23 Dec 2011

Global Population Continues to Increase—Are U.S. Farmers Ready?

By Rick Martin
Soybean Checkoff-Funded Initiatives Support Food Production for the Future

ST. LOUIS (December 20, 2011) - More than seven billion people inhabit planet Earth, and about two billion more will join within 40 years, according to the United Nations Population Division. While many decision makers express concern about sustaining the population, often they forget to ask an important Question: Are U.S. farmers ready to produce the food needed to feed the growing population?

The United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff has responded with a resounding 'yes,' by funding soybean production research designed to help U.S. farmers grow as much as possible with as few resources needed.

"Soybean farmers must stay in tune with what is going on in the United States in order to stay ahead of any problems, such as the growing population," said Jason Bean, a soybean farmer from Holcomb, Mo., and USB director. "Finding ways to figure out how to get everything out of our soybeans in order to have the best yield is crucial for success."

In order to stay ahead of the curve, much of the research USB funds focuses on creating new U.S. soybean varieties more resistant to the pressures from pests and diseases that decrease yield. "Every year, we do a major production research project in each region that allows us to figure out the No. 1 yield robber," says Bean. "Whether it is finding out how to resist pests, like aphids, stink bugs or soybean cyst nematodes, or determining drought tolerance, checkoff-funded research is intended to locate the problem, and then is shared with farmers across the United States."

To help get this research into farmers' hands, USB has established a program to help state soybean checkoff boards, land-grant universities and local extension service staff share checkoff-funded research results with those who need it most. To date, twelve states participate in the program.

But informing U.S. soybean farmers is only one part of the equation. Making sure consumers are informed about the process is important too, says Bean. 

USB is made up of 69 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. Checkoff funds are invested in the areas of animal utilization, human utilization, industrial utilization, industry relations, market access and supply. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soybean checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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23 Dec 2011

Braley Statement on House Vote on Middle Class Tax Cut

By Jeff Giertz

House fails to pass 2-month compromise extension of payroll tax cut 

 

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after the House rejected a bipartisan agreement to extend the middle class payroll tax cut:

"Extending the middle class tax cut that keeps $1,000 in the pocket of the average Iowa family is good for the economy and good for our country.

 

"Playing politics over this issue does nothing other than put families at risk of seeing their taxes go up on January 1st.

 

"That's why I supported the Republican plan to extend the middle class tax cut last week.  And it's why I just voted with 89 out of 100 Senators, including Senators Harkin and Grassley, on a bipartisan compromise to extend the middle class tax cut.  This issue shouldn't be about Republicans or Democrats.  It's good for Iowa.  And Iowans need Congress to come together and finish the job."

 

Braley has voted in support of a middle class tax cut extension every time the issue has come up in the House for a vote.

# # #
23 Dec 2011

News from the Ron Paul Campaign

By Gary Howard
Ron Paul Campaign Releases New Pro-life Ad Featuring Some of His Former Patients
Women patients attest to Dr. Paul's character, professionalism and commitment to life
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign unveiled its new prolife ad "Always on the Right Path" featuring four former patients of Dr. Paul's medical practice in Brazoria County, Texas.

Dr. Paul, an Air Force flight surgeon and 12-term Congressman from Texas, is by trade an accomplished OB-GYN who personally delivered more than 4,000 babies.

The 60-second online ad will be shared via email and on websites with conservative, prolife, and values voter audiences beginning today.  It begins with a narrator describing Dr. Paul as a prolific doctor, a man of faith, and a man committed to protecting life.  However, the moving testimonials of his patients are what the ad features most prominently - and most effectively.

"Some people need to have a good word said about them.  Ron is the sort of person that his life is his good word," former patient Laura Mays offers in the ad.  "Ron did not let Washington change him," Ms. Mays later adds.

"He not only protects unborn life, but he also walks through journeys with women and he has for years," Kara Gore proclaims in the ad.

"It's not hard for someone who is a Christian and who truly believes to stay on the right path, and I think that's what kind of person Ron Paul is," Diane Wilson declares in the ad.

"This ad is unequaled in its authenticity, and in its capacity to convey the message that not only is Ron Paul the Champion of the Constitution, he is also a champion of life with particular emphasis on the unborn," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.  "This is a clear case of credible subject matter serving as its own convincing message."

To view the online ad click here.

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Ron Paul Endorsed by Nationally Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host Jerry Doyle
Radio host, actor and philanthropist talks up Paul
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today that nationally-syndicated radio talk show host Jerry Doyle has endorsed Ron Paul for the presidency.

"In many areas of the country including in some key early voting states, Jerry Doyle is a household name, discussing current events but also energizing and entertaining audiences.  We appreciate the support Jerry Doyle gives Ron Paul as it contributes to the likelihood of a strong showing in the first few voting contests where Ron Paul is competitive," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

"The Jerry Doyle Show" is a nationally-syndicated talk radio program with a heavy finance component in addition to politics, pop culture, and current events, with elements of satire and biting social commentary.  It is the sixth largest show in the country with more than 200 affiliates and 3.75 million weekly listeners, according to Talkers Magazine.  The show airs live Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. PST with select markets airing the show at various times.  Check your local listings by clicking here.

Jerry Doyle is an experienced pilot, investment banker, actor, and the voice of numerous national advertising campaigns.  He is the author of Have You Seen My Country Lately - America's Wake-up Call, published in 2009 by Simon & Schuster.  Mr. Doyle also is an Honorary Naval Aviator and F-16 Test Pilot, and a Distinguished Supporter of the U.S. Space Program.

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Ron Paul Endorsed by Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton
Rev. John Preus of Clinton County calls Dr. Paul a "Republican who consistently articulates conservative stances on every issue he faces."
ANKENY, Iowa - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today that the Rev. John Preus, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa, has endorsed Ron Paul for the presidency.

Below please find the full statement of support from Rev. Preus:

"My name is Rev. John Preus.  I am the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa.  We are a conservative congregation, and I am a conservative pastor.  Our doctrine has not morphed over time, and neither have our positions on issues of morality with which our country and culture are currently wrestling.  As a pastor, it is not my job to endorse political candidates, and so I won't.  It's my job to preach the word of God, and I do. 

"But as an American and as a Christian, it is my job to support and promote good government and faithful rulers.  What a delight for me it has been to find a candidate like Ron Paul.  He is a true blue Republican who consistently articulates conservative stances on every issue he faces. 

"Some have suggested that perhaps he is weak on such issues as homosexual marriage, or a federal amendment against abortion.  But this is not so.  Ron Paul has not hidden his convictions that support life at conception and fidelity between man and woman within marriage.  He is quite open about what he believes.  But he also understands, as I do, that if this nation of ours will see a moral and political reversal, it must happen in our families and communities, and not be dictated from the top of some bureaucracy. 

"It is our job as conservatives and as Americans to effect such change, but we need the freedom to do so.  It is, therefore, the job of our President to abide by our Constitution and to defend our liberties so that such change can be effected by those in a position to do so.  That is why I support Ron Paul for President proudly and with a clear conscience, knowing that if this great land is to be restored to her first principles of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, the rule of law must be firmly upheld.  Ron Paul will do this."

Ron Paul 2012 Iowa Chairman Drew Ivers welcomed the endorsement, saying, "Rev. Preus's endorsement and those of others adds to an atmosphere conducive to a strong top-three showing in the January caucuses."

In making the endorsement, Rev. Preus mentioned that he was not speaking on behalf of Trinity Lutheran congregants, but rather he was doing so "as an American, and as a Christian."

Mike Heath, Iowa State Director for the Ron Paul 2012 campaign, is visiting Christian churches across Iowa to do outreach and discuss Ron Paul's candidacy.  To date, Heath has visited 256 houses of worship across the state toward that end.  Heath is an ordained Christian minister.

If ministering in Iowa, local pastors interested in discussing an endorsement are invited to email the Iowa Director of Voter Outreach, Meghann Walker, at meghannw@ronpaul2012.com.

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Ron Paul Iowa Team Touts New 'Small Businesses for Ron Paul'
Latest Main Street owner-operators are based in Dallas, Davis, Polk and Story counties
ANKENY, Iowa - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today new members of its active 'Small Businesses for Ron Paul' nationwide coalition.  New members hail from Dallas, Davis, Polk, and Story counties, all Iowa.

Below are the statements of new coalition members who agree with Dr. Paul's position that restoring free markets is the best way to revitalize Main Street and encourage job creation.

Monty Button, who has owned Adel Tree Company for 21 years, employs several persons and says of the 12-term Congressman from Texas, "I have been very impressed with Ron Paul's consistently conservative voting record.  He is a true statesman, a rarity today, closely resembling the caliber of the founders and their original intent.  America needs the constitutional leadership Ron Paul offers."

Since 2003, Mark Davenport has operated Davencorp Welding & Fabrication, a company that serves the Bloomfield area and employs 21 people.  He said, "I feel Ron Paul has demonstrated foresight in what is required to cure our economy and other issues that ail our country.  Dr. Paul appears adeptly immune to the 'political correctness' that has plagued our nation for too many years." 

"Ron Paul's many years as a lawmaker has forged the temper of a man needed to make and carry through with the difficult tasks that will be essential of our next President.  As a nation, we need to regain our post as not only an economic leader, but one of global integrity," added Mr. Davenport.

LaFleur Chiropractic owner Ben LaFleur has been in business for four years and employs two persons.  He stated, "I have become very concerned with our current economic status and the overall future of the United States.  As more and more people become unemployed and uninsured, we have arrived at a place where the priorities of government have become skewed.  We need a president that speaks for the people and represents the principles this country was built on.  His name is Ron Paul, and he is the answer for the 2012 presidential election."

Eric Riedinger has owned his sign business 'Attention Signs' for several years.  He offered his take on the congressman's readiness to make the tough but necessary decision:  "Ron Paul realizes our need to get realistic with our debt issues.  He is willing to take bold steps to turn things around for our country.  Dr. Paul will straighten this country out and get us back on track."

Ryan Kirk, owner of an Ames-area IT business startup explains, "As an entrepreneurial individual, I feel like small businesses already have enough hoops to jump through.  What's worse is that the number of hoops seems to increase every year as new laws and policies are created to the benefit of large companies, thwarting competition.  Ron Paul promises change for America that is more than just acquiescent lip service.  As a small business owner, I support Ron Paul because of his clear foresight on issues such as reducing big government, reigning in the Federal Reserve, Right-to-Work, and pro growth tax reform."

As a first basic step, those interested in joining the "Small Businesses for Ron Paul" nationwide coalition should visit the official page here.  Those residing in Iowa should email Iowa Voter Outreach Director Meghann Walker at meghannw@ronpaul2012.com.

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23 Dec 2011

This Holiday Season Sign-up for the Conservation Stewardship Program

By Elisha Smith

By Traci Bruckner, tracib@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Farmers and ranchers that want to participate in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) this year have less than a month to apply at their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office. The CSP rewards farmers, ranchers, and foresters for maintaining existing conservation practices and for adopting additional practices on cropland, grassland, non-industrial private forestland and tribal lands. This program pays producers for fostering clean water, better soil management, improved habitat, energy efficiency, and other natural resource benefits.

The CSP is a continuous sign-up program that has periodic cut-off dates for ranking applications. The USDA recently announced that January 13, 2012 is the deadline for this year.  Applications can be filed at your local NRCS office (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/organization/regions.html). The Center for Rural Affairs is also encouraging farmers and ranchers to call the Center's Farm Bill Helpline to help us learn more about how the program and application process are working and any possible barriers farmers and ranchers may encounter during the sign-up.  Potential CSP applicants can call the Farm Bill Helpline at (402) 687-2100 or send an email to tracib@cfra.org.  The Center for Rural Affairs also has a CSP fact sheet available online at http://www.cfra.org/renewrural/csp.

 

CSP is one of the most popular conservation programs, with many more applicants than the program can fund each year. In 2010 alone, 1,480 Iowa farmers received a CSP contract, about 62% of the total applicant pool that year. Those interested in applying should contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible to meet the deadline.

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23 Dec 2011

Quinn signs budget bill to keep facilities open

By Rich Morthland

Rep. Morthland: "I voted to keep Dixon's Jack Mabley Center open..."

 

Moline, IL...Today, December 20, 2011, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law the state budget reallocation bill, Senate Bill 2412. State Representative Rich Morthland (Cordova-R), voted for the budget reallocation bill to keep the Dixon Jack Mabley Developmental Center open, along with other facilities that Governor Quinn had threatened to close.

 

"When I attended the facility closure hearing in Dixon, I had the opportunity to listen to the victims of Governor Quinn's Blagojevich-style budgeting methods," Rep. Morthland said. "My colleagues and I quickly assembled legislation that would reallocate funds in the budget to keep State facilities open for the developmentally disabled, our most vulnerable citizens."

 

"I commend the Governor for signing our efforts into law," Morthland added. "I voted to keep Dixon's Jack Mabley Center open with responsible budgeting methods, not revenue increases."

 

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23 Dec 2011

HARKIN ANNOUNCES ACADEMY NOMINATIONS FOR 42 IOWA STUDENTS

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today nominated 42 Iowa students for appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and Military Academy, West Point for the 2012 classes.  

"I would like to congratulate these students for their many outstanding achievements," Harkin said. "An academy nomination is a great honor because of the intense competition for these nominations across the state of Iowa."

In a typical year, Harkin receives more than 150 applications from young Iowans interested in pursuing a career as a military officer.   Students apply for admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; or the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Academy nomination finalists are interviewed by Senator Harkin's Academy Selection Board, during which time their motivation, poise and self-expression are measured.  Harkin may nominate up to ten applicants to compete for each available vacancy.  From the Senator's nominees, the academy then selects the final candidate who will be offered an appointment.  

"In order for an individual to be nominated, he or she must demonstrate superior leadership, academic and athletic abilities," Harkin said.  "Nominees also must exhibit the necessary motivation for serving in the demanding role of a career military officer and be of outstanding moral character."  

After March 1, 2012, men and women between the ages of 17 and 22 who are interested in pursuing a nomination to one of the academies for the class entering in 2013, should go to http://harkin.senate.gov/ and complete Senator Harkin's online Service Academy application, or they may contact Senator Harkin's Cedar Rapids Office at (319) 365-4504.  

A list of this year's nominees is below.


Afton
Austin Bolinger has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Austin is the son of Amanda and Clint Bolinger and is a senior at Creston High School.

Ainsworth
Jesse Hahn has been nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Jesse is the son of Teresa and Ted Hahn and is a senior at Highland Community High School.

Ankeny
Brett Deters has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Brett is the son of Karen Deters and Victor Vera and is a senior at Ankeny High School.

Ankeny
Logan Braadt has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Logan is the son of Kathy Amos and Walter Braadt and is a senior at Ankeny High School.

Argle
Richard Wilkerson has been nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Richard is the son of Stephanie Anderson and Randy Wilkerson and is a senior at Central Lee High School.

Bellevue
Dylan Meek has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Dylan is the son of Tracy Meek and Phillip Meek and is a senior at Bellevue High School.

Bettendorf
Samuel Kuznetsov has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Samuel is the son of Danielle and Alexei Kusnetsov and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Bettendorf
Andrew Peterman has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Andrew is the son of George Peterman and Carolyn and a graduate of Bettendorf High School.  He is currently attending Greystone Preparatory School in Kerrville, TX.

Bettendorf
Matthew Miller has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Matthew is the son of Kathryn and Marc Miller and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Cedar Falls
Ryan Giarusso has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Ryan is the son of Deborah and Richard Giarusso and is a senior at Cedar Falls High School.

Cedar Falls
Nicholas Heth has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Nicholas is the son of Carol and Steve Heth and is a senior at Cedar Falls High School.

Clarion
Wyatt Sann has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Wyatt is the son of Patricia Stockman-Sann and Dwight Sann and is a senior at Clarion Goldfield High School.

Clinton
Matt Truninger has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Matt is the son of Gina and Mark Truninger and is a senior at Northeast High School.

Clive
Stephen Sanburn has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Stephen is the son of Lisa and Daniel Sanburn and is a senior at Waukee High School.

Clive
Jack Oberman has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Jack is the son of Karen and Tony Oberman and is a senior at Waukee High School.

Davenport
Daniel Sullivan has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Daniel is the son of Jane and Richard Sullivan and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Davenport
Noah Jones has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Noah is the son of Julie and Todd Jones and is a senior at West High School.

Dubuque
Daniel Eichman has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Daniel is the son of Choon and Bruce Eichman and is a graduate of Dulwich College - Bejing High School.

Dunkerton
Daniel Rigdon has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Daniel is the son of Bommoe Sadler and Daniel Rigdon and is a senior at Dunkerton High School.

Earlham
Aloysius Tekippe has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Aloysius is the son of Krista and Ronald Tekippe and is a senior at Earlham High School.

Glidden
Daniel Van Horn has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Daniel is the son of Cynthia and John Van Horn and is a senior at Gidden Ralston High School.

Granville
Collin Ascherl has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Collin is the son of Donna and Joe Ascherl and is a senior at MOC-Floyd Valley High School.

Grimes
Nathaniel Dyett has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Nathaniel is the son of Laura and Jaswick Dyett and is a senior at Johnston High School.

Hamburg
Colby McGinley has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Colby is the son of Sarah McGinley and Rodney McGinley and is a senior at Lourdes Central High School.

