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.

###
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.

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