18 May 2012

Budget Votes

By Grassley Press

Floor Statement of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Budget Votes

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Mr. President,

Setting a budget for the country is one of the most basic responsibilities and fundamental functions of the Congress.  The Budget Act requires Congress to adopt a budget by April 15th.

It's a requirement that this Senate Majority has ignored time and again.

In fact, the Senate hasn't adopted a budget since April 29, 2009.  More than three years have passed since the Senate last adopted a budget.

During that time, more than $4 trillion has been added to our nation's debt.  In President Obama's presidency, we've added $5 trillion to the national debt.

We're in the midst of the fourth consecutive year of trillion-dollar deficits.

All the while, the Senate Democratic Majority has failed to propose a budget blueprint that would lay out priorities for deficit reduction, economic growth or a path to balance.

It's no wonder our nation is driving toward a fiscal cliff of deficits and debt.  There is no one in the Democratic leadership willing to take hold of the wheel.

In February, President Obama released his budget.

The President's 2013 budget would expand the scope of government by spending more money, increase taxes on job creators, and continue on the path of enormous deficits and record debt.

While President Obama claims that his budget will create an America built to last, the only thing his budget builds are higher deficits and debt, a bigger, more intrusive government, and economic decline for future generations.

During the past 60 years, spending has averaged about 21 percent of GDP.  Over the ten-year window of President Obama's budget, spending never gets below 22 percent.

In dollar terms, spending goes up from $3.8 trillion this year to $5.8 trillion in 2022.

It's clear:  President Obama is built to spend.

 

President Obama's budget is also harmful to our fragile economy because it would impose a $1.9 trillion tax increase.

Maybe the President's purpose in imposing this huge tax increase is an effort to reduce the nation's debt.

Unfortunately, that's not what he has planned.  He wants to spend every dollar.

His budget runs deficits totaling $6.4 trillion over the next ten years.

Debt held by the public increases from 74.2 percent of our economy today to 76.3 percent in 2022.

Remember, the historical average since World War II is just 43 percent.

If people believe that President Obama is putting us on a path to fiscal sustainability, I'd suggest they look at the annual deficits over the next ten years.

They never drop below $575 billion, and actually go up toward the end of his budget, rising to $704 billion in 2022.

President Obama's budget puts America on a course of deficits and debt as far as the eye can see.

The President also took a pass on proposing any real changes to our entitlement programs, which are the real driver of future deficits and debt.

Again, he's absent from the discussion.  He has offered no solution.  He has chosen not to lead.

But, where is the leadership from the Senate Democrats?  Where is their budget?

Why have they not proposed a budget in more than three years?

The Budget Chairman has said repeatedly that we already have a budget in place for this year and next.

The Chairman and the Majority Leader feel that the Budget Control Act was a budget resolution.

The Budget Control Act is not a budget.  President Obama clearly agreed when he proposed his budget.

House Republicans and Democrats alike agreed when they voted on seven budget resolutions authored by both Republicans and Democrats.

The Democratic Leadership in the Senate stands alone in their belief that the Budget Control Act was a budget resolution.

Is it because they have no ideas on how to balance the budget, contain out of control spending, grow the economy or create jobs?

If the Democratic Majority can't muster the will to present their own budget, why don't they offer President Obama's budget?

I'm sure we'll hear the argument that the resolution our side is offering is not a fair depiction of President Obama's budget.  That's the rhetoric we're likely to hear so that they can vote against it.

The fact is they're going to vote against it for one reason - because it's President Obama's budget.

They don't want to be on record voting for any budget.

That will be the most remarkable outcome of today's exercise.

We're going to vote on five different budget proposals.  Three are being offered by Senate Republicans, one is House Budget Chairman Ryan's budget, and the final resolution is President Obama's budget.

Not only have Senate Democrats failed to even propose a budget, they'll likely vote in lockstep against each of the five budget proposals.

We're likely to see Senate Democrats come to the floor and vote one-by-one and cast roughly 265 votes against the consideration of a budget.

