CHICAGO - Governor Quinn issued the following statement on The Gap, Inc.'s decision to raise its own minimum wage to $10 for all U.S. employees, a move that is expected to impact 65,000 American workers. The Gap has almost 40 Illinois locations:

"I applaud The Gap's decision to be an industry trailblazer and pay all of its workers a minimum wage of $10 an hour.

"The Gap's decision is the latest proof that many businesses understand that raising the minimum wage makes good business sense. Higher wages for hard-working employees means they will spend more at local businesses, which in turns boosts economic growth.

"Today the Illinois minimum wage is less than half the average hourly wage. It is well below the Federal Poverty Threshold for a family of three. As I've always said, nobody should work 40 hours a week and live in poverty. This is about dignity and decency.

"Illinois and the rest of the nation should follow The Gap's good example - we should raise the minimum wage and build an economy that works for everyone."

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Need more Broadway in your life?  Only two more shows in the Lujack Lexus Broadway at the Adler Theatre 2013-2014 season, Million Dollar Quartet and Hair.  Stay under the same roof while enjoying Pre-Show Dinners!  Check out details below.

Sunday, March 16, 7:00 pm
Million Dollar Quartet
Pre-Show Dinner Opportunity
Find tickets
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians were gathered together by Sam Phillips at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time.
For more information...
Wednesday, April 9, 7:30 pm
Hair
Pre-Show Dinner Opportunity
Find tickets
The rock musical that sparked a revolution and ignited a generation is back! All the original hits and new songs rediscovered from the original production - all played live by The Tribe.  This new production returns to its rebellious provocative roots! HAIR depicts the birth of a cultural movement in the turbulent 60s that changed America forever. For Mature Audiences.  While many find this show suitable for young adults (13 and older), parental discretion is advised. There is a dimly lit 20-second scene with nudity that is non-sexual in nature.
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WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said today that Anamaria Angel of Waukee has received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for the 2014-2015 school year.

Angel is the daughter of Jeanie Angel of Waukee.  She will graduate in May from Van Meter High School.  Angel participated in softball, track, concert band and marching band.  She is a member of the Junior ROTC Red Bull Battalion-Central Campus, MSA Softball and the National Youth Leadership Council.  Angel is also a trainer for Paws and Effect, a service dog training organization for autistic children.

"Admission to the service academies is highly competitive and a great honor," Grassley said.  "Students work very hard to earn this kind of opportunity.  I wish Anamaria well and thank her for her commitment to serve our nation."

Angel was among the 55 Iowans Grassley nominated this year for appointments to the U.S. service academies.  Information about seeking nominations can be found on Grassley's website.

For more than 200 years, these academies have educated and trained individuals to lead and command the U.S. armed forces.

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WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said today that Zachary Weston of Cedar Rapids has received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., for the 2014-2015 school year.

Weston is the son of Julia and J. Michael Weston.  He will graduate in May from Washington High School.  Weston participates in swimming, tennis, Madrigal Singers Chamber Choir and Washington Concert Choir.  He is a member of Committee WHS, Kiva, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Council for Youth Leadership, and serves as class vice president.

"Admission to the service academies is highly competitive and a great honor," Grassley said.  "Students work very hard to earn this kind of opportunity.  I wish Zachary well and thank him for his commitment to serve our nation."

Weston was among the 55 Iowans Grassley nominated this year for appointments to the U.S. service academies.  Information about seeking nominations can be found on Grassley's website.

For more than 200 years, these academies have educated and trained individuals to lead and command the U.S. armed forces.

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2014–On Monday, February 24 at 3 PM ET, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Harden will host a Google+ Hangout to highlight USDA's commitment to new farmers to build the new generation of agriculture. There are great challenges and opportunities for new and beginning farmers and ranchers as the average age of farm operators continues to rise and more diverse farmers are entering the industry. During the Hangout you will learn from Deputy Secretary Harden and two farmers who will share their experiences in agriculture.

Monday's Hangout will launch a series of outreach and education efforts led by Deputy Harden focusing new and beginning farmers. After the Hangout, we'll ask you to tell us which topics we should cover in future outreach events.

Participate in the Hangout on Monday by watching it live on the USDA Google+ page or on usda.gov/live. Submit discussion questions in advance via the G+ Event page, Twitter, YouTube or Facebook using #NewFarmers.

WHAT: USDA Google+ Hangout on the Changing Face of Agriculture

WHEN: Monday, February 24, 3 PM ET

WHERE: Watch live on USDA Google+ page or via www.usda.gov/live

WHO: USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden

Kate Danner, corn and soybean farmer, Aledo, Ill.

Alejandro Tecum, Adelante Mujeres, Forest Grove, OR

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).
Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Committee of the Whole - 8:00 am

Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

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

Facilities & Economic Development

2. Appointment of Weed Commissioner. (Item 2)

3. IA DOT Agreements for Paved Approaches at County Roads. (Item 3)

4. Construction plans and specifications for the roof replacement project at the Administrative Center. (Item 4)

Human Resources

5. Human Resource and General Policy updates. (Item 5)

Health & Community Services

6. Tax suspension requests. (Item 6)

Finance & Intergovernmental

7. Quarterly financial reports from various county offices. (Item 7)

8. Assessment of election costs for the School Board, Municipalities Election and Pleasant Valley School District special election held on February 4, 2014. (Item 8)

9. Board Appointment. (Item 9)

10. Beer/liquor renewal licenses for Glynns Creek Golf Course and Fairyland.

Other Items of Interest

11. Recognition of Terry O'Neill's years of service on the Benefited Fire District #1. (Item 11)

12. Discussion of Board member visits with County Departments. (Item 12)

Special Committee of the Whole, Board Room, Immediately following COW (approx 8:45)

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

2. Budget Work Session.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Regular Board Meeting - 5:00 pm

Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

Public Hearing

1. Amendment to the FY14 operating and capital budget.

2. Plans and Specifications for the Administrative Center Roof Replacement Project.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Special Committee of the Whole - 11:00 am

Clarion Hotel, Davenport

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

2. Legislature Forum for State Legislators and Scott County Government.

3. Other items of interest.

2014 COFFEE HOUSE & SILENT AUCTION

MARCH 7 & 8 - DOORS OPEN 6 PM; PERFORMANCE STARTS 7 PM

Tickets are $10/Night  MUSIC, FOOD, AUCTION, DRINKS

 

PERFORMERS

MARCH 7                                                                   MARCH 8

7PM  JASON MOULTON & OLIVIA                        MAUPENEIE LELAULU [PENDING]

730    STEVE BURKE                                                ZIWEI REN

755    BREAK                                                            BREAK 

810   ROSE N' THORNS                                          BRINDIN SAWYER

840   LOJO RUSSO                                                 MOULTON HILL TRIO

910    BOB & KYOKO NAKAMARU                       SOMETHIN' ELSE

930   BREAK                                                            BREAK

945   HERSONG                                                       PETE SEEGER TRIBUTE

1012  PETE SEEGER TRIBUTE                             RYAN ESPE & FRIENDS

1045  GREEN VALLEY REJECTS                         BOB & KYOKO NAKAMARU 

Projects will Improve a Rest Area and Replace Correctional Center Roof

ROCK ISLAND - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $766,000 to renovate a correctional center and a rest area in the Quad Cities. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, the projects are part of Governor Quinn's commitment to creating jobs and driving Illinois' economy forward.

"State facilities must be repaired and maintained to better serve the public and protect the state's investment in these properties," Governor Quinn said. "The projects will also employ a number of construction workers, which will drive local economies forward."

Both projects will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

The roofs will be replaced on the Garage/Grounds and Laundry Buildings at the East Moline Correctional Center. The general construction contract was awarded to Sterling Commercial Roofing, Inc. of Sterling, the lower of two bidders at $606,600. The ventilation contract was awarded to the lower of two bidders, Loescher Heating & Air Conditioning Co. of Freeport,  for $44,400. The center is operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Another project involves the Mississippi Rapids Rest Area operated by the Illinois Department of Transportation along Interstate 80 just east of the Mississippi River. The facility's wooden walkway rails, deck, supporting wood and concrete structure, and drainage will be repaired or replaced for $115,250 by CPI of the Midwest, Inc. of Rock Island.

"Both the rest area and the correctional center project are using local businesses that support the community and ensure jobs stay in the 36th District," State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) said.

"Continued investment in our state's infrastructure will foster a strong foundation for the future while keeping people at work," State Representative Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) said. "Our local economy depends heavily on the jobs provided by the East Moline Correctional Center. Keeping this and other state facilities up-to-date will go a long ways towards making workplaces safer for employees and ensuring that these jobs remain here for years to come."

The projects are part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.

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FEBRUARY 24th to MARCH 2nd
www.QCrestaurantweek.com
Campaign marks occasion by releasing 99 Reasons Why Bruce Braley Fights for Iowa's Middle Class
DES MOINES, IA - With an event in Bloomfield, Iowa, this afternoon, Rep. Bruce Braley announced today that he has visited all 99 Iowa counties since announcing his candidacy last February for the US Senate seat held by Tom Harkin. He is the first candidate running for US Senate in 2014 to visit all 99 counties since launching his campaign.

To celebrate this milestone, Braley's campaign released an interactive list of 99 Reasons Why Bruce Braley Fights for Iowa's Middle Class, focusing on his background growing up in a middle class family in Brooklyn, Iowa, his work in the US House to strengthen the middle class and create jobs, and featuring highlights from his travels around Iowa over the past year.

The list can be viewed at the following link: www.brucebraley.com/99-reasons

Braley said, "Iowans from all 99 counties tell me they're struggling with rising costs and shrinking opportunities - and too many politicians are ignoring the real problems and making things worse. 

"I'm running for Senate to fight for the middle class because that's where I come from. I grew up in a small Iowa town, went to college in Iowa, and I raised my family in Iowa. And whether you're from Lyon County or Lee County, I'll fight every day in the Senate to create Iowa jobs, help small businesses succeed, and protect Social Security and Medicare."

Braley visited two Iowa communities today to finish his tour of all 99 Iowa counties. This morning, Braley toured Keosauqua's main street to visit local small businesses and meet with residents. This afternoon, Braley hosted a Meet and Greet event at Oasis Cafe in Bloomfield.

Bruce Braley was born in Grinnell and grew up in nearby Brooklyn, Iowa. His father, a Marine who fought on Iwo Jima in World War II, and his mother, a teacher, taught him the value of hard work. Braley worked jobs like road construction and truck driving to help pay his way through college and law school. As an attorney in Waterloo, Braley represented Iowans who took on powerful interests and big corporations. Elected to the US House in 2006, Braley has worked to create Iowa jobs, protect farms, strengthen small businesses, and stand up for veterans. Bruce Braley is running for Senate to fight for the things that matter most to Iowans. He'll fight for middle class families, because that's where he comes from.

Braley lives in Waterloo with his wife, Carolyn. They have three children: Lisa, David, and Paul.
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