sets them apart from other home gardeners is their commitment to learning and sharing what they learn with others. Each year ISU Scott County Extension & Outreach extends this opportunity to 25 residents of Scott County.

Master Gardener trainees attend over 40 hours of scheduled classes and complete 40 hours of volunteer service during their first year to become Master Gardeners.

Classes will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting September 11th and ending November 6th. There is a fee of $195.00 which covers your training and materials provided by ISU Scott County Extension & Outreach.

Please consider Master Gardeners when seeking credible information about home gardening in Iowa. And if you are interested in becoming an Iowa Master Gardener, contact the ISU Scott County Extension & Outreach Office, 875 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf (359-7577) for an application form for this fall's training session.  The application may also be accessed from our website http://www.extension.iastate.edu/scott/ .



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Aug. 1, 2014 Pesticide Applicator Testing, Scott County Extension Office, 10:00 am-2:00 pm

Aug. 14, 2014 Tree Pests: Emerald Ash Borer and Beyond, Scott County Extension Office, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

Aug. 26, 2014 Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

Visit our events calendar at our web site: http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

Ames, Iowa - (July 10, 2014) - The Iowa State University College of Human Sciences and its academic departments offered over $800,000 in scholarships to students for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Local recipients include :

from Bettendorf, Iowa

Jamie Blaser, Senior, Event Management, Assumption High School , Mark and Nancy Blaser, Marjorie Chollett Scholarship - College of Human Sciences, Polly Baichly Scholarship - Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management

Jacqueline Colarusso, Freshman, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design, Pleasant Valley High School, Joe and Jennifer Colarusso, Kathryn Knudson Totty Scholarship - College of Human Sciences

Safwan Elkhatib, Senior, Kinesiology and Health, Pleasant Valley High School, Nizar and Etaf Elkhatib, Mary Beard Gibson Scholarship - College of Human Sciences

Jill Mekalson, Freshman, Hospitality Management, Bettendorf High School, Lisa and Ron Mekalson, Mary Ellen Lewis Scholarship - Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management

from Davenport, Iowa

Joshua Byrne, Sophomore, Elementary Education, Central High School, , Betty Holland Dop and Howard L. Dop Scholarship - School of Education

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Despite being outhit, 11-6, Quad Cities picks up its sixth win in eight July games

DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 9, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits left-hander Blaine Sims held the Kane County Cougars to one run in 5 2/3 innings to win his Midwest League debut, and right-handers Tyler Brunnemann and Andrew Walter combined to finish the 3-1 win for the home team in front of 2,727 at Modern Woodmen Park Wednesday night.

After earning a win for the first time in exactly two years Saturday, Sims (1-0) won consecutive outings for the first time in his six-season professional career. He allowed eight hits and three walks while striking out three batters in his longest start since July 16, 2011, when he pitched six innings for a win with the Lynchburg Hillcats, the Atlanta Braves Class-A Advanced affiliate in the Carolina League.

Kane County (13-5 second half, 58-30 overall) threatened to score in the first inning against Sims, who recorded one out before a single by designated hitter Ben Carhart and consecutive walks to catcher Kyle Schwarber and first baseman Cael Brockmeyer. But third baseman Jeimer Candelario lined to first baseman Chase McDonald, who stepped on first base for the inning-ending double play to keep the 0-0 tie.

Quad Cities (11-8, 46-42) took its first lead of the series in the second inning against Cougars right-hander Daury Torrez (9-4). McDonald and right fielder Ronnie Mitchell lined consecutive singles to center field, and designated hitter Brian Holberton grounded an RBI single to center field that scored McDonald. Catcher Brett Booth singled home Mitchell for a 2-0 lead.

The River Bandits added to the lead in the fourth inning, as third baseman Tyler White hit a leadoff double, Holberton singled and Torrez hit Booth with a pitch to load the bases. With one out, left fielder Marc Wik hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring White for a 3-0 lead. The three runs against Torrez were the first earned runs against him in four second-half starts. He allowed six hits and walked one batter while striking out five in five innings. Two of his four losses this season have come against Quad Cities.

Sims allowed at least one hit in each of the first six innings, but did not allow a run through the first five. He picked off Cougars right fielder Kevin Brown after a second-inning single, and Booth threw out center fielder Trey Martin trying to steal after a single in the third.

The Cougars outhit the River Bandits, 11-6, but did not reach the scoreboard until the sixth inning, when Schwarber hit a leadoff double, advanced to third base on Brockmeyer's flyout to center field and scored on Candelario's single into center field. Sims left after a two-out walk put the tying run at first base, but Brunnemann came in to get shortstop Carlos Penalver on an inning-ending flyout to right field.

Brunnemann allowed a seventh-inning single by left fielder Shawon Dunston Jr. but picked him off first base. With one out in the eighth inning, Brockmeyer singled, and Candelario doubled to right field, putting the tying run at second base. But Brunnemann struck out second baseman David Bote and got Brown to fly out. Walter finished a 1-2-3 ninth inning by fanning Dunston for his eighth save.

Quad Cities will seek to hand Kane County its first second-half series loss in the rubber match at 7 p.m. Thursday at Modern Woodmen Park. River Bandits right-hander Kevin Comer (1-1) is scheduled to face Cougars right-hander Juan Paniagua (5-3).

Jobs legislation was incorporated in reauthorization of Workforce Investment Act

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after large portions of the SECTORS Act, legislation he introduced to close the gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and skills that businesses need, passed the House. HR 803, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WOIA), is designed to improve the nation's workforce development system. The legislation, which already passed the Senate on an overwhelming bipartisan vote, now heads to the President for his signature. Video of Loebsack discussing his SECTORS Act on the House floor can be found here.

"The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WOIA) is critical to our nation's economic recovery, and I am pleased that it was passed with truly bipartisan support. I am also pleased that this bill contains large portions of the SECTORS Act that will close the gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and the skills that businesses need. The sector partnerships created by this bill will get people back to work and move our economy forward."

Loebsack's SECTORS Act links together businesses, labor organizations, local stakeholders, and education and training providers connected to a particular industry. These partnerships work to develop or implement plans for growing or saving that targeted industry, promoting long-term competitiveness and advancing employment opportunities for workers. The inclusion of the legislation will ensure employees on the local level are properly trained so they can effectively compete in the 21st Century global economy. Loebsack first introduced the SECTORS Act in 2009 and the House of Representatives unanimously passed it in 2010. While it was not taken up in the Senate at that time, Loebsack has continued to fight for its passage.

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Issues disaster proclamation for seven counties, temporarily suspends certain transportation weight restrictions, asks FEMA to conduct damage assessment

(DES MOINES)  - Today, Gov. Terry E. Branstad issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for seven counties in response to the ongoing flooding and severe weather beginning June 26, 2014, temporarily lifted certain transportation weight restrictions and requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct assessments in 20 counties impacted by the June 26 and continuing storms.

The counties included in today's disaster proclamation are Audubon, Grundy, Ida, Jasper, Keokuk, Poweshiek and Washington. The governor's proclamation allows State resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of these storms.

Also today, Gov. Branstad issued a proclamation of disaster emergency to temporarily suspend Iowa Department of Transportation weight restrictions in Plymouth and Sioux counties.

The proclamation will temporarily lift certain transportation restrictions on the movement of loads related to the repair of damage sustained to the railroad operated by D & I Railroad and owned by the State of South Dakota. The damage was caused by the June 14, 2014, and continuing severe storms. The suspension of weight provisions applies to loads transported on Iowa Highway 3, Iowa Highway 10 and Iowa Highway 12 in Plymouth and Sioux counties and excludes other Iowa roadways and interstate systems. D & I Railroad provides shipping service to multiple area companies, including agriculture and ethanol producers.

In addition, the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) made a request today to FEMA to conduct damage assessments in 20 counties impacted by the June 26 and continuing storms. The damage assessments, which will primarily cover public infrastructure, will be conducted jointly by FEMA, HSEMD and local officials. Results of the damage assessments could be used to determine if a request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration is warranted. Damage assessments will be conducted in the following counties: Audubon, Black Hawk, Butler, Cedar, Des Moines, Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Ida, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Mahaska, Muscatine and Poweshiek.

This is the fourth such request that HSEMD has made to FEMA to conduct damage assessments as a result of June severe weather.

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IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - Conflict has always been a part of life. It occurs at home and at work and no one is immune from its effects. Having to deal with a disagreement is a frustrating experience that most would wish to avoid - but if some form of resolution cannot be agreed upon, the problem may lead to court, prolonging the dispute and adding in legal expenses.

At the next Idea Lab program, "The Advantages of Mediation and Arbitration for Your Business," presenter James E. Slavens, Founder of New Era Mediation Arbitration, will discuss the benefits of mediation and/or arbitration and how this process may prove helpful the next time you must face a difficult dispute. The Idea Lab, a division of Results Marketing, offers live learning experiences in the Quad-Cities.
"The Advantages of Mediation and Arbitration for Your Business" will be held as a Lunch & Learn program from 12 to 1 p.m., July 18, at DHCU Community Credit Union, 1900 52nd Ave., Moline, IL. Admission is $15 and the event will include a catered Chick-fil-A meal. Attendees can select from a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich meal, a veggie-wrap meal, or for one dollar more, a Grilled Chicken Market Salad.
Key areas of Slavens' mediation expertise include business issues, family businesses, labor/management, employment discrimination, custody issues, divorce, civil litigation and personal injury.
"Slavens will discuss various types of mediation and arbitration and tell when and how these methods of conflict resolution can prove most effective," said Todd Ashby, Managing Partner of Results Marketing. "Not all problems can be solved through mediation/arbitration, but this is an option well worth exploring whenever conflicts arise in one's business or personal life."
"When working with New Era clients, my preferred mediation style has been a collaborative problem-solving approach," Slavens said. "This approach encompasses more than just giving advice. In this hands-on technique, the mediator works as a team with the entire group of interested parties involved in a dispute. The mediator then takes the participants through an effective, multi-phase process so that the team can discover the best solution and act upon it."
For more information on the event or to register, please call Les Flesher at 563-322-2065 or email  Les@resultsimc.com. Feel free to follow the Idea Lab on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Idealabqc.

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