02 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Landmark Legislation to Expand Voting Opportunities in Illinois

By Dave Blanchette

Streamlines Voting Process to Help Give More Illinois Citizens a Voice

OAK PARK - Governor Pat Quinn today signed landmark legislation to expand voting opportunities in Illinois. The new law is designed to encourage participation in elections and streamlines the registration and early voting processes. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to increase participation in our democracy and ensure that every voice is heard in Illinois.

"Democracy works best when everyone participates," Governor Quinn said. "By removing unnecessary roadblocks to the ballot box, more residents will be able to exercise their constitutional right and have their voices heard. This new law will help more people across Illinois have a say in how their community, state and nation are run."

"Illinois has made great strides for voting rights in the last few years with the passage of online voter registration and 17-year-olds voting in primaries," Cook County Clerk David Orr said. "Now thanks to this additional expansion of voting opportunities, voters will have more ways to register and cast their ballot before and on Election Day."

House Bill 105, sponsored by State Representative Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) and State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), streamlines the registration and early voting process and addresses a number of issues that have made casting a ballot difficult in the past.

The new law will allow same day voter registration. It also extends in-person early voting hours and removes identification requirements for in-person voting by registered voters. The law also allows some public universities to serve as election-day in-person absentee voting centers, increases the window for vote-by-mail applications and expands early and grace period voting throughout the state.

The changes are in effect for the upcoming November general election.

The new law corrects several past voter participation problems in Illinois. Many people's work hours or other commitments do not permit them to take advantage of existing early or regular voting opportunities. Nearly 13 percent of Americans move in an average year, and unless these people remember to update their voter registrations, they may not be able to vote.

"As we approach Independence Day, this legislation reminds us of one of our most precious freedoms - the right to vote," Representative Currie said. "This sweeping new law encourages participation in the democratic process like never before. I was proud to sponsor the measure in the House, and applaud Governor Quinn for signing it into law."

"Voting is a right and a vital part of our country's social and political fabric," Senator Harmon said. "To encourage people to participate, we should be doing everything we can to make it easier to vote without weakening the integrity of the voting system."

Governor Quinn has long been a champion of expanding voting rights and opportunities. Last year, Governor Quinn increased access to democracy across Illinois by giving 17-year-olds the ability to vote in primary elections if they are 18 years old by the general election date. In 2011, Governor Quinn signed the state's first voting rights act. The Illinois Voting Rights Act of 2011 protects the voting rights of racial and language minority communities throughout Illinois and encourages public participation in the redistricting process.

###
02 Jul 2014

Gov. Branstad issues disaster proclamation for six counties

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

DES MOINES - Today, Governor Terry E. Branstad issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Black Hawk, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Louisa and Muscatine counties in response to flooding and severe weather beginning June 26. The governor's proclamation allows State resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of these storms.

In addition, the proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Program for eight counties: Black Hawk, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, and Muscatine; and Cedar, Jones and Linn counties, which were declared to be under a disaster emergency on Monday, June 30.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $39,580, for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

---

02 Jul 2014

2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment Change of Command

By Illinois National Guard PAO

FORT RILEY, KANSAS (07/01/2014)(readMedia)-- Lt. Col. Neil Putnam, a native of New Haven, Connecticut, assumed command of the Illinois Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment from Lt. Col. Clayton E. Kuetemeyer of Chatham, Illinois in Fort Riley, Kansas, on June 26.

Putnam, upon leaving active duty, joined the Illinois National Guard in 1999. His previous assignment was with the Special Operations Command Pacific at Camp Smith, Hawaii serving as the Commands' National Guard Advisor.

Kuetemeyer will be advancing his career at the U.S. Army War College.

02 Jul 2014

Braley Brings Protecting Social Security & Medicare Tour to Dubuque, Davenport & Burlington

By Braley for Iowa
Braley discussed protecting the promise of Social Security and Medicare with Iowa's seniors.

Des Moines, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley today continued his statewide Protecting Social Security & Medicare Tour in Dubuque, Davenport and Burlington, hosting roundtable discussions with local seniors to discuss the importance of the programs to their retirement security and underscoring the importance of honoring the promise of Social Security and Medicare to current and future retirees.

Braley said, "Social Security and Medicare are a promise that if you work hard, the benefits you've earned will be there for you when you retire. We need to protect Social Security and Medicare and ensure their promise is honored for current and future generations of workers.

"That's why I've fought against schemes to privatize Social Security and end Medicare as we know it, because gambling Social Security on the stock market and giving Medicare vouchers to seniors puts current retirees at risk. We should strengthen these programs, not undermine them."

Braley has held similar roundtables in Waterloo, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. The tour will continue this week with stops in Ottumwa, Ames, Mason City, Sioux City and Council Bluffs.

The tour comes on the heels of a new report released by Braley for Iowa that details the devastating impact of State Senator Joni Ernst's plan to privatize Social Security and replace guaranteed benefits with personal savings accounts for Iowa seniors. According to the report, Ernst's proposal would require "radical reductions in benefits"?cutting future retirees' benefits nearly in half and severely threatening the retirement security Iowans have earned through a lifetime of work. As of 2012, 19,420 Dubuque County residents relied on an average Social Security benefit of $13,994 a year; 30, 730 Scott County residents relied on an average Social Security benefit of $14,333 a year, and 9,575 Des Moines County residents relied on an average Social Security benefit of $14,240 a year.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 530,000 Iowans were enrolled in Medicare in 2012. The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare calculates that Iowa has more than 584,000 Social Security beneficiaries, with the average senior receiving a monthly benefit of $1,131.

Braley has strongly opposed efforts to privatize Social Security and transform Medicare into a voucher program. 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 last week, Braley introduced legislation to block planned service reductions at 19 Social Security offices in Iowa.

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

SPAMALOT will open new District Theatre location

By Tristan Tapscott
Rock Island's District Theatre is excited to announce they will be moving to a new location in time for their production of SPAMALOT!
"As we continue to grow we also want to be able to give our audiences the atmosphere they deserve. This move allows us to take our first step in that direction as we work with the city to create a playing space that will take us to the next level in our evolution as a theatre," said Artistic Director Tristan Tapscott. He added, "It also takes us back to the vibe we had when this whole things started in 2008. You will see a variety of configurations for the playing space itself and a more intimate atmosphere."
The theatre is working hand in hand with Renaissance Rock Island on the new location and on future plans for the theatre. Board member Deb Shippy added, "We are thrilled to be working with city on this and couldn't be more pleased with everyone at Renaissance Rock Island."
"The timing couldn't be more perfect," said Board President Matt Mercer. "We have wanted to have a safer space for our performers and a more elegant space for our patrons and supporters and this move - only a few doors down from our current location - allows us to do just that."
Though this relocation will not expand on the number of seats available or the stage itself, but the other amenities make the move the right move at this time.
The building - located at 1623 2nd Ave - formerly housed The Grape Life and allows for more storage, dressing rooms for the actors, a small shop and other necessities for the theatre. The new location is located just a few doors down from the theatre's current space, directly across from Bennigan's and next to Midcoast Fine Arts.
Monty Python's SPAMALOT will be the first show in the new location when it opens August 1! Details on the grand opening and a few changes in the season schedule will be announced soon!
01 Jul 2014

Housing Credits to Create or Preserve 700 units of Affordable Housing in Illinois

By Robert Jackson Jr.

Housing credits leverage private investment, create jobs, bring in revenue for local and state economies and do not impact local or state budgets

 

Chicago - Nearly 700 affordable rental apartments will be built or preserved across Illinois thanks to Housing Credit allocations approved by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) on Friday, June 27.

The Housing Credit is the most successful federal affordable housing program in our nation's history, producing and preserving close to 100,000 affordable rental homes annually through public-private partnerships.  It creates quality affordable housing for working families and people with special needs (such as the elderly, the disabled, veterans and the homeless) in urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the country.

Since its creation in the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the Housing Credit has enabled IHDA to provide a critical financing tool for the development of 80,000 units and created an estimated 80,000 jobs in Illinois.  Since Governor Pat Quinn took office, 16,450 units have been built and an estimated 16,000 jobs have been generated across the state thanks to the Housing Credit program.

"Governor Pat Quinn is dedicated to leveraging public-private partnerships to meet the affordable housing needs of working families, seniors and people with disabilities," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "Our communities improve as a whole when low- to moderate-income residents have options for affordable housing, and these new developments will create quality full-time jobs that keep our economy moving."

The Housing Credit contributes more to the creation of housing than any other federal housing resource. Housing Credits generate private investment in affordable housing when the credits are sold to private investors. The equity generated reduces the debt that the developer would otherwise have to borrow, and as a result, a property can offer lower rents.  The Housing Credit serves those whose income is 60 percent or less of the area median income (AMI) or $30,420 for a one-person household in the Chicago metropolitan area and $29,280 for a one-person household in the Springfield area.  However, the Housing Credit exceeds this requirement by assisting households well below that limit.

