21 Dec 2012

Schilling Statement on House Passage of NDAA

By Brian Smith
Thursday night, the House passed the H.R. 4310 - National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013 Conference Report, by a bipartisan vote of 315-107.  The final bill included a number of provisions Congressman Bobby Schilling worked hard to include in this year's NDAA.  

Schilling is the only Illinois member of Congress on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC).  During his term he has fought for common-sense policies that promote public-private partnerships, create jobs and provide care and support to our warfighters and their families.

The NDAA authorizes $640.7 billion in funding for defense and national security priorities, provides a 1.7% pay increase to military personnel, and prevents Guantanamo Detainees from being moved to U.S. soil.  According to the Congressional Budget Office, this legislation would reduce the deficit by $52 billion over the next 10 years.

In May, with the support of Congressman Schilling, the House approved H.R. 4310.  The final bill approved yesterday includes a number of House provisions Schilling worked to include :

Language authored with Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02), also a member of HASC, to ensure the Department of Defense (DOD) recognizes the critical manufacturing work done at facilities like the Rock Island Arsenal (RIA)  in our overarching national security strategy, and reviews how to maintain those skills and therefore the people who do the work.  Schilling and Loebsack built on their historic, bipartisan work to strengthen the arsenal in last year's NDAA.

Language in Section 735 authored with Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15) to better shape the policies and practices of TRICARE to efficiently and effectively account for the specific health care needs of children.  TRICARE is the military health care system covering 9.6 million, including military retirees, the children and families of active duty soldiers, and National Guard and Reservists.  As the program's reimbursement structure is based on Medicare, TRICARE often adopts policies and practices from Medicare that do not account for pediatric health care delivery and settings.  This Schilling and Stivers language will convene a working group to review and make recommendations for improving TRICARE policies and practices to account for children's needs, and work jointly with specialty providers of children's health care.

Language in Section 587 authored with Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-03) to encourage cooperation between the DOD and universities to uncover the remains of American troops who died in action overseas. This bipartisan provision will help provide closure for families with lost loved ones, and will honor those who gave so much for our country.  Universities such as the University of Illinois are already working to reduce the backlog of cases that have been reported but not investigated or for which remains have been located but not recovered, but there is bureaucratic red tape that complicates coordinating efforts with the DOD.  This provision will help DOD be more cost effective and increase the speed at which we can bring our warfighters home from more friendly countries, allowing the DOD to focus on its recovery efforts in more dangerous areas of the world.

Language in Section 1641 authored with Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), who serves with Schilling on the Small Business Committee, to reform small business contracting and make it easier for small contractors wishing to do business with the federal government.  Small businesses have proven that they can perform a service or produce goods for the government at a lower cost and often at a faster pace than their larger counterparts, but many challenges remain for businesspeople seeking to break through the bureaucracy.  This bipartisan provision allows the Small Business Administration to oversee civilian mentor-protégé programs (programs intended to partner small businesses with established mentors to improve the small business' ability to win contracts and subcontracts), facilitating inter-agency agreements, guaranteeing that programs benefit small businesses, and encouraging equal treatment among all small businesses, including those owned by women and minorities. 

The legislation includes a number of broader provisions as well, including:  

Provisions providing for the warfighter and military families: The NDAA seeks to provide our warfighters and their families with the care and support they need, deserve, and have earned.  It ensures that our military is robust, flexible, and capable.  The NDAA rejects Administration proposals to increase some TRICARE fees and establish new TRICARE fees; authorizes a 1.7 percent pay increase; and extends bonuses and special pay for our servicemen and women.  It also reflects a bipartisan effort actively supported by Schilling to provide new regulations and procedures to combat and prosecute sexual assault within the military.

Provisions to maintain and rebuild our military: The NDAA does not authorize additional rounds of Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) in either FY2013 or FY2015, as had been called for by the Department of Defense.  Schilling strongly opposed efforts to authorize a BRAC.  The bill includes and restores vital systems, platforms, and authorities to maintain America's combat power after a decade of war.

Provisions pertaining to detainees: The FY2012 NDAA reaffirmed U.S. authority to pursue terrorists who are part of or substantially support al Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces.  The FY2013 NDAA, though the incorporation of the Right to Habeas Corpus Act, makes clear beyond a shadow of a doubt that every American will have his day in court.  It also prohibits the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States.

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To send Congressman Schilling an e-mail, click here
21 Dec 2012

VON MAUR Sponsors Second Annual Red Kettle Match Day

By Holly Nomura
Your Donation will Double On Saturday, December 22nd !

Quad Cities, USA: Von Maur, the locally owned fashion department store, will sponsor their second annual Red Kettle Match Day for The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities.

On Saturday, December 22nd, Von Maur will make a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $10,000 to Quad Cities red kettles at Northpark and Southpark Malls. The four locations include the 4-foot tall red kettles inside the malls and the food court kettles.

During these difficult economic times, donations are needed more than ever as the number of people requesting services from The Salvation Army continues to rise. The Salvation Army asks the community to take VON MAUR up on their challenge in order to maximize gifts made to The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities.

"We have seen the impact of Salvation Army first hand and appreciate the work they do for the community. We are proud to support this important organization," said Jim von Maur, President.

"The Salvation Army is so pleased to partner again with such a notable and admired business in our community," said Major Gary Felton, Quad Cities coordinator for The Salvation Army.

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21 Dec 2012

The Salvation Army Is $185,000 Short of Red Kettle Campaign Goal

By Holly Nomura
The Snow Day Sets Campaign Back at least $12,000!

Quad Cities, USA: With red kettles wrapping up on Christmas Eve, the Red Kettle Campaign is still $185,000 away from making its 2012 fund raising goal.

"Weather determines the success of our campaign, and we have been very blessed with good weather," said Major Gary Felton, Quad Cities coordinator for The Salvation Army. 

"Closing kettles down on Thursday will impact the goal greatly, though. We are grateful to Von Maur for partnering with us on Saturday for a Match Day at the malls! We hope Von Maur's generosity of a match up to $10,000 will help make up for the day we missed."

Felton continued, "I cannot stress enough how this campaign sets the tone for our entire year of services. We have raised a significant amount so far and are very grateful to this community but there is still a long way to go."

The 2012 Red Kettle Campaign goal is $725,000. As of Dec. 19th, the donation total is $540,000. The Salvation Army is compelled to make another plea to the community.

There are many ways to share your blessings with others:

An online gift to: www.usc.salvationarmy.org/quadcities

Call to 1-800-SAL-ARMY for a credit card donation.

Or a check can be mailed to: The Salvation Army, 301 W. 6th Street, Davenport, IA 52803

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21 Dec 2012

Upcoming Art Opening

By Eric Wolever
https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=7484cc5eec&view=att&th=13bbe94d846a67b7&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P8Sw0Lg_xj2im_DUogFlrJK&sadet=1356126071961&sads=436IOx0xxbXNdhHMWHQb0e_QJ_g
21 Dec 2012

Governor Quinn Appoints New Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard

By Erin Wilson

Daniel M. Krumrei to Lead and Advocate for Illinois Servicemembers and their Families

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today named Daniel M. Krumrei as the new Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard and Director of the Department of Military Affairs. The former Colonel has served as Command Staff Chaplain for the Illinois Army National Guard since 2005 and has been instrumental in fulfilling Governor Quinn's longtime commitment to serving Veterans and their families.

"General Krumrei has served in the National Guard for more than 35 years and has made it his mission to ensure that our servicemembers get the support they need to be successful in the military and in their civilian lives," Governor Quinn said. "His extensive experience at all levels of the Guard and with people of all faiths will be invaluable as we work to keep the Illinois National Guard the most effective force in the nation."

Krumrei (pronounced KRUM-ROY) joined the National Guard in 1977 and has held all ranks from private to colonel, serving in a wide variety of roles including field artillery, nuclear/biological/chemical weapons specialist, and chaplain. Since joining the Illinois Army National Guard (ILNG) in 1992 as a chaplain, he has helped make assisting servicemembers and their families a priority of the ILNG. He has built strong relationships with the faith and mental-health communities that work with Guard members before, during and after deployments by implementing models of support that are celebrated and imitated nationwide. Krumrei will lead the ILNG at a time when more servicemembers are returning home permanently from overseas deployments, heightening the need for transition services such as job training and counseling.

"Over the last three decades, I have had the privilege of counseling thousands of servicemembers and have built a deep understanding of the challenges facing our soldiers and airmen - their struggles with transitioning, with family, and with balancing civilian work and military requirements," Krumrei said. "Like them, I know personally what it is to leave your family, your friends, your community, and your job for the combat theater. I am grateful to Governor Quinn for this opportunity to lead our National Guard, and to help our National Guardsmen meet every challenge they encounter with courage and confidence."

General Krumrei holds a master's degree in strategic studies from the Army War College and a Master's of Divinity from Phillips Graduate Seminary, as well as numerous service awards and decorations. Among these is the Kuwait Liberation Medal, earned during a deployment to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. As a civilian, he has served as senior pastor of the Parkway Christian Church - Disciples of Christ in Springfield since 1998. Krumrei resides in Springfield with his wife Sue, an art teacher at Franklin Middle School. They are the parents of three adult children - Ben, Kate and Jessi.

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21 Dec 2012

Uproar at the Zoo

By Marc Heinzman
WHAT'S NEW AT THE ZOO
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REINDEER FACTS

Reindeer travel up to 3,000 miles each year. Santa's reindeer travel far more!

Reindeer eat grass, moss and lichen. Leave a little lettuce or carrots for them
with Santa's cookies and milk.

Reindeer populations are declining due to climate change. Do your part in 2013 to
recycle, reduce your carbon footprint and help global conservation efforts.

CLICK FOR IDEAS [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001yuYJFE5BXZyr6bKuyNhhhPUPeRSsWkTM_J2m7bDeA2GIjb-tjS2iIphzx2OZ1-Yz6vMJDscjXsJmuKNoBAblhAtSmRS7QOTbKddK8cZ2e_CzDo9-vAJT7g==]
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BE A ZOO SANTA

Even our animals have a wish list!

Towels, Plastic Food Containers, Unsalted Peanuts, Large Pet Carrier, Small Bird Cage, Frisbee.

Drop off donations M-F 8:30-4 (closed Dec 24, 25, 31, Jan 1) or mail to:

Niabi Zoo

Attn: Mandy Turnbull

13010 Niabi Zoo Rd

Coal Valley, IL 61240

ASK ABOUT THE LIST [mailto:sbehrens@niabizoo.com]
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2013 EVENTS

The calendar has been set and sponsorship opportunities are available for popular
events like Boo at the Zoo and Pints for Pachyderms.

Be among the first to see the entire list of events and select the personal or corporate
sponsorship opportunity that aligns with your charitable giving initiatives.

Opportunities start at $250.
GET THE GUIDE [mailto:sbehrens@niabizoo.com]
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OPENING DAY IS MONDAY, MARCH 11

Mark your calendar to visit Niabi Zoo during opening week in March and see your
favorite animals after the winter break.
Keep your membership active to join us for the Members Only Egg Hunt on Saturday,
March 30 and a Members Only Breakfast with the Animals on Saturday, March 23.

Click here [mailto:membership@niabizoo.com] to contact the membership coordinator.

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21 Dec 2012

Loebsack Statement on Congress Leaving Washington for the Holidays

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House of Representatives left town for the holidays without taking meaningful steps to address the "fiscal cliff" that the nation will go over in 10 days.

"The last thing Congress should be doing is going home rather than working to move forward with a meaningful solution. Months ago, I proposed a compromise plan that would bridge the gap by asking those who have the most to contribute a little more to protect the middle class, small businesses and family farms.  I will be remaining in Washington, prepared to work with anyone who is willing to actually get things accomplished to move our country forward.  Unfortunately, instead of pursuing a solution, it seems the majority in Congress has again decided to bring the economy to the brink.  Washington needs to get serious, get to work, and get this done now."

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21 Dec 2012

Loebsack: The National Conversation Should Begin at Home

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that in the coming weeks, he will convene different groups of people to discuss how the nation should move forward in addressing how to ensure our children stay safe.  In the aftermath of the shootings at Newtown, Loebsack will bring together law enforcement officers, members of the mental health community, parents, teachers and administrators, as well as the general public to begin the conversation.

"Everyone from the President to the many people from Iowa who have contacted my office have called on the nation's leaders to have a national conversation about how we can move forward after the senseless violence in Newtown. I think we have to have every option on the table and open for discussion.  That doesn't mean everything will be implemented, but when you have an open and honest discussion, it is good to have as many points of view as possible. I will use these meetings to hear from people that are directly involved with protecting our children and I look forward to getting ideas and taking them back to Washington with me while we debate how to move forward."

Details on the formats, as well as the dates and times will be announced in the near future.

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21 Dec 2012

National Women's Clothing Retailer, maurices, Plans to Move to New NorthPark Location

By Sarah Troutwine

(Duluth, MN) A nationwide clothing store for young women, known for trendy fashions that don't break the bank, announces plans to relocate the maurices store currently located at Northpark Mall, 320 W Kimberly Road in Davenport.

maurices' fashion attitude will appear in force when the new store opens in the Northpark Mall, Space 0058. The store will continue to be open for business while the new location is under construction. The new 5,190 square footage store will grand open planned for end of February 2013. Neil McPhail, SVP - Stores, adds, "We look for the best opportunity in each market. The new space we are moving into looked like the perfect opportunity to continue to reach maurices target customer and continued success of our business.

"We are very excited about opening a brand new store that will offer our customers an exciting new fresh décor and design that is easy and fun to shop," says Store Manager Sarah Troutwine.

maurices has been inspiring young women since 1931 and will continue to sell adorable, affordable fashions in sizes 1-24.

brands of Studio Y and Wear @ Work, plus some of the best-known brands in denim, including Silver®.

About maurices
maurices, a brand of Ascena Retail Group, Inc. (NASDAQ - ASNA), is the leading hometown specialty store and authority for the savvy, fashion-conscious girl with a twenty-something attitude. Today, maurices operates over 833 stores in 46 states and Canada. maurices stands for fashion, quality, value and customer service. Offering sizes 1-24, our styles are inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size. For store information and to shop online, visit maurices.com.

21 Dec 2012

Morthland Opposes TV Tax

By Rep. Rich Morthland

Morthland calls HB5440: "ineffective and irresponsible"

 

MOLINE, IL...State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) pledges to vote against House Bill 5440, the proposed tax on satellite TV if the sponsors try to pass the measure during the upcoming Lame Duck session in January.

Representative Morthland calls the new 5% fee an "ill-contrived attempt to distract from the major issues facing our State." Morthland says that both his Springfield and Moline offices have been receiving many calls from constituents who are justifiably outraged at this new Springfield money grab.

"Here's another fee that will prove to be ineffective and irresponsible in our current economic condition. The budgets of hard working families and businesses are already stretched to their limits," said Rep. Morthland. "To make matters worse, this tax unfairly punishes rural residents and other downstate folks who only have access to the coverage that satellite television affords."

Proponents of HB5440 claim it will raise about $75 million, which would be used to bolster education funding. Rep. Morthland questions that revenue projection number, noting that an already struggling economy conflates projections and provides for decreasing tax revenues. Furthermore, Morthland claims that the tax is a thinly veiled attempt by Cable Television companies to unfairly hurt their competitors.

"Adding the tax to satellite TV bills would be like charging toll-way fees to airline passengers," said Morthland. "These customers are doing business miles and miles above the infrastructure that traditional Cable companies interact with. This tax is fundamentally unfair and misdirected"

HB 5440 passed the Senate on vote of 30-27. The bill is likely to be brought for a vote on the House floor during the upcoming January session.

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