19 Dec 2011

Iowa Policy Research Forum on 3rd Grade Reading Proficiency

By Andrea Hanus

National experts and state leaders will convene on Thursday, December 15th, at the Botanical Center in Des Moines to discuss policies and practices to increase third grade literacy and restore Iowa to educational leadership in this area.

Ralph Smith, Vice President of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and leader of the national Grade-Level Reading Campaign, Dr. Nell Duke, co-director of the Literacy Achievement Research Center (LARC) at Michigan State University and national expert of early elementary reading comprehensive, and Dr. Heather Weiss, head of the Harvard Family Research Project and national expert on family-school partnerships, will provide overviews of the current knowledge base on developing effective policies and practices to improve third grade literacy.  Each will lead break-out sessions to discuss Iowa opportunities to build a world-class early literacy system.  Iowa research, education, business, and advocacy leaders will join with state policy makers on panels and as forum participants in examining the Governor and Lieutenant Governor's Blueprint for Education Reform as it applies to third grade literacy.

The Child and Family Policy Center, United Way of Central Iowa, the Afterschool Alliance, and the Business/Education Alliance have joined as co-sponsors of the forum.

Space is limited and registration is available through contact with the Child and Family Policy Center.

Press Note:  The national speakers will be available at different times during the forum for interviews with members of the press.   Ralph Smith's keynote address will be from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with a state responder panel (Linda Fandel, Doug Gross, Teree Caldwell-Johnson, and Tom Urban), followed by plenary presentation from 11:30 to 12:30 by Dr. Nell Duke and Dr. Heather Weiss.

19 Dec 2011

Braley Joins "No Labels" to Release "Make Congress Work" Action Plan

By Rick Martin

Nonpartisan group pushing for reforms to bring parties together in Congress 

Washington, DC - Tomorrow, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will join the No Labels organization, a coalition of citizens, current and former lawmakers, and top opinion makers from across the country to hold a news conference where the group will release its Congressional reform plan known as "Make Congress Work."

The event is the official start of No Labels' campaign to create systemic change in Washington through the implementation of a 12-point proposal aimed at breaking gridlock, reducing political polarization, and promoting constructive debate.

WHAT:  No Labels event announcing its Congressional action plan, "Make Congress Work."

WHO:  Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA)

Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)

Senator Dean Heller (R-NV)

Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL)

Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT)

Congressman Jim Cooper (D-TN)

Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI)

Former Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN)

Former Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA)

Former Congressman Mickey Edwards (R-OK)

Hon. David Walker, No Labels co-founder and former U.S. Comptroller General

Mark McKinnon, No Labels co-founder and former adviser to President George Bush

Kiki McLean, No Labels co-founder and fmr. comms adviser to VP Al Gore and Sen. John Kerry

Bill Galston, No Labels co-founder, Brookings Sr. Fellow, and former adviser to President Clinton

Jonathan Miller, Citizen Leader, No Labels co-founder and former Kentucky State Treasurer

Lisa Borders, Citizen Leader, No Labels co-founder and former head of Atlanta City Council

Ted Buerger, Citizen Leader, entrepreneur and co-founder of Americantowns.com

WHEN:  Tuesday December 12, 2011 at 10:30am EST

WHERE:  Cannon House Office Building,  Caucus Room, Washington, DC

# # #
19 Dec 2011

Cain Commentary, "Cain supporters, stay tuned: We'll take action from the outside"

By Rick Martin
Since my campaign ended, I've been honored to hear from so many people who asked me to continue because they felt I was the person who could help this country fix things that urgently needed fixing. I will continue to lead but not as a candidate, because I chose to put family first.

I will continue to be your voice and our voice. We will make 9-9-9 a movement. We will put "strength" back into Peace through Strength and Clarity. We will become energy independent. We will put "united" back into the United States of America.

I know this from you: When the people understand it, they will demand it!

We can't count on the mainstream media to properly inform us, because too many members of the media are chasing the sensationalized or distorted story. Many Members of Congress are so busy trying to keep up with the legislative process, small incremental changes in the laws and the partisan cat fights that the big changes needed never get addressed. Worse yet, they never even try.

We have seen repeatedly that expecting 535 Members of Congress and the president to make bold changes to truly fix problems from the inside of Washington is not going to happen. Washington is broken! We must change it from the outside.