Is that leadership?  Is that conviction?

They're in the majority.  But when it comes to proposing and supporting a budget, they're the party of "no" and obstruction.

Democrats are the party filibustering consideration of a budget blueprint.

The Budget Chairman was quoted recently as saying,

"This is the wrong time to vote in committee; this is the wrong time to vote on the floor.  I don't think we will be prepared to vote before the election."

How many more trillions do we need to add to the national debt before it's time to vote on a budget resolution?

If now is not the time to lead, propose bold solutions and take action, when is?

The American people are going to pay a heavy price for the unwillingness and inability of the Senate Democratic leadership to lead and offer solutions.

Once again, the Senate Democratic leadership and President Obama are content with being absent from the discussion.

There are no solutions.  There is no leadership.  There is only failure and punting until after the next election.

We have a moral obligation to offer serious solutions for today and for future generations.
18 May 2012

Make Your Dreams Come True, Urges Hollywood Director

By Rick Martin
TV/Movie Veteran Shares His Secrets for Beating the Odds

Nearly half of us have given up on the notion that we can get ahead by digging in and working hard, but the American Dream still has a champion in Hollywood TV and film director Guy Magar (La Femme Nikita, The A-Team, Battlestar Galactica).

As with so many stories out of Hollywood, Magar's reads like a made-for-TV movie. A young Egyptian refugee immigrates to the United States and latches onto two dreams: becoming a filmmaker and finding his one, true love. Despite being a kid from the New York suburbs with no connections to the film industry, he finds a way to manage the first. And, after years of searching, he finally gets the girl, too.

"We had a magical Camelot wedding only a movie director could conjure - complete with sword-dueling to rescue the bride who got kidnapped when she arrived by horse-drawn carriage. It was my Errol Flynn life moment!" recalls Magar. But, into his 25th year of marriage, he learns the love of his life has a fatal illness.

"Everyone needs to dream and anyone can make those dreams come true - if they pursue them with passionate drive," says Magar, who shares his story for the first time in his memoir Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot (www.kissmequickbeforeishoot.com).

He discounts the ABC News/Yahoo poll that found that, at the height of the recession, 43 percent of us had lost faith in the American Dream.

"People have suffered because of the economy, but there have always been economic ups and downs - and there have always been Americans making their dreams come true," he says. "My dreams were seemingly unattainable, but I made them happen because mine was a passionate pursuit -- I never stopped trying and that's what it takes."

"Today, I have my beautiful wife, Jacqui, here by my side, healthy and happy, because I dreamed of finding a cure for her and I didn't stop searching - against all odds -- until we found it."

How can anyone overcome seemingly insurmountable odds? Magar offers his recipe for success:

• Dare to dream. "It sounds simple, but so many people don't bother," Magar says. "Instead of envisioning the magical possibilities, they see only obstacles and challenges." If you have a career dream, find a way to experience it through school or internships to make sure it's a profession you love. Dreams require passion, and you may not have enough to fuel a hard journey if you haven't tested the waters first. At 25, Magar enrolled in film school to find out whether he actually liked the process of filmmaking and had a talent for it. That experience lit a fire.

• Don't settle. "I knew I wanted to marry nothing less than my true love, and that required a lot of patience!" he says. "I didn't meet Jacqui until I was 34." It's easy to jump the gun at 22, or panic at 32, but when you have a dream you're passionate about, you need to believe in yourself and hold fast, he says. How do you know love when you find it? "When you're absolutely sure that you'd be the biggest fool to pass this up," he says.

• Work at it like there's no tomorrow. Magar's first feature film, Retribution, required 12-hour days seven days a week for three months - just for the prep work of finding locations, working on the script, casting, sets and costumes. He knew how to get it done. When Jacqui was diagnosed with an especially aggressive form of leukemia in 2008, Magar was even more dogged.  "I dreamed of finding a way to heal Jacqui, and if that required researching every new treatment and calling every cancer center in the country, that's what I would do." He finally found a promising clinical trial at a Minnesota cancer center that was being replicated at City of Hope near Los Angeles. "Jacqui is now celebrating her third year of remission," he says - with a big smile.

Magar immigrated to New York City with his family in 1958 after a military coup radically changed Egypt. The family came with nothing, and Magar spoke no English. Eventually, their situation improved and Magar finished his growing-up years as a middle-class kid in an idyllic little New York town. It wasn't until after he'd graduated from Rutgers College - with a degree in philosophy - that he discovered his love for telling stories visually through film.

"If I - an Egyptian immigrant kid - can become a Hollywood movie director married to the love of my life, anyone can make their dreams come true," he says.

About Guy Magar

TV and film director/writer/producer Guy Magar has worked for more than 30 years in the motion picture industry. His TV credits include Dark Avenger, The Young Riders, and Blue Thunder. His feature films include Lookin' Italian, starring Matt LeBlanc and Lou Rawls; Stepfather 3, which launched HBO's World Premiere Series, and Retribution, to be re-released for its 25th anniversary on DVD this summer. Guy is also the founder of Action/Cut Seminars which has taught filmmaking to thousands of students with a film dream.

18 May 2012

A Beautiful Garden Starts Now - Memorial Day Means Gardening for Many

By Melinda Myers

Get out the shovel and trowels - it's almost Memorial Day weekend and that means gardening for many.  Spend a bit more time getting your garden off to a good start and reap the benefits all season long.  Proper planting and post planting care means less maintenance, fewer pests and more produce and beautiful flowers in your landscape.

Start by selecting healthy plants free of insect and disease problems.  There's no need to spend money on problems.  And keep in mind that bigger is not always better.  Instead look for compact plants with sturdy stems.  The leaves should be deep green or the proper color for that variety.  Avoid plants that show signs of stress such as spots, brown leaf edges, and holes.  And when all things are equal, purchase the perennials with multiple stems.

Keep your purchase properly watered before and after planting.  Check transplants daily and twice a day when temperatures rise, watering as needed.  Increase success and reduce the stress transplants often face.  Apply a plant strengthener such as JAZ Spray to protect potted plants from drying out until you are able to plant. Or apply to transplants to get your plants off to a vigorous start.  These organic products are not fertilizers but rather naturally occurring molecules that work like an immunization to help new and established plants better tolerate heat, drought, insects, disease, and other challenges plants face.

Prepare the soil before planting.  Though not glamorous building a good foundation for your garden will pay off this season and beyond.  Dig one or two inches of compost, peat moss or other organic matter and a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer into the top 12 inches of the soil.

Now slide, don't pull, the plants out of their containers to avoid damaging their roots and stems.  If they resist, gently squeeze small flexible pots or roll larger pots on their sides over the ground.  This loosens the roots, releasing the pot from the container.

Gently tease any roots that encircle (girdle) the root ball.  Or use a knife to slice through girdling roots or the tangled mass that often develops at the bottom of the pot.  This encourages the roots to explore the soil beyond the planting hole.  And a bigger root system means healthier plants that are more productive and beautiful.

Set your plants at the same depth they were growing in their container.  Tall leggy tomatoes are the exception.  These can be planted deeper or in shallow trenches to encourage roots to form along the buried stem.  Cover the roots with soil and gently tamp to insure good root to soil contact.  Water new plantings thoroughly; moistening the rootball, planting hole, and beyond.  Spread a thin layer of shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other mulch over the soil to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cooler when hot weather moves in for the summer.

Check new plantings every other day and water thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil slightly moist.  Gradually reduce the frequency until your plants only need to be watered once a week in heavy clay soils and twice a week in sandy soils. Of course you'll need to water more often in hot weather.

And don't forget about the rest of your landscape.  Plant strengtheners can be applied to established plants to prepare them for the often stressful season ahead.  Treated plants will be better able to tolerate heat and drought as well as attacks from insects and diseases.

So get out and start planting to make this the best gardening season yet.

