13 Feb 2012

As President Announces Budget, Braley Signs onto "No Budget, No Pay" Bill

By Randy Stalsberg

Legislation withholds pay if Congress doesn't pass spending/budget bills on time each year

Washington, DC - As President Obama unveiled his 2013 federal budget proposal today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) signed on as a cosponsor to "No Budget, No Pay" legislation that would block pay for members of Congress if they're unable to make spending and budget decisions on time each year.

The most basic responsibility Congress has is deciding how much money the government takes in and how much it spends.  However, Congress has only passed its spending bills on time only four times since 1952.  In the last 14 years, annual spending bills have been submitted an average of 14 months late.

"In the real world, there are real consequences if deadlines aren't met," Braley said.  "There should also be real consequences if Congress can't meet its deadlines.  I can think of few stronger incentives to get politicians to do their job than tying their pay to their job performance.  This idea is a powerful way to restore a little common sense to a Congress that has none."

 

Every government fiscal year begins on October 1st.  Under the "No Budget, No Pay" proposal, if the congressional spending process is not completed by that date each year, congressional pay ceases and isn't restored until it is completed.

For the current fiscal year, Congress was nearly three months overdue in completing the annual budget and spending process.

The "No Budget, No Pay" legislation is a key component of the "Make Congress Work" reform plan of the No Labels organization, a group of Republicans, Democrats, and independents dedicated to bringing people together and making government function again.  In December, Braley joined No Labels to unveil the plan.

For more information on the proposal visit the following link: http://action.nolabels.org/bill/no-budget-no-pay

# # #
13 Feb 2012

Sarah Palin: the conservative movement has not been brighter!

By Sal Russo

In case you missed it, over the weekend, Sarah Palin gave a rousing and inspiring speech at CPAC.  We here at the Tea Party Express were at CPAC along with Sarah Palin and were inspired by the words that she had for the crowd and America.

Sarah Palin Speaking at CPAC over the weekend

Sarah Palin reminds us that the conservative movement has not been brighter and that our job is not done.  We must keep fighting for the conservative ideals that made this country great!

With all of us fixated on the important presidential election, we cannot lose sight of the other goal that we have for this year - taking control of the Senate. This is just as important as winning the White House.  In order to further the conservative ideals that we all stand for, we must break the hold that Harry Reid and the obstructionist Democrats have on the Senate.

In order to do this, we are working hard to raise awareness of our campaign to take control of the Senate by electing REAL CONSERVATIVE LEADERS.

We are doing something SPECIAL to promote this campaign!

YOU CAN HELP OUR CAMPAIGN AND ENTER A RAFFLE TO WIN AN ALL EXPENSE-PAID TRIP TO SPEND TWO DAYS ABOARD THE TEA PARTY EXPRESS BUS DURING OUR NEXT BUS TOUR!
.
WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO FIND A DATE AND LOCATION THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU.

WE WILL PAY YOUR AIRFARE, HOTEL, MEALS AND GIVE YOU AN ALL ACCESS PASS, AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN US AS WE FIGHT TO TAKE BACK THE SENATE AND MAKE HISTORY.  THE WINNER OF THE RAFFLE CAN JOIN US THEMSELVES OR TRANSFER THE OPPORTUNITY AS A GIFT.
EVERY $25 DONATION EARNS YOU 1 ENTRY INTO THE RAFFLE.  IF YOU DONATE $100, WE WILL SUBMIT 4 ENTRIES IN YOUR NAME INCREASING YOUR ODDS TO WIN THE TRIP.
.

.

It is so important that we take the gavel out of Harry Reid's hand and take conservative control of the Senate.  Here at the Tea Party Express we have already endorsed three U.S. Senate candidates. TRUE CONSERVATIVE LEADERS AND STEADFAST ADVOCATES OF OUR TEA PARTY VALUES!
.
.
Please don't hesitate - every $25 dollars enters you once for our raffle and helps us send these conservative leaders to Washington!
.
Please consider making a contribution of $25 (1 chance to win), $50 (2 chances to win), $100 (4 chances to win), $200 (8 chances to win), $500 (20 chances to win) or more! DONATE HERE



Share This Message on Facebook & Twitter!
13 Feb 2012

Iowa's State and Local Governments Fall Short on Transparency Test

By Sunshine Review
Alexandria, Va.– Today, Sunshine Review, a nonprofit, pro-transparency organization, released its state transparency analysis for Iowa's government websites. Graded on a 10-point transparency checklist, Iowa scored in the bottom three states analyzed by Sunshine Review with an overall score of a "C."

"Iowa's failure to provide information on taxpayer funded lobbying is a major fault in their goal to be a transparent government.  In addition, their county and school district websites failed to disclose vital information which brought down their transparency grade even farther," said Sunshine Review's President Michael Barnhart. "Transparency should be a priority to every elected official and voter in this country. Citizens in Iowa and around the nation deserve to have the information they need to hold their government accountable."

Sunshine Review's state rankings are based on content available on government websites against what should be provided. The checklist seeks information on items such as budgets, meetings, lobbying, financial audits, contracts, academic performance, public records and taxes.

The Iowa state website earned a "C" grade, accounting for half of Iowa's overall grade. Sunshine Review also analyzed the websites of the five largest counties which averaged a "C+." The five largest cities earned a "B-" and the ten largest school districts also earned a "C" average.

Out of the 24 states analyzed by Sunshine Review, Iowa ranked 22nd in transparency. Iowa's state website failed to make public information on taxpayer-funded lobbying. In addition, a majority of the city and county websites do not disclose any information on lobbying or contracts awarded. Of the school district grades, Davenport community schools received a disappointing "D-" while Des Moines public schools received a "B."

Information on the individual cities, counties, and schools can be found by clicking on the below links.

Counties: 
Cities: 
School Districts:

Sunshine Review is a nonprofit organization dedicated to state and local government transparency. Sunshine Review collaborates with individuals and organizations throughout America in the cause of an informed citizenry and a transparent government. Since its inception in 2008, Sunshine Review has analyzed the websites of all 50 states and more than 6,000 state and local entities.

To schedule an interview with Sunshine Review's President please contact Meghan Tisinger at Meghan@TKOCommunicationsLLC.com or (703) 965-1145.
For more information, visit www.sunshinereview.org.
###
13 Feb 2012

OBAMA FOR AMERICA TO LAUNCH IOWA TRUTH TEAM TO PROMOTE THE PRESIDENT'S ACHIEVEMENTS AND HOLD REPUBLICANS ACCOUNTABLE

By Randy Stalsberg

February 13, 2012

 

OBAMA FOR AMERICA TO LAUNCH IOWA TRUTH TEAM TO PROMOTE THE PRESIDENT'S ACHIEVEMENTS AND HOLD REPUBLICANS ACCOUNTABLE

 

CHICAGO, IL - Today, OFA IOWA will hold a press conference call to launch the Truth Team, a new effort by President Obama supporters to promote the President's achievements, respond to attacks on his record and hold the republicans accountable. The effort includes three websites, KeepingHisWord.com, KeepingGOPHonest.com, AttackWatch.com all available through Barackobama.com/truthteam and a network of state and local officials serving as truth team members, including Iowa Treasure Mike Fitzgerald, State Senator Jack Hatch, State Representative Tyler Olson and Former State Senator Steve Warnstadt.

 

The Truth Team is a network of supporters of the President who are committed to promoting the President's accomplishments, defending his record against unfounded attacks and holding the republicans responsible to their record.  The Truth Team websites will serve as a quick, comprehensive resource to help set the record straight and share that message with others, including fact checks on republican claims, personalized emails to friends and family and other social media tools.  This effort is part of the Obama campaign's commitment to engaging supporters at the grassroots level to spread the word about the President's record and help voters find the facts to pushback on Republican attacks.

 

WHO: Iowa Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald, State Senator Jack Hatch, State Representative Tyler Olson and Former State Senator Steve Warnstadt. 

 

WHAT: Press Conference call to launch the Truth Teams, a new effort to promote the President's record and hold Republicans Accountable  

WHEN: February 13, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. CT. 

 

To RSVP to this event, please email  press@barackobama.com.

 

 

###

13 Feb 2012

Casting Crowns - Come to the Well Tour

By New Anthem

Casting Crowns, Matthew West, Royal Tailor and Lindsay McCaul 

Where: iWireless Center inMoline,IL

When: March 23, 2012

Starts: 7:00PM

Doors Open: 6:00PM

Tickets On Sale: Now

 

Ticket Prices:
Advance - $24.00
Artist Circle - $40.00
Groups of 10+ - $18.00
Advance (limited number) - $15.00

Group Sales: Groups of 10 or more receive 1 free ticket! Call 309-277-1356 or  groupsales@iwirelesscenter.com for details.

Phone Sales: 800-745-3000

 

Mail Order Tickets:
Make checks payable and mail to:

i wireless Center, Attn: Box Office,1201 River Dr.,Moline,IL61265. Include a $3 per order handling fee and a $2.50 per ticket facility fee.

