25 Jan 2012

"ALL ABOUT ART" tour offered at the Figge

By Rick Martin
The Figge Art Museum presents a special themed tour "All About Art" at 1:30 pm Sunday, January 29. This tour will examine several paintings which represent different genres, or types of art. Docents Barb Hansen and Sandy Cahoy will discuss the characteristics of each type of painting as well as the techniques the artists used in each genre. The tour begins with religious works in the Latin American Gallery and ends with Mural, Jackson Pollock's modern masterpiece. The tour lasts approximately one hour.

Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members. For a list of tours and other programs, visit www.figgeart.org.

-end-
25 Jan 2012

Froot n' Frogurt is Now Open in the South Park Mall in Moline

By Rick Martin

New Frozen Yogurt Bar! Choose from over 30 toppings for a Fun, Healthy Treat.

Smoothies, Coffee and Fresh Fruit Bouquets also available at this location.

South Park Mall Food Fair, 4500 16th St, Moline, IL 61265

Visit us online at www.frootnfrogurt.com

25 Jan 2012

Nova Singers Presents: Sun & Moon, Sea & Sky

By Nova Singers

Nova Singers, under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, presents two performances of Sun & Moon, Sea & Sky, Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 pm, at First Lutheran Church, Galesburg, and Sunday, February 12 at 4:00pm, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport.

As different as night is from day, so are the selections for this thematic program.  The lush somorities of Eric Whitacre's Nox Aurumque, the poignant sadness of Tormis' Singing Aboard Ship, and the uplifting inspiration of Clausen's In Pace make this a concert that should not be missed!  Additionally, Nova will bring to the audience Szeroka Woda, a set of Polish folk songs, arranged by Górecki, as well as the smooth, soothing sound of Cells Planets, arranged by Vince Peterson.

Artistic Director Dr. Laura Lane is very moved by the stories found in the music, saying, "There are so many powerful stories in this program. In Nox Aurumque, an angel is being forced to go to war and doesn't think she can. In Singing Aboard Ship, women sing as they watch their husbands and sons being taken away to serve on a ship."

Nova Singers will also be joined by local high school singers for our annual Project Sing! performances. The 2012 guests include students from the Macomb High School Concert Choir, directed by Melanie Butcher, performing in the Galesburg concert, and students from the Moline High School Concert Choir, directed by Ron May, performing in the Davenport concert.  Dr. Lane is excited to be working with high school students again.  "The Project Sing students are doing a fantastic job!  I believe this will be one of the best collaborations between high school students and Nova Singers that we've ever done."

Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, delivers this singular program to feed your musical tastes.  Nova Singers is known for bringing a wide variety of choral music to its audiences, and for the beauty and charm the singers impart to their music.  Dr. Lane has been serving the greater Galesburg and Quad-Cities communities since 1986, bringing her passion for music and expressive singing to audiences and singers alike.

Tickets will be available at the door. Admission is $16 for adults and $12 for seniors. Students are admitted free of charge.  For information about group rates, tickets, recordings, or other Nova Singers events, call 309-341-7038, or e-mail nova@knox.edu.  Also, please take the opportunity to visit our Facebook page under the keywords 'Nova Singers.

 

Sun & Moon, Sea & Sky is sponsored by the Riverboat Development Authority.  Nova Singers' 2011-2012 season is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
25 Jan 2012

Nation's Largest Organic Farming Conference Returns to La Crosse, WI, February 23-25

By Rick Martin
SPRING VALLEY, WI - The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) hosts its 23rd annual Organic Farming Conference, February 23-25, 2012, at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, WI.

The annual Organic Farming Conference (OFC) is the nation's largest and foremost educational and networking event for the organic farming community.

The farmer-centered OFC will feature more than 65 informative workshops, 160-plus exhibitors, nationally known keynote speakers, and locally sourced food and live entertainment. MOSES expects attendance to be about 3,000 farmers and agricultural professionals.

Held on Thursday, February 22 prior to the OFC, the Organic University will offer 10 full-day courses on various organic agriculture topics for novices and experts alike.

"We're really focused on farmer-to-farmer education and networking at our conference," notes Conference Co-Director Chris Blanchard.


Keynote Speakers

Two nationally recognized authorities are featured presenters at the OFC.

On Friday, February 23, Margaret Krome, Policy Program Director of the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, will present: "Growing Food, Health and Democracy: How Farmers, Activists and Consumers are Finding Our Power and Transforming the Food System."

On Saturday, February 24, Heinz Award-winning filmmaker Curt Ellis will present a rich multi-media presentation titled: "Growing Forward: The New Faces of Food and Farming." King Corn filmmaker Ellis is Co-Founder of FoodCorps.


Organic Farmer of the Year

MOSES also will announce and feature the 2012 Organic Farmer of the Year award recipient. The award is granted annually to an outstanding organic farmer or farm family who are innovators; who excel in managing farm resources; and who serve as educators and examples in their communities and to the next generation of organic farmers.


Young Organic Stewards

Young people have always been at the heart of the OFC.  The Young Organic Stewards program recognizes, honors and supports the next generation of organic farmers through targeted workshops and social activities.


Attendance Details

Cost to attend the conference is $195, which includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, workshops, general sessions, admission to the exhibit hall and evening entertainment. Supper is available at the conference for $15 for adults.

The fee for the in-depth Organic University sessions on Thursday, February 22, is $170.

The deadline for OFC and Organic University advance registration is Monday, February 13. Walk-ins will be accepted after that for an added fee.

There are numerous events for children and teens throughout the conference, including childcare as well as discounted meals and attendance fees.


More information

To learn more, call MOSES at 715-778-5775 or go to our website,
http://mosesorganic.org/conference.html
25 Jan 2012

Plant a Tree with JNF, Win a Trip to Israel

By Jewish National Fund

Plant a tree with Jewish National Fund before or on Tu BiShvat, February 8, and you will be entered into a raffle to win:

  • 2 roundtrip tickets to Israel with EL AL Israel Airlines
  • A free trip to JNF's Harvey Hertz Ceremonial Tree Planting Center at Neot Kedumim to plant a tree in Israel's soil with your own hands

Each tree purchased qualifies for one entry. JNF and EL AL employees and families of employees are not eligible.
Purchase must be a tree certificate. Other donations and purchases of any kind, including water certificates, will not be eligible for entry into the raffle.
Offer expires 2/8/2012 at 11:59PM EST.
The 2 EL AL tickets to Israel are available on a nonstop EL AL flight from EWR, JFK, or LAX. The applicable taxes of approximately $100 per ticket are not included. Travel must be completed by June 13, 2013; some restrictions and blackout dates apply. Tickets are based on availability as well as on the rules and regulations of "N" class, and are non-endorsable, non-refundable, and non-transferable. The award is not valid for receiving frequent flyer points nor will the tickets provide entitlement to involuntary compensation in the event of an over-sale or denied boarding situation.

25 Jan 2012

James Andrew to represent Iowa on advisory council

By Kevin Stillman

James Andrew to represent Iowa
on America's Farmers Grow Rural EducationSM advisory council

Advisory council to help distribute more than $2.3 million to rural school districts

JEFFERSON, Iowa (January 25, 2012) -  James Andrew of Jefferson, Iowa, was selected to represent Iowa on the America's Farmers Grow Rural EducationSM Advisory Council, a board of 26 farmer leaders that determines the rural school district recipients of the America's Farmers Grow Rural Education grants. This two-year assignment allows farmers on the council to help select which school districts are most deserving of $10,000 or $25,000 grants.
"America's farmers have told us that nothing is more important than growing the next generation, so the Monsanto Fund created America's Farmers Grow Rural Education as a way to help farmers improve school districts in their rural communities," said Linda Arnold, Monsanto Customer Advocacy Lead. "We asked these 26 farmer leaders to represent the farmers in their state in the decision of how best to award the grant money."
The America's Farmers Grow Rural Education Advisory Council is made up of farmer leaders from across the country, who are actively engaged in their local communities through various leadership positions, such as a member of the local School Board, an active Farm Bureau leader or a member of an educational organization or committee within various organizations. The council is responsible for reviewing the top grant applications to select the winning school district in each USDA-appointed Crop Reporting District (CRD). These individuals are passionate about both agriculture and education, which is essential when choosing the best grant for each CRD.   
"The farmers on the Advisory Council are leaders in their rural communities," said Arnold. "Their passion for both agriculture and education make them well-suited to help us review the grant applications."
Andrew was chosen for his exemplary experience with state and national farm commodity groups including Iowa Corn Growers, Iowa Soybean Association, American Soybean Association and U.S. Grains Council. He cares deeply about the quality of education in his community and is dedicated to helping grow and develop local students. One way to do this is through increasing learning opportunities through additional funding and education projects. Andrews hopes to make a difference for not only local students, but schools across the state through the advisory council.
"I believe in America's Farmers Grow Rural Education," Andrew said. "My work in the soybean and biotech arena has convinced me of the future need for continuing science and math research by our high school graduates in the genetics and products is needed to keep America in the lead to feed an ever-growing and hungry world."
America's Farmers Grow Rural Education, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, is a new program that gives farmers the opportunity to nominate a public school district in their rural community to compete for a grant of either $10,000 or $25,000. The Monsanto Fund will award 199 grants this year. There will be 177 $10,000 grants and 22 grants of $25,000 awarded. Visit growruraleducation.com to see a complete list of eligible states and regions. Grants will be awarded based on merit, need and community support. Overall, the Monsanto Fund will donate more than $2.3 million to school districts in 39 states through this program.
The program was piloted in 165 eligible counties in Minnesota and Illinois, in which more than 11,000 farmers nominated their schools. The Monsanto Fund donated more than $266,000 in total to local school districts in nine CRDs in Illinois and seven CRDs in Minnesota in 2011.
America's Farmers Grow Rural Education is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, to support farming communities. Visit growruraleducation.com for a complete listing of school districts, counties and more information about America's Farmers Grow Rural Education.

About 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.

###

25 Jan 2012

BAYLOR UNIV. FALL DEAN'S LIST

By Melissa Perry
WACO, Texas - Over 3200 Baylor University students were named to the Dean's Academic Honor List for the 2011 fall semester. To be named to the Dean's List, a student must be an undergraduate with a minimum grade-point average of 3.7, while enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours. A private Christian university and a nationally ranked liberal arts institution, Baylor is classified as a research university with "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This blends with Baylor's international reputation for educational excellence built upon the faculty's commitment to teaching, scholarship and interdisciplinary research to produce outstanding graduates.
Below are students from your area who were named to the dean's list this fall. The honor student news release and a complete listing of all honorees is available through the following link: http://www.baylor.edu/pr/index.php?id=40399.
-30-

 Adam Ryan Eaker of Moline, Illinois, School of Engineering and Computer Science;
25 Jan 2012

IOWA STATE UNIV FALL DEAN'S LIST

By Jackie King

AMES, Iowa - More than 5,908 Iowa State University undergraduates have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the 2011 fall semester Dean's List. Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.

Bettendorf, IA

Lauren Paige Anderson, Psychology;Jacob Ryan Bergman, Psychology; Jamie Marie Blaser, Pre-Computer Science; Stephanie Ann Blaser, Dietetics (H SCI); Jessica Marie Blaum, English; Kaitlin Janaye Bohn, Kinesiology and Health; Kimberly Ann Booe, Chemical Engineering; Benjamin Alexander Britz, Mechanical Engineering; Molly Rebecca Bryant, Pre-Journalism and Mass Communication; Jonathan William Buck, Civil Engineering; Sarah Anne Buck, Psychology; Brittney Corrine Carpio, Political Science; Nicholas Lee Cervantes, Computer Engineering; Tyler Benjamin Cline, Civil Engineering; Spencer Owen Crane, Pre-Business; Aislinn Grace D'Auben, Genetics (LAS); Emily Marcene Doerder, Music; Gabriel S. Domingues, Agricultural Systems Technology; Jessica T. Drish, Veterinary Medicine; Dillan P. Dwyer, Mechanical Engineering; Zachary J. Edwards, Pre-Business; William Randolph Emerson, Mechanical Engineering; Taylor Marikey Finney, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design; Christopher Joseph Foss, Mechanical Engineering; Elizabeth Anne Fry, Kinesiology and Health; Jenna Corinne Fussell, Biology; Matthew Nicholas Gaul, Architecture-Professional Degree; Emily M. Graham, Elementary Education; Amanda Michelle Haffarnan, Nutritional Science (H SCI); Jiyeon Han, Nutritional Science (H SCI); Michael Paul Hayes, Psychology; Natalie S. Heiderscheit, Marketing; Jacob T. Hemberger, Chemical Engineering; Kelly Marie Hering, Psychology; Aaron Michael Hewitt, Integrated Studio Arts; Lindsay Jo Hoffman, Diet and Exercise (H SCI); Bryce Phillip Johnson, Business Undeclared; Carolyn Anne Johnson, Animal Science; Megan Michelle Johnson, Kinesiology and Health; John Michael Jones, Management Information Systems; Rachel E. Kirkpatrick, Child, Adult, and Family Services; Abigail Marie Kline, Child, Adult, and Family Services; Kelsey Lynn Kraft, Construction Engineering; Alexander Ernest Krist, Civil Engineering; Jason Carl Kruse, Architecture-Professional Degree; Michael Drew Kurtz, Aerospace Engineering; Elizabeth Ilene Larsen, Psychology; Mikaela Marie Leners, Civil Engineering; Nathan Gull Leners, Aerospace Engineering; Julie Christine Leonard, Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production; Elizabeth J. Martin, Elementary Education; Thomas Ray McGee, Industrial Engineering; Sarah Elizabeth Miller, Biochemistry; Brock Robert Mills, Psychology; Emily Jeanne Misak, English; Mary Kate Misak, Event Management; Jared Paul Mumford, Psychology; Stefan Juel Nitzschke, Management Information Systems; Nicole Renee Oldfather, Animal Science; Emily Paige Rheinhart, Child, Adult, and Family Services; Carleigh A. Rose, Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production; Caleb D. Schulze, Electrical Engineering; Cortney Jay Sievert, Marketing; Benjamin Timothy Stecker, Kinesiology and Health; Erin Cathleen Toohey, Biology (AGLS); Kelly Ann Wagner, Dietetics (H SCI); Paige Nicole Wear, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design; Chad Edward Wisham, Civil Engineering; David Thomas Zimmerman, Industrial Engineering;

Davenport, IA

Hannah Marie Adams, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design;Joshua John Arguello, Architecture-Professional Degree; Ashley M. Arnold, Anthropology; Whitney Ann Bacon, Elementary Education; Heather Nicole Bennett, Community and Regional Planning; Callie Renee Blake, Elementary Education; Nicholas C. Borcherding, Nutritional Science (H SCI); Molly E. Bridges, Elementary Education; Rebecca Joy Briesmoore, Civil Engineering; Matthew Allen Burmeister, Mechanical Engineering; Allison Eckert Bush, Early Childhood Education; Margaret Marie Carlin, Community and Regional Planning; Abigail Nicole Clevenger, Animal Science; Timothy O'Toole Corlett, Kinesiology and Health; Neal Robert Crooks, Aerospace Engineering; Matthew T. Darmour-Paul, Architecture-Professional Degree; Karen Arlene Dau, Chemical Engineering; Matthew Lee Decker, Aerospace Engineering; Elizabeth Marie Doebel, Mathematics; Kalynn Dawn Doebel, Biology; Melanie Joy Drenter, Computer Science; Brett Christopher Ebert, Mechanical Engineering; Trevor Murphy Fennelly, Pre-Business; Marinda R. Gacke, Biology (AGLS); Alexander Joseph Gowey, Accounting; Travis John Hattery, Chemical Engineering; Alicia Rhea Hendrix, Journalism and Mass Communication; Emily Nicole Hill, Elementary Education; Kelsey Jane Hoeksema, Elementary Education; Kathleen Marie Hoil, Performing Arts; Kayla Marie Kaasa, Biology; Malcolm Andrew Kelly, Mechanical Engineering; Lance David Keltner, Civil Engineering; Emily Marie Kenneke, Elementary Education; Nicholas Aaron King, Landscape Architecture; Austin Miles Laugen, Computer Engineering; Megan Elizabeth Maller, Music; Vanessa Lynn McNeal, Child, Adult, and Family Services; Samantha Leigh McPherson, Psychology; Britney Jean Meier, Child, Adult, and Family Services; Alexandra Eleni Menard, Anthropology; Gregory Paul Miers, Supply Chain Management; Colin Narby, Pre-Business; Matthew Douglas Neubauer, Kinesiology and Health; Kara Nhu Nguyen, Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management; Thanh Kim Nguyen, Mechanical Engineering; Alison Margaret Perkins, Interior Design; Nathan S. Premo, Software Engineering; Stephen James Quist, Marketing; Bailey Christine Randone, Communication Studies; Brittany Michelle Redmond, Biochemistry; Aleah Nicole Salisbury, Finance; Bryce Taylor Sandry, Management Information Systems; Erin Bates Sickels, Kinesiology and Health; Brian Vincent Skalak, Pre-Advertising; Matthew J. Skoglund, Chemical Engineering; Brian Michael Smith, Journalism and Mass Communication; Sally Ann Stringham, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design; Michal-Marie Tillotson, Child, Adult, and Family Services; Ian Jeno Toppler, Materials Engineering; Mary Therese Van Camp, World Languages and Cultures; Jeramie Lee Vens, Electrical Engineering; Benjamin M. Wells, Mechanical Engineering; Kelsie Deanne Witt, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design; Connor S. Young, Preparation For Human Medicine;

Moline, IL

Kelsey Breann Carlson, Animal Science;Alex James Michl, Architecture-Professional Degree; Hans William Schaeffer, Mechanical Engineering; Kevin Craig Shedd, Mechanical Engineering; Caleb Jack Spiegel, Architecture-Professional Degree;

Riverdale, IA

Amy K. DCamp, Biological/Pre-Medical Illustration;


Rock Island, IL

Taylor Marie Downing, Food Science (AGLS); Brooke S. Williams, Engineering;?
25 Jan 2012

My 2012 CD In The Mix

By Frank Drew
Hi it's me, Frank Drew Jazz/Funk musician.  I just put out a CD called "In The Mix."  Check it out at www.reverbnation.com/frankdrew.  You can download a couple of songs,  leave feeback or become a fan.  Thank you and God bless.
25 Jan 2012

Reactions to the President's State of the Unon Address

By Randy Stalsberg
Below is a comment from Senator Chuck Grassley regarding tonight's State of the Union address by President Obama.

"Americans are looking for leadership.  The 13 million people who are unemployed need to know that leaders in Washington can come together to get people back to work and move the country in the right direction.

"Washington needs to focus on fostering opportunities with an environment where the economy can improve and jobs can be created.  Tax certainty and low taxes are a major factor, and one of the biggest tax increases in history will happen at the end of this year if Congress and the President don't stop it.  America's fiscal problems don't come from a revenue shortage, but from too much spending, and government spending needs to be reduced.  A massive federal debt gets in the way of economic growth.  So does the heavy hand of government regulation, and it must be lifted.  America also needs new export markets for our products and services, and the economy is helped by affordable energy, so domestic production has got to be a priority.  The President's decision last week, to deny the Keystone pipeline project, prevents energy-related infrastructure development that creates jobs, in this case as many as 20,000 jobs.  The decision also stymies an energy partnership with a friendly neighbor, and whether or not the United States approves the Keystone project, the oil will be produced, and if it doesn't come here, China likely will get it.  The result of this decision is just the opposite of what our national priority ought to be and that's opportunity.

"Since 2009, President Obama's theory of economic stimulus and government intervention has failed in terms of job creation, economic growth and fiscal responsibility, so we need a new direction.  At the same time, President Obama seems determined to test and even exceed the powers of his office.  America has a system of checks and balances that's generally worked for more than two centuries.  The President's interest in putting the executive branch above the other branches of government is unconstitutional and counter-productive.  It's something Americans rejected 235 years ago.  Today, finding common ground with the elected representatives of Congress would be more productive than trying to govern by edict from the Oval Office."

 

Harkin Statement on President Obama's Third State of the Union Address

The state of our union depends on the strength of the middle class

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement in response to President Obama's third State of the Union address.  Harkin chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, as well as the Senate Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee.

"Tonight, it was encouraging to hear the President outline his blueprint for getting our country back on track with policies that invest in America and promote a better, more fair tax structure.  This is a blueprint that will make America strong for the decades to come.

"It is clear from my travel in Iowa and hearings in Washington that there is no greater challenge facing Congress in the year ahead than to protect and restore the middle class, which is being crushed by widespread unemployment, rising income inequality, and a system that no longer works for them.

"As a woman from DeWitt, Iowa told the Committee back in June, 'All we have ever wanted is security and a little comfort: to know that our bills are paid, our needs are met, that we can have a real getaway every now and then, that our children can pursue higher education without the burden of student loan debt, and that someday we can retire and enjoy our final years together in the way we choose.'  In short, she wants to be part of the working middle class.

"While Congressional Republicans have advocated failed trickle-down economics for the rich, it is time for percolate-up economics for the middle class.  As we say in the Midwest, you don't fertilize a tree from the top down, you fertilize the roots.

"I have argued that the more urgent task is in creating jobs and rebuilding the middle class.  This means continuing to make investments in areas like education and workforce training as well as securing pensions and ensuring college is affordable.  Our country must rebuild our physical infrastructure to include 21st century transportation and energy systems and we need policies to reverse the long-term decline in manufacturing jobs.  These are the investments that will make America competitive in the global economy with a stronger, educated workforce, and these will be the investments at the heart of legislation I plan to introduce in the coming months to rebuild the middle class.  

"The fact is, the state of our union depends on the strength of the middle class.  The middle class is the backbone of this country, and it is time for Congress to have the backbone to not only defend it, but rebuild it."


###

 

Braley Response to State of the Union Address 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after attending President Obama's State of the Union address tonight:

"I'm glad the President so strongly emphasized strengthening the middle class tonight.  I was especially encouraged by his focus on economic fairness, creating jobs, and investing in education.

"The American middle class is being squeezed more than ever, yet Wall Street bankers and big corporations are making record profits.  It seems like there are two sets of rules - one for the elite, and one for everyone else.  America has always been about opportunity.  We need to level the playing field and keep the promise that if you work hard, you can get ahead.  An easy first step in strengthening the middle class is to pass a yearlong extension of the payroll tax cut.

"Our schools, colleges, and universities are avenues of opportunity.  We need to strengthen education if we are going to succeed in the global economy.  China and India are churning out well-educated and skilled workers.  We need to meet their challenge."

# # #

 

Governor Quinn Statement on President Obama's State of the Union Address

CHICAGO - January 24, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement regarding President Barack Obama's fourth State of the Union Address.

"We in Illinois applaud President Obama for the vision he laid out in tonight's State of the Union. The President put forth a blueprint for a growing economy that gives all Americans equal access to the success through hard work that has always made this nation great. We agree with the President that we can't wait - we need to keep pushing to restore our economy and the American middle class.

"In Illinois, we are focused on the same issues that the President laid out tonight: creating manufacturing jobs and training our workforce for the 21st century; making education more accessible; modernizing our roads and bridges; and prioritizing housing for our families.

"And as the President said, an America built to last calls for responsibility from each of us and fairness for all. We commend the President on his vision, and look forward to working together as a nation to restore our economy and create opportunities for all Americans."

###

 

Lt. Governor Simon Statement on State of the Union

CARBONDALE - January 24, 2011. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon pledged to work with President Obama and Illinois schools to send more students into the workforce with college credentials that qualify them for in-demand jobs.

"President Obama's blueprint for our economy is built on a strong, skilled American workforce," Simon said. "A growing number of jobs require employees to hold more than a high school education, but not necessarily a bachelor's degree. Illinois community colleges are poised to help more students earn career certificates and associate degrees that translate to good-paying jobs. I will work with the colleges, state leaders, and President Obama to ensure that we offer clear paths to employment. If our students work hard in school, we want them to find a job here in Illinois that will enable them to raise a family, own a home, and save for retirement. Our focus on college completion will help create an America that's built to last."

###

 

Tea Party Response to State of the Union

Dear Friends,

Tonight Obama did what he has done for the past 3 years: showcased the class warfare rhetoric WE HAVE REJECTED while showing no interest in providing some semblance of leadership.

He just isn't going to get it. WE ARE DONE listening to Obama pit employees against employers, job creators against those looking for opportunity. He says he will fight obstructionists with action, but has yet to engage in substantive discussion. Instead he does his politicking in front of the camera with carefully-crafted speeches.   Republicans have passed legislation to address major issues, but they just sit and rot away in the Democratic Senate without any consideration by the President.
NO ONE IS BEING FOOLED BY HIS EMPTY PROMISES OF HOPE AND CHANGE. WE MUST STAND UP AND DEFEAT OBAMA IN 2012! DONATE NOW AND JOIN TEA PARTY EXPRESS' 2012 RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN!

Tonight he even went as far to say, 'No bailouts, no handouts, and no cop-outs.' However, after 3 years as President, he has embarked on a path of bailing out company after company, giving handouts to his friends like Warren Buffet and George Soros through crony capitalism, and blaming everyone but himself for the horrendous state of our economy. There are no twisting words here - Obama has not only failed at showing any leadership, but has done so while blatantly deceiving hardworking Americans with empty promises.
We must continue to be committed to reducing the size, cost and intrusiveness of the federal government. An important part of our economic recovery is a pro-growth agenda - something we WILL NOT get from this President. We do not need more government spending, but the creation of an economic environment of lower taxes and a less stringent regulatory system.
It starts by reforming our corrupt tax code with a flat tax, a fair tax or a combination of the two like 9-9-9. It starts by approving much needed shovel-ready jobs like the Keystone XL Pipeline. It starts by pursuing bold ideas that will restore the fundamentals America was built in. IT STARTS WITH YOU!

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