12 Dec 2011

Treasury study misses the mark on abusive charitable loopholes

By Grassley Press
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011

The Treasury Department this week released a study on supporting organizations and donor-advised funds that was mandated by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 at the behest of the leaders of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee.  Sen. Chuck Grassley, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance in 2006, championed this study to understand what issues still needed to be addressed after the Pension Act curbed only the most blatantly abusive transactions.  Grassley has long been concerned about abuses of tax law through tax-exempt organizations such as donor-advised funds and supporting organizations. In October, Grassley highlighted how the George Kaiser Family Foundation converted from a private foundation to a supporting organization about ten years ago and as a result, likely had more money to invest in the failed Solyndra energy company than it otherwise would have. Taxpayers lost money through the government's $535 million loan guarantee for Solyndra and also on the tremendous subsidy the government provided the George Kaiser Family Foundation through the charitable contribution deduction.  In October, Grassley cited that example in a letter to the IRS and Treasury, urging completion of the study mandated in 2006.  Grassley made the following comment on the newly released study, which is available here.


"The study is disappointing and unresponsive. It doesn't advance the ball in closing abusive loopholes. If anything, it gives abusive organizations cause for celebration.  The Treasury Department seems to be forgetting that for years, supporting organizations and donor-advised funds were on the IRS' annual 'Dirty Dozen' list of tax scams. Even the current list includes 'abuse of charitable organizations and deductions.'  Yet the Treasury study discusses the status quo and pay-out rates as if there's no cause for worry.  Treasury apparently thinks Congress fixed problems with supporting organizations and donor-advised funds in 2006.  In fact, Congress fixed a limited area and asked the IRS and Treasury to help us fix the rest.  The study doesn't offer any kind of road map about problems.

"It's also disappointing that the study used 2006 data. The IRS went to the trouble of revising the Form 990 in 2008 to glean more data from charitable organizations, yet none of the new data was used in this study.

"The study describes average pay-out rates but doesn't highlight how many of these entities pay out nothing or whether the pay-outs were to other supporting organizations and donor-advised funds. There's no information on how much money is getting to those who really could benefit from charitable work, which is especially critical in these tough economic times.  The superficial review misses the point of trying to determine whether Congress and the IRS should change the distribution rates and tax benefits that apply to these organizations.

"While the Administration continues to complain about millionaires and tax breaks for the rich, with this report, Treasury is in effect signing off on sweetheart tax breaks for billionaires.  The Administration had a chance to help the poor here but instead signed off on the status quo to the benefit of billionaires. 

"Treasury and the IRS missed an opportunity to shed light on loopholes that taxpayers heavily subsidize yet result in financial gains for a few principals and very little money for charities.  Unlike the Obama Treasury Department, those of us who want to close loopholes will have to keep drilling down."

12 Dec 2011

"The Juggler: An Illustration Exhibit" by Iowa Artist Stormy Mochal December 10-January 16

By Rick Martin

Opening Reception & Book Signing on Friday, December 16, 6-8p.m.

 

[MAQUOKETA, IA] Maquoketa Art Experience welcomes Iowa artist Stormy Mochal this December for an exhibition of the original drawings from her recently published storybook, written by Jeanette Hopkins, entitled The Juggler. In her illustrations, Stormy explores her native Iowa landscape for inspiration for the illustrations. The Juggler's pages are filled with the colorful simple pleasures of starry skies, country sides, farmhouses, and birds. Stormy Mochal received her degree in painting from Loras College, has taught at Northeast Iowa Community College, and is the co-owner of Outside The Lines Art Gallery in Dubuque. The Juggler, published by Ice Cube Press is her first children's book.

Maquoketa Art Experience will host an opening reception and book signing for Stormy Mochal on Friday, December 16 from 6-8 p.m. at 124 S. Main Street in Maquoketa. The exhibit will run through January 16, 2012.
12 Dec 2011

Youth Choirs to Join Nova Singers' Christmas Concerts

By Rick Martin

On December 16th and 17th, youth choirs will once again join Nova Singers in celebrating the holiday season.  On Friday the 16th in Davenport at St. Paul Lutheran Church, the guest choir is the Sudlow Select Choir, under the direction of Kim Knoche.  On Saturday the 17th in Galesburg at First Lutheran Church, Nova will be joined by the Churchill Singing Streaks, directed by Paula Helle.  Each choir will perform their own set of music before combining with the Nova Singers for three beloved Christmas carols.  Both performances begin at 7:30pm.

Tickets will be available at the door. Admission is $16 for adults and $12 for seniors. Students are admitted free of charge. Nova Singers season tickets will still be available through this performance. Season ticket holders receive four concerts for the price of three. 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.'

 

A Nova Christmas is sponsored by Miller Dredge Insurance and the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend.  Nova Singers' 2011-2012 season is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

12 Dec 2011

Help Winnie's Place Women AND Have FUN!!!

By Jo Cohrs

During the holidays, it's harder to get the women of Winnie's Place adopted than the children so the Quad City Mallards is having a GIFT DRIVE at their game, Friday December 23rd.

Several have expressed interest in going as a Churches United/Winnie's Place group and take advantage of the group rate.  If you are, let me know!

What a GREAT way to have some fun AND help the women of Winnie's at the same time!   They REALLY need pajama pants for the mom's but any gift item or gift certificate will help!

PLEASE share this with your e-mail lists and help spread the word.   The Mallards have been awesome to support us - a recent silent auction and food drive resulted in over a ton of food in cash and food items for our hunger ministry.    Now this help with Winnie's!

You can drop off the gift item at the Mallards office OR at Winnie's Wishes (902 E. River Drive, Davenport) to get your $5 off voucher.

Again, if you want to join OUR group, just give me a call. ---  Jo Cohrs @  309/738-9564

Winnie's Place is a shelter for women who are homeless or victims of  domestic violence with or without children. They need your help . . .

Donate a new or gently used women's gift (pajama pants or gift certificates preferred) and receive $5 off a ticket purchase for the game on:

Friday, December 23rd, 2011
Puck drops at 7:05 PM
Quad City Mallards vs. Wichita

Donations can be dropped off & $5 vouchers received at:

Winnie's Wishes
902 East River Drive
Davenport IA

Quad City
Mallards office
1201 River Drive
Moline IL

Quad City Mallards 1201 River Drive, Moline IL 61265
Elizabeth Phelps PH: 309.277.1384 Email: ephelps@myqcmallards.com

12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Iowa Team Announces Latest Families Joining 'Homeschoolers for Ron Paul' Nationwide Coalition

By Rick Martin
New members hail from Blackhawk, Warren, Polk, Linn and Scott Counties
ANKENY, Iowa - In the latest display of steady momentum and organizational growth for the Iowa segment of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign, the Iowa team announced today additions to one of its many growing official coalition organizations, "Homeschoolers for Ron Paul."

Over months of retail politicking and one-on-one interaction with the voters of Iowa, many everyday people representing significant population segments have stepped forward to offer their voice and endorsement of Dr. Ron Paul's message.  Noteworthy is the geographic dispersion of the families below, illustrating that Dr. Paul is making inroads among families and individuals that value education freedom in the run-up to the January 3, 2012 Iowa Caucus. 

"My husband and I participate in homeschooling our two youngest children.  Ron Paul believes that parents know what is best for their own children, not bureaucrats and politicians.  Values should come from the family and the church, not politicians.  This is one of the reasons we support Ron Paul," said Dawn Burns of her family, which resides in Waterloo, Blackhawk County.

Tom and Crystal McIntyre of Indianola, Warren County, offered the following reasons for their support:  "Our family has six children ages 19 and under.  There is not a doubt in our mind about Ron Paul's conviction to support each individual citizen's rights, especially when it comes to our family's right to educate our children.  Ron Paul has been an outspoken representative on homeschooling and we know he will continue that support in the future.  His lovely wife Carol is an example of what homeschool mothers aspire to become and the White House would be blessed to have such a woman living inside its walls.  'No other success can compensate for failure outside the home' is a quote said often in our home to help us align ourselves and the entire Paul family emulates this sentiment well."

Third grade teacher of one son Lori Leporte enthusiastically proclaims that Ron Paul is not only the best among other on education freedom, but on the whole platform.  She writes to us:  "Ron Paul 'gets it.'  In addition to his wholehearted support of homeschooling, the right-to-life, and the Second Amendment, Ron Paul distinguishes himself as the only candidate who is a strict Constitutionalist," said Mrs. Leporte of Des Moines, Polk County.

Lori and John Leporte are both HSLDA members.

Jonathan Crandall's homeschool family of Marion, Linn County speaks for how many families feel in a single, concise sentence, "I appreciate that Dr. Paul has been absolutely un-compromising in his pro-homeschool and pro-life positions."

And finally, Thomas Rutherford, a disabled veteran and resident of Davenport, Scott County reflects on the positive impact homeschooling made on his life while growing up on a fourth generation farm.

"My parents instilled in me a love of learning and a strong set of values, integrity, hard work, and perseverance.  At an early age, they recognized the moral decay being forced on us in the education system.  Their example taught me to do what's right - not what is popular," said Mr. Rutherford.

Homeschoolers of five children for nine years Matt and Mandie DeVries said, "I give Ron Paul my wholehearted support, and encourage others to check him out: you won't be disappointed," offered the couple, who reside in Ankeny, Polk County.

Mr. DeVries also serves on the national advisory board for the "Catholics for Ron Paul" nationwide coalition.  He also serves as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 10282 out of All Saints Catholic Church in Des Moines, and is a Ron Paul campaign co-chairman for Iowa's 3rd congressional district. 

As a function of this announcement, all of the above supporters now serve on the national advisory board of "Homeschoolers for Ron Paul."

So for those who are in Iowa and interested in joining the growing ranks of "Homeschoolers for Ron Paul," please visit www.RonPaul2012.com/Homeschoolers, or send an email inquiry to Meghann Walker, Director of Iowa Voter Outreach for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign, at meghannw@ronpaul2012.com. 

For more information on Ron Paul's stance on education freedom, click here.

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12 Dec 2011

OPERATION GRATITUDE TO HIT UNPRECEDENTED MILESTONE DECEMBER 17

By Operation Gratitude

Organization Celebrates Shipment of 750,000 Care Packages to Troops

 

Van Nuys, CA, December 6, 2011 -- Operation Gratitude, the non-profit, volunteer-based organization that sends care packages to troops deployed in harm's way, to their children left behind and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in transition units, will have cause for celebration as the 750,000th package rolls off the assembly line on Saturday, December 17, 2011.

Director of Operations, Rich Hernandez, expects the milestone 750,000th package to hit the assembly line around 11:15 a.m., to the cheers of up to 1,000 volunteers, Military members, legislators, and celebrities.

In addition to standard items and personal letters provided by more than 250 Corporate Sponsors and Friends and tens of thousands of individual donors across the country, "The 750,000th Care Package will include Top Secret Surprises generously donated by our Corporate Partners," exclaimed Carolyn Blashek, who started the organization in 2003. A special delivery of the 750,000th Package is being arranged. Six previous Operation Gratitude milestone packages contained the keys to new vehicles. 
OG Group
Military and political dignitaries, along with celebrities and representatives from many of the organization's Corporate Sponsors, will join the Operation Gratitude volunteers to assemble thousands of troop gifts in addition to the 750,000th Care Package. Delicious product samples and a hearty lunch will be provided by Corporate and local business donors.

Media are invited to attend the Milestone Celebration and the Lunch following the ceremony.

WHAT: Operation Gratitude Volunteers assemble the 750,000th Care Package

WHEN: Saturday, December 17, 2011
Care Package Assembly starts at 9 a.m.
The 750,000th Package Assembly and Celebration will occur: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: California National Guard Armory
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA  91406
Corner of Victory and Louise; parking available on adjacent lot


Volunteers (ages 12 years and older) are welcome to assist in the on-site care package activities.

Financial donations are still needed to help pay the assembly and postage expenses of $15 per package.

Every tax deductible donation of $15 sends another care package, personally addressed to an American hero, and filled with 50+ assorted snack, entertainment and personal care items valued at $100 or more. 

 

Online donations can be made here: Donate. 

Donations by check can be made payable and mailed to:
Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, CA 91436

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About Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in harm's way, to their children left behind, and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in transition units. The organization's mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to our Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at ~$125 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. For safety and security, assembling of packages occurs at the Army National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 725,000 packages to American Military deployed overseas.  The 750,000th package will be assembled on December 17, 2011.
12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Again Polls Second in New Iowa Survey

By Gary Howard
Support increased 8 percentage points since same survey was held in early October
ANKENY, Iowa - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul placed second in a poll of likely Republican caucus goers, garnering 18 percent or 8 percentage points higher than when PPP last conducted this poll.  The 12-term Congressman from Texas is between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, who have 27 and 16 percent, respectively.

Poll highlights include the fact that Paul with 28 percent leads Gingrich by 10 percentage points among the 20 percent of likely caucus goers who are either Democrats or independents.  Paul also gets 23 percent of those who are under 45 years of age compared to 21 percent for Gingrich, 16 percent for Rep. Michele Bachmann, and 15 percent for Romney.

Paul leads Gingrich 23 to 20 percent with voters who care most about a candidate's stances, and of the 29 percent of likely voters who have seen one of the candidates in person, Ron Paul outclasses Gingrich by 27 to 22 percent.  In addition 62 percent of Paul supporters are strongly committed to him but just 49 percent of Gingrich supporters respond that they will definitely vote for him.

"Ron Paul continues to demonstrate the kind of sustainable growth required to make a respectable showing in Iowa.  There's no point in climbing Mt. Everest one day, only to fall into the Grand Canyon just days or weeks later," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

"We're also pleased that Ron Paul attracts independents and Democrats because while our focus is on winning Republican votes in key early states, the end goal is to unseat an incumbent president whose base is increasingly weak-kneed," said Mr. Benton.

PPP surveyed 572 likely Republican caucus goers via telephone from December 3rd to the 5th, and the poll's margin of error is +/- 4.1 percent.  For full poll results including tables, click here.

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12 Dec 2011

Destiny Homes and America's Family Coaches Partner to Support Military Families

By Rick Martin

DES MOINES, IA - With the largest deployment from our state since WWII last year, Iowans are incredibly grateful for our troops who serve our country. To show their gratitude, Destiny Homes is stepping up to honor military families in the state of Iowa by doing something a little different. This Custom Home Builder is building a home in Urbandale and is donating the proceeds to America's Family Coaches, a non-profit marriage ministry in Des Moines, Iowa, to support their military initiative.

"The owners of Destiny Homes believe that it is important to give back to the community. Military families give up so much for us and what AFC is doing to support military families while they are separated is incredible. What better way to support the couples that are apart due to the military service to our country. As a builder, this is an opportunity to use our talents and give something back," says Alan Sprinkle, President of Destiny Homes.

Since 2006 the Rosbergs have been on a mission strengthen military marriages. Whether deployed or stateside, the Rosbergs offer encouragement and practical coaching for military marriages before, during and after deployment through free marriage resources to help them grow and stay connected. Over the past few years, generous donors have provided more than 17,000 free resources for military families. The proceeds from this house will support America's Family Coaches to resource military couples at a critical time when many soldiers are returning from serving overseas. After more than 25 years of serving hundreds of thousands of marriages and families nationally and internationally, there is nothing Gary and Barb are more proud of than serving military families.

"As we serve military families we are doing what we know how to do: help marriages grow strong. But we can't do it alone. Destiny Homes is setting the bar to do what they can do: build a home. As they build the home and America's Family Coaches builds the military families, we will together strengthen our community!" says Gary Rosberg, President and CEO of America's Family Coaches.

The home is located at 4423 163rd Street in Urbandale, and the home is available for viewing on December 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. with Iowa Realty Agent Scott Steelman. For more information on this project, please visit our website at www.americasfamilycoaches.com or contact Angela Ten Clay at 515.334.7482 x 9119 or angela@afcoaches.com.

ABOUT AMERICA'S FAMILY COACHES: Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg are award-winning authors, popular radio hosts and international speakers. Together, the Rosbergs are co-founders of America's Family Coaches and directly address the needs of marriages today. The Rosbergs are impacting churches, communities and military families worldwide to build healthy marriages and families that last a lifetime.

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12 Dec 2011

Gary Slater Named 2012 Chair of International Association

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (12/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Gary Slater, CEO/manager of the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, was elected the 2012 chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) during the final business session of the 121st IAFE Annual Convention held Nov. 28 through Dec. 1 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev.

Slater grew up on a 600-acre crop and livestock farm in the small town of Eolia, Mo. After graduating from the University of Missouri with a bachelor's degree in animal science and a master's degree in food science and nutrition, Slater began his career as a livestock field man. He then joined the Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, as a livestock supervisor, where he served for five years. Slater joined the Iowa State Fair in 1991, where he was in charge of planning the special events, free entertainment, and booking the facilities for off-season use. After five years, Slater left to serve the National Pork Producers Council as manager of the World Pork Expo. Slater managed World Pork for six years, holding the event in both Des Moines at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and in Indianapolis at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Knowing that his first love was fairs, Slater received the opportunity to return to Missouri in 1997 to manage the Missouri State Fair. He spent four years in a rebuilding mode, helping to restore the Missouri State Fair to physical and financial success and was instrumental in formulating a master plan for the fair. In 2001, Slater accepted the position of manager of the Iowa State Fair. After one year as manager, Slater accepted the position of CEO and manager of the fair.

Slater earned IAFE Certified Fair Executive designation in 1998 and was elected IAFE Zone 5 director in 2002, representing Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. He served as IAFE treasurer from 2007-2009, as second vice chair in 2010, and most recently as first vice chair. He has also played an active role on several IAFE committees.

Slater and his wife Mary have three children: Madeline, 17; Ali, 15; and Andrew, 12.

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12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Campaign Releases 60-Second Version of Newt Ad

By Gary Howard
Ad takes hard look at the former Speaker's record
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today that it will release a shorter 60-second version of an earlier web advertisement that challenges former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on a group of issues dear to conservative voters.

Much of the ad is in the former Speaker's own voice, and after a few statements by Newt it features news clips about the former Speaker's lobbying ties to government mortgage giant Freddie Mac, a firm that helped perpetuate the financial crisis and recession. In addition, the spot showcases discussion of Newt's lobbying ties to healthcare firms prior to his support of an Obama-Pelosi-Reid individual mandate as part of the recent wildly unpopular healthcare reform, to the absolute horror of nationally-syndicated conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. 

The campaign is shipping the ad to Iowa TV stations today, and it will be going up as part of an expanded Paul buy in Iowa beginning on Wednesday. It will run in conjunction with Paul's other new ad, 'Big Dog'.

"We wanted to ensure this ad reached as many voters as possible, to debunk the myth that the Newt we are seeing on the 2012 campaign trail is the conservative he has been touted to be all along," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton. 

"The voters are looking for authentic conservatives who are able to show a decades-long career of consistently walking the walk of Constitutional principles, limited government, and promoting sound economic policies.  Ron Paul is the only Republican presidential candidate with that record."

To view the ad, click here.

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