15 Apr 2014

SCOTT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (SECC) BOARD MEETING AGENDA

By Annie Nugent
Board Room, 1st Floor, Scott County Administrative Center,
600 West Fourth Street, Davenport, Iowa
APRIL 17, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.
MEETING AGENDA
1. Roll Call: Frieden, Gallagher, Gluba, Minard, and O'Boyle.
Ex officio members: Bruemmer, Frederiksen, Malin, and Ploehn
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Approval of Proclamation stating the week of April 13, 2014 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
6. Interim Director's Report
7. Next meeting date - May 15, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.
8. Adjourn
For previous meeting Minutes, please visit our website at www.secc911.com.
15 Apr 2014

On Tax Filing Deadline, Fair Tax Supporters to Hold "Could Have Had a Tax Cut" Educational Events at Local Post Offices throughout Illinois

By Rick Martin

Will demonstrate to neighbors tax relief provided under Fair Tax using Fair Tax Calculator at www.FairTaxCut.com and urge them to contact state legislators before May 1st deadline

 

Chicago, IL - At noon today, April 15th, just hours before the deadline for residents in Illinois to file their state tax returns, taxpayers will gather at local post offices in communities throughout Illinois to spread the word about the urgent need to enact the Fair Tax in Illinois.  Using the Fair Tax calculator at www.FairTaxCut.com, they will show their neighbors that they could have paid far less in taxes under a Fair Tax, and urge legislators in Springfield to put the Fair Tax on the ballot so voters can decide in November.

Right now, the Fair Tax - with lower rates for lower incomes and higher rates for higher incomes - is not allowed due to an antiquated provision of the Illinois Constitution from 1970. The Fair Tax - implemented with a rate structure proposed by the Fair Tax Act's chief sponsor, Sen. Don Harmon - would cut taxes for 94% of Illinois residents, including everyone making up to $205,000.  If state legislators pass the Fair Tax Act by May 1st, voters will be allowed to modernize the constitution in November with a Fair Tax.  The Fair Tax is supported by 77% of Illinois voters.

Armed with smartphones and iPads, volunteers standing in front of local post offices will be demonstrating the tax cuts offered under a Fair Tax.  They will be using the Fair Tax Calculator at www.FairTaxCut.com, which allows users to type in their household income and the number of persons in their household to calculate their tax cut (or tax increase if they make over $205,000).  They will also urge citizens to contact their legislators to pass the Fair Tax Act ahead of the May 1st deadline, which people can also do via the Fair Tax Cut website.

For months, the large and growing statewide coalition known as A Better Illinois has been advocating for a Fair Tax.  It has drawn support from every single legislative district - Republican and Democrat - including nearly 250,000 petition signatures, nearly 500 community and civic organizations, including both business and labor alike.

***Media interested in covering the event can RSVP to  neal@abetterillinois.org***

 

What: Local citizens demonstrating how large a tax cut people would get under a under a Fair Tax via www.FairTaxCut.com and urging citizens to contact legislators to pass the Fair Tax Act

 

Time & Date: Noon.  Tuesday, April 15th

 

Who: Local taxpayers

 

Locations

Downtown Chicago - Post Office at Federal Plaza (at Dearborn and Adams) 219 S. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60604

Joliet - Post Office at 51 E. Cinton St, Joliet, IL 60432

Quad Cities - Post office at 2633 11th St, Rock Island, IL

Decatur - Post Office at 214 N Franklin St, Decatur, IL 62523

Metro East - Post Office at 120 W Washington, Belleville, IL 62220-9998

 

Visuals: creative signs, people using www.FairTaxCut.com on iPads & smartphones

 

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15 Apr 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on Passover

By Katie Hickey
CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement on the beginning of Passover:

"Tonight, families across Illinois will come together to celebrate the beginning of Passover and reflect on the sacrifices their ancestors made as they sought a new life of freedom and opportunity.

"In the Book of Exodus, we learn of the Jews' freedom from slavery in Egypt and their newfound freedom under the guidance of Moses. It is a story that crosses religions and provides hope and inspiration to millions.

"May all have a happy and enlightening Passover. Chag sameach!"

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15 Apr 2014

Lt. Governor Simon to join Sen. Durbin, Secretary of the Air Force for meeting on the future of Scott Air Force Base

By Ted Nelson
BELLEVILLE - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will join U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Deborah Lee James, at Scott Air Force Base for a meeting centered on the base's future. The meeting has been initiated by Sen. Durbin, who chairs the Senate defense appropriation committee.
Last month Simon joined Durbin to meet with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh at Scott Air Force Base as part of Durbin's continuing efforts to highlight Scott Air Force Base's potential for growth.
Simon chairs Illinois' Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC). Last week Simon was joined by Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson (D-East St. Louis) in Springfield to introduce House Bill 3939 to ease the transitions of military students moving in and out of Illinois schools. The legislation, which passed the House unanimously, will align Illinois with national standards on the treatment of military students, who may transfer schools several times more than their peers.
As chair of the IMBSEDC, Simon helps coordinate the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois. Simon recently announced plans for a statewide comprehensive economic impact analysis of active military bases in Illinois. Simon is committed to protecting the state's military operations, installations, and the families of those who selflessly serve our state and country.
DATE: Tuesday, April 15
TIME: 12:15 p.m.
LOCATION: Scott Field Heritage Air Park, Directly across Siebert Road from Shiloh Gate (main entrance to base), 100 Scott Drive, Scott Air Force Base
NOTE: The meeting will be closed press with the media availability to follow.
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15 Apr 2014

FERRIS WHEEL SPOKES WILL BE SPREAD THIS WEEK

By Marco LaNave
WHO: A six-person crew from Chance Rides, the Ferris wheel manufacturer based in Wichita, Kan., will be working at Modern Woodmen Park. River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser and River Bandits Assistant General Manager of Amusements Mike Clark will both be available for interviews.
WHAT: Phase Two of installation for the Ferris Wheel that will tower 110 feet above the Modern Woodmen Park playing field. Another River Bandits logo sign will be mounted on the LeClaire Park side of the wheel. In addition, the electrical cabinet will be installed behind the scoreboard, and the wheel's spokes will be spread out into a complete circle.
WHERE: Installation will happen behind the left field berm (east end) Modern Woodmen Park. This area may be more visible from east of the stadium in LeClaire Park.
WHEN (*Weather permitting*): Tuesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 16.
WHY: The Ferris wheel will highlight an amusement lineup to include a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, an auto-belay rock climbing wall, and many other new games and attractions planned for Modern Woodmen Park.
15 Apr 2014

Humanities Iowa Speaker, Loren Horton, April 27th

By Lynn Bartenhagen

The public is invited to join the Muscatine Art Center on Sunday, April 27th at 2:00 p.m. as it hosts Humanities Iowa Speaker, Loren Horton. Horton will give a 45 minute presentation on the changes in Iowa life over the past 150 years. His presentation will include the origins of the people, the technology, and the occupations and social customs of Iowans. Horton will also touch on the history of the state's economy and politics and explore the changes that have shaped Iowa's present and changes that will continue to shape Iowa's future and the future of its residents.

Loren Horton began his employment with the State Historical Society of Iowa in 1972. Since his retirement in 1996, Horton has concentrated on research in 19th century social history and comparative funeral and burial customs in the United States.

This program is funded by Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa brings humanities programs into the heart of Iowa communities.

The humanities are fields of study that help us to discover and remember who we are and how we came to be, as individuals and as part of the world. Humanities Iowa offers funding for this Speakers Bureau event and for grants in support of public programs to non-profit organizations in the state of Iowa.

Please contact Melanie Alexander, Director, with any questions or concerns at 563-263-8282 or by email at malexander@muscatineiowa.gov. For more information about Humanities Iowa, visit www.uiowa.edu/~humiowa.

The Muscatine Art Center is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM Admission is FREE.

15 Apr 2014

Following Supreme Court ruling, Branstad, Reynolds call for legislative action to protect Iowa students

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today called on the Iowa Legislature, which remains in legislative session, to pass a bill protecting Iowa students from sexual exploitation from a school coach. The Iowa Supreme Court ruled Friday, April 11, 2014, that Iowa law protecting students from sexual exploitation from school employees doesn't apply to coaches because coaches aren't "licensed professionals."

The ruling reads in part, "Although a coach who holds a teaching or other professional license is clearly subject to the statute, a mere holder of a coaching authorization without a professional license within the meaning of section 272.1(7) does not fall under the sexual exploitation statute. Accordingly, we reverse the conviction and remand the case to the district court with instructions to dismiss the case."

"With the Iowa Legislature still in session, I am calling on the Iowa House and Senate to send a bill to my desk to protect Iowa students from sexual exploitation by school coaches," said Branstad. "We must ensure our children are safe from those we entrust with our children at Iowa schools."

The Supreme Court's ruling went on to say, "As we have traditionally and repeatedly stated, 'We do not inquire what the legislature meant; we ask only what the statute means.'"

A dissenting opinion stated, "Today's decision no doubt will surprise school officials, parents, and coaches who had assumed the same law that made it illegal for a teacher to engage in sexual activity with students also applied to coaches. The ball is now in the legislature's court to amend section 709.15 to close this new loophole."

"As a mother and grandmother, I want to be able to assure Iowa parents that when their children are at their schools they are safe," said Reynolds. "The Legislature now has the opportunity to correct the law and protect Iowa's children from a loophole in state law that surely wasn't intended."

The ruling was in the case of State of Iowa vs. Patrick Ryan Nicoletto. The full ruling can be viewed here.

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15 Apr 2014

Once Upon a Time in Iowa Family Festival - April 27th

By Lynn Bartenhagen

Join the staff of the Muscatine Art Center in an exploration of Iowa's past. The "Once Upon A Time in Iowa" Family Festival is a free event to be held on Sunday, April 27th from 1 to 4 p.m.

Children and their families will explore the exhibition, "The Art of Living Well," including several works by Iowa artist, Grant Wood. Children can then create a shadow box and are encouraged to bring family photographs to include in the creation of their family heirloom. Children can also decorate a flower pot by cutting and gluing images to decoupage to the pot.

Storytelling will start at 1:30 p.m. in the Stanley Gallery. Featured will be several books about the past including the children's book, "Apples to Oregon." This book will be the base for an outdoor adventure (weather permitting) for children to make their own pioneer trek. As part of the adventure, children will make butter and plant a seed to put in their flower pot.

While at the Art Center, visitors will also sample many different varieties of apples and vote for their favorites. Other light refreshments will be provided.

At 2:00 p.m., adults and older children can attend the presentation, "This is Your Hertitage" by Humanities Iowa Speaker, Loren Horton. The presentation is sponsored by Humanities Iowa.

The art activities offered as part of the "Once Upon a Time in Iowa" family festival are supported through a grant from the Iowa Arts Council, a section of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.

Please contact Melanie Alexander, Director, with any questions or concerns at

563-263-8282 or by email at malexander@muscatineiowa.gov. For more information about Humanities Iowa, visit www.uiowa.edu/~humiowa. For more information about the Iowa Arts Council, visit http://www.iowaartscouncil.org/.

The Muscatine Art Center is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM Admission is FREE.

EVENT DETAILS:

Activity: "Once Upon a Time in Iowa" Family Festival

When: Sunday, April 27, 2014

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Where: Muscatine Art Center

Grant Wood

The Tree Planting Group

1937

Lithograph

Gift of the Muscatine County Museum and Fine Arts Association

Collection Muscatine Art Center

 

On view in the exhibition,

The Art of Living Well,

through June 15, 2014

Admission to this event is FREE.

 

A decoupage flower pot - an example of the one children will make during the "Once Upon a Time in Iowa" Family Festival on April 27th from 1 to 4 p.m.
15 Apr 2014

Million Trees Project Reaches over 725,000 Trees!

By Natalie Linville-Mass

Rock Island, IL/April 2014- With the help of the Quad Cities and surrounding communities, Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) is making this spring one for the record books! The MillionTrees Project (MTP) began back in 2007 with the goal of growing and distributing one million trees to help further their mission to protect, preserve and restore the natural environment of the nation's major rivers and watersheds.  After surpassing the halfway point last year, LL&W is proud to announce that this year the program's cumulative total will tally to a whopping 734,630 trees!

After a busy pre-season of taking tree orders, the 2014 MTP kicked off early this April with a tree wrapping.  Paired with their gracious hosts--the QCCA Expo Center, this year's volunteers truly proved strength really does come in numbers. "We broke several records, wrapping 10,000 more trees than last year, and having 3 times the amount of volunteers as last year. I think its great when the Quad Cities can come together for an amazing cause and do something great for the environment," said MillionTrees Project Coordinator, Ashley Stover.

Three days of hard work resulted in 15,425 Burr Oak, 12,239 Northern Red Oak, 7,200 White Oak and 13,875 Swamp White Oak wrapped for a grand total of 48,739 trees prepped and ready for delivery! LL&W will spend the duration of the project this year not only delivering and planting these trees, but going one step further by branching out with their acorn plantings. They are in route to planting their 871,000th acorn this season!

"There is always such energy in the room and the spirit of cooperation is amazing.  Total strangers working in harmony, from little bitty kids to old ladies, like me!  I'm already looking forward to next year," said volunteer Lee Ann Wille from the Iowa Master Conservationist Program.

Our Complete Volunteer Group List included: the Boys and Girls Club, Rivers Edge Home School Friends and QC Home School Coalition, Christian Care for Homeless Veterans, Christian Care for Homeless Veterans, The ARC of the Quad Cities, John Deere, Rockridge Junior High, Stern Beverage, U.S. Bank, Nahant Marsh, WIU-Quad Cities Campus, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Modern Woodmen Youth Club, Salem Lutheran Church Youth Club-Moline, Faith Assembly Youth Club, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Assumption High School, North Scott High School's Leo Club, William's Junior High School-Davenport, 4H Club, Augustana SAI and Orion Middle School.

Chad Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the beautification and restoration of America's major rivers and to the education of people about environmental issues. From his single boat beginning, LL&W has grown to an internationally known organization with a fleet of barges and workboats.  LL&W engages thousands of volunteers each year in river cleanups, hands-on environmental education workshops, the Great Mississippi River Cleanup, Adopt-a-River-Mile programs and the Million Trees Project.

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15 Apr 2014

Fair Tax Rate Structure Bill Moves Forward as Harmon Files SB350, Cutting Taxes For 94% of Illinoisans up to $205,000

By Neal Waltmire

Legislation also balances individual and corporate ratio at 1:1, applying the same progressive formula for both individual and corporate taxpayers

Springfield, IL - Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) has moved forward new legislation tying a specific rate structure to his Fair Tax Act proposal, including a fixed rate structure that would provide a tax relief for 94% of Illinoisans, including everyone making up to $205,000. Filing of SB350 marks another key step forward for a Fair Tax, which would replace Illinois' antiquated, regressive flat tax with fairer rates, while maintaining adequate revenue to protect vital investments in education, health and human services, and public safety.

Harmon's bill also equalizes the individual and corporate tax ratio at 1:1, applying the same graduated formula to both corporations and individuals?a tax cut for all businesses currently paying the 7% flat rate. Under the proposed rate structure, with lower rates for lower incomes and higher rates for higher incomes, the median individual Illinois taxpayer earning $55,137 annually would receive a tax cut of $303.

Harmon said he was incredibly encouraged by the surge of support for putting a Fair Tax on the November ballot for citizens to decide following his introduction of a rate structure, and the addition of Rep. Christian Mitchell as chief sponsor on the House side.

"The introduction of a rate structure that offers tax relief for 94% of Illinoisans while preventing draconian cuts to vital services that would result from Illinois driving off the impending fiscal cliff has been an absolute game changer," said Harmon.  "People understand this is fundamentally all about fairness."

"Just as the statewide grassroots movement of citizens supporting a Fair Tax has been surging for months, my House colleagues are now taking a hard look at the choices in front of them and many see that this is a third way?a way to provide the services people need and to do so in a way that provides tax relief for 94% of Illinois families," added Mitchell.

Polling shows that 77% of voters support a Fair Tax, with lower rate for lower incomes and higher rates for higher incomes. Since its introduction in 2013, a large and growing statewide coalition has grown in favor of a Fair Tax, and news analysis over the weekend confirms its place at the top of the legislative agenda as Springfield considers budget options for FY2015.

"The choices available today are bad for Illinois families: to extend a regressive flat tax or to cut 13,400 teachers from the classroom, to take 95,000 kids off of early childhood education, to say 'no' to 30,000 college students wishing to get a MAP grant, to close 11 prisons and release 15,000 prisoners, to lay off 3,000 corrections officers, to cut the state police by 30%. The Fair Tax is the third way," said Sen. Harmon.

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