08 May 2014

Governor Quinn Addresses Annual Meeting of Illinois Businesses Leaders

By Dave Blanchette

Discusses Agenda to Support Business Development and Expansion

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today addressed the Illinois Retail Merchants and Illinois Manufacturers Association's annual Business Day meeting and discussed his strong record of support for businesses in Illinois. Governor Quinn's initiatives have made Illinois a better place to do business and proposals he unveiled in his State of the State and Budget Addresses will continue to strengthen Illinois' economic comeback.

"Illinois is making a comeback and we're not stopping now," Governor Quinn said. "Our business owners are the economic engine of the Midwest. By cutting taxes for companies that train their workers and helping entrepreneurs get started, we are giving businesses the tools they need to create jobs and drive our economy forward."

Governor Quinn has worked to rebuild the Illinois economy. The state was recently ranked third in the nation for new corporate locations and expansions by Site Selection magazine. Illinois' unemployment rate is currently at its lowest point in five years, and the state has added 257,000 private sector jobs since January 2010.

Last month, President Barack Obama announced that Illinois had won a new digital manufacturing hub, supported by the federal government and corporate partners. The Governor personally petitioned the United States Secretary of Defense twice and made the case to key White House officials about the benefits and importance of Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation (DMDI) Institute. The institute will apply the newest technologies to help manufacturers try and use new innovations in digital manufacturing and design, with an emphasis on defense manufacturers.

Under Governor Quinn, small businesses across Illinois have helped drive our economic recovery. Illinois' tourism industry is breaking records - more than 100 million visitors for the first time ever and $33.5 billion in spending in local economies across the state. Illinois' film industry has also set new records, generating over $350 million in economic activity. In 2012, a new digital company was launched in Chicago every 24 hours.

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has fought to make historic and fundamental reforms to improve Illinois' business climate. In 2011 he worked with the General Assembly to enact historic workers' compensation reform that is allowing Illinois businesses to save hundreds of millions of dollars. The Governor continued that progress last year by signing historic legislation that addresses the most critical fiscal challenge in Illinois by reforming the state's pension systems. This comprehensive pension reform solution will eliminate the state's unfunded liability and fully fund the pension systems.

To keep the progress going, Governor Quinn is proposing a new tax cut for businesses that provide job training. By lowering the cost to train workers, this tax cut will make it easier for businesses to create new jobs and ensure workers have the skills to drive a 21st century economy.

The Governor is also proposing to reduce the fee to establish a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) by more than 90 percent, from $500 to $39 - the lowest in the nation. Formation as an LLC encourages entrepreneurs to invest their time and money into viable business enterprises. Reducing the filing fee to $39 would make it easier for small business to start and grow in Illinois.

Governor Quinn is also proposing a bipartisan working group to develop a new capital construction plan for the next five years. This would build on the success of the Illinois Jobs Now! program that has supported more than 400,000 jobs and built and repaired 7,731 miles of road, 1,330 bridges and 1,048 schools. These projects strengthen and improve infrastructure to provide better access and support for local businesses, and they employ thousands of workers from local construction companies, who also spend their hard-earned salaries locally.

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08 May 2014

Devin Lundy Awarded at Beloit College Honors Day

By Hilary Dickinson

BELOIT, WI (05/07/2014)(readMedia)-- Devin Lundy, of Davenport, IA, received the Theodore Lyman Wright Fine Arts Prize at Beloit College's Honors Day Convocation on May 7. Lundy is a senior.

The Honors Day Convocation is an annual event held to honor outstanding Beloit College students and their accomplishments.

Beloit College is a residential, liberal arts college offering 40 majors to its 1,250 students. Located 90 miles northwest of Chicago, Beloit is one of the nation's most international colleges, drawing students from 41 nations as well as 49 states.

08 May 2014

Governor Quinn Statement Urging Passage of Job Protections for Pregnant Women

By Katie Hickey

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement urging the Illinois Senate to pass House Bill 8, which provides job protections for working pregnant women. The bill has passed the Illinois House and recently passed out of the Illinois Senate's Executive Committee.

"I salute bill sponsors Representative Mary Flowers and Senator Toi Hutchinson for their hard work on this important legislation.

"As we approach Mother's Day, I urge the Illinois Senate to vote in favor of this bill to protect Illinois' expectant mothers.

"While many moms-to-be continue working long into their pregnancies, part-time and full-time employers should provide reasonable accommodations on the job.

"This legislation will ensure all working pregnant women are guaranteed a supportive work environment without worrying about their baby's safety.

"Protections under House Bill 8 will ensure healthier women and babies, and a stronger workforce across our state."


08 May 2014

Elizabeth Baer receives 2014 Hawkeye Award

By Paul Mintner

IOWA CITY, IA (05/07/2014)(readMedia)-- Elizabeth Baer, a native of Bettendorf, IA, is one of approximately 35 students to earn a 2014 Hawkeye Award. Winners were honored at a ceremony at the Iowa Memorial Union on May 1.

The Hawkeye Awards are given annually to recognize the remarkable work of student leaders on campus. Throughout the ceremony, student organizations, advisors, partners, and student leaders were recognized for their valuable leadership and service.

Baer received the UISG Outstanding Freshman Senator award.

Hawkeye Award winners display significant effort for the betterment of the campus which is demonstrated through outstanding academic achievement, exemplary service and commitment, strong leadership skills, a meaningful contribution to students, the university, and surrounding communities, and/or demonstrated initiative by seeking ways to enrich the future
07 May 2014

Celebrate National Women's Health Week

By Barbara Cire

May 11-17, 2014 is National Women's Health Week. This observance, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health, encourages women across America to lead longer, healthier lives by taking simple, everyday steps to improve their health and well-being.

The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, conducts and supports research into all aspects of aging and health, including that of older women.

For National Women's Health Week, we'd like to bring one publication in particular to your attention: Menopause: Time for a Change. This comprehensive 37-page booklet discusses menopause, hot flashes, and other menopausal symptoms. It also includes information on what women can do to stay healthy after menopause.

The booklet can be viewed online or downloaded for print from our website. Or your readers may order print copies from the NIA website or by calling toll-free 1-800-222-2225. We have many other free consumer publications available on our website - www.nia.nih.gov - on a wide range of topics related to healthy aging for women and for men.

We invite you to feature this booklet in your publication or on your website. For more information about the resources available from the National Institute on Aging, please contact us at 301-496-1752 or nianews3@mail.nih.gov

07 May 2014

Tosha Greer is March 2014 Graduate of Upper Iowa University

By Monica Bayer Heaton
FAYETTE, IA (05/07/2014)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce Tosha Greer from Davenport, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Upper Iowa University's Quad Cities Center in March. Upper Iowa University has 19 U.S. off-campus education centers, a traditional residential campus in Fayette, international centers in Hong Kong and Malaysia, as well as an extensive online program and self-paced degree program. About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to some 6,200 students - nationally and internationally - at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree program. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.
07 May 2014

KISS Invites Community to Town Hall Meeting to Make Case for Hope Creek.

By Chris Baker

Rock Island, IL– On Wednesday May 7th, the KISS Hope Creek Referendum Committee will be hosting a town hall meeting concerning the past, present, and future of Hope Creek Nursing Home and the November Referendum. The purpose of this town hall meeting is to better inform Rock Island County voters on this important community issue.

Rock Island County Board Members Scott Terry and Drue Mielke, and Rock Island County Board candidate Brian Flaherty will be sharing information and taking questions about Hope Creek.

The town hall meeting will be held at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 25 Hall, which is located at 4600 46th Ave in Rock Island. The meeting will be from 5:30-7:30pm. Light refreshments and snacks will be available. All Rock Island County residents are invited.

To learn more about KISS, please visit www.kisshopecreek.com or www.facebook.com/kisshopecreek.

07 May 2014

Royal Neighbors female members grab hammers and nails to build Habitat home in Davenport

By Britney Quaale

(Rock Island, IL)–Hammers and nails will replace computers and phones when Royal Neighbors of America female employees and members gather on Saturday May 10 and Saturday, May 17 to begin building a Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities home in Davenport, IA.