The late Sen. Everett Dirksen popularized the phrase "when they feel the heat, they will see the light." We will be the heat like they have never felt it before. Politicians' actions are ultimately determined by what they believe the people are demanding of them. We will demand bold changes.

This is why I have created The Cain Solutions.

With your continued help and support, The Cain Solutions is designed to change the dynamics in Washington, D.C. The critics will say this can't be done. Remember, these are the same critics who did not think we would make it as far as we did in the Republican presidential nominating contest.

The Cain Solutions will initially focus on three critical crises:
  1. Economic growth
  2. Sound money
  3. Energy independence
Whether the pundits like it or not, my campaign took off because of the 9-9-9 plan. It was a classic case of an idea that was substantive, effective and easy for people to understand. The tax code is a mess. Rates are too high, loopholes are too prevalent and people in Washington are constantly trying to use the tax code to manipulate behaviors and outcomes. The 9-9-9 plan would achieve a massive transfer of power from Washington to the people. We can make that happen.

Sound money involves both fiscal and monetary sanity. Congress and the White House refuse to enact a responsible budget that's balanced and achieves real spending restraint. They refuse to address major spending commitments that have us saddled with massive debt and unfunded entitlement obligations. And they constantly try to manipulate the currency to cover this up. Sound money policy would stop the pretending, stop the manipulation and bring back a strong dollar along with sensible fiscal behavior.

Finally, energy independence gets into everything from regulatory reform to national security. Most people have no idea how severely excessive federal regulations hamper our ability to access plentiful, affordable energy resources right here in the USA. Excessive regulations add mightily to the cost of exploration and distribution. And as we are now seeing, we can't even build a pipeline to get oil from our friends in Canada due to a political stalling tactic by the president.

This regulatory environment is insane. Politicians yammer on about "job creation," but there is scarcely a better way to create jobs than to get out of the way of domestic oil extraction, production and distribution. It addresses a real need and a real demand that will exist for a very long time in the future. If the people realized this, they would demand an end to these crazy regulatory policies - and change would come.

This will be the initial focus of The Cain Solutions. While we're putting the effort together, you can sign up at TheCainSolutions.com, so you'll be among the first to be informed, involved, and inspired when things get rolling.

Cain supporters, stay tuned. We're still going to get the job done. We're going to have to do it from the outside, and I will lead the way and be the people's voice.

 
19 Dec 2011

Statement From Governor Quinn on Economic Growth and Tax Reform Package

By Andrew Mason

SPRINGFIELD - December 12, 2011. Governor Quinn today issued a statement in support of an economic growth and tax reform package currently before the General Assembly.

"I commend the House, Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, Leader Tom Cross, Rep. John Bradley and Rep. David Harris for their bipartisan and diligent work to pass a package that will bring much-needed relief to working families in Illinois and help employers put more people back to work."

"Before veto session, we brought the leaders to the table with the goal of delivering help for both hard-working families and employers. This package meets those standards and is a win for the people of Illinois."

"Investing in working families is good for Illinois. The Earned Income Tax Credit will put more money in the pockets of everyday working people, which in turn allows them to invest that money back into their local communities. Improving the value of the standard personal exemption will provide relief to those trying to make ends meet. Investing in employers is also good for Illinois, and this package is targeted to spur job creation and economic development all over the state."

"I encourage the Senate to take swift action tomorrow."

####
19 Dec 2011

Recent Amendment to Iowa Court Rules

By Iowa Judicial Branch
December 12, 2011 --- Today, Chief Justice Cady signed an order amending Iowa Court Rule 46.13.


http://www.iowacourts.gov/wfdata/frame12624-1671/File136.pdf
19 Dec 2011

Soldiers Ride Steel Horses for Less Fortunate Veterans

By readMedia

Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers Use Love for Motorcycles to Help Fellow Veterans

SPRINGFIELD, IL (12/12/2011)(readMedia)-- For years motorcycle groups have ruled the road. Black leather, dark shades, tattoos, and blaring exhausts have left an impression on passersbys and it has not always been a favorable one. Some motorcycle groups have become known for danger and lawlessness. The Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club is different and challenges the negative stereotypes that have been associated with motorcycle groups.

"We don't want to give off the impression that we are some outlaw motorcycle club or anything like that," said Sgt. 1st Class David G. Keefer of Charleston, an Illinois Army National Guard recruiter for the Sullivan/Charleston area and president of the Springfield chapter of the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club. "We are veterans. We ride respectable and act respectable in public."

The Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club is an organization made up of combat veterans supporting veterans. The three Illinois chapters located in Chicago, Springfield and Galesburg is a part of a national organization with its headquarters based in Florida.

"It's more about helping your local community and local veterans than it is just being motorcycle riders," said Chief Warrant Officer (2) Christopher M. Werth of Springfield, with the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago and vice president of the Springfield chapter.

Keefer and Werth went through a natural progression in becoming a part of the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club. They both enjoyed riding motorcycles, appreciated the camaraderie found with brothers in arms, and most importantly, thought it was important to help other veterans in need.

"It's almost a fraternity where you get to be around guys with the same likes and interests that you have," said Keefer. "These warriors have done a lot of the same things that you have. It's really special to be able to share the road with guys like that and to share your experience. It's a good outlet and it does become a brotherhood."

There is a natural bond found within the organization because each man knows the importance of defending freedom and have proven their convictions while in combat.

"When you meet a World War II or Vietnam veteran, you know that they have seen a lot when they were putting their life on the line," said Werth. "You can relate to them because even though we weren't a part of the same wars, there is a bond since we have all served in combat."

While the relationships created an important aspect to the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club, the veterans supported by their efforts are the most important part and the reason they ride. The funds they raised have gone to numerous charities including creating memorial college scholarships, providing food for struggling veterans and supporting injured veterans.

The group has been involved with numerous events recently including Toys for Tots and gathering a truck load of hygiene and personal items for the Danville Veterans Affairs Hospital. They started the Sgt. Gerrick Smith college fund and have raised over one thousand dollars in honor of Smith, an Illinois Army National Guard Soldier from Sullivan killed in Afghanistan in July 2009.

"We have also assisted in two benefits for two of our own members hurt in accidents and we are adding three more Vietnam and Desert Storm veteran relief rides next year," Keefer said. "We are also assisting as escorts for returning units and fallen brothers and sisters in arms."

The club is also planning to help with honor flights to Washington D.C.

"You have to want to give to the ones that are less fortunate," said Werth. "You have to want to give back to your local community and make your living area and your city better. You have to have it in your own heart to determine if this is something you want to do."

There are 46 members between the three chapters in Illinois and they are always looking to increase their membership and, as a result, increase their impact.

"My goal is that we continue to grow and the public comes to see us for what we really are; veterans riding for veterans," said Keefer.

For more information on the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club visit www.warriorbrotherhood.com.

Photo: Photo courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class David Keefer/ Servicemembers from all branches who served during different wars are members of the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club. Illinois Army National Guard members pictured include (far left second row) Spc. Dalton Sargent of Sullivan, (right of the table) Sgt. 1st Class David Keefer of Charleston, Sgt. Robert Czerniak of Schaumburg and Chief Warrant Officer (2) Christopher Werth of Springfield (back row) Sgt. 1st Class Randy Clapham of Mattoon. The servicemembers share a love for motorcycles and embrace helping fellow veterans.

Story by Sgt. Jesse Houk, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

19 Dec 2011

Braley Urges Iowa Veterans to Participate in Online Career Fair

By Jeff Giertz

Dozens of national employers participating in Midwest virtual career fair tomorrow

 

Waterloo, IA - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) urged Iowa veterans seeking employment to participate in a virtual online career fair for Midwest veterans organized by the US Department of Veterans Affairs tomorrow, Tuesday December 13, 2011, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Central Time.

"Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our nation and after returning from the battlefield they deserve good jobs," Braley said. "I am committed to use every opportunity possible to help these veterans. Iowa veterans should visit www.veteranscareerfair.com to register and take advantage of this great opportunity."

Veterans are encouraged to pre-register at http://www.veteranscareerfair.com for the online career fair.  During the career fair on Tuesday, veterans from across Iowa and the Midwest can log in and visit virtual employer booths, search for and apply to job openings, and chat with recruiters online.

Other states joining in the December 13th event are Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.  The Midwest virtual career fair is supported by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Military Officers Association of America, the Wounded Warrior Project, the Disabled American Veterans, and other groups.

Braley is the highest ranking Democrat on the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.  In October, Braley held a field hearing in Waterloo that focused on veterans' economic opportunity and job creation, especially with regards to Iowa National Guard and Reserve members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

# # #
19 Dec 2011

Inquirehire Partners with Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C. to Offer Employment Tax Credit Processing Services.

