20 Apr 2012

While U.S. Soybean Farmers Plant, Their Checkoff Prepares for Future

By Erin Hamm
All Activities of the United Soybean Board and Soy Checkoff Include Rigorous Checks and Balances

ST. LOUIS (April 19, 2012) - As they get their own crops in the ground, the farmer-directors of the United Soybean Board (USB) and soy checkoff will also be busy planning the activities for fiscal year 2013-each designed explicitly to maximize the profit opportunities of their fellow U.S. soybean farmers. That means carefully investing the funds that U.S. soybean farmers entrust them with each year.

"My fellow 68 soybean farmers and I who serve on USB invest these funds as if we're standing alongside our families and our neighbors, whose trust we treasure," says USB Chair Vanessa Kummer, a soybean farmer from Colfax, N.D. "Every day, with every checkoff activity, we work to keep that trust. And U.S. soybean farmers should expect no less."

Each activity USB funds - from investing in research to protect and increase yields, to expanding markets for U.S. soy exports abroad, and more - include explicit objectives, strategies and, most importantly, performance measurements subject to the review and approval of the entire farmer-driven board, as well as of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The federal law creating the soy checkoff also requires that a set percentage of all checkoff funds collected be invested to audit and evaluate programs and projects each year by a panel of USB farmer-directors that make up USB's Audit & Evaluation (A&E) program.

The law also requires USB to engage an objective third party every five years to measure the return on investment (ROI) that U.S. soybean farmers receive in exchange for their national-checkoff dollar. The last ROI study, conducted in 2009 by Texas A&M University, found that U.S. soybean farmers see a net return of $6.40 for each checkoff dollar invested.

The rigorous checks and balances of the national soy checkoff do not stop there. The federal law that created the soy checkoff in 1990 requires USB to ensure that all soy checkoff funds are used in accordance with federal law, including the funds invested by the 31 Qualified State Soybean Boards. So, the farmers who run USB's A&E program work with an independent compliance coordinator dedicated to this purpose.

"Our fiscal year begins Oct. 1, 2012, and we're kicking into heavy planning for the future," says Kummer. "As usual, our official mission will be at the center of our work: to maximize the profit opportunities of all U.S. soybean farmers, complying with the federal law that created the soy checkoff ."

The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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20 Apr 2012

Loebsack Urges Iowa DOT to Prioritize I-74 Bridge Construction

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today urged the Iowa Department of Transportation to continue a plan for construction on the Iowa side of the I-74 bridge in the Quad Cities in light of the Illinois Department of Transportation's reported decision to not include this necessary project on their list of priorities. Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) is also sending a similar letter to the Illinois DOT.

 

"Having met and talked with many community leaders, businesses owners, and residents of the Quad Cities, I know that continued delay of this project will have significant negative effects on productivity, quality of life, and economic development for the region," wrote Loebsack.  "I am disappointed by this development and know this project is a priority for the Quad Cities.  I again respectfully urge you to work to find a way to ensure I-74 Bridge construction can move forward at a minimum on the Iowa side and work with ILDOT to express the importance of this project."

 

Previously, Loebsack has met with representatives from the Iowa DOT about the importance of the I-74 bridge.  He has also expressed the need to replace the bridge with the Secretary of Transportation, the Speaker of the House and has urged the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to take action.

 

A copy of the letter can be seen here.

 

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20 Apr 2012

Statement from Governor Pat Quinn

By Nafia Khan

On Durbin - Kirk Fairness in Federal Disaster Declarations Act

 

SPRINGFIELD - April 19, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding the Fairness in Federal Disaster Declarations Act proposal introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Mark Kirk.

 

"I salute and support the Fairness in Federal Disaster Declarations Act proposed by Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Mark Kirk. After deadly tornadoes hit Harrisburg and Ridgway, we saw firsthand how communities devastated by a disaster can lose out on critical assistance simply because they are part of a populous state. The Durbin-Kirk proposal ensures that FEMA considers the economic impact of the disaster on people, businesses and the impacted areas.

 

"This proposal will level the playing field for communities throughout Illinois and across America so that when a disaster strikes, their applications for federal help will receive more comprehensive and fair consideration. Small communities in big states that have suffered tremendous losses from a disaster would no longer be penalized.

 

"I encourage Congress to approve the Fairness in Federal Disaster Declarations Act to improve FEMA's current process."

 

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20 Apr 2012

Left Bank Art League News

By Kathy Holloway
rtists Showing/Teaching or Receiving Awards in the Quad-Cities 

Mona Wolbers is receiving the Daughters of the American Revolution "Women in the Arts" recognition award on April 14, at Deere-Wiman House, 9:30 brunch, 10:00 meeting. 

 

Marcia Fox has a large show of original oil, pastel, watercolor and acrylic paintings at Chez Willie's restaurant, 41 S Seminary St. in Galesburg through April and May.

 

Betsy Zmuda-Swanson will have exhibit space with her paintings through Midcoast at I-Wireless April and May.

Lori Miller has 2 works in Venus Envy which begins April 25 (Bucktown)  (She said there may be other Left Bankers involved as  well) www.lorimiller.com

Lanora Welzenbach is showing in May and June at the Botanical Center, Rock Island, IL with a reception on May 6.

Gene Brack is showing at the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce offices beginning 4/21 with no current end time. www.genebrackoriginals.com

Paul Algueseva III has an open studio planned for May 5 and 6 at his home studio in Davenport. This is through the Spring Mississippi River Valley Art Drive and he will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (2314 Elm Street, Davenport - 563-355-9220). He regularly is at CASI on Mondays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. & Thursday from 12:30-2:30 p.m.  teaching clay hand building and acrylic painting at the same time. The student works are shown in the corridors at CASI. He just received a grant to teach at Jane's Place, and will start the first class in May. Paul shows in various places in Iowa and Illinois.

Mona Wolbers, Ingrid Bogdanowicz, Judy Gray, Gloria Burlingame, & Andi Naab are teaching art lessons at Longfellow Eleme tary School thanks to a grant from Isabel Bloom & the Rock Island Fine Arts Guild.

Allen Holloway has a one night pastel class through the Figge Art Museum Thursday evening, May 3.

Wine & Art
6-8 pm Thursday, May 3
Pastels with Allen Holloway
$15/student; all supplies provided
Pre-registration required

Allen will take part in the Spring Mississippi Valley Art Drive Sat., May 5 displaying in LeClaire on the grounds of Re-Usable Usables/weather permitting (322 N. Cody Road).  In addition he will man a vending space demoing and selling his dog portraiture work at the QCCA Expo Center over Mother's Day weekend (May 12 + 13) during the Scott County Kennel Club Dog Show and will be entering 3 pieces in the Geneseo Maple City Art Fine arts competition.  He teaches beginning acrylic classes through Grumbacher's and Michaels Arts & Crafts about every other Saturday and one evening night during the week (check Michaels for schedules).  In addition coming up he has a Saturday class through the Figge in July and another Pastel class in Sept.

ACRYLIC PAINTING FOR BEGINNERS
Instructor: Allen Holloway
10:30 am-2:30 pm Saturday, July 28
$40/members; $50/non-members

Pat Bereskin and her students are showing at Evergreen Art Gallery/Bettendorf to begin May 5.

Gloria Burlingame will be teaching a seminar at the Figge in August.

DRAWING - Heads and Hands
Instructor: Gloria Burlingame
10:30 am-2:30 pm Saturday, August 25
$40/members; $50/non-members 

 

Workshops

Workshops in Pastel for April

*Deere-Wiman Carriage House


David Garrison and Cecile Houel

Internationally known artists residing in Burlington, Iowa and France. Both are known for their extraordinary pastel paintings and both have won prestigious awards in France and this country. Cecile and David are both very attentive and helpful to each student. Cecile is gracious and David is entertaining!

 

PORTRAITS WITH CECILE,

Saturday, April 21 at Deere-Wiman

Carriage House, 9:30 – 4:30

Cecile will demonstrate her portraiture technique step by step and follow up with individual attention to her students.

Supply list: easel, pastels, fine charcoal (3-4 mm), paper (sanded if possible: La Card Sennelier or Artspectrum), board and a good photo of your preferred subject

 

LANDSCAPES WITH DAVID,

Sunday, April 22 9:30–4:30. David will demonstrate step by step and follow up with individual attention.

Supply list: easel, pastels, charcoal and paper for simple value sketches, eraser (Moo preferred (Hobby Lobby), paper (sanded), board and a good landscape photo.

There is one hour lunch break, so bring a lunch or plan to order out. Coffee & snacks provided.

For those who have never used pastels before, contact Rose Moore. We will try to have some pastels and sample paper available. It's great opportunity to try the medium without the major expense of buying everything at once.

COST: $57 for LBAL members for each day, $60 for non-members each day

$20 deposit required payable to LBAL.

Contact Person: Rose Moore, 309.483.6995

Full as of now, but contact Rose in case of  spaces opening.

oxbowfarm@yahoo.co

 

Mississippi River Valley Art Drive

Spring Drive - May 5 + 6
Maps available to print at:  http://www.mrvad.com/id1.html
www.Mississippirivervalleyartdirectory.com
WWW.MRVAD.COM

BONNIE & TOM JONES 

*Deere-Wiman Carriage House

Tom's art can be found internationally in many private and corporate collections, including commissioned paintings displayed in the Florida State Capital Building, Walt Disney World Corp., Marriott Corp. and the Omni Corp.

http//:www.tomjonesartist.com

Each student will receive a signed print, as well as have a chance to win valuable art supplies in daily drawings.

Beginners to professional painters will walk away with new skills and good paintings.

Details below:

Wed. Aug. 22,
Bonnie Jones will be teaching a one day "Batik on Rice paper."  Cost Members $65 & Non Members $70.  
Bonnie supplies all materials! 

Thurs, Fri, Sat. Aug. 23, 24, 25

with Tom Jones in watercolor instruction

Cost $155 for LBAL members & $165 for non members.

Tom supplies the paper and paint!

Sign up now to reserve a space at one or both workshops.

LBAL's last year's workshops proved that in both Bonnie &/or Tom's classes give students as much one-on-one guidance as possible with positive critiques.

*Half of registration fee due July 30, 2012.  A reminder notice and information will be forwarded to you after Aug. 3, 2012 no refunds will be honored thereafter. A waiting list of names will be maintained for any vacancy opportunities.

Mail to workshop registrar:

LBAL August Workshops,C/O Sheryl Lammers, 2311 W. Dover Ct., Davenport, IA 52804

Email sllammers@gmail.com or call Pat at 563-285-9596 for more information.

*Left Bank Art League workshops take place at Deere-Wiman Carriage House, Moline, IL.

Left Bank Art League is a non-profit,

501 [c][3] organization. 

20 Apr 2012

Braley Calls for Investigation into Lean, Finely Textured Beef Controversy

By Kira Ayish

Consumers deserve accurate information  

 

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) wrote House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings urging them to conduct an investigation into recent claims made in the media about lean, finely textured beef (LFTB).

 

A series of recent stories on ABC News about LFTB were critical of companies like Beef Products, Inc. (BPI). Other public figures like celebrity chef Jamie Oliver have perpetuated the criticisms of LFTB. Following these reports hundreds of workers were laid off including over 200 workers from BPI's Waterloo, Iowa facility.

 

"As a father of three, I share every parent's concern about what their kids eat. We need to know that the food we're feeding our families is safe and nutritious. And as consumers we deserve to have accurate information.

 

"It's important that we investigate the claims made against lean, finely textured beef and do so scientifically to ensure that consumers have accurate information on this and other products."

 

Braley has called for those on all sides of the issue to participate in this hearing including the appropriate producers from ABC News, recognized food safety experts, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and workers from BPI.

 

Text of Braley's letter is below; a copy of Braley's letter can be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/yXV

---

April 20, 2012

 

The Honorable Darrell Issa                          

Chairman                      

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform                        

2157 Rayburn HOB                           

Washington, DC  20515                         

 

The Honorable Elijah Cummings

Ranking Member

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

2471 Rayburn HOB

Washington, DC  20515

 

Dear Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings:

As you know, there has been significant controversy surrounding claims made in the media about lean, finely textured beef (LFTB).  The public discussion regarding LFTB followed a series of reports on ABC News which were critical of companies such as Beef Products, Inc. (BPI).  In addition to ABC News, other public figures, such as celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, have perpetuated the criticisms of LFTB.  Following these reports hundreds of workers were laid off including over 200 workers from BPI's Waterloo, Iowa facility.

I strongly urge the Committee to conduct hearings and investigate these recent claims. I encourage the Committee to invite all sides to participate in this hearing including, but not limited to, the appropriate producers from ABC News, recognized food safety experts, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and workers from BPI.  Our constituents deserve accurate information about the products they consume and BPI's workers deserve an opportunity to answer their critics.

As a father of three, I share every parent's concern about what their kids eat. Food choices must be made based on nutrition and safety and consumers are right to demand that their food supply is safe. I look forward to working with you on this important issue so that accurate information is available to consumers for this and other foods. Thanks again.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Bruce Braley

Member of Congress

 

# # #
19 Apr 2012

Governor Quinn Honors Illinois Residents for Exemplary Community Service

By Nafia Khan

Governor's Volunteer Service Awards Honor Service, Leadership

 

SPRINGFIELD - Thursday, April 19, 2012.  On behalf of Governor Pat Quinn, the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service presented 24 Illinois residents with the Governor's Volunteer Service Award today during a reception at the Executive Mansion. The award recognizes volunteers who have made a difference in Illinois, and highlights the importance of volunteerism and community service.

 

"Every day in Illinois, thousands of volunteers donate their time and talents to help others and to build stronger communities," Governor Quinn said. "We honor these individuals who have made a difference in our state and set an example for others to follow with their initiative, creativity and energy."

 

The Governor's Volunteer Service Awards focus on five areas: economic opportunity, education, environmental conservation, disaster preparedness/response, health and veterans' affairs. Individual awards in each of the commission's five service regions (Northeast, Northwest, East Central, West Central and Southern Illinois) are presented in three categories: youth ages 18 and under, adult ages 19-54, and seniors ages 55 and older. Additionally, National Service Awards were presented to one Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve member in each region.

 

"Volunteerism is what makes life worth living, and I am proud to say that Illinois has a vast number of people that are working each day to improve all of our lives," Scott McFarland, acting executive director of Serve Illinois, said. "Through Serve Illinois, we hope to expand volunteerism throughout rural, suburban and urban Illinois, and involve people of all backgrounds, cultures and ages."

 

The Serve Illinois Commission is a 35-member, bipartisan board appointed by the Governor and administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services.  Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing traditional volunteer activities and supporting national service programs, including the Illinois AmeriCorps program. For more information, please visit www.Serve.Illinois.gov.

 

The following is a list of the 2012 Governor's Volunteer Service Award recipients. Recipient biographies can be found on Serve Illinois' website at www.Serve.Illinois.gov.

 

 

Southern Illinois Award Recipients

 

  • Youth: Madelyn McGlynn - Belleville, Ill.
    For service to: Belleville Area Humane Society

 

  • Adult: Kim Lingafelter - Albion, Ill.
    For service to: Hope Center and Southeastern Illinois

 

  • Senior: Elmer Ragland - Waterloo, Ill.
    For service to: Lions Club

 

  • AmeriCorps Member: Nathan Elwood - St. Louis, Mo.
    For service to: Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation

 

  • Senior Corps Member: Lee Stowers - Mt. Vernon, Ill.
    For service to: One Hope United Foster Grandparent Program

 

East Central Illinois Award Recipients

 

  • Youth: Mary Perkins - Effingham, Ill.
    For service to: University of Illinois Extension-Effingham County

 

  • Adult: Teresa Haley - Springfield, Ill.
    For service to: NAACP

 

  • Senior: Ellen Harms - Champaign, Ill.
    For service to: Daily Bread Soup Kitchen

 

  • AmeriCorps Member: Jamie Hadley - Bloomington, Ill.
    For service to: McLean County Health Department

 

  • Senior Corps Member: Jamie Storm - Springfield, Ill.
    For service to: Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center

 

West Central Illinois Award Recipients

 

  • Adult: Lane Pfeiffer - Carlinville, Ill.
    For service to: Macoupin County Center for the Developmental Disabled; Carlinville Food Pantry;  Macoupin County Jail

 

 

  • Senior: Bob Wiltz - Peoria, Ill.
    For service to: American Red Cross

 

  • AmeriCorps Member: Karla Williams - Peoria, Ill.
    For service to: Children's Home Association of Illinois

 

  • Senior Corps Member: Mike Faley - Peoria, Ill.
    For service to: OSF St. Francis Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Illinois

 

Northwest Illinois Award Recipients

 

  • Youth: Alexis Ochoa - Rockford, Ill.
    For service to: Life Church

 

  • Senior: Carole Perrin - Rockford, Ill.
    For service to: Carpenter's Place

 

  • AmeriCorps Member: Leann Duncan - Rockton, Ill.
    For service to: Prairie State Legal Services

 

  • Senior Corps Member: Steve Verdick - Carbon Cliff, Ill.
    For service to: RSVP of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois

 

Northeast Illinois Award Recipients

 

  • Youth: Isha Jog - Schaumburg, Ill.
    For service to: D.A.R.E. American & Holiday Heroes

 

  • Adult: Luciano Rodriguez - Naperville, Ill.
    For service to: People's Resource Center and St. Paul Lutheran Church

 

  • Senior: Lou Ann Johnson - Crest Hill, Ill.
    For service to: National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc.

 

  • Learn and Serve Member: Howard Allen Jones, Jr. - Oak Park, Ill.
    For service to: National Alliance for Mental Illness-Greater Chicago

 

  • AmeriCorps Member: Monica Gonzalez - Chicago, Ill.
    For service to: Centro Sin Fronteras

 

  • Senior Corps Member: Linda Kielas - Inverness, Ill.
    For service to: Palatine Emergency Management Agency

 

 

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19 Apr 2012

TENTATIVE AGENDA SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS April 23 - 27, 2012

By Chris Berge
Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Committee of the Whole - 8:00 am
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

1. Roll Call: Hancock, Minard, Sunderbruch, Cusack, Earnhardt

Presentation

2. Discussion with the following Authorized Agencies:

9:30 A.M. - Riverbend Transit - Randy Zobrist

10:00 A.M. - Waste Commission of Scott County - Kathy Morris

10:30 A.M. - Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds - Bob Fox

11:00 A.M. - Scott Soil Conservation/Watershed Partners

Facilities & Economic Development

3. Approval of award of bids for weed spraying. (Item 3)

4. Approval of award of bid for shoulder spraying. (Item 4)

5. Discussion of public hearing on a request for transfer of certain County tax deed properties to the Cities of Bettendorf & Davenport, Gateway Redevelopment Group, Neighborhood Housing Service of Davenport, Inc, and Habitat for Humanity of the
Quad Cities. (Item 5)

6. Approval of high bids from the County Tax Deed Auction held March 13, 2012. (Item 6)

7. Approval of purchase of squad car replacements for the Sheriff's Office. (Item 7)

Human Resources

8. Discussion of pending litigation pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c). - CLOSED SESSION

9. Approval of retirement of Dave Anderson. (Item 9)

10. Approval of personnel actions. (Item 10)

Health & Community Services

11. Approval of tax suspension requests. (Item 11)

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Regular Board Meeting - 5:30 pm
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center
19 Apr 2012

New Executive Producer at dphilms!

By Jessica Verscha

dphilms hires Executive Producer and Operations Manager

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (April 19, 2012) - dphilms, a full-service multi-media production company has named Jennifer Verscha as its new Executive Producer and Operations Manager.

Jennifer will use her skills as a marketing guru to promote dphilms through social media, web, tradeshows and networking events. Her impeccable organization skills will be used to manage client services, workflow and scheduling while keeping projects on time and on budget.

"We are pleased Jennifer has joined the dphilms crew," noted Shelly Dingeldein, President of dphilms. "We know her experience and expertise will be a great asset to our creative team."

Jennifer brings 10 plus years of event planning, retail, management and marketing experience. Having worked for and assisted in marketing campaigns for both small and large companies, from fortune 500 to not-for-profit organizations; including  Simon Property Group, the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and Von Maur, just to name a few.

Jennifer Verscha has a BA in Management and a minor in Marketing from Western Illinois University - Quad Cities.

She and her husband reside in Rock Island, IL with their two sons.

About dphilms:

With over 35 years in the production business, the creative staff at dphilms has delivered outstanding results to a broad range of clientele in broadcast programming, commercials, corporate & training videos, promotional & tradeshow videos, music videos, feature films and many more. Our work can be seen on nearly every major network including: The History Channel (American Pickers), FOX News Channel NY, MSNBC (Hardball & Morning Joe), Lifetime, HGTV, ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS. We have been involved in 100's of infomercials featuring famous pitchmen from George Foreman to the late Billy Mays, as well as, music videos for Jon BonJovi, Nickelback and Keith Urban.

Our 11,000 sq. ft. facility in The District of Rock Island houses the latest in HD technology, from cameras to two fully-equipped HD editing suites.

OnAIR ONLine ONTime    That's how we roll.

19 Apr 2012

University of Nebraska-Lincoln honors local students at All-University Honors Convocation

By Tom Simons

LINCOLN, NE (04/19/2012)(readMedia)-- University of Nebraska-Lincoln undergraduate students will be honored in conjunction with UNL's All-University Honors Convocation April 22 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, including 26 seniors who will be recognized as Chancellor's Scholars, the university's highest undergraduate academic honor.

Students are recognized at Honors Convocation for their cumulative academic achievements (as opposed to Dean's List, which is for one semester). Honorees include :

? Chancellor's Scholars, students who graduated in December or who will receive their degrees in May or August and have maintained 4.0 grade-point averages on all collegiate work at UNL and elsewhere;

? Superior Scholars, seniors graduating in the 2011-12 academic year who have been recognized at Honors Convocation each year of their enrollment;

? High Scholars, students other than Chancellor's Scholars and Superior Scholars who are in the top 10 percent of their class.

Students from this area who will be honored include :

Bettendorf: Hannah Marjorie Kurth, junior, High Scholar , College of Fine and Performing Arts.

Bettendorf: Kera Anne Linn, freshman, High Scholar , College of Arts and Sciences.

Bettendorf: Nathaniel Robert Sullivan, sophomore, High Scholar with a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average, College of Fine and Performing Arts.

Davenport: Samantha Walton Adrales, freshman, High Scholar , College of Arts and Sciences.

19 Apr 2012

Loebsack Applauds Increased Focus on Career and Technical Education

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today applauded the U.S. Department of Education's announcement that they will focus on improving Career and Technical Education (CTE).  Loebsack has been a longtime supporter of CTE programs and is the sponsor of the SECTORS Act, which will retool and streamline our workforce development programs to train workers for specialized fields by creating partnerships between private industry and education. The Department of Education's proposal includes incentives for similar public-private partnerships.

 

"I continually hear from employers that despite the unacceptable unemployment rate, they can't find people with the skills they need.  We must ensure workers have the training they need to get good paying jobs and employers have access to a workforce that has the skills that are required in a 21st century economy," said Loebsack.  "Career and Technical Education has the potential to create jobs that will keep Iowa's young talent in the state and make American students more competitive in the global economy.  We should continue to focus on preparing students to secure good jobs and to help grow our economy."

 

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education program provides support for career and technical education through grants to states. The program's goal is to help students acquire the academic and technical skills that prepare them for high-skill, high-wage, high-demand occupations. In Iowa, Perkins provides support for career education in agricultural fields, business and information technology, industrial technology, and health occupations, among other fields.

 

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