19 Mar 2012

Senators Seek Two-Year Extension of Wind-Energy Tax Credit

By Grassley Press

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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19 Mar 2012

MOLINE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES GRANT DEADLINE FOR KAREN'S SUMMERTIME FUND

By Linda Martin
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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19 Mar 2012

Quad Cities Interfaith Newsletter

By Quad Cities Interfaith

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!
19 Mar 2012

Governor Quinn Announces Expanded Translation Services on State Employment Website

By Leslie Wertheimer

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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19 Mar 2012

Farmers get last chance to put their school district first

By Kevin Stillman

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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19 Mar 2012

State Fair Parade Applications Available Now

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (03/15/2012)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair invites all community and youth groups, special interest clubs and businesses to join the fun and enter the State Fair parade, Iowa's largest parade and the kick-off to the Fair. The parade is set for Wednesday, August 8. The 2012 Fair runs August 9-19.

Applications are available at www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/parade or by contacting Tonya Cook at 515/262-3111 ext. 215 or tcook@iowastatefair.org. There is a $25 fee for each parade entry. Entries postmarked later than July 1 must include a $15 late fee. No entries will be accepted after July 15.

Entries will be judged and winners will receive plaques in each of the following categories: best use of Fair theme, best specialty group, most creative/original, Governor's Cup (best overall marching band), marching band (by class), best performance, best horses, and best drumline.

The parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. Spectators will be able to watch an estimated 200 floats, animals, vehicles, novelty and performing units. Staging will take place at the State Capitol Complex. Parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets.

Highlights of the gala event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM FOX 17 beginning at 10 p.m. To be considered for television coverage, the description information on the application must be completed and returned. Due to the length of the parade, it is not possible for all entries to be televised.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

19 Mar 2012

Illinois Guardsmen Place in 2012 U.s. Army Small Arms Championship

By Story by Capt. Dustin Cammack, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs
CHICAGO (03/14/2012)(readMedia)-- The Illinois Army National Guard's Small Arms Team competed in the 2012 U.S. All Army Small Arms Championship at Fort Benning, Ga., Mar. 1 to 10.

The five member team placed 8th out of 335 competitors - 55 teams total - and was the 4th ranked Army National Guard Team in the competition. The team took 1st place overall in the Rifle Team championship, and earned a total of 14 top three placements.

"As a team, this year's competition was not as dramatic as last year, but we did very well in the individual competitions," said team member Sgt. First Class David Perdew of Astoria.

Among the multiple awards the Illinois team won, two awards standout in distinction. Staff Sgt. Tracy Mix of Marseilles earned the Distinguished Rifle Shot Badge, while Sgt. First Class Perdew earned the Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge. Perdew also earned the Silver Excellence in Rifle Competition Badge.

"The Distinguished Rifleman Badge was established in 1887, and the Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge in 1903," said Perdew. "Only about 1600 servicemembers have either of them - it is a very distinguished and sought after award."

The awards are presented to individuals who have earned 30 credit points while firing a service rifle or a service pistol in qualifying Excellence-in-Competition (EIC) matches. Having precedence above the standard qualification badges, these awards are the most coveted marksmanship badges that can be earned and worn on a military uniform.

The competition is open to Soldiers of any rank and formation across the Army, including West Point and ROTC cadets, Army Reservists and National Guardsmen.

During the week-long event, servicemen and women fire military issued M-16/M-4 rifles at distances between 25 and 500 yards, and the M-9 pistol between seven and 35 yards on a variety of courses. They also compete in a combined-arms match - employing the rifle, pistol and shotgun in a number of different stages of fire.

The Illinois Team is comprised of Sgt Terry Pody of Machesney Park (Team Coach), Chief Warrant Officer (2) Ryan Landon of Creal Springs, Staff Sgt. Tracy Mix of Marseilles, Sgt. First Class David Perdew of Astoria, and Sgt. Jeffrey Bugger of Athens.

Complete team results - Sgt. First Class David Perdew, HHD 44th Chem. Bn, Macomb: 1st Place U.S. Army Overall Small Arms Individual Champion, Open Class; 1st Place U.S. Army Service Pistol Champion, Open Class; 3rd Place U.S. Army Service Rifle Champion, Open Class; 2nd Place Match 1 (Pistol), Open Class; 1st Place, Match 3 (Pistol), Open Class; 2nd Place, Match 8 (Rifle), Open Class; 8 Pistol EIC Points, earning the Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge; 8 Rifle EIC Points, earning the Silver EIC Badge.

Staff Sgt. Tracy Mix, Co. A 33rd BSTB, Marseilles: 3rd Place U.S. Army Overall Small Arms Individual Champion, Open Class; 3rd Place U.S. Army Service Pistol Champion, Open Class; 1st Place U.S. Army Service Rifle Champion, Open Class; 1st Place, Match 5 (Pistol) Open Class; 1st Place, Match 7, (Rifle) Open Class; 8 Rifle EIC Points, earning the Distinguished Rifle Shot Badge;6 Pistol EIC Points.

Chief Warrant Officer (2) Ryan Landon, 3637th FSMC, Springfield: 1st Place Match 7 (Rifle), Novice Class; 6th Place U.S. Army Service Rifle Championship, Novice Class; 8 Rifle EIC Points.

Sgt. Jeffrey Bugger, 1844th Trans. Co., Quincy: 2nd Place, Match 1 (Pistol) Novice Class; 3rd Place, Match 5 (Pistol) Novice Class; 4th Place U.S. Army Service Pistol Championship, Novice Class; 8 Pistol EIC Points.

Sgt Terry Pody (Team Coach), 135th Chem. Co., Machesney Park: 6 Rifle EIC Points.

19 Mar 2012

New Children's Book Teaches Kids About Semi Trucks

By Rick Martin

Inspired by children's attentions, Papa Rolly offers a new guide to long-haul trucking

THORSBY, Alberta - In the endearing new children's book Sam The Semi Goes to Chicago (published by Trafford Publishing), author and longtime trucker Papa Rolly offers young readers a glimpse into the often unseen world of long-haul trucking.

 

"I was on a dedicated run from Edmonton, Alberta to Chicago, Illinois, and was inspired by children's fascination with my truck," Rolly writes. "It didn't matter if they were in their parent's car, waiting for the school bus or in the schoolyard playing games, they would give me the signal to honk my air horn. It was then that I believed children needed a semi truck storybook."

 

Rolly asks readers to share in the world of Sam the Semi, who demonstrates good work ethic and obeys the laws of the highway. He encourages parents to draw their children into the world of the unknown as Sam explores new towns, cities and countryside locations with this friends - Pete the Puller, who thrives on trouble, and Pug, a follower. Between the two of them, they keep Denture the Deputy busy!

 

Rolly wants to entertain young readers, but he also hopes that they learn an interesting lesson. He wants to "... entertain and educate children about products and where they are produced; to emphasize the importance of semi trucks in the everyday lives of everyone, including the children and their families."

 

About the Author

Papa Rolly has been driving truck for forty years. "At any point in my career," he says, "you may have passed me on the road hauling hay, lumber, logs, milk, oil, or even the clothes you are wearing right now."

 

Rolly loves the highway, and is excited to share his trucking experience.

19 Mar 2012

Obama for America Announces Watch Parties in Iowa for Premiere of Guggenheim Documentary "Road We've Traveled"

By Rick Martin

CHICAGO - On Thursday, Obama for America announces watch parties across Iowa for the premiere of award-winning director Davis Guggenheim's documentary "Road We've Traveled."

 

"Road We've Traveled" is narrated by Tom Hanks and includes appearances by Vice President Joe Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren and others. The film is an opportunity to put into perspective the challenges the country faced when President Obama took office, the tough decisions he made in the face of those challenges and the progress we've made in rebuilding an economy that's meant to last and strengthening and securing our nation.

 

 

WHAT:

Obama for America Announces Screening Parties Across Iowa

 

WHERE: (Please see all locations below)

 

Cedar Rapids

Linn County Democratic Headquarters

2857 Mt. Vernon Rd SE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

Time: 5:30PM

Council Bluffs

Organizing for America Office

1851 Madison Ave, Suite 550

Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503

Time: 6:00PM

Davenport

Democratic Headquarters

1706 Brady St. #205

Davenport, IA 52803

Time: 7:00PM

 

Des Moines

Private Residence (Location will be provided following RSVP)

Time: 6:00 pm

 

Iowa City

Johnson County Democratic Headquarters

321 Market Street

Iowa City, IA 52245

Time: 6:00PM

 

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19 Mar 2012

Obama for America - Iowa Launches Nurses for Obama

By Rick Martin

IOWA - Obama for America announced today the launch of Nurses for Obama in Iowa, a campaign initiative designed to mobilize nurses across the country.

As we approach the two-year anniversary of President Obama's landmark health reform, Obama for America is engaging our supporters to talk about how health reform has already changed lives for the better. On today's call, National Press Secretary Ben LaBolt and local Iowa nurse Mary Burke, emphasized how the Affordable Care Act has affected Iowans since 2009. The statements below were prepared for delivery by Ben LaBolt and Mary Burke.

"Approximately 2 Million Iowans are now protected against the worst insurance company abuses, like denying health care to the sick, excessive premium increases, and lifetime caps on the amount of care a patient can receive, said National Press Secretary Ben LaBolt. "Soon, insurance companies won't be able to charge women higher premiums just because of their gender.

"This is just the beginning. As the reforms continue to phase in over the coming months, so will more of its benefits, said LaBolt. "New reforms will lower costs even further and raise the quality of care.  Seniors will see their Medicare coverage continue to improve, and they'll see the doughnut hole completely close so they can afford the medicine they need."

A significant part of that effort will be Nurses for Obama, a program that will mobilize nurses across the country and provide resources and effective ways they can be advocates for health care reform in their communities. Because nurses are on the frontlines of our health care system, they are involved in every step of the way from prevention to patient care and have seen firsthand how health care reform has already benefited their patients.

"I saw insurance companies tell my patients and my family members that they'd have to wait weeks before getting treated, or that they wouldn't cover anything at all, said Mary Burke, a local nurse in Iowa. "But thanks to President Obama's health insurance reforms, all that's starting to change. Now my patients won't have to worry about not getting insurance because of a preexisting condition. They won't have to worry about going over some insurance company's arbitrary cap on how much care they can get."

For additional information about Nurses for Obama, please visit www.barackobama.com/nurses. Also be sure to check out the campaign's new online tool highlighting health reform's benefits.

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