08 Nov 2011

Grassley to Place Hold on Two FCC Nominees Over Agency Stonewalling on LightSquared

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa since April 27 has sought information from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that would shed light into the process of the agency's fast-tracking of the LightSquared broadband project. The agency has stonewalled his various requests.  As a result, Grassley today put a statement in the Senate record stating that he will hold up the two pending nominees for commissioner positions at the agency when the nominations reach the Senate floor unless the agency begins to offer more information that will provide transparency into the public business it conducts.

Here is the text of Grassley's statement in the record.

"Mr. President.  I, Senator CHUCK GRASSLEY, intend to object to proceeding to the nomination of Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai to be commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission for the following reason.

"I will object to proceeding to the nomination because the FCC continues to stonewall a document request I submitted to the FCC over six months ago on April 27, 2011, regarding their actions related to LightSquared and Harbinger Capital.  Since then, I have repeated my request to the FCC through letters I sent on July 5th and September 8th and the FCC continues to deny my request for documents.

"During the course of my correspondence with the FCC, the FCC has made it clear that it will not voluntarily turn over documents to the 99.6 percent of the Members of Congress and Senators who do not chair a committee with direct jurisdiction over the FCC.  As I said in my September 8, 2011, letter, their actions are misguided and unsupportable.

"It not only sets a dangerous precedent for a federal agency to unilaterally set the rules on how it engages with Congress -- it also prevents any meaningful ability for the vast majority of Congress to inform themselves of how an agency works.

"Several months ago, I had to take similar action when I supported Senator Chambliss' hold of James Cole's nomination to be Deputy Attorney General in order to get documents from the Department of Justice.  In the end, the documents we uncovered shed light on the Department's actions regarding Operation Fast and Furious and the murder of Agent Brian Terry.

"I strongly believe that it is critical for Congress to have access to documents in order to conduct vigorous and independent oversight.  It is unfortunate that this administration, which has pledged to be the most transparent in history, disagrees.  As long as they continue to do so, I will be forced to take steps like this in order to ensure that Congress receives a complete picture of this administration's actions."

Grassley has pressed the FCC to explain why it decided to fast-track LightSquared's licensing process amid a series of red flags.  These include warnings that LightSquared's interference with Global Positioning System (GPS) signals would cause major problems --  including risks to public safety in the case of aviation -- by jamming GPS use in precision farming, trucking, air travel, law enforcement, by the military and in general consumer navigation.  Another concern is that the head of Harbinger, the hedge fund behind the project, told investors that his firm is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission for allegations of market manipulation, according to media reports.  The firm has been the subject of considerable media attention for losing large amounts of money and other controversies including whether the firm should have told investors in a timely fashion about a $113 million loan it extended to the principal of the firm.

Media reports also have quoted emails between LightSquared and senior White House aides, showing that LightSquared representatives cited political connections and friendships to get an audience with White House staff, including referring to a fund-raiser for the President.  "Political connections don't necessarily drive policy decisions, but in the absence of transparency at the FCC, it's impossible to know one way or the other," Grassley said. 
"The FCC's refusal to make documents public continues to give the appearance that there's something to hide."

Here is more detail on the nominees Grassley intends to hold when the nominations reach the Senate floor:

Nominee: Jessica Rosenworcel, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission for a term of five years from July 1, 2010, vice Michael Joseph Copps, term expired. Received: November 01, 2011.  Referred: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Latest Action: November 01, 2011 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Nominee: Ajit Varadaraj Pai, of Kansas, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission for a term of five years from July 1, 2011, vice Meredith Attwell Baker, term expired. Received: November 01, 2011.    Referred: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation.  Latest Action: November 01, 2011 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

The details of Grassley's inquiries to the FCC over LightSquared are available here,  here and here.

 

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08 Nov 2011

Hundreds of Thousands of Consumers, Billions of Money Move to Credit Unions

By Emily Caropreso

Rising fees at banks spark consumer action during October in run-up to 'Bank Transfer Day`

Des Moines, Iowa– Reacting to rising fees at banks, hundreds of thousands of consumers have rushed to credit unions over the past four weeks, and have joined existing credit union members in depositing or shifting billions of savings to credit unions, according to estimates released today by the Credit Union National Assn. (CUNA), the nation`s largest credit union advocacy group.

Based on the responses of a nationwide survey of 5,000 credit unions, CUNA estimates that at least 650,000 consumers across the nation have joined credit unions since Sept. 29 (the day Bank of America unveiled its now-rescinded $5 monthly debit card fee). Also during that time, CUNA estimates that credit unions have added $4.5 billion in new savings accounts, likely from the new members and existing members shifting their funds.

The survey results also show that more than four in every five credit unions experiencing member growth since Sept.  29 attributed the growth to consumer reaction to new fees imposed by banks, or a combination of consumer reactions to the new bank fees plus the social media-inspired "Bank Transfer Day," Nov. 5.

"Bank Transfer Day" urges consumers to transfer their accounts from banks to credit unions by Saturday, Nov. 5.

Membership in Iowa has increased by three percent from June 2010 to June 2011. This growth number is prior to the Bank Transfer Day movement.

Many Iowa credit unions are doing whatever they can to help serve this consumer surge in interest in credit unions. Some credit unions are extending hours and staffing for this Saturday (Nov. 5), performing email blasts to members, maximizing social media campaigns, putting up banners in lobbies, offering bonuses to members who bring in new members (and giving bonuses to new members as well), said Patrick S. Jury, President/CEO, Iowa Credit Union League.

"Credit unions have always been in the business to protect the interests of their members and to ensure their financial needs are being met," said Jury.  "We encourage consumers to make the change to credit unions so they can experience the credit union difference and take steps to become more financially secure."

To find a credit union visit www.IowaCreditUnions.com.

The Iowa Credit Union League is the trade association that represents the interests of Iowa credit unions and their more than 900,000 members. Credit unions are not-for-profit, financial cooperatives owned and operated by their members. Iowans use their credit union membership to receive higher interest rates on savings and lower interest rates on loans. For more information on ICUL and Iowa credit unions, visit www.IowaCreditUnions.com. Follow ICUL on Twitter at www.twitter.com/icul or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iowalittleguy.

 

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08 Nov 2011

Justice Pulling Proposed FOIA Regulations

By Grassley Press

Open government advocates complained that "lying" diminished integrity of federal government

WASHINGTON - After hearing objections raised by Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley about the Department of Justice's proposal to make potentially misleading statements to Americans submitting Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, requests if the documents are deemed by the agency as inappropriate to release, the department is now saying that they are pulling the proposed regulation.

Grassley said that while the proposed regulation is being stopped, there remain questions about how agencies handle these requests.  He said that there's a balance that needs to be struck between ensuring national security or other sensitive requests and the public's right to know.

"The Justice Department decided that misleading the American people would be wrong, and made the right decision to pull the proposed regulation.  The American people are increasingly cynical with the federal government, and increasing transparency can be an important tool to build more trust," Grassley said.  "In other words, the public's business ought to be public."

The controversy stems from recent reports that the Justice Department was considering changing existing FOIA regulations to allow agencies responding to a FOIA request to state that no records exist, even if the records do, in fact, exist, whenever they determine that the requested documents they possess fit within a certain exclusion of the law.

In response to the Justice Department's proposal, Grassley wrote to Attorney General Eric Holder expressing concern and asking for additional information about the proposed changes.

Grassley wrote in his letter to the Attorney General, "The new proposed regulation stands in stark contrast to both the President's and your prior statements about FOIA, transparency, and open government.  In fact, this policy directly contradicts your many statements, to me and other members of the Judiciary Committee, as part of your nomination hearing, that you support transparency of the Executive Branch."

Grassley has championed the public's right to know by strengthening and reforming sunshine laws, including oversight and enforcement of the FOIA, and measures to protect watchdogs and whistleblowers.

A signed copy of Grassley's October 28, 2010 letter can be found by clicking here.

The response from the Justice Department can be found here.

 

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08 Nov 2011

Lt. Governor Simon statement on Scott Air Force Base layoffs

By Kara Beach

CHICAGO - November 3, 2011. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today pledged to work with state agencies and Scott Air Force Base leadership to identify available resources for 110 civilian employees whose positions at the military facility are being eliminated.

Simon, who visited the base in September, learned of the cuts Wednesday evening from Col. Michael Hornitschek, commander of the 375th Air Mobility Wing at Scott Air Force Base. As chair of the state's Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC), Simon offered to work with Col. Hornitschek to identify resources that could help the displaced individuals and the base.

"Scott Air Force Base is an economic engine in Illinois, and I am disappointed that the Air Force had to make this decision," Simon said. "As a native of Troy, a community near Scott Air Force Base where many citizens are employed by the base, I understand the social and economic impact these changes will have in the Metro East region and beyond. The state will use its resources to help get displaced workers back on the job."

Scott Air Force Base announced that 321 positions will be eliminated in response to a Department of Defense directive to freeze civilian job growth. Of those 321 positions, 122 were already vacant, 49 are held by employees who will voluntarily retire or separate from federal service by the end of December, and 40 are employees who will be moved from eliminated positions into other positions. This leaves 110 eliminated, occupied positions with employees who have not applied for incentive programs or for which no matching vacancy has been identified at this time, according to the base.

As chair of the IMBSEDC, Simon is visiting each of the state's military installations to learn about the base's operations, their impact on the state economy and relationship with local communities. The committee was established in 2005 in response to nationwide base closures, and it continues to make recommendations to local, state and federal policymakers on retention, realignment and reuse efforts.

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08 Nov 2011

Civil War Music from the Muscatine High School at the Muscatine Art Center

By Katy Doherty
Music was used extensively during the Civil War. Bands would play during recruitment rallies to excite the crowd and entice men to enlist. Music was used as a form of entertainment and as a means of inspiring loyalty and camaraderie among the troops. Music sounded the soldiers' daily activities, led them into battle and laid them to rest.

Singing was one of the soldiers' favorite ways to pass time. Many songs were inspirational marching tunes meant to keep morale high, while others were sad, sentimental songs whose lyrics reminded the men of loved ones and home. Most Civil War era music is easily
recognizable today, as they are steadfast favorites.

Join us in the Music Room for a special program of Civil War era music, presented by the Muscatine Art Center in conjunction with the current exhibit: Muscatine & the Civil War: A Sesquicentennial Commemoration. The beautiful music will be performed by select group of Muscatine High School students under the direction of Kelly Preslan and Darcy Hendriks of the Vocal and Band Department at the Muscatine High School.

This program will consist of vocal and instrumental selections relating to the Civil War, in the form of ballads, patriotic songs, marches and instrumental drill patterns.

DETAILS:
What: Civil War Era Music Performed by the Muscatine High School's Vocal and Band
Department
When: Thursday, November 10, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: The Muscatine Art Center's Music Room
Admission to this program is FREE.

Please contact Katy Doherty, Program Coordinator, with any questions or concerns at 563-263-8282 or by email at kdoherty@muscatineiowa.gov.

The Muscatine Art Center is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. Admission is FREE.
08 Nov 2011

Genesis Lights Remembrance Trees To Honor Memory Of Loved Ones

By Craig Cooper
DAVENPORT, Iowa - Nov. 3, 2011 -- The Genesis Remembrance Trees in Davenport and Clinton will celebrate the memories of loved ones and focus attention on the continuing need of hospice care in the region.

The Genesis Remembrance Tree in Davenport will be lit in a ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 12 in Bechtel Park at River Drive and Iowa Street. The Genesis Remembrance Tree at 612 North 2nd Street in Clinton will be lit in a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Both ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m.

Special guest performers this year at the Davenport tree lighting will be the 50-member Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church in Davenport.

Individual "light" sponsors are invited to make a donation in any amount in the name of a loved one. All proceeds will benefit Genesis Hospice Care.

Genesis will maintain a Book of Names throughout the holiday season. This book is dedicated to the memory of family and friends. Names and donations received will help light the tree and will be included in the 2011 Book Of Names.

Genesis Hospice is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team to assist in managing symptoms, as well as enhancing quality of life. The common goal of all services is to provide the patient and family with comfort.

For information about how to honor the memory of a loved one, call (563) 421-6865 or go to www.genesishealth.com and click on the Remembrance Tree link.

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08 Nov 2011

Braley Bill Would Boost Iowa Jobs in Growing Wind Energy Industry

By Jeff Giertz

Braley working across party lines to extend wind energy production tax credit 

 

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced a bipartisan effort to boost job growth in the expanding wind energy industry.  Braley joined with Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) to introduce a bill extending the renewable energy production tax credit through 2016.  Unless current law is changed, the wind energy tax credit will expire at the end of 2012.

Iowa is first in the nation in per-capita wind energy production, and second nationally in total annual wind energy production in megawatt-hours.  According to the Iowa Wind Energy Association, the Iowa wind energy industry already employs over 3,000 full-time workers.

"Investments in Iowa's wind energy industry have created thousands of jobs and made Iowa a world leader in clean energy technology," Braley said.  "Extending the renewable energy production tax credit will keep the economic momentum going.  Wind energy is still a widely untapped resource in Iowa - and that means there's still untapped potential for business investment and job creation.

