WHAT:   Faith in Action - A Call for Immigration Reform

WHEN:   June 27; 7:00 PM

WHERE: Trinity United Methodist Church, 8th & College Ave., Des Moines

DES MOINES - The Network for Immigration Reform, a coalition of 20 organizations in Central Iowa rallying for immigration reform legislation, presents Faith in Action - A Call to Action for Immigration Reform. Trinity United Methodist Church, at 8th and College in Des Moines, will host this event on Thursday, June 27 at 7:00 PM.

Organizers believe now is the time to push Congress to make laws that keep Iowa's cities and towns a welcoming place for immigrants, while allowing families to stay together and creating a clear path to citizenship.

"The faith community has long spoken of 'welcoming our neighbors,' and we are coming together now to send this message to our elected officials," said Naomi Sea Young Wittstruck of the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. "Speaking from our faith traditions, we urge passage this summer of humane immigration reform legislation."

Speakers will include :
•       Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank, Tifereth Israel Synagogue
•       Bishop Alan Scarfe, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa
•       Bishop Julius Trimble, Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
•       Baljit Singh Virdi, Iowa Sikh Temple

Immigrants will share their stories of adjustment, celebration, and continuing challenges in their new communities.

This event follows on the heels of a June 15 march in which 300 people walked through the streets of Des Moines to demonstrate support for immigration reform.

Future events include a July film showing of  "The Dream is Now" (date TBD)

Rally for Immigration Reform - July 27; 2 - 4 pm, Iowa Capitol grounds

Contact: Kathleen McQuillen/AFSC, 515-274-4851, ext: 22
Paul Turner, AMOS 515-554-3433

Q:        What do college-bound students need to know about student loans before school resumes this fall?

A:        Many young adults use the summer months to earn money to help pay for their college expenses in the year ahead.  Even with summer just having started, the first day of fall classes aren't too far behind.  However, most college-bound students will need to finance college tuition through school loans.  Last year, U.S. student loan debt exceeded $1 trillion.  The vast majority of student borrowing is from the federal Stafford Loan program.  Starting in July 2006, the interest rate on all Stafford Loans was set at 6.8 percent as a result of advocacy by student groups who determined that a fixed rate at 6.8 percent was a better deal for students given the history of the previous variable interest rates.  Approximately 40 percent of federal Stafford loans are awarded based on need with the taxpayers paying the interest on the loan while students are in school.  About 7.7 million undergraduate students are expected to apply for this subset of subsidized Stafford loans for the 2013-2014 academic year.  Special interest rates on these loans were set temporarily at 3.4 percent for the past two years.  On July 1, the original 6.8 interest rate is scheduled to be reinstated for all new Stafford loans.  Existing subsidized Stafford loans will not be affected by changes scheduled for July 1.  If the interest rate resets to 6.8 percent, the average student loan borrower would owe about $727 more in interest over 10 years, or $6.06 a month.

Q:        Are changes to the student loan system being considered in Washington?

A:        Various proposals reflect efforts to keep college affordable for students and their families.  Earning an advanced degree is one way to scale the economic ladder of mobility in the United States.  Although policymakers share a common goal to keep higher education attainable for the next generation, it is more difficult to reach a consensus on how to pay for that goal.  The President has proposed a long term solution linking interest rates for new Stafford loans to market interest rates so that students can take advantage of lower interest rates during more difficult economic times.  The House of Representatives passed legislation to revert to a variable rate system in which interest rates on student loans change from year to year based on the market rate.  Senate Democrats have proposed to continue the special 3.4 percent rate for another two years by raising taxes permanently.  Senate Republicans put forward a proposal closely aligned with the President's plan to link student loans to market-based interest rates.  And like fixed home mortgage loans, the rate would be locked in for the life of the loan.  However, while the President's plan maintains different rates for different loans, our plan would allow all students borrowing federal student loans to take advantage of the same low rate.  Let me repeat.  It would help all students take advantage of historically low interest rates, including loans available to parents and graduate students.  With the current Treasury note at 1.75 percent, students taking out a new loan this fall would pay 4.75 percent for the life of that loan.  Since 60 percent of federal student loans have remained at 6.8 percent since 2006, and most students who qualify for the subsidized 3.4 percent loans also have to take out loans at the higher rate, our proposal would result in greater savings for more students compared to the Senate Democrats' proposed extension of the special rate just for subsidized loans.  While it is uncertain which proposal will gain final approval, I will continue championing policies that address the exploding growth of college tuition and fees.  That includes my work to bring more transparency to college revenue and expenses.

Q:        Why is it so complicated to figure out a student's tuition tab?

A: A big part of the problem calls for a fairly simple solution:  Boil down the financial aid mumbo-jumbo into plain English.  Replacing the bewildering information that families receive from each college in which their students receive financial aid award letters with one boilerplate, easy-to-understand letter would be a welcome blessing to families across the country.  Under the current system, many families find it nearly impossible to make an informed decision.  Various definitions are used for grant aid (which does not need to be repaid) with student loans (which do need to be repaid).  That's why I'm working to separate the wheat from the chaff.  The bipartisan legislation I've cosponsored with Senator Al Franken of Minnesota would drive out the cobwebs tangling up financial aid literacy.  Called "Understanding the True Cost of College Act," our bill would create standard terms and definitions for college aid so students and families can make direct comparisons.  This would empower students to better understand their debt burden and avoid taking on more than they can afford.  Even better, this would help students shop around for the best value in the higher education marketplace.  As a result, more colleges would be inspired to rein in double-digit tuition hikes as they compete to keep up enrollment.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Here at the Iowa GOP we've prided ourselves on bringing in solid conservative speakers, time after time, and leading the charge to promote Republicans who stand on principle.

As Co-Chairman of the party I've been truly awed at the amazing response we've had to every one of our events.

I'm proud to serve as Co-Chairman of a party that doesn't shy away from the values of our platform and doesn't back down from speaking a true conservative message.

That's why I'm so proud to announce U.S. Senator from Texas, Ted Cruz, will be headlining our July summer picnic in Des Moines on Friday, July 19th.

Due to the nature of Senator Cruz's brief availability (He's a busy guy defending our conservative values against big government forces in Washington) this will be a lunch-time event.

We've also decided to make this event a more close-knit affair, allowing our guests to meet Senator Cruz in person and spend some time one on one with this true champion of freedom.

We've capped this event at no more than 50 people in order to allow our guests to have that time to meet and talk with Senator Cruz.

The event runs from 12:00pm-1:00pm and includes a great BBQ picnic lunch at the Iowa GOP headquarters in Des Moines.

Tickets will go fast for this exclusive event with one of the Senate's most outspoken conservative leaders.

Like I said, we've capped this to 50 people or less so space is extremely limited.

Please click here to reserve your ticket before we're sold out.

Senator Cruz is just the most recent in a long line of conservative leaders we've brought to the state to showcase the strength of our Republican message. Reserve your ticket here and don't miss this tremendous opportunity to meet and spend some personal time with Ted Cruz.

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CALENDAR

June 21^st - 22^nd - THE LeCLAIRE GIRLS' GET AWAY WEEKEND! On the evening of Friday, June 21, and all day Saturday, June 22, 2013, TUGFEST hosts the Girls's Getaway Weekend in LeClaire, Iowa! Sign up today for this amazing event featuring give aways, coupons, music, games and delicious food. MEET Anthony Ryan Auld the Winner of this year's "Project Runway All Stars" at the Girls Get Away Fashion Show & Cocktail Party on Saturday evening. No other contestant has had more wins beating the best designers in a single season of the show. Anthony Ryan will be speaking about his journey to becoming a top fashion designer and winning Project Runway All Stars. KWQC's anchor and on-air reporter Bailey Deitz will be the mistress of ceremonies for this special event. The LeClaire Girls' Get Away will start on Friday evening, June 21, at the Wide River Winery, where you will taste award-winning wines, enjoy the music of Pieces of Candy in the Wine Garden, and pick up your GIRLS GET AWAY passport to LeClaire with your goody bags.

On Saturday, June 22, LECLAIRE GIRLS GET AWAY events include :

* Grasshoppers will host music and wine tasting on their beautiful lawn.

* Win Prizes every hour on the hour at Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium.

* Dwellings will be hosting Margarita Man.

* Robert Day of the Faithful Pilot, and the winner of the Quad Cities Top Chef competition, will demonstrate some of his secret cooking techniques.

* Zaruba's will host mini make overs.

* Free Tours at the Mississippi River Distilling Company.

* Expert Tammy Allen will teach a FREE Class in "Punch Needle" at Primitive Cottage.

* The Buffalo Bill Museum will offer a Quilt Making Class.

Cost to participate in the LeClaire Girls Get Away are $65 per person. Go to Leclairegirlgetaway.com

June 22nd - Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Open for Lunch 11am-2pm 3 different sandwiches and chips for $5 www.faithfulpilot.com

June 24th - Le Claire Library is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10:00am-2:00pm.  For an appointment please direct donors to call 289-6002.

June 25th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia What to do and say, what to not to do and say, living with and helping family and friends, with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or Dementia. Dessert and coffee at 1:30, program and discussion to follow. No cost; please call 563-381-7777 to pre-register.

June 27th - Mississippi River Distilling Company Takes Over the Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Bar 5:30-7:30 P.M. The men from MRDC take over the Faithful Pilot with signature drinks and Pilot appetizers for $25 per person www.faithfulpilot.com

June 29th - Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Open for Lunch 11am-2pm 3 different sandwiches and chips for $5 www.faithfulpilot.com

June 30th- Wine Tasting at the Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits 3:00-5:00 P.M.  $15 per person Taste 14 wines and heavy appetizers from The Faithful Pilot www.faithfulpilot.com

Save the Date

July 1st - Friends of the LeClaire Community Library is planning an Open House to celebrate our 9th anniversary! Details are forthcoming!

July 5th - First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8 p.m.

Food and Beverage Samples at Mississippi River Distilling Company www.mrdistilling.com

Wine samples and live music at Wide River Winery www.wideriverwinery.com Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium Come in for a free red velvet cupcake!

Razzleberries Come in to shop and get free samples of booze cake (while it lasts)!

LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals - 'First Friday's Free Appraisals' until 7 p.m.

Other shops and restaurants will be open late!

July 13th - Trivia Night - LeClaire Civic Center hosted by LeFirst Presbyterian Church of LeClaire. Doors open at 6:30; game starts at 7 pm. Cost $10 per person; call 563-381-7777 to pre-register individuals or a table. We are raising money for the Hurricane Sandy Victims. Bring your own snacks and drinks or purchase something there.

July 15th - 19th - LeClaire Baptist Church - "Colossal Coaster World" VBX Week For kids age 4 up through kids going INTO 6^th grade! Cost: FREE! Time:  9:00 AM - Noon Location:  1326 Wisconsin Street LeClaire, Iowa  52753 Family program:  SUNDAY, July 21 at 10:30 a.m. followed by our "Burger Bash" lunch! For more information or registration: phone:  (563) 289-4191 e-mail:  leclairebaptist@leclairebaptist.org or REGISTER ONLINE at www.leclairebaptist.org (under ministries and kids vbx link)

July 18th - First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire - Funeral Planning At the time of death, decisions can be difficult. This program will help you plan your own funeral or help you think about decisions when planning another's funeral. Lunch at 11:30, program and discussion to follow. No cost; please call 563-381-7777 to pre-register.

FYI

First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire FREE LUNCH at the Civic Center, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Third Tuesday of the month: July 16 and August 20: Come to eat and stay for the conversation!

LeClaire Antiques is hosting an on going Plant Sale benefiting LeClaire Parks. Go by and see the beautiful plants for sale - great prices!

Programs, performers & activities for all ages. Registration materials for Children (B-5th G) available at the library starting May 20th.Program information & Activity Calendar available at the library & online @

Please volunteer or help recruit volunteers for the LeClaire Information Center! We get a lot of great comments about the LIC, and we help promote all of LeClaire:

1. Through telling visitors about our great attractions, shops, restaurants, parks, schools, housing developments, etc.,

2. By mailing out information to individuals, small groups and bus tours who want to come find out what LeClaire is all about, and

3. Through providing nice, convenient public restrooms to shoppers, diners, people checking out our attractions, families, LeClaire residents who are just out for a walk - everyone appreciates the restrooms!

Almost everyone knows at least one person who loves to talk and meet new people - a retired neighbor or stay-at-home mom, a relative, a friend, a person from church, a person from your civic club, a person from exercise class... Please contact Cindy at 563-650-7963 or info@visitleclaire.com Volunteers are trained and there is lots of brochures and information to share with visitors.

Let's make downtown LeClaire and the LeClaire Information Center the best it can possibly be!

Buffalo Bill Museum is now open until 5pm daily. As of April 1st, the museum is open 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays 12noon to 5pm. A reminder: group discounts are available for tour groups, clubs/reunions, and school groups. Call the museum at 563-289-5580 for details!

Reusable Usables - Planet Green recycled art after school classes on Tuesday and Thursdays.RSVP 563-289-3946 or angie@reusableusables.org

"LIKE" the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce on FaceBook Visit the chamber's Face Book page and discover a great source of news, business announcements, events, and other information that is updated frequently. It's a useful source of updated information for all members and non-members!

Chamber 2013 Networking Events - Everyone welcome to attend!

July 9 - Blue Iguana - Lunch -noon

August 13 - Big Dave and Holly's - lunch -noon

September 10 - Steventon's - after hours - 5-8pm

October 8 - Hungry Hobo - lunch - noon

November 12 - TBD

December 10 - Happy Joes - lunch -noon

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Meet and greet Pastor Melody any Wednesday from 1-3 pm at Happy Joe's.

Pastor Melody from First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire, will be at Happy Joe's in LeClaire, every Wednesday, from 1-3 pm, sipping on a soda, reading and waiting to visit with you and your friends. Stop by and say hi. Or, if you have a prayer request or a question, just let her know. Meals for Seniors at the church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

Asbury United Methodist Church is hosting a "Partnering to EmPOWER" fundraising event for Winnie's Place on Tuesday, October 15th.  The team putting together the event is looking for vendors who would be interested in participating in this worthy cause. Booth fees are $15 for sales people and $25 for those providing a service (ALL booth fees will go to Winnie's Place). Vendors will also agree to donate 9% of their sales to Winnies Place, which corresponds to the statistic that every 9 seconds, a woman is abused. Interested vendors are asked to contact Heidi Lubben at hjlubben@aol.com for more details. Marketing packets for vendors will be available June 15th. The deadline for returning a signed vendor agreement is August 20th.

Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center -

2013 Trivia Nights:

July 13 - Hosted by First Presbyterian Church - Hurricane Sandy Victims

LeClaire Trivia Nights have raised over $95,000 for local non-profit organizations! Thank you for your continued support!

LeClaire 2013 Events Calendar:

First Fridays each month 5:00-8:00 P.M.

June 21st-22nd - Girls' Getaway Weekend

Summer 2013 - City-Wide Water Explosion (Hollyhock Park)

Summer 2013 - Bike Parade & Decorating

August 8th-10th Tugfest

October 6th - Dogtoberfest at Bier Stube

October 13th - AppleFest

October 24th - HalloWine

October 26th - Witches Walk Costume Contest and Parade

December 6-8, 2013: Christmas in LeClaire

Family Nights at the LeClaire Rec Center: Details at www.leclairereccenter.com

www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!