27 Mar 2012

Simon advocates for Complete College reform in Washington and Springfield

By Kathryn Phillips

Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will advocate for higher education reforms to increase college completion in both Washington DC and Springfield this week. Simon will join education experts in Washington DC this afternoon to release a new report from the Lumina Foundation that ranks states in degree attainment. Tomorrow, Simon will testify before the Illinois Senate Education Committee in support of a bill to improve college and career readiness in math.

 

EVENT: Release of A Stronger Nation through Higher Education report

DATE: Monday, March 26

TIME: 2:30 p.m. CT

LOCATION: Rayburn House Office Building, Committee on Education and the Workforce Hearing Room 2261, Washington D.C.

NOTE: Members of the media who cannot join this news conference in person can participate via teleconference by dialing 800-230-1085.

 

EVENT: Testimony to Senate Education Committee

DATE: Tuesday, March 27

TIME: 9 a.m.

LOCATION: 409 Capitol, Springfield

 

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27 Mar 2012

"Kickin' Cancer's Butt One Lap at a Time®"

By Melissa Wogomon
On April 13th, the Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series makes its inaugural stop at the Davenport Speedway in
Davenport, Iowa for the "Karsyn's Krusaders 40" and "Kickin' Cancer's Butt One Lap at a Time®" night at the
track.

The Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series is proud to have partnered with Karsyn's Krusaders for the upcoming
season, Karsyn's Krusaders is now the official non-profit organization of the Corn Belt Clash. Dubbing the 40-lap
feature event the "Karsyn's Krusaders 40".

Karsyn's Krusaders - Kickin' Cancer's Butt One Lap at a Time® is an Iowa non-profit organization started by a
family with longtime racing involvement that decided to turn their "passion for racing into a purpose" after their
3 year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Since forming the organization in 2010, Jessica and Andy Miller,
with a handful of volunteers and help from race fans, drivers, and promoters, have raised $85,000 to help others
affected by cancer.

In just two years, the organization has accrued more than 5,700 supporters on Facebook, partnered with drivers
and tracks in nine states, sold nearly 5,000 "Kickin' Cancer's Butt One Lap at a Time® shirts, and received support
from many racing based businesses. As part of the recent partnership with the CBC and the continued support
of the Davenport Speedway, Karsyn's Krusaders is returning to Davenport, IA to join with fans, drivers, and the
community to once again "Kick Cancer's Butt One Lap at a Time®".

With the funds raised at dirt track events, the organization has made a significant impact in many ways. They
have worked with Make-A-Wish Iowa, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Alex's Lemonade Stand and CaringBridge,
to name a few. Last year, Karsyn's Krusaders also prepared meals and activities for nearly 400 pediatric cancer
patients and their siblings at the Heart Connection Cancer Camp in Boone, IA .

The donation that is probably the most meaningful to the Davenport area and very sentimental to Jessica and
Andy Miller, is the donation made by Karsyn's Krusaders to SuperSibs in December 2010. Funds were raised at
Davenport Speedway and were collected just one day after Sergio Wogomon (13), of Davenport was laid to rest.

The Miller and Wogomon families met at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as both of their children
were diagnosed and battling leukemia at the same time. As the Millers planned a visit to Davenport Speedway
for what they thought was going to be an exciting night of racing and an opportunity to raise funds for others,
they never would have guessed they would also be saying their final goodbyes to a special young man and
supporting the Wogomon family during their time of loss.

Two weeks later, the Board of Directors of Karsyn's Krusaders voted to donate all funds raised that weekend in
Davenport to an organization identified by the Wogomons and given in memory of Sergio.

Karsyn's Krusaders, the Corn Belt Clash Late Model Racing Series, the Davenport Speedway and the Wogomon
family have all come together this year to plan a great night of racing, fundraising, and activities to remember,
celebrate and honor all who have battled cancer. In addition to the racing action, Karsyn's Krusaders will be
selling Kickin' Cancer's Butt One Lap at a Time® merchandise and holding special activities for fans and drivers.
Activities include a special team fundraising challenge, 'Shake Your Money-Maker 'contest, and much more.