Hinton
Matthew Veach has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Matthew is the son of Jeana and Gerald Veach and is a senior at Hinton High School.

Hornick
Hanna Hubert has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Hanna is the daughter of Carla and Joel Hubert and is a senior at Woodbury Central High School.

Hubbard
Felix Knutson has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Felix is the son of Danielle and Dallas Knutson and is home schooled.

Iowa City
Jindalae Suh has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Jindalae is the daughter of Laura Crow and DaeHong Suh and is a senior at City High School.

Maquoketa
Isaac Kinrade has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Isaac is the son of Julia and Steven Kinrade and is a senior at Maquoketa High School.

Marion
Justin Fenske has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Justin is the son of Linda and James Fenske and is a senior at Xavier High School.

Mason City
Travis Mallo has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Travis is the son of Wendy and Larry Mallo and is a senior at Mason City High School.

Mount Pleasant
Jackson Bell has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and to the U.S. Naval Academy. Jackson is the son of Martha and Richard Bell and is a senior at Mt. Pleasant High School.

Norwalk
Alec La Velle has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Alec is the son of Nancy and Michael La Velle and is a senior at Norwalk High School.

Oelwein
Sean Steil has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Sean is the son of Karla  and John Steil and is a senior at Wapsie Valley High School.

Orange City
William Guthmiller has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. William is the son of Tamara and Martin Guthmiller and is a senior at MOC -Floyd Valley High School.

Ottosen
Adam Wachholz has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Adam is the son of Cindi and James Wachholz and is home schooled.   

Paton
Chantel Blair has been nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Chantel is the daughter of Jackie Blair and Ricky Price and is a senior at Jefferson-Scranton High School.

Sioux City
Tyler Reiser has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Tyler is the son of Lisa and Gene Reiser and is a senior at East High School.

Story City
Christopher Morgan has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Christopher is the son of Rose and Keith Morgan and is a senior at Roland- Story High School.

Tabor
James Saker has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. James is the son of Susan and Jamie Saker and is a senior at Fremont-Mills Sr. High School.

Waterloo
Andrew Foster has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Andrew is the son of Patricia and Craig Foster and is a graduate of West High School.  He is currently attending Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio.

West Des Moines
Haley Wireman has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Haley is the daughter of Joi and Richard Wireman and is a senior at Valley High School.
23 Dec 2011

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action

By William Palmisano

**Monday, December 19, 2011**

 

CHICAGO - December 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: SB 1311

An Act Concerning: Finance

Budget implementation (BIMP) for the fiscal year 2012 budget.

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date:  Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2412

An Act Concerning: Appropriations

Budget reallocation for fiscal year 2012 to help address funding for critical state programs and services.

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

 

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23 Dec 2011

The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities Announces the Christmas Assistance Distribution

By Holly Nomura
Quad Cities, USA: The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities Christmas Assistance Program - offering a Christmas food box and toys to clients who signed up in November -- is The Salvation Army's largest outreach event each year.

The Angel Tree collection is finished, and the toys will now make up the toy shop in which parents can choose toys for their children. We expect that over 2,000 children to have a brighter Christmas because of this program.

The Food Boxes were packed on Friday night - 2,300 of them - and families and individuals comprised of 5,524 people will have food in their cupboards, and a nice Christmas meal on their table.

Generous Quad Cities residents, businesses and civic groups make this program possible with their donations.

For 2011, the Food Box Distribution and Toy Shoppe will occur by appointment only.

The press is invited for interviews and filming of this program on:

Davenport Corps, 3400 W. Central Park Drive

Tuesday, December 20 @10am - 4pm

Wednesday, December 21 @ 9am - 4pm

Heritage Temple Corps, 2200- 5th Avenue, Moline

Tuesday, December 20 @ 10am - 4pm

About the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services

23 Dec 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Laws to Improve Quality of Life for Illinois Veterans

By Nafia Khan

New Laws Improve Access to Jobs, Health Insurance

CHICAGO - December 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will improve the quality of life for Illinois' Veterans. Senate Bill 1587, sponsored by Sen. Antonio Munoz (D-Chicago) and Rep. Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago), and Senate Bill 40, sponsored by Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Highwood) and Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee), make it easier for Veterans to gain access to employment and health care.

"The men and women who have courageously defended our democracy overseas should not return home only to fight for necessities like jobs and health insurance," said Governor Quinn. "We owe it to our Veterans to make their transition to civilian life as seamless as possible."

Senate Bill 1587 makes it easier for Veterans to become members of the Illinois State Police (ISP). Under the new law, education requirements will be waived for individuals who have been honorably discharged with a campaign medal after serving in Afghanistan or Iraq. On average, a servicemember serves three to four years before being discharged, and that experience makes Veterans particularly valuable assets to the ISP.

"Having been a Veteran who returned home and found limited job opportunities, I applaud the efforts of Governor Quinn and the state legislators to improve the quality of life for soldiers seeking to further their careers to serve and protect," said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. "This law will give Veterans every opportunity to apply and test within our department, and will significantly increase the pool of qualified, experienced candidates representing the Illinois State Police."

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 40, which extends the Veterans' Care program. The program provides Veterans with comprehensive health care coverage for $40 or $70 per month (depending on income). The program had been set to expire on Jan. 1.

"Employment and the availability affordable of healthcare are among the most critical needs of the Illinois veteran community," said Erica Borggren, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. "These measures will have an immediate, direct impact for Illinois' past and present heroes in uniform."

The law also helps members of the Illinois National Guard receive compensation more quickly when responding to in-state natural disasters. Under the law, the Illinois National Guard State Active Duty Fund will be created to more efficiently reimburse Guard members called to active duty in the event of state disasters.

"Our Soldiers and Airmen always stand ready for any mission, whether here at home or overseas," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Illinois National Guard Adjutant General. "As responders, this bill will help the Illinois National Guard's immediate response to emergencies. It will allow us to move forward during the mission knowing our soldiers, airmen and suppliers will receive prompt payment during a crisis and won't have to worry about paying their families bills."

For more information about these and other programs for Veterans, visit www.operationhomefront.org or call the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs at (217) 782-6641 or (312) 814-2460.

 

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23 Dec 2011

BOXER, GRASSLEY, TONKO CALL ON OMB TO IMMEDIATELY IMPLEMENT NEW DEFENSE CONTRACTOR SALARY BENCHMARK

By Grassley Press

Defense Contractor Salary Cap Included in Defense Authorization Bill Awaiting President Obama's Signature

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) today called on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to immediately implement a new benchmark for taxpayer-funded salaries for defense contractors, especially in light of the National Defense Authorization Act's new provision that will ensure that all defense contractor employees are subject to the same limit on taxpayer-funded salaries.

Currently government contractors can charge taxpayers $693,951 for the salaries of their top five employees, based on an executive compensation benchmark last amended in 1998. Employees of government contractors outside of the top five can and do earn taxpayer-funded amounts in excess of the current benchmark.

The Administration has already told lawmakers that it considers the current cap on taxpayer-funded salaries for contractors to be "unreasonably high." But the Administration has not yet released its salary benchmark for 2011, even as 2012 quickly approaches.

In their letter, the legislators urged OMB to implement the National Defense Authorization Act's new rules quickly and provide lawmakers with regular updates on its progress in addressing this important issue.  The National Defense Authorization Act was enacted earlier this month.

The text of the letter follows:

 

December 19, 2011

The Honorable Jacob J. Lew

Director
Office of Management and Budget
725 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20503

 

Dear Director Lew:

We write to follow up on a letter we sent in September 2011 regarding the executive compensation benchmark for government contractors.  As we are now only days away from the start of 2012, we note that you have still not announced the new benchmark for 2011.

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2011 (NDAA) includes an important provision that extends the benchmark to all employees of defense contractors, with narrowly targeted exceptions for scientists and engineers.  While we were disappointed that the final conference language did not include the exact language of the Boxer-Grassley amendment to align the benchmark with the salary of the President of the United States, we are encouraged that real savings will result from applying the benchmark to all defense contractor employees.

As you noted in your response to our previous letter, increases in the compensation benchmark are "forcing our taxpayers to cover levels of compensation that we in the Administration view as unreasonably high."  We could not agree more with your statement - which is why we are requesting that OMB implement this law as soon as possible.

Section 803 of the NDAA requires that regulations to enforce this provision be implemented within 180 days of enactment of the law.  To ensure that new regulations are published in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) no later than July 2012, we request that you provide us, in writing, with regular updates on the FAR Council's progress in complying with the law.

We believe that taxpayers should not be on the hook for exorbitant contractor salaries, and we look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

 

Barbara Boxer

United States Senator

 

Chuck Grassley

United States Senator

 

Paul D. Tonko

United States Representative

 

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