Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is the author of legislation pending before the Senate to ban the chemicals used to make the dangerous drug known as "K2" or "Spice." As Judiciary Committee Ranking Member, Grassley advanced the legislation, named for a young Iowa man who took his own life after using the drug.  A fellow senator is objecting to Senate consideration of the legislation.  Grassley made the following comment on the legislation.

"A new survey out this week showed one in nine high school seniors reported using synthetic drugs last year.  That's terrible news.  These drugs are toxic and dangerous.  They caused a young Iowan to take his life.  Other deaths around the country are directly linked to synthetic drugs.  Their availability at the local mall or online does not make them safe.  Just because you can buy something in a shiny package with a cute name does not mean safety is assured.  Cynical manufacturers and sellers peddle these products either not knowing or not caring about their content or effects.

"The federal Drug Enforcement Administration has banned some of the chemicals used to make these drugs, but the ban is limited and temporary.  Congress needs to act to impose a permanent ban.  State bans aren't enough.  What's passed in one state might be different than what's passed in another state, so kids can go across the river to another state to find the drugs.  Many of the chemicals in these drugs are imported, especially from China.  States are very limited in capturing the drugs at U.S. ports of entry.

"One argument against a federal ban is that manufacturers constantly come up with new compounds to skirt the ban.  My colleagues and I have worked with the Justice Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration to broaden the language to capture more than 400 compounds that could possibly be created from the ones currently identified.  Although more compounds could be created in the future, the Controlled Substances Act allows for the prosecution of analogs to federally banned drugs, which can help land more prosecutions. The bill also increases the length of time the Drug Enforcement Administration has to temporarily ban any forthcoming dangerous drugs, including synthetics. This will be an effective tool against future compounds.

"Parents want this legislation.  Law enforcement wants this legislation.  Poison control centers want this legislation.  There's no compelling reason against it and every reason for it."

More information on Grassley's legislation is available here.

CHICAGO - December 15, 2011. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon submitted testimony to the Governor's Campaign Finance Reform Task Force during a public hearing today in Chicago.

Simon stated: "I would like to commend the Campaign Finance Reform Task Force for continuing the important work of the Illinois Reform Commission, which helped pass the first campaign finance limits in the history of this state. As a logical next step, I support a public finance system for judicial elections in Illinois that does not use general revenue dollars but is instead funded through an increase in court filing or lawyer registration fees. The perception that any judges could be unduly influenced by campaign contributions is something that our democracy and judicial system cannot afford to ignore."

Simon is a former Jackson County prosecutor and served on the Illinois Reform Commission, which was created by Governor Quinn in 2009 in the wake of former Governor Blagojevich's arrest. Governor Quinn created the Campaign Finance Reform Task Force in 2010 to review the implementation of the first phase of campaign finance reform and to study the feasibility of public financing or other reforms.

Push for improved sexual assault protections attracted bipartisan support 

Washington, DC - Several provisions introduced by Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) to strengthen protections for victims of sexual assault who serve in the military were included in the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act that passed the US House last night.

"The current system for preventing sexual assault in the military doesn't work," Braley said.  "Stronger protections for victims of sexual assault in the military are badly needed.   Today's vote is the culmination of months of hard work by a bipartisan group of citizens and legislators committed to improving protections for women who serve in the military."

In March, Braley introduced the Support for Survivors Act, requiring the Defense Department to ensure the secure storage of all documents connected with reports of sexual assaults and sexual harassment across the military branches. The bill would also prevent the military from destroying any records relating to sexual assault.

In April, Braley introduced the Holly Lynn James Act to strengthen the legal process for addressing claims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the military and to improve policies to prevent sexual assault.  The bill is named after Holly Lynn James, a constituent of Braley's, was murdered by her husband when both served in the military.  James had filed complaints against her husband, and he was supposed to be restricted to his barracks the night he killed her.

Braley's legislation attracted bipartisan supporters in the House and Senate.  Reps. Ted Poe (R-TX), Chellie Pingree (D-ME),                 Louise Slaughter (D-NY) co-sponsored the Holly Lynn James Act and the Support for Survivors Act in the House; in the Senate, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Claire McCaskill (D-ME) were co-sponsors of the Support for Survivors Act.

After months of negotiations, several provisions from the Support for Survivors and Holly Lynn James acts were included in the Defense Authorization Act.

Specific new protections included in the Defense Authorization Act include :

• Access to Counsel. Provides military victims of sexual assault advocates and the ability to confidentially consult with military legal counsel within 72 hours of a crime being committed.

• Improved Training for Service Members. Improves training for service members to prevent sexual assault.  Requires larger numbers of sexual assault prevention coordinators to provide guidance to military units.

• Elevates the Importance of Sexual Assault Prevention. Language elevates the director of the Sexual Assault Prevention Office to the flag officer level.

• Improved Preservation of Evidence. Requires Defense Department to work with the Veterans Administration to  preserve documentary evidence of sexual assault for victims' purposes.

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Jodi K's Boutique Offers Customers Discounts To Share Sweaters

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (12/15/2011)(readMedia)-- What makes the harsh midwest winter bearable? A cozy warm sweater. Jodi Cobb, manager of Jodi K's Boutique, is happy to spread the warmth this season.

Jodi K's, the premier women's fashion boutique in the Cedar Rapids area, is located beside Zeppelin's restaurant on Edgewood Road.

Sweater Swap Days

From Thursday, December 17 through Saturday, December 19, Jodi K's is collecting clean, gently used sweaters for the needy around Cedar Rapids. The public is invited to bring a few of their past favorites into the store during Sweater Swap Days to benefit a local women's organization.

Customers who swap three sweaters in good condition receive 30% off an item in the store. Two swetaers will earn a customer 25% off, and one sweater will earn them 20%.

"We think this is a easy way for a woman to update her wardrobe or check a few people off her holiday shopping list," commented Ms. Cobb, "In return, she can help out someone less forutnate by providing some warm sweaters to ward off the cold. Why let perfectly good sweaters sit in a closet just because your taste or size changed? Someone else could really benefit from the clothing. Sweater Swap Days means something new for everyone!"

Details of the event are available on Jodi K's new web site launched last week, http://jodiks.com. There's also still time for shoppers to complete their Christmas Wish Lists for merchandise from the store, including boots, coats, scarves, and of course, sweaters. Jodi K's will coordinate with a customer's special someone, spouse, or husband to ensure the perfect gift of style and size for everyone. "Why risk a gift? Get the women in your life - mom, aunt, sister or beau - exactly what she wants for Christmas," said Ms. Cobb.

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