01 Nov 2011

Morthland Files Bill to Block Pension Loophole

By Rich Morthland

Springfield, IL...State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) filed legislation today that will close the pension loophole that allowed two teachers union lobbyists to earn huge state pensions once they served a single day as substitute teachers.

 

A Chicago Tribune/WGN-TV investigation found that two lobbyists with no prior teaching experience were allowed to count their years as union employees towards state teacher pensions after subbing for a single day in 2007.

 

"These guys were lobbyists masquerading as teachers," Morthland said. "They took advantage of a pension loophole that allowed them to receive a teacher's pension after subbing for just one day in the classroom. That's a slap in the face to hard working teachers across Illinois. We need to block this loophole so lobbyists cannot weasel their way into a pension plan for which common sense dictates they should not qualify."

 

According to the Tribune report, Steven Preckwinkle, the political director of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, and fellow IFT lobbyist David Piccioli were the only people who took advantage of a small pension window opened by state lawmakers just a few months earlier. The law allowed union officials to get into the Teachers' Retirement System and count their previous years as union employees after quickly obtaining teaching certificates and working in a classroom. Preckwinkle and Piccioli could collect nearly $3 million in pension payouts, based on their union salaries and years of union credit.

"Illinois' pension systems face serious financial problems, with more than $85 billion in unfunded liability," Morthland said. "So while these lobbyists' pensions may only be a drop in the bucket, they are stinking up the whole bucket. What they did was shameful and I intend to put a stop to it."

 

Morthland's legislation, House Bill 3870, would require Preckwinkle and Piccioli to make their entire pension contributions immediately in order receive their teacher pensions. The legislation is an effort to prevent the lobbyists from receiving the pensions they earned through the previously-established pension loophole.

 

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01 Nov 2011

FREE Presentation on Financial Aid for College!

By Brittany Marietta

What: Free Presentation on Financial Aid for College presented by ICAN (Iowa College Access Network)

When: Wednesday, 11/9 - 7:00 p.m.

Where: Rivermont Collegiate - Becherer Hall Auditorium - 1821 Sunset Drive, Bettendorf, IA 52722

Open to the public!  Bring your questions!

To spend LESS on college... spend an evening with us!

A college education is one of the most important investments you will make in a lifetime. Educate yourself on the resources available to you!

What: Free Presentation on Financial Aid for College presented by the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN).  This presentation is open to the public! Join us!

When: Wednesday, November 9th - 7:00 p.m.

Where: RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE - Becherer Hall Auditorium, 1821 Sunset Drive - Bettendorf, IA 52722 (located directly off 18th Street, behind K&K Hardware)

• Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Important deadlines
• Types of financial assistance available
• Scholarships & scams

Bring your questions!

This presentation is very helpful for high school students and parents who are unsure exactly what is involved in the financial aid process & filing the FAFSA. It can be confusing and discouraging! Make the process clear, ensure accuracy, and smooth the way - join us!

Contact: Bonnie Campbell - (563) 359-1366 ext. 304 - campbell@rvmt.org

RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college prep school, serving preschool through grade 12.  For more information on RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE, please contact Brittany Marietta - Director of Admission
(563) 359-1366 ext. 302 - marietta@rvmt.org.  www.rvmt.org

01 Nov 2011

Area Residents Enroll in DePaul University's Freshman Class

By readMedia

CHICAGO, IL (10/27/2011)(readMedia)-- The following area students have enrolled this fall as freshman at DePaul University in Chicago:

Alyssa Phelan of Bettendorf

Catherine Bush of Davenport

Elizabeth Knowlton of Port Byron

About DePaul

With more than 25,000 students, DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the United States and the largest private, non-profit university in the Midwest. The university offers approximately 275 graduate and undergraduate programs of study on three Chicago and three suburban campuses. Founded in 1898, DePaul remains committed to providing a quality education through personal attention to students from a wide range of backgrounds.

01 Nov 2011

Herman Cain on Top in Fox News Poll

By J D Gordon
This week's Fox News national poll confirms presidential candidate Herman Cain's staying power with 24 percent of Republican primary voters choosing him as their first choice for the nomination.  Cain's momentum in the polls has quadrupled since late August with a jump of 18 percentage points.

"Herman Cain's solutions and ideas are not just for one segment of America but for the benefit of all Americans.  Herman's message of inclusion and his straight forward problem solving approach are attracting many supporters," said Mark Block, Chief Operating Officer for Friends of Herman Cain. 

The Fox News poll is the second major national poll to be released since last week's CNN debate showing Cain's lead of the Republican field.

2012 Republican Nomination for President
among Republican primary voters

Now

27-Sep-11

31-Aug-11

Herman Cain

24%

17%

6%

Mitt Romney

20

23

22

Newt Gingrich

12

11

3

Rick Perry

10

19

29

Ron Paul

9

6

8

Rick Santorum

3

3

4

Michele Bachmann

3

3

8

Jon Huntsman

-

4

1
Source: Fox New Poll
01 Nov 2011

An Iowa Christmas Story

By Kelly Lao

"An Iowa Christmas Story" with Michael Zahs, Sunday November 20th, 2011 starting at 2p.m. at the German American Heritage Center, 712 West Second St. Davenport, IA 52802 563-322-8844, www.gahc.org. Free with admission.

Celebrate "An Iowa Christmas Story" with Michael Zahs at the German American Heritage Center. Michael is a two time winner of the "Iowa Teacher of the Year" Award and enjoys using stories and artifacts to bring the past to life. He does this so well that in 2010 the NEA named him one of the top 38 teachers in the country! Using his collection of over 30 holiday items, some from his personal 200 year family history in Iowa, you will learn how Christmas has been celebrated in our state since 1808, and how our state has grown and benefitted from its ethnic richness.
01 Nov 2011

LIVESTOCK WATERER BUSINESS EARNS IOWA FARM BUREAU'S RENEW RURAL IOWA ENTREPRENEUR OF MONTH AWARD

By Rick Martin

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Oct. 27, 2011 - A Conrad company focused on providing fresh water for livestock has earned the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's (IFBF) Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur of the Month award.

Ritchie Industries started in Oskaloosa in 1921 when Thomas Ritchie patented his first watering device. He connected underground running water to automatic float-controlled watering equipment. The water was heated with a kerosene lamp, saving farmers time and labor.

As the countryside grew, the business worked with the local rural electric cooperative as it installed electricity to area farms. Even though technology and farming practices have changed, the need for waterers remains strong for livestock farmers. The company was purchased and moved to Conrad in 1943. Today, the company focuses on providing equipment to the beef cattle, dairy and equine industries; selling to customers all over the United States and Canada.

While the company's reach is wide, it remains committed to its 65 employees and local community.

"They (Ritchie Industries) made the investment to stay and grow and be a part of our community and county," said Brian Feldpausch, Grundy County Farm Bureau president, who nominated the company for the award. "They also support ag education in our schools and donate to the library. They're a mainstay and add support for future growth (here)."

Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an IFBF initiative supporting new and existing businesses through education, mentoring and financial resources. Registration is open for the Nov. 2 "Business Success" seminar, featuring Curt Nelson, president of the Entrepreneurial Development Center. The register for the seminar, to be held at Iowa Farm Bureau in West Des Moines, go to www.renewruraliowa.com.

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01 Nov 2011

Wallace to Verschoore: Repeal the Amazon Tax

By Jonathan Wallace

Rock Island, IL...Yesterday, the Illinois Policy Institute released a statement calling the Amazon Tax "all pain, no gain." The group released a YouTube video featuring local businessmen Mike Martin and Jonathan Wallace. Wallace, founder of NoCollarMedia.com, and candidate for State Representative in the Illinois 72nd criticized his opponent Pat Verschoore on the "Amazon Tax."

Wallace is specifically referring to the affiliate nexus law, voted for by State Representative Pat Verschoore earlier in 2011, and signed by Governor Pat Quinn. The law is commonly called the Amazon Tax. The controversial law shifts the complex burden of sales tax collection from individuals to out-of-state retailers who have no physical presence in Illinois. As a result, Amazon and Overstock.com decided to cut ties with business affiliates, thereby driving businesses to Iowa and surrounding regions.

"I think this law is a flashing neon sign to new startups and young entrepreneurs that you aren't welcome in Illinois," said Wallace. "My opponent is an advocate of raising taxes, creating burdens for an already challenging small business environment. Illinois has the potential to be the next Silicon Valley but that potential is continually squandered by politicians like Verschoore."

Wallace continued to discuss the economic impact that this law has on Illinois businesses and jobs, "This is just another part in the entire exodus of the state," referring to small businesses who are leaving or are looking to leave Illinois due to new taxes being imposed and an unfavorable policy environment.

Jonathan Wallace is a candidate for the Illinois State Representative in the 72nd District. Jonathan is a small businessman, entrepreneur, former Township Trustee, and serves as an advisor for State Representative Rich Morthland.

The link to the YouTube video can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d3mzePWxPQ&feature=relmfu

The link to the Illinois Policy Institute brief can be found here:

http://illinoispolicy.org/news/article.asp?ArticleSource=4480

For more information, visit http://www.jonathanwallace2012.com or email jonathanwallace2012@gmail.com

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01 Nov 2011

$25,308 Grant to Iowa Public Broadcasting for Environmental Education

By Kris Lancaster

(Kansas City, Kan., Oct. 27, 2011) - EPA Region 7 has awarded Iowa Public Broadcasting an environmental education grant totaling $25,308. This is one of six grants being awarded to schools, universities and organizations in the Agency's four-state region to fund the development of new environmental education projects. The execution of these environmental education projects will further EPA's commitment to protecting human health and the environment.

"Educating our communities on environmental issues is crucial to creating a safe and healthy environment for children to learn and grow," said Karl Brooks, regional administrator.  "The diversity of the proposals selected shows the commitment of the people of Region 7 to producing and sustaining a healthy environment."

Iowa Public Broadcasting will use this grant to provide professional development to 100 middle school science teachers in rural areas. This project will also assist teachers with instructional skills to engage students in problem-solving learning in the classroom.  Five courses will be offered over a two-year period and will address issues of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

The Environmental Education Grant program provides seed money for new projects and assistance to advance existing projects. The projects increase public awareness of environmental issues and provide the skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment.

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01 Nov 2011

IOWA FARM BUREAU SUPPORTS STATE ROAD FUNDING RECOMMENDATION

By Iowa Farm Bureau

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Oct. 27, 2011 - With rural roads making up nearly 90,000 miles of the state's 114,000-mile road system, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) applauds the Governor's Transportation 2020 Citizen Advisory Commission recommendation for an additional 8 to 10 cents per gallon fuel tax.

"Our roads and bridges have been severely impacted over the years by flooding and neglect, negatively impacting all of Iowa, but especially our rural communities, businesses and farms. Our members believe it's imperative to repair the roads and bridges to help rural Iowa thrive," said Craig Lang, IFBF president. "We believe that an increase in the fuel tax is the fairest way to fund those repairs because it charges people who actually use the roads whether they live in Iowa or are from out of state."

Lang notes that IFBF delegates in 2008 passed policy calling for the fuel tax increase to repair the state's roads and bridges.

The tax increase recommendation was made to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) this week after several listening sessions around the state. The recommendations will be submitted to the Iowa Legislature by the IDOT by the end of the year.  The IDOT reports that Iowa needs an additional $215 million per year to meet critical roadway needs and the recommended increase will generate $184 million to $230 million per year.

-30-

01 Nov 2011

Braley Launches Petition Urging Postal Service to Stop Closures of Iowa Post Offices

By Molly Scherrman

Braley will mail petition to US postmaster general

Waterloo, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley today launched an online petition urging US Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe to stop the Postal Service's proposed closures of 178 small town post offices across Iowa.

The petition, which Braley will send - via postal mail - to the postmaster general, can be viewed and signed at the following link: http://www.brucebraley.com/post-office.

"Washington bureaucrats want to close thousands of post offices across the country, including almost 200 here in Iowa," Braley wrote in an email to Iowans.  "This is the wrong move, and I need your help to make sure Washington gets the message that our post offices must stay open.

"The Postal Service is in financial trouble, but closing post offices in Iowa isn't the answer," Braley continued. "One single post office is just a drop in the bucket for the massive Postal Service bureaucracy.  But it can be everything to a small town." 

The Postal Service has released a long list of post offices in Iowa being studied for potential closure.

Earlier this month, a US House committee endorsed a controversial bill that would, in part, allow the Postal Service to move forward with its plans to those post offices.  Braley is a member of the panel, and opposed the bill.  The bill, known as the Postal Reform Act, now must be approved by the full US House.

The full text of Braley's email to Iowans can be viewed below:

--

From: Congressman Bruce Braley

Subject: Help Save Your Post Office

Dear Susan -

I grew up in Brooklyn, Iowa, and our post office was incredibly important to our small community. Back then, before cell phones, text messages and emails, the post office was our way of reaching folks in the outside world.

And still today in many small towns in Iowa, post offices are part of the economic life-blood of our rural communities.

But Washington bureaucrats want to close thousands of post offices across the country, including almost 200 here in Iowa.

This is the wrong move, and I need your help to make sure Washington gets the message that our post offices must stay open.

Will you sign my petition urging Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe to keep Iowa post offices open?

I will send your name, along with everyone who signs the petition - via Postal Mail - to Postmaster General Donahoe.

Here's the text of the petition:

We the undersigned urge you to stop the proposed closure of nearly 200 post offices throughout Iowa. Closing small town post offices jeopardizes the economic health of countless Iowa communities, and deals a blow to towns struggling to survive.

The Postal Service is in financial trouble, but closing post offices in Iowa isn't the answer. One single post office is just a drop in the bucket for the massive Postal Service bureaucracy. But it can be everything to a small town. And I worry that closing post offices could effectively close small towns in Iowa to business.

And that's why I'm fighting to keep post offices open here in Iowa.

Sign my petition and tell the Postmaster General to keep Iowa's post offices open.

Together, we'll make sure Washington gets the message loud and clear: Don't close Iowa's post offices!

Thanks for all you do,

Bruce

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