04 Jun 2012

We Work for You

By Rep. Bobby Schilling
The opportunity to serve you is the most important part of this job, and with it comes a responsibility to do the best job I can.  The 17th District is spread out over more than 8,200 square miles and while I work my tail off trying to get to every corner of the district, I just can't be at all places at all times.
That's why we have four offices in our area so you can conveniently keep in close contact with us.  We have also hosted roundtables with business leaders and health care professionals throughout our area, forums to help our veterans get information on benefits available to them, and had both Democrat and Republican Members of Congress choose to visit our area for field hearings to see the national treasures we have here in our own backyard.
But what good are these roundtables, forums, and offices if you aren't aware of them?
We stand ready to help the more than 630,000 men and women of the 17th District, which is why we make an effort to be proactive in communicating with folks about how we can lend them a hand.  In doing so, we get many compliments about our office's outreach.  Folks stop me in the street and tell me how much more proactive I am being than my predecessor in communicating with them, and how much they appreciate it.
Recently, I've come under a coordinated political attack designed to distort this effort and criticize me for our outreach.  It's not surprising; we know how well our customer service is working, so we expected to be attacked for this strength.  But the truth is that we are doing more with less.
As your representative in Congress, I believe we must keep in contact with folks across the district, asking for your input on issues before Congress or notifying you of upcoming events and how we can help.  Just ask Mark Graves of Aledo, one of many to reach out to us after receiving a mailer on the services my staff provides.  Mark served our country with the United States Army Military Police in Iraq, where he earned a number of awards.  The award that eluded him - the one he contacted us for help acquiring - was the Combat Action Badge.  My staff got right to work on his case, and it was my honor to present Mark with the Combat Action Badge in March of this year.
It's important for you to know that we work for you, and to know the facts.  The negative political attacks aren't going to tell you the truth.
Each Congressional office is allotted an annual office budget from which we pay all our expenses, including district office rent, staff salaries, office supplies, and mail to constituents.  I voted to reduce this budget by 5 percent in 2011, and another 6.4 percent in 2012.  For years, Congress continually saw it fit to increase their office budgets, but that stopped in 2011 when this new House took office. 

On top of cutting my own budget, I saved enough to return another 8 percent or $110,000 of my 2011 budget to taxpayers, keeping true to my pledge of spending significantly less than my predecessors.  In 2011, we spent a total of $151,138 less than my predecessor did in 2010, including $405,018 less on staff salaries and expenses alone.  Last year we spent a total of $103,038 less in 2011 than what my predecessor spent in 2009, including $362,018 less on staff salaries.  We also have four district offices up and running for approximately the same amount my predecessor operated one office.  Again, we are doing more with less.
I'm proud my offices have been successfully providing high-quality services to my constituents while reducing our overall expenses and remaining mindful of taxpayer dollars.  I will continue to lead by example. That's why I brought my own health care to Washington, rejected congressional pay raises and the pension, and authored legislation to tie Members of Congress' access to their federal pensions to the Social Security age of their constituents.  These positions may not be popular in Washington, but I've found that the people of the 17th District believe - as I do - that Congress should be about serving people, not serving your own self-interests.
In the face of hundreds of thousands - maybe even millions - of dollars outside groups have spent to distort my record and scare seniors, we found it important to communicate the truth and the facts to the people of the 17th District.  We sent five mailers with information on issues Congress was considering and actions I was taking on behalf of constituents, and asking constituents to return a tear-off questionnaire so I could better know what issues were of concern to them.  We sent two postcards specifically regarding Medicare, two postcards inviting folks to the opening of new regional district offices, and one postcard inviting folks to a forum on veterans issues.  And we sent three letters specifically regarding ways we could help veterans.  You may have even received one of these pieces of mail from me.
This is called constituent service, and it hasn't happened in our area for a long time.  I've had folks tell me that they weren't aware a Congressional Office could help out to the extent that we do.  I've had people tell me that Members of Congress don't typically ask their opinion on certain issues.  We've even had folks from Iowa and from other Congressional Districts in Illinois call our offices asking us for help.
As an elected official, I will never stop communicating with the constituents of the 17th District.  My staff and I prioritize constituent service and communications, and will continue working to keep in close contact with folks in all corners of the district.  We work for you, and that is something I will never forget.

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To send Congressman Schilling an e-mail, click here
04 Jun 2012

Local Students Graduate Spring 2012

By newsMedia

Kirsten Ann Hanford graduates from William Woods University

FULTON, MO (05/29/2012)(readMedia)-- Kirsten Ann Hanford of Davenport, Iowa, graduated in May from William Woods University with a bachelor of science degree.

Actor Val Kilmer was the speaker at WWU's undergraduate commencement May 5. One of the most prolific actors of his generation, Kilmer s memorable roles include Batman in "Batman Forever," Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's "The Doors," Doc Holliday in "Tombstone" and Simon Templar in "The Saint."

Kilmer spent the week on the William Woods campus meeting with various groups and performing his one-man play, "Citizen Twain."

04 Jun 2012

Braley to Hold Roundtable to Discuss Veteran Employment Opportunities

By Kira Ayish

Veterans face high unemployment when they come home, Braley working to ensure there are jobs when they return

 

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will hold a roundtable discussion with veterans focusing on employment opportunities and the challenges veterans face finding employment when they return home from deployment.

 

"One out of every four veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan is out-of-work. I'm working hard to reduce this number, but it's important we understand the unique challenges our veterans face when it comes to finding employment," Braley said.  "Men and women who've put their lives on the line for our country deserve every opportunity when they return home. "

 

Earlier this month, Braley introduced the Veterans' Job Corps Act, which would allow the executive branch to create the Vets Jobs Corps program as a cooperative project between federal agencies. Members of the jobs corps could be employed to improve public lands and national parks, prevent forest fires, work in public safety jobs like police and fire departments, and control floods. Participation in the corps would be open to unemployed veterans and unemployed widows of veterans.

 

 

TODAY May 29, 2012

 

1:00pm                 Veteran Employment Roundtable

Veterans Freedom Center

2245 Kerper Blvd.

Dubuque, Iowa

 

 

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04 Jun 2012

Schilling Announces Upcoming Mobile Office Hours

By Andie Pivarunas
Moline, Illinois - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) has announced the schedule of upcoming mobile office hours.  His staff will travel throughout the 17th Congressional District to meet with constituents and address any questions or concerns they may have.  No appointments are necessary.  

"As your representative in Congress, it's my job to keep in close contact with folks across the district, asking for your input on issues before Congress or notifying you of upcoming events and how we can help," Schilling said. "My staff and I prioritize constituent service and communications, and will continue working to keep in touch with folks in all corners of our area.  We work for you."

A field representative will be available in the following locations at the following times:

June 6, 2012
Monmouth City Hall - Council Chambers
100 East Broadway
Monmouth, IL 61462
9:00am - 12:00pm

Albany City Hall
102 S Main St.
Albany, IL 61230
1:00pm - 4:00pm

June 20, 2012
Oquawka Village Hall
507 Schuyler St.
Oquawka, IL 61469
9:00am - 12:00pm

Aledo City Hall - Council Chambers
120 North College Ave.
Aledo, IL 61231
9:00am - 1:00pm

June 27, 2012
Kewanee City Hall
401 East Third St.
Kewanee, IL  61443
9:00am - 4:00pm

Constituents are also encouraged to visit the Moline, Galesburg, Canton, and Rock Falls offices during normal office hours:

Moline District Office
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
3000 41st St., Suite B
Moline, IL 61265
P: (309) 757-7630

Galesburg District Office
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:30am - 5:00pm
Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce
185 South Kellogg St.
Galesburg, IL 61401
P: (309) 343-2220

Canton District Office
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30am - 5:00pm
8 South Main St., Suite 200
Canton, IL 61520
P: (309) 649-3307

Rock Falls District Office
Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9:00am - 4:00pm
1600 First Ave., Suite A
Rock Falls, IL 61071
P: (815) 548-9440

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To send Congressman Schilling an e-mail, click here
04 Jun 2012

Boost government contracts at Rock Island Arsenal

By Kara Beach

Lt. Governor to meet new General, lend support to federal workforce act

ROCK ISLAND - May 28, 2012. In advance of a visit to the Quad Cities on Wednesday, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said Congress is on the right track in efforts to increase the workload at and ensure the long-term health of the Rock Island Arsenal.

Simon, who chairs a state committee on retention and reuse of military bases, is backing bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk of Illinois and Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin of Iowa. It would require the Army to create a strategic plan for awarding government contracts that would ensure arsenals receive the workload they need to keep workers' skills sharp between military engagements.

"The Rock Island Arsenal is a valuable national security resource and an economic engine for Illinois," Simon said. "Our federal government has a responsibility to protect this resource. Allowing the arsenal to compete for more government contracts could help contain production costs at the national level and keep people employed at the local level during peacetime and times of conflict."

For more than a decade, the arsenal has produced critical weapons, parts and material for use on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan, including armor for Humvees that were vulnerable to improvised explosive devices. With the military engagements winding down, lawmakers are seeking ways to maintain a vibrant workload at the arsenal through government and public contracts.

As introduced, the Army Arsenal Strategic Workload Enhancement Act of 2012 would make arsenals around the nation eligible for military contracts from all U.S. Department of Defense agencies, rather than just within the Army. This builds on federal legislation passed last year that allows for unlimited private-public partnerships at arsenals, which could translate to more domestic manufacturing work.

Simon serves as chair of the state's Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC), which was established in 2005 in response to U.S. Department of Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) recommendations to close and realign military bases nationwide.

On Wednesday, Simon plans to meet with Major General Patricia McQuistion, the arsenal's first female commanding general, and other support staff. McQuistion oversees operations on the island and leads a global organization responsible for providing front-line logistics support to combat units. During the visit, they will discuss the importance of the Strategic Workload Act and its value to the arsenal and surrounding community.

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04 Jun 2012

Governor Quinn and Illinois Tollway Honor Fallen Servicemembers during Memorial Day Weekend

By Leslie Wertheimer

"Portrait of a Soldier" Memorial Exhibit on Display at Illinois Tollway Oases Through Independence Day

 

HINSDALE - May 27, 2012.  To commemorate Memorial Day, Governor Pat Quinn today joined officials from the Illinois Tollway to unveil the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit at the Hinsdale Oasis and announce the summer exhibit schedule at multiple Tollway Oases in Northern Illinois. Currently, the exhibit features a series of hand-drawn portraits of 288 of the 300 Illinois men and women who have fallen in service to our country since September 11, 2001.

 

"With 'Portrait of a Soldier,' we pay a special tribute to our state's brave servicemembers who gave their lives to protect our freedom," Governor Quinn said.  "From Memorial Day to Independence Day, visitors to Illinois Tollway Oases will have the opportunity to view the faces and read the names of our state's true heroes who remain in our hearts every day."

 

The exhibit, on display at the Hinsdale Oasis Friday, May 25 through Sunday, June 3, will then travel to the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis through Sunday, June 10. The exhibit will also be on display at the Des Plaines, DeKalb, Belvidere and Lake Forest Oases, ending shortly after July 4.

 

"We are honored to display the portraits of Illinois' remarkable men and women whose bravery serves as an inspiration to us all," said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur.  "We invite Tollway customers to see this poignant exhibit and join us in commemorating the lives - the sacrifice - of our servicemembers."

 

Governor Quinn founded the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit to honor fallen servicemembers in 2004, when artist Cameron Schilling of Mattoon drew the first portrait of Army Spc. Charles Neeley, also of Mattoon, after he was killed in Iraq.  In October 2005, while a student at Eastern Illinois University, Schilling committed to drawing a portrait of every Illinois servicemember who has fallen during the Global War on Terror.

 

"Memorial Day is a great opportunity to reflect on and express thanks for the sacrifice that thousands upon thousands of military men and women have made in serving our country," said Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Erica Borggren. "This sacred day also reminds us of our shared obligation to honor and remember our fallen heroes and their families."

 

Governor Quinn has long made commitment to veterans' affairs, servicemembers and their families one of his top priorities throughout his career in public service.  He has led programs including the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program and the Veterans Cash lottery ticket, which has awarded more than $10 million to non-profit organizations across the state that provide health care and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, housing assistance, disability benefits and other services to Illinois Veterans.

 

As Lieutenant Governor, Governor Quinn championed the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund Act, establishing a fund to provide grants to families of Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components who were called to active duty as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. These grants help service members and their families with the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services and other expense they struggle to afford because a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty.

 

Governor Quinn launched "Operation Home Front" while he was Illinois State Treasurer to give National Guard members and reservists a tool informing them about their rights during the Gulf War. Today, the Governor has expanded Operation Home Front to be a place where active servicemembers and veterans can learn about the resources available to them and their families, and a place for the public to learn about different ways they can support our troops.

Portrait of a Soldier Memorial Exhibit Schedule

 

Sunday, May 27 - Sunday, June 3                Hinsdale Oasis, Tri-State Tollway (I-294)

Monday, June 4 - Sunday, June 10              Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis (South Holland), Tri-State Tollway (I-294/80)

Monday, June 11 - Sunday, June 17            Des Plaines Oasis, Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90)

Monday, June 18 - Sunday, June 24            DeKalb Oasis, Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88)

Monday, June 25 - Sunday, July 1                Belvidere Oasis, Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90)

Monday, July 2 - Sunday, July 8                    Lake Forest Oasis, Tri-State Tollway (I-94)

 

NOTE: Beginning June 4 -- the exhibit will open at noon on Mondays at each oasis, and for the rest of the week during the dates listed above, will remain open 24/7.

For more information on the "Portrait of A Soldier" exhibit or to view the portraits online, please visit www.OperationHomefront.org.

About the Illinois Tollway

The Illinois Tollway is a user-fee system that receives no state or federal funds for maintenance and operations. The agency maintains and operates 286 miles of interstate tollways in 12 counties in Northern Illinois, including the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) and the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80).  More than 1.4 million vehicles use the Tollway system every day.
04 Jun 2012

Mr. Steve McAllister has been nominated as Vice President for the 2012 U.S. Presidential Elections.

By Randy Stalsberg
Dear Fellow Americans,

Today we have the great honor to inform our generous and devoted constituents, the media, independent journalists and the proper Elections Departments in each State of the Union, that after long deliberations with my campaign advisors, family and friends, I have nominated my running mate for the position of Vice President for the coming 2012 Presidential Election, Mr. Steve McAllister.

Mr. McAllister kindly accepted the nomination after consulting with his family and friends. We are so proud to have Steve on board, a patriot, a person that will work hand in hand to preserve our founding fathers' values, defend our rights for a free and democratic nation, he will work with all sectors of our country without discrimination. An entrepreneur that has dedicated a great part of his life to help others and disseminate the profound values of our Christian faith and a proud direct descendant of the Abraham Lincoln family. We are honored to have his unconditional support. Welcome to our team, Steve!

God bless America!

Sincerely,

Paul Chehade
Candidate for President of  the United States of America 2012.

P.S.: Spread the word, forward this message to your friends and colleagues, it is a great way to help to this campaign.
04 Jun 2012

Press Release:'Summer Snow' Changes the Game for Faith Based Films

By D. Cobb
'Summer Snow' Changes the Game for Faith Based Films
American Family Studio is proud to announce the filming of Summer Snow, a dramatic comedy that tells the heart wrenching and hope filled story of Susan Benson and her family.

Contact: Don Cobb, American Family Studios, 662-255-9557; Summer Snow
LEXINGTON, KY, May 20, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- American Family Studio is proud to announce the filming of Summer Snow, a dramatic comedy starring David Chisum, Cameron Goodman, Rachel Eggleston, Brett Rice, produced by Dan Atchison and Eric Baird directed by Jeremy and Kendra White.
Summer Snow tells the heart wrenching and hope filled story of Susan Benson's death, and how it forever changed her husband Dan, and three children's lives. Forced to find a new "normal," the Bensons must now re-learn how to be a family without the glue that held them together. The Bensons were always a family of faith, but now that faith has been shaken and they are unsure where God fits into this new reality. But just as God often answers prayer in unique and unexpected ways, Susan provides comfort and words of wisdom when each person needs it most, setting her family on a path of healing and hope.

Summer Snow stars David Chisum, Cameron Goodman, Garrett Backstrom, with Brett Rice (Forrest Gump, Remember the Titans, Super 8, Country Strong, and House) and introducing, Rachel Eggleston. Critics say "This is a breakthrough performance from the entire cast!" "What a refreshing change of pace! Summer Snow is truly a family film." "Rachel Eggleston's heartwarming portrayal of Hallie...shines and leaves you smiling."
Estimated Release Date: October 1, 2012 limited release. Distributed through American Family Studios, and in conjunction with Voice of the Martyrs.

04 Jun 2012

Quad Cities Festival Season Kicks into Gear

By QC Convention & Visitors Bureau
CVB Banner
Kicking Off Summer Festival Fun Fri, Jun 8 - Sat, Jun 9

The spirit of New Orleans comes up the Mississippi River this summer when The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District presents Gumbo Ya Ya - Mardi Gras in The District on June 8-9. Enjoy Cajun food, Zydeco and Cajun music on two stages, bead tosses, and a French Quarter marketplace.  Gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Bring On the Bikes for Dad Wed, Jun 13 - Sun, Jun 17

Hop on your hog for Mississippi River Motorcycle Rally at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust Street in Davenport, Iowa, from June 13-16, for the largest gathering of motorcycles in the Midwest. Enjoy powerhouse bands, vendor booths, sportbike stunt show, and motorcycle races. General gate admission is $10.00 per person or $5.00 for motorcyclists who ride in.

Join the thousands of other bicycle riders for Ride the River on Sunday, June 17. This is the 27th year for the annual Father's Day tradition of biking through the Quad Cities. View the Mississippi River from both Quad Cities shorelines on the Illinois and Iowa side from the seat of your bicycle during this festive event that the entire family can enjoy. Register in advance online!

Enjoy more bands at the Hillcrest Music Fest on June 15-17, with country music on Friday and rock bands on Saturday. On Friday, the music starts at 5 p.m. and the bands include Wild Oatz, Dirt Road Rockers, Slough Buoys, and the Dani Lynn Howe Band. On Saturday, the music starts at 12 noon and the bands include Saints & Sinners, Wicked Liz & The Bellyswirls, Meet the Press, Dani Lynn Howe Band, and The Jimmy Van Zant Band. General admission for both days with free tent camping is $40.00 in advance, and $50.00 at the gate. On Sunday, there will be a Father's Day golf outing. Hillcrest Resort is located at 16260 East 350th Street in Orion, IL.

The Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf treats dads to some great BBQ during their Father's Day Grill Out & BBQ Showdown on Saturday, June 15th at 6:30 p.m. Help determine which BBQ Sauce is the best and enjoy music provided by The Premium Sellouts. Tickets are $20.

Experiencing Quad Cities Heritage in One Weekend Sat, Jun 23 - Sun, Jun 24

On Sunday, June 24, the Deere homes' gardens are in bloom and everyone is invited to Blossoms at Butterworth to see them in their glory. From 12-5 p.m., visitors can enjoy the splendor of Butterworth Center's impressive gardens with living history volunteers, old-fashioned music, games of the 1800s, jugglers, kid's activities, antique auto show located at the Deere-Wiman House, food vendors, free guided trolley tours through Overlook historic neighborhood, and festivities on the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman lawn.

The Juneteenth festival honors June 19, 1865, when the last American slaves were freed. This year's Juneteenth celebration will take place on Saturday, June 23, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in LeClaire Park in downtown Davenport, Iowa. After the opening ceremonies, this family event has activities for children and adults, educational programs, and entertainment scheduled throughout the day.

Bishop Hill's Midsommar Music Festival is Saturday, June 23, with a strong line-up of musical performers. Highlights of this free all-day event in Bishop Hill, Illinois, include Main Stage performances, Music Workshops; Open jamming, a Swedish Maypole celebration at 4 p.m. and Old-Fashioned Barn Dance at the Colony School at 7 p.m.

Hawkeye Herman will be the headline act at its third annual Jewish Feast-ival on Sunday, June 24, at the Tri-City Jewish Center, 2715 30th Street in Rock Island, Ill. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with Hawkeye Herman performing twice during the day. The Jewish Feast-ival also features outstanding traditional food, live entertainment, an arts bazaar, family activities, cultural exploration, and a Mah Jongg Marathon. Admission is $2.00 with children under the age of 12 admitted free.

Bring On the Blues Fri, Jun 29 - Sun, Jul 1

The annual Mississippi Valley Blues Festival celebrates its 27th annual festival on June 29-July 1 with an all-star line-up of blues legends and up-and-coming stars.  More than 10,000 festival enthusiasts are expected to partake in the three days of fun, food, and great music on the banks of the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa.  The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival is considered one of the top five blues festivals in this country and one of the top twenty in the world.

04 Jun 2012

Braley Statement on Memorial Day

By Kira Ayish

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement on Memorial Day:

"This weekend, families all over the country will gather to honor the brave men and women who have fought for our country and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Memorial Day always brings back memories of my father, who was just 17 when he fought the battle on Iwo Jima, but this year is even more personal. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Iwo Jima with several veterans. It was a moving and memorable experience, and I was so honored to pay my respects to all who fought in that historic battle 67 years ago. As a veteran, my father taught me to take pride in America's values and fight for my beliefs. From him, my family learned of the struggles and challenges facing members of the military and their families when they come home from war. Although this weekend we honor our fallen soldiers, we must also remember our military heroes and their families every day. We must work hard to make sure that they have the care and support they need not only when they're on the front lines, but also when they come home. We owe that to them and their families.

This Memorial Day weekend, I keep all of our fallen heroes and their families in my thoughts. And I extend my deepest thanks to our veterans and their families. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your bravery."

 

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