27 Mar 2012

New report finds modest gains in Illinois, America's college attainment rates; speed of progress must be accelerated to improve our nation's prospects

By Rick Martin

Experts highlight bright spots while calling for redesign of America's higher education system

 

WASHINGTON - March 26, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon joined education experts in the nation's capitol today to announce the findings of a new report that shows Illinois and the nation must do significantly more to ensure gains in higher education attainment. Experts gathered at the Rayburn House Office Building to announce the report's findings, highlight what is working and discuss how a stronger sense of urgency is needed to better position America for success in the knowledge economy.

 

"It is a critical time for higher education in Illinois," Simon said. "We need more students to complete college on time and with degrees and credentials that are relevant to the workforce. Education is the key to maintaining our competitive edge in the global economy."

 

According to the report, A Stronger Nation through Higher Education, 38.3 percent of working-age Americans (ages 25-64) held a two- or four-year college degree in 2010. That rate is up from 37.9 percent in 2008. Illinois is slightly ahead of the nation, with 41.3 percent of working-age adults with an associate or bachelor's degree in 2010, up from 40.8 percent in 2008.

 

The report measures progress toward Goal 2025 which is a national movement to increase the percentage of Americans with high-quality degrees and credentials to 60 percent by the year 2025.

 

The Stronger Nation report shows that if we continue on our current rate of production, only 79.8 million working-age Americans (46.5 percent of those aged 25-64) and 3.27 million Illinoisans (49.3 percent) will hold degrees by 2025. Since this will leave us more than 23 million degrees short of the national 60 percent goal, the need to rapidly accelerate degree attainment levels is clear.

 

"More people are graduating from college, but the current pace is not sufficient," said Jamie P. Merisotis, president and chief executive officer of Lumina. "America is grappling with how to grow jobs, skills and opportunity, and this report highlights the economic imperative of getting a postsecondary degree. This issue can't be wished away by fanciful talk about higher education 'bubbles' and whether college is worth it. Education is the only route to economic prosperity for both individuals and the nation. That should matter to policymakers. It should matter to business leaders. And it certainly should matter to our education leaders."

 

Adopting Attainment Goals

 

Heeding this call, Illinois has adopted Goal 2025 and is committed to measuring progress. Lt. Governor Simon currently is proposing a Complete College reform package that would require higher education institutions to report annual performance metrics in a standard consumer report card. She is also backing bills to smooth transfers from community college to university and boost college and career readiness in math.

 

Lumina Foundation has selected Simon to represent Illinois in its Postsecondary Productivity Strategy Lab sites. The Strategy Labs provide policymakers in 22 states technical assistance on Lumina Foundation's "Four Steps to Finishing First" reform agenda. The steps include performance funding, student incentives, new learning models and business efficiencies.

 

"The Goal 2025 movement provides the direction that our states, colleges and universities need to increase graduation rates and connect students to good jobs," Simon said. "Our work with Lumina and partner states will lead to a more educated and prosperous Illinois."

 

Numerous other states, cities, business groups and higher education institutions have also set attainment goals.

 

"We will lose our competitive edge as a nation if we don't recommit ourselves to advancing educational attainment," said Mick Fleming president of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. "In many ways, the business community determines the market value of education through the jobs it creates. So it is essential for chambers and employers to play a key role in this endeavor."

 

Redesigning Our Higher Education System

 

In a recent Gallup-Lumina Foundation poll, the vast majority of Americans said that they believe economic well-being is tied to holding a college degree. But there are barriers to moving the country to a 60 percent attainment rate. Many state universities and community colleges face both financial constraints and a lack of space.

 

A majority of Americans in the Gallup-Lumina poll also raised concerns about tuition increases and questioned whether college and universities are able to deliver the job-relevant learning that is required today. These realities have experts increasingly exploring ways to focus on productivity and quality in the system.

 

"We must do more to transform higher education so we can achieve the higher levels of attainment that are required for global competitiveness," said Merisotis. "We must figure out how to better align workforce needs with all kinds of postsecondary credentials, particularly for the large number of adults who find their job skills are less relevant in today's labor market. Likewise, we simply cannot reach the Big Goal without addressing the considerable equity gaps in this country. Students of color are an integral part of the 23 million, along with low-income students, first-generation students, and returning adults. A Stronger Nation reports attainment data disaggregated by race and ethnicity to underscore Lumina's commitment to equity, as well as the social and economic reality that the goal represents."

 

What is Working?

 

According to the Stronger Nation report, 39.3 percent of young adults (ages 25-34) held a two- or four-year college degree in 2010. That is a full percentage point higher than for all adults and a good leading indicator of where attainment rates are headed. In 2008, young adults ranked below the adult population as a whole.

 

"America's youth are running faster in the race to college but not keeping up with skill and employer demand on the job. Currently, even in the great recession, supply is growing by one percent and demand is growing twice as fast," said Anthony Carnevale, director of The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.

 

The report also shows modest degree attainment gains from 2008-2010 across U.S. adult populations groups. The rates as of 2010 include : Asian (59.36 percent), White (42.96 percent), Black (26.84 percent), Native American (22.83 percent), and Hispanic (19.21 percent).

 

The top five states for college degree attainment as of 2010 are: Massachusetts (50.54 percent), Colorado (45.98 percent), New Hampshire (45.85 percent), Connecticut (45.84 percent) and Minnesota (45.79 percent). Illinois is ranked 15th. The top five metropolitan areas, ranked by degree attainment, are the Metropolitan Statistical Areas of: Washington, D.C. (54.37 percent), Boston (54.01 percent), San Francisco (52.91 percent), Minneapolis (50.06 percent), and Seattle (47.97 percent). Chicago is ranked ninth.

 

Detailed data arrays in the report show degree attainment percentages at the national, state and county levels. For the first time, Lumina Foundation offers- in addition to state- and county-level data-data on attainment in the 100 largest metropolitan areas and offers insights into what can be done to accelerate achievement across the country.

 

"We know that local business leaders and employers will be key partners in reaching the Big Goal and this is one of many steps we are taking to ensure these leaders have the tools they need to affect change," said Merisotis.

 

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27 Mar 2012

Harkin Announces $83,000 to Assist Homeless Veterans in Iowa

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that the Davenport Housing Commission has been awarded $83,870 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program. VASH provides rental assistance under a supportive housing program for homeless veterans. Senator Harkin is a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds HUD.

"Veterans who have honorably served our country should, at the very least, have access to quality, affordable housing," said Harkin. "I am pleased that this funding is going to Davenport to provide our local veterans with some assistance in obtaining independent living arrangements."
27 Mar 2012

JAZZ TRUMPET PLAYER PERFORMING SATURDAY AT GRIGGS

By Doug Davis

DAVENPORT, IOWA--Jazz fusion artist, Winston Byrd will be performing and presenting a free trumpet clinic on Saturday, March 31st, 11 a.m at Griggs Music, Brady Street, Davenport.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for jazz fans and trumpet players to see this talented musician and learn techniques from this great trumpet player, " says Doug Davis, vice-president of Griggs Music. "We're so lucky he has taken the time from his touring schedule to come to the Quad Cities!"

Byrd has performed, recorded and toured with a wide-variety of highly acclaimed recording hit musical groups and artists, such as the Stylistics, the Chi-Lites, Grammy winning Patti Austin, The Dells, The Grateful Dead, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Michael Bolton, Louis Bellson, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan, Mary Wilson (of the Supremes), Usher and many others.

Winston Byrd has since gone on to lead his own big bands  in New York and Los Angeles  for the past five years, and has  recorded his first CD entitled, "Soul Searchin."   Byrd also has a number of his own compositions that have been recorded on T.S. Monk's (the great jazz pianist, Thelonious Monk's son) latest release entitled "Higher Ground" where Winston Byrd (former member) can also be heard.

For more information contact Doug Davis at Griggs Music, 563-391-9000.

##

 

27 Mar 2012

6 Ways to Cut Your Homeowner, Car Insurance Costs

By Ginny Grimsley
Financial Planner Offers Premium Solutions to Gas Price Pain

There is nothing that makes your wallet squeal louder today than pulling into the gas station and dropping $50. Gasoline prices have risen more than 12 percent over the past 12 months, and some experts are predicting they'll reach $5 per gallon in the next six months.

The average household now spends $50 per month more on gasoline than last year, notes financial planner Rick Rodgers, author of The New Three-Legged Stool: A Tax Efficient Approach To Retirement Planning (www.TheNewThreeLeggedStool.com).

"But that's not the whole picture," Rodgers says. "Higher fuel prices affect a lot of other expenses in the family budget, from heating to food. The government estimates the average household is spending $150 per month more this year because of higher oil prices."

You can try to ease the pain at the pump by using your car less, but you should also look for other places to offset that extra $150. Car insurance is a good place to start.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the national average auto insurance premium is $850 per year. Can you reduce that? Rodgers says you probably can. He offers six ways:

• Shop around regularly. Your insurance agent doesn't have a lot of incentive to reduce your premiums.  I recently met a consumer who told me he had been with the same agent for 15 years. After he shopped his insurance with another agent, he saved $1,600 on his premiums for all his coverage. The internet makes it easy compare costs for the same coverage, or you can get an independent insurance agent to shop for you. Contact the Independent Agents Association at (800) 221-7917. (Be sure the company you go with has a good credit rating and claims-paying history.)

• Bundle your coverage. Bundling is combining different types of policies (auto, homeowners, liability, etc.) with the same company. The theory is that the company will discount the premiums if they have all of your business. The most common combination is packaging your auto insurance and homeowner's policies together.  Or, find companies that will bundle auto insurance with renter's or tenant's insurance.  Bundled packages usually result in a 10 to 15 percent savings.

• Ask for discounts. You may qualify for discounts, but you won't know until you ask. They're commonly offered for good driving records, anti-theft devices, vehicle safety features (anti-lock brakes, air bags, automatic seatbelts), low annual mileage and insuring more than one car. The spunky Flo from Progressive claims discounts are also available for buying your policy online, paying in full up front, and being a loyal customer.

• Take a defensive driving class. Even if you've been driving for years, you can learn a lot from driver education and most insurance companies recognize the value of a refresher course, which can help you avoid accidents. The amount of discount varies by insurance company and from state to state, although most insurers offer a 10 percent discount on your premium for three years.  AARP offers a driver safety program for those over age 50, and it's available online.

• Increase your deductible. Do your auto and homeowners policies have low deductibles?  If so, you may be able to reduce your premiums 15 to 30 percent by raising the deductible on your collision and comprehensive coverage.  Make sure you have an emergency fund set aside to cover the cost of repairs before you make the change. But your homeowners policy may be the first place to consider raising the deductible, since statistics show the average homeowner files a claim only once every nine years. Be sure to check with your mortgage holder first; some specify maximums.

• Change Cars. This is probably the most difficult savings tip to implement but may have the largest impact on your premium.  Used cars are cheaper to insure than new ones (excluding antiques); sports cars are more expensive to insure than minivans. Insurance companies like cars with safety features and low repair costs.  Insure.com surveyed 900 vehicles in the 2012 model year and lists the rankings from the most expensive to least expensive on their website.  Six of the 10 cheapest were minivans.

About Rick Rodgers

Certified Financial Planner Rick Rodgers is president of Rodgers & Associates, "The Retirement Specialists," in Lancaster, Pa. He's a Certified Retirement Counselor and member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisers. Rodgers has been featured on national radio and TV shows, including "FOX Business News" and "The 700 Club," and is available to speak at conferences and corporate events (www.rodgersspeaks.com).

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

 

###
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

 

###
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


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