01 Jul 2014

Braley Fighting to Save Social Security from Joni Ernst

By Braley for Iowa
Ernst would privatize Social Security, putting an end to guaranteed benefits and risking Iowans' retirement on Wall Street
Des Moines, IA - Braley for Iowa responded today to state Sen. Joni Ernst's latest effort to hide from her plan to privatize Social Security:

Braley for Iowa Communications Director Jeff Giertz said, "Bruce Braley is fighting to save Social Security from Joni Ernst, who would privatize the program, end guaranteed benefits, and put Iowans' retirement savings in the hands of the Wall Street billionaires supporting her campaign. Even Ernst admitted her plan would cost taxpayers more, increasing the Social Security shortfall by $2.2 trillion. When it comes to protecting Iowans' retirement security, Bruce Braley fights for working families and Joni Ernst puts her extreme ideology before Iowans."

Braley for Iowa released a report yesterday highlighting the devastating impact of Joni Ernst's plan to privatize Social Security for Iowa seniors. Among the findings: privatization plans like the one supported by Ernst could reduce traditional benefits by as much as half for future retirees, and if this plan were in place during the economic downturn, an average earner retiring in 2008 could have lost $26,000.

Rep. Bruce Braley is traveling across Iowa this week on his Protect Social Security and Medicare Tour, listening to Iowans discuss the importance of the programs to their retirement security and discussing his efforts to save Social Security from risky privatizations schemes that end guaranteed benefits and put Iowa seniors' retirement in the hands of Wall Street.

Braley has also opposed efforts to reduce future Social Security benefits for retirees if cost-of-living increases were shifted to a so-called "chained CPI" calculation. Last month, Braley earned the endorsement of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare PAC for his strong record of fighting for Social Security and Medicare. And just last week, Braley introduced legislation to block planned service reductions at 19 Social Security offices in Iowa.

In contrast, State Sen. Joni Ernst has called for privatization of Social Security, a position that would undermine benefits for current retirees. Sen. Ernst has also supported plans that would transform Medicare as we know it and pave the way for Medicare vouchers, increasing costs for retirees.

# # #
01 Jul 2014

Loebsack to Introduce Legislation to Again Require Members of Congress to Disclose Privately Funded Travel

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will be introducing legislation when Congress return from its July 4th district work period that would once again require Members of Congress to disclose details of their privately funded travel. Until recently, Members were required to disclose details of travel sponsored by private groups and organizations on their annual financial-disclosure forms. This rule, which had been on the books for more than three decades, was quietly changed by the House Ethics Committee without input from the public or Members of Congress themselves.

"These kinds of backroom deals and changing of the rules in the middle of the night is exactly why Congress has a lower approval rating than cockroaches and traffic jams. It is also the reason the American people have lost faith in those who were elected to represent them," said Loebsack. "The American people deserve to know more and have greater information about who is paying for these often times lavish trips overseas. My legislation will once again require Members of Congress to provide these details on their annual financial-disclosure forms so the American people can easily find the information."

 

Loebsack's bill will amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and the Rules of the House of Representatives to expand disclosure requirements for privately sponsored travel taken by Members of Congress. Additional details of Loebsack's legislation will be available when it is introduced.

###
01 Jul 2014

Gov. Branstad, HSEMD Dir. Schouten to survey storm damage

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

DES MOINES - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department Director Mark Schouten will survey storm and flood damage today, Tuesday, July 1, 2014, in Fairfax, Cedar Rapids, Anamosa and Jackson County.

Media outlets unable to join the tour may follow the Governor's social media accounts for photos, videos and updates.

Twitter: @TerryBranstad

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TerryBranstad

YouTube: www.YouTube.com/GovernorBranstad

The following tour is open to the media. Please note all times are approximate. Follow @TerryBranstad on twitter for live updates regarding location and arrival times.

 

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

11:40 a.m. Gov. Branstad, Iowa HSEMD Director Mark Schouten tour storm damage in Fairfax, Iowa

Collapsed bridge approach near Fairfax

US Hwy. 151, near mile post 22.

 

12:45 p.m. Gov. Branstad, Iowa HSEMD Director Mark Schouten tour storm damage at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids

Mercy Medical Center

701 10th Street SE

Cedar Rapids, IA

Note: Follow @TerryBranstad on Twitter to find exact location within hospital.

 

1:15 p.m. Gov. Branstad, Iowa HSEMD Director Mark Schouten hold media avail in Cedar Rapids

Mercy Medical Center

701 10th Street SE

Cedar Rapids, IA

Note: Follow @TerryBranstad on Twitter to find exact location within hospital. 

 

2:15 p.m. Gov. Branstad, Iowa HSEMD Director Mark Schouten tour storm damage in Anamosa

Jones County Courthouse

500 W. Main Street

Anamosa, IA

 

4 p.m. Gov. Branstad, Iowa HSEMD Director Mark Schouten tour storm damage and flooding at farms in Jackson County

Tour will commence at Otter Creek Station

Intersection of Bellevue-Cascade Road and Highway 61

Note: Follow @TerryBranstad for updated information

 

4:45 p.m. Gov. Branstad, Iowa HSEMD Director Mark Schouten hold media avail in Maquoketa

NOTE: Media Avail to occur immediately following the tour of Zwingle farms; follow @TerryBranstad for updated information

###

For more information please visit www.IowaFloodCentral.Tumblr.com or www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov
01 Jul 2014

Our Schools, Our Future

By Rep. Dave Loebsack

As someone who grew up in poverty, I know that education can change lives and I wouldn't be here today had it not been for the great public education that Iowa offers. Access to a quality education for all should be one of our nation's top priorities and the best ideas for how to improve education come from those working on the ground. That is why I recently visited schools across Iowa on an "Our Schools, Our Future" tour.

During these visits, I had the opportunity to meet with students, teachers, and school administrators to hear their thoughts and concerns about education in Iowa. As a former educator I firmly believe that for our country to continue to be the great power that it is, we must ensure all children have access to a high-quality education from preschool to college.

You may also have heard that I was recently chosen by my colleagues to serve as the Ranking Member, which is the senior most minority party Member, of the House Education and Workforce Committee's Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. In this role, I will work on a bipartisan basis to ensure our students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed.

Every Iowa child deserves to receive a world class education that prepares them for success for years to come. I look forward to bringing the insight provided by Iowa students and teachers on the "Our Schools, Our Future" tour back to Washington.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

01 Jul 2014

Specialized Decatur Unit Mobilizes for Horn of Africa

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Approximately 10 Soldiers mobilize July 3 as part of airlift support mission

DECATUR, IL (07/01/2014)(readMedia)-- DECATUR, Ill. - A deployment ceremony is scheduled for approximately 10 Soldiers who will deploy to Djibouti, Africa. The ceremony for Detachment 36, Operational Support Airlift in Decatur will be July 3 at 9 a.m. at Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield, Ill.

The unit will train for a brief time in Fort Bliss, Texas before deploying to Africa for nine months. Det. 36 will fly Beechcraft C-12 Huron aircraft and conduct operational airlift support and VIP transport in the region.

The unit last mobilized in October 2010 and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

01 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Monday, June 30, 2014**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 1322

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Creates the Hospital Licensure Fund.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 3748

An Act Concerning: State Government

Extends the deadline for the Commission to End the Disparities Facing the African American Community to report to the General Assembly.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4083

An Act Concerning: Courts

Clarifies the duties of the Departments of Corrections and Juvenile Justice.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015.

 

Bill No.: HB 4442

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Extends the date of the Traffic Stop Statistical Study to July 1, 2019.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4663

An Act Concerning: Animals

Restructures two committees within the Department of Agriculture to better respond to animal disease outbreaks.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4767

An Act Concerning: Education

Extends the dates by which students may be admitted to and must complete an accredited alternative certification program.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4781

An Act Concerning: Corrections

Modifies procedures within the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 5410

An Act Concerning: Public Health

Aligns the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act with federal regulations.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

 

###
01 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on Hobby Lobby Decision

By Katie Hickey

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the case of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.:

"Healthcare is a human right, and the Affordable Care Act is meant to give all Americans access to decent, affordable healthcare.