 

Buy Tickets Online:

 http://www.ticketmaster.com/

13 Feb 2012

Governor Quinn Proposes Lincoln Amendment to Strengthen Ethics Standards

By n

Measure Empowers Citizens to Enact Ethics Laws for Public Officials Through Popular Initiative and Referendum

CHICAGO - February 12, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today proposed an amendment to the Illinois Constitution that would allow state voters to enact ethics reforms through popular initiative and referendum. As Illinois today observes the 203rd anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln, Governor Quinn called for the passage of the Lincoln Amendment to give voters the power to directly implement stronger ethics laws for the first time in state history. This proposed amendment follows Governor Quinn's successful 2010 push for an amendment to the Illinois Constitution allowing for the recall of corrupt governors.

"There is no greater force than every day people banding together for a cause they believe in," Governor Quinn said. "Our citizens must always have a role in keeping our government honest and ethical."

Sponsored by Sen. Annazette Collins (D-Chicago), the amendment gives citizens the power to enact fundamental ethics reforms to local governments, school districts, and the legislative, executive and judicial branches of state government by gathering 8 percent of the total votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election. The Lincoln Amendment would be limited to changes that establish and enforce ethical standards, including campaign finance reform, conflict-of-interest voting, pay-to-pay abuses, patronage abuse and misuse of taxpayer funds.

Currently, voters may only propose, by popular initiative, amendments to the Illinois constitution that deal with the structure and procedure of the General Assembly. If the Lincoln Amendment is approved this spring by the General Assembly, voters would have the opportunity to enact through referendum a permanent change in the Illinois Constitution during the November 2012 general election. Once approved by three-fifths of those voting on the question or a majority of those voting in the election, the Lincoln Amendment would become law, giving voters more power than ever before to improve honesty and integrity in government.

"As elected officials, we are accountable to the people we represent, and it is vital that their voices be heard," said Sen. Collins. "I am proud to sponsor this amendment, which will allow people to be even more involved in their government, and I would like to thank Governor Quinn for his support of ethics in government."

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has signed landmark campaign finance reform that instituted Illinois' first-ever limits on campaign contributions from candidates, political parties and political action committees. Governor Quinn also launched Appointments.Illinois.Gov, Accountability.Illinois.Gov and Data.Illinois.Gov to bring more transparency to state appointments, contracts and salary information and public data collected by state and federal agencies.

 

###

13 Feb 2012

ACLU Meeting To Form Quad City Chapter

By Art Heyderman

A new chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union will be forming in the Quad Cities to address issues of importance to America.  The Quad Cities Chapter of ACLU organizational meeting will be 7:00 PM, Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at St Ambrose University in the Ambrose Room at Rogalski Center.

The meeting purpose is to organize and form a new Quad Cities Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and elect an interim board of directors.  Members of the ACLU and those interested in joining are invited to take part in a milestone event in support of Civil Liberties in the Quad Cities area.

Membership information and a limited number of the newly released "Students' Rights Handbook" will be available at the meeting.

For More Information contact Tom Benge, 563-332-5758, Tomabenge@aol.com or Art Heyderman, 563-505-4322, heydermana@mchsi.com.

 

The American Civil Liberties Union is a non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving and protecting Civil Liberties in America.  With over 700,000 members nationwide in all 50 states ACLU is the largest, most widely known and most highly respected Civil Liberties organization in the nation.  No other private organization appears before the Supreme Court more than the ACLU.  The ACLU is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.

These rights include :

  • Your First Amendment rights - freedom of speech, association and assembly; freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.
  • Your right to equal protection under the law - protection against unlawful discrimination.
  • Your right to due process - fair treatment by the government whenever the loss of your liberty or property is at stake.
  • Your right to privacy - freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into your personal and private affairs.

The ACLU also works to extend rights to segments of our population that have traditionally been denied their rights, including people of color; women; lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people; prisoners; and people with disabilities.  If the rights of society's most vulnerable members are denied, everybody's rights are imperiled.

To learn more about the ACLU and the local chapter visit their website at http://acluqc.org/.  To join ACLU visit http://www.aclu.org/ .
13 Feb 2012

Wis. Publisher Releases Crime Book, Magazine Expose'

By Badger Wordsmith
WALES, WI, February 12, 2012 ? With the addition of a new crime book and magazine exposé, the list of publications offered by Badger Wordsmith, LLC (BWS) has grown to six.

"Best of the Spingola Files, Vol. I." is a compilation of retired Milwaukee Police Department Homicide Lieutenant Steve Spingola's take on cold case homicides, organized crime figures, and crime related books.

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Spingola-Files-Vol-ebook/dp/B006YZCG6Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327864103&sr=8-1

Miles Kinard's well-researched magazine exposé, "American Stasi: Fusion Centers and Domestic Spying," examines the technologies employed by law enforcement intelligence fusion centers. Wisconsin is home to two fusion centers?one operated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice in Madison and another by the Milwaukee Police Department.

http://www.amazon.com/American-Stasi-Centers-Domesitc-ebook/dp/B006YZQFL8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329064427&sr=8-1

BWS is also the publisher of "The Cozen Protocol," a Milwaukee-based crime novel and Amazon.com 2010 Breakthrough Novel of the Year Award nominee.  As recently as January 26, 2012, "The Cozen Protocol" climbed to #2 on Amazon's list of criminal procedure books.

For more information, contact BWS or visit http://www.badgerwordsmith.com/books.html

# # # #
13 Feb 2012

Bi-State Literary Council Trivia Night

By Jared Johnson

A Trivia Night is being planned as a part of the Bi-State Literacy Council Winter Fundraising event, to be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 7pm. Doors open at 6pm, at The Rock, 302 1st Street, Coal Valley, Illinois.  The cost is $10 per person, with tables of no more than 8 people. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three tables. 

Raffles, 50/50, silent auction, and heads or tails will also be a part of the fun activities. For more information or to reserve your table, please contact judyh628@gmail.com. Payments can be mailed to BSLC, P. O. Box 1602, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722,

The Bi-State Trivia Night is also holding a library challenge with a special prize for the winning table of librarians.  A donation of $100 will be awarded to the library or school library to use in support of a reading program.

Proceeds from the event will be used to provide semi-annual grants to area literacy providers  (schools, libraries, after school programs, preschools, etc.), awards to literacy volunteers and for professional development grants to literacy professionals.  The Council's new initiative is also to provide additional scholarships to GED students.  The deadline for applications for the springtime grants is March 31, 2012. 

Representing Muscatine County on the Bi-State board is Duffy De France.  She can be contacted at 563-607-3213 for more information.  The Muscatine organizations that have received grants in the past include the Muscatine Literacy Coalition, the GED program, the Musser Public Library for middle school SSR reading program, and Wilton Elementary School.
13 Feb 2012

Governor Quinn Announces New Section on State's Tourism Web Site for LGBT Travelers

By Rick Martin

"Pride Illinois" Offers LGBT Travelers Detailed Information on Navigating Illinois' Destinations and Attractions

CHICAGO - February 11, 2012. One year after signing historic civil union legislation, Governor Pat Quinn today announced the launch of a new section of the state's official tourism website tailored toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered (LGBT) travelers. "Pride Illinois" features LGBT-friendly and/or owned travel destinations, attractions, accommodations, events and more throughout Illinois.

"Our tourism website helps visitors map out their visits to Illinois by giving them information about the great places and activities Illinois has to offer," Governor Quinn said. "Tailoring the site to meet the needs of LGBT travelers will help them make the most of their visit while supporting the growing Illinois tourism industry."

The new "Pride Illinois" section of the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) website - www.EnjoyIllinois.com - furthers Governor Quinn's efforts to boost tourism and foster equality in Illinois by highlighting the variety of sites, entertainment and activities for LGBT travelers visiting Illinois. "Pride Illinois" is organized by each of the state's four travel regions.

"Pride Illinois" offers yet another resource for people traveling throughout the state," said Illinois Office of Tourism Deputy Director Jan Kostner. "We are excited to offer more detailed information to assist LGBT travelers as they discover Illinois."

The "Pride Illinois" section provides a listing of TAG Approved® accommodations throughout Illinois.

A TAG Approved® property enforces non-discriminatory policies, treats heterosexual and domestic partners equally in personnel policies, and provides LGBT diversity and sensitivity training for employees. In addition, the property employs staff reflective of the diversity of their community, gives back to its community, and empowers customers and employees to act as watchdogs of its LGBT business practices.

According to the LGBT 2020 Study conducted by OutNow Global, LGBT travelers spent an average of $1,974 on leisure travel over the past twelve months. The study also showed that 78 percent of LGBT consumers prefer to stay at "gay-welcoming" hotels. OutNow Global is an LGBT marketing agency formed to better understand the lives and concerns of the LGBT community.

Illinois is the sixth state in the nation to allow civil unions. In January 2011, Governor Quinn signed historic legislation providing same-sex couples with the same full state legal rights as married couples.

For additional information on "Pride Illinois" and to find attractions, destinations and events statewide, visit www.EnjoyIllinois.com.

 

###

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar