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

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.

"Books That Shaped America" Exhibition to Begin Project

The Library of Congress - the world's largest repository of knowledge and information  - will begin an ongoing "Celebration of the Book" with an exhibition this summer of "Books That Shaped America." It will be part of a larger series of programs, symposia and other events that explore the important and varied ways that books influence our lives.

The "Books That Shaped America" exhibition will be on view from June 25 through Sept. 29 in the Southwest Gallery, on the second floor of the Library's Thomas Jefferson Building, located at 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. The exhibition will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Library is closed on Sundays and federal holidays.

The Library's "Celebration of the Book" includes its 12th annual National Book Festival, which will be held Sept. 22-23 on the National Mall. The festival draws hundreds of thousands of book lovers each year.   

The initial selection of "Books That Shaped America" will not be definitive; rather, it will mark the beginning of an ongoing recognition of culturally significant books from all genres of writing. Members of the public will be asked to nominate books for subsequent lists of "Books That Shaped America." In 2013, the Library will recognize "Books That Shaped the World."

"The 'Celebration of the Book' at the Library of Congress demonstrates our recognition of books as the cornerstones of American culture and democracy," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "We want to involve all Americans in a conversation about books and how they have affected them."

The Library of Congress, with collections that are universal and comprise all media, has a long history of acknowledging the importance of books. It sponsors book symposia and author discussions, held year-round; exhibitions, such as the display of Thomas Jefferson's Library, which formed the "seed" of today's Library of Congress; and its annual National Book Festival.

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution. The Library seeks to spark imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and exhibitions. Many of the Library's rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov.

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A not-for-profit thrift store - The Yard Sale Shop - has opened up at 3150 Avenue of the Cities in Moline. The shop is locally owned and operated, focusing on efforts to support the community and organizations that are within it.

They need your donations and your support to make this happen.  Are you done with your yard sale, cleaning out your attic, your hall closet, or just making some space?  Bring your excess treasures to The Yard Sale Shop, where all donations are greatly appreciated.

Children's and adult clothing • Winter wear to Summer wear • Furniture of all types • Household fixtures and decor • Kitchen applicances • Books • Crafts and art supplies • Toys for any age • Bedding and blankets • Electronics • Dishes and silverware • Cookwear and utensils • Jewelry and collectables • First day school supplies • "A Little Bit of Everything!"

The Yard Sale Shop is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for shopping and donation drop-off.

Thank you for helping us help the community!

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