March 27, 2012

ROCK FALLS, IL - Blackhawk Hills, a not-for-profit corporation based in Rock Falls, is
celebrating 20 years of helping communities undertake regional development and planning
issues. Blackhawk Hills was designated as an Economic Development District (EDD) by the
Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) in March 1992 and
functions as the region's direct link to the EDA.

Through the EDD, Blackhawk Hills assists local governments and public entities in acquiring
funds for a variety of community development and planning activities, including the construction
of infrastructure for the enhancement and expansion of business and industry. In addition, the
EDD helps develop and implement a regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
to improve job opportunities and quality of life for local communities.

According to Theresa Wittenauer, Economic Development Coordinator for Blackhawk Hills,
"The establishment of the EDD 20 years ago put our six county region in the preliminary
position to begin coordinating projects and collaborating on issues that impacted our entire
service area. Today, forming partnerships and promoting development at the regional level has
become vital to the growth and sustainability of our rural communities. Leaders have realized
that what happens in one county or community will ultimately impact the surrounding region."

Blackhawk Hills services include community planning, development assistance, natural
resources conservation and protection support, and grant writing and administration. Blackhawk
Hills serves Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside counties in northwest
Illinois.

Questions about Blackhawk Hills may be directed to Theresa Wittenauer at (815) 625-3854 or
Theresa.Wittenauer@blackhawkhills.com.

###

The Transportation Operations Budget and Administration & Regulations Budget passed the House last week. The Trans. Op Budget makes appropriations to the Road Use Tax Fund ($47.6 mil FY 2013) and Primary Road Fund ($303.2 mil FY 2013). The Admin/Reg. Budget provides for regulatory authority and appropriations for certain state departments, agencies, funds, and other entities. The House amendment appropriates ($49.6 mil from General Fund FY 2013) a decrease from last year, while the bill itself appropriates ($54.1 mil from other funds FY 2013) an increase from last year.

House File 2421, mental health and disability redesign, implements recommendations from the Judicial Branch and DHS Workgroup regarding improvements to mental health proceedings. The bill requires law enforcement to complete courses in mental health first aid, pre-assessment screening for involuntary commitment to determine their mental health needs no matter when they are  brought to court. This bill also establishes "Mental Health Professionals" as one consistent definition in Iowa code, as well as, establishing standards for mental health advocates and expanding service to Iowans with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse diagnosis.

I've received many emails concerning the Medicaid reimbursement issue and at this time I'm not sure of the fate of the  reimbursement. When I know something I'll be informing you here. Thank you for keeping me informed of issues that matter to you.

The tuition set-aside policy, an issue that many at the capitol were unaware of, has led to negotiations with the Board of Regents which will provide full transparency with how student tuition payments are dealt with at each Board of Regents' universities.

If you have concerns or questions I can be reached at the Capitol by emailing steven.olson@legis.state.ia.us.

Continues his push for long-term transportation reauthorization

Washington, DC - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) released the following statement today in support of H.R. 4281, the Surface Transportation Extension Act, which would extend surface transportation spending authority for 90 days, making no substantial changes to the current transportation system : "I would still prefer a long-term transportation bill, but I'm supporting today's 3-month transportation extension to avoid current projects coming to a grinding halt.  This does not change the fact that America's infrastructure is given a grade of 'D' by the American Society for Civil Engineers.  The meaningful, large-scale transportation projects necessary to create a modern, safe, and efficient infrastructure system take years to plan, approve, and put in motion.  We need to come to bipartisan agreement on long-term legislation that works to address rising gas prices and will allow states and localities to move forward with badly-needed infrastructure improvement plans."

# # #

Local farmer directs $2,500 to fire department

 

ELDRIDGE, Iowa (Mar. 20, 2012) - Seventy percent of firefighters in the United States are volunteer and one of the few opportunities for these departments to update their rescue and training equipment is through community donations. Thanks to one local farmer and America's Farmers Grow Communities^SM, the Eldridge Fire Department can continue to keep its community and surrounding area safe.

Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organizations. Richard and Mary Hemphill were the winning farmers in Scott County. They recognized the need for new rescue equipment and directed the donation to the Eldridge Fire Department. The donation will be used to purchase additional rescue tools and training materials."

"The Eldridge firefighters have been to my farm a couple times to put out grain dryer fires," Richard Hemphill said. "It's a volunteer fire department, and this is a good way to say thank you."

In a ceremony held on Tuesday, Mar. 20, Richard and Mary got the chance to present the Eldridge Fire Department with the $2,500 donation.

Through America's Farmers Grow Communities:

·         Farmers in 1,245 eligible counties have the chance to win $2,500 for their favorite community nonprofit organizations.

·         The Monsanto Fund has invested more than $3.1 million to rural communities this year alone.

·         More than $247,500 in total will be donated to nonprofits in Iowa

·         A list of all winners and more information can be found at  www.growcommunities.com

"Our fire department has had an increase in rescue calls, so we will purchase essential rescue tools with the donation," said Tyler Schmidt, Eldridge fire chief. "Funds will also be used to purchase training materials to supplement our continual training program."

Grow Communities is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to invest in farm communities such as Scott County. It aims to highlight the important contributions farmers such as Richard and Mary Hemphill make every day to our society.

 

About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

 

# # #