25 Jan 2010

AARP Iowa Announces 2010 State Legislative Priorities

By Ann Black
DES MOINES, Jan. 20, 2010 - Advocating for more affordable, accessible and quality health and long-term care, and financial security for older Iowans are AARP's key areas of focus for Iowa's 83rd General Assembly, which convened Monday, Jan. 11. Specific legislation AARP state staff and volunteers will be focusing on includes:

*       Protecting critical Medicaid funding
*       Protecting funding for identified unmet home and community needs of older Iowans
*       Protecting the quality of long-term care in Iowa's nursing homes and other institutional settings
*       Working to implement cost-effective ways to improve Iowa's health care system, such as improving Iowa's chronic care delivery through steps like creating a statewide diabetic registry and regionalizing IowaCare - Iowa's system for providing care for low income and under-insured Iowans
*       Addressing Iowa's impending nurse shortage
*       Providing sensible consumer protections from extreme predatory lending practices

"In this tough economic climate, AARP will be working diligently to protect our most vulnerable citizens and ensure that Iowa's human needs are met at this critical time," said Bruce Koeppl, AARP Iowa State Director.  "With increasing demand on state Medicaid services due to the economic downturn, it is imperative leaders protect critical Medicaid funding," said Koeppl. 

For every dollar Iowa cuts in Medicaid, the state loses $1.68 in federal matching funds.  Medicaid not only provides a safety net to the increasing number of people suffering the hardships of job loss, disability and lack of access to insurance, it also provides essential economic benefits to local communities.  Medicaid cuts cause a ripple effect with lost jobs, and lost revenue to providers and other businesses, as well as tax revenue for state and local governments.

AARP sets its annual state legislative priorities consistent with national policies approved by the association's Board of Directors.  Priorities are based on the needs of Iowa residents as expressed in survey of members across the state, and information gathered at AARP-sponsored forums and events throughout the year. 

To get involved with AARP in contacting your legislators or learning more about AARP's efforts during the legislative session, call the AARP Iowa State Office toll-free at 1-866-554-5378 or visit www.aarp.org/ia.
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21 Jan 2010

Corps Seeks Agricultural Lease Applications at Lake Red Rock, Red Rock Dam Project

By Rock Island Corps of Engineers

Rock Island, Illinois ? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking applications for seven leases for agricultural purposes, with a total of 458 acres. The leases are for a five-year term. Applications will be evaluated based upon the highest annual rental proposed.

 

Application packages and information can be obtained at the Lake Red Rock and Red Rock Dam Park Manager's Office, phone 641-828-7522, or by writing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Real Estate Division, P.O. Box 2004, Rock Island, Ill. 61204-2004, or by calling (309) 794-5955.


Applications will be opened at 2p.m. on March 1 at the Rock Island District Headquarters in the Clock Tower Building on Arsenal Island, Rock Island, Ill.

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21 Jan 2010

Mardi Gras Rajun Cajun Fest at Thunder Bay

By Rick Martin

A Benefit Supporting the American Red Cross on Tuesday, February 16th from 5-8pm

Mardi Gras Rajun Cajun Fest will be in full swing on Fat Tuesday, February 20th. This ticketed event raises much-needed funds for the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities.

Local chefs from Thunder Bay, The Machine Shed, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, Biaggi's, Black Watch Room, Blue Cat Bew Pub, Heritage Woods Senior Living Communities & Lighthouse, Mo' Betta BBQ, Park Vista Retirement Living, Riply Street Bar & Grille, The Button Factory, and Zbest Café, will be creating sample portions of Cajun style appetizers, entrée's and desserts. They will also be competing in a People's Choice Award, which will be voted on by those in attendance. All proceeds from this event go directly to the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities.

The event is open to the public and will be held Tuesday, February 16th from 5pm -8pm at Thunder Bay Grille, Davenport. Tickets are $20 or 2 for $35 in advance and are available for purchase at Thunder Bay Grille (located I-80 and Brady St, Davenport), or the American Red Cross prior to the event. Due to limited space, tickets are only available by advanced purchase. Don't miss out on your chance to taste some of the best Cajun creations around!

For more information contact Thunder Bay at 563-386-2722.

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21 Jan 2010

HARKIN ANNOUNCES NEARLY $6 MILLION IN RECOVERY ACT DOLLARS FOR IOWA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

By Kate Cyru

Funding will Grow Iowa's 'Green' Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that $5,997,000 will be coming to Iowa Workforce Development to train people for jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.  This Department of Labor State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grant will help dislocated workers, unemployed individuals and incumbent workers learn the technical and occupational skills necessary to obtain industry recognized credentials.

"Iowa has one of the best workforces in the nation and it is important that we continue to do all we can to keep and improve our state's competitive advantages.  The green energy sector is creating good jobs in Iowa and today's funding will teach people the skills necessary to be a part of this growing industry," said Harkin.  "In addition to creating jobs, the renewable energy sector is bringing down energy costs, reducing our dangerous reliance on foreign fuels and helping prevent global climate change."

"The State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grants will help workers gain access to good jobs, while supporting the sort of statewide energy efficiency strategies that play a crucial role in building the green economy of the 21st century," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

According to the Department of Labor, the Iowa Energy Sector Partnership will use this funding to implement a state? driven green workforce development plan with prioritized training needs, as identified by the State Green Jobs task force.  The project will develop a statewide sector plan for the emerging energy economy that will focus on sustainable jobs in the energy sector and train workers with portable skills.  Training will be provided for both new and incumbent workers.

Today's funding comes through the Department of Labor and was authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Nationwide, 34 similar grants were announced today, with Iowa receiving close to the maximum any state could receive under this award. Harkin secured these funds through his role as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, which wrote the Recovery Act.

21 Jan 2010

HOUSE FILE 2030 HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR TRUE BUDGET REFORM TO PROTECT PROPERTY TAX PAYERS

By Zach Bader
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Jan. 20, 2010 - Lawmakers sent legislation to the Governor yesterday requiring school districts to use their cash reserves before levying to raise taxes on property owners. While House File 2030 may delay property tax increases in some districts, it will not address the shortfall in state aid caused by Iowa's across-the-board budget cuts, which will result in higher property taxes according to the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF).
"Until Iowa enacts real budget reform, our government will continue to balance the state budget on the backs of property tax payers," says Lang. "Reform is necessary for a long-term stable and predictable budget."
To improve the state's budgeting process, Farm Bureau members are asking decision makers to establish an affordable state budget that will: 1) fund Iowa priorities and lessen the potential shifts in property taxes; 2) ensure that the state's emergency funds are at a level sufficient to protect priorities when revenues are declining; 3) create fiscal responsibility by not using one-time resources to fund on-going expenditures; and 4) protect property tax payers when across-the-board cuts are enacted.
While all property owners will see increased taxes as a result of the state's across-the-board cuts, some will feel the pain immediately. Preliminary data from fiscal year 2009 shows that 133 school districts in the state will not be able to cover the void left by Iowa's 10 percent across-the-board budget cut late last year. Those 133 districts face $115 million in possible property tax increases, according to an analysis by the IFBF.
In a related move, the state legislature decided to postpone setting allowable growth for 2012 until next year. "The legislature's decision to wait until next year to set allowable growth for 2012 makes sense, given the uncertainty surrounding the budget process and today's economy," says Lang.
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21 Jan 2010

New Process Simplifies State Financial Aid Process for Students

By Heather Doe
The Iowa College Student Aid Commission announced today the launch of the new online Iowa Financial Aid Application, making the Iowa-administered financial aid process easier for students.  The application, which can be accessed through the statewide community web portal, www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov, allows students to complete one application for multiple state-administered programs.

Now is the time for students planning to attend college in the fall to file for financial aid.  It is important that they know about the deadlines and new process for filing for state financial aid in order to ensure they receive the most funding possible.

The attached word document contains more information on the Iowa Financial Aid Application.

If you have any questions, please contact me by telephone at 515-725-3417 or by email at heather.doe@iowa.gov.
21 Jan 2010

Striking it Big for Area Youth - JA Bowl-A-Thon Press Release - Bowlers Needed.

By Tawnya Hambly
Junior Achievement of the Heartland to host Bowl-A-Thon on February 20, 2010

Moline, IL -- Give a child a jump start on their future by bowling in the Trinity JA Bowl-A-Thon at Bowlmor, Highland Park, Milan Lanes, Miller Time and Town & Country bowling alleys on Saturday, February 20.  Have a great time while raising funds to support financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs provided by Junior Achievement to area schools.

You don't need to be a good bowler; just an enthusiastic one to participate.  Get together a group of friends, co-workers or family members to form a team.  Then join us for a fun-filled, exciting day of bowling and prize giveaways.  The money you raise will help support local students participating in JA programs.

You can help one child, one classroom at a time by participating in the Trinity JA Bowl-A-Thon.  Call the Junior Achievement of the Heartland office at (309) 736-1630 or visit www.jaheartland.org for more details on how to sign up!  Each team that raises $500 or more will be eligible to strike it big and win a trip to New York City.  Each member of the winning team will receive two nights lodging in a private room along with round-trip airfare from Chicago.

This year more than 49,600 students throughout JA of the Heartland's 24 counties will receive JA programs.  Thank you to the following sponsors for their participation in this upcoming event; Trinity Regional Heath System, B100, Great River Medical Center, HNI Corporation, Silver Oaks Corporation, Star 93.5, Wells Fargo Bank, and Winegard and Fun City.  JA appreciates their support in making this event a success.  

About JA Worldwide® (Junior Achievement)

JA Worldwide is the world's largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA Worldwide provides in-school and after-school programs for students in grades K-12. JA Worldwide offers educational programs that focus on three key content areas: entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy. Today, 134 individual area operations reach approximately four million students in the United States, with an additional 3.5 million students served by operations in 114 other countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.ja.org.

Junior Achievement of the Heartland serves 49,600 students in 24 counties throughout eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southern Wisconsin.  For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit www.jaheartland.org.

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21 Jan 2010

Excelsior College Announces Recent Graduates

By readMedia Newswire

Excelsior College, Albany, New York, has announced that Christopher B. Roecker of Davenport and Lloyd H. Trowers, also of Davenport, have graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees.

21 Jan 2010

Braley Cosponsors Bill Allowing Iowans to Claim 2009 Charitable Deduction for Haiti Relief

By Caitlin Legacki

Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) cosponsored legislation today to allow individuals who make charitable contributions to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti to claim deductions in 2009. Braley joins Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI), Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC) and House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) in support of this effort.

"The outpouring of support and generosity toward our neighbors in Haiti has been overwhelming and inspiring," Braley said. "In times of tragedy, Americans have always risen to help others in their greatest hour of need. This legislation not only provides a benefit to Iowans who have already donated their hard-earned money, but also an added incentive for those considering their ability to make a contribution."

Read the full text of the legislation here.

In 2005, Congress passed similar legislation for those who made contributions to the Indian Ocean tsunami relief efforts.

 

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21 Jan 2010

The veterans of the Sterling, IL area American Legion announce Caravan

By Mark Sides

BLOOMINGTON, Ill./EWORLDWIRE/Jan. 12, 2010 --- From a history of decades of dedication and service to country to an annual community outreach
effort during a week-long state tour, military veterans have long been served - and continue to be supported - by activities of the American Legion and community members.

The annual membership caravan offers a forum to share and update military service personnel about the issues that directly impact them, and to attract new members to the ranks to strengthen the backbone of the Legion's active base. This year's 2010 Annual American Legion Department of Illinois Membership Caravan takes to the state's highways and byways on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, and is scheduled for stops at 24 Legion Posts. Leading the way will be Army veteran, National Vice Commander James C. Morris, Illinois State Commander William Flanagan, Illinois Auxiliary President Julia Moore, along with State and local leaders.

The route on their week-long statewide tour will begin at Heyworth Legion Post on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 6:00 p.m. Along the way, other Legion Posts on the program are:  - Morton - Fairview - Monmouth - Galva - Sterling - Lena - Sycamore - Huntley - Deerfield - Evanston - Elvin J. Carey-Chicago - Calumet City - Buckley  - Gibson City - Sullivan - Mt. Vernon - Carmi - Orient - Chester - Granit City - Pittsfield - Chatham - Lincoln  A complete and comprehensive schedule is available at ILLegion.org ('http://www.illegion.org').

Since its founding in 1919 and subsequent Congressional Charter, The American Legion organization has operated unlike any other, exerting a compelling
influence on national leaders on issues of global significance. Legion operations enhance the lives of military families struggling through wartime and economic sacrifices. Members serve the community by building homes for disabled veterans, raising money for scholarships, coaching baseball teams, adopting military units, fighting to protect and enhance veterans benefits, promoting wholesome youth activities and much more.

National Commander Clarence Hill affirmed his belief in the strength of the American Legion by saying, "It is indeed an honor to represent an organization of this caliber as National Commander for 2009-2010."  Hill stated, "The slogan we're moving with is simple to remember: T.H.E. (The Hardest Easy) Job Challenge. "The 'easy' part is explaining who we are and what we do, under the Legions' four pillars of service - Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth, and veterans will join our ranks." "The 'hardest' part is getting that message delivered, welcoming new members aboard and mentoring them to become leaders.

I invite everyone to join us in our annual family membership caravan at a post near you," added Hill. To learn more about how to get involved and support the activities of the American Legion, visit JoinTheLegion.org ('http://www.jointhelegion.org') or ILLegion.org('http://www.illegion.org').

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