Three times as many fires occur on Thanksgiving

November 16, 2012 - While most people consider overeating the greatest peril of Thanksgiving, cooking the day's feast presents its own risks, too.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year. In 2010, there were 1,370 fires on Thanksgiving, a 219 percent increase over the daily average.

"Thanksgiving is a fun, festive holiday, but it's also very hectic," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. "All the entertaining and distractions make it easy to forget about what's cooking on the stovetop."

Video - "Kitchen for Trouble" stars cartoon character Dan Doofus. Dan has to learn the hard way how to prevent cooking fires.

Sparky's Safety Spots - Kitchen Fires - World renowned chef (the late) Julia Child cooked up some memorable advice about how to prevent fires in your kitchen.

Home cooking fires peak on major U.S. holidays that traditionally include cooking, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and Easter.

Overall, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 156,400 home fires involving cooking equipment in 2010. These fires caused 420 civilian deaths, 5,310 civilian injuries, and $993 million in direct property damage.

By recognizing the risks of the holidays and making simple adjustments, people can greatly reduce their chance of home cooking fires.

NFPA recommends the following safety tips:

1.       Always stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

2.       When simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

3.       Stay alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don't use the stove or stovetop.

4.       Keep anything that can catch fire such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire...

1.       Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

2.       Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.

3.       If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear path out of the home, and that someone has called the fire department.

4.       Keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

5.       For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org for more information.

Special Announcement!
November 24th - SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!! The day is dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Whether you're a small business owner or a customer, everyone can help spread the word about Small Business Saturday. The more people and the more businesses that get involved, the bigger and more beneficial the day will be! Learn more about what you can do to help make this the biggest day of the year! https://www.shopsmall.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 11/16/2012
CALENDAR
November 16th - Faithful Pilot - Thanksgiving Inspired Menu Chef and his team will be featuring a 3 Course Thanksgiving inspired menu starting Friday November 16th. Plan your evening out with friends or family with whom you won't be able to spend the day of Thanksgiving. Reservations call 563-289-4156
November 16th-17th - Enright's Super Car Wash - LeClaire - Annual Holiday Promotion This weekend we are offering $2.00 Automatic Car Washes or a Free Wash with a purchase of tokens. This event kicks off our "Holiday Token Sale", now through Jan. 6th - 7 tokens for $20 - each token has a value of $6.00. Tokens Make Great Gifts! Stock up for Winter!
November 17th - Movie Night: "Polar Express"- LeClaire Rec Center 429 N. 3rd Street (Corner of 3rd Street and Ferry) 5:30-8:00 P.M. Open Gym from 5:30-6:30. Movie Starts at 6:30 P.M. $2 per person. Concessions available. Pizza $2 per slice. First slice includes a drink. Bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on. Tickets can be pre-purchased from City Hall or email: leclairerecboard@yahoo.com
November 17th - Wide River Winery - 3rd annual Customer Appreciation Party Enjoy Travis Hosette, the "Sinatra Singer", from 2:00-5:00p.m. Wide River Winery, 1776 E. Deer Creek Rd. , Clinton , IA - 1 day only special offer - buy 3 bottles & receive 10% off. Wine pairing with appetizers & dessert with recipes. New holiday gift items available. www.wideriverwinery.com (563) 519-9463.
November 20th - 11:30 -12:30 - Presbyterian Church Free Lunch LeClaire Civic Center, 11:30-12:30 - The First Presbyterian Church ofLeClaire is offering a free lunch to anyone in LeClaire. Serving macaroni and cheese, fruit, hot dogs and cookies, lemonade, milk and coffee. Anyone, any age, regardless of need is invited. Please help pass the word!
November 28th - LeClaire Community Library Monthly Adult Book Discussion Group Meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the LeClaire Community Library 6:30 p.m.  Bookmarks listing the reading selections for 2012 are now available at the Circulation Desk or visit our website for details. www.leclairelibrary.org

Through November 30th - LeClaire Community Library Silent Auction benefiting the Library (3rd and Wisconsin) Stop by and place a bid on many great items! All proceeds support the library. www.leclairelibrary.org

Save the Date
December 7th and 8th First Friday and First Saturday in LeClaire. The Mississippi River Distilling Company will be celebrating First Friday AND First Saturday featuring their Spirited Chef Stephanie's great food items, free signature cocktails, and for the first 100+ bottles sold on Friday, receive a festive Holiday pint glass!  For First Friday, Wide River Winery will have Appetizers and Samples of their Holiday Wine, "Merry Berry"! Other restaurants and shops open both nights!
December 7th-8th-9th - Christmas in LeClaire 2012!
Friday, 10:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
*LeClaire Civic Center - Free Carriage and Wagon Rides, Cookie Tin Sales, Live Nativity, Bazaar, Baked Goods, Crafts and Silent Auction
*Reusable Usables - Repurposed Craft Fair
*4-8 p.m. - Calvary Chapel 4-Square - Free Ornament Decorating
Saturday, 10:00 A. M. - 8:00 P.M.
*8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Breakfast with Santa
*10a.m.-noon- Expressions in Thread - Make Sock Snowmen - $3 lessons
*Noon - 3-4 p.m. Santa's Playhouse
*Noon - 4 p.m. Wide River Winery's WINTER WONDERLAND
*LeClaire Civic Center - Free Carriage and Wagon Rides, Cookie Tin Sales, Bake Sale , Crafts and Silent Auction
*Grasshoppers - Castle Ridge Wine Tasting Sat. afternoon - Christmas Music
*Reusable Usables - Repurposed Craft Fair
*Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium - Live Music, Holiday Treats
*Calvary Chapel 4-Square - Free Ornament Decorating
Sunday, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
*LeClaire Civic Center - Free Carriage and Wagon Rides, Craft and Silent Auction (Bidding closes at 2p.m.)
*Reusable Usables - Repurposed Craft Fair
*Noon - 4 p.m. Wide River Winery's WINTER WONDERLAND
All Weekend - Local Stores Open with Great Shopping Opportunities!
Razzleberries - Free sequin flower ring with any $25 purchase!
December 8th: "Stampin' Up" Class LeClaire Library -10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the community room. There is a 10 person limit to the class and patrons must sign up at circulation desk. Persons signing up for class also must bring double sided sticky tape and a pair of scissors with them on day of event. www.leclairelibrary.org

December 15th: Holiday Party with Games and MusicThe LeClaire RecCenter, 429 N. 3rd Street (Corner of 3rd Street and Ferry) 5:30-8:00 P.M. Details coming soon!

FYI
The River Cities' Reader has sent out the latest issue of the Quad Cities' Dining Guide. Contained in the guide, along with 700+ restaurant listings, is the annual Best of the QC Survey.  But this survey is different from ones in the past as this one focuses exclusively on food and drink. You can vote online at http://www.rcreader.com/best-of-qc/survey.php?sid=72 now to February 1, 2013  There are fifty questions, you only have to answer 15 or more to make your ballot count.  Results will be published in the Spring of 2013. Pass this link along and vote for your favorite area eating and drinking establishments!
SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
Generations Café - A Low Cost Noon Meal-Service for Seniors is in need of a driver every other Friday to deliver lunch to homebound seniors. Mileage is reimbursable. Helping the less mobile enjoy a nourishing mid-day meal is so rewarding. If interested, please call Heide at 563-289-3646.  They also serve Meals for Seniors at the First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire 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.
The LeClaire Tourism Manager, Donna Walley shares - "Consider volunteering at the new LeClaire Information Center ." She may be reached through Info@VisitLeClaire.com or "LeClaire Iowa " on FaceBook. Join others who enjoy introducing visitors and newcomers to what LeClaire has to offer! Four hour shifts to suit your schedule! Great location!
Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center
2013 Trivia Nights:
January 12th - LeClaire Community Library
February 9th Coe Noack Memorial Scholarship
April 6th - LeClaire Little League
April 27th - Civic Club
May 18th - American Legion
June 8th - Buffalo Bill Museum
LeClaire Trivia Nights have raised over $95,000 for local non-profit organizations! Thank you for your continued support!
LeClaire Park Board Special Events Calendar (clip and save)
Spring 2013 - Spring Fling Easter Egg Hunt ( Hollyhock Park )
Spring 2013 - Cinco de Mayo
Spring 2013 - LeClaire Plant Exchange (downtown)
Spring 2013 - Spring/French Market Days
Summer 2013 - City-Wide Water Explosion ( Hollyhock Park )
Summer 2013 - Bike Parade & Decorating
Summer 2013 - Tug Fest
www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!
Lt. Governor calls for transparency, tax credit, targeted state aid
DEKALB - November 16, 2012. After meeting with students at Northern Illinois University, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon called on federal, state and higher education officials to work together to keep college affordable so thousands of Illinois students can earn the credentials needed for good-paying jobs.
According to a College Board trends report published last month, costs at public and private universities nationwide increased more than 4 percent this school year, while the cost of community college increased more than 5 percent since last school year. Compounding the burden on students, federal aid declined for the first time in three years.
"In order to retain and attract high-wage and high-skill jobs in Illinois, we will need 60 percent of our working-age population to hold a college credential by 2025," Simon said. "We cannot expect students to complete college if they cannot afford college. I urge our state, federal and higher education leaders to work together to ensure college is not only accessible to the privileged, when it will be a prerequisite for a good job in our state."
Simon is visiting all 12 public universities in Illinois this fall to hold College Affordability Summits with students, faculty and administrators. While at Northern, Simon shadowed Noemi Rodriguez, a federal work study recipient, at the Latino Resource Center.
"College affordability is an issue that needs to be addressed. I've seen students who were honor and AP students in high school have to drop out because they can't afford college," said Rodriguez. "I have work study, which helps make everything affordable, but it's still a struggle. I had to work all summer so that I could make it through this semester."
Rodriguez, a Dean's List student majoring in nursing, established the Latino Honor Society on campus and, despite taking a full course load, remains very active in her community. Over the past two academic years, Rodriguez has volunteered over 300 hours with the Huskie Service Scholar Program, and has also interned at Children's Memorial Hospital.
Following her affordability summit, Simon outlined three ways stakeholders can work together to make college affordable for students like Rodriguez:
  • Consumer protections: Simon supports House Bill 5248, which would require all degree-granting institutions that operate in Illinois to publish online College Choice Reports. The reports would contain information such as net costs, average debt and completion rates in an easy-to-read and easy-to-find format. Unlike the federally proposed "shopping sheet" which provides cost information after a student applies to a school, the College Choice Report would be available to students online before they apply, to help them find a college or university that fits their needs and their budget.
  • Targeted assistance: To better use state resources, Simon wants to strengthen the Monetary Award Program and ensure MAP grants promote college attendance and completion, and reduce the achievement gap between low-income and higher-income students. MAP grants are currently awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students based on financial need, but that means state funding reaches only about half of eligible students. Simon currently serves on a MAP Eligibility Task Force that is evaluating ways to improve distributional equity and encourage timely degree completion. A task force report to the General Assembly is due Jan. 1, 2013.
  • Tax credits for tuition payments: More than 9 million students and families are taking advantage of the American Opportunity Tax Credit, saving them up to $10,000 over four years of college. Simon supports making this federal tax credit permanent and preventing it from expiring at the end of this year.
"Cutting investments directly related to economic growth doesn't make sense. We should work together on policies that prioritize education and employment, not shortchange Illinois students and quality employers," Simon said."Together we could stabilize the cost for public universities and community colleges, following tuition and fee increases that have outpaced inflation, family incomes and available aid over the past 20 years."
Eric Zarnikow, executive director of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, cited recent MAP award activity as evidence that affordability should be a key issue for Illinois leaders. For every eligible student who received a MAP grant this school year, another was denied due to lack of state funds.
"MAP is one of the largest needs-based financial aid programs in the country. While approximately 150,000 students will receive an award this year, just as many will be left on the sidelines as a result of limited funding," Zarnikow said.
Illinois ranks at the bottom of states when measuring the ability of low-income families to afford the net cost of an education at a public four-year institution in Illinois, and 46th in the net cost as a percent of income for middle-income families, according to the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems.
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FRONTLINE spent months here following three Quad City kids growing up in the backdrop of the recession and financial struggle. Local organizations filmed include Eagle Ridge School, River Bend Foodbank, Salvation Army and Davenport City Center Ministry Food Pantry. Award Winning film maker available for interviews Nov 19.

 

WHEN: Tuesday, November 20, 2012, 2pm

 

WHERE: Press Conference at Eagle Ridge School

2002 Eagle Ridge Dr

Silvis, IL

INTERVIEW & PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: Jezza will be in town all day Monday, November 19 and will be available for interviews in the morning and also following the press conference.  Private interviews can be scheduled by calling Caren Laughlin River Bend Foodbank 309-764-7434 extension 2 or by emailing tcblaughlin@mchsi.com. These interviews will take place at River Bend Foodbank, 309 12th Street, Moline.

MORE ABOUT THE FILM: With one in five American children living below the poverty line, "Poor Kids" is an unflinching and revealing exploration of what poverty means to children ? and to the country's future. The three families are located in the Quad Cities, a great American crossroads along the border of Iowa and Illinois, where the Mississippi River intersects Interstate 80. ?Learn more at: Frontline: Poor Kids website

Watch Trailer: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poor-kids/

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Adoption Tax Credit set to expire at end of 2012

Washington, D.C. - Ahead of National Adoption Day, observed tomorrow, Saturday November 17th, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) renewed his call to Congressional leaders to extend the adoption tax credit.  National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness of more than 100,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent families.  If Congress fails to act, the current adoption tax credit of $12,360 will expire at the end of 2012.

"There are thousands of kids out there that deserve good homes, and we need to ensure that loving families who make the decision to adopt find that the financial cost isn't a barrier," said Braley. "With all the talk of the fiscal cliff, it's important to remember that the adoption tax credit saves taxpayers money by getting kids into loving homes and out of the costly foster care system.  It's a win-win.  We can't afford to let this tax credit expire."

In April, Braley introduced the Making Adoption Affordable Act that would permanently expand the federal adoption tax credit to $13,360 and make it refundable, which would allow more families to take full advantage of the incentive.

Adoption is preferable to foster care not only because it results in better outcomes for children, but because it is far less costly for taxpayers.  As of 2010, foster care costs to taxpayers averaged $47,000 per child, per year.

The adoption tax credit is a proven incentive to promote adoptions.  Before its last expansion in 1998, the tax credit was claimed after only 50,400 adoptions.  After expansion, in 2004, the tax credit was claimed in nearly 87,000 adoptions, representing a nearly 50 percent increase.

Braley has worked to help Iowa families, like the Craig family of Des Moines, navigate bureaucratic red tape and realize their adoption dreams: http://qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/iowa/braley-visits-family-he-helped-with-adoption/article_7ec49e76-e896-11e0-9125-001cc4c002e0.html

More information about the act can be found at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/yo0

More information about National Adoption Day can be found at the following link: http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/about

 

# # #

Los Angeles, Chicago week runs plus NYC, Philly, San Francisco and more

Soundtrack features Jason Gould, Matt Alber and more

CHICAGO -Sam I Am Films, producers of "Scrooge & Marley," a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens' classic holiday story, "A Christmas Carol," will show in more than a dozen cities this holiday season.

In Los Angeles, the film runs Nov. 21-27 at the Laemmle Playhouse 7 in Pasadena. In Chicago, the hometown film will run one week at the prestigious Music Box Theatre Nov. 29-Dec. 6, including an opening night gala with the actors and filmmakers.

The film will also be available on DVD and Blu-ray in December, and the soundtrack is now available. See www.scroogeandmarleymovie.com
for links to purchase items.

Acclaimed out actor David Pevsner portrays Ben Scrooge while former Saturday Night Live star Tim Kazurinsky appears as the Ghost of Jacob Marley. The film also stars Rusty Schwimmer, Bruce Vilanch, Megan Cavanagh, Ronnie Kroell, David Moretti, Richard Ganoung, and JoJo Baby. It is narrated by Tony award-winning actress Judith Light. The stars at the gala opening include Pevsner, Schwimmer, Vilanch, Cavanagh, Kroell, Moretti and Ganoung.

"Scrooge & Marley" was shot in Chicago in May and also highlights a host of recognized theatrical actors who round out the cast: Drew Anderson, Christopher Allen, Nicholas Bailey, Allison Torem, Fawzia Mirza, Peter Mohawk, Becca Kaufman, Scott Duff, PJ Powers, Amy Matheny and many more.

Scrooge & Marley features a wide range of music from award-winning singers and bands, with a special end credit song performed by Jason Gould and written for the film by Marsha Malamet, Liz Vidal and Stephan Oberhoff. Other performers in the film and soundtrack include Matt Alber, BETTY, Linda Good, Amber deLaurentis, Becca Kaufman, Jeannie Tanner and more.

Following are the upcoming screenings of the movie (more to be added):

Nov. 21-27: Laemmle Playhouse 7, 673 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 310-478-3836, http://www.laemmle.com/viewmovie.php?mid=8602. All shows 1 p.m. Special talk-back with actors Sunday, Nov. 25, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29-Dec. 6, Chicago's Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport, www.musicboxtheatre.com.

Wed., Dec. 5, 2012, 7 p.m.: The Seattle at The Rendezvous JewelBox Theatre (2322 2nd Ave., Seattle) will serve as host with proceeds benefiting Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea). This special screening is being presented by The Seattle Lesbian. Tickets are $10 general admission and $25 VIP. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m., full bar and food menu available. Brown Paper Tickets:  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/297234 . Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/455830031130242/?fref=ts .

Thursday, Dec. 6: Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film festival special screening. 8 p.m., $10, at Baywalk Muvico, 151 2nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Fla., www.tiglff.com.

Friday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m., Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Drive, Three Oaks, Michigan, www.acorntheater.com.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m., Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, Mich., 616-459-4788,  www.grcmc.org/theatre.

Sunday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m., Cinema Center, 437 East Berry St., Fort Wayne, Ind., 260-426-3456, www.cinemacenter.org .

Sunday, Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m. at The Fleur Cinema, 4545 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa, 515-287-4545, $10; advance tickets available at the theater, www.fleurcinema.com.

Thursday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Philadelphia Ritz East, 125 South Second Street, Philadelphia, Pa., 215-925-7900, tickets.landmarktheatres.com. Direct ticket link:  https://tickets.landmarktheatres.com/Ticketing.aspx?TheatreID=273&MovieID=14229&ShowDate=12/13/2012&ScheduleID=19810

Thursday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Camelot Theatre, Palm Springs, 2300 E. Baristo Rd., 760-325-6565http://www.camelottheatres.com. Cast David Pevsner, Ronnie Kroell and David Moretti will do a post-show talk-back. Benefit for Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.

Sunday, Dec. 16, 3:15 p.m., Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street, San Francisco, Calif. In a double-header with "Hannah Free" starring Sharon Gless, 1 p.m., $8, start time, "Scrooge & Marley at 3:15 p.m., $10. Tickets available at the door prior to showtime, www.castrotheatre.com.

Sunday, Dec. 16, 3:30 p.m., Little Art Theatre, 247 Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs, Ohio, 937-767-7671. http://www.littleart.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 18, 5:30 p.m., Nickelodeon Theatre, 1607 Main St., Columbia, SC, http://nickelodeon.org.

Thursday, Dec. 20, 5 p.m., Landmark Theatres Sunshine Cinema, 143 W. Houston St., New York, NY. Tickets: https://tickets.landmarktheatres.com/Ticketing.aspx?TheatreID=256&MovieID=14229&ShowDate=12/20/2012&ScheduleID=86239

Friday, Dec. 21, 8:15 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 22 at 7:45 p.m.; and Thursday, Dec. 27, 7:45 p.m. at Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N., State Street, Chicago, http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org.

Friday, Dec. 21, 7 and 9 p.m., Reel Affirmations XTRA: Monthly Film Series, at Carnegie Institute for Science at 1530 P Street NW, www.reelaffirmationsDecXtra.eventbrite.com.

More screenings to be added in additional cities this December.

The film is also on Tugg, a new website that allows people to create their own theatrical screening of current and classic movies at local theaters. See http://www.tugg.com/titles/scrooge-marley .

About SCROOGE & MARLEY

"Scrooge & Marley" is a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Recounted from a gay sensibility, with heart, comedy and music, the magic of Dickens' timeless tale of a man's redemption at the holidays-thanks to the help of three ghostly spirits-comes alive from a fresh perspective that will appeal to audiences of every persuasion. The film is based on an original script by Ellen Stoneking, Knight and Timothy Imse. It was directed by Knight and Peter Neville. Producers of the film are Tracy Baim ("Hannah Free") and David Strzepek ("Foodgasm"), joined by several co-producers (Knight, Neville, Stoneking, Kroell, and Moretti) and noteworthy crew.

Full cast and production team bios at http://www.scroogeandmarleymovie.com .

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ScroogeMarleyCH .

On Facebook see https://www.facebook.com/ScroogeAndMarley .

Outlines significant, unanswered questions looming over implementation

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad this morning submitted the below letter of intent on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to Sec. Sebelius, meeting the deadline previously set forth by the Health and Human Services director.

However, late yesterday, Sec. Sebelius pushed back the deadline to December 14. In response to the new, arbitrary deadline set forth by the federal government, despite all the work states like Iowa have already accomplished, Communications Director Tim Albrecht said the following:

"Make no mistake, this deadline was extended because the federal government does not have the answers or capability to administer the Obamacare program," said Albrecht. "This deadline was not pushed back to give the governors more time, rather it was a lifeline to help save themselves."

The text of Gov. Branstad's letter is as follows, with 50 remaining questions the federal government has yet to answer that underscore the information the state needs to make an informed decision:

 

November 16, 2012

The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius

US Department of Health & Human Services

200 Independence Avenue Southwest

Washington, DC 20201

 

Dear Secretary Sebelius:

 

My top priorities as governor are to protect the health, safety and welfare of Iowans, promote our State's fiscal well-being and ensure our State remains a leader in job creation and income growth. I write you today to inform you that Iowa will continue on its path to creating an Iowa-based exchange that is intended to protect the health of Iowans, ensure the integrity of our health insurance markets and safe-guard our State budget from unnecessary turbulence. I continue to have concerns that an intrusive Federal exchange would raise costs on individuals and businesses, making it harder for them to create jobs and raise family incomes in Iowa. In fact, I have even greater concern that the health benefit exchanges proposed in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) do nothing to address the quality of care or make our population healthier.

 

However, I cannot provide you with a set of timelines or complete details about the exchange until our State receives clear, binding rules from your Department. Forcing an exchange decision on states based on an arbitrary timetable, would be like forcing a consumer to buy a car without knowing the vehicle's price tag or fuel economy. If forced to make a decision with incomplete information, then I have no choice but to default on some level to a Federal exchange. That is not my preferred path forward. Recently, I recommitted to my long-time pledge to work in a bipartisan fashion with Iowa legislative leaders and that pledge applies to our Federal partners as well. We have not abandoned our legal responsibility to create an exchange; however, the path towards consensus rests with you and Health and Human Services leadership. Our intention is not to default to a Federal exchange, but the road blocks and impediments in front of us may leave us no choice.

 

As a former governor, I trust you know the challenges states face when trying to navigate the murky waters of implementing a Federal mandate without clear guidance. In Iowa, formal rulemaking not only binds both the State and stakeholder to a clear set of expectations, it also allows for predictable and formal opportunities for stakeholder input that citizens deserve.

 

Iowa, like many states, has worked diligently, and met all deadlines for health benefit exchanges. We are updating vital systems and technology within our State, officials have met with critical stakeholders for input on exchanges and we have a solid framework for how an exchange could operate in Iowa. However, we continue to struggle with too many unanswered questions on topics critically important to the final development of an exchange that meets the needs of Iowans, including the cost of building and operating an exchange. Practical considerations will be guiding all states with the looming deadlines set by PPACA.

 

It is my hope that you will work with my State, and others, to address our questions and give us the flexibility and information we need to address the real challenges we face when trying to make decisions with incomplete guidance. Enclosed please find a list of issues and questions on which we seek specific guidance. Building a state-based exchange at all costs is not an option for any state. If Iowa must have an exchange, the exchange must provide solutions to the unique health care problems Iowa faces at an affordable and sustainable cost.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Terry E. Branstad

Governor

 


Exchange-Related Questions for US HHS

 

1)     Please provide a complete list of regulations that will have to be reviewed, revised and re-opened for public comment prior to implementation as a result of the Supreme Court ruling (e.g., the Medicaid eligibility regulations, exchange regulations related to interface with Medicaid). What is the schedule for re-issuing these regulations?

 

2)     When will final rules be issued on essential health benefits, actuarial value and rating areas?

 

3)     The federal government has already extended deadlines for applying for Level 1 and Level 2 Exchange Establishment funding into 2014. Can we expect extensions of the deadlines for other areas of implementation given the uncertainty caused by the Supreme Court ruling and the linkage between Medicaid expansion and exchange eligibility and enrollment functions? In addition, will the deadlines change for states implementing a partnership exchange? Will the deadlines be extended for states implementing a federal exchange? Can you confirm that states will be able to switch from a federal model to a partnership or state model until 2019 and that funding will be available to enable that transition?

 

4)     When will the details of the federal partnership options be available? These cannot be considered as an option without details including cost estimates and how state and federal systems are expected to link. How will the long term funding of the federally-facilitated healthcare exchanges be sustained?

 

5)     States considering a state-based exchange need to know whether there will be a charge to use the federal data hub, advance premium tax credit/cost-sharing reduction service, risk adjustment and transitional reinsurance programs. Will there be a charge? And, if so, how much will it be?

 

6)     When will states learn the details of the operational systems for a federal exchange? The procedural, technical, and architectural requirements for linking to the federal exchange have not been released. It is not feasible to know if a state-based exchange is better for our citizens until we know what the contents of a federal exchange will be.

 

7)     When will information from the establishment of a federal exchange be available for states to use if a state opts to build its own exchange? It is costly for each state to have to start from scratch and still not know how interfaces will work.

 

8)     If states choose to build a state-based exchange, what dollars will the federal government contribute now and in the future? For the federal exchange states, when will the regulations regarding the imposition of taxes on a state's insurers be released?

 

9)     It has been widely reported that Congressional leaders who have to appropriate money will seek to defund exchanges. Can you explain how the enactment provisions of the law allow the Executive Branch to continue to fund exchanges without Congressional action to appropriate money?

 

10)  What happens to a state that has taken exchange planning and implementation grants if their exchange is not financially viable after 2015? Can a state refuse to increase taxes on either its residents or insurers, thus putting the financial underpinning of an exchange at risk? What penalties does the federal government envision in this case?

 

11)  What happens if a state accepts grant money now to begin to build a state exchange, and subsequently determines that a federal exchange may be better? Will the federal government claw back these grant dollars from the states?

 

12)  The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has pointed out a provision in the law that reduces exchange subsidies after 2018, which means fewer and fewer people will qualify for subsidies, and the people who do qualify will get a smaller and smaller subsidy. Does the Administration support that change, and if so, how would you pay for it? If you do not, why do you think people should be forced to buy insurance if federal subsidies are shrinking?

 

13)  Alongside the considerable challenge of greatly expanding the Medicaid program, states are charged by the PPACA with creating a single, seamless point of entry for all of the insurance affordability programs affected by the Act--Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Basic Health Plan (where offered), advance tax credits for individual and Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchange enrollees. This leaves another major question on the table. What about all of the other social service programs?

 

14)  In order to minimize disruptions to a state's insurance market, The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required to certify multi-state plans that must be included in every exchange. When will the rules be released detailing the requirements and timeline for multi-state plans? How OPM structures these rules can be very disruptive to a state's insurance market.

 

15)  Does the federal government intend to maintain high risk pools and how will they be financed? What actions will they take in a state that has opted not to operate a high risk pool or an exchange?

 

16)  How do states with a federal exchange ensure that Web Based Entities (WBE) are an option in their state?

 

17)  Will HHS and the United States Department of the Treasury offset the advance payments of premium assistance tax credits to issuers for an applicant's outstanding tax, alimony, and/or child support debts?

 

18)  Will state-based exchanges have the flexibility to retroactively adjust past due premium amounts for interim changes in income?

 

19)  How will the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIO) handle Qualifed Health Plans (QHP) to Medicare transitions to prevent enrollee confusion and the potential for unpaid QHP premiums due to the enrollee not terminating the QHP timely?

 

20)  How will CCIIO minimize the adverse impact of its overly-broad employer notice requirement?

 

21)  What is the process/timeline for the approval of a state-specific single streamlined application (SSA)?

 

22)  Must Iowa have a Medicaid Portal or can it use the federal portal? If the answer is that it has to use a federal portal, how does it incorporate state-specific programs (SNAP, TANF, etc.?)

 

23)  What is the role/scope of a verification plan in a state partnership exchange? Does it require federal approval? How and when should a verification plan be submitted for federal review?

 

24)  What will the federal government require of all the states in terms of specifications for account information/record layout/package of data elements?

 

25)  When and how should the implementation review be submitted?

 

26)  What are the HBE reporting requirements (HHS format? ACA 1313A?)

 

27)  Has the Plan Management Forum been rescheduled?

 

28)  Iowa would like to verify that the ACA will only allow "Indian status" for members of federally recognized tribes.

 

29)  Does this flow account for the possibility that some individuals may not be eligible for the exchange (because the individual has employer sponsored insurance), but person's income could still qualify them to be eligible for Medicaid?

 

30)  With individuals coming into the system through the FFE, what implications are there for Iowa's existing online application for SNAP and TANF?

 

31)  As an individual begins the application through the federal portal, what data elements will the FFE use to identify that the applicant lives in Iowa (attestation, zip code of mailing address, zip phone of residence, etc.)?

 

32)  At the "Transmit Account to State" point in the diagram, what are the gaps between the information that the federal hub gives Iowa and the information that Iowa needs to determine Medicaid MAGI eligibility?

 

33)  What data will be included in the account at the "Transmit Account to State" point? If this data set has not yet been determined, when will it be determined?

 

34)  Will the single streamlined application ask about health status (pregnancy, etc.)?

 

35)  In the Medicaid Agency swim lane, should CHIP Eligibility be moved before "Assess for Other IAP Eligibility" step? If so, this may be useful information for CCIIO to share with other states.

 

36)  What exactly happens at the "Assess for Other IAP Eligibility" point in the diagram?

 

37)  What is the communication back to consumers if it appears they are not eligible for anything (insurance affordability in addition to Medicaid and CHIP)?

38)  Can Iowa receive the application electronically (and thus meet the regulation that requires states to do so) through the FFE (instead of having a separate state-supported Medicaid portal)? Would using the FFE that meets the intent of the law which says that the states' Medicaid must have the capability to accept Medicaid applications electronically?

 

39)  Will the paper application have to reflect the data elements in the single streamlined application and then have a number of supplemental data elements that are required by Iowa, or can the state continue using the current Iowa paper joint application?

 

40)  Iowa would like to verify that the entry point for the select group of people who are categorically eligible for Medicaid (babies born to Medicaid mothers, SSI, etc.) will remain subject to current business rules.

 

41)  How will the business rules for Medicaid presumptive eligibility change?

 

42)  From an education and outreach perspective, how will hospital staff get trained on the presumptive eligibility process?

 

43)  The Blueprint roadmap lists "Navigator" under 2.6, but does not indicate it is something that could be in a state partnership model (the partnership columns are not checked). In the same roadmap, 13.3 mentions Consumer assistance and indicates it can be part of a partnership model.  The draft "Design Review Modules - State Partnership Exchanges" under consumer assistance partnership shows Navigator as part of the module.  It seems like there is a conflict that may need to be clarified.

 

44)  Provide an overview of the federal Navigator program - are these actual people who will be stationed in the SPE/FFE states?  Will Iowa have Navigators physically in our state?

 

45)  Describe the role/responsibility for the federal Navigators (who are the Navigators and what will their responsibilities be).

 

46)  How will the federal Navigators integrate with state specific in-person consumer assistors?

 

47)  What is CMS's/CCIIO's vision/description of what the state must do to fulfill their obligations regarding in-person assistance?

 

48)  In the blueprint section 4.0 (Plan Management), there are sub-sections identified as 4.5 and 4.6. However, in the guidance on what states need to prepare for in the design review for SPE, these two sub-sections are not listed. Can you clarify what the state's responsibilities are for these two sub-sections?

 

49)  Is there a CMS's/CCIIO's plan for integration between the HBE implementation and the BIP implementation?

 

50)  Describe the role federal call centers play with regard to helping a caller obtain Medicaid (will the caller be switched to the Iowa Medicaid call center based on the area code of their call?) Describe the federal plan for education and outreach? Will marketing materials be tailored to the state? Will the state have input to the marketing materials?

 

 

 

# # #
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No. 11-1484

HENRY A. BAGELMANN, JR. and MARY JO BAGELMANN vs. FIRST NATIONAL BANK and IOWA BANKERS MORTGAGE CORPORATION

No. 12-0098

MICHELLE POSTELL vs. AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.
WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has oversight jurisdiction of the FBI, is pressing Attorney General Eric Holder and FBI Director Robert Mueller for details about the roles of the Department of Justice and the FBI in the investigation that revealed an extramarital affair by the former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, General David Petraeus.

In a letter sent today to Holder and Mueller, Grassley asked for a full briefing on the matter, as well as answers to several questions including a timeline of events, an explanation as to how the FBI got involved, information on the legal authority used to pursue electronic communications involved in the investigation, if the FBI shared information regarding the investigation with military criminal investigation organizations, and the legal analysis conducted to determine if the White House, including the President, should be notified.

"A number of questions have been raised about the FBI's actions during the course of its investigation of the Petraeus matter.  It would be best for the administration to be forthright and transparent so the country can feel comfortable that our chief domestic law enforcement agency is doing everything properly under the law to protect national security," Grassley said.

Here is a copy of the text of Grassley's letter.  A signed copy can be found here.

 

November 15, 2012

Via Electronic Transmission

The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr.                            The Honorable Robert S. Muller, III

Attorney General                        Director

U.S. Department of Justice                        Federal Bureau of Investigation

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.                           935 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC  20530                          Washington, DC 20535

 

Dear Attorney General Holder and Director Mueller:

 

I write today regarding the recent resignation of Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) General David Petreaus and the involvement by the U.S. Department of Justice (Department), including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in uncovering information that revealed an extramarital affair cited by General Petreaus as a reason for his resignation.  On Tuesday, my staff received a very brief preliminary call with an official from the FBI who declined to discuss the matter, citing its ongoing nature.  However, the FBI official suggested my staff issue a formal request to the Department.

 

Yesterday, the Director provided a closed door briefing to members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Chairman Leahy of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.  As the Ranking Member of the authorizing committee of jurisdiction for the Department and the FBI, and given the numerous press reports on this matter, including information alleged to have been provided by government sources, I request a detailed briefing to discuss this matter and provide concrete facts surrounding this resignation and the Department's involvement.

 

Specifically, I would ask that any briefing include the following information:

 

(1)   a timeline of events from initial contact with FBI personnel through the current status of the inquiry,

 

(2)   an explanation of how and why the FBI opened the inquiry,

 

(3)   a detailed list of personnel who signed off on the investigation,

 

(4)   a detailed account of the legal authorities used to obtain each of the electronic communications of those involved, and the role, if any, of any U.S. Attorneys' Offices,

 

(5)   an explanation of timing and circumstances of how you and the FBI Director first learned of this inquiry and when the White House was notified of the inquiry,

 

(6)   a description of Department employee's contacts with Congress prior to the election and whether the Department considers those contacts protected whistleblower disclosures,

 

(7)   an explanation of whether the FBI shared information regarding the investigation with investigators from various military criminal investigation organizations (including Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID), Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), or Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)) and when that information was shared,

 

(8)   a description of the status of any related reviews being conducted by the FBI Inspections Division, the Office of Professional Responsibility, the Deputy Attorney General's Office, or the Office of Inspector General, including any related to public reports of alleged communications between an FBI agent and a witnesses that involved inappropriate photographs or text,

 

(9)   an explanation of whether the extramarital affair was uncovered during the initial background investigation conducted by the FBI prior to General Petreaus' confirmation as DCI

 

(     10)                       an explanation of any legal analysis conducted by any component of the Department, including the FBI, regarding whether you or the FBI Director were obligated by law to report the investigation of DCI Petreaus to the President or any other government official.

 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.  To address the questions raised by this matter, I ask that you provide a briefing no later than November 28, 2012.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Charles E. Grassley

Ranking Member

 

 

Cc:       The Honorable Patrick Leahy

Chairman

During the month of December, photographers from across the world will use their skills to give back to their local community. It's a movement called Help-Portrait, and local photographers Jesse Inskeep and Jeff Wros are joining the movement to serve the Quad Cities on December 1st.

Help-Portrait's purpose is simple: grab your camera, ?nd people in need, take their picture, and give them the prints free-of-charge.

"I have very few photographs from when I was growing up as my family didn't have the time or money to make it a priority," says Inskeep. "Now that I'm older and especially now that I have a daughter, it makes me sad that she's not able to see portraits of what I looked like when I was her age. My hope is that those who come to Help-Portrait will leave with something they'll treasure for generations."

Last year Inskeep and Wros participated in Help-Portrait for the ?rst time and were able to give nearly 30 families professionally-done portraits. This year they're hoping to do even more. And this year, like last, will include a team of hairstylists and makeup artists at the event to make sure each person getting their picture taken looks their best.

Help-Portrait will be hosted by Connection, a church in Bettendorf. Connection has helped Inskeep and Wros spread the word by promoting the event at Connection's Food Pantry and reaching out to local shelters. "The Holidays can be tough for many; our hope in hosting Help- Portrait is to help those going through a tough time feel beautiful and valuable," says Jason Holtgrewe, one of Connection's pastors.

Those interested in coming to Help-Portrait can reserve their time-slot by calling 309.524.5024.

Help-Portrait takes place at Connection on December 1st from 12-4pm. Connection is located at  4374 State Street, Suite 2, Bettendorf, IA 52722 and can be contacted by calling 563.355.0919 or by emailing annelyse@inskeep-photography.com.

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