Nationally known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can't Miss Small Space Gardening. She hosts the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment segments which air on over 100 TV and radio stations throughout the U.S. and Canada. She is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and writes the twice monthly "Gardeners' Questions" newspaper column. Melinda also has a column in Gardening How-to magazine.  Melinda hosted "The Plant Doctor" radio program for over 20 years as well as seven seasons of Great Lakes Gardener on PBS. She has written articles for Better Homes and Gardens and Fine Gardening and was a columnist and contributing editor for Backyard Living magazine.  Melinda has a master's degree in horticulture, is a certified arborist and was a horticulture instructor with tenure.  Her web site is www.melindamyers.com

 

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18 May 2012

Perceptions of Poverty...National Salvation Army Week

By Holly Nomura

REPORT: 38% OF AMERICANS HAVE RECEIVED HELP FROM CHARITY

Report Highlights Importance of Giving Back During 59th Annual National Salvation Army Week

(Alexandria, VA) May 16, 2012 - The American public is largely sympathetic to people in need, but drastically misunderstands the causes of poverty, according to a new report, "Perceptions of Poverty: The Salvation Army's Report to America," released today by The Salvation Army. Among other eye-opening statistics, the report showed that while 38 percent of Americans have received assistance from a charitable group in their lifetime, another 27 percent of Americans believe that laziness is a root cause of poverty. Still, an overwhelming majority continues to donate to charities to help others in need.

The report was based on a survey of more than 1,000 Americans, conducted in February 2012 by a third-party research firm in advance of the 59th annual National Salvation Army Week, celebrated this year from May 14-20.

"This report highlights the critical issue of poverty at a time when many Americans are struggling to get by," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. "It is more important than ever to raise awareness of not only the public's perception of poverty, but also the programs available to those in need. With the public's support, The Salvation Army will continue to provide assistance."

According to the survey commissioned by The Salvation Army and conducted on Vision Critical's Springboard America panel, nearly 40 percent of Americans have requested help, including housing, food, financial and other assistance, from charitable organizations at some point in their lives. In particular, Americans with lower household incomes are much more likely to have experienced a lack of shelter, or a need to request assistance from a charitable group.

Thirty-eight percent of Americans have received assistance from a charitable group, including food from food banks or financial assistance/housing support.

Thirteen percent of Americans reported having spent a night in a shelter or on the street due to a loss of housing.

Additionally, a majority of Americans believe people living in poverty deserve a helping hand, and sympathize with the challenges that people living in poverty face on a daily basis.

  • Eighty-eight percent of Americans believe people living in poverty deserve a helping hand.
  • Eighty-four percent of Americans believe it is almost impossible to survive on your own on minimum wage.
  • Seventy-five percent of Americans believe helping poor families sets up children from those families for success.
  • Sixty percent of Americans believe it is difficult to escape poverty once becoming poor.
  • However, there are a significant minority of Americans who are skeptical of the realities and reasons for poverty.
  • Notably, the further a person is from poverty, the less common he or she believes poverty is in society.
  • Forty-nine percent of Americans believe a good work ethic is all a person needs to escape poverty.
  • Forty-three percent of Americans believe people living in poverty can always find a job if they really want to work, with twenty-seven percent of Americans reporting that people are poor because they are lazy.
  • Twenty-nine percent of Americans believe poor people usually have lower moral values.


In total, Americans believe approximately thirty-four percent of the general population is living in poverty. However, Americans who earn less than $25,000 a year believe forty percent of the population lives in poverty, while Americans who earn at least $50,000 a year believe twenty-seven percent live in poverty.

The Perceptions of Poverty report, which can be viewed on The Salvation Army's website at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org, comes as The Salvation Army celebrates the 59th annual National Salvation Army Week with a variety of events and activities to honor donors, supporters and beneficiaries of Salvation Army programs. President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared the first National Salvation Army Week in 1954, proclaiming, "Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans, giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of all."

"We are proud to celebrate our donors, volunteers and supporters, not only during National Salvation Army Week but every day throughout the year," said Major Hood. "As President Eisenhower recognized nearly sixty years ago, The Salvation Army is dedicated to serving our neighbors, families and friends in communities throughout America, and we want to take this time to give thanks to each person who makes this possible."

Since The Salvation Army began its social service work in the United States in 1880, the organization has grown into one of the largest social service providers in the country. Each year, The Salvation Army directly supports 30 million Americans through a variety of programs including transitional and family shelters, feeding programs, senior centers, adult rehabilitation, education, athletic programs for kids and more.

Though the dates have changed since the first National Salvation Army Week, the work of The Salvation Army has not. The Salvation Army is calling upon all Americans to consider donating money or volunteering time to charities and organizations fighting poverty in local communities. Donors and volunteers can learn more about The Salvation Army, including further information regarding the Perceptions of Poverty report and National Salvation Army Week, by visiting www.SalvationArmyUSA.org.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used Wednesday, May 16, 2012 to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

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18 May 2012

2012 Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival Performers Announced

By Heather Venema
RDA announces $20,000 grant at festival 

Yesterday, May 15, 2012, the lineup was announced for the 41st annual Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival, including artists from Florida, Texas and Michigan. Some of the performers include Wally's Warehouse Waifs, Andy Schumm, Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band, and the Dave Bennett Quartet. For a complete listing, visit http://www.bixsociety.org/bands.html.

In addition to announcing the Jazz Festival performers and events, the Memorial Society introduced a new scholarship opportunity for area schools. Individual scholarships will still be available to high school seniors, but the Society will begin awarding a $500 scholarship to the music department of a local school too. "Being a member of the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Youth Band gave me the chance to become involved with the Jazz Society and learn about traditional jazz and its importance," said Christina Hesse, a 2011 scholarship winner who is currently attending Western Illinois University.

During the announcement, a representative from the Riverboat Development Authority was present to share that a $20,000 grant had been awarded to the festival.

Some of the special events at this year's Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival include a big band dance on Friday, the gravesite performance on Saturday, a jazz brunch on Sunday morning, and the closing Afterglow event on Sunday evening.  Part of this year's performances will include Friday and Saturday night outdoor concerts in LeClaire Park.

"The rich history and tradition found here in Davenport are true treasures," said Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba. "The Jazz Festival attracts jazz aficionados from around the world, and this year's lineup will surely live up to expectations." 

The 41st annual Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival will be held August 2-5, 2012, at the Adler Theater, the Mississippi Room of the RiverCenter, and at LeClaire Park in Davenport. By partnering with the City of Davenport, the performances at LeClaire Park on Friday and Saturday evening will be free, as they are considered part of the Summer Concert Series. Individual concert tickets, day passes and festival passes are available online at www.bixsociety.org

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The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society was founded in 1972 to carry on the memory and music of Leon "Bix" Beiderbecke. The Society hosts annual events such as the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival, in conjunction with jazz education programs to raise awareness about traditional jazz music.  

18 May 2012

Advocates, industry compromise on strip club bill

By Justin Stofferahn

Club fees would help restore cuts to rape crisis centers

SPRINGFIELD - May 16, 2012. With bipartisan support and agreement from victim advocates and the adult entertainment industry, strip clubs that permit alcohol would have two options to help restore funding to rape crisis centers under a bill passed 8-0 by the Senate Public Health Committee, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said today.

Strip club owners would choose to pay the state a $3 per patron surcharge on an annual basis or opt to pay a flat fee based on the taxable receipts they report to the Illinois Department of Revenue each year, under House Bill 1645 Amendment 3. Clubs that report taxable receipts of $2 million or more would pay $25,000 a year; clubs that report total receipts of $500,000 to $2 million would pay $15,000; and clubs that report total receipts of less than $500,000 would pay $5,000, according to the legislation.

The $3 surcharge and fee structure in House Bill 1645 Amendment 3 replaced the $5 per patron entrance fee proposed in an earlier bill. The new language was agreed to by rape crisis advocates, club owners and sponsor Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights). House Bill 1645 Amendment 3 now moves to the Senate for a vote.

"I am pleased all the interested parties came to the table with Sen. Hutchinson and my office and agreed on a common sense way to restore funding to rape crisis centers that have struggled to provide critical services to sexual assault survivors, school children and law enforcement agencies on ever-shrinking budgets," Simon said.

"Substantial evidence links the consumption of alcohol at strip clubs to negative secondary effects, including sexual harassment, sexual assault and prostitution. This legislation will address the social ills and protect free expression. Clubs that do not want to pay the surcharge or fee can choose to stop permitting alcohol," Simon added.

The newly generated revenue will go into the new Sexual Assault Services and Prevention Fund and be distributed by the Department of Human Services for community-based assistance to victims of sexual assault and sexual assault prevention.  There are at least 32 rape crisis centers - 10 in the Chicago-metro region and 22 in the non-metro area. State funding for the centers has decreased about 28 percent in the past five years.

Last year, the Texas Supreme Court upheld legislation that funded crisis centers through a $5 entrance fee at strip clubs that permit alcohol based on the correlation between alcohol, live nude dancing and negative secondary effects, such as sexual assault. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge of that decision, effectively opening the door for other cities and states to purse similar measures. California is among the states seeking legislation; it is considering a $10-per-patron fee.

Simon, a longtime domestic violence and women's advocate, first voiced her support for Hutchinson's legislation in February and testified in support of the amended legislation today. She visited rape crisis centers across the state this spring to call for a budget-neutral way to restore state funding.

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18 May 2012

Braley Signs On to Bipartisan Balanced Budget Amendment

By Jeff Giertz

Proposal requires federal spending to match federal revenue, reduces deficit

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today announced that he has signed on to bipartisan legislation that would amend the US Constitution to require the federal government to balance its budget, so government spending cannot exceed revenue.

The proposal, known as the Business Cycle Balanced Budget Amendment (H.J. Res. 81), was written by Michigan Republican Rep. Justin Amash (MI-03).  It would base annual federal spending on the previous three years of government revenue.  In the event of a national emergency such as war or natural disaster, a two-thirds vote of Congress could exempt temporary spending for specific reasons from the limits.  The legislation also provides that the amendment be phased in over 10 years following ratification.

 

Braley said, "It's a simple concept that would revolutionize the way our government does business.  States must balance their budgets; families must balance their checkbooks.  Why shouldn't the federal government?

 

Braley continued, "The bipartisan balanced budget amendment I've signed onto today will rein in the federal deficit while ensuring America isn't left vulnerable in a national emergency.  It's the game-changer we need to get our fiscal house in order, protect our economic recovery, and set the stage for future prosperity."

 

Rep. Justin Amash said, "This bill is simple, bipartisan, and common sense, and I'm proud that Bruce has joined me in this effort.  Our long-term prosperity depends on the federal government reining in debt, and that starts with balancing the budget."

 

The Business Cycle Balanced Budget Amendment currently has 55 Democratic and Republican cosponsors.

A copy of the legislation can be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/pxh

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18 May 2012

Governor Quinn Launches "SaveOurState.Illinois.Gov" Website

By Rick Martin

New Online Tool Empowers Public to Take Action to Rescue Medicaid and Pension Systems

 

SPRINGFIELD- May 16, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced SaveOurState.Illinois.gov, a new resource to empower the people of Illinois to help restore fiscal stability to our state.  This new online tool provides helpful background on the state's Medicaid and pension challenges, details about the governor's proposed solutions, and the latest media reports on these issues.  In addition, SaveOurState.Illinois.gov helps citizens take action by directing them to contact information for their local legislators.

"We owe it to the next generation to rise to the occasion in the next 15 days and restore fiscal stability to Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "It's important for the people of Illinois to make their voices heard like never before and urge their legislators to address these difficult challenges."

The Medicaid and pension systems currently take up 39% of state general revenue spending, and will grow to 50% next year without major reforms. Inaction could also severely limit the state's ability to fund core services like education and public safety, threaten the state's credit rating and hurt the long-term sustainability of both systems.

Governor Quinn's plan to stabilize public pensions would save taxpayers up to $85 billion, eliminate the unfunded liability over 30 years and allow public employees who have faithfully contributed to the system to continue to receive pension benefits. His Medicaid restructuring plan would create $2.7 billion in savings by cutting waste, fraud and abuse; raising the price of cigarettes by one dollar, and bringing in dollar-for-dollar federal matching funds.

For more information about the urgency of repairing Illinois' Medicaid and public pension systems and to take action, visit http://saveoursate.illinois.gov

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18 May 2012

Busybody opens May 31 at The Old Creamery Theatre

By Shelley Klimes

Amana - Mrs. Piper, a cleaning woman for a suite of corporate offices, knows everything about everybody. But, when she stumbles onto a murder, she just might know TOO much! Will the murderer turn on Mrs. Piper to keep her quiet? This play will keep you laughing and guessing "who done it," until the last scene.

Busybody was written by Jack Popplewell and is rated Theatre PG. The cast consists of Marquetta Senters of South Amana, Jeff Haffner of Cleveland, Ohio; Robert Kemp of Iowa City, Tom Milligan of West Amana, Jackie McCall of Marengo, Kay Francis of Naples, Florida; Eddie Skaggs of Cedar Rapids and Amber Snyder of Amana.

Directed by S. Joseph Nassif, Busybody will run through July 1 and is sponsored by Double Take Design, Inc. Media sponsor is KMRY. Show times are 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information or to order tickets, call The Old Creamery Theatre at 800-35-AMANA (352-6262) or visit the web site at www.oldcreamery.com

 

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company has been bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest for 41 years.

18 May 2012

See for Yourself Participants Will See Checkoff in Action in 2012

By United Soybean Board
United Soybean Board announces participants for annual program
ST. LOUIS (May 16, 2012) - What happens to U.S. soybeans after farmers unload their trucks at local grain elevators or processors? A group of U.S. soybean farmers are about to find out. The United Soybean Board (USB)/soy checkoff has selected 10 farmer-participants for the 2012 See for Yourself program, which will give attendees a firsthand look at how and where their soybeans are being used both domestically and internationally. The program, which also offers farmer participants an opportunity to evaluate specific, checkoff-funded research and promotional activities, will be held August 5-11 in St. Louis and Guanajuato, Mexico.

The soy checkoff selected 10 farmers who applied to take part in the fifth annual See for Yourself program. These farmer-participants will see their checkoff dollars in action by visiting a number of sites related to the national soy checkoff objectives to improve the value of U.S. soybean meal and oil, ensure the industry and soy customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and meet the needs of U.S. soy customers. The locations will also demonstrate USB's work to protect and support animal agriculture and increase public and private investment in transportation infrastructure.

Rick Stern, USB Audit & Evaluation program chair and a soybean farmer from Cream Ridge, N.J., believes the See for Yourself program helps inform farmers about the checkoff and allows them to evaluate and provide feedback on checkoff-funded programs. "There's no better way to show someone the value of their investment than to show them the results firsthand," Stern says.

For example, participants will learn about the use of soy biodiesel at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, tour a barge-loading facility and visit a laboratory to see soy research taking place, all before heading to the number one market for U.S. soybean meal - Mexico. While south of the U.S. border, participants will get a firsthand look at a large user of U.S. soy in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato.

The following U.S. soybean farmers will participate in the 2012 See for Yourself program:

•    Cory Atkins, Seaford, Del. •    Jonathan Miller, Island, Ky.
•    Timothy Clark, Lomira, Wis. •    Doug Singleteary, Bogota, Tenn.
•    Stephanie Essick, Dickens, Iowa •    Kristina Sutton, Potosi, Mo.
•    Andrew Fabin, Indiana, Pa. •    Craig Williams, Oaktown, Ind.
•    David Foster, Fort Scott, Kan. •    John Yeargin, Greenfield, Tenn

The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
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