DES MOINES - Obama for America is releasing a new television ad that highlights President Obama's commitment to issues important to women and their families.  The new ad - "The Same" - draws the stark contrast between President Obama and the Romney-Ryan ticket's record on women's health. 

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan have taken extreme positions on issues that matter to women and their families. From promising to "get rid of" Planned Parenthood to backing proposals that would take away a woman's right to choose, women recognize they cannot trust the Romney-Ryan ticket to stand up for them.


President Obama is committed to protecting women's health because he knows that women are capable of making their own choices when it comes to their health care. The President has repeatedly fought back against Republican efforts to defund Planned Parenthood, and believes that women - not politicians or the government - should be in control of their own health decisions.  President Obama knows that access to quality, affordable health care means a stronger American middle class.

"The Same" will air in Colorado, Nevada, Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Iowa.


Please click HERE to watch the ad and HERE to learn more about President Obama's record on issues important to women and their families.

Governor Renounces Attacks on Houses of Worship, Signs New Law to Foster Religious Tolerance

BRIDGEVIEW, IL - Governor Pat Quinn today joined the Muslim community to observe the completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan at the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer service in Bridgeview. During the occasion, the governor renounced recent incidences of violence against Muslim places of worship and signed a new law to foster religious tolerance.

"To the more than 400,000 Muslims across our state, 'Eid Mubarak!'" Governor Quinn said. "Ramadan is a time of fasting, sacrifice and self-reflection. We honor your commitment to your faith and will vigorously protect your right to practice it without fear of intimidation."

Ramadan is observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month of the year in the Islamic faith. During Ramadan, Muslims fast each day from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan ends with a three-day festival known as "Eid", which means "the feast of the breaking/to break the fast".

Following the recent massacre at the Sikh temple near Milwaukee, gunfire at a Morton Grove mosque, a bomb thrown at a Lombard Islamic school and the desecration of a Muslim gravesite at Evergreen Cemetery, Governor Quinn issued a call for respect, tolerance and harmony. In addition, he signed Senate Bill 2949, to protect college students who miss a class or exam due to their observance of a religious holiday.

"No student should be disciplined, penalized or fined for observing a sacred day," Governor Quinn said. "This new law celebrates our nation's basic principle of 'freedom of religion, as well as the notion that diversity makes us stronger."

The new law, sponsored by Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) and Rep. Sidney Mathias (R-Arlington Heights), passed both chambers unanimously with the support of the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities (FIICU). The law is effective Jan 1, 2013.

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DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Young competitors from across Iowa earned breed championships in the Youth Dairy Cattle Show judged Thursday, August 9, at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Exhibitors were also judged on their showmanship skills. The Showmanship award is given for the exhibitors' ability to present their livestock in the show ring and answer any questions the judge may ask about their animal.

Breed division winners in the Youth Dairy Cattle Show included:

AYRSHIRE

Junior Champion: Logan Worden, Oelwin

Junior Reserve Champion: Brad Arthur, Maynard

Senior Champion: Kaleb Kruse, Dyersville

Senior Reserve Champion: Sammie Rathjen, Walcott

Grand Champion: Kaleb Kruse, Dyersville

Reserve Grand Champion: Sammie Rathjen, Walcott

GUERNSEY

Junior Champion: Lars Sivesind, Waukon

Junior Reserve Champion: Landon Sivesind, Waukon

Senior Champion: Carley Kammerude, Dubuque

Senior Reserve Champion: Austin Knapp, Epworth

Grand Champion: Carley Kammerude, Dubuque

Reserve Grand Champion: Austin Knapp, Epworth

HOLSTEIN

Junior Champion: Scott Stempfle, Maynard

Junior Reserve Champion: Isaac Lyons, West Union

Senior Champion: Riley Demmer, Peosta

Senior Reserve Champion: Ashley Bushman, Calmar

Grand Champion: Riley Demmer, Peosta

Reserve Grand Champion: Ashley Bushman, Calmar

JERSEY

Junior Champion: Brian Arthur, Maynard

Junior Reserve Champion: Cole Kruse, Dyersville

Senior Champion: Ross Wedewer, Epworth

Senior Reserve Champion: Eric Metzger, Lester

Grand Champion: Ross Wedewer, Epworth

Reserve Grand Champion: Eric Metzger, Lester

MILKING SHORTHORN

Junior Champion: Ashley Bushman, Calmar

Junior Reserve Champion: Megan Bushman, Calmar

Senior Champion: Halie Gruenwald, Lost Nation

Senior Reserve Champion: Bradley Byers, Milo

Senior Grand Champion: Halie Gruenwald, Lost Nation

Reserve Grand Champion: Bradley Byers, Milo

SHOWMANSHIP

Junior Champion: Regan Demmer, Peosta

Intermediate Champion: Jessica Stempfle, Maynard

Intermediate Reserve Champion: Mitchell Hanson, La Porte City

Senior Champion: Austin Knapp, Epworth

Senior Reserve Champion: Michael Lyons, Castalia

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- The crossbred steer shown by Trevor Moore of Lisbon captured the highly coveted Grand Champion banner in the 4-H Market Beef Show Wednesday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Moore's steer was named Division 2 Champion Crossbred Market Steer in the drive to the Grand Championship.

James Gradert of Sibley showed the Champion Charolais Steer. His steer was also named the Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer.

The Champion Market Heifer was shown by Macey Goretska of Corydon. Elizabeth Jones of Williamsburg exhibited the Reserve Champion Market Heifer. The Third Place Overall Market Heifer was shown by Kade Killmer of Perry.

Dustin Lund of Corning exhibited a Champion Chianina Steer which won the Third Place Overall banner. Fourth Place Overall went to the Reserve Champion Division 2 Crossbred steer of Danielle DeLange of Albia, while Fifth Place Overall was earned by the Champion Maine-Anjou Steer shown by Morgan McDermott of Atlantic.

Additional results below:

Market Steers:

Angus Champion - Taylor Duckett, New Liberty

Angus Reserve Champion - Olivia Johnson, Prole

Any Other Breed Champion - Ashley Iehl, Central City

Any Other Breed Reserve Champion - Jenel Wenndt, Lowden

Charolais Champion - James Gradert, Sibley

Charolais Reserve Champion - Jordan Reed, Lenox

Chianina Champion - Dustin Lund, Corning

Chianina Reserve Champion - Gracie Russell, Prescott

Hereford Champion - Tyler Krebs, Okoboji

Hereford Reserve Champion - Austin Deppe, Maquoketa

Limousin Champion - Mara Anderson, Garner

Limousin Reserve Champion - Bailey Walrod, Moorland

Maine-Anjou Champion - Morgan McDermott, Atlantic

Maine-Anjou Reserve Champion - Abby Staudt, Rockford

Shorthorn Champion - Jessica Kramer, Farmersburg

Shorthorn Reserve Champion - Jenna Rohret, Solon

Shorthorn Plus Champion - Alex Alliger, Gowrie

Shorthorn Plus Reserve Champion - Madison Snyder, Bloomfield

Simmental Champion - Sophie Hansen, Adel

Simmental Reserve Champion - Cale Smith, Indianola

Crossbred Division 1 Champion - Evan Friesth, Adel

Crossbred Division 1 Reserve Champion - Trace Ticknor, Bridgewater

Crossbred Division 2 Champion - Trevor Moore, Lisbon

Crossbred Division 2 Reserve Champion - Danielle DeLange, Albia

Crossbred Division 3 Champion - Jordyn Burco, Independence

Crossbred Division 3 Reserve Champion - Seth Plendl, Kingsley

The Grand and Reserve Champion Market Steers, as well as the Champion and Reserve Champion Market Heifers and 10 other livestock champions, will be auctioned in the prestigious Sale of Champions on Saturday, August 18, at 2 p.m. in the Penningroth Media Center of the Cattle Barn. The event is sponsored by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, a non-profit organization established to encourage the pursuit of agriculture-related careers by Iowa's youth.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Contestants battled for top honors in the Iowa State Fair Sheep Shearing contest judged Saturday, August 11, at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Each contestant sheared four sheep in the preliminary round and an additional four in the finals.

Complete results follow:

AMATEUR

Shearing

1) Emily Chamelin, Westminster, Md.

2) Nayeri Club Lambs, Bondurant

3) Raelan Schweinefus, Mitchellville

4) Ben Daniels, Eldora

Best Pen

1) Emily Chamelin, Westminster, Md.

2) Raelan Schweinefus, Mitchellville

3) Nayeri Club Lambs, Bondurant

Fastest Time

1) Ben Daniels, Eldora

2) Nayeri Club Lambs, Bondurant

3) Emily Chamelin, Westminster, Md.

JUNIOR

Shearing

1) Weston Hyllested, Circle Pine, Minn.

2) Quentin Ackerman, Sac City

3) Eli Joslyn, Muscatine

Best Pen

1) Weston Hyllested, Circle Pine, Minn.

2) Quentin Ackerman, Sac City

3) Eli Joslyn, Muscatine

Fastest Time

1) Weston Hyllested, Circle Pine, Minn.

2) Quentin Ackerman, Sac City

3) Eli Joslyn, Muscatine

SENIOR

Shearing

1) Kevin Hickman, Larchwood

2) Bruce Sellers, Chariton

3) Alex Moser, Larchwood

4) Dan Ackerman, Sac City

5) Nolan Abel, Royal

6) Mike Hagens, Mandan, N.D.

7) Rocky Anderson, Griswold

8) Mark Hoogendoorn, Rock Rapids

9) Mike Holdeman, Reasnor

10) Brandon Buelt, Elk Horn

11) Dave Tometich, Muscatine

12) Lee Buelt, Exira

13) Justin Schau, Donnellson

Best Pen

1) Bruce Sellers, Chariton

2) Alex Moser, Larchwood

3) Nolan Abel, Royal

Fastest Time

1) Mike Holdeman, Reasnor

2) Mark Hoogendoorn, Rock Rapids

3) Alex Moser, Larchwood

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Luke Elder of Dunlap exhibited a Chianina Heifer to capture the Supreme Breeding Heifer in the 4-H Breeding Beef Show Tuesday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Elder's Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer earned the Fourth Place Overall banner.

Madison Udell of Sioux City won the Reserve Supreme Breeding Heifer banner with her Champion Commercial Heifer. Udell's Champion Simmental Foundation Heifer earned Fifth Place Overall. Third Place Overall went to Jordan Crall of Albia and his Champion Mainetainer Heifer.

Additional results below:

Angus Champion - Riley Sieren, Washington

Angus Reserve Champion - Drew Norris, Corydon

All Other Breeds Champion - Mara Anderson, Garner

All Other Breeds Reserve Champion - Madi Nothwher, Clarinda

Charolais Champion - Olivia Lapke, Logan

Charolais Reserve Champion - Mallory Bakley, Osceola

Charolais Cross Champion - Kiley Elder, Pella

Charolais Cross Reserve Champion - James Gradert, Sibley

Chianina Champion - Luke Elder, Dunlap

Chianina Reserve Champion - Kaitlin Ihns, Wilton

Hereford Champion - Kennedy Core, Pleasantville

Hereford Reserve Champion - Payton Vogel, Hartley

Limousin Champion - Hallie Linhart, Weldon

Limousin Reserve Champion - Derek Anderson, Garner

Maine-Anjou Champion - Kailey Eskildsen, Northwood

Maine-Anjou Reserve Champion - Kori McLaughlin, Mediapolis

Mainetainer Champion - Jordan Crall, Albia

Mainetainer Reserve Champion - Kenton Lain, Corydon

Red Angus Champion - Addy Van Vliet, Pella

Red Angus Reserve Champion - Camiel Blomme, Brooklyn

Shorthorn Champion - Jacob Darbyshire, Morning Sun

Shorthorn Reserve Champion - Payton Vogel, Hartley

Shorthorn Plus Champion - Ben Weis, McIntire

Shorthorn Plus Reserve Champion - Morgan Muller, Whittemore

Simmental Champion - Kiersten Jass, Garner

Simmental Reserve Champion - Tyler Espenscheid, Monroe

Simmental Foundation Champion - Madison Udell, Sioux City

Simmental Foundation Reserve Champion - Kiley Elder, Pella

Commercial Heifer Champion - Madison Udell, Sioux City

Commercial Heifer Reserve Champion - Luke Elder, Dunlap

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

 

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DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Madison Kirchmann of Sumner showed the Champion Ewe in the Shropshire Sheep show judged Thursday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Chris Whittaker of Laura, Ill., exhibited the Champion Ram.

Dalton Hicks of Stillwater, Okla., showed both the Reserve Champion Ewe and the Reserve Champion Ram. Hicks also placed third in the Premier Exhibitor contest.

WEG Shropshires and I-80 Flocks of Geneva, Neb., placed first in the Premier Exhibitor contest, and SS Shrops of Davenport took second.

The Premier Exhibitor award is given to the exhibitor who scores the most points based upon class placings during the breed's show.

Additional results below (names, hometowns and animal identification):

Yearling Ram

1) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/5/2011, 443288

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 3/3/2011

Shorn Yearling Ram

1) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 10/16/2010

2) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., Af 196, 2/1/2011, 444272

Fall Ram Lamb

1) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 9/21/2011, 445704

January Ram Lamb

1) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, RueberShrops1206 NNRR, 1/17/2012, M445997

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 1/27/2012

3) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 1/1/2012, 445705

February Ram Lamb

1) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1209, 2/1/2012, M445667

2) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/12/2012, 445712

3) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., E Anderson 3, 2/13/2012, Pending

4) Jackson Musselman, Mabel, Minn., Sugar Ridge Cee Lo Rr Nn, 2/11/2012, M445899ram

5) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo., Af 209, 2/21/2012, Pending

6) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/1/2010

7) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/2/2012, 445710

March and After Ram Lamb

1) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Sugar Ridge Channel Cat Rrnn, 3/30/2012, M445902

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 3/1/2012

3) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., E Anderson 4, 3/13/2012, Pending

4) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, RueberShrops, 3/3/2012, pending

5) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo., Af 215, 3/7/2012, Pending

6) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 3/3/2012, 445713

Shorn Ram Lamb - All Ages

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., D. Hicks 12-04, 3/25/2012, M 446454

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/17/2012

3) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

4) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/12/2012, 445711

Pair of Ram Lambs

1) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

2) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

3) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

4) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo.

5) SS Shrops, Davenport

6) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo.

Yearling Ewe

1) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1101 NNRR, 1/2/2011, M445990

2) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Rife 11-058, 1/11/2011, M443430

3) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 10/15/2010

4) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Avery's 11-29 Bell, 1/26/2011, M443948

5) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 10/13/2010

6) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Avery's 11-42 Alma, 3/1/2011, M443955

7) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1101, 1/2/2011, M443389

8) SS Shrops, Davenport, CLSF, 2/20/2011, 443527

Shorn Yearling Ewe

1) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1112 NNRR, 2/21/2011, M 445989

2) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1107, 3/2/2011, M443394

3) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/16/2011

4) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

5) SS Shrops, Davenport, Rolling Hills, 2/10/2011, 445474

6) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/16/2011

Pair of Yearling Ewes

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

2) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

3) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

4) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

5) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

6) SS Shrops, Davenport

Fall Ewe Lamb

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., D. Hicks 11-10, 10/14/2011, M446448

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 10/25/2011

January Ewe Lamb

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Mrozinski 12-07, 1/22/2012, M446057

2) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 1/19/2012, 445687

3) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Sugar Ridge Susan Rrnn, 1/11/2012, M445897

4) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1201 NNRR, 1/5/2012, M445987

5) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Rife 12-030, 1/3/2012, M445740

6) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1201, 1/3/2012, M445662

7) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 1/1/2012, 445687

8) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 1/26/2012

February Ewe Lamb

1) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1210, 2/1/2012, M445664

2) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., D. Hicks 12-01, 2/23/2012, M446449

3) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., Af 210, 2/21/2012, Pending

4) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., Af 202, 2/14/2012, Pending

5) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1204 NNRR, 2/12/2012, M445988

6) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Avery's 12-53 Bellflower, 2/13/2012, M446093

7) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Sugar Ridge Brie Rrnn, 2/17/2012, M445896

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo., Af 203, 2/8/2012, Pending

9) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/2/2012, 445690

10) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/17/2012

11) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/3/2012, 445695

March and After Ewe Lamb

1) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1205, 3/10/2012

2) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Sugar Ridge Gabrielle Rrnn, 3/30/2012, M445898

3) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 3/5/2012, 445699

4) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 3/3/2012, 445698

5) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1212, 3/7/2012, M446275

6) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., 3/7/2012, 446089

7) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo., Af 214, 3/2/2012, Pending

Shorn Ewe Lamb - All Ages

1) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/12/2012, 445697

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/18/2012

Pair of Ewe Lambs

1) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo.

2) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

3) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

4) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

5) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

6) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

7) SS Shrops, Davenport

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo.

Pair of Lambs

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

2) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

3) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

4) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo.

5) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

6) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

7) SS Shrops, Davenport

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo.

Young Flock

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

2) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo.

3) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

4) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

5) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

6) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

7) SS Shrops, Davenport

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo.

Flock

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

2) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

3) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

4) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

5) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

6) SS Shrops, Davenport

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

DES MOINES, IA (08/18/2012)(readMedia)-- Three talented Sprout division acts (ages 2-12) have been selected to perform in the Championship round in Bill Riley's 53rd annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform in exhibition on Sunday, August 19, but will no longer be competing.

The names, ages, hometowns and routines of the acts are:

Emma Destigter, 9, Moville, and Taylor Knaack, 10, Correctionville, Tap Dance

Ada Lund, 4, Corning, Dance

Alissa Marie Girsch, 12, Davenport, Vocal Solo

Bill Riley, Jr. is once again hosting the competition. Two Sprout acts will be crowned champions every day of the semi-finals. The six winning acts will perform in the talent-packed championship set for Sunday, August 19, at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi.

Each of the six Sprout Champions will receive a prize of $250 after the Championship Show. More than $15,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

CHICAGO - August 18, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement regarding Governor Pat Quinn's signing of House Bill 1645, which will help fund rape crisis centers through fees based on strip club profits or admissions.

Simon said: "I thank Governor Quinn for standing up for rape victims and crisis centers across the state. This new revenue stream will help offset cuts that threatened critical services. When a sexual assault victim goes to a police station or a survivor calls a hotline, we need trained staff ready to respond. This bill helps to keep lights on and doors open, jobs filled and responders trained."

Under the law, strip club owners can choose to pay the state on an annual basis a $3 per patron fee or opt to pay a flat fee based on the taxable receipts they report to the Illinois Department of Revenue each year. Clubs that report taxable receipts of $2 million or more would pay $25,000 a year; clubs that report taxable receipts of $500,000 to $2 million would pay $15,000; and clubs that report taxable receipts of less than $500,000 would pay $5,000, according to the new law.

The law goes into effect January 2013 and applies only to strip clubs that serve or permit alcohol consumption. It is projected to raise up to $1 million per year, or roughly one-sixth of what the state spends on sexual assault prevention and response annually. In fiscal year 2011, rape crisis centers in Illinois served more than 18,000 clients and reached nearly 475,000 people with prevention education.

The $3 per patron surcharge and fee structure was a compromise reached by rape crisis advocates, club owners and sponsors Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). The bill originally called for a $5 per patron entry fee.

"I would like to thank the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault as well as Lt. Governor Sheila Simon for their constant and unwavering support for this new law," Hutchinson said. "Victims of sexual assault must be able to access emergency services to fully recover from their traumatic experiences. I am hopeful the extra funding for sexual assault centers across Illinois will ensure no victim is turned away for care when they need it the most."

The new revenue will go into the new Sexual Assault Services and Prevention Fund and be distributed by the Department of Human Services for community-based assistance to victims of sexual assault and sexual assault prevention.  There are at least 32 rape crisis centers serving Illinois residents - 10 in the Chicago-metro region and 22 in the non-metro area. State funding for the centers has decreased about 28 percent in the past five years, forcing many centers to cut counselors and/or create waiting lists for counseling services while demand for services increased. One center closed its doors.

Last year, the Texas Supreme Court upheld legislation that funded crisis centers through a $5 entrance fee at strip clubs that permit alcohol based on the correlation among alcohol, live nude dancing and negative secondary effects, such as sexual assault. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge of that decision, effectively opening the door for other cities and states to pursue similar measures.

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Takes aim at sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence

CHICAGO - August 18, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed three new laws designed to provide greater protections to Illinois women from sexual assault and domestic violence. Earlier this week, the governor signed a new law to protect women from stalking. Today's action is the latest by Governor Quinn to support crime victims and boost protections of women.

"Violence against women has occurred in small towns, urban neighborhoods and college campuses," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws will help us hold the predators accountable as well as prevent behavior which can lead to sexual assaults."

Governor Quinn signed House Bill 1645, sponsored by Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), to create the Sexual Assault Services and Prevention Fund. An initiative of Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA), the law is designed to support sexual assault prevention efforts and aid the recovery of victims. According to Illinois State Police Uniform Crime Reports, about 15 rapes occur each day but experts agree that only one-third of all rapes are reported. In 2010, 18,349 survivors of sexual assault or sexual abuse were served by the hotlines of ICASA.

Under the new law, grants would be made to provide community-based assistance to victims of sexual assault and for activities to prevent sexual assault from happening. Administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services, the fund will be supported through the new Live Adult Entertainment Facility Surcharge. Club operators will be required to pay a flat surcharge on their gross receipts or impose a $3 surcharge on each patron upon admission. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2013.

"I thank Governor Quinn for standing up for rape victims and crisis centers across the state," Lt. Governor Simon said. "This new revenue stream will help offset cuts that threatened critical services. When a sexual assault victim goes to a police station or a survivor calls a hotline, we need trained staff ready to respond. This bill helps to keep lights on and doors open, jobs filled and responders trained."

"This law is a victory for rape victims and the dedicated rape crisis centers who work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in communities across the state to provide services to survivors of sexual assault." said Polly Poskin, ICASA Executive Director. "They will benefit from this innovative and important funding stream. We applaud Governor Quinn for signing this groundbreaking bill." Poskin noted that Chicago will be hosting the National Sexual Assault Conference from August 22-24.

"Gas taxes go for road-building; gambling fees fund addiction services. This is based on the same principle," said Sen. Hutchinson. "Let's work towards a society that understands that violence against women is totally unacceptable. Finding a way to fund these services is critical."

Governor Quinn also signed House Bill 5689 to create the Eradicate Domestic Violence Task Force, sponsored by Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago) and Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). An initiative of Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Dorothy Brown, the law paves the way for development of a statewide voluntary prevention course for high school students based on the Step Back program.

Step Back was developed by Sarah's Inn, a not-for-profit that set up a pilot program at Oak Park and River Forest High School. It consists of a daily, 9 week, 45 minute session course designed to increase awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault, date rape, bullying and suicide.

Under the new law, the Task Force will be comprised of 27 experts and advocates who will and report to the General Assembly by April 1, 2013. The law is effective immediately.

"I am thrilled the governor signed this bill," Clerk Brown said. "Eradicating domestic violence is dear to my heart: I was a victim of domestic violence as a teen. If we can show our youth alternatives to violence and teach them self-esteem, we can help them understand that no one should be a victim." The statewide program will be administered and staffed by Clerk of the Court employees.

"The innovative Step Back initiative is already changing behavior - one student at a time - at my alma mater, Oak Park and River Forest High School," Rep. Lilly said. "These teens are getting lessons to last a lifetime."

"We applaud these actions to make violence prevention a priority," said Regina Botterill, Executive Director of Sarah's Inn, a 30-year old agency that helps battered women in Chicago's Austin neighborhood and 22 suburban towns. "Sarah's Inn and all involved with the Step Back program at Oak Park and River Forest High School are honored to be part of the process."

In addition, Governor Quinn signed House Bill 5264 to allow prosecutors to use prior domestic violence offenses as evidence in first- and second-degree murder cases involving domestic violence. Sponsored by Rep. Art Turner (D-Chicago) and Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-Crystal Lake), the bill passed unanimously in both chambers and was supported by Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez. It is effective immediately.

Earlier this week, Governor Quinn signed House Bill 5922, sponsored by Rep William Cunningham (D-Chicago) and Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge), to expedite the process of serving "no-contact" notices to stalkers. Law enforcement authorities and process servers will now be able to use a shorter form to stop stalkers in their tracks. It also allows law enforcement officials to detain a respondent for a reasonable time to prepare and serve a short form "no-contact" order. Proposed by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, the bill - which passed unanimously in both chambers - amends the Illinois Stalking No Contact Order Act and Civil No Contact Order Act.

HB 5922 takes effect Jan. 1, 2013.

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