Washington?Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control Chairman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Co-Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today announced a hearing Wednesday, July 18, at 2:30 p.m. on prescription drug abuse in the United States.

 

According to a recent survey by Monitoring the Future?a University of Michigan study of U.S. students and young adults funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse?prescription drugs are the second-most abused category of drugs after marijuana.

WHO:

·         Sen. Feinstein

·         Sen. Grassley

·         Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.), co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse

·         Gil Kerlikowske, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy

·         Joseph Rannazzisi, deputy assistant administrator with the Drug Enforcement Administration

·         John Eadie, director of the Prescription Monitoring Program Center of Excellence at Brandeis University

·         Avi Israel, a parent advocate in Buffalo, N.Y.

·         Vernon Porter, a parent advocate in Orange County, Calif.

·         Joseph Harmison, owner of Harmison Pharmacies in Arlington, Texas

 

WHAT: Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control hearing: Responding to the Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic

WHEN: 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 18

WHERE: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 562

A live stream of the hearing will be available online at www.drugcaucus.senate.gov.

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This spring, we acted in concert with our allies to defeat legislation that would require the sale of public lands and an amendment that would force the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to assess the value of public lands that could be used in farming.

The Chapter also collaborated with our allies to successfully stop an egregious bill that would force rate-payers to fund a new nuclear power plant before it was even built.

The Chapter also succeeded in preventing a Senate vote on a bill that would remove a lead-based ammunition prohibition for hunting Mourning Doves.  Although the governor issued an executive order that permits the lead-based ammunition, the Chapter and its partners successfully convinced the Iowa Senate to support the ban by not voting on the bill passed by the House.

However, these accomplishments do not come free - there are costs involved.   Can we count on your donation so that we can continue to realize our goals?

You can make a non-tax-deductible donation to continue the Chapter's lobbying efforts by clicking the donate button below.

Or, you can choose to make a tax-deductible donation to further our informational and litigation programs.

If you prefer, you can send a check. Deductible donations need to be made out to The Sierra Club Foundation with Iowa Chapter written in the memo.  Non tax-deductible donations can be made out to Sierra Club Iowa Chapter.  All checks can be mailed to

Sierra Club Iowa Chapter,
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280,
Des Moines, IA 50310.

Thank you in advance for your generous contribution.

Sincerely,

Neila Seaman, Director,
Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club

P.S. Reserve the date of the Annual Dinner - September 22 - at White Rock Conservancy.

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley is asking the leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee to address the PFGBest broker scandal during a hearing scheduled for Aug. 1 about the loss of funds by farmers, grain co-ops and commodity brokers when MF Global's broker-dealer unit collapsed late last year.

Grassley also is asking the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to provide information on what the CFTC did in response to red flags that were raised with the commission regarding PFGBest.

"We have to make sure regulators are doing their job, and congressional oversight is a very important means for doing so," Grassley said.  "People need to have confidence in our commodity trading system in order for it to work for farmers and investors the way it's intended."

Click here for Grassley's letter to Agriculture Committee Chairman Debbie Stabenow and Ranking Member Pat Roberts.  Click here for Grassley's letter to CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler.  Below is the text of both letters.

July 12, 2012

The Honorable Debbie Stabenow
Chairman, Committee on Agriculture
Nutrition and Forestry
Russell Senate Office Building 328A
Washington, D.C. 20510-6000

The Honorable Pat Roberts
Ranking Member, Committee on Agriculture
Nutrition and Forestry
Russell Senate Office Building 328A
Washington, D.C. 20510-6000

Dear Chairman Stabenow and Ranking Member Roberts:

I know you are both just as concerned as I am with the recent events involving the brokerage firm Peregrine Financial Group Inc., ("PFGBest").  From the hearing the Senate Agriculture Committee conducted earlier this year on MF Global, it's clear the members of the committee understand just how important our commodity markets are to U.S. agriculture and our economy.

In light of the troubling news reports about how long PFGBest had shown signs of trouble, it's important the Senate Agriculture Committee look into the PFGBest matter in the same manner as what we have done regarding MF Global.  We have to make sure regulators are doing their job.

I appreciate the fact you have scheduled another hearing regarding MF Global for August 1, 2012.  I respectfully request that you broaden the scope of that hearing to include a look into the PFGBest matter, and ensure there is a witness from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") present at the hearing who is able to answer questions regarding PFGBest.

I thank you in advance for your consideration of my request.  Please feel free to contact me or my staff if you have any questions.

Sincerely,



Charles E. Grassley
United States Senator


July 12, 2012

Chairman Gary Gensler
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Three Lafayette Centre
1155 21st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20581

Dear Chairman Gensler:

The recent developments involving Peregrine Financial Group ("PFG") causes me serious concern as to whether the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") is properly overseeing the activities of commodity brokerage firms.  With the events of MF Global fresh in everyone's memory, we now are faced with yet another incident in which farmers' and investors' money may not have been properly safeguarded.

It is my understanding there was no ongoing CFTC investigation that precipitated the events of this week at PFG.  This is extremely troubling given that, according to press reports, there have been red flags for some time.  For example, it has been reported there were indications PFG was short of funds and/or had accounting irregularities as far back as February 2010.  It is critical for Congress to know what the CFTC did to look into these red flags.

Farmers and investors trust commodities brokers to safeguard their accounts and trust the CFTC to police the commodities market.  With the failure of MF Global and now PFG, the CFTC must be open and transparent with Congress and the American people to prevent the continued erosion of customer confidence in the integrity of the commodities markets.

As Congress examines the CFTC's actions regarding PFG, please provide the following information to help us with our investigation - What steps did the CFTC take to oversee PFG from the beginning of 2010 to the present?  When answering this question, please include all information related to previous violations of PFG, suspicious activity by PFG, and what steps, if any, the CFTC took to respond to these red flags.

I look forward to receiving your response in a timely manner.  If you have any questions, please contact me or my staff.

Sincerely,



Charles E. Grassley
United States Senator

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today discussed the importance of ensuring the 132nd Fighter Wing remains based in Des Moines with Gov. Terry Branstad.  The Governor testified before the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee hearing that focused on the Air Force's proposed reductions.  As the only Member of Congress from Iowa on the House Armed Services Committee, earlier this year, Loebsack successfully included a bipartisan amendment in the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to prevent cuts to the National Guard personnel and aircraft in Iowa and across the nation.

"Today's hearing helped further highlight the critical role the National Guard plays in our state's and nation's security and I am pleased Governor Branstad could join us," said Loebsack.  "As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I've been successfully fighting against the proposed cuts to the 132nd.  Our country has invested in the training and experience of the Airman with the 132nd who are some of the most experienced, most cost effective, and best performing in the country.  These Airmen have served our state and country with great dedication.  Going forward, I will continue to work on a bipartisan basis with the Governor to ensure that the Air Force's proposal does not move forward."

VIDEO

Loebsack questions Gov. Branstad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7p62xxKsPI

Loebsack welcomes Gov Branstad to the hearing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSaQV1vfilg

Greenville, IL. -- Greenville College has released the names of 264 students who qualified for honors at the conclusion of the spring semester. The list includes Ansley DeVrieze, Junior, Biology, College Scholar, daughter, Jay DeVrieze of Moline, IL
To qualify for the Dean's List, freshmen are required to maintain a 3.5 grade point average (4.0 scale). Sophomores, juniors and seniors must have a 3.7 GPA. A College Scholar is a student who has made the Dean's List for three or more consecutive semesters.
Greenville College is a four-year accredited Christian liberal arts school with more than 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Founded in 1892 and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the college is located in Greenville, Illinois, 45 miles east of St. Louis.
The University of Iowa awarded an estimated 4,300 degrees at the close of the 2012 spring session. Among the students from the (hometown) area who received degrees at the UI commencement are:

from Moline IL:
Hilary Ann Callas, BBA, Management
Sophie Marie Doroba, JD
Alana Christine McGinnis, BSN, Nursing
Michael Edward Turczynski, BA, Theatre Arts
Allison Kay Vannatta, JD

from Rock Island IL:
Shawna Christine Elmore Cassidy, MBA, with distinction
Casey Patrick Cunningham, BBA, Economics, Finance
Drew William Dezeeuw, BSE, Mechanical Engineering
Steven Robert Resch, BBA, Management, Marketing
Marissa Lynn West, BLS

DES MOINES, IA (07/12/2012)(readMedia)-- Iowa State Fair's free grounds entertainment will fill the Fairgrounds with family fun August 9-19. These grounds acts are just part of the more than half a million dollars of entertainment available to Fairgoers free with gate admission. "Nothing Compares" to this mix of art, music, comedy and animals that is sure to provide fun for all ages!

The Kids' Zone will be packed with kid-friendly food, entertainment and activities for the youngest Fairgoers. Located north of the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center, Kids' Zone includes the Blue Ribbon Kids' Club Tent, Little Hands on the Farm, Bengal Tiger Encounter, Butterfly House and Turbo Trampoline.

The Bengal Tiger Encounter is an inspirational program featuring the incredible Bengal tiger and educates the public on the loss of habitat and the killing of tigers for profit in other parts of the world. These tigers are protected and cared for by loving trainers. Tigers are on display all day with shows daily at 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m.

Fairgoers won't want to miss the fun and excitement found in the family-friendly entertainment area located west of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center. This area will feature the Swampmaster's Gator Show and the BMX Pros Trick Team several times daily.

Starring Swampmaster and native Iowan Jeff Quattrocchi and his band of playful alligators, the Swampmaster's Gator Show provides thrills, laughter, fun facts and edge-of-the-seat entertainment for all. Swampmaster's shows are daily at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., west of Jacobson Exhibition Center. For those looking for even bigger thrills, the BMX Pros Trick Team is sure to deliver. The show features the world's most extreme bicycle stunt riders in a spectacular, non-stop, action-packed event. The BMX Pros Trick Team presents the same championship talent that competes in the X-Games. BMX Pros Trick Team perform daily at 1, 3 and 6 p.m., west of Jacobson Exhibition Center.

Fairgoers can also enjoy an impressive array of new, fun family shows across the Fairgrounds. The Red Trouser Show is a high-end street theater performance that exceeds expectations. This professional and highly skilled duo is a unique and visible attraction that leaves awe-struck audiences laughing. Using fire, juggling and illusions, the show provides a whole new kind of acrobatics that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. Shows are daily at noon, 2 and 5 p.m on Expo Hill.

Bandoloni, the one man band, will be strolling the Fairgrounds to impress audiences with his harmonious multitasking. Fairgoers will want to join in the fun as he belts out familiar family favorites while playing guitar, harmonica, tambourine, high-hat, kick-drum, snare and more - all at the same time! Catch Bandoloni strolling around the Fairgrounds daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m.

"Back to the Farmer" will be the focus of a sculpture in the Varied Industries Building by Canstruction, Inc., a group that creates art from canned goods before donating their sculpting material to local food banks. Positioned around the main build of a futuristic car will be colorful and engaging sculptures depicting the continuous improvement of Iowa's farmers. Also, chainsaw artists A.J. Lutter and Gary Keenan will be sculpting four different pieces each day at 10 a.m., noon, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. in Heritage Village. The sculptures will be auctioned off at the end of the Fair.

The Cultural Center atrium will be showcasing The Art of Becoming AWARE sculptures from

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. The sculptures are made from trash pulled from Iowa's rivers in Iowa DNR's Project AWARE cleanup efforts.

Rounding out the free grounds entertainment, Hedrick's Petting Zoo will allow kids of all ages to get up close and personal with many animals that may not be found in the typical Iowa barn. Visit their exhibit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Pella Wildlife Company will also present animal shows featuring bats and wolves and other endangered species at Maytag Family Theaters daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. In addition, an ongoing wildlife education center will run continuously in Homemakers' Theater.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. A complete listing and details of free grounds entertainment, as well as all other Iowa State Fair events, is available online. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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All - Please find Gov. Branstad's testimony to the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness regarding the importance of the National Guard, which just concluded, attached to this email.

Additionally, below are the letters referenced in the governor's testimony:

DOD Response letter:

https://governor.iowa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/DoD-Response-Letters-4-23-12.pdf

Co-Chair letter to Secretary Carter

https://governor.iowa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Co-Chair-Letter-to-Secretary-Carter.pdf

Co-Chair letter to AF

https://governor.iowa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Co-chair-letter-to-AF-3-19-12-FINAL.pdf

Letter to Secretary Panetta

https://governor.iowa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Letter-to-Secretary-Panetta.pdf

Tap your toes!  Move your feet!  Get up and dance to the live jazz music of Don Estes and the Prairie Ramblers at the 25th Annual Bix Porch Party!  Enjoy the block party featuring live jazz, entertainment, food, and more on Thursday, August 2, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (music starts at 11:30) at the Main Street Library (321 Main Street).

Enjoy FREE music, entertainment, popcorn, and lemonade.  The library's Teen Volunteer Council will sell hotdogs and soda at bargain prices to help raise money for teen items at the library!

Bring lawn chairs and blankets, and wear your dancing shoes as we block off Main Street for some good old-fashioned fun.  Come for the music and enjoy the old-timey carnival of popcorn, lemonade, and more!  This FREE event is for people of all-ages.

Stop in the Library afterwards and visit the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center to learn more about Bix and see the display of Bix Jazz Festival posters.  Call 563-326-7832 for more information.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Davenport Public Library.

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