Statement of Ranking Member Chuck Grassley of Iowa

Senate Committee on the Judiciary,

Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights

Hearing on "The Express Scripts/Medco Merger: Cost Savings for Consumers or More Profits for the Middlemen?"

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this hearing.  Whether people know it or not, this proposed merger will affect them.  Prescription drugs are a daily part of many folk's lives.  How those drugs are paid for and determining who gets paid what is a complex process.  At the heart of all of this are the Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs.

The combination of Express Scripts and Medco would create a company that processes almost one-third of all PBM-administered prescriptions.  Basically, one in four individuals who receive prescription drugs through a health plan will be impacted.  So, this is an important matter.  I expect the Federal Trade Commission will examine this merger rigorously, as they should.

Today this Committee has the opportunity to hear some practical concerns with the merger in a public forum.  I'm sure there will be much discussion on the legal issues that will be part of the Federal Trade Commission's review.  However, we get the chance to listen to those who support and oppose the proposed merger. I expect the discussion will be fruitful and informative.

I've heard from a large number of Iowa pharmacists who raise concerns.  I'm interested to hear about the effect this merger will have on them and consumers.  There are also transparency and competition issues that deserve discussion and today's a great opportunity to do so.

Again, thank you for holding this very important hearing, Mr. Chairman, and I look forward to hearing from the witnesses.

Friends,

On behalf of my wife Gloria and I, our dedicated and talented campaign staff, the army of Herman Cain volunteers and all who worked tirelessly to make this campaign an amazing experience, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I am grateful for all those who donated precious time and hard-earned money to support and promote this extraordinary crusade for positive change for the country we love so much.  Your passionate support was inspiring.

You're not defeated as long as you never stop fighting. And while my presidential campaign is suspended, it's important to remember that my pursuit of the presidency was only a means to an end. As long as the end is achieved, victory will be at hand.

I'm disappointed we did not achieve the ultimate outcome of winning the Presidency, but make no mistake: You made an astonishing and long-lasting impact, not only on this election - but on the entire American political discourse for years to come.

It is my strong intent going forward to assist not only other campaigns, but to influence the entire political landscape. We will continue to evaluate that influence, how it can be improved, and what can be done to persuade others to promote and implement our bold solutions.

I continue to be dedicated to making positive change in our economy, our culture and our country. God bless you, and God bless America.

Your friend,


Herman Cain

Midland Communications Educates Customers on Powerful Stimulus Plan

DAVENPORT, IA - November 30, 2011 - Midland Communications, a leading provider in unified communications, announced today that the company is helping customers take advantage of a large tax-break for small to mid-sized businesses with Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 179. The tax benefit targets businesses who are contemplating large equipment purchases, such as technology, and significantly reduces the cost of purchasing such equipment. Section 179 allows business owners to write-off the entire cost, up to $500,000, on new equipment purchases made by December 31st, 2011.

Many Americans were left wondering how the Stimulus Package would have an impact on their lives and Section 179 has answered that question for many business owners. Creating significant savings on major purchases of equipment, software or phone systems, the federal government has enacted this bill in an effort to spur business-to-business spending. Right now businesses can expense the entire purchase price of qualifying equipment/software/phone systems in the first year up to $500,000 (to be reduced to $125,000 at the end of the 2011 tax year). Also slated to expire at the end of the 2011 tax year is the 100% Bonus Depreciation, which will drop down to 50 percent. For example, assuming you're in a 35% tax bracket, a $45,000 purchase would drop dramatically, and would cost approximately $29,250 after Section 179 has been applied to the transaction. In a transaction like this, Section 179 would yield a total savings of $15,750. While every transaction is different and tax professionals should be consulted on specific situations, the potential rewards of this government program has persuaded many business owners to seriously consider investing in new equipment before year-end.

The one caveat associated with this powerful program is that the new equipment must be in use by December 31, 2011 in order to qualify for the massive savings. This year, Section 179 also extends to cover software purchases in addition to traditional equipment. Many business owners have installed new business phone systems as a result of this addition to the tax code, because recent breakthroughs in telecommunications are enabling businesses to collaborate better, faster and more efficiently with one another.

"We were stunned to find out that so many of our customers had not yet heard of Section 179," commented Jason Smith, Vice President of Midland Communications. "We may specialize in delivering technology solutions to our customers, but we treat our customers like partners. If we find something as powerful as this we have always considered it to be our duty to communicate this information to our customers. Our goal is to introduce our customers to technology that increases their productivity, but more importantly increases their profitability . When an opportunity like this comes along, we're thrilled to skip discussions regarding technology, and go straight to the part where our customers get to enjoy increased profitability. That's why we're different and we plan on continuing to treat our customers like gold."

CANTON, MO. (12/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Kirsten Sindelar, junior musical theatre major from Sherrard Ill. will take part in Culver-Stockton College's upcoming theatre experience "A Weekend of One-Acts." Throughout the weekend Culver-Stockton College students will take the lead onstage and behind the scenes during "A Weekend of One-Acts." The annual student-led productions will take place Saturday, Dec. 10 through Monday, Dec. 12 in the Mabee Little Theatre inside the Robert W. Brown Performing Arts Center. As part of experiential learning at C-SC, the six students will take responsibility for all aspects of the show as each chooses a play, casts performers and crew and takes charge of directing and producing his or her chosen work.

The productions will include :

"Central Park West" directed by Dakota McKee, senior theatre major from Pittsfield, Ill. Cast members include Lisa Button, sophomore accounting major from Adel, Iowa; Morgan Hakenwerth, freshmen psychology major from Wentzville, Mo.; Brant Beckman, senior history major from St. Louis, Mo.; Nick Johnson, junior theatre major from Fieldon, Ill.; and Alaura Cowart, senior psychology major from Greencastle, Mo.

"For Whom the Southern Bell Tolls" directed by Meghan Townley, junior media communication major from Quincy, Ill. Cast members include Jeffery DeGraw, senior art management major from Canton, Mo.; Sean McAvoy, junior history major from Bluffton, Ind.; and Kayla Pickel, senior criminal justice major from Owaneco, Ill.

"Hotline" directed by Kiana Reed, junior speech and theatre education major from Chicago, Ill. Cast members include Patrick Espanol, junior speech communication major; William Cooper, sophomore art management major from Sikeston, Mo.; Erin Carmdoy, senior speech and theatre major from St. Louis, Mo. Josh Koehler, senior music major from Jackson, Mo.; Brittney Turnbow, sophomore elementary education major from Quincy, Ill.; and Dillion Kelly, sophomore criminal justice major from Toulon, Ill.

"Strawberry Envy" directed by Joey Burbach, senior theatre major from Grant City, Mo. Cast members include Tim Maples, junior musical theatre major from Chicago, Ill.; Hollyann Lillie, junior musical theatre major from Roscoe, Ill.; and Dylan Gauldin, sophomore criminal justice major from O'Fallon, Mo.

"Old Saybrook" directed by Ian Heath, senior theatre major from St. Louis, Mo. Cast members include Kirsten Sindelar, junior musical theatre major from Sherrard, Ill.; Ryan DeGraw, junior speech major from Canton, Mo.; Lina Schiel, sophomore math major; Josh Kollitz, sophomore music major from Grant City, Mo.; Ben Brown, freshman English major from Lincoln, Neb.; and Angie Faoro, sophomore English education major.

A production will also be directed by William Townsend, sophomore speech and theatre education major from Goodman, Mo.

Performances will be divided into time slots as Group A and Group B. Performance dates and times are: Dec. 10 - Group A at 3 p.m. and Group B at 7:30 p.m. On Dec. 11 - Group B will perform at 3 p.m. On Dec. 12 - Group A will perform at 7:30 p.m.

"A Weekend of One-Acts" is the students' time to explore all aspects of the expressive power of drama and performance from comedy to bitter tragedy. There is no admission charge to the performances and the public is welcome, but some material presented may be appropriate for mature audiences only. For further information, contact the Culver-Stockton College Fine Arts Office at (573) 288-6346.

"Mardi Gras in Germany = Karnival / Fasching / Fastnacht" with Kathlyn Hofmann on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 2pm at the German American Heritage Center, 712 W. 2nd St. Davenport, IA, 52802, for more information call 563-322-8844 or visit www.gahc.org. Free with admission.

Everyone has heard of Carnival in Rio and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but unless you've been in Germany in February, you probably didn't know that many regions have traditions, celebrations, and parades every year leading up to the beginning of Lent. This slide and video presentation will acquaint you with Karnival in Cologne on the Rhine and Fastnacht in the Black Forest. Kathlyn lived in Germany for 27 years teaching German and ESL for the DoDEA School System. Since 2009, she has taught several beginning and intermediate German language classes at the GAHC.

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Easter Traditions in Germany presented by Kathlyn Hofmann.
Sunday February 26, 2012 at 2pm at the German American Heritage Center, 712 W. 2nd St., Davenport, IA 52802.

This presentation will acquaint you with German Easter traditions - some similar - some different from the way Easter is celebrated in the USA. Special highlight is a series of slides: "Osterbrunnen," elaborately decorated wells and fountains found in the Franconia area of northern Bavaria. Kathlyn lived in Germany for 27 years teaching German and ESL for the DoDEA School System. Since 2009, she has taught several beginning and intermediate German language classes at the GAHC. Free with admission.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011

The Treasury Department this week released a study on supporting organizations and donor-advised funds that was mandated by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 at the behest of the leaders of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee.  Sen. Chuck Grassley, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance in 2006, championed this study to understand what issues still needed to be addressed after the Pension Act curbed only the most blatantly abusive transactions.  Grassley has long been concerned about abuses of tax law through tax-exempt organizations such as donor-advised funds and supporting organizations. In October, Grassley highlighted how the George Kaiser Family Foundation converted from a private foundation to a supporting organization about ten years ago and as a result, likely had more money to invest in the failed Solyndra energy company than it otherwise would have. Taxpayers lost money through the government's $535 million loan guarantee for Solyndra and also on the tremendous subsidy the government provided the George Kaiser Family Foundation through the charitable contribution deduction.  In October, Grassley cited that example in a letter to the IRS and Treasury, urging completion of the study mandated in 2006.  Grassley made the following comment on the newly released study, which is available here.


"The study is disappointing and unresponsive. It doesn't advance the ball in closing abusive loopholes. If anything, it gives abusive organizations cause for celebration.  The Treasury Department seems to be forgetting that for years, supporting organizations and donor-advised funds were on the IRS' annual 'Dirty Dozen' list of tax scams. Even the current list includes 'abuse of charitable organizations and deductions.'  Yet the Treasury study discusses the status quo and pay-out rates as if there's no cause for worry.  Treasury apparently thinks Congress fixed problems with supporting organizations and donor-advised funds in 2006.  In fact, Congress fixed a limited area and asked the IRS and Treasury to help us fix the rest.  The study doesn't offer any kind of road map about problems.

"It's also disappointing that the study used 2006 data. The IRS went to the trouble of revising the Form 990 in 2008 to glean more data from charitable organizations, yet none of the new data was used in this study.

"The study describes average pay-out rates but doesn't highlight how many of these entities pay out nothing or whether the pay-outs were to other supporting organizations and donor-advised funds. There's no information on how much money is getting to those who really could benefit from charitable work, which is especially critical in these tough economic times.  The superficial review misses the point of trying to determine whether Congress and the IRS should change the distribution rates and tax benefits that apply to these organizations.

"While the Administration continues to complain about millionaires and tax breaks for the rich, with this report, Treasury is in effect signing off on sweetheart tax breaks for billionaires.  The Administration had a chance to help the poor here but instead signed off on the status quo to the benefit of billionaires. 

"Treasury and the IRS missed an opportunity to shed light on loopholes that taxpayers heavily subsidize yet result in financial gains for a few principals and very little money for charities.  Unlike the Obama Treasury Department, those of us who want to close loopholes will have to keep drilling down."

Opening Reception & Book Signing on Friday, December 16, 6-8p.m.

 

[MAQUOKETA, IA] Maquoketa Art Experience welcomes Iowa artist Stormy Mochal this December for an exhibition of the original drawings from her recently published storybook, written by Jeanette Hopkins, entitled The Juggler. In her illustrations, Stormy explores her native Iowa landscape for inspiration for the illustrations. The Juggler's pages are filled with the colorful simple pleasures of starry skies, country sides, farmhouses, and birds. Stormy Mochal received her degree in painting from Loras College, has taught at Northeast Iowa Community College, and is the co-owner of Outside The Lines Art Gallery in Dubuque. The Juggler, published by Ice Cube Press is her first children's book.

Maquoketa Art Experience will host an opening reception and book signing for Stormy Mochal on Friday, December 16 from 6-8 p.m. at 124 S. Main Street in Maquoketa. The exhibit will run through January 16, 2012.

On December 16th and 17th, youth choirs will once again join Nova Singers in celebrating the holiday season.  On Friday the 16th in Davenport at St. Paul Lutheran Church, the guest choir is the Sudlow Select Choir, under the direction of Kim Knoche.  On Saturday the 17th in Galesburg at First Lutheran Church, Nova will be joined by the Churchill Singing Streaks, directed by Paula Helle.  Each choir will perform their own set of music before combining with the Nova Singers for three beloved Christmas carols.  Both performances begin at 7:30pm.

Tickets will be available at the door. Admission is $16 for adults and $12 for seniors. Students are admitted free of charge. Nova Singers season tickets will still be available through this performance. Season ticket holders receive four concerts for the price of three. For information about group rates, tickets, recordings, or other Nova Singers events, call 309-341-7038, or e-mail nova@knox.edu.  Also, please take the opportunity to visit our Facebook page under the keywords 'Nova Singers.'

 

A Nova Christmas is sponsored by Miller Dredge Insurance and the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend.  Nova Singers' 2011-2012 season is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

During the holidays, it's harder to get the women of Winnie's Place adopted than the children so the Quad City Mallards is having a GIFT DRIVE at their game, Friday December 23rd.

Several have expressed interest in going as a Churches United/Winnie's Place group and take advantage of the group rate.  If you are, let me know!

What a GREAT way to have some fun AND help the women of Winnie's at the same time!   They REALLY need pajama pants for the mom's but any gift item or gift certificate will help!

PLEASE share this with your e-mail lists and help spread the word.   The Mallards have been awesome to support us - a recent silent auction and food drive resulted in over a ton of food in cash and food items for our hunger ministry.    Now this help with Winnie's!

You can drop off the gift item at the Mallards office OR at Winnie's Wishes (902 E. River Drive, Davenport) to get your $5 off voucher.

Again, if you want to join OUR group, just give me a call. ---  Jo Cohrs @  309/738-9564

Winnie's Place is a shelter for women who are homeless or victims of  domestic violence with or without children. They need your help . . .

Donate a new or gently used women's gift (pajama pants or gift certificates preferred) and receive $5 off a ticket purchase for the game on:

Friday, December 23rd, 2011
Puck drops at 7:05 PM
Quad City Mallards vs. Wichita

Donations can be dropped off & $5 vouchers received at:

Winnie's Wishes
902 East River Drive
Davenport IA

Quad City
Mallards office
1201 River Drive
Moline IL

Quad City Mallards 1201 River Drive, Moline IL 61265
Elizabeth Phelps PH: 309.277.1384 Email: ephelps@myqcmallards.com

New members hail from Blackhawk, Warren, Polk, Linn and Scott Counties
ANKENY, Iowa - In the latest display of steady momentum and organizational growth for the Iowa segment of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign, the Iowa team announced today additions to one of its many growing official coalition organizations, "Homeschoolers for Ron Paul."

Over months of retail politicking and one-on-one interaction with the voters of Iowa, many everyday people representing significant population segments have stepped forward to offer their voice and endorsement of Dr. Ron Paul's message.  Noteworthy is the geographic dispersion of the families below, illustrating that Dr. Paul is making inroads among families and individuals that value education freedom in the run-up to the January 3, 2012 Iowa Caucus. 

"My husband and I participate in homeschooling our two youngest children.  Ron Paul believes that parents know what is best for their own children, not bureaucrats and politicians.  Values should come from the family and the church, not politicians.  This is one of the reasons we support Ron Paul," said Dawn Burns of her family, which resides in Waterloo, Blackhawk County.

Tom and Crystal McIntyre of Indianola, Warren County, offered the following reasons for their support:  "Our family has six children ages 19 and under.  There is not a doubt in our mind about Ron Paul's conviction to support each individual citizen's rights, especially when it comes to our family's right to educate our children.  Ron Paul has been an outspoken representative on homeschooling and we know he will continue that support in the future.  His lovely wife Carol is an example of what homeschool mothers aspire to become and the White House would be blessed to have such a woman living inside its walls.  'No other success can compensate for failure outside the home' is a quote said often in our home to help us align ourselves and the entire Paul family emulates this sentiment well."

Third grade teacher of one son Lori Leporte enthusiastically proclaims that Ron Paul is not only the best among other on education freedom, but on the whole platform.  She writes to us:  "Ron Paul 'gets it.'  In addition to his wholehearted support of homeschooling, the right-to-life, and the Second Amendment, Ron Paul distinguishes himself as the only candidate who is a strict Constitutionalist," said Mrs. Leporte of Des Moines, Polk County.

Lori and John Leporte are both HSLDA members.

Jonathan Crandall's homeschool family of Marion, Linn County speaks for how many families feel in a single, concise sentence, "I appreciate that Dr. Paul has been absolutely un-compromising in his pro-homeschool and pro-life positions."

And finally, Thomas Rutherford, a disabled veteran and resident of Davenport, Scott County reflects on the positive impact homeschooling made on his life while growing up on a fourth generation farm.

"My parents instilled in me a love of learning and a strong set of values, integrity, hard work, and perseverance.  At an early age, they recognized the moral decay being forced on us in the education system.  Their example taught me to do what's right - not what is popular," said Mr. Rutherford.

Homeschoolers of five children for nine years Matt and Mandie DeVries said, "I give Ron Paul my wholehearted support, and encourage others to check him out: you won't be disappointed," offered the couple, who reside in Ankeny, Polk County.

Mr. DeVries also serves on the national advisory board for the "Catholics for Ron Paul" nationwide coalition.  He also serves as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 10282 out of All Saints Catholic Church in Des Moines, and is a Ron Paul campaign co-chairman for Iowa's 3rd congressional district. 

As a function of this announcement, all of the above supporters now serve on the national advisory board of "Homeschoolers for Ron Paul."

So for those who are in Iowa and interested in joining the growing ranks of "Homeschoolers for Ron Paul," please visit www.RonPaul2012.com/Homeschoolers, or send an email inquiry to Meghann Walker, Director of Iowa Voter Outreach for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign, at meghannw@ronpaul2012.com

For more information on Ron Paul's stance on education freedom, click here.

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