11 Mar 2014

TENTATIVE AGENDA SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS March 10 - 14, 2014

By Renee Luze-Johnson
Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Committee of the Whole - 8:00 am

Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

1. Roll Call: Sunderbruch, Cusack, Earnhardt, Hancock, Minard

Facilities & Economic Development

2. Iowa Department of Transportation Contract for HMA Resurfacing Projects. (Item 2)

Human Resources

3. Discussion of Succession Process for Taxation Deputy Auditor. (Item 3)

4. Staff appointments. (Item 4)

Health & Community Services

5. Discussion of Eastern Iowa MH/DS Region's 28E Agreement. (Item 5)

6. Tax suspension requests. (Item 6)

Finance & Intergovernmental

7. Discussion of quarterly financial summary report. (Item 7)

8. 2nd Quarter Budgeting for Outcomes Report. (Item 8)

9. Budget amendment of the FY14 County Budget. (Item 9)

10. Adopting the FY15 County Budget. (Item 10)

11. Classification and staffing adjustments as discussed during the fiscal year 2015

budget review process. (Item 11)

12. Salary rate table for FY2014-2015 Z-Schedule of temporary and part-time staff. (Item

12)

13. Fiscal Year 2015 Compensation Schedule for County Elected Officials and Deputy

Office Holders. (Item 13)
11 Mar 2014

Grassley Seeks Documents from Northwestern University on Heart Valve Device

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is asking Northwestern University for documents on a medical device implanted in patients for heart valve repair.  Grassley wrote to the university in 2008 and 2009 about the Myxo device over allegations that the device had not been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before it was implanted in patients as part of an outcomes study.

Since then, new allegations have come to light that Northwestern did not provide all of the documents to Grassley that were squarely within the scope of his request, and that Northwestern failed to provide any notice or explanation of why it was withholding certain documents.  In a letter this week to the presidents of Northwestern University and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Grassley asks for the documents apparently withheld from him in response to his earlier inquiries.

The documents are important to reviewing whether Northwestern's use of the devices was appropriate and whether notification to patients was adequate.

Grassley has a longstanding interest in FDA oversight and patient safety.

The text of his letter is available here.

-30-
11 Mar 2014

Loebsack: Comprehensive Plan Needed to Respond to Future Propane Shortages

By Joe Hand

Calls for coordination among federal and state agencies, governors

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today called on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to coordinate with relevant federal and state agencies and governors to establish an emergency response plan to address any future propane shortages like those faced in the Midwest this winter. At a hearing today entitled "Benefits of and Challenges to Energy Access in the 21st Century: Fuel Supply and Infrastructure," Loebsack submitted testimony that calls on the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), Department of Energy (DOE), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and governors to join together to be able to quickly respond to home heating fuel shortage disasters.

"It is clear from the hodgepodge of steps taken to address the problem that no comprehensive plan exists for all parties to coordinate and to ensure that a fuel supply disaster that threatens the livelihoods of thousands of Iowans never occurs again," wrote Loebsack. "I am asking the House Energy and Commerce Committee to coordinate the development of an emergency response plan across all relevant federal agencies and state actors and governors to be able to quickly respond to home heating fuel shortage disasters similar to what the Midwest is experiencing this winter."

The full text of Loebsack's statement is below.

Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02)

Statement for the record

Benefits of and Challenges to Energy Access in the 21st Century: Fuel Supply and Infrastructure

March 6, 2014

"Chairman Upton and Ranking Member Waxman, thank you for the opportunity to submit a statement for today's hearing on the "Benefits of and Challenges to Energy Access in the 21st Century: Fuel Supply and Infrastructure."

"This winter, states across the Midwest have seen record high propane prices that have wreaked havoc on Iowan's pocketbooks and quality of life. While propane prices typically average $1 to $2 per gallon, Iowans have seen this skyrocket to over $4 per gallon, and even top $5 per gallon in some instances. This is unsustainable and unacceptable for Iowa families.  The doubling and tripling of propane prices is causing thousands of Iowans to struggle to make ends meet and to keep their heat on during the extreme cold temperatures experienced this winter. In Iowa, propane is a critical fuel that heats 13 percent of Iowa homes in addition to barns that keep thousands of livestock alive during the winter months.

"Throughout the propane crises in the Midwest, Governors, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), Department of Energy (DOE), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) have taken important steps to expedite the shipments of propane to the Midwest. These steps were critical to providing relief. However, it is clear from the hodgepodge of steps taken to address the problem that no comprehensive plan exists for all parties to coordinate and to ensure that a fuel supply disaster that threatens the livelihoods of thousands of Iowans never occurs again.