WHAT: Habitat build by female employees and members of Royal Neighbors of

America

WHEN: Saturday, May 10 and Saturday, May 17

8 a.m.-noon shift

1-4 p.m. shift

WHERE: 6400 Appomattox St., Davenport, IA

CONTACT: Sarah Reemtsma, (309) 732-8348 or (563) 343-7770

Approximately 30 women per day will participate and each of the two Saturday shifts will share lunch together from noon-1 p.m.

Royal Neighbors' partnership with Habitat began back in the 90s when it was part of a "blitz build" in Kansas City, MO. Other projects included building homes in Rock Island and Moline, IL, Moorhead, MN, and San Angelo, TX, and sponsoring The First Ladies Build and the Women Building a Legacy project.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with a branch office in Mesa, AZ, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, visit www.royalneighbors.org or

call (800) 627-4762.
07 May 2014

Upper Iowa University announces March 2014 graduates

By Monica Bayer Heaton

FAYETTE, IA (05/07/2014)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce the names of its March 2014 graduates, followed by the degree earned and respective honors.

Jillian Dossett of Eldridge, IA, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Upper Iowa University's Quad Cities Center.

David Green of Bettendorf, IA, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Upper Iowa University's Online Undergraduate Center.

Amandeep Kaur of Davenport, IA, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University's Quad Cities Center.

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to more than 6,200 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree program. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

07 May 2014

Braley Introduces Most Comprehensive Overhaul of School Bus Safety in 15 Years

By Kirsten Hartman

Congressman: For many schoolchildren, safety is more at risk coming and going from school than in the classroom or on the playground

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today unveiled the most comprehensive overhaul of the nation's school bus safety system in over 15 years, the School Bus Safety Act. An average of 6 children are killed in school bus related accidents each year while an average of 12 children are killed each year in pedestrian deaths outside of the school bus.

"For many schoolchildren, their safety is more at risk coming and going from school than in the classroom or on the playground?and we can do something to change that," Braley said. "When my kids were getting on the bus to go to school I wanted every tool possible to keep them safe, and that's a feeling all parents share."

The School Bus Safety Act contains five titles:

  • Title I: "Kadyn's Act"?named after Northwood student Kadyn Halverson, requires states to enact tough penalties for drivers who pass stopped schools buses. Kadyn's parents helped enact this portion of the law in Iowa, but in many other states, this activity, which puts children's lives in danger, is punishable by fines as low as 30 dollars.

 

  • Title II creates grants for Motion Activated Detection Systems on the exterior of buses?these systems alert a driver when a moving target is detected within the danger zones near the front, rear and sides of the bus.
  • Title III requires background checks on school bus drivers. In 2012, Iowa enacted such a law, but some states are still operating without this requirement.
  • Title IV is a School Bus Seat Belt Demonstration Program. The Department of Transportation would create a Demonstration Program which would allow states to apply for funding to purchase new school buses with seat belts or to equip current ones with seat belts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that deaths from frontal crashes could be significantly reduced with mandatory seatbelt use.
  • The last portion of the law would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to assess using technology to get drivers to stop for school buses. For example, studying how a particular lighting system might help prevent motorists from illegally passing stopped buses. This could also help with the situation that led to Kadyn Halverson's tragedy - utilizing technology that can get people to slow down and stop, in addition to increased penalties.

The bill has a self-funding mechanism. Two of the programs - Kadyn's Act (Tile I) and Bus Driver Background Checks (Title III) require states to implement standards similar to Iowa's or they lose 10 percent of their highway funds.  The other two programs in the bill, the motion sensors and seatbelts, are grant programs funded by the withheld funds from those states that fail to implement a Kadyn's Law and bus driver background checks.

Braley has a long history of advocacy on school bus safety, previously fighting to redirect resources to help states enforce traffic laws that punish reckless drivers for illegally passing stopped school buses. Braley was also a strong supporter of the passing of Kadyn's Law by the Iowa legislature.

A link to the School Bus Safety Act is available online HERE.

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