"That means full access to healthcare for every woman in America, regardless of who they are or where they work.

"A woman's personal health decisions should stay strictly between her and her doctor.

"Unfortunately, today's U.S. Supreme Court's decision takes these choices from a woman and gives them to her employer.

"I will continue to fight to preserve the right of Illinois women to make their own healthcare decisions based on their own beliefs, not the beliefs of the person signing their paycheck."

 ###

01 Jul 2014

BANDITS HOPELESS AGAINST KAMINSKY

By Scott Kornberg

Southpaw fires seven shutout frames, Herrera gets four hits and four RBIs as Chiefs crush Q-C 8-2

PEORIA, Ill. (June 30, 2014) - TRob Kaminsky fired seven shutout innings and shortstop Juan Herrera set career-highs with four hits and four RBIs as the Peoria Chiefs crushed the Quad Cities River Bandits 8-2 Monday at Dozer Park.

Kaminsky (4-1) yielded only three hits without walking a batter. He fanned seven and allowed only one Bandit to reach third base against him.

Peoria (8-3 second half, 45-35 overall) got things started from the very beginning against Quad Cities (5-6 second half, 40-40 overall) starter Jandel Gustave. Vaughn Bryan led off the bottom of the first with a single before Gustave walked C.J. McElroy, Jr. and Justin Ringo to load the bases. Gustave punched out Carson Kelly and Mason Katz, but then Herrera singled to center to bring home two runs. Steve Bean's single a few pitches later plated Ringo to make it 3-0 Peoria.

Gustave (5-4) continued to struggle in the third, walking Kelly to lead off the inning before plunking Katz with an inside fastball, the first of two times the Peoria second baseman would be hit by a pitch in the game. Herrera then singled to right-center to score Kelly and push Katz to third. On the relay throw home, Jose Fernandez's throw sailed up the third base line and by the catcher Brett Booth, which allowed Herrera to advance to second. The River Bandits then brought in Chris Cotton, who walked Bean and gave up a single to Kenny Peoples-Walls to push across another run, making it 5-0 Chiefs. Michael Schulze then grounded into a 6-4-3 double play, which scored Herrera to make it 6-0. Both runs were charged to Gustave, who gave up six on five hits with three walks and four strikeouts in two-plus frames.

Herrera singled again with two outs in the sixth inning against Quad Cities reliever Tyler Brunnemann to make it 7-0 Peoria.

The Chiefs won the season series against Quad Cities for the first time since 2009.

The River Bandits begin a three-game series tomorrow at Beloit with Michael Feliz (3-2, 3.64) on the mound for game one. The Snappers will counter with Hunter Adkins (0-1, 4.91).

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return home for the Fourth of July weekend, beginning with a 7 p.m. game Friday, July 4, to be followed by Fourth of July Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WLLR and WQAD. Game 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.

01 Jul 2014

Entertainment Schedule for The Muddy Waters

By Kristy Bennett

Tuesday 07/01/2014

ABC KARAOKE

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Only at The Muddy Waters EVERY Tuesday -

1. FREE Pool Games and FREE Pin Ball Games all day and all night

2. Karaoke starting at 9:00 p.m.

Come and have a GREAT Tuesday with us!

 

Wednesday 07/02/2014

THE FOURTY FOURS

8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

$5 MVBS Members

$10 Non-Members

It's time for the best festival of the summer, The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, and we are kickin' off the weekend with a blues-roots-rock band, the 44's. The 44's are a Los Angeles-based harp-guitar-bass-drums quartet. If grit, gonads and little bit of nasty all rolled together is also your favorite style, you will love these guys.

 

(no live music at The Muddy Waters on July 3, 4, 5, 2014)

 

Sunday 07/06/2014

AFTER-FESTIVAL PARTY WITH THE CANDYMAKERS & ZACH HARRIS BAND

5:00 p.m.-?

FREE Admission

The Muddy Waters is having the Post-Fest Party of All After-Fest Parties! Combining a band with traditional Motown and Stax, together with a classic mix of blues and rock, the Candymakers and the Zach Harris Band will give us a final night commemorating the 2014 festival. Make plans to attend this celebratory party as we wrap it up the Blues Festival at the Official Blues Club of the Quad Cities.

 

Monday 07/07/2014

ABC KARAOKE

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Fall in love with Monday's!!! FREE pool and pin ball games starting at 12:00 p.m. and Karaoke starting at 9:00 p.m. All at The Muddy Waters! See ya there!

 

Tuesday 07/08/2014

ABC KARAOKE

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Tuesday at The Muddy Waters: FREE Pool and FREE Pin Ball Games from open until close (12:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.) and Karaoke starts at 9:00 p.m.

 

Thursday 07/10/2014

EDDIE TURNER

7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

$5 Per Person

"Otherworldly", "scorching", "polyrhythmic" and "chilling" have all been used to describe Eddie Turner's guitar playing. His ethereal style is an amalgam of the Afro-Cuban rhythms of his heritage and the music that influenced him as a teenager: Chicago blues, jazz, R&B, and psychedelic rock. The Cuban-born singer/guitarist cut his teeth in several rock bands contributing what Slate magazine describes as "spacey-yet-resounding solos".

 

Friday 07/11/2014

CHRIS AVEY BAND

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

Free Admission

Chris Avey, former lead guitarist and backing vocalist for blues icon Big Pete Pearson, leads the Chris Avey Band. Chris fuels the band with his stinging guitar attack and fiery vocals. Since striking out on his own with his band, he has released two CDs?the critically acclaimed Devil in my Bed and Preacherman. Chris's vocals and guitar are reminiscent of a younger, more fiery Coco Montoya, mixed with a dash of Tab Benoit. Blues Blast Magazine says "Blues with intensity and emotion. More energy than a power plant."

 

Saturday 07/12/2014

TANGENT!

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

Tangent! is a high energy, 7-piece power horn band from right here in the Quad Cities. Mixing all of the best sounds and songs of Motown, Blues, Soul, Rock, and Jazz. While reasonably true to the original songs, Tangent! also lends their own style and solos into the mix, just at the right time. The music that they play will lift you off of your chair, and right onto the dance floor. If you like horns, excellent guitar and keyboards, a female singer with pipes of gold, or a rhythm section that is rock solid, come listen to Tangent. You will be glad that you did.

 

Sunday 07/13/2014

ALAN SWEET & FRIENDS

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

FREE Admission

"Alan Sweet's voice is in-between Otis Redding and Joe Cocker,"  says Todd Welvaert, QC Oneline-Dispatch/Argus. Alan is now hosting The Muddy Waters Sunday Afternoon Live Music Scene with an acoustic mix. He will be inviting the many talents of his artist friends to join him every week producing an array of original sound that will keep you coming back every Sunday.

 

Monday 07/14/2014

ABC Karaoke 

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Sing, sing a song,

Make it simple, to last your whole life long,

Don't worry that it's not good enough,

For anyone else to hear,

Sing, sing a song . . .

The Muddy Waters Monday Night KARAOKE starts at 9:00 p.m. plus FREE Pool and Pin Ball Games ALL DAY!

 

Tuesday 07/15/2014

ABC Karaoke 

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

Only at The Muddy Waters EVERY Tuesday -

1. FREE pool and pin ball games all day and all night

2. Karaoke starting at 9:00 p.m.

Come and have a GREAT Tuesday with us!

 

Friday 07/18/2014

MERCURY BROTHERS

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

The Mercury Brothers are cast from that exact mold of solid gold heart and pure soul blues music. From their slick classic James Dean look to their ripping tones and heavy grooves, The Mercury Brothers are an act you will not soon forget.