"From the National Propane Gas Association's testimony, there is extreme cause for concern over pipeline infrastructure flows, rail capacity, and exports causing supply restrictions that must be addressed. Consumers who rely on fuels like propane to provide a basic need like heating their homes should not be held victim to the profits of the oil and gas industry. This winter has additionally brought together a storm of crop drying demand and extremely cold temperatures that has contributed to diminished propane supplies. However, with the supply constraints and exports facing the industry, there is no reason a similar fuel supply disaster could not happen again. I am asking the House Energy and Commerce Committee to coordinate the development of an emergency response plan across all relevant federal agencies and state actors including U.S. DOT, FERC, DOE, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, and governors to be able to quickly respond to home heating fuel shortage disasters similar to what the Midwest is experiencing this winter.

"Thank you again for allowing me to submit my statement today, and I look forward to working with the Committee to address this critically important issue."

###
11 Mar 2014

Gov. Branstad joins lawsuit opposing a California law that discriminates against Iowa egg producers

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Takes a stand for Iowa farmers against unconstitutional California law

 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad today joined a lawsuit in the Eastern District of California opposing California's egg-production law that discriminates against Iowa's egg producers.

Gov. Branstad, along with other five other states, argues that California's egg-production law is unconstitutional and violates the commerce clause.

"The burdensome law from the State of California effectively regulates the industry across state lines, hurts Iowa agriculture and is detrimental to Iowa egg producers," said Branstad. "Iowa is by far the leading egg producing state in the nation. This law is an unwarranted burden being imposed on Iowa's producers by another state and violates the interstate commerce clause of the United States Constitution."

Iowa's egg farmers lead the nation in egg production by producing nearly 15 billion eggs per year.  Almost one out of every five eggs produced in the United States are produced in Iowa.  The Iowa egg industry contributes about $2 billion in total sales and impacts about 8,000 jobs.

"Governor Branstad and I know a strong agricultural economy is critical to our continued economic growth," said Iowa Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds. "California's law adversely affects Iowa agricultural jobs and we believe its negative effects and regulations felt by egg producers across the country is a violation of the commerce clause. We're pleased that Democrats and Republicans are coming together in support of agriculture and against onerous regulations."

The lawsuit, which was filed by Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster and co-signed by the attorney generals of Nebraska, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kentucky and Gov. Branstad, argues that the court should rule that California's law violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.  The commerce clause prohibits any state from enacting legislation that regulates conduct wholly outside its borders, protects its own citizens from out-of-state competition, or places undue burdens on interstate commerce.

"California's effort to unconstitutionally limit the ability of Iowa farmers to access California's consumers must be stopped.   I support all efforts to uphold the right of Iowa farmers to sell their products, including eggs, in every state free from unconstitutional restraints imposed by any state," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

California's law puts unnecessary burdens on Iowa farms which could force some Iowa farmers out of business.

Facts about Iowa egg production

  • Iowa is the number on state in egg production.  Iowa farmers produce over 14.4 billion eggs per year.
  • Approximately 9.1% of those eggs - 1.07 billion eggs per year - are sold in California.
  • Iowa farmers export more eggs to California than any other state.
  • 30% of the eggs imported to California are produced in Iowa.

The full Amended Complaint can be read here.

 

###

For more information, please visit www.governor.iowa.gov.
11 Mar 2014

Illinois patients forced to pay higher costs for medications, putting tremendous burden on families

By Vanessa Figueroa

It's a sad but simple fact - patients suffering from life-threatening or chronic illnesses need access to their prescribed medications. How they pay for them, though, is another story.

Despite paying insurance premiums like everyone else month after month, these patients are being forced to pay a much higher percentage of their healthcare costs as insurance companies jack-up the co-payments for more and more medicines, putting an even bigger burden on those who are suffering already.

Unless you are dealing with this, you probably don't even know that insurance companies divide prescriptions into tiers, which typically have fixed co-payments. Many of these companies have added a "specialty tier," which is a fourth category of medicines that requires the patient to pay co-insurance, or a percentage of the drug price.Often, newer, more expensive or more specialized medicines are placed on these specialty tiers and require a sizable out-of-pocket payment by the patient.

Medications needed for life-threatening or debilitating diseases - like oral medicines for cancer or factor for patients suffering from hemophilia - may cost a patient between 25 to 50 percent of the total cost of the drug.

Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is taking an important step to protect patients across Illinois by introducing Senate Bill 3395 to limit patients' cost-sharing burden, ensuring that any required co-payment to drugs on a specialty tier does not exceed $100 per month.

Joan McGovern, whose husband recently passed away from hemophilia, has first-hand experience worrying about prescription drug costs. Mr. McGovern took Factor 8 for nearly 20 years to manage his disease. Her husband was on Medicare and received full assistance and did not have to pay for Factor 8. If the assistance program did not cover him, he would have had to pay the increased percentage of the co-pay for Factor 8 under the "specialty tiers" category. This would have meant that Mr. McGovern would have had to pay close to $700 every other day for Factor 8 to ensure that he had the life-saving medication he needed to prevent hemorrhaging from his brain and throughout his joints.

Joan also has a 3-year-old grandson who lives with hemophilia. His medication is currently covered by his insurance, but as his condition continues to evolve so will his medical needs. And, sadly, his family will end up having to pay for these exorbitant out-of-pocket costs under the "specialty tiers," which could add up to over $300 per week.

The reality is that most families aren't able to afford expensive medications under these specialty tiers. Patients, who are already suffering, should not have the extra burden of extremely high out-of-pocket costs to manage their illness.

11 Mar 2014

$2M in New Listings, Top 5 Seller Motivations

By Marigold Resources

Top 5 Seller Motivations

Marigold thrives on working with business owners to understand their motivations and readiness to exit their business. This way, the services we provide are tailored for each client's needs.

We have found that business owners, serious about investigating a potential exit, fall into one of the five circumstances below. Marigold's team of advisors has the expertise to assist business owners in all five of these scenarios.

1. You are interested in establishing a value, or market price, in order to determine if you should sell now, or in the future.

2. You are motivated to grow your company for a future sale that meets your financial requirements, but also need assistance with an updated strategic plan.

3. You are motivated to understand the value of your company before deciding to pass the company on to children, or to firm up your estate planning.

4. You are motivated to sell part of the company to a strategic partner, but need help identifying and executing the details.

5. You are motivated to sell now. No heirs have interest in taking over.  You wish to exit while sales are good and retire with good health.  Alternatively, you may have lost focus and need help getting the company in shape to have a successful exit.

Seller Sitdown Survey | Rules of Thumb Reports | Business Pricing Comps

Over $2 Million in New Business Listings for Sale

Profitable Pizzeria with Great Assets

11 Mar 2014

INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

By Candace Avery
JUDGES INCLUDE TOM WAITS, AVICII, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE, IMAGINE DRAGONS, DURAN DURAN, JOSHUA REDMAN, SELENA GOMEZ, AND MANY MORE

March 6, 2014...Finalists for the 2013 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) have now been announced. Recognized as the most prestigious international songwriting competition in the world, ISC awards excellence in the field of songwriting. Representing a broad variety of musical genres, finalists were selected from 124 countries worldwide. To view the list, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners

Winners will be announced at the end of April, 2014. Prizes include over $150,000 in cash, merchandise, and services (including a Grand Prize of $25,000 cash and $40,000 in additional prizes). ISC is open to amateur and professional songwriters from all over the world, including bands and solo performers. Winners are selected by a panel of high-profile recording artists and music industry executives.

In addition to the winners selected by the panel of judges, ISC opens voting to the public to pick their favorite song. The ISC People's Voice runs for the entire month of March and is open for voting at http://www.facebook.com/internationalsongwritingcompetition.

Over the years ISC has become a benchmark for songwriting talent, and winning ISC can be a tremendous career booster. Winners have included artists such as Gotye, Kimbra, Gin Wigmore, The Band Perry, Passenger, Bastille, Kasey Chambers, Gregory Porter, Lindsey Stirling, and many more. Many winners have gone on to be signed to record label deals and have secured publishing deals, licensing deals, and distribution deals, in addition to getting more gigs, fans, and recognition.

The complete list of ISC judges includes:

Recording Artists: Tom Waits; Nas; Imagine Dragons; Josh Turner; Bernie Taupin; Martina McBride; Duran Duran; Garbage; Robert Smith (The Cure); Selena Gomez; Bruce Hornsby; Florida Georgia Line; Dido; Michael W. Smith; Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Mark Foster (Foster The People); Alejandro Sanz; Gerald Casale (Devo); Jason Isbell; Joshua Redman; Brian Setzer; Avicii; Keane; Jeremy Camp; McCoy Tyner; Jon Secada; Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show); Boney James; Craig Morgan; James Cotton; Black Francis (Pixies); John Mayall; Anoushka Shankar; Toots Hibbert (Toots & The Maytals); Bombino; Chayanne; Jimmy Needham; and Matt Thiessen (Relient K).

Industry Executives: Dan McCarroll (President, Capitol/Virgin Label Group); Monte Lipman (President, Universal Republic Records); Alison Donald (Co-President, Columbia Records UK); Ed Vetri (President, Wind-Up Records); Bryan Leach (Sr. VP of A&R Urban, RCA Records and President, Polo Grounds Music); Richard Stumpf (President, Imagem Music US); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Albert Schilcher (VP Music & Music Mktg, MTV International); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP A&R, Latin America, Sony/BMG); Dan Storper (President, Putamayo World Music Records and Putumayo Kids); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Lori Tieg (VP of Talent, VEVO); Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Kim Buie (Head of A&R, Thirty Tigers); Douglas C. Cohn (Sr. VP, Music Marketing & Talent, Nickelodeon); Leib Ostrow (Founder/CEO, Music For Little People); and Jamie Masada (Owner, Laugh Factory).

ISC is sponsored by: Presonus, Lowden, Marshall Amplification, Solid State Logic, Berklee College of Music, Mrs. Fields Cookies, Airplay Direct, D'Addario, DiscMakers, Thayers, SongU.com, Sonicbids, The Music Business Registry, Indie Venue Bible, Celebrity Access, TuneCore, Independent Mastering, George Stein, Esq., Songtrust, and Taxi

ISC is now accepting entries for 2014. More information can be found at http://www.songwritingcompetition.com.

Contact: Candace Avery at cavery@songwritingcompetition.com or call 615.251.4441.

International Songwriting Competition
1307 Eastland Avenue
Nashville, TN 37206
ph: 615.251.4441
fx: 615.251.4442
www.songwritingcompetition.com
11 Mar 2014

40th QC Times Bix 7 News

By Glenn Kass

THE BIX 7 WANTS YOU FOR A PATRIOTIC 40th ANNIVERSARY; AIMING FOR FIELD OF 20,000

USA 7 Mile Championship; Free Active Military Entries; Veterans Hospice Charity Highlight Event

BETTENDORF, IA - The 40th Anniversary of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 will be a patriotic celebration with the return of the USA Seven Mile Championships, free active duty military registrations and a program to assist veterans in hospice care as organizers aim for a field of 20,000. Race officials made the announcements in a media event at Isle of Capri Casino Hotel.

Participants return to Davenport on Saturday, July 26th, 2014. Registrations are being mailed in addition to availability at locations throughout the Quad City Area. Online entry is open at www.bix7.com with a valid Visa or MasterCard except for active duty military which will require a printed application.

Advance entries are only handled through the website, via mailed printed applications or those brought to the Quad-City Times building, 500 E. Third Street, Davenport. You can stay connected with news and training tips at www.facebook.com - Search Quad-City Times Bix 7 or www.twitter.com/@BixSeven.

For the fourth time (2002, 2009, 2010) the Bix 7 will host the USA Seven Mile Championships - part of the USA Running Circuit (www.runnerspace.com/USARunningCircuit).The yearly program is a development effort for athletes in training on road courses as they work toward opportunities to represent the country at World and Olympic competition through USA Track & Field.

Also, the Bix 7 will offer free entry to any active duty military. A printed application will be required which has a line to list the active military identification number. The entrant will also be required to present their military identification at packet pick up to confirm status.

Every paid entrant will be able to assist military veterans by adding a $2.00 contribution on the application to Genesis Health System Hospice's local chapter of the We Honor Veterans Program. Led by the Veterans Administration and hospice care providers, the national effort honors veterans nearing the end of life by celebrating their military service (www.genesishealth.com/services/home-health/hospice/we-honor-veterans/).

These activities complement the Premier Buick & GMC Dealers High School Challenge, the Quad City Bank & Trust Battle Up Brady, Alcoa Jr. Bix 7, Swiss Valley Farms Quick Bix, VictoryStore.com Gregg Newell and Eloise Caldwell awards for top local male and female area finishers, Rhythm City Casino Race for the Jackpot and Scott County Regional Authority All City Challenge.

As the country's best compete while saluting those who serve and sacrifice for our country, race director Ed Froehlich knows the Bix 7 is ready for a memorable 40th anniversary event.

"We're pleased to again host the USA Seven Mile Championships," said Froehlich, entering his 35th year guiding the race. "More importantly, the recognition of our service men and women that have and continue to make it possible for us to celebrate traditions like the Bix 7 since 1975 is one that our sponsors, volunteers and participants are thrilled to be involved with."

RICK McGRATH LEADS 2014 QUAD-CITY TIMES BIX 7 MILITARY SALUTE

13-year Committee Chair Joins Four Others as Assistant Race Directors

BETTENDORF, IA - Rick McGrath, a committee chair for 13 years with the Quad-City Times Bix 7, has been named as a new Assistant Race Director for the event by Race Director Ed Froehlich. Officials made the announcement in a media event at Isle of Capri Casino Hotel.

The 40th Bix 7 returns to Davenport on Saturday, July 26th, 2014. Registrations are being mailed in addition to availability at locations throughout the Quad City Area. Online entry is open at www.bix7.com with a valid Visa or MasterCard except for active duty military which will require a printed application for listing the active military identification number which will also be needed for packet pick up.

Advance entries are only handled through the website, via mailed printed applications or those brought to the Quad-City Times building, 500 E. Third Street, Davenport. You can stay connected with news and training tips at www.facebook.com - Search Quad-City Times Bix 7 or www.twitter.com/@BixSeven.

McGrath will head up the military initiatives for the event highlighted by free registration for active duty military. He joins Dan Breidinger, Ron Egger, Michelle Juehring and Paul Schmidt as Assistant Race Directors.

Along with his wife Laurie, the couple has coordinated musical entertainment on the course for race day. They will continue in that role. McGrath has a long relationship as a participant (35 years) and is excited to be serving the Bix 7 in this new effort.

"I have run the Bix which goes back to my days as a cross country athlete at Black Hawk College," said McGrath, a lifelong resident of the area. "I was friends with Nancy Kapheim who recruited me to the committee.

"We have several friends in the reserves," McGrath added. "However, my stepson joined the Navy to work toward his goal of medical school. So, with that first hand experience now I'm looking forward to this new opportunity to build a relationship with active duty personnel and the race."

Every paid entrant can join the patriotic excitement by adding a $2.00 contribution on the application to Genesis Health System Hospice's local chapter of the We Honor Veterans Program. The national effort honors veterans nearing the end of life by celebrating their military service (www.genesishealth.com/services/home-health/hospice/we-honor-veterans/).

These activities complement the Premier Buick & GMC Dealers High School Challenge, the Quad City Bank & Trust Battle Up Brady, Alcoa Jr. Bix 7, Swiss Valley Farms Quick Bix, VictoryStore.com Gregg Newell and Eloise Caldwell awards for top local male and female area finishers, Rhythm City Casino Race for the Jackpot and Scott County Regional Authority All City Challenge.

-30-

11 Mar 2014

POLL: what's YOUR priority?

By Rick Martin

The President recently released his budget for Fiscal Year 2015. He shared with us his budget priorities and as Congress works on its own budget, I want to know what you think the main priority should be.

Please click here to share your thoughts with me.

I have long said that a budget is the blueprint for the direction you believe the country should be moving towards. Whether it is growing the economy, investing in education, reducing the deficit, or one of the many other policies, I want to know what you think is the most important.

Click here to take a quick survey to share your thoughts with me. It is important that I know what you think.

My number one job is to be your Representative and I cannot do that unless I hear directly from you. Please take the time to let me know what you think. 

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

11 Mar 2014

Grassley Welcomes Three New Members to Senate Caucus on Foster Youth

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), co-chairman of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, today welcomed three news members to the caucus:  Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

"There's a tremendous need to shape helpful public policy for foster youth," Grassley said.  "The more senators interested in the cause, the better the results we can produce for the kids who seek stable families and good education leading to successful adulthood."

The full members of the caucus are:  co-chairs, Grassley and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.); members, Sens. James Risch (R-Idaho), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Mark Begich (D-Ala.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

Grassley formed the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth with Landrieu in 2009.  The caucus provides a voice for foster youth in shaping the policies that affect their quality of life.  The caucus has a special focus on older youth who need continued support as they age out of the system.  Among other activities, it sponsors a speakers' series to bring the best ideas from the field to policymakers in Washington, D.C.

Grassley formed the caucus after working on major adoption and foster care policy, including the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 and the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoption Act of 2008.

-30-

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