Monday, February 13, 2012

 

Here is information about Senator Grassley's schedule this week in Washington.  The Senate is in session.

 

·         Senator Grassley will meet during the week with Iowans from Iowa Valley Community College, the Association of Maternal and Child Health, the Polk County Medical Society, the Iowa Association of Community Colleges, AFGE Local 2119 of the Rock Island Arsenal, Western Iowa Tech Community College, the Association of Iowa Workforce Partners, Iowa Western Community College, Iowa Central Community College, the Catholic Bishops of Iowa, Ducks Unlimited, Southeastern Iowa Community College, Indian Hills Community College, the Iowa Taxpayer Advocate Office, and the Iowa Chiropractic Society.

·         Senator Grassley will be a guest on public affairs programs hosted by Trent Rice of KASI Radio in Ames, Dan Kennedy on WOC Radio in Davenport, and Fred Hoffman of KCPS Radio in Burlington.

·         On Monday, February 13, at 3 p.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will answer questions by video teleconference from students in the Iowa Politics class of UNI Professor Christopher Larimer.

·         On Tuesday, February 14, at 10 a.m. (ET), a Finance Committee hearing is scheduled to hear testimony from Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner regarding the President's 2013 budget proposal.

·         On Tuesday, February 14, at 10 a.m. (ET), a Budget Committee hearing is scheduled to hear testimony from the Acting Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget regarding the President's 2013 budget proposal.

·         On Tuesday, February 14, and Wednesday, February 15, Senator Grassley will meet with community leaders and city officials traveling to Washington with both the Quad Cities and the Mason City/Clear Lake Chambers of Commerce to discuss economic development initiatives and other public policy matters.

·         On Wednesday, February 15, at 9:30 a.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will participate in a hearing and business meeting of the Senate Agriculture Committee regarding "Energy and Economic Growth for Rural America."

·         On Wednesday, February 15, at 10 a.m. (ET), a Budget Committee hearing is scheduled regarding the President's 2013 budget request for the U.S. Department of Transportation.

·         On Wednesday, February 15, at 10 a.m. (ET), a Judiciary Committee hearing is scheduled regarding "Protecting Those Who Protect Us:  The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program."

·         On Wednesday, February 15, at 10 a.m. (ET), a Finance Committee hearing is scheduled to hear testimony from the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, regarding the President's 2013 budget proposal.

·         On Wednesday, February 15, at 2:30 p.m. (ET), a nominations hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected.

·         On Thursday, February 16, at 10 a.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will participate in the weekly business meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  The committee may consider the nominations of John Z. Lee to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, John J. Tharp Jr. to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, George Levi Russell III to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland, Andrew David Hurwitz to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, and Kristine Gerhard Baker to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas.  Last week, members of the Judiciary Committee passed Senator Grassley's legislation to permit the broadcast and televising of Supreme Court proceedings.

Davenport, Iowa - February 13, 2012 - Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Eastern Iowa today announced that Jeff Ashcraft has been named Vice President and Market Manager, effective immediately. Ashcraft oversees the daily operations of the Davenport, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City markets.

As Vice President and Market Manager for Eastern Iowa, Ashcraft is responsible for recruiting and developing market teams and revenue strategies. He leverages Eastern Iowa's programming resources throughout the region and company to create the best listening experiences for the audience and solutions for advertisers. Ashcraft also serves as a Clear Channel Ambassador, overseeing the company's engagement in Eastern Iowa's communities.

"Jeff has a proven ability to lead and has demonstrated that for the last six years in Davenport," said Matt Martin, Senior Vice President of Operations - West Region, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. "We are excited to leverage his talents across these three Eastern Iowa markets. This is great next step for all of us."

Ashcraft has been with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment since 2005, serving as Director of Sales and National Sales Manager for the Davenport market. He successfully developed the sales staff into a cohesive team creating several new revenue generating projects while implementing strategies that resulted in gross sales growth. Prior to Clear Channel, Ashcraft was a Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Marycrest International University and the Regional Corporate Communications Manager for MidAmerican Energy Company.

About Clear Channel Media and Entertainment:
With 238 million monthly listeners in the U.S., Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment serves 150 cities through 850 owned radio stations. The company's radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM stations, HD digital radio channels, Sirius/XM satellite, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the company's radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile application on iPads and smartphones, and used via navigation systems from TomTom, Garmin and others. The company's operations include radio broadcasting, online and mobile services and products, live concerts and events, syndication, music research services and independent media representation. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment is a division of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO), a leading global media and entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at clearchannel.com, clearchanneloutdoor.com and ccmediaholdings.com.

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McCaulley Piano Studio and Happy Joe's Pizza are teaming up to raise money for King's Harvest and its new shelter for homeless mothers with children.

A piano recital will begin at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Happy Joe's location at 201 W. 50th St., Davenport.

Students and their families who attend are asked to donate $10. The money will go directly to King's Harvest and the new shelter. Performing students will receive a free Little Joe pizza and their families will receive 15 percent off any food purchase.

Monetary donations can be sent to 5837 Wisconsin Ave., Davenport, IA 52806, or via kingsharvest.net. For more information, call King's Harvest at 563-570-4536.

LeClaire, IA (PRWEB) February 13, 2012

Although many people have never heard the term "medical tourism", a growing number of Americans are finding it highly valuable to travel outside the United States for health care services.

While medical tourism has been popular in numerous countries around the world, Americans have only recently begun to understand the benefits of this low cost option.

"As a nurse, I became extremely frustrated with the outrageous costs of our health care system," said Pam Brammann R.N., President and Managing Director of IHT World. "Upon discovering that American quality care can be obtained in other countries for a fraction of the cost in the United States, I decided to offer medical tourism services to help Americans save money on their health care costs."

Typical savings are usually in the range of 50 to 80 percent compared to medical costs in the United States, including travel expenses for two.

IHT World offers valuable information that helps Americans make informed decisions concerning their health care choices. IHT World also offers a variety of assistive services, such as ensuring safe transfer of medical records abroad to the patient's choice hospital, as well as forwarding medical records after surgery from the hospital overseas to the patient's home physician for follow up care.

One common concern regarding medical tourism is what happens in the event of a complication? Although rare, surgery and health care treatment carries the risk of complication both in the United States and overseas.

If complications would develop, financial protection must be ensured. That's why IHT World strongly suggests that all participants purchase medical tourism insurance. Such a policy is not expensive and offers coverage regarding unfortunate events that may arise.

IHT World works with a company that offers customized medical tourism benefits. Unlike other medical tourism companies, IHT World does not collect commission from insurance policies to help keep costs low.

Individuals, employers and insurance companies are all experiencing the financial burden of American health care.  IHT World offers customized medical tourism services that will help reduce health care costs, without compromising quality.

To discover more go to http://www.ihtworld.com

Denison Job Corps Center To Launch February Recruitment Drive

DENISON, Iowa - The Denison Job Corps Center is recruiting its next group of new students for Carpentry, Painting, Brick Masonry, and Facilities Maintenance, to start training on Feb. 26, officials announced today.

The Job Corps program provides students with academic and career technical training, and room, board, and basic medical services while on center.  Young adults ages 16 through 24 who meet specific income requirements can enroll in the program at no cost.

"Job Corps gives these young people the chance to train in the health care or construction career field of their choice, and to earn a high school diploma or GED if they haven't already," Denison Center Director Steve Reitan said.  "In addition to training, students can take advantage of leadership opportunities on and off center that will also prepare them for future careers."

Instructors and staff at Job Corps centers across the country work with students to help them achieve their personal career goals.  Students receive classroom guidance from Job Corps staff, as well as career counseling and assistance in securing and maintaining employment after graduation.

"Our instructors and staff members are well-qualified to help our students gain the skills, experience, and confidence to be successful after they graduate from the Job Corps program," Reitan said.

Typically, students complete the construction training areas, such as those offered at the Denison center, in 8 to 12 months, gaining skills that include construction techniques, installations, protection, and restoration, as well as obtaining industry-recognized credentials.  Starting salaries for graduates of these training areas are usually around $30,000 a year.