 

Saturday 07/19/2014

BLACKLIST COMEDY THEATER

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

$10 Per Person

The Blacklist is the Quad Cities' best uncensored improv comedy troupe. The Blacklist 'crosses the line' in more ways than one with their audience interactive shows. Using audience suggestions, The Blacklist creates hilarious skits right before your very eyes.  Every Blacklist show features stand-up comics and headlines with the hilarious uncensored debauchery of The Blacklist.

 

Sunday 07/20/2014

Alan Sweet and Friends 

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

FREE Admission

Ready for an afternoon of sweet ear-candy? Alan Sweet brings a satisfying set of songs that range from soul, funk, and blues songs to The Muddy Waters every Sunday afternoon starting at 6:00 p.m. Alan will be inviting the many talents of his artist friends to join him every week producing an array of original sound that will keep you coming back every Sunday.

 

Monday 07/21/2014

ABC Karaoke 

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Fall in love with Monday's!!! FREE pool games starting at 12:00 p.m. and Karaoke starting at 9:00 p.m. All at The Muddy Waters! See ya there!

 

Tuesday 07/22/2014

ABC Karaoke 

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

You can be the star at The Muddy Waters during Karaoke tonight starting at 9:00 p.m. Plus FREE pool and pin ball games all day and all night long.

 

Friday 07/25/2014

ZACH HARRIS BAND

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

The Zach Harris Band formerly known as The Bromigo's - same band, new name - play a mix of blues and rock. Nick Vazquez on Keys, Randy Leasemen on Bass, LC Johnson on Drums, and Zach Harris on Guitar.

 

Saturday 07/26/2014

Chris & Wes Show

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

The worlds of comedy and music don't usually intersect. But when they do, the results can be memorable. Wes Weeber, a drummer by trade, steps out from behind the drums to front the comedy portion of the show and interact with the audience. Chris Avey, the clownish guitarist, entertains the audience with his send-ups of classic blues music and humorous wit. Together, their show will bring waggish banana splits of many different sides.

 

Sunday 07/27/2014

BRENT JOHNSON AND THE CALL UP

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

$5 Per Person

A guitar prodigy from the age of four, South Texas born Brent Johnson always knew where he wanted his playing to take him. Drinking in the very best of Blues, Jazz, Rock, Punk, Country and World Music, by the time his family moved to New Orleans in his teens, he was predestined towards a career in music.

"My sound is rooted in the Blues, though I don't pretend to be a purist, and I don't want to be" he explains, " I write music based on my experiences and the sounds I grew up with... I never want to pretend that I had the same experiences as the old Bluesmen did - so I'm not going to go around trying to sound like them. What I do is put the emphasis on the feeling of the music, the passion, the urgency, the directness - that's the goal".

Brent describes himself as "always a guitarslinger... I always loved songwriters and wrote songs for myself".

 

Monday 07/28/2014

ABC Karaoke

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

When you feel down and out, sing a song

It'll make your day, yeah, yeah

You will come to shout, sing a song

It'll make a way...

The Muddy Waters Monday Night KARAOKE starts at 9:00 p.m. plus FREE Pool and Pin Ball Games ALL DAY!

 

Tuesday 07/29/2014

ABC KARAOKE 

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Only at The Muddy Waters EVERY Tuesday -

1. FREE Pool Games and FREE Pin Ball Games all day and all night

2. Karaoke starting at 9:00 p.m.

Come and have a GREAT Tuesday with us!
01 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on Harris v. Quinn Decision

By Katie Hickey

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the case of Harris v. Quinn:

"Today's 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court is disappointing.

"There are thousands of workers who care for our seniors and people with disabilities in Illinois, and they deserve the right to collectively bargain for decent wages, benefits and proper working conditions.

"A high-quality workforce of long-term, in-home care workers gives our most vulnerable citizens the opportunity to live independently in their own homes, instead of forcing them into expensive, long-term care institutions. All people, no matter what their challenges are, deserve the opportunity to choose to live in the community.

"We will continue working to provide quality care for our most vulnerable citizens and we will continue fighting to ensure workers get a fair shake for a hard day's work."

 ###

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar