07 Aug 2012

Who Wins the White House Doesn't Matter - the System is Broken, Pundit Says

By Rick Martin
She Offers 5 Amendments to Fix It

A recent Gallup poll shows 81 percent of Americans are dissatisfied with the governing of the country, a historic number.

With the ongoing discussion among experts, pundits, politicians and the general public on whether or not America has lost its way, citizens are looking for solutions. They are out there, says Dixie Swanson, former TV personality, former Beltway insider and author of The Accidental President Trilogy (www.dixieswanson.com), a series of novels about an apolitical physician who stumbles into a Senate seat.

"Problems in our country are moving faster than solutions," says Swanson. "Whether we elect Mitt or Barack, we are going to be facing the same gridlock that's jamming and corrupting the process today," she says.

To get the nation back to duly elected government officials who spend their time leading and making decisions in the best interests of the entire country, Swanson suggests the following five amendments:

• Abolition of Electoral Voting: The U.S. electoral process is as antique as a powdered wig. It has already failed three times, electing presidents who did not win the popular vote. As the system stands now, if a candidate wins by one vote in a state with a few people, like Wyoming, he gets three electoral votes. If he wins in California, he wins 55. This violates the idea that every vote counts equally. Romney could get "Gored" this year and win the popular vote but lose the electoral vote. All Americans want their votes to count equally.

• Single Six-Year Term for Presidents: Our country has enormous problems and the president and vice president need to be on the job full-time, not running for reelection beginning on Day 2. No one in the highest levels of the federal government is looking 20 and 30 years down the road. We need to lengthen the term to build in an opportunity for focus and visionary thinking.

• A Balanced Budget: The budget shall not exceed the previous year for which fiscal revenues are known. In the event of a national catastrophe, this can be overridden with a two-thirds vote of each house and the president's signature. This should be gradually implemented throughout the next decade to reduce economic whiplash. This should include an income surtax that goes directly toward paying down the national debt.

• Constitutionally Mandated Campaign Reform: The big money of PACS and Super PACS is corrupting. Let's return power to the voter. Only voters can donate, and then only to one candidate in each race for whom they can vote: his or her choice for representative, senator and one presidential ticket. Congress may set a limit on donation amounts. No entity of any kind may give money to the candidate or give it to an individual to donate. Any violations are a federal crime punishable by five years in prison with no parole. Just as your ballot is secret, your donations will not be published on the internet (with your address) as they are now, but will be reported daily to the Federal Election Commission by the campaign treasurer. All donations are to be made by check, credit/debit card or electronic funds transfer. No cash donations are acceptable and there are no in-kind donations. Lobbyists can still exist and do advocacy, they just can't bring money, or anything of value, to the conversation. During an election, any advertising is to be paid for by the candidate and by no one else.

• The Line-Item Veto: Congressional attempts to give the president line-item veto power have been shot down by the courts as unconstitutional, so the only way to provide this is by amending the Constitution. As is stands now, the courts can throw out a part of a law, but the president cannot. That is inequitable.

About Dixie Swanson

Dixie Swanson was a pediatrician for 10 years and the Family Health Reporter for NBC's Houston affiliate. She also spent time working for a Washington lobbyist with access to the White House.  Dixie is the author of "The Accidental President Trilogy - a Political Fable for Our Time."

07 Aug 2012

2012 Iowa State Fair to End on an Entertaining Note

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/06/2012)(readMedia)-- The 2012 Iowa State Fair is set to end on a high note on Extreme Sunday, August 19, with a boot tappin' Grandstand show and a full day of free entertainment. Plus, Fairgoers can take advantage of half-price gate admission, a chance to win prizes in the Iowa Lottery's "Mystery Millionaire" event, and free parking for carloads of five or more in the North Lot (until 9 p.m.). "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set August 9-19.

GRANDSTAND ENTERTAINMENT:

Since their inception in 1999, the trio of Rascal Flatts has released songs like "These Days," "Bless The Broken Road," "What Hurts The Most" and "Take Me There," some of the most successful music to come out of Nashville in recent years. They have placed 11 #1 singles and 20 Top 10 hits, seen every one of their studio albums go multi-platinum, and have become the most awarded vocal group in country music history with total sales at 20 million. Opening the 7 p.m. show is Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge.

Tickets are $59, on sale now through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800/745-3000 and through the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office. Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include admission to the Fair.

FREE STAGE ENTERTAINMENT:

Here Come the Mummies is different from any other funk group and will see to it that they are the "funkiest" show around. The twelve members dress as Egyptian mummies and play "funk from beyond the grave." Here Come the Mummies will perform at 7:30 p.m. on the Anderson Erikson Dairy Stage.

From the hit NBC show The Sing Off, Street Corner Symphony brings a unique, southern soul sound to the Fair. The 6-piece Nashville-based a cappella group were runners-up on the second season of the show, which aired in December 2010. Catch them at 7 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

To date, WAR has sold nearly 50 million records and has been honored with 17 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards. Classic songs include, "Low Rider," "Slippin' Into Darkness" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?" Come rock out with the band at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Stage.

Boyz II Men holds the distinction as the best-selling R&B group of all time, with an astounding 60 million albums sold. Most recently, Boyz II Men marked their 20th anniversary by releasing a landmark album, fittingly titled "Twenty," which debuted at number 20 on Billboard Magazine's Top 200 Albums Chart and number 4 on the R&B album chart. Listen to their classic hits at 7 p.m. on the Susan Knapp Amphitheater.

During the day, grab a seat at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage for Bill Riley's Talent Search Finals beginning at 1:30 p.m. Over 350 talented acts from across the state qualified to compete in this year's competition. Six Sprout Champions will be showcased in the Championship Show. In the Senior division, nine finalists will compete for the championship title.

In addition to all the musical talent, Fairgoers can also enjoy one final day of Fair food favorites, strolling act Bandaloni, The Red Trouser Show, exhilarating fun with the BMX Pros Trick Team, the Swampmaster's Gator Show, and the Bengal Tiger Encounter.

MYSTERY MILLIONAIRE JACKPOT PROMOTION

Fairgoers will have the chance to win up to $1,000 by being in the audience for the Iowa Lottery's "Mystery Millionaire" event! Fifteen audience members will win prizes from $250 to $1,000 during the Mystery Millionaire finale event on the Grand Concourse starting at 1 p.m. And one lucky Iowa Lottery player will win the promotion's $1 million grand prize.

Extreme Sunday is sponsored by WHO-TV 13, STAR 102.5, LAZER 103.3 and KIOA 93.3.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, set August 9-19. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 8 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or check out www.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

07 Aug 2012

Announcing School Supply Shopping Spree for kids in need

By Holly Nomura
06 Aug 2012

IOWA FARM BUREAU PARK WILL BE "FARM STRONG" AT 2012 IOWA STATE FAIR

By Rick Martin

Farm Bureau members, visitors can test their farm strength, win great prizes

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Aug. 6, 2012 - Iowa State Fair visitors can flex their "Farm Strong" strength and ag knowledge at Farm Bureau Park each day of the fair. Whether it's finding out if pigs can get sunburn or discovering how many farms are in the state, fairgoers can talk to Iowa farmers about agriculture and play a free high-striker game to earn prizes.

The strength of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) comes from its members who will enjoy a number of "Farm Strong" perks at the fair. They can redeem a member coupon for a free prize and register to win a free John Deere Gator utility vehicle provided by the Van Wall Group and Barker Implement, which are premier John Deere dealers.

All park visitors can enter a drawing to win $1,000 in groceries and learn more about Farm Bureau benefit partners and special member discounts on services and products including Morton Buildings, Case IH tractors and utility vehicles, Van Wall Energy and Ford and Lincoln vehicles. In addition, people who join their county Farm Bureau at the fair may register to win a John Deere lawn tractor.

Young fairgoers will also find free entertainment at Farm Bureau Park as the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Advisory Committee members offer a variety of free kids' activities and prizes from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11.

The park will also emphasize the importance of conservation with a unique mobile unit called the Conservation Station, provided by the Iowa Learning Farms and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The station features a rainfall simulator and offers activity modules for all ages.

The IFBF is again promoting the importance of healthy lifestyles by featuring a number of free blood pressure, glaucoma, cancer and other health screenings on select fair days. Other special activities at Farm Bureau Park on select fair days include :

  • Saturday, Aug. 11
    • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Conservation Station learning activities sponsored by the Iowa Learning Farms and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
    • 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Free blood pressure screenings provided by Des Moines University.
    • 4 p.m., Governor's Charity Steer Show at the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion. The show promotes beef and raises money to aid families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses.
  • Tuesday, Aug. 14 - Farm Bureau Day at the Fair
    • 9 a.m. - noon, 49th annual Farm Bureau Cookout Contest on the Grand Concourse. Free samples available. Judging begins at 10 a.m.
    • 9 a.m., Century and Heritage Farm Awards presented at the Budweiser Stage, south of the Varied Industries building.

Farm Bureau Park is located next to the Varied Industries Building, right off the Grand Concourse. For a complete listing of Farm Bureau activities at the fair, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.

06 Aug 2012

Grassley works to extend E-Verify and programs for legal immigration

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate last week gave unanimous approval to bipartisan legislation co-authored by Senator Chuck Grassley to extend the E-Verify program, an Internet-based system that allows employers to determine the eligibility of employees to work in the United States.

"E-Verify has proven its value in helping to enforce immigration laws by giving employers a tool to help determine if individuals are eligible to work in the United States," Grassley said.  "Extending the current program is very necessary until E-Verify is made a requirement for employers.  Programs like E-Verify and the others extended by the Senate safeguard opportunities for legal workers and recognize the value of legal immigrants to American society."

E-Verify allows employers to submit voluntarily information reported on an employee's Form I-9 to the Department of Homeland Security, which works in partnership with the Social Security Administration to determine worker status.  There is no charge to employers to use E-Verify, and more than 392,911 employers use the program.

E-Verify was established in 1996 as a pilot program with employers in five states allowed to participate.  The pilot program was reauthorized in 2001, expanded to employers in every state in 2003 under Grassley-authored legislation, and reauthorized again in 2008 and 2009.  Since 1996, improvements have been made to decrease error rates with an appeal process, a self-check for individuals to make certain their information is correct, and a photo-tool capability to improve the ability of employers to determine if document photos match potential employees.

In addition to a three-year extension of E-Verify, Grassley helped to pass three-year extensions for several other immigration programs, including:

1)      Non-Minister Religious Worker Visa Program.  This program allows up to 5,000 Special Immigrant Visas to be issued each year.  Religious organizations can use these visas to sponsor foreign nationals to come to the United States and provide services for people in some of the nation's neediest and most underserved areas.

2)      Immigrant Investor Program.  This program, known as EB-5, is designed to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors.  The program allows 10,000 visas each year to individuals who invest between $500,000 and $1 million in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs within two years of the investor's admission to the United States.

3)      J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.  This program waives a requirement for up to 30 international medical graduates each year to return to their country of nationality for at least two years before returning to the United States if the J-1 physicians agree to practice medicine in a federally designated health professional shortage area or medically underserved area.

Grassley serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary which is responsible for immigration legislation.

 

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06 Aug 2012

MGA Announces 50th Anniversary Meeting

By Emily Marthaler

Celebrating 50 Years of Bringing Midwestern Governors Together

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) announced today that it will be holding a meeting in Des Moines on September 26, 2012 to celebrate its 50th anniversary of bringing governors together to work on public policy issues of significance to the region. The meeting, America's Smartland - Deploying the Midwest's Entrepreneurial Spirit, will celebrate the collective strengths of the region and will address how the Midwest can better showcase itself to other regions and countries.

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, current MGA Chair, will host the meeting as part of his agenda that focuses on promoting a positive Midwestern narrative. The Midwest is the crossroads for much of the nation's economic activity with a strong work ethic and climate for business and job growth that reflect a diverse mix of industries. Midwestern states are proud of their high-quality schools and colleges with tremendous research capabilities; a stand-out standard of living, which includes vibrant cities and towns, affordable housing, and cultural, recreational and sporting activities; incredible opportunities in agriculture and the biosciences; a robust freight industry and infrastructure; and four distinct seasons with breathtaking natural wonders.

"I am excited to welcome Midwesterners to Des Moines to take part in this 50th anniversary meeting of the MGA. The Midwest has a rich history and we can continue to build on our past strengths to ensure a promising future. I look forward to the discussions on the region's efforts to attract talent, leverage our competitive advantages, and nurture the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit," said Governor Branstad.

Jesse Heier, MGA executive director, said, "The Midwest has so many positive attributes to highlight, including the vast network of community colleges, our agricultural heritage, cutting-edge technologies in manufacturing and energy production, and is a great place to raise a family. In addition, our entrepreneurial spirit is one of our best kept secrets, which we intend to share at this meeting."

 

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the MGA is also sponsoring a video contest to reshape how others perceive the Midwest. This effort complements Governor Branstad's initiative and will help the world learn about the tremendous strengths of the region through the eyes of Midwesterners.

The meeting, which is open to the press and public, will be taking place at The World Food Prize's Hall of Laureates. For more information on the meeting and the video contest, visit www.midwesterngovernors.org/AmericasSmartland.htm.

 

 

 

 

 

The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is a nonprofit, bipartisan organization that brings together the governors of the region to work cooperatively on agriculture, economic development and energy issues of importance to the Midwest. The current members of the MGA are Gov. Pat Quinn (Ill.),Gov. Mitch Daniels (Ind.), Gov. Terry Branstad (Iowa), Gov. Sam Brownback (Kansas), Gov. Rick Snyder (Mich.), Gov. Mark Dayton (Minn.), Gov. Jay Nixon (Mo.), Gov. John Kasich (Ohio) and Gov. Scott Walker (Wis.).
06 Aug 2012

Benefit for Janet Green

By Kathie Heaps

Friends of Janet Green will hold a benefit for the 43-year-old wife and mother to help her as she fights bout against breast cancer.

The benefit will be from 2-8 p.m., Saturday, Sep. 22, at Bleyart"s Tap 2218 E 11th Street Davenport, Iowa. All proceeds will help offset the bills being incurred since Green's cancer. She is married to Robert Green and mother of Courtney 16yrs old and Jacob 13 yrs old. Cost of the benefit is $5 per person and includes a walking taco dinner, dessert and a chance to win a 4 Cub's Tickets. The event also will include live entertainment, raffles, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction/basket raffle and bake sale.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. They also are available in advance at these locations: The Hair Doctors, 2942 Harrison St. Davenport; Bleyart's Tap, 2218 E. 11th Street Davenport.

Donations also may be made to Janet Green Benefit Fund, IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union 2102 E Kimberly Road Davenport

For more information, call Kathie Heaps at 563-322-1844

06 Aug 2012

Benefit for Mary Davis

By Kathie Heaps

Friends of Mary Davis will hold a benefit for the 47-year-old wife and mother to help her as she fights another bout against breast cancer.

The benefit will be from 5-9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18, at Blackhawk College, 6600 34th Ave., Building 3, Moline.

All proceeds will help offset the bills being incurred since Davis' relapse of cancer. The Erie woman had been cancer-free since June 2004, when the disease returned April 2012. She is married to Bob Davis and mother of Emma 8yrs old. She has coached 21 years at Blackhawk College for women's volleyball. She also has worked 21 yrs in Nov as a hairdresser and owner of The Hair Center in Erie Ill.

Cost of the benefit is $5 per person and includes a walking taco dinner, dessert and a chance to win a 40"flat screen TV. The event also will include live entertainment, raffles, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction/basket raffle and bake sale.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. They also are available in advance at these locations: The Hair Doctors, 2942 Harrison St., Davenport; The Hair Center, 908 Albany St., Erie, Ill.; or Blackhawk College Athletic Department, Bldg 3, Moline.

Donations also may be made to Mary Davis Benefit Fund, First Trust, Erie.

For more information, call Kathie Heaps at 563-322-1844.

06 Aug 2012

Braley Campaign Announces Jeff Giertz to Serve as Campaign Manager

By Jeff Giertz
WATERLOO, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that Jeff Giertz will serve as his campaign manager for the 2012 campaign, effective today.

Giertz will take an unpaid leave of absence from his position as Communications Director in Braley's congressional office.  Molly Scherrman will remain the campaign's Senior Advisor.

"Jeff is a smart and capable leader with deep Iowa roots and years of campaign experience," Braley said.  "He's an excellent addition to my growing grassroots campaign."

Giertz will be based out of the campaign's headquarters in Waterloo. 



06 Aug 2012

Las Lomas Mexican Restaurant pays more than $60,000 in back wages to 8 workers following US Labor Department investigation

By Rhonda Burke

Various FLSA violations found at Muscatine, Iowa, establishment 

 

MUSCATINE, Iowa - The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $60,234 in back wages for eight employees of Las Lomas Mexican Restaurant in Muscatine following an investigation by the department's Wage and Hour Division that disclosed violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act's minimum wage, overtime pay and record-keeping provisions.

A team of Spanish-speaking investigators from the division's Des Moines District Office conducted employee interviews and reviewed time and payroll records to determine FLSA compliance. The investigators found that the restaurant paid some workers - including wait staff, cooks and dishwashers - "straight time" wages, which did not equal at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked and did not include overtime pay for hours beyond 40 in a week.

"Some of these employees were paid as little as $200 a week for 75 hours of labor," said Michael Staebell, director of the Wage and Hour Division's Des Moines office. "We are committed to protecting the many vulnerable workers employed in the restaurant industry and, as demonstrated by the resolution of this case, will vigorously pursue violators to ensure compliance with the law."

All back wages owed have been paid in full, and the company has taken steps to come into compliance with wage regulations by installing a time clock and keeping accurate pay records. Las Lomas Mexican Restaurant is operated by Juan Inc. and has several locations throughout Iowa.

The FLSA requires that covered, nonexempt employees be paid at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked, as well as one and one-half times their regular rates for hours worked over 40 per week. Additionally, accurate records of employees' wages, hours and other conditions of employment must be maintained.

Accessible and searchable information on enforcement activities by the Department of Labor is available at http://ogesdw.dol.gov/search. Publicly available enforcement data also are available through the free mobile application "Eat Shop Sleep," which enables consumers, employees and other members of the public to check if a hotel, restaurant or retail location has been investigated by the Wage and Hour Division, and whether FLSA violations were found. The app is available at https://sites.google.com/site/eatshopsleepdol.

For more information about the FLSA and other federal wage laws, call the Wage and Hour Division's toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243) or visit http://www.dol.gov/whd.

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