19 Nov 2012

Governor Quinn Launches Internet Campaign "Thanks in Advance" for Pension Reform

By Erin Wilson

On behalf of children caught in pension squeeze, effort will "educate and activate" Illinois citizens about $96 billion problem

CHICAGO - November 18, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today launched an Internet grassroots campaign to increase public awareness about the need for pension reform in Illinois. Relaying a message from the next generation to today's leaders, the "Thanks in Advance" public awareness campaign is designed to educate citizens about the "squeeze" caused by skyrocketing pension costs, and activate them to advocate for pension reform using tech tools like Facebook, Twitter and email.

Flanked by children yelling "Thanks in Advance" through red megaphones, Governor Quinn called the pension crisis the "most urgent challenge of the decade," which is squeezing Illinois schools, public safety, job creation, decent health care and vital services. Illinois' unfunded liability recently grew to $96 billion, the worst in the nation.

"Kids count on adults to look out for them and act responsibly," Governor Quinn said. "Children have a critical stake in pension reform and that's why we are here today calling Illinois citizens to action. If the General Assembly passes comprehensive reform, we will ease the squeeze on essential services, restore fiscal stability to our state and protect the future of the next generation. Illinois' children have a message for us: Thanks in advance for rising above politics and getting the job done."    

Illinoisans can visit www.thisismyillinois.com to learn about Illinois' seven-decade old pension crisis, as well as to make their voices heard through social media in support of pension reform. The new website details the history of public pensions dating back to Ancient Rome, through the issuance of the first pension in Illinois in 1915 all the way to the present. There are now 760,000 members of the state's five public pension systems. The site shows how public pensions are partnerships which help retain a quality workforce while offering a safety net to those who serve the public. Public pensions are funded by member contributions, employer contributions and earnings from investments.

The site also chronicles the roots of the Illinois pension crisis which began in the 1940s and grew out of Springfield neglect, two economic recessions and changing demographics. Featuring videos and a mock Facebook timetable to explain the pension crisis, the site provides "daily factoids" for people to share with their social networks.

The Pew Center on the States, a national nonpartisan think-tank, rated Illinois 50th in unfunded pension liability. Moody's Investors Service lists Illinois as the lowest-rated state due primarily to "a severe pension funding shortfall." According to the Governor's Office of Management and Budget, each day that pension reform is not enacted boosts the long-term shortfall by $17.1 million. By 2016, the state of Illinois will be paying more on public pensions than on schools without comprehensive pension reform.

In April, Governor Quinn proposed a plan that would rescue the pension systems, ensure employees have access to benefits and prevent skyrocketing pension costs from eating up core services like education and healthcare. The governor's plan would fully fund the pension system by 2042.

"Thanks in Advance" aims to build public awareness about the need for legislative action on pension reform in Springfield and empower citizens to make their voices heard. Veto session begins November 27 and the legislature is scheduled to work January 3 - 8.

Quinn has been employing grassroots organizing techniques for 35 years. His successful 1976 "Political Honesty Initiative" to ban advance pay for legislators garnered 635,158 signatures. He used "petition power" to trim the size of the Illinois House, create the Citizens Utility Board (Illinois' largest consumer group) and enact local Whistleblower ordinances.

For more information about this initiative, visit www.thisismyillinois.com.

###
19 Nov 2012

Concert at the German American Heritage Center

By Janet Brown-Lowe
Davenport IA- The German American Heritage Center is hosting its annual Christmas Concert with the Davenport Zither Ensemble on Sunday, December 2nd at 2pm. Bee Sharp/ Zither in "C" concert will feature special guests the Bee Sharp Vocal Ensemble, men's choir group from St. Ambrose University.  Join us as we ring in the season with the soothing sounds of the zither!

$5 admission and free for members. The German American Heritage Center is located at 712 W. 2nd St. Davenport, IA. Call 563-322-8844 or visit gahc.org for more information!
19 Nov 2012

NAACP to Host Press Conference Following Meeting with Gov. Terry Branstad on Felony Disenfranchisement

By Jessica Neal
Who:
Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP; Kameron Middlebrooks, NAACP Midwestern Regional Director; Dedric Doolin, National Board Member; Arnold Woods, Iowa and Nebraska State Conference President; Members and Leadership from Iowa NAACP Branches
What:
President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous, leadership from the Iowa State Conference and Iowa NAACP branches, will meet with Governor Terry Branstad on Monday to discuss Iowa's felony disenfranchisement structure, as well as other key issues affecting Iowa's African American population?including, Iowa prison disparities and employment practices within the state government.
All attendees will be available to speak with members of the press after the meeting and during the press conference.
The NAACP Restore the Votes Campaign aims to restore the rights for millions of citizens formerly convicted of felonies.  Currently, more than 4.4 million citizens who are no longer incarcerated are disenfranchised
In 2011, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad reinstated felony disenfranchisement restrictions that former Governor Tom Vilsack eliminated in 2005. Since 2011, an estimated 8,000 former offenders have been released and only 12 of those citizens have been able to restore their rights.
The NAACP felony disenfranchisement campaign was launched in October following the NAACP's delegation at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.  As part of the visit, the delegation held a panel discussion on felony disenfranchisement and the attack on voting rights in states across the nation.
When:
November 19, 2012
12:00 pm
Where:
Iowa State Capitol Building
Supreme Court Consultation Room
1007 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA
All meeting attendees will be available to speak with members of the  press during the press conference.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
###
19 Nov 2012

Senators Press for Action to Keep Navigation Flowing on the Mississippi River

By Grassley Press
WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today joined other senators from states along the Mississippi River to urge the Army Corps of Engineers to remove impediments to navigation on the Mississippi River, as well as ensure water flow from the Missouri River does not impede Mississippi River navigation.

Grassley, along with Senators Tom Harkin, Roy Blunt, Dick Durbin, Mary Landrieu, Lamar Alexander, Amy Klobuchar, David Vitter, Claire McCaskill, Mark Kirk, Mark Pryor, Roger Wicker, Al Franken, Thad Cochran and John Boozman requested the action from the Army Corps of Engineers in an effort to keep commerce flowing on the river.

"The drought resulted in low water levels that have created challenging shipping conditions in some spots along the river for grain and other exports," Grassley said.  "The action we're requesting is not unprecedented, and could have a major and positive impact on the economy up and down the river."

Here is a copy of the text of the letter.  Click here for a signed copy of the letter.

 

November 16, 2012

The Honorable Jo-Ellen Darcy

Assistant Secretary for Civil Works

108 Army Pentagon

Room 3E446

Washington, DC 20310-0108

 

Dear Secretary Darcy:

We are requesting immediate action to prevent an impending disruption to inland waterways navigation caused in large part by the 2012 drought particularly in the Missouri River Basin. A very large share of the flows into the Mississippi River at St. Louis are derived from the Missouri River.

On or about November 23, 2012, the United States Army Corps of Engineers may begin to impound Missouri River water in accordance with the annual operating plan for the Missouri River. This action will lead to a crisis on the Mississippi River when commerce is interrupted due to low water conditions that prevent the maintenance of the congressionally-authorized 9-foot channel.

Fortunately, we understand that the Corps has the ability to remove impediments to navigation by demolishing rock pinnacles - particularly at Thebes, Illinois - in order to avert the looming crisis. We urge the Corps of Engineers to undertake this work as soon as possible. If authority can be found, we also request that the impoundment of Missouri River water be delayed until the rock work is completed so that navigation can be maintained. Our support for those flows is with an understanding that no other beneficial use would be seriously impacted and that any deficit of water for other various uses would be repaid from future navigation flows. We believe that the USACE Master Manual permits such deviations.

The Mississippi River is vital to commerce for agriculture and many other goods, including our ability to export our goods. If the river channel is not maintained, there will be a loss of jobs, income to many businesses and farmers, and an adverse impact to the economy of the region as a whole.

We encourage you to take action to preserve this crucial artery of commerce. We appreciate your consideration of this important issue.                             

19 Nov 2012

Branstad and Reynolds applaud decision to uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds applaud the Federal government's decision to uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and deny pending waiver requests.  Iowa leads the nation in ethanol production, accounting for 25% of total U.S. ethanol production.  In addition, Iowa's biofuels industry has added $13.1 billion to our economy, generated $2.4 billion in household income and supported 49,000 jobs.

Gov. Branstad sent a letter earlier this year encouraging the EPA to maintain the RFS and avoid the scenario of adding more uncertainty into the agriculture sector by granting the waiver requests.

Governor Branstad said the following:

"There is no question that this year's drought caused hardships in the agriculture sector, particularly for the livestock producers.  The EPA rightfully decided that the waivers were not an effective remedy to those hardships and would have instead injected unnecessary additional uncertainty into another component of the agriculture sector."

Lt. Governor Reynolds stated the following:

"Governor Branstad and I continue to  believe that biofuels can play a significant role in diversifying our nation's energy portfolio and making our nation more energy independent."

More information on the EPA decision can be found at:  http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/notices.htm

# # #
19 Nov 2012

Congress Updates Whistleblower Protections with Grassley Bill

By Grassley Press

The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 is on its way to the President's desk to be signed into law.  This legislation updates a 1989 law to protect federal employees who speak out about wrongdoing in government agencies.

Here is the text of Grassley's comments:

 

This week the Senate gave final approval to the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012.  It's on its way to the President's desk to be signed into law.

This bill strengthens the Whistleblower Protection Act to better protect federal employees who come forward to disclose government waste, fraud, abuse, and other wrongdoing.  I coauthored this bipartisan enhancement bill this year, and I coauthored the 1989 Whistleblower Protection Act that it updates.

The update is an important step forward.  Additional improvements are still needed to make sure intelligence community whistleblowers get the protection they deserve for uncovering fraud deep within the bureaucracy.

The public interest is served by whistleblowers inside the federal government who have the courage to stand up and speak out about wrongdoing, mismanagement, and waste.  One of the first whistleblowers I ever worked with from the federal government, and he was an employee of the Defense Department, said whistleblowers were guilty of "committing truth."

We need that truth in Washington.  We need the accountability that whistleblowers help to bring.  I will continue to advocate for whistleblowers in and outside of government, wherever tax dollars and the public good is at stake.
16 Nov 2012

Google announces additional major investments in Iowa

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

Total Iowa Investment by Google to top $1.1 Billion

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds were joined by Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, Council Bluffs Mayor Tom Hanafan, Council Bluffs officials, and representatives from Google today at a news conference at the State Capitol in Des Moines.

During the news conference, the leaders detailed Google's plan to continue expansion of its data center operations in Iowa. With this additional investment, Google surpasses a major milestone of investing over $1 billion in Iowa.

"Google's decision to continue its investment in Iowa is a tribute to the company, and to Iowa," said Governor Terry Branstad. "We have worked hard to make Iowa an attractive and safe place to do business, and this is another example of that work bringing great results. Google has found a unique recipe in Iowa: an educated workforce, reliable tax structure, and reasonable energy costs. Google's substantial investment, now totaling more than $1.1 billion, represents a major step towards Iowa building a diversified and forward looking economy."

"We are proud of all that Google has accomplished in Iowa, and we are also grateful for the significant investments they have put back into the state and community. Google has truly gone above and beyond in making the lives of Iowans better," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs) stated, "Google's decision to build in Iowa, and its continued investment are a clear example of a successful local, state and private partnership. Working together, we've built a framework for success that benefits private industry and the State of Iowa."

Council Bluffs Mayor Tom Hanafan noted "Google is a good neighbor, as we'd say here in Iowa, helping our local schools, non-profits and the community. The decision to continue its substantial investment in Council Bluffs is a tribute to the strong partnership our city and county governments have built with Google."

Coming within four years of first opening the Council Bluffs Data Center, surpassing the $1 billion investment amount puts Google in the top tier of new companies that have chosen Iowa as an operations center.

The Google data center in Council Bluffs currently employs more than 130 workers and houses computer systems and associated components that support services such as Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, and new products including Google+.

"Since opening our data center operations here in 2009, we have been committed to Council Bluffs and to Iowa," Google Data Center Operations Manager Chris Russell said. "We have an outstanding workforce in the Council Bluffs area, and we are so appreciative of the exceptional welcome we have received from the local community and the state of Iowa.  We are glad to be in Iowa, and Google's future here is very bright."

About Google

Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. The Google data center located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, houses computer systems and associated components that support services such as Google Search, Gmail and Google Maps and Google + and employs more than 30,000 people. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. For more information, visit www.google.com/micrositeforcouncilbluffs .

Google was recently recognized at the top of Fortune Magazine's list of "100 Best Companies to Work For" in 2012. In addition, the data center also received ISO 14001 and 18001 certification, which is the standard for environmental management and workforce safety. Google is the first major Internet services company to gain external certification for their high environmental and workforce safety standards for all of their U.S. data centers.

###
16 Nov 2012

Free sausage samples tomorrow!

By Kelly Lao
Sausage Saturday Tomorrow!!!
with Jerry's Market!

Drop into GAHC anytime from 10am till 2pm to sample sausages and other treats from Jerry's Market from Moline!

Stock Up Now for Holiday Meals & Great Gifts!

Local Products from Local Producers!


Free Samples!

Upcoming Sausage Saturdays!

10am-2pm

Join us tomorrow SAT. NOVEMBER 17th for Samples from Jerry's Market in Moline, IL
SAT. NOVEMBER 24th for Samples fromBavaria Sausage in Madison, WI
SAT. DECEMBER 15th for Samples from Bierstube/Haun Meats, Dubuque, IA
16 Nov 2012

Davenport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison as an Armed Career Criminal

By Val Quast
DAVENPORT, IA - On November 16, 2012, David James Baber, age 44, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced to 200 months imprisonment for the crime of being a career criminal in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose also sentenced Baber to serve five years of supervised release following imprisonment and pay $100 towards the Crime Victim Fund.

Baber previously had pled guilty to the charge of being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm. His 200-month sentence consisted of 12 months for violating conditions of his previous term of supervised release relating to a federal conviction for attempting to aid the escape of a federal prisoner, plus a consecutive 188 months for the new offense of possessing a firearm as an armed career criminal.

The new offense occurred on January 31, 2012, when Davenport, Iowa, police officers investigating a complaint that Baber had assaulted a person with a firearm, stopped Baber and found him in possession of a stolen .22 caliber revolver. Baber was classified as an armed career criminal because he had three or more prior convictions for crimes of violence.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

###
16 Nov 2012

November and December Library Programs at Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Looking for a Break from Holiday Cooking and Shopping? Look to Your Rock Island Library

If you're ready for a short break from the annual holiday runaround, take advantage of free November and December programs at the Rock Island Library. From programs for job seekers to a celebration of the culture that originally gave us the first Thanksgiving, library programs offer entertainment and education for everyone in the family. Among the offerings are:

Free programs for job seekers:

  • POSTPONED. Getting that Job: Tips on Making the Cut: Tuesday, November 20, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Frustrated with your job search or just getting started? A panel of experts will provide tips on everything from filling out the application, what to avoid on your resume, and what to do (and not to do) during an interview. No registration is required.
  • Resume Tips: Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 11:00 am, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Need some help putting together a resume? Library staff will help you work through the process. This is a hands-on class, so registration is required.  Please call 732-7341.

Entertaining events:

  • Native American Heritage Month celebration, Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 6:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. The library celebrates Native American Heritage Month with an evening of storytelling, singing and sharing by the Thunder Medicine drum group.
  • Gift Guides: Thursday, November 29 from 2:00-4:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Looking for a special gift for a book lover or technology fan? Librarians will help attendees sort through the choices to find the perfect gift during the holiday season.
  • Lord of the Rings movie events: As part of a lead-up to the mid-December release of The Hobbit, the prequel to the Lord of the Rings saga by J.R. Tolkien, the Rock Island Public Library will show part 2 of the movie trilogy starting at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 27 and part 3 staring at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 4, in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. The early start is due to the extended running times of both movies. Participants are encouraged to show up whenever they can to catch up on both classic stories.

Special programs just for teens:

  • Teen Trivia Night, Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, Rock Island Southwest Branch Library, 9010 Ridgewood Road. A millionaire-style trivia game, just for teens ages 12 to 18. Participants may play in teams or as individuals to answer questions about a variety of topics for a chance to win prizes.
  • Hobbit Party, Thursday, Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.  Fans of Lord of the Rings can celebrate the upcoming release of the movie based The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, with snacks, trivia, and a costume contest for those who choose to come in costume. (Costumes not required to attend.) Ages 12-18 only.
  • Teen Gaming Nights: Thursday, Nov. 29, and Thursday, Dec. 20, at 5:30 pm, at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Participants ages 12 to 18 can play Xbox 360 Kinect, Wii or old-school board games while enjoying snacks.

Help for the technology-perplexed:

If you've discovered that your new device didn't come with a manual, or you simply want to start 2013 with a better grasp of technology, the Rock Island Library will offer an ongoing series of "getting started" demonstrations and classes on technology. Upcoming classes include :

  • Getting Started with eBooks and audiobooks: Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 6:00 pm, Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Free demonstration on how download eBooks and audiobooks for free, by using the library's OverDrive and OneClickdigital services. Know someone who's getting an eReader? Another session will be offered at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 2,, 2013 at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.
  • Getting Started with Email Basics: Thursday, Dec. 20 at 1:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Are you looking to get started with Email or not sure how to use the Email you have? Library staff will help you learn the basics. This is a hands-on class, so registration is required. Please call 732-7341. More "Getting Started" classes will be offered in 2013. Details are available online at www.rockislandlibrary.org or at library locations.

Rock Island Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branch locations close early at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 21 to observe the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday. All Rock Island Library locations will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday, Nov. 23. For more library events, pick up a winter program brochure or monthly events calendar at any Rock Island Library, check the library calendar or news sections at www.rockislandlibrary.org, or sign up for news by email. For questions, please call 309-732-7323 (READ).

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

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

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

Subscribe!

* indicates required

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

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

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

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar