Report examines how Affordable Care Act will revive and sustain small towns, farms and ranches

 

REPORT EMBARGOED UNTIL 6:00 a.m.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Lyons, Nebraska - According to a new report to be released July 6, 2011 by the Center for Rural Affairs, nearly 15 million young adults (19-29 years of age) in America are without health insurance. However, the report estimates that over 12 million of that young adult uninsured population will obtain coverage under provisions of the Affordable Care Act. These provisions are especially important for small towns and rural areas.

A full copy of the embargoed report can be viewed and downloaded immediately at:http://files.cfra.org/pdf/heal th-care-young-adults.pdf  and will remain available after the embargo is lifted.

Members of the media are asked to contact Elisha Smith (elishas@cfra.org or 402.687.2103 ext 1007) to set up interviews.

"Access to affordable, quality health insurance means more young adults can stay, return, or relocate to rural communities," said Alyssa Charney with the Center for Rural Affairs and the author of the report.

The report examines how the Affordable Care Act significantly benefits young adults, specifically those in rural areas, with provisions that include the ability to remain on their parents' policies, the creation of health insurance marketplaces, the elimination of pre-existing conditions, and incentives for employers to provide coverage. 

According to Charney's report, of the approximately 7 million rural residents between 20 and 29 years of age, 600,000 will be eligible to remain on their parents' health insurance until age 26 pursuant to the Affordable Care Act. Nationally it is estimated that 3.4 million young adults will be eligible for coverage under this provision. 

"The Affordable Care Act benefits rural young people in ways that extend well beyond individual health and affordability, because supporting the younger generation means supporting our rural communities for generations to come," explained Charney. 

"The places where young people choose to live, the work they pursue, and the passions they follow shouldn't be decided by limitations on how or where to find health insurance. The Affordable Care Act addresses these limitations," Charney added.

Rural communities are quickly declining in population, with many young adults leaving in search of outside opportunities and benefits. However, it would be incorrect to assume that this migration is driven by a lack of desire to live in rural places.

Forty percent of Americans would prefer to live in a rural area or small town, compared to the less than 20 percent who currently do, according to a survey from the National Association of Realtors. 

The author concludes that access to affordable, quality health insurance means more young adults can stay, return, or relocate to rural communities. Young farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural health care providers not only have much to gain from the Affordable Care Act, but they also have valuable skills and knowledge to contribute to rural communities.

This is the 13th report in a series dealing with how health care reform and the Affordable Care Act will impact rural America. Visit http://www.cfra.org/policy/hea lth-care/research  to review or download earlier Center for Rural Affairs health care reports.

Lyons, NE - The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that $37 million is available for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. A special reserve is set aside for beginning farmers and ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The deadline to apply is August 29, 2011.

"Any farmer or rancher needing planning or working capital funds to move their value-added ideas forward should check out the Value-Added Producer Grants program," said Traci Bruckner, Assistant Director of Policy at the Center for Rural Affairs.

"The 2008 Farm Bill made some important changes to the Value Added Producer Grants Program by giving a priority to projects from beginning and small and mid-size family farmers and ranchers," added Bruckner. "Value-added, niche markets are one of the best strategies for creating and maintaining profitability for beginning and small and mid-size family farmers and ranchers. Those applicants that meet the beginning, small or mid-size family farm criteria will automatically get 10 points out of a total of 100."

Agricultural producers, businesses majority-owned by agricultural producers, and organizations representing agricultural producers are eligible to apply for Value Added Producer Grants for business planning or working capital expenses associated with marketing value-added agricultural products. Agricultural producers include farmers, ranchers, loggers, agricultural harvesters and fishermen that engage in the production or harvesting of an agricultural commodity.

According to Bruckner, the program was created to help producers expand their customer base for the products or commodities they produce. This results in a greater portion of revenues derived from the value-added activity being made available to the producer of the product.

For more information on the Value-Added Producer Grants Program and how to apply, visit: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG_Grants.html. Applicants can also contact their USDA Rural Development State Office by calling 800-670-6553 and pressing (1). Applicants are encouraged to contact their state USDA RD offices well in  advance of the deadline to discuss their projects and ask any questions about the application process.

"These grants are popular and competitive but help is available," commented Bruckner.

Bruckner went on to explain that the Center for Rural Affairs is gearing up to help producers as much as possible during the application period by operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call in and receive assistance in accessing the Value Added Producer Grants Program.

"The Center for Rural Affairs has a long history of assisting family farmers and ranchers to access farm bill programs," added Bruckner. "The helpline provides a direct connection to Center staff with knowledge about the program rules to help you understand if the program will fit your needs."

Producers can call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline. During peak demands, such as the four to six weeks before a major grant deadline, producers may have to leave a message and await a response. Or, potential applicants can also contact the Farm Bill Helpline via email by sending an email with "Farm Bill Helpline" in the subject line totracib@cfra.org. The Value Added Producer Grant is not the only program covered by the Center's Farm Bill Helpline. Assistance is also available for the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative and a host of Beginning Farmer and Rancher provisions.

The Center for Rural Affairs has also created Value Added Fact Sheets and other additional information, which can be accessed at http://www.cfra.org/node/2672.

For more information visit: www.cfra.org

Be a lifesaver this summer and donate blood

The American Red Cross reminds all eligible blood donors make an appointment to give blood this summer because the need for blood never takes a summer vacation and must constantly be replenished.

While all blood types are needed to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients, right now there is a special need for types O negative, B negative and A negative blood donors. Rh negative blood types are always in high demand because they potentially can be transfused to patients with Rh positive or Rh negative blood types.

To show appreciation to those who help save lives, all presenting donors at Red Cross blood drives and blood donation centers through September 7, 2011 will be entered in the Good to Give. Good to Go. promotion. One lucky person (21 and older) in the Mid-American Blood Services Division will have the chance to win a trip for four to Orlando, Florida.

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.

A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

Blood Donation Opportunities

WHITESIDE COUNTY 

7/16/11	9:00 am- 1:00 pm		Culver's		1901 Harley Davidson Drive			Rock Falls
7/16/11	10:00 am- 2:00 pm		Army National Guard		716 Sixth Ave			Rock Falls
7/19/11	1:00 pm- 5:15 pm		Old Fulton Fire Station		912 4th Street			Fulton
7/19/11	1:30 pm- 6:00 pm	Northland Mall		2900 E. Lincolnway		Sterling	All presenting donors will be eligible to win a set of 2 free Chicago White Sox regular season home game tickets.
7/19/11	12:00 pm- 6:00 pm	United Methodist Church		200 West Lincolnway		Morrison	All presenting donors will be eligible to win a set of 2 free Chicago White Sox regular season home game tickets.
7/20/11	2:00 pm- 6:00 pm		Rock Falls Blood Donation Center		112 W. Second St .			Rock Falls
7/26/11	1:00 pm- 5:15 pm		Old Fulton Fire Station		912 4th Street			Fulton
7/27/11	10:00 am- 2:00 pm		Rock Falls Blood Donation Center		112 W. Second St .			Rock Falls
7/30/11	7:00 am-11:00 am		Rock Falls Blood Donation Center		112 W. Second St .			Rock Falls

CLINTON COUNTY

7/22/11	10:00 am- 3:00 pm	De Witt Community Center	512 10th Street	De Witt
7/25/11	2:30 pm- 6:30 pm	Northeast Elementary School	1450 370th Avenue	Goose Lake

Governor's Reforms Empower Citizens with more Access to Democratic Process

DES PLAINES - July 4, 2011.  Governor Pat Quinn today signed election reform legislation that will empower Illinois' residents with better access to democratic process. Senate Bill 1586 creates more opportunities to initiate referenda at the local and statewide levels, and simplifies the election code to make it more consistent and clear.

"On the very day we celebrate our democracy, I am enacting a bill that will put more power in the hands of the people of Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "By giving voters more authority at the ballot box, they will have a better opportunity to hold elected officials accountable and we will continue to create a more vibrant democracy in our state." 

Historically, Illinois has had limited ballot access. This bill contains three major reforms that were led by Governor Quinn to improve access to the democratic process throughout Illinois. 

The legislation allows local school boards to initiate advisory referendum by resolution for the first time in Illinois history. It also lowers the petition signature requirement for initiating referenda to a uniform 8 percent of the gubernatorial vote. 

Additionally, the bill eliminates bureaucratic hurdles in the petition process for constitutional amendments by cutting the requirement that petitions to initiate referenda be segregated by election jurisdiction. This reduces the chance that petitions or an initiative could be thrown out based on a technicality.

The bill also increases voting access for service members by allowing ballots to be emailed to military voters who are overseas. 

Sponsored by Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and Represenative Michael Zalewski (D-Chicago), the new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2012. 

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