Funding Will Help Producers, Landowners and Communities Rebuild and Repair Damaged Land after Year of Extreme Weather

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2012?Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an important package of disaster assistance to help farmers, land owners, communities and others recover and rebuild after a year in which a wave of natural disasters swept across all regions of the United States. The funding, totaling $308 million, provides financial and technical assistance to help rebuild and repair land damaged on account of flooding, drought, tornadoes and other natural disasters in 33 states and Puerto Rico. Funding is provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) as well as the Farm Service Agency's Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).

"Landowners, individuals and communities have endured incredible hardships because of the intensity and volume of natural disasters that have impacted their livelihoods," said Vilsack. "America's farmers and rural communities are vitally important to our nation's economy, producing the food, feed, fiber and fuel that continue to help us grow. This funding will help to rebuild communities, while states can use the funds to carry out emergency recovery measures. At the same time, this assistance keeps farmers on the farm, ranchers on the ranch, and landowners on their land, helping to keep American agriculture profitable."

The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) will contribute $215.7 million to provide financial and technical assistance to address public safety and restoration efforts on private, public and tribal lands. When funding is allocated to a project, NRCS contracts the heavy construction work to local contractors, spurring creation of jobs. Typical projects funded under EWP include removing debris from waterways, protecting eroded stream banks, reseeding damaged areas, and in some cases, purchasing floodplain easements on eligible land. A list of states and their fiscal year 2012 EWP Program allocations can be viewed at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/ewpp.

The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) program will contribute $80 million to producers to help remove debris from farmland, restore livestock fences and conservation structures, provide water for livestock during periods of severe drought, and grade and shape farmland damaged by a natural disaster. FSA county committees determine eligibility based on on-site inspections of damaged land and considering the type and extent of damage. For land to be eligible, the natural disaster must create new conservation problems.

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) program will provide $12 million in payments to eligible owners of nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) land in order to carry out emergency measures to restore land damaged by a natural disaster.

A list of states and their fiscal year 2012 ECP and EFRP allocations can be viewed at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/20120108_ecp_efrp_table.pdf.

USDA works with state and local governments and private landowners to conserve and protect our nation's natural resources - helping preserve our land and clean our air and water. In 2010, President Obama launched the America's Great Outdoors initiative to foster a 21st century approach to conservation that is designed by and accomplished in partnership with the American people. During the past two years, USDA's conservation agencies?NRCS, FSA and the U.S. Forest Service?have delivered technical assistance and implemented restoration practices on public and private lands. At the same time, USDA is working to better target conservation investments to embrace locally driven conservation and entering partnerships that focus on large, landscape-scale conservation. In 2011, USDA enrolled a record number of acres of private working lands in conservation programs, working with more than 500,000 farmers and ranchers to implement conservation practices that clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and prevent soil erosion.

The Obama Administration, with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack's leadership, has worked tirelessly to strengthen rural America, implement the Farm Bill, maintain a strong farm safety net, and create opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers. U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its most productive periods in American history thanks to the productivity, resiliency, and resourcefulness of our producers.

A strong farm safety net is important to sustain the success of American agriculture. To help keep American agriculture profitable, USDA immediately responds to disasters across the country, ranging from record floods, droughts and tropical storms, with direct support, disaster assistance, technical assistance, and access to credit. For example, USDA's crop insurance program insures 264 million acres, 1.14 million policies, and $110 billion worth of liability on about 500,000 farms. Over the past 3 years, USDA has paid out about $17.2 billion in crop insurance indemnities to more than 325,000 farmers who lost crops due to natural disasters. And in response to tighter financial markets, USDA has expanded the availability of farm credit, helping struggling farmers refinance loans. In the past 3 years, USDA provided 103,000 loans to family farmers totaling $14.6 billion. Over 50 percent of the loans went to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (Voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).


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Endorsement Announcement:  January 20, 2012

Location: Moline Public Library Gold Room

Time: 10AM

The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Political Action Committee announced today its endorsement of Mike Smiddy in the Democratic primary for the 71st House District.

The AFFI represents over 15,000 members in 211 communities across the state. The firefighters said Smiddy will be the best advocate for public safety and ensure Illinois firefighters have the resources necessary to keep the citizens and first responders safe.

"Mr. Smiddy impressed us with his depth of knowledge on issues important not only to firefighters, but to all working men and women in his district and the state," said Pat Devaney, President of the AFFI. "At a time when financial resources are at a premium, it's good to know the voters have an opportunity to elect someone with fiscal integrity as well as concern for public safety."

AFFI Legislative Representative Chuck Sullivan stated that  " Mr. Smiddy's previous life experiences and work history lends credence to the fact that he understands the working middle class and is willing to stand up for all workers and their families."

The AFFI is among the most respected advocacy groups before the Illinois General Assembly and represents firefighters' efforts statewide in protecting lives and property from fire and other catastrophic events.

Plain Regulations Act would require government rules be written in clear, concise language

 

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) introduced a new bill - his first of 2012 - to streamline government regulations in an effort to save small businesses time and money.

The Plain Regulations Act would require the government to write new and updated regulations in clear, simple, easy-to-understand language.

"Whether you like or loathe government regulations, I think everyone can agree that when they exist they should be written as clearly as possible," Braley said.  "Sadly, gobbledygook dominates the regulations issued by government agencies, making it almost impossible for small businesses to understand the rules of the road.

 

"The Plain Regulations Act would simplify rules, saving small businesses time and freeing up money that can be better used investing in growing the business and creating jobs."

 

The costs to small businesses of complying with government regulations are significant.  The National Small Business Association has estimated that businesses with less than 20 employees pay an estimated $7,600 per employee to comply with regulations.

"Simplifying regulations won't eliminate the costs of compliance, but it will reduce them.  And it's an easy way to save small businesses money that can quickly attract bipartisan support."

 

Examples of lengthy, overly complex regulations abound.  As part of the Affordable Care Act, the Department of Health and Human Services recently published a 189 page rule outlining the requirements for doctors to form Accountable Care Organizations.  Doctors have complained that the regulations are too complex and convoluted for them to understand.

 

Braley is known for his efforts to simplify government writing.  In 2007, Braley launched a three-year effort to require the government to write forms and documents like tax returns in easy-to-understand language with the introduction of the Plain Writing Act.  The bill was signed into law by President Obama in 2010, and improves the accountability of the federal government by promoting clear communication that the public can understand and use.  The law went into effect in July of 2011.

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How It's Going in Cuba

Observations on the communist atheist approach to social justice in Cuba will be the topic of a program presented by Margaret Thomas, Vince Thomas and Emma Carrillo Peters Monday, January 30, at 7 pm in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation building, 3707 Eastern Ave., Davenport.  In a program sponsored by the adult religious education committee of the Congregation, open to the public, the speakers will show pictures of their recent trip and tell what they learned about Cuba during the 53rd anniversary of the Revolution there.  For more information, call Margaret at 309 786 6944.

 

Race:  the Power of Illusion

The Rev. Jay Wolin will present a class based on a film of that title in five sessions beginning Wednesday at 7 pm, February 1, in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation meeting place, 3707 Eastern Ave, Davenport.  Discussions in a safe environment will be part of the series, which is open to the public. Attendance at all the sessions is encouraged, but not required.  Other dates are Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29.  For more information, call the Congregation at 563 359 0816.
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - In honor of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's Día del Amor/Valentine's Day concert, a Valentine's Day Gala will be held in the Hotel Blackhawk in downtown Davenport. According to Jared Johnson, Marketing Director for the Symphony, the event will provide a full slate of romantic entertainment for Quad-Citians looking to celebrate Valentine's Day in style.
The Valentine's Day Gala will be held 5 p.m., Saturday, February 11, at the Hotel Blackhawk, 200 E. 3rd St., Davenport, Iowa. Black tie is optional.
"The evening will begin at 5 p.m. in the hotel's Gold Room," Johnson said. "Guests can enjoy hosted beer and wine, delicious appetizers, and the opening of the silent auction." Silent auction items will include an all-expense-paid Mexican vacation, an authentic Italian dinner for 10 prepared by Quad City Symphony Orchestra Music Director Mark Russell Smith, and a $5,000 diamond pendant, courtesy of Holland Jewelers.
At 6 p.m., Johnson noted, guests will enjoy a Latin-infused gourmet dinner, accompanied by live music. "At 7:30 p.m., the festivities move to the nearby Adler Theatre for the Valentine's Day Concert," he said. "The Quad City Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Alondra de la Parra will perform romantic favorites, including Scheherezade, Boléro, and the Concierto de Aranjuez with renowned guitarist Robert Belinic."
After the concert, guests can return to the Hotel Blackhawk to continue the celebration, Johnson added. "The Candymakers will be on hand with their lively dance music," he said, "and guests can partake of delectable desserts as the silent auction continues."
Johnson also noted that the evening will feature an elegant, icy tequila luge to delight partygoers. "The tequila luge will be just one of many surprises that the night will hold," Johnson said. "The gala, in conjunction with the concert, is sure to be the definitive Valentine's Day event of the year for the Quad-Cities."

To take part in this elegant evening of music and romance, call the Quad City Symphony Orchestra Box Office at (563) 322-QCSO (7276) or visit www.qcsymphony.com.

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 IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - The Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) will perform a special Valentine's Day concert on February 11 and 12 - but for several couples who are members of the QCSO, love is an everyday duet.

Ron Morton, tuba player, and his wife Denise, oboe player, enjoy making beautiful music both at home and in the orchestral ranks of the QCSO. Ron is in his 31st season with the QCSO, while Denise is in her 17th season.
David Greenhoe, principal trumpeter with the Symphony since 1979, and Marie Lindmark, a violinist and singer who recently served as President of Volunteers for Symphony, also enjoy a musical relationship, which has grown even stronger as they've entered their 60s.
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra's Día del Amor/Valentine's Day concert will be held at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, February 11, at the Adler Theatre, 136 E. 3rd St., Davenport, Iowa, and again at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 12, at Centennial Hall, 3703 7th Ave., Rock Island, Illinois.
It's a Family Affair

Ron Morton has a Music Ed degree and Masters in tuba performance from the University of Iowa. He is also a music teacher with the Moline School District No. 40. Denise holds a Bachelors degree in piano performance from the University of Iowa and plays in a woodwind quintet, doing school outreach tours for the QCSO.
"We met in the Hawkeye Marching Band while in college," Ron said. "Denise played tenor sax in the marching band. We've been married 31 years this July. We have many shared memories of amazing performances and rehearsal gaffes which make our shared love of music more rewarding."
"Our oldest son, Zack, on occasion is asked to sub with the Symphony. He plays bass trombone, so he sits right next to Ron in the orchestra," Denise said. "They haven't gotten in trouble yet! It's very gratifying to be able to share such rewarding experiences with our son. All of our four children have taken part in the Holiday Children's Pops chorus. One year, three of them sang, so nearly the whole family was on stage together."
It Just Keeps Getting Better

David Greenhoe and Marie Lindmark agree: Being in love in the 60-something age range is unbelievably romantic. "Music fills our lives, both figuratively and literally," David said.
They first met in April 2003, on the Adler Theatre stage, during a dress rehearsal break of the oratorio, Belshazzar's Feast. According to David, he was seated in the orchestra and Marie was singing. Marie said to David, "It's amazing standing behind you, listening to you play!" He replied, "Well, it's amazing sitting in front of you, listening to you sing!"
David noted, "Former Symphony Music Director Don Schleicher takes full responsibility for our blossoming relationship, since he had programmed Belshazzar's Feast."
Their relationship grew as they met and talked during the 2003 Riverfront Pops Concert and Masterworks performance. Their first date took place in October 2003 at Jumer's Castle Lodge. They enjoyed beef stroganoff and wine, and later, their first kiss. "She told me she would love me for the rest of our lives," David said.
They now celebrate their anniversary every month, so that the numbers will catch up with the anniversary numbers of their friends. "On Valentines Day, we will celebrate 44-1/2 months of marriage," Marie said.
"The music continues to swell!" David said.
A Romantic Repertoire

The Día del Amor/Valentine's Day concert will feature Guest Conductor Alondra de la Parra and renowned guitarist Robert Belinic. Romantic orchestral works to be presented at the concert will include :
  • Scheherazade by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: A symphonic suite composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in the days of Imperial Russia, Scheherazade is based on One Thousand and One Nights, also known as The Arabian Nights. This compelling classic combines thrilling orchestration with exotic legends of the East.
  • Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquín Rodrigo: Joaquín Rodrigo, one of the finest Spanish composers of the twentieth century, wrote the Concierto de Aranjuez for classical guitar and orchestra. This beautiful composition was inspired by the gardens at Palacio Real de Aranjuez, the residence of the King of Spain.Boléro by Maurice Ravel: Boléro, a one-movement orchestral piece by Maurice Ravel, was originally composed as a ballet, commissioned by ballerina Ida Rubinstein. The piece is Ravel's most famous composition. An excerpt of Boléro is featured in the 1980 movie 10, and that romantic musical interlude significantly increased sales of recordings of the work.

For tickets, call the Quad City Symphony Orchestra Box Office at (563) 322-QCSO (7276) or visit www.qcsymphony.com.
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Washington, DC - Today, Wednesday January 18, 2012, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement regarding the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA):

"I strongly oppose SOPA, even though I remain concerned about the significant problem of online piracy.  Over 800 Iowans have already contacted me expressing their opposition to SOPA, telling me it threatens free speech online.  I agree.

 

"America's great strength has always been innovation built on the open exchange of ideas.  Every new idea is built on the shoulders of those that preceded it.

 

"Limiting the free exchange of information online would stifle technological progress and put the United States at a competitive disadvantage with other nations.  That's the wrong move for American innovation and advancement."

 

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Will discuss introduction of the Plain Regulations Act

 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will hold his weekly press conference call with Iowa reporters this morning at 10:30am CST.

 

Braley will discuss the introduction of the Plain Regulations Act, a bill modeled after his successful Plain Writing Act signed into law by President Obama in 2010, which will require the federal government to write rules and regulations in clear, concise, easy-to-understand language.  Braley says the legislation would save small businesses time and money.

 

WHAT: Bruce Braley's weekly press call with Iowa reporters

 

WHEN:                 TODAY, Wednesday January 18th, 2012

11:30am EST // 10:30am CST

 

CALL-IN:               866-704-2208

PASSCODE:         2414543#

 

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On Saturday, January 28 from 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a Toasty Toes Workshop. Converting a pile of outgrown or underutilized t-shirts into colorful, cozy rugs has never been easier; especially with the help of a most unique loom - a hula hoop!  Each participant needs to bring about a dozen T-shirts (boy's size L or equivalent (men's/women's size S or girl's size L/XL) work well, but other sizes can be adapted) and a pair of sharp, fabric scissors.  If you have access to a quilting tool called a rotary cutter, consider bringing it with the mat and ruler.  Looms will be provided.  This program is ideal for beginning weavers, and would appeal to families, scout groups as well as individuals.  Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is appreciated by calling (563) 328-3286.

 

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

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