By Helen Funkhouser
Davenport, IA - December 8, 2011

Inquirehire is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C. Through this partnership Inquirehire will offer employment tax credit processing to their client base and to prospective clients.

Employers often overlook the value of employment tax credits which can be worth $9,000.00 per hire. Many employers find that 15% or more of their new hires qualify for a federal or state employment tax credit. Inquirehire will offer the employment tax credit processing services of Honkamp Krueger & Co. P.C. to all clients as a part of their background screening offering.

"At Inquirehire, we help employers optimize every hiring decision", says Jim Sweeney, President of Inquirehire. "When our clients realize substantial employment tax credits, they will significantly reduce their overall talent acquisition costs. In many cases it may offset the entire cost of the other products and services from Inquirehire."

About Inquirehire

Inquirehire is headquartered in Davenport, Iowa and operates nationally. Inquirehire provides talent acquisition systems, applicant screening and evaluation services, and on-boarding systems. All Inquirehire solutions are integrated, web-based, and fully configurable to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes and types. For more information about Inquirehire, visit www.inquirehire.com.

About Honkamp Krueger & Co. P.C.

Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C. is a Top 100 CPA and business consulting firm, the seventh fastest growing firm in the United States and the fastest growing firm in the Midwest (Accounting Today, March 2011).

HK is one of the nation's largest and most respected professional service firms for client organizations in all 50 states and hundreds of U.S. cities. HK is the largest independent CPA firm headquartered in the state of Iowa. For more information about Honkamp Krueger & Co. P.C., visit www.honkamp.com.

 

# # #

19 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Campaign Debuts New Web Ad, 'Selling Access'

By Rick Martin
Gingrich in his own words, a Washington 'insider'
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today the release of its latest ad, 'Selling Access', another two-minute web video aimed at former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, calling him out as a corrupt Washington insider who got rich through influence-peddling.

The video, which the campaign plans to promote prominently on conservative web sites, includes a clip of Gingrich calling himself an 'insider' and another in which the former Speaker brags about getting paid $60,000-a-speech. The video comes after the viral success of Paul's earlier web ad, 'Serial Hypocrisy', which criticizes Gingrich for many of the same issues.

"These are all legitimate and important issues to point out to the American people," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton. "If Americans are serious about changing the status quo in Washington, then they must take into account the record of someone who profited from the housing collapse with taxpayers' money, advocated for Obamacare-style individual mandates, and who played the Washington game of getting rich due to influence as well as anyone."

To view the online ad, click here.

###
19 Dec 2011

Royal Neighbors of America to present $7,500 to Aledo women to 'button up' their dream

By Rick Martin
(ROCK ISLAND, IL) - Royal Neighbors of America, Rock Island, will surprise three Aledo women on Wednesday, Dec. 14, with a $7,500 cash gift through the organization's Nation of NeighborsSM Program.

Pam Myers, Pam Ricke, and Beth Whitenack each had a dream of owning her own retail

business. When they got together, they found the perfect outlet for their ideas---turning the Button House in Aledo into a retail incubator. What the women now call The Vintage Button offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to own their own businesses with minimal risk. Individuals with new retail shops rent space in the Vintage Button, but also receive professional staffing, product packaging, credit/debit card processing, phone, utilities, and advertising as part of their rent.

What: Surprise $7,500 check presentation to Pam Myers, Pam Ricke, and Beth Whitenack

Where: The Vintage Button, 105 N. College Ave., Aledo

When:  Wednesday, Dec. 14; 5 p.m.

Local contact: Carol Beeding (309) 738-1309

Media is invited to attend

Focusing on its history of standing strong for women, Royal Neighbors has given more than $1 million to assist 900-plus families and individuals in reaching their goals and rebuilding their lives through its Nation of Neighbors Program. The program, which was launched in 2007, demonstrates the neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy on which Royal Neighbors was founded in 1895.

Through the 2011 program, determined women of strength and courage are empowered with financial assistance to achieve their full potential, realize a sense of renewed personal growth, and give back to their communities. Each year, Royal Neighbors members and sales agents across the country are asked to nominate individuals they know who want to change their lives for the better. A panel reviews each nomination and determines the recipients and the monetary amounts awarded.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance companies, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501c(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with branch offices in Mesa, AZ, and Austin, TX, Royal Neighbors serves more than 215,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar