March 16, 2012

The first policy bill I authored this year passed through the Iowa Senate chambers on Tuesday.  In order to receive veteran discounts at stores, veterans must prove status.  It is irrational to believe these individuals must carry around their DD214 and Discharge Certificates to receive a 10% discount at a local business.  These documents are as important as birth certificates.  Therefore, Senate File 2037 allows the word "Veteran" to appear on a driver's license or a state issued ID to serve the same purpose.  Keep your DD214 in the lock box from now on!

The second funnel deadline appeared on Thursday which means any bill which has not passed one of the chambers and a committee in the other chamber is no longer available for discussion.  Think of this as a taxpayer protection rule.  This means all the wish list bills are now dead.

Budget bills have stalled as the House, Senate and governor's office are showing off to each other like peacocks displaying their feathers.  No one is ready to start the fight but the cards have clearly been displayed.  As a result there was still time this week to move through a series of "post-card" bills.  These are bills which sound good in theory and great to use as campaign fodder, however, in true application they are difficult to enforce.

The Iowa Senate passed a series of preservation clauses to buy American products and employ Iowa businesses in government contracts.  Though I whole-heartedly agree with the concept of these bills we must watch states like Illinois establishing the same protectionist clauses against Iowa companies.  These bills have the greatest impact upon the interstate commerce of companies on our borders.  Think of an Illinois company receiving a 5% leeway on bidding against Iowa companies.  Also, I fully support U.S. steel used in construction projects, however we must take on the bigger issue that steel refineries have largely been exported.  We are now feeling the drastic effects of businesses moving overseas.

The Iowa Senate also passed a bill allowing online gambling in virtual poker rooms with real money.  As I have never been a fan of gaming I simply caution on the extent which online gaming may go to in the future.  There is a possibility to move to betting on sporting events and even political races.  Sometimes, like with touch-play machines, you get more than what you asked for.

Next week the Senate will return to debate on education reform.  I look forward to sending you an update.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve in the Iowa Senate.


For more information please visit www.shawnhamerlinck.com.

hamerlinck signaturesmall.jpg
Shawn Hamerlinck
State Senator
District 42

AMES, Iowa - Stephanie Blaser and Gabriel Domingues, both of Bettendorf, Iowa, have achieved academic ranking in the top 2 percent of students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University.
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Funktion
Rock Island Brewing Company (RIBCO) (1815 Second Ave., Rock Island, IL)
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Price: FREE
Age: 21+
Doors: 7pm
Show: 8pm

Funktion takes kinetic live performances, 'fireball of funk' on the road across country

Seven-member band Funktion is a funk-making machine. The band's kinetic live performances are fueled by a densely layered, harmonic funk-rock music with an upbeat, dance-inducing rhythmic groove including hints of hip-hop and jazz. No form of the funk genre is off limits, whether it's a smooth R&B vibe, cool island dub rhythms, rowdy hip-hop or its own unique, unhinged, guitar-fueled fireball of funk.

When it comes right down to it, however, the band's multifaceted sounds are simply dance music. The band's main intention is to get people up and grooving on the dance floor.

The band's sound includes smooth brass grooves with percussive vocals and hip-hop themes intertwined with retro funk bass lines, but it's energy and vibe also create a type of venue-wide positive energy. Funktion members say there's also positive energy when they are just hanging out or on the road and it translates on stage through the music straight to the audience.

Funktion's music, groove and vibe is ultimately shaped by all the musical elements that influences its members. These influences include the great funk and groove artists from the past and present including everyone from James Brown, Parliament, Herbie Hancock and Sly and the Family Stone to The Roots, Maceo Parker, 311 and Soulive.

"We've got seven guys whose passion is to play music," percussionist Jeremy Reisig said. "The reason we want to get it out there at a high level is that we love playing music with each other. We love messing around and we love that energy on stage."

The act, in May 2011, released its "Step Into It" album to high acclaim. It features the band at its best in the studio and features several special guests on horns and vocals. Ultimately, however, the band must be seen live to fully understand its impact and talent for extended cross-genre improvisations.

FUNKTION:
Andrew Schrock (Lead Vocals)
Terrence Massey (Trumpet, Vocals)
Hugh Little (Keyboards, Vocals)
Nate Heymoss (Guitar)
Neal Conway (Bass)
Sean Reisig (Drums)
Jeremy Reisig (Percussion, Flows)

ONLINE:
www.funktionmusic.com/
www.facebook.com/Funktionkzoo
www.youtube.com/user/funktionkalamazoo
www.reverbnation.com/funktionkalamazoo

MUSIC:
music.funktionmusic.com/

VIDEO:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qLXoHkyshA
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v38QrCKZ9WA&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=AV4oVf-d_DwKDu2ifMFiHNfVIkfSzU5JVM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=34vNBa6SSbU
www.archive.org/details/WyceJammiesXiFunktion
Red Hawk will opened Friday, March 16 for regular play. The driving range at Red Hawk is also open as well but with mats only. Concessions and the Par 3 course will not open until April 1. Red Hawk is located at 6364 Northwest Blvd and their phone number is 563-386-0348.
This means all 3 courses, Duck Creek, Emeis and Red Hawk will be open for regular play for the season tomorrow. Emeis and Red Hawk ranges will be open as well.
Don't forget for those rainy days we still have an indoor driving range at the River's Edge, 700 W River Drive. It's open 7am - 3pm, Monday through Friday and this Saturday from 7am - 2pm. For other Saturdays, call the River's Edge at 563-328-7275 or see the Turf Schedule at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks for details.


Davenport Parks and Recreation
700 W River Dr
Davenport, Iowa 52803

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS in partnership with the Child Abuse Council, Community Child Care Resource & Referral, Quad Cities Association for Education of Young Children, Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency and the Rock Island County Regional Office of Education is offering a Ready To Learn Conference on April 21nd from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The conference organized for early childhood professionals in homes, churches, centers and schools will feature 18 different breakout sessions that include "Prop Box Bags" discussing outdoor learning fun, "Got Dirt" discussing how to grow healthy kids and "A Merry Musical Day" discussing music and movement.

The registration fee is $20.00 and includes 3 workshops, a light breakfast and a free children's book.  At the conference all participants will receive a training certificate valued at 3 hours.  CEU and CPDU credits are available on the day of the conference for an additional $20 fee. Black Hawk College is also offering 1 college credit in conjunction with the conference. You must register for the course and pay separately by contacting Chris Bachelder at 309/796-5986.

To find out more about the conference or to download a registration form go to www.wqpt.org or phone 309-764-2400.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University located in Moline, Illinois.

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WASHINGTON - Senators Chuck Grassley, Mark Udall, Scott Brown, Tom Harkin, Dean Heller, Ron Wyden, and Michael Bennet today proposed a two-year extension of the wind energy production tax credit scheduled to expire at the end of the year.

 

The bipartisan proposal would prevent a lapse in the credit.  Without an extension, as many as 37,000 jobs nationwide could be lost.  The senators hope to have the extension passed as quickly as possible in order to provide tax certainty for the renewable energy sector.

 

"Tax reform efforts might modify or address this incentive in the near future, but the jobs and opportunities provided by wind energy should not be abandoned in the meantime.  And limiting the bill's impact on the deficit can be addressed," Grassley said.  "Tax relief has succeeded in developing this clean, renewable and innovative energy source, and it ought to be continued with the degree of certainty that encourages continued investment.  Unemployment remains high at 8.3 percent and energy costs are on the rise.  Congress should renew the wind energy tax credit to develop clean energy alternatives and good paying jobs."

 

"Extending the wind energy tax credit is a move that can give Coloradans and Americans a great return on investment - a stronger economy, more local jobs and more affordable power for our homes," Udall said.  "With employers like Vestas willing to invest in Colorado, Congress needs to act well before the deadline and give these employers certainty to plan ahead - otherwise those jobs will move to other countries.  Failing to extend the production tax credit for wind energy will threaten the industry's growth and Colorado jobs, and I'll continue to push my colleagues for a better solution where Colorado keeps our jobs."

 

"I believe in an all of the above approach to America's energy challenges.  The extension of these tax credits will help make sure that we continue to diversify our energy supplies over the long term," Brown said.

"Congress must extend the production tax credit for wind, which is essential for continuing the expansion of one of Iowa's most exciting sectors and creating and preserving jobs in our state," Harkin said.   "I am pleased to partner with Senator Grassley on this focused bill and will do everything I can to see it approved by Congress."

 

"Nevada has vast potential for renewable energy development.  Not only is it a clean source of energy, but it can also create thousands of jobs in the process.   The growing energy demand in our country requires that we find innovative solutions for our nation's energy needs.  Renewable energy development as a part of a broader energy strategy will ensure our nation has a diverse and secure energy future," Heller said.

 

"Wind energy is one of the fastest growing and most promising sectors of the energy industry providing for thousands of jobs in Oregon and nationwide," Wyden said. "The existing production tax credit has given the renewable energy industry an important tool to grow and its expiration could put the future innovation of wind resources and other forms of renewable energy at risk.  Companies on the cutting edge deserve to have some certainty in their tax treatment and extending this tax credit will help them to compete against non-renewable energy sources and continue the success we've seen over the last decade."

 

"The wind energy tax credit has been a huge plus for Colorado.  It has helped create jobs and advance a diversified energy portfolio," Bennet said.  "This tax credit has bipartisan support, and Colorado companies are counting on us to get it across the finish line.  Congress should act now."

 

Today, the wind industry supports 75,000 American jobs and drives as much as $20 billion in private investment.  During the last five years, 35 percent of all new electric generation in the United States was wind.  This expansion has directly led to the growth in domestic wind manufacturing.  There are nearly 400 manufacturing facilities today, compared with just 30 in 2004.

 

Grassley authored and won enactment of the first-ever wind production tax credit in 1992.  The incentive was designed to give wind energy the ability to compete against coal-fired and nuclear energy and helped to launch the wind energy industry.

 

The bill introduced today is titled the American Energy and Job Promotion Act.

 

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The Moline Foundation has a grant opportunity through a fund called Karen's
Summertime FUNd in honor of Karen Getz. Through the Karen's Summertime FUNd,
The Moline Foundation is offering mini-grants between $300 and $1,000. The object of
this special opportunity is to provide non-profit organizations extra funds to develop
creative, educational, and fun-filled activities for kids during the summer months. Non-
profit organizations are encouraged to apply if they serve the citizens of Moline and the
surrounding region, including the Quad Cities.

Karen's Summertime FUNd grants are made possible by Tom Getz, the Getz
family and friends and many generous donors to The Moline Foundation. In establishing
Karen's Summertime FUNd program, the Moline Foundation honors the life of a woman
who gave to so many others. This special program will help us remember the many ways
Karen Getz reached out to children with her sparkling personality and tireless spirit.
All materials necessary to receive funds are due in The Moline Foundation offices
by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2012 or must be postmarked by or on Friday, April 13,
2012. Please call The Moline Foundation at (309) 764-4193 to request a Grant
Application.
Any child oriented non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, including those who have
never received Moline Foundation funding in the past, is welcome to apply.
The Moline Community Foundation offices are located at the Deere-Wiman
House, 817 11th Avenue, Moline.
The Moline Foundation, founded in 1953, is a community foundation which
provides grants to health, human services, education, community development, the arts
and other charitable organizations. The Moline Foundation receives and administers
charitable gifts for the benefit of citizens in Scott County, Iowa and Rock Island, Mercer,
Henry, Warren, Henderson, and McDonough counties in Illinois.
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Come join us for a night of FUN & Fundraising!

QCI hosts Trivia Night at St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church (916 E Rusholme, Dav.) Saturday, March 24th at 7pm. Doors open at 6pm.
$10 a person
(8 people to fill a table).
Bring your friends, snacks & BYOB. Soda, Popcorn, & Water for sale. 50/50 Raffle and Basket Raffle.
Call Beth to reserve you table at 563-322-4910


Leadership Assembly

QCI meets every month on the second tuesday of the month. Next meeting is April 10th, 2012 At St. Mary's Parish Center
(525 Fillmore, Dav.)
Come and grow with us.


QCI Monthly Committees

Fundraising meets March19, 2012
The Fundraising Committee is currently working on our Trivia Night scheduled for March 24. We are also putting together a 25th Year Celebration for QCI to be held in June . With details to follow later. We have decided to have hold at least two more fundraising event for this year. We are very excited about all the FUN we are having this year!

Transportation Equity and Jobs Coalition
The Transportation Equity and Jobs Coalition has been working hard to ensure minority hiring on the jobs created by the Chicago to Moline Passenger Rail is a priority. The Coalition continues to grow and has participation from the US Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship, Youth Build Quad Cities, NAACP Davenport and NAACP Rock Island County, as well as many people of faith. We are continuing to meet with local stakeholders for the passenger rail and are holding true to our strategic campaign. One of our leaders participated in the Transportation Equity Network (TEN) annual conference in Washington D.C. to connect with others who are working on similar projects across the US and also met with our legislators to tell them about what the Quad Cities is doing and seeking their support. Pleas contact the office for the next date. 

Immigration Tasks Force meets March 21st, 2012 (Village Inn At Harrison & Locust)

The Immigration Task Force is working on a few items for 2012.
TheTask Force is working with partners to provide Voter Registrar Training and Certification for committee members and others in QCI. We will so that leaders can help elegible voters register to vote.
A broader concern is that each immigrant understands the rights and challenges pertinent to his or her immigration status. The task force is looking at ways to work with other entities in the community to make this information available. Training will  be provided to task force members so they will have a fuller understanding of immigration legal issues.
In 2011 the task force made a commitment to members of St. Mary's parish in Moline for a meeting with law enforcement to build a relationship between the police and the immigrant community, and to make sure the concerns of the immigrant community are heard. It is essential that immigrants have access to law enforcement services without  undue suspicion or harassment. The task force will fulfill this commitment in 2012.
Lastly, the task force has been discussing the problem of human trafficking along Interstate 80 in Iowa. It is unclear how QCI might constructively engage the powers in the community that need to respond to this serious problem. The task force will continue to explore this issue.

Healthcare Equity
The Health Equity Task Force is looking at health care issues that arise when patients are not fluent in written and spoken English.  We know that clear communication is often a challenge in health care encounters, especially those that are stressful, but a whole level of complexity is added when a third party translator is involved.  Finding ways to help these situations locally will help reduce certain disparities in health care, improve equity in health care services, and ultimately, we hope, improve the health of a significant number of members of our community.  Please join us at our next meeting: 5 PM, Tuesday, March 20, 2012, QCI Conference Room, 111 E. 3rd St (4th floor), Davenport.

Welcome to Quad Cities Interfaith Newsletter


Hi, we are hoping you have enjoyed our first (offical) of many newsletters. We'd  love to hear any feedback from all of you about our newsletter. Also, we would welcome information to post on our newsletter. Be patient with us as we grow in using the newsletter. Have a blessed day!

Initiative Increases Access to Services for Job Seekers and Employers

CHICAGO - March 15, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced enhanced language translation services at the Illinois Department of Employment Security's (IDES) website. The initiative makes information more accessible to individuals and businesses, helping them accomplish their goals more quickly.

Visitors to the IDES website can explore new career opportunities, obtain information to help build a business and access tips to aid in their job search. The translation effort converts English text on the IDES website to the four languages most frequently requested for translation: Spanish, Polish, Simplified Chinese and Russian. Other language translations can still be delivered upon request.

"IDES' employment services are critical to keeping our economic recovery moving forward," Governor Quinn said. "Helping individuals reach the services they need is one of the core missions of government, and these translation services will help employers and job seekers."

Previously, IDES provided automatic website translation in Spanish, the most frequently requested language. This effort expands the available languages and also expands the number of documents and videos available for translation. Users can access translated documents by clicking the appropriate button in the upper-right corner of the IDES homepage.

"This effort is putting more information online in an easy-to-use format, making the Department more user-friendly," IDES Director Jay Rowell said. "Each time we make our services easier to use it means more people getting back to work more quickly."

For each language, the IDES reviews more than 280 website pages with nearly 94,000 characters. A common website language translator converts the text from English, followed by review by fluent IDES staff to ensure accuracy and nuance. As IDES website information is updated regularly, periodic reviews are planned. As a precaution, legal opinions, legislation and court orders are not automatically translated; most IDES customers do not seek these documents.

The IDES supports economic stability by administering unemployment benefits, collecting business contributions to fund those benefits, connecting employers with qualified job seekers, and providing economic information to assist career planning and economic development. It does so through nearly 60 offices, including Illinois workNet centers.

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Deadline approaching for $10,000 or $25,000 grant opportunities

ST. LOUIS (March 15, 2012) - With rural schools feeling the pinch of tightening budgets, now is the time for farmers to support their school district through America's Farmers Grow Rural Education?.  Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the program gives farmers the opportunity to nominate their public school district to compete for a grant of $10,000 or $25,000 to support a science and/or math educational program.
"The deadline to nominate your school district is April 15, so act now before you head back into the field," said Monsanto Fund President Deborah Patterson. "A $25,000 grant can make a big difference in school districts that support small farming towns. The nomination process is quick, easy and can be completed at GrowRuralEducation.com."
This past fall, Olympia Community School District in McLean County, Ill., was one of 16 school districts to receive a grant through the America's Farmers Grow Rural Education pilot. The school created the Growing Our Own Vegetable program with the $25,000 grant they received this past fall. The Olympia students are now able to grow vegetables in their greenhouse to study in science class and, ultimately, to be used in the school's cafeteria.
"The Growing Our Own Vegetable program is something we've wanted to do for years, and we finally got the opportunity, thanks to the Monsanto Fund and America's Farmers Grow Rural Education," said Brad Hutchinson, superintendent of Olympia CUSD. "We now have the resources to continue providing the very best education to our students."
Farmers can nominate their local school district by visiting GrowRuralEducation.com until April 15, 2012.
Through America's Farmers Grow Rural Education:

  • Farmers in 1,245 eligible counties can nominate their local public school districts to apply for a $10,000 or $25,000 grant.
  • The Monsanto Fund will award 199 grants this year. There will be 177 $10,000 grants and 22 grants of $25,000 awarded.
  • The Monsanto Fund will invest more than $2.3 million to school districts in 39 states this year.
  • A list of eligible states and regions can be found at GrowRuralEducation.com.

America's Farmers Grow Rural Education is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society by helping them grow academic opportunities for their youth. Visit GrowRuralEducation.com for additional information.

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.

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