Private investors, not the Federal Government or the taxpayer, bear the risk.  Housing Credit properties perform well and have an extraordinarily low foreclosure rate of only 0.62 percent over the history of the program.

The Tax Credit allocations approved on Friday will generate an estimated $89 million in private equity to support 13 developments and more than 1,400 jobs across Illinois. Demonstrating the State of Illinois' dedication to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities or special needs, nearly one-half of the total units will be supportive housing, providing more options that enable residents to live independently in the community of their choice.

Developments approved for financing include an innovative renovation of a former nursing home and the replacement of foreclosed single family properties with new two, three and four bedroom homes for working families.

A complete list of the developments approved for Housing Credits is below. For more details, visit www.ihda.org/developer/approvedProjects.htm.

  • Humboldt House (Chicago)
  • Reclaiming Southwest Chicago (Chicago)
  • Axley Place (Glenview)
  • Phil Haven (Wheeling)
  • Mundelein Apartments (Mundelein)
  • Woodridge Horizon Senior Living Community (Woodridge)
  • Macoupin Homes (Staunton, Gillespie & Bunker Hill)
  • St. James Place (Pontiac)
  • Morton Senior Residences (Morton)
  • Diamond Senior Apartments of Princeton (Princeton)
  • The Villas at Vinegar Hill (Springfield)
  • The Landings at Belle Meadows (Alton)
  • Vermilion Disability SLF (Peoria)

About the Illinois Housing Development Authority

IHDA (www.ihda.org) is a self-supporting state agency that finances the creation and the preservation of affordable housing across Illinois. Since its creation in 1967, IHDA has allocated $12.4 billion and financed approximately 240,000 affordable housing units for residents of Illinois.

###
01 Jul 2014

Gov. Branstad announces appointees to Iowa's Boards and Commissions

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced appointments to fill Iowa's boards and commissions.

The following individuals' appointments are effective July 1, 2014, and are not subject to Iowa Senate confirmation:

 

Council on Agricultural Education

Mrs. Kala Miller, Ottumwa

Mrs. Susan Benning, Fredericksburg

Mr. Dale Gruis, Indianola

 

Arts Council

Ms. Heidi Pierson, Marshalltown

Ms. Carmen Darland, Eldridge

Dr. Sean O'Harrow, Davenport

Dr. Randall Lengeling, Dubuque

Mr. Paul Dennison, Mt. Pleasant

Ms. Janine Calsbeek, Orange City

 

Building Code Advisory Council

Mr. Scott Webster, Bettendorf

Mr. David Kuhn, Huxley

Mr. Don Beal, Clive

 

Advisory Council on Brain Injuries

Mrs. Lora Wall, Blockton

Mr. Justin Johnston, Sioux City

Mrs. Jennifer Durfey, Council Bluffs

Dr. Michael Hall, Coralville

Ms. Roxanne Cogil, Jamaica

Mr. Thomas Brown, Madrid

Ms. Kendalyn Powell Huff, Greenfield

Dr. Barbara Murphy, Waterloo

Mr. Dennis Byrnes, Atalissa

 

Centennial Memorial Foundation

Mrs. Elaine Estes, Des Moines

 

College Student Aid Commission

Mrs. Janet Adams, Webster City

Ms. Elizabeth Sullivan, Peosta

Ms. Karolyn Wells, Altoona

 

Criminal Justice Information Advisory Committee

Mr. Darrel Mullins, Urbandale

Ms. Julie Miller, Des Moines

 

Developmental Disabilities Council

Ms. Lisa Rockhill, Rock Rapids

Ms. Trinette Winn, Keokuk

Mr. Brian Wines, Norwalk

Mr. Steven Slye, Des Moines

Ms. Meghan Wolfe, Ankeny

Ms. Marcy Davis ,Ankeny

Ms. Clara Pearson, Iowa City

 

Iowa Council for Early ACCESS

Mrs. Kim Thomas, Urbandale

Mrs. Angela Hance, Creston

Mrs. Janet Stauss, Okoboji

Ms. Barbara Khal, Iowa City

Dr. Laurie Jeans, Davenport

Mrs. Stacy Kramer, Hawarden

Mrs. Kasey Vermillion, Clive

Ms. Martha (Marti) Andera, Cresco

 

Fire Service and Emergency Response Council

Mrs. Lynn Washburn-Livingston, Davenport

Mr. Marion Valero-Lehman, Adel

 

State Board of Health

Dr. Tonya Gray, Mason City

Ms. Karen Woltman, Swisher

 

Historical Records Advisory Board

Dr. Timothy Walch, Iowa City

Mr. Daniel Rittel, Stuart

 

Historical Society of Iowa Board of Trustees

Mr. William Bartine, Des Moines

Mr. John Mickelson, West Des Moines

 

Council on Homelessness

Mrs. Nancy Schulze, Council Bluffs

Mr. David Boss, New Hampton

Mr. Zebulon Beilke-McCallum, Urbandale

Mr. Blair Avitt, Des Moines

Mr. David Binner, Johnston

Ms. Kristine Harris, Cedar Rapids

Ms. Carrie Dunnwald, Waterloo

Mr. Allan Axeen, Coralville

Ms. Rhonda Jordal, Forest City

Ms. Roberta Wahl, Des Moines

Mr. Dennis Lauterbach, West Des Moines

 

Humanities Board

Mr. Mark Felderman, Chariton

Mr. Jack Wertzberger, Dubuque

Mrs. Marina Sandquist, Johnston

 

Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

Reverend Martha Kester, Des Moines

 

Juvenile Justice Advisory Council

Mrs. Christina Burkhart, Urbandale

Mr. Wayne Ford, Des Moines

Mr. Joel Illian, University Park

Judge Stephen Clarke, Waterloo

Mr. Douglas Wolfe, Des Moines

Reverend Roy Klobnak, Lorimor

 

Nonpublic School Advisory Committee

Mr. Jeffrey Henderson, Cedar Rapids

Ms. Merrilee Sump, Clarinda

Mr. Wayne Dykstra, Orange City

Mrs. Julie Delaney, Davenport

Dr. Jerry Deegan, Clive

 

Preserves Advisory Board

Mr. Loren Christensen, Elk Horn

Mr. Wayne Phipps, Jefferson

 

Public Broadcasting Board

Ms. Courtney Greene, West Des Moines

Mrs. Kelli Grubbs, Davenport

 

Rural Health and Primary Care Advisory Committee

Mr. Patrick Pucelik, Harlan

Mr. Greg Randolph, Gladbrook

Ms. Debora Hinnah, Harper

Mr. Jim Atty, Humboldt

 

Statewide Independent Living Council

Mr. Emmanuel Smith, West Des Moines

Ms. Deb Philpot, Oskaloosa

Ms. Tomoko Yajima, Des Moines

Mrs. Carrie England, La Vista

Mr. Paul Krupko, Urbandale

Ms. Rebecca Shafer, Council Bluffs

 

Student Loan Liquidity Corporation

Mrs. Christine Hensley, Des Moines

Ms. Laurie Hempen, New London

Dr. Robert Denson, Ankeny

 

Terrace Hill Commission

Mr. Jerry Mathiasen, Council Bluffs

Mrs. Christine Branstad, Des Moines

Mr. William Dikis, Clive

 

Vocational Rehabilitation Council

Ms. Page Eastin, West Des Moines

Mr. Randall Davis, Oskaloosa

Ms. Michele Meadors, Des Moines

Mr. Gary McDermott, Clinton

Ms. Deb Samson, Nevada

Mr. James Smith, Coralville

Ms. Jeanne Sorenson, Johnston

 

Volunteer Service Commission

Dr. Charles Minnick, Clinton

Mr. Bernie Van Roekel, Spirit Lake

Ms. Traci Kirtley, Huxley

Ms. Marcia Hughes, Cedar Rapids

Dr. Gina Schochenmaier, Council Bluffs

Ms. Barbara Finch, West Des Moines

Ms. Sue Driscoll, Marion

Dr. Nancy Franz, Ames

 

The following interim appointment is effective July 1, 2014, and is subject to Iowa Senate confirmation:

 

Commission on the Status of African Americans

Mr. Kenneth Morris, Jr., Cedar Rapids
01 Jul 2014

Future Lady Knights (FLK) National World Series Fundraiser

By Jim Kersten
When: Wednesday July 2nd

Time: 5 - 8:00pm

What: "Tip a Knight"

Where: Antonella's - 112 W. 3rd

Davenport

FLK softball players will be waiting tables from 5-8pm. All tips

collected during this time will be used to raise money for their trip

to the National World Series. Come out to try homemade Italian

dishes and support the FLK softball program.
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.

###

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