Pits open at 4 p.m. with grandstands opening at 5. The driver's meeting will be at 6 with racing to follow. IMCA
Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, and DTR Street Stocks will also be on the bill along with the travelers of the Corn
Belt Clash Late Model Series as all 4 divisions will run on the historic half-mile surface. General admission is $18,
$16 teens and seniors, with kids 10 and under free with a paid adult. Pit passes are $30. For more information,
go to www.drttrak.com. The race day phone number is 563-326-5338.
27 Mar 2012

Iowa Needs Big Ideas, not Small Steps, to Economic Recovery

By Mark Lucas

Americans for Prosperity - Iowa Urges Senate to Pass Property Tax Relief

DES MOINES, IA - Today Americans for Prosperity - Iowa, representing nearly 20,000 Iowan free-market activists, announced its support for Governor Brandstad's property tax relief and urged the Senate to quickly pass the legislation recently passed by the House. The primary obstacle to the bill lies with Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, who has refused to consider the legislation.

"Senator Gronstal is not interested in the bold solutions offered in the House bill," said Mark Lucas, State Director of Americans for Prosperity - Iowa. "He would much rather "take small steps" as he said on Iowa Press. Our struggling businesses and unemployed residents deserve big ideas for big problems."

The property tax plan that passed the House and has Governor Brandstad's support provides relief to businesses, farmers, and home owners. The bill will prevent a $1.2 billion tax increase over the next 8 years on all classes of property. Home owners will avoid a tax hike of over a half of a billion dollars.

"Senator Gronstal has inaccurately described the plan as "the biggest tax shift in the history of the state,'" continued Lucas. "His calculations are simply false when he said the bill would punish home owners."

"This bill is the type of bold solution our economy needs to get back on track. Governor Branstad's tax package will give businesses the confidence boost to expand and employ more Iowans," Lucas concluded.

27 Mar 2012

Test Your Family's Engineering Ingenuity... Take the Egg Drop Kerplop Challenge!

By Rick Martin
Bettendorf –How do you keep an egg from breaking after falling from a 20 foot balcony? Egg Drop Kerplop! The Family Museum is pleased to present the 15th Annual Egg Drop Kerplop challenge on Saturday, March 31, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Teams are given building materials, one raw egg, and as much as two hours (from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm) to build an impact-resistant container for the egg. When the time is up, Family Museum staff will drop the contained eggs from the balcony in the Family Museum's Great Hall. Each team whose egg remains intact will win, but everyone gets a prize! Egg Drop Kerplop is a family event and a wonderful way for kids and parents to work together on a creative and truly challenging project! This activity is included with paid admission or Family Museum Membership.
27 Mar 2012

President Bill Clinton to Speak at Opening Dinner of the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Chicago

By Randy Stalsberg

World Summit Host Committee announces high-profile moderators

for the three-day peacemaking event this April

 

CHICAGO–The Chicago World Summit Host Committee today announced that President Bill Clinton will take part in the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Chicago this April 23 - 25. President Clinton, a long-time champion of human rights initiatives and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, will keynote the opening night dinner on Monday, April 23 at The Field Museum in Chicago.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Honorary Co-Chair of the 12th World Summit, and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Co-Chair of the 12th World Summit, will also address the crowd of approximately 700 guests.

"Chicago is honored to be the first North American city to host a summit of Nobel Peace Prize winners and we're honored to be joined by former President Bill Clinton," said Mayor Emanuel. "President Clinton has worked tirelessly around the world to improve lives, resolve conflicts, and bring prosperity. His commitment to justice and dignity for all people has made him a global leader in the fight for equal rights for all."

"The people of Illinois are proud to welcome leaders who have done so much to champion freedom and human rights around the world, especially President Clinton," Governor Quinn said. "It is my hope that this gathering will inspire others to take up the cause and make a difference in their country, their business and their community."

The Chicago Host Committee also confirmed a number of high-profile personalities set to moderate the six panel discussions with the Nobel Laureates during the event, including:

  • Chris Jansing, anchor and host of "Jansing and Co.," MSNBC
  • Jim Frederick, managing editor, TIME International
  • Jim Wooten, senior correspondent, ABC News
  • Doug Brinkley, contributing editor, Vanity Fair, Los Angeles Times Book Review and American Heritage

The World Summit, themed "Speak Up, Speak Out for Freedom and Rights," will feature moderated discussions with Nobel Peace Laureates in front of a live audience and webcast around the world, providing a rare opportunity for audience members to observe and engage the world's most notable figures in a discussion on global peace and human rights.

A list of Laureates participating in the 12th World Summit in Chicago is available at: www.nobelsummitchicago.org/laureates

The World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates is internationally recognized as among the most important annual events in the field of peacemaking, attracting Nobel Peace Laureates and high-profile leaders and organizations from around the globe. The Summit is organized by the Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates on a yearly basis in partnership with a host city.

The World Summit is chaired by the former Soviet President and Nobel Peace Laureate Mikhail Gorbachev and co-chaired by former Mayor of Rome, Hon. Walter Veltroni. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will serve as the Summit's Honorary Co-Chair. The Chicago Host Committee is co-chaired by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn; Chris Kennedy, chairman of Joseph P. Kennedy Enterprises; Kerry Kennedy, president of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights; Terry Mazany, president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust; and Michael Sacks, CEO of Grosvenor Capital Management and vice chairman of World Business Chicago.

For more information on the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, please visit www.nobelsummitchicago.org. Follow the Summit on Twitter at @nobelforpeace and on Facebook at facebook.com/nobelforpeace.

 

~~~

 

The Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates together with the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, The Chicago Community Trust, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, City of Chicago and World Business Chicago are collaborating to organize the 12th World Summit. For a full list of sponsors, please visit: www.nobelsummitchicago.org/supporters

 

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27 Mar 2012

Support health care reform -- write a letter to the editor

By Jeff Giertz
Friend --

Two years ago today, we passed the Affordable Care Act into law -- and more and more Iowans are reaping the benefits every day.

The numbers speak for themselves: 611,000 people in Iowa have gained expanded coverage for free preventive care, while more than 18,000 young adults are now able to stay on their parents' plans. And more than 1.1 million Iowans no longer have a lifetime limit on the coverage they receive. These are real results.

But a lot of people don't realize just how important the Affordable Care Act is for Iowans, or how much of our progress is at risk in November.

Help spread the word about how health care reform is benefiting you and your fellow Iowans by writing a letter to your local paper.

Using our letter to the editor tool is easy -- it'll help you find your local paper and submit it to the right place in no time. There are even tips and helpful points you can use to make your case.

The folks on the other side are determined to roll back all of the progress we've made: Every one of their candidates has pledged to repeal the Affordable Care Act. They want to go back to the days when insurance companies -- instead of doctors and patients -- were the ones making decisions about our care.

We won't let that happen. It was people like us -- working in our communities, at the grassroots -- who helped pass health reform two years ago, and it's up to us to keep it safe.

The Affordable Care Act is improving the lives of Iowans across the board -- from lowering costs to small businesses, to giving many more people access to affordable, quality coverage. By sharing these accomplishments with our friends and neighbors, we can keep the reform we fought for in our hands.

Help spread the word by writing a letter to the editor:

http://my.barackobama.com/ACA-Letter-to-the-Editor

Thanks for all you do,

Congressman Bruce Braley


27 Mar 2012

German American Heritage Center

By Janet Brown-Lowe
March 24, 2012

Dear Members and Friends

We have news of an exciting proposal from the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, which manages a part of our endowment. They have set aside a challenge pool of $100,000 to be distributed to the first 20 non-profit groups in the area that can raise $15,000 from at least 10 donors. Groups that meet this challenge will receive an additional $5,000 toward their endowment from the challenge pool. It is important to note that the money raised must be in this calendar year and must be a paid donation, not a pledge or payment on an earlier pledge.   If a group raises $30,000 the $5,000 match may be used for operating expenses OR it may go to the endowment, whichever the group prefers.

 

A healthier endowment is one way in which we can assist our operating funds during challenging times. Interest from this money helps pay our regular bills and ensures a more secure future. If you would consider a contribution to this effort now, in any amount, we would be very thankful. No donation is too small...or too large! We are already at $4,600 as of today, with four leaders contributing! Can I count on you making this sum grow at a fast and furious pace?

The last time a challenge of this nature was made the money was distributed in six months, despite setting a deadline until the end of the year. Please do not wait; send in a check ASAP. Your check should be sent to GAHC for tally purposes, but made out to The Community Foundation of the Great River Bend (CFGRB) and marked GAHC Endowment Challenge. We will keep track of our progress and let you know how the fund is growing. Wouldn't it be great if GAHC were to be one of the first groups to meet the challenge?

 

Thanks in advance for helping!   I look forward to your solid support!

 

Best,

Janet Brown-Lowe, Executive Director
27 Mar 2012

Don't let Congress double the student loan interest rate

By Murshed Zaheed

Tell Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: FIGHT to stop Republicans from doubling the interest rate on student loans
Clicking here will automatically add your name to this petition to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid:
"Do not let the interest rate double on federal student loans. Extend the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, keeping college education affordable for the 99%."
Automatically add your name:
Take action now!

Learn more about this campaign
CREDO Action | more than a network, a movement.

Stop Republicans from doubling the interest rate on student loans.

This is unbelievable. The interest rates on federal student loans will double this summer if Congress doesn't take action.1

Urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: FIGHT to stop Republicans from doubling the interest rate on student loans. Click here to automatically sign the petition.

Millions of American students from working class families are able to obtain a college education thanks to low-interest federal student loans. But now Congress is putting those loans in serious jeopardy at a time when students and their families can least afford to pay higher interest rates.

Back in 2007, when the Democrats were in charge of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, Congress passed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. It reduced the interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans incrementally over four academic years, from 6.8 percent at the time to the current 3.4 percent.2 The current Republican leadership in the House is planning to let this legislation expire on July 1, effectively doubling the interest rates on these loans. This will result in an average of $5,000 in additional payments for students who are scheduled to pay their loans backs in 5 years, and $11,000 for those who are paying back in 10.3

With Republicans in the House poised to double the interest on federal student loans, we need leadership from the Senate. Specifically, we need Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to stand up and fight on behalf of millions of American students:

Urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: FIGHT to stop Republicans from doubling the interest rate on student loans.

If Leader Reid leads the Democratic-controlled Senate to move first and take steps to pass legislation that ensures the interest rates remain fixed at 3.4 percent, it will force the hand of Congressional Republicans to either pass the measure or go on the record as the party fighting against the interest of millions of America's working class students and their families. But we need both the House and the Senate to pass it before July 1, so we need to convey our sense of urgency to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today.

Federal student loans with low interest rates, such as the subsidized Stafford loan, are designed to benefit students whose families make under $40,000 a year ? folks who can least afford to see their interest rates jump.4 These loans help the neediest students, who are often not eligible to receive Pell Grants. Adding further financial stress on these students and their families by letting the interest rates double this July would be devastating, especially given the extremely fragile state of our economy.

Urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: FIGHT to stop Republicans from doubling the interest rate on student loans. Click here to automatically sign the petition.

As Sarah Jaffe observed in her excellent piece in AlterNet:

"It's worth noting, as well, that many of the big banks that make a killing on private student loans and still have billions of government-subsidized student debt on their books, are able to borrow money from the government through the Federal Reserve's discount window at nearly no interest at all. Why, then, are young people, who aren't guilty of trashing the economy but remain the victims of a rate of unemployment nearly twice that of the rest of the population, expected to pay more?"5

Now is the time for all of us to speak up on behalf of our students. Click here to automatically sign the petition and consider inviting students from your personal network to join the fight.

Click below to automatically sign our petition urging Senator Reid to fight to keep college education affordable and not let the interest rate double on federal student loans.

http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=5541975&id=37221-5003491-MBQ8Kwx&t=12

Thank you for speaking out to make sure that all students can afford a higher education ? including those from working class families.

Murshed Zaheed, Deputy Political Director
CREDO Action from Working Assets

PS: This issue is deeply personal for me. Coming from a working class family, I have been able to pursue my own aspirations by working hard and getting a great education from amazing academic institutions. This opportunity would not have been possible for someone like me if I hadn't had access to affordable federal student loans with low interest rates. I hope you will join this cause on behalf of the students and consider inviting any students you know in your personal network to join this fight by forwarding them this link:

http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=5541974&id=37221-5003491-MBQ8Kwx&t=15

 

1. Sarah Jaffe, "Is Congress Going to Double the Interest on Your Student Loan?," AlterNet.org February 22, 2012.
2. Ann Carrns, "Rising Concerns Over Student Loans, Public and Private," the New York Times Blog, March 14, 2012.
3. Sarah Jaffe, "Is Congress Going to Double the Interest on Your Student Loan?," AlterNet.org February 22, 2012.
4. Moe Bedard, "Vermont Senators Leahy And Sanders Join Bill To Prevent July Interest Rate Increase On Stafford Student Loans," LoanSafe.org, February 2, 2012.
5. Sarah Jaffe, "Is Congress Going to Double the Interest on Your Student Loan?," AlterNet.org February 22, 2012.
27 Mar 2012

Illinois State Military Museum Houses Medals of Honor, History of Valor

By National Guard PAO Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL (03/23/2012)(readMedia)-- In 2007, March 25 was established as National Medal of Honor Day, the official day that honors the servicemembers of the U.S. military whose actions of valor inspired generations and the nation.

The action performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life.

Illinois has been home to nearly 110 Medal of Honor recipients who have served in the Illinois National Guard beginning with the Civil War. Two of the original medals as well of decades of history is preserved within the walls of the Illinois Military State Museum.

There the many examples in the Illinois National Guard like 1st Sgt. Johannes S. Anderson of Finland, who entered service from Chicago, assigned the Illinois National Guard's Company B, 132nd Infantry, 33rd Division, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions at Consenvoye, France during World War I.

His citation reads "While his company was being held up by intense artillery and machinegun

fire, First Sergeant. Anderson, without aid, voluntarily left the company and worked his way to the rear of the (machinegun) nest that was offering the most stubborn resistance. His advance was made through an open area and under constant hostile fire, but the mission was successfully accomplished, and he not only silenced the gun and captured it, but also brought back with him 23 prisoners."

Civil War veteran Sgt. George F. Rebmann of Schuyler County, entered service at Browning, with Company B, 119th Illinois Infantry, he received the Medal of Honor for capturing a confederate flag April 9, 1865 during a battle at Fort Blakely, Ala.

Anderson and Rebmann are among many heroes who served in the Illinois National Guard or Militia who received the medal for valor on the battlefield. Both Anderson's and Rebmann's medals are among the many artifacts at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield detailing the Illinois National Guard's history from the Civil War to present.

While the day was made official only three years ago, the legacy of the Medal of Honor and the servicemembers who were awarded it span more than 150 years of Illinois history.

President Abraham Lincoln, a veteran of the Illinois Militia, signed a bill issuing the highest military decoration on July 12, 1862. He called it the Medal of Honor. Lincoln intended for the medal to stand as a symbol of the bravery and selflessness individual's display in combat.

The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President in the name of Congress to a person who distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty. Military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

The Army regulation recognizes the incontestable proof of the performance of the service will be exacted and each recommendation for the award of this decoration will be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.

The Medal of Honor is presented to those who make a major sacrifice and some who make the ultimate sacrifice. Those who were killed in action were awarded the medal posthumously.

As President George W. Bush said regarding the Medal of Honor, "Citations are also written in the most simple of language, needing no embellishment or techniques of rhetoric. They record places and names and events that describe themselves. The medal itself bears only one word and needs only one, valor."

27 Mar 2012

Harkin Congratulates Dr. Kim on World Bank Nomination

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement after President Obama nominated Jim Yong Kim, an American physician and the current president of Dartmouth College, to lead the World Bank.  Dr. Kim spent much of his childhood in Muscatine, Iowa.

"This son of Iowa recognizes the significance of quality health care, the importance of increasing access to care, and its impact on the global economy.  His nomination comes on an important day - the second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act.  Dr. Kim has distinguished himself as one of the great thinkers of our time and I congratulate him on his nomination today."


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