14 Mar 2012

Navy Veteran is First North Carolina Candidate to Adopt "9-9-9"

By Rick Martin
??
March 5, 2012
(Atlanta) A career Navy veteran is the latest high-profile congressional candidate to join "9-9-9 The Revolution". Businessman and former presidential frontrunner Herman Cain today announced the official commitment of North Carolina Republican Bill Randall to make "9-9-9" the law of the land.
Randall is one of three Republican candidates running for Congress in North Carolina's open 13th district - an area of the state that saw big support for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election but has turned Republican due to redistricting. Randall is also the first candidate in the Tar Heel state to join "9-9-9", Cain's economic growth and jobs program.
"First, he chose nation before himself with an entire career in the United States Navy. Now, Bill Randall has shown he is truly dedicated to restoring this country's greatness with his vow to throw out the current miserable federal tax code," Cain said. "Bill Randall is a person we want not only in the trenches of literal warfare, but a person we want leading our 'Army of Davids'  against the 'Goliath' that is our giant, bloated, ineffective government."
Randall is not without campaign battle victories and scars of his own. A Tea Party favorite, he ran for Congress in 2010 in which he was outspent by a four-to-one margin and still got nearly half the votes. He also fell victim to nasty campaign tactics when a vandal defaced a billboard, a circumstance that gained national attention on a website founded by the late Andrew Breitbart.
This time around, Randall's embrace of '9-9-9' only adds to his cache of intellectual weaponry.  "The clock is ticking, and it is no secret that financial Armageddon is upon us," Randall stated. "Amidst this gloomy climate has emerged a bright ray of hope: Herman Cain's '9-9-9 Plan." Posterity will look back at our ineptness for not adopting '9-9-9', or with pride and gratitude for adopting it, thus helping to pull us back from the precipice of financial ruin. "
Randall's support for '9-9-9' brings the number of candidate commitments to 23, up from just 12 last week. These are 2012 U.S. Candidates who are committed to thoroughly reading the '9-9-9' bill that is being drafted, and then working to sponsor, introduce and pass '9-9-9' legislation.
Candidate commitments to '9-9-9' are a part of the much broader Cain's Solutions Revolution. To learn more, including the April 16, 2012 event "Revolution on the Hill", please visit www.cainconnections.com.
14 Mar 2012

discount drug program accounting sought

By Grassley Press

Grassley, Enzi, Hatch, Pitts Seek Details of Discount Drug Program

 

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley, Sen. Michael Enzi, Sen. Orrin Hatch,  and Rep. Joe Pitts today asked a wide range of stakeholders for a detailed accounting of how they operate the 340B program, a discount drug program that's meant to supply federally funded grantees and other safety net health care providers but whose exploding growth raises questions about program integrity.

 

A June 2011 Health and Human Services Inspector General report raised questions of program integrity without proper federal oversight of taxpayer dollars.  Likewise, a report from the Government Accountability Office issued in September 2011 said federal oversight of the program is "inadequate" to ensure that covered entities and manufacturers are in compliance with program requirements.

 

"With the reliance on self-policing among participating manufacturers and covered entities and the increase in the number of new settings in which the program is offered, the risk of improper purchases or diversion of 340B drugs has significantly increased," the members wrote.  "The problems identified by the GAO as it relates to the oversight responsibilities of each party and the expansion of the program need resolution."

 

Grassley, Enzi, Hatch, and Pitts wrote to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America; the Biotechnology Industry Organization; Apexus, Inc.; and the Safety Net Hospitals for Pharmaceutical Access.  The legislators said that with so many stakeholders involved in the program, everyone must work together to ensure the program is serving the intended beneficiaries.

 

The members' three letters are available here, here and here.

 

-30-
14 Mar 2012

Iowa Supreme Court to Visit Seven High Schools and Community College Classes in Council Bluffs Area

By Iowa Judicial Branch

Des Moines, March 5, 2012 ? On Thursday, March 8, members of the Iowa Supreme Court will visit seven Council Bluffs area high schools and also classes at Iowa Western Community College to talk with students about the role of the courts. In Council Bluffs, the justices will visit with students at Jefferson, Lincoln, and St. Albert High Schools and the Iowa School for the Deaf. Justices will also visit Glenwood High School and Treynor High School.

 

In addition to the school visits, the court will hold a special session in Council Bluffs on the evening of Wednesday, March 7. The court will hear oral arguments in two cases at the Iowa Western Community College Arts Center. This session begins at 7 p.m. As always, oral arguments are open to the public. A public reception with the justices, sponsored by the Pottawattamie County Bar Association, will follow the oral arguments.

 

High school visit schedule March 8, 2012:

8:30 a.m.?Chief Justice Mark Cady will visit The Iowa School for the Deaf

8:30 a.m.?Justice Daryl Hecht will visit Council Bluffs Lincoln High School

8:40 a.m.?Justice Thomas Waterman will visit Council Bluffs Lewis Central High School

9:00 a.m.?Justice David Wiggins will visit Council Bluffs Jefferson High School

8:50 a.m.?Justice Edward Mansfield will visit Glenwood High School

9:30 a.m.?Justice Brent Appel will visit St. Albert High School

10:30 a.m.?Justices Wiggins and Waterman will visit Iowa Western Community College

1:00 p.m.?Justice Mansfield will visit Treynor High School

 

Special session:

Wednesday, March 7 at 7 p.m.

Iowa Western Community College Arts Center

2700 College Road

Council Bluffs, Iowa

 

The court will hear attorneys argue in two cases:

Mall Real Estate v. City of Hamburg

Plaintiff, Mall Real Estate, asked the Iowa District Court for Fremont County to declare that the City of Hamburg's "sexually-oriented business" ordinance either did not apply to plaintiff's business or that it was an unconstitutional regulation and could not be enforced against plaintiff's business. The district court found the ordinance did apply to plaintiff's business and that it was a constitutional regulation. Plaintiff appeals the district court determination.

 

The lawyers for Mall Real Estate are: Brian B. Vakulskas and Daniel P. Vakulskas, Sioux City, and W. Andrew McCullough, Utah. The lawyer for the City of Hamburg is Raymond R. Aranza, Cedar Rapids.

 

American Civil Liberties Union v. Atlantic School District

Petitioner, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), seeks additional information regarding discipline imposed on two school district employees after a "locker room strip search" of five female students. The Atlantic School District claims Iowa law does not require public disclosure of such job performance documents. The ACLU argues the Iowa Court of Appeals incorrectly interpreted a recent legislative amendment that should have permitted disclosure of the disciplinary action.

 

The lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union is: Randall C. Wilson, Des Moines. The lawyers for the Atlantic Community School District are: Brett S. Nitzschke, and Emily K. Ellingson, Cedar Rapids.
14 Mar 2012

Area Teachers to Testify at Public Hearing on Education Reform

By Jean Hessburg

Frontline Professionals Are a Good Resource for What's Going on in the Classroom

DES MOINES, IA (03/05/2012)(readMedia)-- Iowa educators are expected to come out in force for Monday night's public hearing on House File 2380. Public school teachers will give their ideas about what makes good sense in the classroom.

"We need more decisions, not fewer, to be made at the local level with the educators who are in the classrooms, the administrators in the schools, and the parents working together. All of us are accountable for our students' success, so let's include all of us in the decision making, " said Chris Bern, president, Iowa State Education Association during his prepared remarks.

Teachers commented on controversial aspects of the Governor's education reform bill including third grade retention, online learning, and too many changes.

"Holding an eight-year-old back based on a test score determined at the state level completely undermines a decision which should be made at the local level in coordination with the parent, teacher, and administrator of the student. How can a test score possibly take the place of a determination by those most in-the-know at the local level?" said Josh Wager, Des Moines middle school teacher.

"In a rush to develop exclusionary online programs, we run the risk of eliminating some of the most valuable input and feedback a student can have for development: the human element. While online content can provide rigor; it is essential that human interaction be maintained, one-on-one," said Timm Pilcher, Des Moines high school teacher.

"My biggest concern is that we continue to jump from one education reform idea to the next. We don't finish anything, thus we can't even know if these reforms could be effective." said Ann Swenson, Waukee music teacher.

Eight educators will give remarks at tonight's hearing. Their remarks can be found on the ISEA website.

The ISEA is a professional association made up of nearly 34,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

14 Mar 2012

Governor Quinn Pursues Economic Development Opportunities in Canada

By Annie Thompson

First Visit by Governor in 15 Years Will Help Promote
Illinois Trade, Business and Tourism

 

TORONTO - March 5, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn is in Canada today on an economic development visit where he is promoting Illinois' trade and business opportunities, as well as tourism and life sciences industries. This is the first trade-oriented visit by an Illinois governor to Canada in over a decade and builds upon Governor Quinn's commitment to strengthening relationships with Illinois' key trading partners.

 

"Illinois has always been a global business leader, and through our aggressive efforts to increase exports, attract international visitors and develop innovative new partnerships in growing and emerging fields," Governor Quinn said. "This visit is an opportunity for us to further promote Illinois on a global stage, work toward our goal of doubling Illinois exports by 2014 and create economic opportunities for the future."

 

Governor Quinn opened the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) trade show, the leading foodservices and hospitality event in Canada. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Department of Agricultural administered federal funding and technical support to 10 Illinois companies with exhibits at the show. The funding comes from a $1.26 million State Trade Export & Promotion (STEP) grant through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The show will help those companies increase their exports and global reach. A list of the 10 Illinois exhibitors is attached.

 

Canada is Illinois' largest export market, receiving more than $19.17 billion of Illinois exports in 2011, a 28 percent increase over 2010. Illinois exported more than $1.18 billion in agricultural, food and related products to Canada in 2011. Canada is Illinois'' fourth largest market for foreign direct investment and Illinois' top market for international visitors. More than 150 Canadian firms are located in Illinois that employ nearly 36,837 Illinois residents.

 

Governor Quinn also met with key members of the life sciences and bio-energy communities at a meeting hosted by MaRS (medical and related sciences) Innovation and MaRS Discovery District at the MaRS Center. The Governor discussed opportunities for collaboration in emerging biotech fields and highlighted the importance of Canadian participation in the BIO International Conventions that Chicago will host in 2013 and 2016. More than 900 Canadian biotech professionals attended BIO 2010 in Chicago - the largest delegation of any of the 61 countries attending the convention.

 

Illinois ranks first in the Midwest and eighth nationally in terms of high-tech jobs, according to Tech America's Cyberstates 2011 Report. After setting records for attendance in 2006 and 2010, Illinois will again host the BIO International Convention in 2013 and 2016. The success of BIO 2010, along with other key initiatives recently implemented in Illinois - the Illinois Angel Investment Tax Credit, Illinois R&D Tax Credit extension, and Illinois Innovation Council - earned Governor Quinn the title of 2011 BIO "Governor of the Year."

 

While in Canada, Governor Quinn continued his efforts to increase tourism by promoting Illinois as a top destination for business and leisure travel during the "Visit Illinois" tourism luncheon held in Toronto. Governor Quinn was joined by Illinois Office of Tourism Deputy Director Jan Kostner to highlight the state's attractions, travel destinations and access to transportation to encourage more Canadian business and leisure travel to Illinois and Chicago. More than 100 Canadian travel executives, tour operators and travel writers attended the luncheon, along with members of the Executive Committee of the Discover America Canada Committee, U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson, and U.S. Consul General Kevin Johnson.

 

Illinois welcomed more than 1.1 million international visitors in 2010, maintaining Illinois' rank as the 7th most popular U.S. state for international visitors. In 2010, Canada was Illinois' top market for international visitors followed by the United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany and Japan. Canadians made 452,000 visits to Illinois last year, which contributed $227 million to the state's economy.

 

More information about Illinois trade and business opportunities can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website at www.illinoisbiz.biz.

 

###


14 Mar 2012

Braley to Travel to Iwo Jima Battlefield with Iowa Veteran

By Jeff Giertz

Braley and Waterloo resident David Greene will participate program organized by nonprofit Greatest Generations Foundation

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will travel to Iwo Jima, Japan, with Marine Corps veteran David Greene of Waterloo next week as part of a program organized by the nonprofit Greatest Generations Foundation.  The visit will be Greene's first since fighting in the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.  Braley has never visited the island.

Greene served in the Marine Corps during World War II and spent a month fighting at the Battle of Iwo Jima.  Braley's late father, Byard Braley of Brooklyn, Iowa, was also a veteran of the Marine Corps and fought on Iwo Jima.

The Greatest Generations Foundation, based in Denver, Colorado, organized a program so 12 American veterans could return to the Iwo Jima battlefield for the first time since the battle along with a class of students from The Ohio State University.  Braley and US Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) are the highest-ranking US government officials accompanying the veterans.

"The legacy of my father's service at Iwo Jima is incredibly meaningful to me," Braley said.  "Iwo Jima has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, so to have the chance to return to Iwo Jima and honor my father's legacy with David Greene and this group of veterans is truly special.

 

"These veterans' stories are such an important part of our nation's history.  To veterans like David, what happened on Iwo Jima more than 65 years ago was one of the most important events in their lives.  It's important to return to Iwo Jima so veterans like David can keep this history alive."

 

Braley and Greene will depart for Iwo Jima this Friday March 9th.  On Wednesday, March 14th, Braley and Greene will fly from Guam to Iwo Jima to spend the day at the battlefield and participate in memorial services.  Braley will return to Iowa on March 15th.

For more information about the Greatest Generations Foundation, visit: http://tggf.us/

For a tribute to his father written by Rep. Bruce Braley, visit: http://bit.ly/xrMf5N

# # #
14 Mar 2012

Treasurer Fitzgerald Awards $200 College Savings Iowa Account and an Autographed Paul Rhodes Football

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (03/05/2012)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald met with the family of a lucky Grinnell Kindergartner on Friday to present a $200 College Savings Iowa account plus a Paul Rhodes autographed football. Nolan Andersen, age six, was chosen to receive the award after his grandfather, Don, entered him for the giveaway on the College Savings Iowa's website.

"With college tuition rates rising faster than inflation, saving for college is not an easy task these days," Fitzgerald said. "As the saying goes, your best defense is a good offense. And what better offense is there than saving early? It is one of the most significant things a family can do to help make college a reality for their child. It can reduce a parent's need to borrow to cover educational expenses, which can help them - and their child - get through college with less debt."

College Savings Iowa offers a convenient, affordable, tax-advantaged way for families to start saving for their children's education. It takes just $25 to open a College Savings Iowa account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $2,975 per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income in 2012 and there are no income or residency restrictions.*

Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or technical training school in the United States or abroad. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, go to www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation if withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The earnings portion of nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

###

14 Mar 2012

Girls Get Away in LeClaire

By Donna Walley
Girls Get Away in LeClaire, Iowa. April 27 & 28.
$50.00 fee -
  • Mini Makeovers by Paul Mitchell,
  • Dinner at Steventon's,
  • Fashion Show,
  • What's HOT in home decor for 2012 by POSH HOME.
  • Music by John McLaughlin,
  • Improv Comedy by 2 Guys in Ties,
  • Mini Martini's, Wine Tasting where you will get a free etched wine glass from Wide River Winery,
  • Music on the porch & wine tastings at Grasshoppers.
  • Vodka Tastings Mississippi River Distillery.
  • Give aways, scavenger hunt and much more!!!
The first 20 women who sign up will receive a tiara in their goody bag. Go to www.visitleclaire.com for more information.
14 Mar 2012

CHRISTIAN CARE'S 2ND ANNUAL TRIVIA NIGHT

By Jared Johnson
Christian Care will host its second annual Trivia Night at The Rock in Coal Valley on
Friday, March 23, 2012. Doors will open at 6:00 PM and the games will begin at
7:00 PM. The cost is $10 per person with eight individuals per team. The top two teams
will receive cash prizes for their trivia knowledge. Raffle items and a 50/50 drawing
will be held and Mulligans will be available for purchase. Sandwiches, drinks and water
will be for sale, as well as delicious baked goods from the ladies of Grace Evangelical
Free Church. Team members are also welcome to bring their own snacks. Seating is
limited; to reserve individual or team seating contact Mary Maland at 309/792-4102 or
cc.mary10@gmail.com.

The proceeds from Trivia Night will help Christian Care continue to provide services in
the Quad Cities to a growing number of homeless men and abused women and children
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The organization's vision is to transform lives. They
accomplish this by providing safe shelter, food, clothing, and personal care items, as
well as the counseling and guidance needed to help residents develop the skills needed
for a healthy new life.

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose vision is to transform lives.
Through its mission of providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care
empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive
changes in every aspect of their lives. Christian Care's two facilities?a domestic
violence shelter for women and children and a rescue mission for men?serve homeless
individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of
prison, and those with mental illnesses. If you know someone in need, call the Christian
Care Crisis Hotline at any hour of the day or night at 309/788-2273.

For more information about Christian Care, please go to their web site at
christiancareqc.org or to Facebook at facebook.com/christiancareqc.
14 Mar 2012

Staking New Ground - Construction Supply Company Finds Quick Road To Success

By Rick Martin
Innovation in Niche Market Leads to Rapid Start-up and Expansion Right off the Bat.

BlackBat Trueline Stakes started as a business idea involving the supply of wooden survey stakes for the construction industry including oil and gas, pipeline and highway rights-of-way, and infrastructure renewal projects.  This led to a new business model, which has found rapid acceptance and quick growth.

In 2009, BlackBat Stakes' co-founder Bob Reeves presented Howard Bagby with an opportunity to establish a survey stake company. Howard, who has 30 years experience in the oil and gas business, was familiar with the need of this product, considering how much survey work is done before drilling projects start.

"I recognized that there was a need for high quality wooden stakes for our surveyors to use, and Bob's plan would do something about it," Bagby said. After speaking further with Reeves, Bagby discovered the stakes were from multiple sources that were inconsistent and consequently the quality was often below standards. "The quality varied so much that often an area had to be re-surveyed or would take too long to get right simply due to undependability and breakage of the stakes," Babgy said. "This made Reeves' proposal very interesting."

Reeves' idea was simple: "If we put a better survey stake in the market, we could save a lot of time and money in the cost of a project."

In 2010, they bought a small Alma, Ark.-based regional stake maker and invested in new technologies that allow the company to produce a high volume of high-quality stakes that lead the industry in low breakage rates and durability. "We were very fortunate in the beginning. Once we got our manufacturing process worked out with our new designs, our volume and consistency was much better than we ever expected," Howard said.

As BlackBat began introducing its stakes, made of pine or hardwood, to the market in February 2011, growth was immediate.  Orders increased every month.  Customers love the smooth finish on the stakes, making them easy to write on. The stakes' consistent quality and straightness ensure survey projects are more efficient and accurate.

While BlackBat is excited about the rapid growth they are presently experiencing, the company also is staking its claim in the future. "We would like to see our company and its processes grow nationally.  It will be very easy for us to replicate this manufacturing process in other states. Wherever high quality wood products are sold we want to be there, and we want our name to be recognized," said Reeves, now General Manager at BlackBat.

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