 

"Wind energy is good for the economy, good for the environment, and good for farmers.  Our bipartisan bill will promote job-creating wind energy projects and provide incentives to expand wind energy production."

The American Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit Extension Act extends the wind energy production tax credit by four years, allowing it to expire at the end of 2016.  It also extends a production tax credit for biomass and geothermal energy production by three years, allowing it to expire at the end of 2016 as well.

Braley introduced similar legislation extending the renewable energy production tax credit in 2008 and 2009.

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08 Nov 2011

Traveling Exhibition @ Moline Public Library

By Jennifer Christiansen

New traveling exhibition explores the influence of Jewish culture and history in the work of renowned illustrator Maurice Sendak.

Moline, Illinois - "In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak," a traveling exhibition opening at the Moline Public Library on Wednesday, December 28th, reveals the push and pull of New and Old Worlds in Sendak's work and shows how Sendak's artistic journey has led him deeper into his own family's history and his Jewish identity.

Maurice Sendak is best known as the illustrator of more than 100 picture books, including

Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen. He was born to Polish immigrants in Brooklyn in 1928, and his childhood was typically American in a number of ways. At the same time, he became fascinated as a child with the worn black-and-white photographs of his European relatives, and the influence of both of these worlds - the threads of Jewish family, geography, and culture - can be seen in his imaginative works.

The exhibit is an exploration of Sendak's illustrations and picture books, revealing connections between these iconic works and Sendak's childhood, family, and the popular culture of the time. The colorful exhibit panels feature illustrations of ferocious creatures, curious children and vibrant neighborhoods, alongside thematic explorations of the Jewish culture and history - and Sendak's own family experience - that influenced Sendak's work.

"In a Nutshell" was organized by the Rosenbach Museum & Library, Philadelphia, and developed by Nextbook, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jewish literature, culture, and ideas, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The national tour of the exhibit has been made possible by grants from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Righteous Persons Foundation, the David Berg Foundation, and an anonymous donor, with additional support from Tablet Magazine: A New Read on Jewish Life. The exhibit was curated by Patrick Rodgers of the Rosenbach Museum & Library.

The Moline Public Library is sponsoring free programs and other events for the public in connection with the exhibition. Contact 309-524-2470 or visit www.molinelibrary.com for more information. "In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak" will be on display at the Moline Public Library until February 24th, 2012.

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08 Nov 2011

A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol

By Shelley Klimes
new holiday show. Christmas Eve takes a strange turn as Gunner falls through the ice on his Skidoo and is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, in the form of folk singing legend Sven Yorgensen no less. Whether you are new to Bunyan Bay or you are visiting again, you'll be laughing long after the fruitcake ferments.

A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol opens Thursday, Nov. 17 on The Old Creamery's Main Stage in Amana and runs through Dec. 18.

The cast consists of James Fleming of New York; Amber Snyder of Memphis, Tenn.; Jeff Haffner of Cleveland, Ohio; D. Allan Boettger of Cedar Rapids and The Old Creamery's Marquetta Senters of South Amana. Directed by Sean McCall, with musical direction by Tim Daugherty, A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol is rated Theatre PG-13. Books and lyrics are by Phil Olson with music by Paul Olson.

Tickets are $27 for adults and $17.50 for students. Show times are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. While walk-ins are always welcome if seats are available, reservations for this show are highly recommended. Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for more information or to purchase tickets. Group and student rates are available.

A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol is sponsored by Rockwell Collins with Z102.9 as the media sponsor.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 40 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest. We thank KGAN and Fox 28, our 2011 season media sponsor.
08 Nov 2011

Media Advisory: Post Iowa Election Analysis Webinar Thursday, Nov 10th

By Dorothy Tate

Alexandria, VA  - The Franklin Center, a national nonprofit journalism organization, will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, November 10th at 11:30 am EST to discuss the implications of the 2011 midterm elections in Iowa. Experts in the polling, political, and journalism fields will be analyzing the results of the elections of state constitutional offices, state house results and state ballot measures. They will also provide a range of perspectives about how the election results will impact re-apportionment and change the political landscape as the 2011-2012 election cycle begins.
Space is limited so register now

WHEN: Thursday, November 10th at 11:30am EST

WHERE: Webinar Online Conference - RSVP AT: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/728837002

WHO:  Hosted by The Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity, experts from Ballotpedia.org and other election professionals

To join this important webinar register online at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/728837002

For more information, please visit FranklinCenterHQ.org

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