Job Corps also offers students Advanced Career Training for no additional cost, making it possible for them to receive further training by enrolling in a vocational, technical, or community college.

For up to 21 months after graduation, a career counselor will help students gain higher education or obtain employment, and assist them in other transition activities so that they can live independently.

The Denison Job Corps Center has two residence halls and a total capacity for 300 students.  In addition to the many construction programs offered, the center provides training in several other career areas, including Clinical Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, and Pharmacy Technician.  Students may also participate in athletics, community service projects, and the Student Government Association.

About Job Corps

Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, Job Corps is the nation's largest career technical training and education program for low-income young people ages 16 through 24.  Job Corps provides services to more than 60,000 young people each year at 125 centers in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.  To learn more about Job Corps, call (800) 733-JOBS or visit Job Corps online at www.jobcorps.gov.

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WASHINGTON?New reports from Ayn Rand's publisher indicates that sales figures for "Atlas Shrugged" are continuing a remarkable trend.

In 2011 all English editions of "Atlas Shrugged" sold 445,000 copies.

"This is incredible," says Dr. Yaron Brook, executive director of the Ayn Rand Institute. "Since Obama was elected, 'Atlas Shrugged' has sold more than 1.5 million copies. This is unheard of in the publishing industry, for a 55-year-old novel to register sales of this magnitude. And what's even more remarkable is that this is even more than the book sold in 1957 . . . when it was a best seller!"

In addition, Penguin's new "Atlas Shrugged" iPad app recently won the Publishing Innovation Award for best app in the fiction category.

"Atlas Shrugged" is a mystery story about the disappearance of America's great thinkers, industrialists, inventors and artists. Its theme is the role of the mind in man's existence. A philosophical novel of breathtaking scope, "Atlas Shrugged" has been embraced, in recent years, by people looking for answers to the problems of an ever-expanding federal government.

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The 13th Annual Teacher Job Fair is being held Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at the Waterfront Conference Center from 2:00 p.m. -
5:00 p.m.. The Waterfront Conference Center is located at 2021 State Street in Bettendorf. The purpose of the Teacher Job Fair is
to bring school districts looking for teachers together with teachers looking for jobs.

All prospective and current teachers, counselors and administrators are invited to attend the Teacher Job Fair. This event will be
an opportunity to talk to school district representatives from Illinois and Iowa at no charge. Please bring copies of your resume.
Licensure information for Iowa/Illinois will be available.

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Bettendorf – Enjoy an evening at the Family Museum for free! On Presidents' Day February 20, 2012, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm admission is free for everyone at the Family Museum located at 2900 Learning Campus Drive in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Visitors can explore agriculture and weather in Amazing Acres by making a cloud, touching a tornado, driving a John Deere combine, and shopping in the Amazing Acres Market. Little ones can play safely in PlayHouse by creating a meal in the Alphabet Kitchen, interacting with the virtual pond, and playing house. Busy Bodies has a large heart that visitors can walk through, and the rhythm of the heart may inspire some visitors to create their own rhythms in Rhythm Alley with a pentaphone. There is so much to do at the Family Museum!

For more information, visit the Family Museum's website www.familymuseum.org.
Monday, February 13, 2012

Senator Chuck Grassley made the following comment about the President's budget proposal.

"After he was elected, President Obama said he knew the economy couldn't handle a tax increase.  Today, unemployment is still 8.3 percent, but the President wants to increase taxes $1.5 trillion.  An Obama tax increase would set the economy back and fuel more government spending.  It keeps America on the path of big deficits and record debt, all at the expense of the next generation.  When I asked the Federal Reserve Chairman during a budget committee hearing last week, he reiterated that the economy couldn't handle a tax increase.  So, again, the White House is choosing its reelection campaign over any attempt to start reducing the size of government and chart a course for private-sector job creation.

"Leadership by the Senate Majority Leader is just as lacking.  Earlier this month, Senator Harry Reid said he had no intention of allowing the Senate to consider a budget this year.  The Senate hasn't produced a budget for the last three years because Senator Reid doesn't want senators in his caucus to have to take difficult votes, also putting politics above the responsibility that's held by elected officials."

 

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

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