25 Sep 2012

JUST IN TIME FOR FALL, POPPASNEB'S GOURMET POPCORN JOINS SOUTHPARK MALL

By Rick Martin

Local Owner Takes Popcorn to the Next Level

Poppasneb's Gourmet Popcorn in known for offering over 12 flavors of hand popped popcorn. Spicy, sweet and everything in between can be found at Poppasneb's in various portions.

Poppasneb's is a local owner who is ready to work with customers to create a delightful and memorable popcorn experience. Popcorn makes the perfect gift for even the pickiest on your holiday gift list.

Stop by Poppasneb's today to start a new family tradition at SouthPark Mall. Prices start at $1.79, perfect for tailgating and Halloween treats.

Poppasneb's Gourmet Popcorn, located next to Dairy Queen and Orange Julius is at SouthPark Mall, 4500 16th Street, Moline, IL 61265

 

25 Sep 2012

Unskewed polls show Major surprise for Obama

By Tim Bueler
Conducting interviews on this topic is the senior staff writer for WND and the author of new book The Great Oil Conspiracy: How the U.S. Government Hid the Nazi Discovery of Abiotic Oil from the American People, Dr. Jerome Corsi.

Guest Profile and Information, Click Here: http://superstore.wnd.com/books/The-Great-Oil-Conspiracy-How-the-U-S-Government-Hid-the-Nazi-Discovery-of-Abiotic-Oil-from-the-Am

Website adjusts major surveys by 'removing Democratic Party bias'

WND
by Jerome R. Corsi

Arguing that most of the major polls reported by establishment media are "skewed" in favor of the Democratic Party and incumbent Barack Obama, a website contends that a true gauge of the presidential race, based on more realistic models, shows Republican challenger Mitt Romney leading by an average of nearly eight points.

In its daily readjustment of the polling data, UnskewedPoll.com also produces a table showing the spread in President Obama's approval/disapproval ratio is an average of 8.8 percent more disapproval, as of Monday.

Not a single major poll or approval/disapproval index favors Obama when Unskewed.com's analysis is applied.

The website says there is Democratic bias in polling because of over-sampling Democrats based on voter exit polls in the 2008 presidential election, when enthusiasm for a then relatively unknown but charismatic presidential candidate boosted Democratic Party voter registration and turnout to historic levels.

Link to Polls: http://www.wnd.com/files/2012/09/UNSKEWED-POLLS-Sept-24-2012.jpg

Republicans have complained that the establishment media's voter-turnout models can serve a partisan purpose by presenting margins that keep discouraged Republican voters at home thinking the election is already lost.

Signs Obama losing

Despite the establishment media narrative that the Romney campaign is behind and in disarray, there are abundant signs the Obama campaign is behind and scrambling not to lose further ground:

On Saturday, Obama campaign manager Jim Messina insisted to reporters that despite national polls showing Romney and Obama locked in a tie, Obama is still winning.

WND reported last week Obama's chief financier, Penny Pritzker, has entered the Hawaii housing market to buy a retirement home for the president and his family that will be available not in 2016, but in January 2013.

On the eve of the opening session of the General Assembly, the Obama administration's Middle Eastern policy appears to be imploding in the wake of the murder of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens in an attack that intelligence sources believe was coordinated by jihadists tied to al-Qaida. The administration, nevertheless, insisted the attack was a response to an anti-Muslim movie trailer produced in the U.S.

Initial jobless claims for the week ending Sept. 15 were a seasonally adjusted 382,000, exceeding forecasts of 375,000, suggesting no improvement in the percentage of Americans unemployed could be anticipated before the November election, as reported by Wall Street Journal Market Watch.

Politico has reported that in the latest Politico-George Washington University Battleground Poll with middle-class families, which constitute approximately 54 percent of the electorate and usually split their vote between Democratic and Republican candidates, Romney holds a 14-point advantage, 55 percent to 41 percent.

http://www.wnd.com/2012/09/unskewed-polls-show-nearly-8-point-romney-lead/
25 Sep 2012

FRIDAY: First Lady Michelle Obama to Speak to Grassroots Supporters in Cedar Falls, IA

By Obama for America

CHICAGO, IL - On Friday, September 28, First Lady Michelle Obama will travel to Iowa, where she will speak to grassroots supporters in Cedar Falls on the second day of early voting in the state. The First Lady will speak about what's at stake in this election for Iowans, encourage them to help organize their communities between now and November and promote voter registration and voting through GottaVote.com.  And, as part of the campaign's It Takes One effort, the First Lady will ask every supporter to help grow Obama for America's national grassroots network.

The First Lady's event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required due to limited space, and will be available to the public starting on a first-come, first-served basis at the following pick-up locations below.

CEDAR FALLS

WHAT:  First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks to Grassroots Supporters in Cedar Falls

WHEN:  Press/Public Access:  9:30 AM CDT

Final Press Access: 12:00 PM CDT

Remarks (*Off the Record - For Planning Purposes Only*): 1:10 PM CDT  

September 28, 2012

WHERE:  University of Northern Iowa

McLeod Center

2501 Hudson Road

Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614

 

PRESS ACCESS: This event will be open to pre-credentialed, TV and print correspondents and still photographers. Space is limited and members of the media interested in covering the event must send an email requesting credentials to FirstLadyPress@barackobama.com before Wednesday, September 26 at 9:00 AM CDT. Those receiving credentials will receive a confirmation with additional logistical information via email.

CROWD ACCESS INFORMATION:

Tickets are available starting on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations and times:

CEDAR FALLS

Tickets are available on Tuesday, September 25, from 5:00-9:00 PM CDT, and if tickets are still remaining, on Wednesday, September 26, from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM CDT and on Thursday, September 27 from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM CDT.

 

Organizing for America - Cedar Falls

4302 University Ave.

Cedar Falls, IA 50613

 

University of Northern Iowa Campus

Maucker Union

1015 Union Drive

Cedar Falls, IA 50614

 

Organizing for America - Waterloo

512 Mulberry St.

Waterloo, IA 50703

 

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25 Sep 2012

An Inside Account of ACORN's Controversial 2008 Voter Drive

By Jamie-Lyn Markos
Go behind the scenes of ACORN's controversial voter registration drive, which did almost as much to hurt as it did to help Barack Obama win the 2008 presidential election, in the new memoir Ring of Fire 2008: My Wild Ride to the Bleeding Heart of ACORN's Last, Greatest, Voter Registration Drive by Miguel Esteban.

Way back in Election '08?which, like every presidential election, was the most important ever?the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now collected over 1.3 million voter registrations and joined forces with a broad coalition to spread the good news of "quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans" to nearly fifty million potential voters deemed least likely to cast a ballot because they were poor, minorities, or the youth.

Miguel Esteban was one of them. A young, Puerto Rican-American, starving artist who walked in the door of Orlando ACORN looking for a part-time job, he went from zero to hero after blowing the whistle on a conspiracy to commit voter registration fraud in early 2008. Because of his efforts, news of eleven Miami ACORN workers forging voter registrations did not make headlines until after Election Day, and Esteban went on to become an unlikely political operative upon his promotion to the national ranks of ACORN's "PolOps" division?Project Vote?where his official job title was, no joke, Quality Control Czar #2.

What really happened during ACORN's infamous 2008 campaign? How widespread were the electoral shenanigans that prompted the FBI to investigate ACORN in numerous swing states? In this era of SuperPACs, secret money and Web 2.0 "voter targeting" technology, how nonpartisan are the nonpartisan campaigns unleashed by groups such as ACORN each election cycle? Can the now defunct ACORN family of organizations best be described as AntiPoverty, Inc.? Is it true that ACORN not only perpetrated widespread voter registration fraud, but also helped cause the housing meltdown that precipitated the Great Recession, and if so, why wasn't the organization bailed out by Uncle Sam? Were ACORN's "redshirts" communists? Un-American? Neo-progressives struggling to save America from itself?

Explore the answers to such questions and more in Ring of Fire 2008: My Wild Ride to the Bleeding Heart of ACORN's Last, Greatest, Voter Registration Drive; which is scheduled for a three-part release: Part 1, which is 80,000 words in length, is available now; Part 2 is scheduled for release in early October; Part 3 is scheduled for release in late October. The full version, including hardcover, is scheduled for release during the holiday season.

eBook formats (with photographs) only $3.33:

Kindle: www.amazon.com/RING-FIRE-2008-Registration-ebook/dp/B009DU8QT0

Nook: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ring-of-fire-2008-miguel-esteban/1112939187

EPUB (compatible with most eReaders) & PDF: www.smashwords.com/books/view/237414

Apple iStore, Google Play, Sony, Kobo & more: COMING SOON

 

Paperback (170 pages w/out photos) only $7.99: www.createspace.com/3939225

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25 Sep 2012

Claims Filing Period for Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers Who Claim Past Discrimination at USDA to Open on September 24, 2012

By USDA Office of Communications
Those Eligible Must File Claims No Later Than March 25, 2013

Espanol

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2012- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past decades can file claims between September 24, 2012 and March 25, 2013.

"Hispanic and women farmers who believe they have faced discriminatory practices from the USDA must file a claim by March 25, 2013 in order to have a chance to receive a cash payment or loan forgiveness," said Secretary Vilsack. "The opening of this claims process is part of USDA's ongoing efforts to correct the wrongs of the past and ensure fair treatment to all current and future customers."

The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer and rancher who can prove that USDA denied their applications for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000.

As announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make available at least $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. There are no filing fees to participate in the program.

The Department will continue reaching out to potential Hispanic and female claimants, around the country to get the word out to individuals who may be eligible for this program so they have the opportunity to participate.

Call center representatives can be reached at 1-888-508-4429. Claimants must register for a claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) and the claims package will be mailed to claimants. All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the claims process and claims packages are encouraged to attend meetings in your communities about the claims process and contact the website or claims telephone number.

Website: www.farmerclaims.gov

Phone: 1-888-508-4429

Claims Period: September 24, 2012 - March 25, 2013.

Independent legal services companies will administer the claims process and adjudicate the claims. Although there are no filing fees to participate and a lawyer is not required to participate in the claims process, persons seeking legal advice may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider.

Under Secretary Vilsack's leadership, USDA has instituted a comprehensive plan to strengthen the Department as a model service provider and to ensure that every farmer and rancher is treated equally and fairly as part of "a new era of civil rights" at USDA. This Administration has made it a priority to resolve all of the past program class action civil rights cases facing the Department, and today's announcement is another major step towards achieving that goal. In February 2010, the Secretary announced the Pigford II settlement with African American farmers, and in October 2010, he announced the Keepseagle settlement with Native American farmers. Both of those settlements have since received court approval. Unlike the cases brought by African American and Native American farmers, the cases filed by Hispanic and women farmers over a decade ago were not certified as class actions and are still pending in the courts as individual matters. The claims process provides a voluntary alternative to continuing litigation for Hispanic and female farmers and ranchers who want to use it.

Audio and video public service announcements in English and Spanish from Secretary Vilsack and downloadable print and web banner ads on the Hispanic and women farmer claims process are available at: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=PSAs_Print_and_WebBanner_Ads.xml

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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25 Sep 2012

Braley's Plain Language in Health Insurance Act Goes into Effect Today

By Amanda Bowman

Waterloo, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today announced that his "Plain Language in Health Insurance Act" is going into effect. The bill requires health insurers to write healthcare documents in simple, easy-to-understand language. The goal of the act is to lower costs and cut confusion for insurance consumers.

The Plain Language in Health Insurance Act was originally introduced on June 25, 2009, and was incorporated as part of the Affordable Care Act.

In the bill, publicly distributed material issued by health insurance providers must be written in plain language. As of today, health insurers are required to provide consumers with a standard template outlining benefits and costs in easy-to-understand language. For an example of the template that must be used by insurance companies, see http://go.usa.gov/rSKH.

Documents written in plain language result in significant cost savings for organizations who implement the changes, and are easier for everyone, young and old, to understand.

 

"For the average person, trying to decipher an insurance company's prescription drug formulary or shopping for health insurance in comparative brochures is incredibly confusing and difficult," said Braley. "That is why providing clear, plain information to all of our citizens is important to help Iowans make smarter choices about their health insurance, as well as keep healthcare costs down for everyone. This is a common sense approach that is being implemented at a low-cost with high savings."

 

Braley also wrote and introduced The Plain Writing Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in 2010. The law requires government agencies to write forms and other public documents in simple, easy-to-understand language. In July, Braley joined with the Center for Plain Language to unveil the first-ever "Plain Language Report Card" and continues to implement easy to understand writings across government agencies.

The Federal Plain Language Guidelines provide an outline for these best practices. According to the guidelines, plain language documents should, for example:

  • Use short, simple words
  • Use "you" and other pronouns to speak directly to readers
  • Use short sentences and paragraphs
  • Avoid legal, foreign, and technical jargon
  • Avoid double negatives

For a full description of the Federal Plain Language Guidelines, see http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

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25 Sep 2012

What is a 21st Century Feminist?

By Ginny Grimsley
Women's Author Says She (and He)
May Look A Lot Like You!

With all the talk of a "war on women" during this explosive election year, the notion of feminism is once again in the news - and open to debate. Especially among women.

Nothing illustrates that better than the rash of commentary following the recent death of sexual-revolution era author Helen Gurley Brown, says Heather Huffman (www.heatherhuffman.net), a 35-year-old author whose newest book, "Devil in Disguise," continues her tradition of upbeat romances featuring strong female protagonists.

"Some writers took her to task for advocating sexual freedom for women," Huffman says. "They say she wasn't a 'feminist' because she was all for promiscuity, not women's rights, and her actions led to an explosion of single moms and STDs.

"Others viewed her as the ultimate 'feminist,' a heroine who chopped through a cultural thicket to break down repressive social mores."

The truth is, Huffman says, that Brown did important work on behalf of women.

"While I don't advocate promiscuity, I do acknowledge that Gurley Brown's boundary-pushing stance brought the topic of women's rights to the forefront, paving the way for change," she says.

The problem is, she says, that when people hear the word "feminist," they picture a woman from another time, like Helen Gurley Brown. They don't see themselves at all.

"I hear some women say, 'I'm not a feminist!' They think a feminist is a strident, angry man-hater who gets up in arms over any perceived slight," Huffman says. "That's too bad, because the world needs feminists as much as it needs any group that advocates for human rights."

Feminism changes with the times, she says. So what is a 21st century feminist? Huffman offers her observations:

• She (or he) supports a woman's right to be a mom - or not. When women won acceptance and equal rights in the workplace, we were released from one box and plopped right into another one. "We went from raising children to raising children and working. Too often, that's the expectation now," Huffman says. Feminists support a woman's right to choose her life's direction, whether that's staying at home and being mothers, choosing never to become mothers, or some hybrid of work and motherhood.   "Having equal rights is having the freedom to choose our life's direction without being subjected to discrimination because of what other people expect our role to be," Huffman says.

• Supports removing double standards. "You still see, in the workplace and at home, the tough guy gets praised, and the tough woman, well, she's a 'witch' or worse," Huffman says. More smart, savvy women have earned respect professionally - Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Madeleine Albright - and that's progress, but we still have work to do. "Professional women still get criticized about their hair style, their fashion choices.  Rarely are professional men snubbed for these things."

• Understands what rights are being legislated and by whom. We all know the hot-button "values" issues that polarize voters. "The reality is a politician's party affiliation doesn't paint an accurate picture of who they are or what they stand for. Voting records, corporate associations, and actions are much more telling. As citizens, as women with a voice, we must do our homework to ensure our values are being reflected in Washington. And, in truth, feminism is more than a political movement - it's the empowerment of women to live the life they were created for."

About Heather Huffman

Heather Huffman is a women's advocate, writer, former human relations specialist and mother of three. She and her family are currently homesteading 10 acres in the Ozarks. Huffman is the author of seven novels, including "Throwaway" and its prequel, "Tumbleweed." A portion of proceeds from sales of her books benefit groups fighting human trafficking.

25 Sep 2012

MATTHEW WEST Into the Light Tour

By New Anthem
Matthew West

With MIKESCHAIR, Lindsay McCaul & Everfound

7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 29

Adler Theatre, Davenport

 

DAVENPORT, IA (Monday, August 13, 2012) - Contemporary Christian singer and songwriter, Matthew West, will perform at the Adler Theatre on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Special guests are MIKESCHAIR, Lindsay McCaul and Everfound.

Reserved tickets ($19 & $30 Artist Circle) are On Sale Now! Tickets are $16 for Groups of 10 or more by calling 563-326-8522.  Tickets will be available at the Adler Theatre Box Office (136 E. 3rd St.), Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 and at select Ticketmaster outlets.

In addition to writing songs that have made him a Dove Award nominated artist in the Christian market, West's songwriting prowess has also earned him the respect of artists in other musical genres. His songs have been recorded by multi-platinum Country trio Rascal Flatts and other country artists.  West's songs have also been released by various Christian artists, including Michael W. Smith, Mark Schultz, Natalie Grant and Point of Grace.

For more information:

www.MatthewWest.com

www.MIKESCHAIR.com

www.LindsayMcCaul.com

www.Everfoundmusic.com

24 Sep 2012

The Voter Participation Center and Balcony Films Present L.O.V.E. Campaign

By Jennifer Gross

All-Star Celebrity Chorus Launch New Song and Music Video Encouraging Registration and Voting

 

The Voter Participation Center and Balcony Films Present

L.O.V.E. Campaign

Fergie and dozens of celebrities encourage millions of Americans to register and vote

 

L.O.V.E. Let One Voice Emerge: The Music Video
L.O.V.E. Let One Voice Emerge: The Music Video

 

 

(WASHINGTON, DC September 24, 2012) - In celebration of National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 25, The Voter Participation Center joins with Balcony Films for a release of a new music video and original song, "L.O.V.E. (Let One Voice Emerge)," urging women and other unregistered voters to head to the ballot box on November 6.

 

"Let one voice emerge, let your voice be heard" at the voting booth, the song reminds voters. Unmarried women, persons of color and young people - the Rising American Electorate - comprise 53 percent of the voting eligible population, and yet more than 63 percent of them are unregistered.

 

"We felt a music video with incredible star power in recognition of National Voter Registration Day would be an attention-getting way to encourage all eligible Americans to participate in our great democracy," says Page Gardner, President of the Voter Participation Center. "The message is simple: Get registered and get to the polls on November 6. Let the voice of one join the voices of millions and be heard."

 

Starting on Sunday, September 23, video and other multimedia assets will be available at this link: http://www.lovevoting.org

 

"L.O.V.E. (Let One Voice Emerge)" was co-written by Grammy-winning artist Patti Austin, Grammy-winner and twice Oscar-nominated singer/songwriter Siedah Garrett, five-time Grammy-winning producer/composer Mervyn Warren, and Grammy and Tony-nominated songwriter/artist Brenda Russell.   The song was produced and arranged by Mervyn Warren. The new music video features hit artists Fergie (Black Eyed Peas), Keke Palmer (actress/recording artist), Patti Austin (entertainer/song writer), Siedah Garrett (song writer and performer), Sheila E (musician/actress), Brenda Russell (songwriter), Judith Hill (singer/songwriter),  Lalah Hathaway (R&B artist), and Jenna Ushkowitz ("Glee").

 

Renowned producer Julie Bergman Sender and Oscar-nominated director Stuart Sender, through their production company Balcony Films, developed the L.O.VE. project and music video with director David Galvez. Jr. The L.O.V.E. music video and additional PSAs feature an array of committed celebrities, including Fergie, Kate Walsh ("Private Practice"), Alexa Vega ("Spy Kids"), Joe Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Regina King (actress), Seth Green (actor), Quinton Aaron ("The Blind Side"), Reborn (Christian rap artist), Cody Horn (actress), Sophia Bush (actress), Amy Brenneman (actress), Amy Smart (actress) among others.

 

In developing the project, producer Julie Bergman Sender explained, "We wanted to create an anthem - to show this group of American women how valuable their voices are to the health of our democracy and the power that one voice - each and every voice - really has. L.O.V.E. (Let One Voice Emerge) is our answer to the question 'Why does my voice matter?' "

 

The music video directs viewers to a new website, www.LOVEVoting.org, where visitors can view a special message from Dr. Maya Angelou, download the song for free, view outtakes from the recording and alternative versions, and register to vote through the Voter Participation website www.voterparticipation.org. Visitors to the LoveVoting.org site may choose to support the effort by donating to the Voter Participation Center and the song will be available on iTunes, Amazon.com music and other major online music distributors.

 

"This is our L.O.V.E. song to America," says L.O.V.E. co-writer and acclaimed vocalist and performer Patti Austin. "When I discovered that nearly 20 million unmarried women don't vote, I had to do something. So I went to three of the most talented people I know to work with on this. We have never collaborated together before and I couldn't think of a more auspicious reason to come together."

 

L.O.V.E - Let One Voice Emerge participating talent:

Quinton Aaron ("The Blind Side"), Amy Brenneman ("Private Practice"), Sophia Bush (actress), Rachel Leigh Cook (actress), Sheila E (musician/actress), Fergie (Black Eye Peas), Seth Green (actor), Lalah Hathaway (R&B artist), Judith Hill (singer/songwriter), Josh Hopkins ("Cougar Town"), Cody Horn (actress), Joe Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Michael B. Jordan ("The Wire"), Regina King (actress), Sharon Lawrence (actress), Alyssa Milano (actress), Patrick Muldoon (actor/singer), Chris Olsen (actor), Keke Palmer (actress/recording artist), Danielle Panabaker (actress), Harold Perrineau ("Lost"), Reborn (Christian rap artist), Brenda Russell (songwriter), Julie Silver (folk musician), Amy Smart (actress), Jessica Szohr ("CSI: Miami"), Jenna Ushkowitz ("Glee"), Alexa Vega ("Spy Kids"), and Kate Walsh ("Private Practice").

 

About the L.O.V.E. Campaign

"L.O.V.E - Let One Voice Emerge" is a non-partisan campaign to reach out to the largest group of non-voters in America - nearly 20 million unmarried women - and to support the important work of The Voter Participation Center and their partners. The Voter Participation Center's mission on behalf of the Rising American Electorate (unmarried women, persons of color and young people) is to register and encourage these groups to the polls, which aligns with the goal of our campaign. Built around L.O.V.E, a powerful new song written by some of America's most beloved singer/songwriters, this effort works to acknowledge that women, especially unmarried women, will be the voters who decide this election.

 

About the Voter Participation Center

The Voter Participation Center (VPC) is a research-driven, results-oriented nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing the participation and amplifying the voices of unmarried women (women who are single, widowed, divorced or separated) and other historically underrepresented groups in our democracy. The mission of the VPC is to boost the civic engagement of unmarried women, people of color and 18-29 year olds-the three demographic groups who comprise the Rising American Electorate (RAE). These Americans make up 53 percent of the voting-eligible population and are responsible for 80 percent of the U.S. population growth in the last decade, but were only 42 percent of the 2010 electorate and 47 percent in 2008.

 

Website:     www.lovevoting.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LOVEVoting2012

Twitter:     www.Twitter.com/LoveVoting2012

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24 Sep 2012

Final passage of reform bill, controls on government charge cards

By Grassley Press

Bill to Prevent Abuse of Government Charge Cards on Way to President's Desk

WASHINGTON - A bill that will require federal agencies to put new controls on government charge cards and enforce more stringent penalties for violations by federal employees is on its way to the President for his signature, following final passage by Congress over the weekend.

The reform measure was sponsored by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Senator Susan Collins of Maine, and it first won Senate approval in July 2011.  The House of Representatives passed it during the summer.  The Senate needed to act again for final passage, which it did very early Saturday morning.

"This bill is about accountability," said Grassley.  "The public trust has been violated by abusive use of government charge cards.  By putting some common-sense controls into the law, we can make certain the federal bureaucracy improves the way it responsibly manages the use of these cards."

"Government charge cards create numerous efficiencies by allowing federal employees to make small, official purchases without a mound of paperwork.  But over the years, the Government Accountability Office and the Inspectors General have identified many examples of fraudulent or illegal use of these charge cards.   Even at the General Services Administration, which administers the charge card program for the entire federal government, a high-ranking employee was able to rack up tens of thousands of dollars in personal expenditures on a government charge card.  This legislation would impose stricter controls on charge cards to help reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.  It's a common-sense way to keep the government accountable for taxpayer dollars," said Lieberman.

"This bill would require agencies to ensure that purchase and travel cards are used only for approved spending and to take action for misuse of cards.  While purchase and travel cards have been important tools in meeting the government's procurement needs in a timely and cost-efficient manner, their use often has been subject to some malfeasance and inappropriate purchases by individual card holders.  American taxpayers get the bill for these federal credit cards and they deserve complete assurance that their money is going to legitimate business purposes," said Collins.

The senators' effort to codify new controls and penalties responds to outrageous accounts of purchases made with government charge cards, as well as independent analysis which found inadequate and inconsistent controls within government agencies.  At issue are purchase cards, which are used by authorized federal employees for small-scale items needed for official business, such as office supplies, as well as travel cards, which are issued to federal employees to pay for official travel expenses.  When purchase cards are misused, taxpayer money is wasted.  When travel cards are misused and the bills aren't paid, the government risks losing millions of dollars in rebates.

Grassley has put the spotlight on problematic use of these cards for many years, first at the Department of Defense and then also at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Forest Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, and elsewhere.

Over the years, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office has documented fraudulent, questionable and overly expensive purchases made by federal workers with government purchase and travel cards, including kitchen appliances, jewelry, gambling, cruises, and even the tab at gentlemen's clubs and legalized brothels.

Below is a summary of the reform legislation.  The Senate also had passed the reform measure in 2009, but it was never taken up by the House of Representatives

Summary of the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act

The bill would require all federal agencies to establish certain safeguards and internal controls for government charge card programs, and to establish penalties for violations, including dismissal when circumstances warrant.  The bill would also increase oversight by providing that each agency Inspector General periodically conduct risk assessments and audits to identify fraud and improper use of government charge cards. These reforms are based on the experience of Grassley and other members of Congress, the GAO, and agency Inspectors General in investigating the weaknesses in agency policies and procedures that have lead to instances of waste, fraud, and abuse in government charge card programs.

The required safeguards and internal controls include :

  • performing credit checks for travel card holders and issuing restricted cards for those with poor or no credit to reduce the potential for misuse
  • maintaining a record of each cardholder, including single transaction limits and total transaction limits so agencies can effectively manage their cardholders
  • implementing periodic reviews to determine if cardholders have a need for a card
  • properly recording rebates to the government based on prompt payment, sales volume, etc.
  • providing training for cardholders and managers
  • utilizing effective systems, techniques, and technologies to prevent or catch fraudulent purchases
  • establishing specific policies about the number of cards to be issued, the credit limits for certain categories of cardholders, and categories of employees eligible to be issued cards
  • invalidating cards when employees leave the agency or transfer
  • establishing an approving official other than the purchase card holder so employees cannot approve their own purchases
  • reconciling purchase card charges on the bill with receipts and supporting documentation
  • reconciling disputed purchase card charges and discrepancies with the bank according to the proper procedure
  • making purchase card payments promptly to avoid interest penalties
  • retaining records of purchase card transactions in accordance with standard government record keeping polices
  • utilizing direct payments to the bank when reimbursing employees for travel card purchases to ensure that travel card bills get paid
  • comparing items submitted on travel vouchers with items already paid for with centrally billed accounts to avoid reimbursing employees for items already paid for by the agency
  • submitting refund requests for unused airline tickets so the taxpayers don't pay for tickets that were not used
  • disputing unauthorized charges and tracking the status of disputed charges to proper resolution

 

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