08 Aug 2012

Quinn Administration Releases Study: Without Pension Reform, Illinois Will Spend More on Pensions than Education by 2016

By Nafia Khan

Property Taxpayers Far More Protected With Comprehensive Pension Reform That Includes Responsibility for School Districts Than Without

CHICAGO - August 5, 2012. Governor Quinn released data today prepared by the Illinois Office of Management & Budget (OMB) that shows without comprehensive pension reform, Illinois will spend more on pensions than education by Fiscal Year 2016. The budget office performed the district-by-district analysis based on current projections to examine the long-term funding challenges of the state if comprehensive pension reform is not enacted. The analysis was released just days after Governor Quinn called a special session dedicated to pension reform on August 17.

"Illinois cannot continue down this path at the expense of our children," Governor Quinn said. "We must enact comprehensive pension reform that eliminates the unfunded liability to repair our pension system and give the next generation the education they deserve."

Under current actuarial assumptions, required state pension contributions will rise to over $6 billion in the next few years if no comprehensive pension reform is enacted, which will continue to result in significant cuts to education. According to the analysis, continued cuts to education as a result of fast-rising pension costs will cost downstate and suburban school districts far more than assuming the responsibility to pay for their compensation decisions over time.

For example, if comprehensive pension reform is enacted that includes a phased-in normal cost realignment, downstate and suburban school districts would assume $49 million in new normal pension costs in Fiscal Year 2014. However, if no such reform is adopted, downstate and suburban school districts would instead see their budgets reduced by $152 million, according to current projections.

School districts would be far more protected from a property tax increase with comprehensive pension reform that includes the responsibility to pay for compensation decisions, than they would be without.

Every day that Illinois' pension crisis goes unresolved, the unfunded pension liability grows by $12.6 million. Without comprehensive pension reform, funding for key services such as education will continue to be squeezed out. Governor Quinn has proposed a comprehensive pension reform plan that eliminates the unfunded liability over the next 30 years and includes a phased-in normal cost realignment that would ensure school districts have a stake in the contracts they negotiate.

The complete analysis is here: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.2&thid=1390323739d0f14e&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui%3D2%26ik%3D7484cc5eec%26view%3Datt%26th%3D1390323739d0f14e%26attid%3D0.2%26disp%3Dsafe%26zw&sig=AHIEtbR6Iq0Q76lUOPsI0_r7eOwQL-E3-A.

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08 Aug 2012

Theatre Cedar Rapids Volunteers Recognized at Annual Ceremony

By Leslie Charipar
August 7, 2012 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Theatre Cedar Rapids celebrated its 2011-12 season by honoring volunteers at Ovations Saturday, August 4, 2012.
The awards program featured video montages of every production from the past season; remarks by directors and staff members; and special awards for actors and a variety of volunteers. The celebration also included naming TCR's Volunteer of the Year.  Images of the event can be viewed at TCR's volunteer Facebook gallery by clicking here.
Award Recipients:
  • Volunteer of the Year
    • Emmy Palmersheim
  • Fed Hedges Lifetime Achievement Award  
    • Joan Sammons
  • Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Play 
    • Andy Lesieur as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland
  • Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Play 
    • Marty Norton as Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest
  • Golden Badge Award  
    • Doreen Meier
  • Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Play  
    • David Morton as Oscar Wilde in Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde
  • Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress in a Play  
    • Lindsay Prince as Georganne Darby in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
  • Technical Volunteer of the Year  
    • Rachel Potthoff
  • Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Musical  
    • Aaron Canterbury as George in The Wedding Singer
  • Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Musical  
    • Tina Conroy as Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray
  • Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Musical  
    • Michael Holmes as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray
  • Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical  
    • Emma Drtina as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray
  • Outstanding Performance by a Male Youth  
    • Josh Payne as Link Larkin in Hairspray
  • Outstanding Performance by a Female Youth  
    • Carly Herron as Penny Lou Pingleton in Hairspray
  • 2011-2012 Season Spirit Award winners:
    • Lovar Davis Kidd and Conor Schulz for "13"
    • Nicolette Coiner-Winn and Craig Allen for "Superior Donuts"
    • Danny Mulka and Greg Smith for "Damn Yankees"
    • Amy Marner and Lucie Riddell for "A Christmas Carol"
    • Angela Billman, Kevin Hartnett, Nicolette Coiner-Winn for "The Importance of Being Earnest"
    • David Morton and Andrew Clancey for "Gross Indecency: the Three Trials of Oscar Wilde"
    • Michaela Arnold and Rob Merritt for "The Wedding Singer
    • Rachel Potthoff, Andrea Kelly and Lindsay Prince for "Five Women Wearing the Same Dress"
    • Theresa Alt and Len Struttmann for "Alice in Wonderland"
    • Susie Streit and Shari Miller for "On Golden Pond"
    • Mike Holmes and Stephen Banks for "Hairspray"
  • Outstanding Play   
    • Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
  • Outstanding Musical   
    • Hairspray

 

 

 


08 Aug 2012

Colorful Ice Cream Cone Statues Decorate Iowa State Fairgrounds

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/07/2012)(readMedia)-- Fifty-seven concrete ice cream cones painted by Iowans pay tribute to the Iowa State Fair's Fairlicious foods. The 3 ½ foot tall statues will be on display throughout the grounds during the 2012 Fair. "Nothing Compares" to the celebration and activities at the Fair, August 9-19.

Individuals, clubs and companies had the opportunity to showcase their creative talents, in professional or novice categories, and decorate a concrete ice cream cone in any way they chose. Entries were judged on the basis of creativity and use of additional materials.

Visit http://www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions for a printable map with a listing of all the concrete ice cream cone locations.

The first place winners received a $150 cash prize and a Fair admission package valued at $160. Second place winners received a $100 cash prize and a Fair admission package valued at $120. Third place winners received $50 and a Fair admission package valued at $85. Winners will be recognized in an awards presentation Sunday, August 19.

Complete Results Below:

Novice

1) Hey Diddle Diddle - Emma Wetzel, Chuck and Rachel Ginder, Altoona

2) Fire and Ice Cream Cone: A Tribute to Benton County Fire Departments - Angie Wittmer, Vinton

3) #1 in Yum - Kathryn Light, Waterloo

Honorable Mention) Kids Cancer Squad Cure Cone - Janie Ostrem, Sweet Treats of Jewell, Jewell

Honorable Mention) Honey Cone - Dave Tull and Tricia Knipper, Donnellson; Tim Knipper, Moline, Ill.; Terri Knipper, Solon

Honorable Mention) Cone on the Cob - Augusta, Brandt, and Clara Scott, Ames

Honorable Mention) Gettin' Piggy Wit It - Agri-Access Team, Johnston

Honorable Mention-Above and Beyond) Kooky the Ice Cream Clown - Sylvia Faine, Lara Newsom, Beatrice Faine, Urbandale

Professional

1) Indulge - Kelly Elliott, Nevada

2) Holsteins in the Meadow - Missy Sharer, Messy Missy's; Matt Pisney, Center Street Dairy Queen, Marshalltown

3) Blingalicious - Candi Ladmig and Alexa Groff, The Vinyl Studio, Ankeny

Honorable Mention-Most Unique: Buford Beaver Butter Brickle - Ryan Harder, Buena Vista University, Storm Lake

Honorable Mention: Eat Your Veggies - Connie Boesen, Applishus/Salad Bowl, Des Moines

Honorable Mention: Veggie Table: Celebrating Over 30 Years at the Iowa State Fair - Ed Brafford, Ruth McCoy, Veggie-Table, West Des Moines

To be entered in the professional division, 25 percent or more of the entrant's income must come from graphic design or artistry related work.

"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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08 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Tuesday, August 7, 2012

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - August 7, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 4573

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Provides for the regulation of CO2 pipelines to be under the jurisdiction of the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration of the federal Department of Transportation, instead of the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4819

An Act Concerning: Wildlife

Amends the Wildlife Code to permit all individuals to use a crossbow during the second half of archery deer hunting season.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3047

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Allows a municipality that is part of a road district in a county that is not under township organization to organize into a separate road district.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately
08 Aug 2012

WQPT NAMES LEIGH GERAMANIS 2012 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT is delighted to announce that Leigh Geramanis has been named the WQPT Volunteer of the Year 2012. The "Hawaiian themed" award ceremony was held at Western Illinois University QC Riverfront Campus on August 7, 2012.

Leigh, who was joined by her daughter Abbie, was given the award by Jerry Myers, WQPT Program Manager, who was an instructor at Black Hawk College and taught Leigh when she was a student and intern at WQPT.  Mr. Myers noted that Leigh was known as "Ginger" during her college career.

"We are very fortunate to have someone like Leigh be a part of WQPT.  Her history with the station and her ability to serve in so many capacities is a real bonus for the station," said Interim General Manager and Chief Development Officer Jamie Lange.

During the past year Leigh not only served on various community committee's but also served as the host and moderator for an hour long television special dealing with the drop out crisis here in the Quad Cities.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University located in Moline, Illinois.

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07 Aug 2012

Where's the Outcry Over Reviving TV News Censorship, Ex-NBC Exec Asks?

By Rick Martin
Hard-Won First-Amendment Freedom is Again in Bureaucratic Crosshairs, Lawyer Says

While recent protests over proposed legislation addressing media entertainment piracy were loud and widespread, a veteran TV executive says the public seems unaware of an even greater threat to our free speech and a free press.

"People voiced concern about whether SOPA and PIPA (the House and Senate piracy bills) would limit free speech on the Internet. But the resurrection of television's old Fairness Doctrine, so government could again edit and censor news is a far more ominous threat," says Corydon B. Dunham, former 25-year NBC-TV executive and author of Government Control of News: A Constitutional Challenge (www.freespeech.authorsxpress.com).

"The Federal Communications Commission has drafted a new policy for government control of news.  And even though a special study last year recommended that such a censorship policy be scrapped, it's still pending, with the potential for action. Frankly, I'm surprised there is no outcry or debate about this political threat to distort news and speech and suppress them."

The FCC's proposed new Localism, Balance and Diversity Doctrine mirrors many aspects of the long-dead Fairness Doctrine, he says. That doctrine was revoked in 1987 when the FCC and the courts found that it had suppressed news, chilled speech, imposed censorship, prevented criticism of the administration then in office, and created an atmosphere of "timidity and fear."

"The new localism doctrine is very similar." Dunham says. "It would force television stations to provide government 'localism' in news production and coverage - as well as revise news reports to comply with government dictates on news balance and viewpoint diversity. Failure to comply could mean loss of the station license to broadcast.

"It may sound good to some people, but in the past, government investigations and regulation enforcement deterred news broadcasts about public and political issues. to keep their broadcast licenses, stations had to conform their news and political reports to what they believed FCC commissioners would approve or revise news reports to what the commissioners did approve.

"The FCC itself finally revoked that doctrine as against the public interest. Since the FCC is planning to transfer to the internet the broadcast spectrum now used by local TV, news websites ultimately could fall under the new Internet rules."

Here are some highlights of the old doctrine and the new one:

• The Fairness Doctrine ruled TV news broadcasters from 1949 to 1987. Believing that the communication power of this, at the time, new medium concentrated great power in few hands, the government mandated that broadcast stations provide what the FCC would decide and dictate as  appropriate "contrasting view" coverage.

• Under the Localism Doctrine, enforcement would not only be the job of the FCC, but also of a local board added at each station to monitor programming, including news. the members of that board would be required to recommend against a station's license renewal if  they thought station programming news was not complying with this new FCC  policy on localism, balance and diversity.

• Under localism rules, a three-vote majority of five politically appointed FCC commissioners at a central government agency would make local news judgments. They would override independent, local TV reporters and editors to impose government agency views on what should be reported and how.

"This new policy, if activated, would directly target news and speech on television and enable an administration to use news coverage to manipulate and influence public opinion about important public and political issues," Dunham says. "The effect would inevitably be something quite different from independent news."

That isn't speculation, Dunham notes. It's history.

About Corydon B. Dunham

Corydon B. Dunham is a Harvard Law School graduate. His Government Control of News study was initiated at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Smithsonian Institute, and expanded and developed for the Corydon B. Dunham Fellowship for the First Amendment at Harvard Law School and the Dunham Open Forum for First Amendment Values at Bowdoin College. Dunham was an executive at NBC from 1965 to 1990. He oversaw legal and government matters and broadcast standards. He was on the board of directors of the National Television Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Corporate Counsel Association, and American Arbitration Association among other posts.

07 Aug 2012

Grassley wants answers from Napolitano about chemical facility security program

By Grassley Press

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has asked Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano about allegations of mismanagement and spending abuse by the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program (CFATS).

"Serious claims have been made about the operation of this program," said Grassley.  "The Secretary said earlier this year that things had been fixed, but that doesn't appear to be the case.  If the allegations are true, there's been a systemic failure of this security program and nearly $500 million has been wasted."

The CFATS program was created in 2007 to determine risk factors for chemical facilities and mandate and assess security plans for high-risk facilities.

Grassley asked Napolitano about the program in April, following a report that said problems within CFATS were so severe they posed a measureable risk to the program, when she appeared before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

Since then, a whistleblower has provided more details about the Department of Homeland Security's management of the program, including allegations that CFATS assigned employees to non-existent field offices, allowing employees to work from home while claiming on paper to be located in phantom CFATS field offices.  Grassley said one byproduct of this was that employees often lived in low locality-pay areas while claiming duty stations in high locality-pay areas and receiving higher pay, as a result.

Allegations also included routine procurement by CFATS of tactical and field equipment for which the program had no use.  In addition, a high level official in the Department of Homeland Security allegedly refused to report information about the abuses to the Inspector General.

In a July 30, 2012, letter to Napolitano, Grassley asked for detailed information about the program.  He asked for a response by Monday, August 13.  Click here to read the letter.


07 Aug 2012

Obama to travel to Iowa

By Obama for America

DES MOINES - Obama for America announced today that President Obama will take a three-day tour of Iowa next week. On Monday, August 13, the President will travel to Council Bluffs, and Boone for campaign events. On Tuesday, August 14, he will hold campaign events in Oskaloosa, Marshalltown and Waterloo. On Wednesday, August 15, First Lady Michelle Obama will join President Obama for campaign events in Dubuque and Davenport.

Additional details on the President's campaign events are forthcoming.
07 Aug 2012

Free Admission and Healthy Activities Kick Off Iowa State Fair Opening Day

By Rick Martin

DES MOINES, IA (08/07/2012)(readMedia)-- WHAT: Fairgoers can take part in healthy activities and free admission on the Fair's opening day. A coupon featured in the August 5 Des Moines Sunday Register or the Wednesday, August 8 Des Moines Register full page Hy-Vee ad is required for free admission 6- 9 a.m. WHO Radio's Van and Bonnie will broadcast their show live from the Grand Concourse. Healthiest State Initiative activities will be ongoing between 6 a.m. and

8 a.m. Opening ceremonies will begin at 8 a.m., followed by Iowa's Largest ZUMBA® class. ZUMBA® is a Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness program. Other activities will include yoga by Hy-Vee Fitness, healthy breakfast demonstration by a Hy-Vee Chef, Fuel Up to Play 60 Kid Demo by the Dairy Council, ZUMBA® warm-up with Hy-Vee Triathlon, Iowa Senior Olympians, as well as giveaways and prizes.

WHEN: 6 - 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9

WHERE: Iowa State Fairgrounds

Grand Concourse in front of The Des Moines Register Service Center

East 30th and East University, Des Moines

WHO: Iowa State Fair

Healthiest State Initiative www.IowaHealthiestState.com

Hy-Vee, Inc. www.Hy-Vee.com

07 Aug 2012

20 More QC Students Awarded Back-to-School Shopping Sprees

By Holly Nomura

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