06 Nov 2013

Governor Pat Quinn Receives Award for Leadership in Helping Illinois Residents with Disabilities

By Grant Klinzman

Honor Recognizes Governor's Advocacy for Ensuring All Residents Have the Option of Community Living

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was presented with the Outstanding Advocate Award from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) for his work to offer people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to live in their community of choice. Since taking office, Governor Quinn has worked tirelessly for people with developmental disabilities by investing in community care and signing legislation that breaks down barriers to increase opportunities for employment. This legislation was first introduced by the Governor in his 2013 State of the State Address.

"Everyone deserves the opportunity to chase their own dreams and reach their full potential," Governor Quinn said. "We are making Illinois a better place to live for all people as we continue our mission of creating more choices and improving care for people with disabilities."

Governor Quinn has been recognized both nationally and locally as a champion for people with disabilities. Two years ago, the Governor launched his Rebalancing Initiative to improve the state's system of caring for those with disabilities and mental health challenges. The initiative has successfully moved hundreds of people with disabilities out of institutions and into community-based care.

"We are very appreciative of the leadership Governor Quinn has shown in the Rebalancing Initiative," Executive Director of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Sheila Romano said. "More than 500 people with developmental disabilities applaud the Governor's advocacy."

The Arc of the United States recently named Governor Quinn the Advocacy Matters! Award recipient for 2013, which is The Arc's most prestigious, national honor. The award is presented annually to proven leaders who advocate and protect the civil and human rights of people with disabilities and increase resources, services and supports that promote their full inclusion and participation in the community. In July, the Governor signed the "Employment First Act," a new law which requires Illinois state agencies to work together to make employment for people with disabilities a priority.

The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) summit for people with developmental disabilities promotes self-confidence and enhances skills enabling participants to become more self sufficient. The Arc of Illinois represents more than 220,000 people with disabilities and their families and is committed to empowering persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices. In 2012 Governor Quinn received The Arc of Illinois 2012 President's Award for his leadership to improve life for people with developmental disabilities by rebalancing Illinois' approach to providing care.

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06 Nov 2013

Reed-Grassley: Fines and Penalties For Wrongdoing Should Not be Tax Deductible

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to protect taxpayers, hold corporate wrongdoers accountable, and deter future fraud and abuse, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) are introducing legislation to rescind tax write-offs for illegal corporate behavior.  The bipartisan Government Settlement Transparency & Reform Act would close a loophole that has allowed some corporations to reap tax benefits from payments made at government direction stemming from settling misdeeds.

Corporations accused of illegal activity routinely settle legal disputes with the government out of court because it allows both the company and the government to avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of going to trial.

Federal law prohibits companies from deducting public fines and penalties from their taxable income.  But under current law, offending companies may often write off any portion of a settlement that is not paid directly to the government as a penalty or fine for violation of the law.  This allows some companies to lower their tax bill by claiming settlement payments to non-federal entities as tax deductible business expenses.

The Reed-Grassley bill would require the government and the settling party to reach pre-filing agreements on how the settlement payments should be treated for tax purposes.  The bill clarifies the rules about what settlement payments are punitive and therefore non-deductible and increases transparency by requiring the government to file a return at the time of settlement to accurately reflect the tax treatment of the amounts  that will be paid by the offending party.

"A penalty is supposed to deter others because it causes pain to a company's bottom line.  If a company is paying thousands, millions, or even billions in fines, it shouldn't save money for those same misdeeds, it should be held accountable.  The law needs to change to ensure the punishment fits the crime.  Congress needs to close this settlement loophole," said Reed.

"A penalty should be meaningful or it won't have the deterrent effect it's supposed to have," Grassley said.  "This issue comes up regularly, and this bill would make deductibility clear going forward."

Summary: The Government Settlement Transparency & Reform Act (S. 1654)

Closes tax loophole that allows tax write-offs for corporate violations.

The bill would amend the tax code to deny tax deductions for certain fines, penalties, and other amounts related to a violation or investigation or inquiry into the potential violation of any law.

It amends subsection (f) of Section 162 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Amounts paid by corporations, which constitute restitution for damage caused by the violation of any law are exempted and remain deductible.  This section requires that nongovernmental entities which exercise self-regulatory powers be treated as government entities for purposes of disallowing deductions under this section. The bill requires the government to stipulate the tax treatment of the settlement agreement.

-end-
06 Nov 2013

Grant Wood Speaker at the Muscatine Art Center

By Lynn Bartenhagen
NOVEMBER 6, 2013

The public is invited to join the Muscatine Art Center as they host Humanities Iowa speaker Professor Roy R. Behrens as he presents a 45 minute presentation on the artistic legacy of Regionalist artist Grant Wood. This presentation is to take place Sunday, November 17 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM in the Muscatine Art Center's Music Room. Admission to this program is FREE.

Grant Wood's most famous painting, "American Gothic", has been described as equivalent to Leonardo da Vinci's portrait of the "Mona Lisa". The attention given to that single work, however justified, too often prevents us from focusing on Wood's other accomplishments. How was he trained as an artist? What influenced him? Who in turn did he influence? What did he really achieve in life? This presentation is a visual and verbal analysis of Wood's artistic legacy, illustrated by dozens of examples of his drawings, prints, paintings and other artworks, including those less widely known. Among the highlights are rare historic photographs of Wood, his students, and his Regionalist contemporaries, accompanied by eyewitness stories about his creative process, his methods, his failings, his sense of humor, and the growth of his basic beliefs about art.

Roy R. Behrens is Professor of Art and Distinguished Scholar at the University of Northern Iowa. He has taught graphic design history for more than 35 years at art schools and universities throughout the U.S. An editor, author and designer, he has appeared in interviews on PBS, BBC, BBC Radio, and IPTV. He is described by Communication Arts magazine as "one of the most original thinkers in design," and was a nominee for the Smithsonian Institution's National Design Awards in 2003.

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.

06 Nov 2013

Iowa Court Of Appeals Opinions November 6, 2013

By Iowa Judicial Branch
NOTICE! Posting an opinion on this site DOES NOT constitute publication of the opinion. The opinions posted on this site are subject to modification or correction by the court. Opinions on this site are not to be considered final until the time for rehearing or further review has passed. The court of appeals publishes only a limited number of final opinions. An unpublished opinion of the Iowa appellate courts may be cited in a brief; however, unpublished opinions shall not constitute controlling legal authority. The official published opinions of the Iowa Court of Appeals are those published in the North Western Reporter published by West Group.

Opinions released before April 2006 and available in the archives are posted in Word format. Opinions released after April 2006 are posted to the website in PDF (Portable Document Format).   Note: To open a PDF you must have the free Acrobat Reader installed. PDF format preserves the original appearance of a document without requiring you to possess the software that created that document. For more information about PDF read: Using the Adobe Reader.

For your convenience, the Judicial Branch offers a free e-mail notification service for Supreme Court opinions, Court of Appeals opinions, press releases and orders. To subscribe, click here.

NOTE: Copies of these opinions may be obtained from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, for a fee of fifty cents per page.

Summaries of most recent opinions.

No. 3-574 / 12-0919

NICOLE LARA SHUMATE, Plaintiff-Appellant, vs. DRAKE UNIVERSITY a/k/a DRAKE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL, Defendant-Appellee.

No. 3-578 / 12-1619

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. JUSTIN ROBERT JENTZ, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-671 / 12-1527

HOUSEHOLD FINANCE INDUSTRIAL LOAN COMPANY OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. JUDY LYNN RASMUS, a/k/a JUDY LYNN DREES, DOUGLAS F. DREES, SR., and PARTIES IN POSSESSION, Defendants-Appellants. JUDY LYNN RASMUS a/k/a JUDY LYNN DREES and DOUGLAS F. DREES, SR., Counterclaimant, vs. HOUSEHOLD FINANCE INDUSTRIAL LOAN COMPANY OF IOWA, Third-Party Defendant.

No. 3-688 / 12-2310

IN THE INTEREST OF A.J.M., Minor Child, STATE OF IOWA, Appellant.

No. 3-769 / 13-0033

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. MICHAEL DAVID ROHM, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-779 / 13-0155

IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF TROY SCOTT JOHNSON AND KRISTY LYNN JOHNSON Upon the Petition of TROY SCOTT JOHNSON, Petitioner-Appellant, And Concerning KRISTY LYNN JOHNSON, Respondent-Appellee.

No. 3-788 / 12-1282

MARK FOSTER, Applicant-Appellant, vs. STATE OF IOWA, Respondent-Appellee.

No. 3-789 / 12-1293

HARLAN MOTT, Applicant-Appellant, vs. STATE OF IOWA, Respondent-Appellee.

No. 3-790 / 12-1666

RICHARD ARTHUR PUNDT, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. THE GAZETTE COMPANY, GAZETTE COMMUNICATIONS, INC., and TRISH MEHAFFEY, Defendants-Appellants.

No. 3-799 / 12-2087

CENTER FRESH EGG FARM, L.L.P., B.E.K. POULTRY, L.L.C., and DOOYEMA & SONS, INC., Plaintiffs-Appellants/Counterclaim Defendants. vs. NATURAL FERTILIZER COMPANY, Defendant-Appellee/Counterclaim Plaintiff. NATURAL FERTILIZER COMPANY and HULL COOPERTAIVE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiffs-Appellees, vs. SIOUX COUNTY EGG FARM, LLP, f/k/a WE 3 EGGS, LLC. Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-802 / 12-2268

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. FRANCISCO JAVIER GARCIA, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-810 / 13-1045

IN THE INTEREST OF A.C., Minor Child, C.C., Father, Appellant.

No. 3-825 / 12-1499

JAMES SLECHTA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. RICHARD JEWETT and NANCY JEWETT, Defendants-Appellants.

No. 3-828 / 12-1695

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. BELINDA ANN CLARK, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-836 / 12-2249

IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF PAULA J. BURKE AND MICHAEL V. BURKE Upon the Petition of PAULA J. BURKE, Petitioner-Appellee, And Concerning MICHAEL V. BURKE, Respondent-Appellant.

No. 3-838 / 13-0226

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. RICHARD DOUGLAS CLARK, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-839 / 13-0260

IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF LINDA SUE FOEGEN AND MARK C. FOEGEN Upon the Petition of LINDA SUE FOEGEN, Petitioner-Appellee/Cross-Appellant, And Concerning MARK C. FOEGEN, Respondent-Appellant/Cross-Appellee.

No. 3-840 / 13-0285

NATASHA L. ELICK, Individually, and TODD C. ELICK, Individually, and as Next Friend of TRISTAN ELICK and CALEB ELICK, Minors, Plaintiffs-Appellees, vs. JERRY A. GARRETT and ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC., Defendants-Appellants.

No. 3-862 / 12-1744

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. CORY CURTIS FYLER, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-864 / 12-1936

IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF JOSHUA DAVID BAKK AND ELIZABETH ANN BAKK Upon the Petition of JOSHUA DAVID BAKK, Petitioner-Appellant/Cross-Appellee, And Concerning ELIZABETH ANN BAKK, n/k/a ELIZABETH ANN JOHNSON, Respondent-Appellee/Cross-Appellant.

No. 3-865 / 12-1955

MINNESOTA LAWYERS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. BEECHER, FIELD, WALKER, MORRIS, HOFFMAN & JOHNSON, P.C., Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-868 / 13-0070

IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF ERIC SCHULTZ AND AUBREY SCHULTZ Upon the Petition of ERIC SCHULTZ, Petitioner-Appellant, And Concerning AUBREY SCHULTZ, Respondent-Appellee.

No. 3-875 / 13-0622

IN THE INTEREST OF G.K., Minor Child, G.K., Minor Child, Appellant.

No. 3-885 / 12-0399

STANLEY CARTER LIGGINS, Applicant-Appellant, vs. STATE OF IOWA, Respondent-Appellee.

No. 3-889 / 12-1251

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. THOMAS ANTHONY DUGAN, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-894 / 12-1900

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. WILLIE DEXTER KIMBROUGH, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-900 / 12-2280

STATE OF IOWA, Respondent-Appellee, vs. SONNY W. OXFORD, Applicant-Appellant.

No. 3-901 / 13-0015

RESIDENTIAL AND AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE, LLC, an Iowa Limited Liability Company, MATT MESCHER, ALLAN R. DEMMER, CATHERINE DEMMER, WAYNE AMESKAMP, SHARON AMESKAMP, VERNON BOGE, DONALD BOGE, MARY ANN RUBLY, JOHN R. RUBLY, STEVE HOEGER, DOLORES THIER, LARRY THIER, GARY BURKLE, CINDY BURKLE, WAYNE VORWALD, LINDA VORWALD, JEFF PAPE, GERALD WOLF, JOANNE WOLF, LORRAINE M. BURKLE, and BERNARD R. BURKLE, Plaintiffs-Appellants, vs. DYERSVILLE CITY COUNCIL, MAYOR JAMES A. HEAVENS, MIKE ENGLISH, MARK BREITBACH, ROBERT PLATZ, MOLLY EVERS, and DAN WILLENBORG, Defendants-Appellees.

No. 3-903 / 13-0051

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. SAUNDERS E. PIKE, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-904 / 13-0058

WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL LEASING, INC., Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. BEST REPROGRAPHICS, INC., Defendant, and MS DALLAS REPROGRAPHICS, INC., Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-910 / 13-0275

JASON KLINGE, Plaintiff-Appellant, vs. LUANA SAVINGS BANK, Defendant-Appellee.

No. 3-912 / 13-0351

DIANA LYNN HORN, Petitioner-Appellant, vs. CUMMINS FILTRATION-LAKE MILLS, a/k/a CUMMINS, INC., f/k/a/ FLEETGUARD, INC., Respondent-Appellee.

No. 3-915 / 13-0423

Upon the Petition of JESSICA HANSEN, Petitioner-Appellant, And Concerning BRANDON KOCH, Respondent-Appellee.

No. 3-933 / 12-1939

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. LEVI I. SWANSON, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-935 / 12-2058

BOBBY R. KLINGER SR., Applicant-Appellant, vs. STATE OF IOWA, Respondent-Appellee.

No. 3-939 / 12-2181

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. EDDIE DEAN SEALS, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-941 / 13-0021

IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF MICHAEL A. ARPY AND RENEE L. ARPY Upon the Petition of MICHAEL A. ARPY, Petitioner-Appellee, And Concerning RENEE L. ARPY, Respondent-Appellant.

No. 3-942 / 13-0049

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. CHAD ALAN STECHCON, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-943 / 13-0085

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. PAUL ANTHONY HALTOM, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-944 / 13-0130

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. JASON LEE FOWLER, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-945 / 13-0191

H. RANDALL LANCASTER, Plaintiff-Appellant, vs. BRIAN CRAVEN, Defendant-Appellee.

No. 3-949 / 13-0698

IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF STEPHEN MUTTI LOUCKS AND SANDRA ANN LOUCKS Upon the Petition of STEPHEN MUTTI LOUCKS, Petitioner-Appellant, And Concerning SANDRA ANN LOUCKS, Respondent-Appellee.

No. 3-952 / 13-1178

IN THE INTEREST OF J.H. and S.H., Minor Children, T.H., Mother, Appellant, J.H., Father, Appellant.

No. 3-959 / 12-1342

IN THE INTEREST OF S.S., Minor Child, K.S., Father, Appellant.

No. 3-962 / 12-1891

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. EDWARD M. WILLINGHAM, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-964 / 12-1916

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. JOHN LOUIS HODGES, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-967 / 12-2224

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. DAKOTA VINCENT HERNANDEZ, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-970 / 12-2271

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. JESUS J. RAMOS TORRES, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-971 / 12-2276

IN THE INTEREST OF J.O. JR., Minor Child, J.O. SR., Father, Petitioner, C.L., Mother, Appellant.

No. 3-988 / 13-1305

IN THE INTEREST OF L.V.A., Minor Child, H.V.A., Father, Appellant.

No. 3-989 / 13-1307

IN THE INTEREST OF E.M., Minor Child, A.M., Mother, Appellant.

No. 3-1007 / 13-0132

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. MICHAEL TRAZEEK ROBINSON, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-1008 / 13-0237

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. JOSHUA CARMODY, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 3-1024 / 13-1185

IN THE INTEREST OF I.G.M., A.M., and C.M., Minor Children, G.C., Intervenor, Appellant.

No. 3-1025 / 13-1344

IN THE INTEREST OF J.A., N.R., and N.R., Minor Children, J.Y., Mother, Appellant.

No. 3-1026 / 13-1330

IN THE INTEREST OF S.T., S.T., AND S.J., Minor children, J.T., Mother, Appellant.

No. 3-1028 / 13-1405

IN THE INTEREST OF D.D., B.D., and A.D., Minor Children M.D., Mother, Appellant.

No. 3-1029 / 13-1409

IN THE INTEREST OF L.F. and B.F., Minor Children, M.C., Mother, Appellant.

No. 3-1032 / 13-1435

IN THE INTEREST OF S.L., Minor Child, M.L., Mother, Appellant.

No. 3-845 / 13-0417

MAXINE GAIL VEATCH, Plaintiff-Appellant, vs. CITY OF WAVERLY and JASON LEONARD, Individually And In His Official Capacity, Defendants-Appellees.
06 Nov 2013

3 Things Every Patient Should Know When Dealing with the Health-Care System

By Ginny Grimsley
Experienced Caregiver Warns Those New to Insurance
Coverage: Speak Up

With 11,000 people becoming eligible for Medicare every day and an estimated 25 million Americans expected to gain health insurance through Obamacare on Jan. 1, access to doctors and hospitals will skyrocket.

And while that's a positive, patient advocate Ruth Fenner Barash warns that the U.S. health care system is not the benevolent safety net many people believe it to be. It can be abusive, incompetent, callous toward patients - and worse.

"Patients and their loved ones cannot blindly turn themselves over to this massive, technology-based system and trust that it will care - or take care of them," says Barash, who shares her health-care experiences in a new book, "For Better or Worse: Lurching from Crisis to Crisis in America's Medical Morass," (http://forbetterorworsebook.com/).  The cautionary tale traces the long death of her husband, Philip, through a medical journey fraught with mismanagement and excess, useless interventions and a sometimes complete disregard for pain - even when there was no hope of healing.

"We did experience some wonderful health-care professionals - brilliant, compassionate and helpful people - but they were not the rule," says Barash. "I learned a great deal from our experience, and with so many people now gaining access to health care, I want others to benefit from what I've learned. You can navigate the system; you just have to know how."

Barash offers these suggestions for patients and their loved ones, whether it's a trip to the doctor for a checkup or a diagnosis of a catastrophic illness.

• Avoid the emergency room. Emergency rooms were developed with the idea that few people would use them - most people would see their physician. But as health care costs rose, they became a primary care facility for those without insurance or the money to pay for services out of pocket. "Patients and their families were not expected to spend a long  time in the E.R. - presumably, they would be seen quickly and either admitted to the hospital or treated and released - so they're not designed for comfort," Barash says. "They've become very crowded, especially in cities, and patients might wait for hours sitting in hard plastic chairs in the waiting room. For someone who's sick or injured, this can be torture."

Sick people usually are not isolated, so waiting rooms also teem with germs, she notes.

• Be skeptical - question everything. Too often, we take the first thing we're told as gospel, Barash says. "If you have the luxury of time, take some of that time to think things through, to research and get second opinions," she says. Research your physician's connections. When you're referred to a specialist,  ask why that particular person. If you live in an area with a large academic community, ask around about the physicians and health-care providers with the best reputations. Who has the most experience in a particular niche? Who's doing the most promising research? How many times have you performed this procedure and what is your success rate?

• Ask what it costs - no matter who's paying. Our health-care system is absurd in the number of useless consultations, diagnostic procedures and interventions it foists on patients, Barash says. Whether our  hospital bills are fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, or we're paying a portion ourselves, we must all include cost in our discussions with health-care providers. "Part of the blame for having the most expensive health-care system in the world goes to us, the individuals, who don't question purchases or shop for prices as we would for groceries, clothing, or furniture," Barash says.  "If a test or consultation is ordered, understand why. Is it really necessary? You can say no!"

Finally, Barash says, we all must come to terms with the fact that death is a given. "My husband's problem, and the problem many of us may be doomed to face, is the seemingly endless getting there - a dying we don't want."

About Ruth Fenner Barash

Ruth Fenner Barash studied philosophy at City College of New York and did graduate work at the University of Chicago. In 1958, she met and married Philip Barash, a private practice attorney. She went on to work in public relations and real estate, served education and civic organizations at the executive level, and taught art in various media. Her long marriage was a "harmonious adventure" despite the couple's treacherous journey through the health-care system. Her husband died in 2012.
06 Nov 2013

Simon applauds historic passage of marriage equality

By Ted Nelson

Illinois becomes 15th state to pass marriage equality

SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today congratulated the Illinois House on its historic vote to pass marriage equality. Illinois is now poised to become the 15th state recognizing marriage fairness.

"Today Illinois has made history. We will treat all families equally," said Simon. "This has been a personal fight for me, and I am looking forward to celebrating with friends who will finally be able to share in the same rights my husband and I have."

Last month Simon joined thousands of marriage equality proponents, religious leaders and families in Springfield to rally and march in support of marriage equality. In January, Simon recruited Jesse Tyler Ferguson, star of ABC's "Modern Family" to push for passage of SB 10. Ferguson and his then-fiancé Justin Mikita visited Springfield to lobby legislators in support of marriage equality. Ferguson and Mikita, who wed this year, are founders of the non-for-profit, Tie The Knot. The foundation sells limited-edition bow ties with proceeds going to organizations nationwide that are working toward marriage equality. The collection is designed and sold by The Tie Bar, a popular Naperville-based online men's neckwear company.

"Justin and I would like to congratulate our friends in Illinois, who today have made history by recognizing all loving, committed relationships," said Ferguson. "Justin and I join you in celebrating equality for all."

Senate Bill 10, sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), passed the Senate in February. The legislation was amended on the House floor today to change the effective date and will be sent to the Senate again for approval before heading to Governor Quinn's desk. The governor's signature will make Illinois the 15th state in the nation to recognize marriage equality.

"I would like to thank the bill's sponsors, Sen. Heather Steans and Rep. Greg Harris for their tireless work on this issue," added Simon. "Their unwavering leadership in the General Assembly has led us to this moment."

"It has been a long and difficult road, and I am proud that we have finally arrived at this historic day in Illinois," said Steans, chief Senate sponsor of SB 10. "We have demonstrated what we know to be true ? that Illinois is a state that opposes discrimination, welcomes diversity, supports families, respects religious freedom and ensures that all its residents are treated fairly under the law."

 

Though Illinois already has civil unions, only marriage affords couples the ability to file joint tax returns, participate in spousal Social Security and veterans' benefits, and benefit under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

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06 Nov 2013

Non-Profit Workshop

By R. I. Public Library
Don't Miss this Workshop! If you are in the non-profit world, you know money can be tight. Join us  Nov. 6, for "Finding Money to Fund Your Cause, 6:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library. Get tips from a professional grantwriter on how to find grants using the Library's Foundation Center collection & other resources, how to know whether your organization qualifies, and some tips on basic grant writing. Free. (For non-profit organizations and their members.)
06 Nov 2013

New Industrial Hemp Documentary Sparks Action on Farming Legalization and Policy Reform

By Jason Kakert

"Bringing It Home" to screen in Davenport

November 5, 2013 ? Davenport, Iowa ? Legislative victories in Kentucky, Colorado and Washington have sparked national media awareness and conversation about industrial hemp. But what's preventing the U.S. from joining other industrialized nations that grow this crop?

A screening of "Bringing It Home" will be hosted by Iowa Hemp for Victory on November 16, 2013, at Bucktown Center for the Arts in Davenport. The screening will also include a Q&A Session, complimentary hemp food and drink samples, and an informative Iowa hemp history display exhibit.

More industrial hemp fiber, seed and oil is exported to the U.S. than to any other country and American consumers are purchasing over $450 million in hemp products annually. The hour-long documentary Bringing It Home explores the question of why a crop with so many widespread benefits cannot be farmed in the United States by exploring its history, industries and current farming legalization efforts.

Filmmakers Linda Booker and Blaire Johnson were inspired by environmentally-conscious home designer Anthony Brenner's story to find the healthiest building material available to build a safe indoor environment for his young daughter Bailey, who has a sensitivity to synthetic chemicals.

Brenner received national media attention when he and Hemp Technologies completed "America's First Hemp House" for the former mayor of Asheville, North Carolina. Booker and Johnson tell the story of hemp through animation, archival images and footage they filmed with hemp business leaders and entrepreneurs like Brenner in England, Spain, Washington D.C., California and North Carolina.

In the first few months of 2013, eighteen states introduced industrial hemp legislation. "We made Bringing It Home with the intention of reaching a broad spectrum of viewers - from policy makers and civic groups, to farmers and health advocates, from consumers to the construction industry -with the same strategic message about how hemp offers solutions and hope," says filmmaker Linda Booker.

The documentary aims to magnify dialogue and legislative action about hemp in order to facilitate America's transition to a more informed, sustainable, and healthy future.

The screening of "Bringing It Home" in Davenport is part of a national grassroots screening tour of the film across the country, which began with the film's premiere during Hemp History Week in June 2013, and will continue into 2014.

Iowa Hemp for Victory is hosting the film as part of its mission to raise awareness and promote the hemp industry in Iowa, which once housed eleven hemp processing mills during the Federal Government's "Hemp for Victory" program.

Screening Date: November 16, 2013
Screening Time: 1:00 PM -3:00 PM
Screening Location: Bucktown Center for the Arts, 225 E 2nd St, Davenport, Iowa 52801

This event is open to the public. Event Website: http://www.screeninghq.org/screenings/details/26089

Filmmaker, Linda Booker, is available for interviews and press inquiries. Please contact Ms. Booker at By the Brook Productions, for more information: www.bythebrookfilms.com

06 Nov 2013

Governor Pat Quinn Hails Historic Passage of Marriage Equality in the Land of Lincoln

By Brooke Anderson

House of Representatives Passes Legislation to Make Illinois the 15th State in Nation to Embrace Equal Rights for All Couples

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today hailed passage of historic legislation that will make Illinois the 15th state in the nation to embrace full marriage equality. The legislation, which passed the Illinois Senate earlier this year and today was approved by the Illinois House in a historic vote, will permit all couples in our state to receive the rights and protections of marriage. As part of his agenda to ensure Illinois embraces all people, Governor Quinn first called for marriage equality in May 2012 and made it a top legislative priority this year, featuring it in his 2013 State of the State address.

"Today the Illinois House put our state on the right side of history," Governor Quinn said. "I thank Representative Greg Harris and Senator Heather Steans, Speaker Madigan and Senate President Cullerton, the dedicated advocates who have worked day and night to get this bill to my desk, and members of the General Assembly who took a stand for equal rights. Illinois is a place that embraces all people and today, we are an example for the nation."

In 2011, Governor Quinn fought for and signed into law historic civil union legislation, a major step forward at the time. Since then, more than 6,000 couples from across Illinois have joined in a civil union.

Senate Bill 10, sponsored by Representative Harris and Senator Steans, takes the necessary next step to achieve full marriage equality in Illinois, and will promote equal access to status, benefits, protections, rights and responsibilities for all couples entering into marriage. The bill, which takes effect June 1, 2014, was approved by the Illinois House today and now returns to the Illinois Senate for concurrence.

This summer, the United States Supreme Court ruled in a landmark decision to ensure more than 1,100 federal rights and benefits for all same-sex couples.

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06 Nov 2013

MOLINE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB PREPARE FOR TRIP-AROUND-THE-WORLD WITH DISNEY ON ICE Thursday, November 7 @ 4 PM!

By Ashley Walding

MOLINE, IL (11/5/13)

is giving the Boys and Girls Club of Moline the chance to go on a geographical adventure with the stars of Disney On Ice.  BUT FIRST, to prepare for this opportunity, they will need to create their passports for their journey, this Thursday, November 7 @ 4 pm at the Moline Club (406 7th St.).  The media is invited and encouraged to cover this event.

With their passports in hand, the Boys and Girls Club will be able to embark on the ultimate sightseeing holiday exploring the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa; voyaging under the sea with Ariel and all her aquatic friends; touring London with Peter Pan and Wendy, before flying to Never Land; and traveling to Hawaii to visit Lilo and Stitch.  They will also be able to participate in their very own press conference with the stars of the show.  The cast of Disney On Ice represents 11 different countries and offers a great opportunity for the kids to learn about these different cultures.  The media is invited and encouraged to cover this event as well, which will take place on opening night, Thursday, November 14. More information coming soon.
Disney On Ice presents Passport To Adventure is coming to the iWireless Center November 14-17!  Join us for upbeat music, loveable characters and exciting destinations that will make this a holiday you'll never forget. Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a colorful set that captures all four unique worlds. Audiences will be entranced as they experience this exciting excursion - one that will fill the arena with magic, music, and best of all, Mickey and Minnie!Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure are available at the iWireless Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. To learn more about Disney On Ice, visit www.disneyonice.com.

Performance Schedule:

11/14- 7pm ALL TICKETS $13 (excludes VIP & RINK SIDE)

11/15- 7pm

11/16- 11am, 3pm, & 7pm

11/17- 1pm &5pm

Ticket Prices: $16, $21, $36 (VIP), $51 (RINK SIDE)

About Feld Entertainment:

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

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