07 Aug 2012

School board member under fire for speaking her mind to taxpayers

By Ben Velderman
By Ben Velderman
EAGnews.org
WEST HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Do individuals forfeit their First Amendment right to free speech when they become school board members?
The president of the West Hempstead Union Free (New York) school board seems to think so, but the district's official policy on free speech won't be known until board members re-examine their code of ethics in October.
This philosophical debate was sparked by a postcard board member Cynthia DiMiceli sent to the community last spring - at her own expense - explaining why she had voted against the district's $55.2 million proposed budget for the 2012-13 school year.
The postcard had no discernible effect on the budget's fate, which breezed through the board and was later ratified by the voters, but it so angered board President Walter Ejnes that he denounced DiMiceli as an "insecure megalomaniac" who generates "unnecessary controversy."
A tiny handful of community activists are calling on DiMiceli to resign her post. They claim her actions violated the board's code of ethics, which require members to "abide by all board decisions once they are made and assist in carrying them out effectively," according to the West Hempstead Herald.
DiMiceli says the Education Establishment is "bullying" her because she dared use her rights as a private citizen to question the direction of the school district.
"Just because I'm a board member, it doesn't mean I don't have a right to speak my piece," she tells EAGnews.org, adding that her comments represent her views only.
Despite the overheated rhetoric from her critics, DiMiceli is faithfully executing the official duties of her office by working with her fellow board members to lead the district and implement its policies.
This controversy is really about DiMiceli's decision to ignore the establishment's sacred teaching that all board members must march in lockstep, so as to present a "unified front" to the community.
The "united front" is believed to be an essential ingredient to a healthy school district. In reality, it's a ploy used by defenders of the status quo to supress criticism and alternative points of view. DiMiceli is standing up to those tired ideas, and is catching plenty of flak for doing so.
'We must change this way of thinking'
DiMiceli decided to run for the school board in 2010, over concerns about the deterioration of the district's facilities and the overall quality of education being provided to students. She has two children in the district, and witnessed the decline first-hand.
"Everybody can complain, but that's not my style," she says. "I wanted to find solutions to fix the problems."
And the problems are significant.
West Hempstead is located in New York's Nassau County, which has the highest median property taxes in the nation, according to CBS 880. DiMiceli says her personal property taxes have doubled over the last 15 years.
Despite all the spending, the district's test scores have mostly stagnated and student enrollment has declined. Taxpayers are paying more and more, but results aren't improving.
"That's not logical to me," she says.
So when school administrators presented the West Hempstead school board with a $55.2 million budget proposal this spring, DiMiceli grew concerned the district wasn't addressing the structural deficit that's expected to begin in 2014.
After the board passed the budget 5-2, DiMiceli shared her concerns in a postcard-letter to West Hempstead residents, explaining why she voted 'no.'
Economic conditions -- decreasing tax revenue, increasing health insurance and retirement costs for employees -- are creating "tremendous challenges for future budgets," DiMiceli wrote.
"Therefore, if we do not spend wisely and make provisions for the future now, our standard of education will drop even further along with the value of our homes."
She also noted that opposing a school budget is a sure-fire way of getting labeled as anti-public education.
"In my opinion, we must change this way of thinking," DiMiceli wrote. "I feel that in order to improve the quality of education in West Hempstead, we must have the courage to face and admit our deficiencies and work together to find new ways to raise district wide academic achievement."
The letter - which is clearly identified as representing only DiMiceli's views - did not urge taxpayers to vote a certain way on the May 15 budget vote. It only raised questions that she believes the community must begin addressing, sooner or later.
'Good board members learn to compromise'
DiMiceli's letter drew a stinging rebuke from the board president.
In a letter to the West Hempstead Herald, Ejnes wrote that "good board members learn to compromise, and if a decision does not go your way, it is unheard of to go out publicly and undermine the board's final decision."
At Ejnes' urging, the board will revisit its code of ethics in October to determine the course of action if a member violates the policies.
The school board's attorney has already reviewed the legality of DiMiceli's actions, but the board has refused to make his findings public.
"If my critics feel that they are right, they should ask the Board of Education why aren't they releasing the legal opinion of their own attorney?" DiMiCeli wrote in a recent letter to a local news site. "I will leave that up to you to assume the response."
Despite the controversy her letter has generated, DiMiceli plans to keep pushing the board to share as much information as possible with the public.
"Certain things can't be discussed publicly, such as contract negotiations or information about a certain student. But everything else should be public."
Information leads to more transparency and more accoutability, key components to ensuring that a school district is being run properly.
"This is a $55 million a year business," DiMiceli says. "I do what I think is the right thing to do."
Contact Ben Velderman at ben@eagnews.org, or at (231) 733-4202.
07 Aug 2012

US ARMY SGT. VINCENT HANCOCK WINS OLYMPIC GOLD TEAM USA MEMBER OF US ARMY MARKSMANSHIP TEAM

By Move America Forward
With the whole world watching the Olympic games in London, this is a perfect opportunity to recognize some amazing military athletes who not only serve in the Armed Forces, but are now competing to be the best in the world at the Olympics.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR HEROES COMPETING
ON THE BATTLEFIELD IN AFGHANISTAN

As we celebrate our Military Olympians, who can do such amazing things in their events, let us not forget the amazing things our troops overseas do every day in Afghanistan.

Our troops continue fighting the Taliban and Al-Qaeda despite the 110+ degree heat and diminishing media coverage about their efforts. They fight to make sure that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven and training ground for terrorist to plot attacks to kill American civilians - which is their aim! 

Our fighting military will not receive media attention or acclaim for their heroic acts, but we will thank them with a care packages of support from home.


In one bit of good news, our troops today killed a notorious terrorist leader and member of the dangerous Haqqani network! 

NATO forces killed a local commander for the Haqqani insurgent group in an airstrike in eastern Afghanistan, the military alliance said Monday.

Sher Mohammad Hakimi was hit on Sunday in Logar province, the coalition said.

Hakimi was sitting under a tree with some associates when the NATO strike killed him, said Logar province police chief, Raeis Khan Rahimzai. He said four others were injured.

According to Rahimzai, Hakimi was known for organizing roadside bomb attacks and for training insurgents. NATO said Hakimi transported weapons through the region and served directly under Haqqani leader Muhammad Agha.

- WASHINGTON POST
08/06/2012

Our troops are still fighting a tough dug-in enemy! Send them some support in the form of a MAF care package! What better way to show our gratitude for the sacrifice our troops are making on our behalf?

MAF Care packages come with tons of goodies for our troops to enjoy!




US ARMY SGT. VINCENT HANCOCK MAKES HISTORY:
FIRST-EVER TO WIN GOLD TWICE IN MEN'S SKEET EVENT

It may surprise some people, but there are actually many military veterans currently serving simultaneously in the US Army Marksmanship Unit and also on Team USA. Keep reading every day from now through the end of the Olympics as we bring you the stories of our Military Olympians and their impressive achievements both on and off the battlefield!

A fast-fingered 23-year-old Sgt. Vincent Hancock shattered multiple Olympic records while staking his claim for gold at the London Games on Tuesday even as other military athletes suffered through the agony of defeat.

The Fort Benning, Ga.-based Army Marksmanship Unit skeet shooter drilled 123 out of 125 targets in his record-setting qualifier and then a perfect 25 in the finals for another record and his spot at the top of the podium.

His score of 148 broke the Olympic skeet record of 145 he set en route to his first Olympic gold at the 2008 Games in Beijing.

Hancock's win also marks the first time an Olympic skeet shooter has nailed back-to-back gold medals.

- AIR FORCE TIMES
08/06/2012


We're celebrating military athletes who serve their country on the battlefield and as part of TEAM USA at the Olympic games.

While these Military Olympians deserve our praise and all the media coverage the Olympics brings, we can't forget about the military heroes serving overseas.

Their feats on the battlefield often go unrecognized and are not covered by the media, but they are just as deserving of our praise and recognition as our Olympians.

We have over 90,000 troops still serving in Afghanistan and they need our support!

SPONSOR A CARE PACKAGE NOW!


This is still about the troops who are on the front lines fighting the Taliban and Al Qaeda. They are in harm's way and they're the troops we're sending care packages to!
07 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Laws to Increase Fire Safety in Illinois

By Nafia Khan

New Legislation to Help Communities Purchase Emergency Vehicles and Strengthen Dormitory Fire Safety

CHICAGO - August 6, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn continued his commitment to increasing public safety in Illinois by signing several new laws that will help local fire departments purchase equipment and assist universities in installing sprinkler systems in student dormitories. Legislators, Illinois Fire Marshall Larry Matkaitis and representatives from the Chicago Fire Department joined the governor at today's ceremony.

"We must support our first responders whenever possible so they can continue to keep us safe," Governor Quinn said. "With thousands of students returning to college in the coming weeks and our ongoing response to historic drought conditions, fire prevention efforts are more important than ever."

Senate Bill 3373, sponsored by Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan) and Rep. Eddie Jackson Sr. (D-East St. Louis) will help fire districts across Illinois by consolidating and streamlining state funds used to finance local equipment purchases like trucks, ambulances and station upgrades. Under this legislation, three state funds used to support revolving loans for local emergency equipment purchases will be combined and jointly administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Illinois Finance Authority. This consolidation will simplify these loan programs, promote the efficient use of state resources and result in a larger and more stable base of support for local fire protection districts. The law is effective Jan. 1.

"This law is a great example of what can happen when two agencies work together to increase efficiency and help local communities by making tax dollars go farther for the people of Illinois," said Matkaitis.

House Bill 5283, sponsored by Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Sen. John Sullivan (D-Quincy) will encourage fire protection districts to buy equipment built in Illinois by providing for lower interest rates on loans to purchase certain fire vehicles that are partly or fully manufactured in state. If a vehicle is fully built in Illinois and meets other requirements, the local fire district could qualify for a 0% interest loan. The law was supported by the Illinois Association of Fire Chiefs and passed the General Assembly unanimously. It goes into effect immediately.

House Bill 4757 also sponsored by Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Sen. Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) will ensure all post-secondary schools in Illinois with dormitory housing have sprinklers installed by 2014. While the Fire Sprinkler Dormitory Act of 2004 required all dormitories to have sprinkler systems installed by Jan. 1, 2013, planning and financing complications have prevented some public and private universities from meeting this deadline. This legislation requires these institutions to submit a full compliance plan this fall to the State Fire Marshall detailing their actions to have sprinklers installed in their dormitories no later than Sep. 1, 2014. Institutions who do not meet this deadline will face a $1,000 a day fine.

The governor today also signed House Bill 4715, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee) and Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), which streamlines the testing and hiring process of local firefighters and makes other technical changes to examination procedures. The law passed the General Assembly unanimously and is effective immediately.

 ###

07 Aug 2012

Fall for St. Louis During an Autumn Getaway

By St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission

ST. LOUIS -- August 6, 2012 -- Along with crisp autumn air, dozens of festivals, special events and theatrical and family entertainment spectaculars blow into St. Louis during September, October and November. You're sure to fall in love with the Gateway City during an autumn getaway.

You can view a complete calendar of events and make your St. Louis hotel reservations online by visiting the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission or by dialing 1-800-916-0040.

Labor Day Weekend kicks off St. Louis' Fall festival season. St. Louis offers so many great events over this long weekend that there's no work involved to find the fun. From the soulful sounds of the Big Muddy Blues Festival to the colorful display of Asian culture at the Missouri Botanical Garden's Japanese Festival, you're sure to find a fabulous way to close out the summer.

The Seventeenth Annual Big Muddy Blues Festival rocks the cobblestone streets of the historic Laclede's Landing entertainment district Saturday and Sunday, September 1 and 2. One of the nation's best blues music events, Big Muddy showcases more than 30 Blues and Blues-related bands on three outdoor stages from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. each day. Headliners at this year's festival include the legendary Dr. John and Joe Louis Walker.

Two of St. Louis' vibrant ethnic cultures will be on display during the Labor Day weekend. The 36th Annual Japanese Festival takes over the grounds of the Missouri Botanical Garden from Saturday, September 1 through Monday, September 3. Visitors can tour the nation's largest traditional Japanese garden, browse an arts and crafts marketplace, sample exotic foods, see traditional performances and much more. Nearby, in the charming Central West End neighborhood, nothing says Labor Day in St. Louis like authentic Greek food and music at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The festival opens on Friday evening, August 31 and shouts of "Opa!" ring out through Monday, September 3.

View the labors of talented artists and shop for unique treasures during the annual Art Fair at Queeny Park from Friday, August 31 through Sunday, September 2. The juried exhibit features fine works created by artists from across the nation. The following weekend, September 7 through 9, the elegant streets of Clayton come alive during the 19th Annual Saint Louis Art Fair. Considered among the top fine art festivals in the U.S., the event showcases original works of the highest quality, three stages of entertainment and culinary treats from St. Louis' finest restaurants.

The Faust Park Fall Folk and Fine Arts Festival features up-to-the-minute works of art while showcasing 19th century traditional arts and crafts in its Historic Village. Take this artsy step back in time on Saturday and Sunday, September 22 and 23.

Art lovers flock to the Shaw Neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, where you can bounce between two adjacent art-filled events. The 21st Annual Best of Missouri Market brings together more than 120 Missouri food producers and craftsmen offering everything from homegrown produce and flowers to handmade jewelry, baskets and woven goods. The popular event is held at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Simultaneously, just east of the Garden in the parkway along Flora Place, the 20th Annual Historic Shaw Art Fair unfolds multi-media works created by quality, national artists.

Cure the kids' back-to-school blues with some Disney "magic." Beloved characters from classic Disney animated films including Snow White, Cinderella, Peter Pan and Tinkerbelle join new favorites like Tangled's Rapunzel and Flynn, The Little Mermaid's Ariel and others for Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove. Mickey Mouse and friends bring favorite stories to life...on ice at the Chaifetz Arena, September 20-23.

Amazing animal acts, spectacular circus performers and comical clowns bring thrills and laughter to Scottrade Center when the classic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performs in St. Louis from October 11 through 14. This "Greatest Show on Earth®" production, titled Dragons, brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats.

Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs & Ham is brought to life with musical accompaniment of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra at Powell Symphony Hall on Sunday afternoon, October 7.  Sam, I Am would like it.

Things heat up in Forest Park's Central Field on Friday, September 14 and Saturday, September 15 during the free, Fortieth Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Balloon Race. On Friday evening, get up close looks at the brilliantly colored, inflated balloons during the walk-around Balloon Glow.  Starting at noon on Balloon Race Saturday, pre-lift off activities include sky diver shows, musical entertainment, a photo competition and kids' play area. The race begins when the Energizer Bunny "hare" balloon lifts off and then is chased by more than 60 "hound" balloons launched in full pursuit.

St. Louis' three major league sports teams' seasons overlap this time of year, making it a perfect time for sports lovers to visit. The World Champion St. Louis Cardinals will be in the hunt for a post-season slot during final regular season play dates at Busch Stadium. The Redbirds take to their home field on September 3-5, 7-9, 18-20, 28-30 and October 1-3. As baseball winds down, St. Louis Rams football heats up at the Edward Jones Dome. The St. Louis NFLers hit home turf on September 16 and 30, October 4 and 21, November 18 and December 2 and 16.  The puck flies when the Gateway City's "boys-in-blue note" - the National Hockey League's St. Louis Blues - take the ice at Scottrade Center. Autumn home ice dates include pre-season matches on September 28 and 29 and October 2 and 6 with regular season games set for October 18, 20, 23, 25 and 30; November 6, 8, 17, 23, 25 and 29 and December 1, 2, 12, 14, 15, 18, 23, 26 and 29.

Two very different yet lively cultures are highlighted in St. Louis during September. An Hispanic Heritage Celebration, held at the Anheuser-Busch Consumer Hospitality Center on Saturday, September 15, moves to a mariachi beat. The clans gather in Forest Park on Friday and Saturday, September 28 and 29 for the St. Louis Scottish Games and Cultural Festival. Bagpipe bands, Highland dancing, sheepdog herding demonstrations and a "parade of tartans" are festival highlights.

Movie buffs won't want to miss the 21st Annual Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival. The annual event screens feature films, shorts, documentaries and independent movies from around the world ovember 8 - 18.

The amazing world of science is yours to discover at SciFest 2012 at the Saint Louis Science Center. Workshops, hands-on experiments and exhibits, lectures and conversations about all aspects of science are presented during the October 16-21 event. See what's planned by visiting the Saint Louis Science Center.

he Fall theatre season is in full swing in St. Louis. The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents the 25th anniversary production of Les Miserables from October 16-28. Next, Blue Man Group brings its wordless, techno visual extravaganza to The Fox from November 20 through December 2. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis opens on September 5 with Neil Simon's sweet and funny Brighton Beach Memoirs. The semi-autobiographical play about growing up in 1930's New York runs through September 30. The award-winning musical, Daddy Long Legs, dances across The Rep's stage from October 10 through November 4.   .

 

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.

 

-30-

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.).

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 

* indicates required

View previous campaigns.

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar