01 Nov 2011

Wallace to Verschoore: Repeal the Amazon Tax

By Jonathan Wallace

Rock Island, IL...Yesterday, the Illinois Policy Institute released a statement calling the Amazon Tax "all pain, no gain." The group released a YouTube video featuring local businessmen Mike Martin and Jonathan Wallace. Wallace, founder of NoCollarMedia.com, and candidate for State Representative in the Illinois 72nd criticized his opponent Pat Verschoore on the "Amazon Tax."

Wallace is specifically referring to the affiliate nexus law, voted for by State Representative Pat Verschoore earlier in 2011, and signed by Governor Pat Quinn. The law is commonly called the Amazon Tax. The controversial law shifts the complex burden of sales tax collection from individuals to out-of-state retailers who have no physical presence in Illinois. As a result, Amazon and Overstock.com decided to cut ties with business affiliates, thereby driving businesses to Iowa and surrounding regions.

"I think this law is a flashing neon sign to new startups and young entrepreneurs that you aren't welcome in Illinois," said Wallace. "My opponent is an advocate of raising taxes, creating burdens for an already challenging small business environment. Illinois has the potential to be the next Silicon Valley but that potential is continually squandered by politicians like Verschoore."

Wallace continued to discuss the economic impact that this law has on Illinois businesses and jobs, "This is just another part in the entire exodus of the state," referring to small businesses who are leaving or are looking to leave Illinois due to new taxes being imposed and an unfavorable policy environment.

Jonathan Wallace is a candidate for the Illinois State Representative in the 72nd District. Jonathan is a small businessman, entrepreneur, former Township Trustee, and serves as an advisor for State Representative Rich Morthland.

The link to the YouTube video can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d3mzePWxPQ&feature=relmfu

The link to the Illinois Policy Institute brief can be found here:

http://illinoispolicy.org/news/article.asp?ArticleSource=4480

For more information, visit http://www.jonathanwallace2012.com or email jonathanwallace2012@gmail.com

###

01 Nov 2011

$25,308 Grant to Iowa Public Broadcasting for Environmental Education

By Kris Lancaster

(Kansas City, Kan., Oct. 27, 2011) - EPA Region 7 has awarded Iowa Public Broadcasting an environmental education grant totaling $25,308. This is one of six grants being awarded to schools, universities and organizations in the Agency's four-state region to fund the development of new environmental education projects. The execution of these environmental education projects will further EPA's commitment to protecting human health and the environment.

"Educating our communities on environmental issues is crucial to creating a safe and healthy environment for children to learn and grow," said Karl Brooks, regional administrator.  "The diversity of the proposals selected shows the commitment of the people of Region 7 to producing and sustaining a healthy environment."

Iowa Public Broadcasting will use this grant to provide professional development to 100 middle school science teachers in rural areas. This project will also assist teachers with instructional skills to engage students in problem-solving learning in the classroom.  Five courses will be offered over a two-year period and will address issues of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

The Environmental Education Grant program provides seed money for new projects and assistance to advance existing projects. The projects increase public awareness of environmental issues and provide the skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment.

# # #

01 Nov 2011

IOWA FARM BUREAU SUPPORTS STATE ROAD FUNDING RECOMMENDATION

By Iowa Farm Bureau

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Oct. 27, 2011 - With rural roads making up nearly 90,000 miles of the state's 114,000-mile road system, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) applauds the Governor's Transportation 2020 Citizen Advisory Commission recommendation for an additional 8 to 10 cents per gallon fuel tax.

"Our roads and bridges have been severely impacted over the years by flooding and neglect, negatively impacting all of Iowa, but especially our rural communities, businesses and farms. Our members believe it's imperative to repair the roads and bridges to help rural Iowa thrive," said Craig Lang, IFBF president. "We believe that an increase in the fuel tax is the fairest way to fund those repairs because it charges people who actually use the roads whether they live in Iowa or are from out of state."

Lang notes that IFBF delegates in 2008 passed policy calling for the fuel tax increase to repair the state's roads and bridges.

The tax increase recommendation was made to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) this week after several listening sessions around the state. The recommendations will be submitted to the Iowa Legislature by the IDOT by the end of the year.  The IDOT reports that Iowa needs an additional $215 million per year to meet critical roadway needs and the recommended increase will generate $184 million to $230 million per year.

-30-

01 Nov 2011

Braley Launches Petition Urging Postal Service to Stop Closures of Iowa Post Offices

By Molly Scherrman

Braley will mail petition to US postmaster general

Waterloo, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley today launched an online petition urging US Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe to stop the Postal Service's proposed closures of 178 small town post offices across Iowa.

The petition, which Braley will send - via postal mail - to the postmaster general, can be viewed and signed at the following link: http://www.brucebraley.com/post-office.

"Washington bureaucrats want to close thousands of post offices across the country, including almost 200 here in Iowa," Braley wrote in an email to Iowans.  "This is the wrong move, and I need your help to make sure Washington gets the message that our post offices must stay open.

"The Postal Service is in financial trouble, but closing post offices in Iowa isn't the answer," Braley continued. "One single post office is just a drop in the bucket for the massive Postal Service bureaucracy.  But it can be everything to a small town." 

The Postal Service has released a long list of post offices in Iowa being studied for potential closure.

Earlier this month, a US House committee endorsed a controversial bill that would, in part, allow the Postal Service to move forward with its plans to those post offices.  Braley is a member of the panel, and opposed the bill.  The bill, known as the Postal Reform Act, now must be approved by the full US House.

The full text of Braley's email to Iowans can be viewed below:

--

From: Congressman Bruce Braley

Subject: Help Save Your Post Office

Dear Susan -

I grew up in Brooklyn, Iowa, and our post office was incredibly important to our small community. Back then, before cell phones, text messages and emails, the post office was our way of reaching folks in the outside world.

And still today in many small towns in Iowa, post offices are part of the economic life-blood of our rural communities.

But Washington bureaucrats want to close thousands of post offices across the country, including almost 200 here in Iowa.

This is the wrong move, and I need your help to make sure Washington gets the message that our post offices must stay open.

Will you sign my petition urging Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe to keep Iowa post offices open?

I will send your name, along with everyone who signs the petition - via Postal Mail - to Postmaster General Donahoe.

Here's the text of the petition:

We the undersigned urge you to stop the proposed closure of nearly 200 post offices throughout Iowa. Closing small town post offices jeopardizes the economic health of countless Iowa communities, and deals a blow to towns struggling to survive.

The Postal Service is in financial trouble, but closing post offices in Iowa isn't the answer. One single post office is just a drop in the bucket for the massive Postal Service bureaucracy. But it can be everything to a small town. And I worry that closing post offices could effectively close small towns in Iowa to business.

And that's why I'm fighting to keep post offices open here in Iowa.

Sign my petition and tell the Postmaster General to keep Iowa's post offices open.

Together, we'll make sure Washington gets the message loud and clear: Don't close Iowa's post offices!

Thanks for all you do,

Bruce

# # #

01 Nov 2011

News from the Ron Paul Campaign

By Gary Howard
In Case You Missed It: Ron Paul Offers Relief for Small Business; Allows grace period for regulatory compliance
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - This week, 2012 Republican Presidential candidate, Congressman Ron Paul introduced a bill on the House Floor that would alleviate the onerous regulations the federal government imposes on small businesses, which are the backbone of the U.S. economy.

H.R. 3267, the Protect Small Business Jobs Act of 2011, would grant small businesses a six-month grace period to comply with federal regulations.

Speaking about the bill on the House floor, Congressman Paul said:

"At a time of continuing high unemployment and stagnant growth, doesn't it make sense to give small businesses a reasonable time to comply with federal regulations rather than just hitting them with job-destroying fines and legal bills?

"I hope all my colleagues will stand up for small businesses and their current and potential employees by cosponsoring the Protect Small Business Jobs Act."

The full text of H.R 3267 can be found here.

###
Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC Inc. www.RonPaul2012.com
Ron Paul on the Campaign Trail in Iowa Yet Again
November 4th visit includes media, company town hall meeting and Republican Party fundraiser
ANKENY, Iowa - The Iowa component of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced today that Dr. Paul will visit the Hawkeye State yet again for a series of events.  The visit will encompass four stops and is set to occur on Friday, November 4th.

Dr. Paul will first appear live in-studio with host Jan Mickelson on WHO Radio.  He will then tape a 20-minute segment on AARP issues.  The AARP interview will be conducted by local television personality Dave Price, and includes questions on jobs, the economy, retirement security, Social Security, and Medicare.

Dr. Paul will then hold an employee town hall meeting with workers at Nationwide/Allied Insurance, a company that employs 4,500 people in the Des Moines area and offers them the opportunity to interact with presidential candidates.  The last event of the day is the Republican Party of Iowa's statewide autumn fundraiser, the annual Reagan Dinner, where Dr. Paul will speak and greet party faithful.

The first three events are closed to the public, and the fourth is a ticket-only fundraiser. 

Event details are as follows.  All times Central.

Friday, November 4, 2011

10:00 a.m.
Appears live in-studio w/ Jan Mickelson
WHO Radio
2141 Grand Ave,
Des Moines, Iowa 50312

11:15 a.m.
Tapes 20-minute segment
AARP's Video Voters' Guide
2205 Ingersoll Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50312

2:00 p.m.*
Holds employee town hall meeting
Nationwide/Allied Insurance
1100 Locust Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50391

7:00 p.m.*
Speaks and greets GOP faithful
Republican Party of Iowa Reagan Dinner
Hy-Vee Hall, 730 3rd Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309

*Media are invited to cover the Nationwide/Allied event upon Dr. Paul's arrival and as he exits, but the town hall meeting itself is closed to media.  Media are encouraged to attend and cover the Reagan Dinner.

###
Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC Inc. www.RonPaul2012.com
In Case You Missed It: Ron Paul Polling Top Three in Key Early Voting States; Solid double-digit support in Iowa, New Hampshire,
and South Carolina
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - A CNN/Time poll released yesterday shows Congressman Paul polling third in the key early voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Dr. Paul, whose loyal base of support is unlikely to transfer to any of his GOP competitors, polled at a strong 12 percent in all three states.

"The steady, growing support Ron Paul earns in the key early voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina is a direct result of his winning message of Constitutionally-limited government, sound money, and a strong national defense," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

Full poll results can be found here.

###
Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC Inc. www.RonPaul2012.com
01 Nov 2011

Lt. Governor Simon awards green industry leaders

By Kara Beach

Local foods key to growing economy

CHAMPAIGN - October 27, 2011. At an award ceremony celebrating 25 of the greenest public, private and non-profit organizations and businesses in Illinois, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said good environmental practices strengthen the state's economy.

"These awards recognize leaders in sustainability, and they also recognize smart economic policy for businesses and governments," Simon said at the 25th Annual Governor's Sustainability Awards Ceremony hosted by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center at the University of Illinois.

Among those recognized was Uncommon Ground in Chicago, which runs two restaurants serving locally grown food from its 2,500 square foot rooftop farm. The group received a Continuous Improvement Award, given to organizations that have won awards at previous Sustainability Award Ceremonies.

Simon noted that Uncommon Ground helps keep local food dollars in the state. Simon, who chairs the Governor's Rural Affairs Council has targeted building opportunity in Illinois by promoting local foods.  Illinoisans spend roughly $46 billion annually on food, but only $2 billion of that amount on food grown in Illinois.

The awards have been presented since 1987 by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) at the University of Illinois. Awards are given to organizations for their efforts in implementing green practices such as technology and energy conservation.

"The efforts of these businesses and organizations demonstrate that it is possible to meet social and economic needs while minimizing impacts on the environment," ISTC Director Manohar Kulkarni said. "Present and future generations will appreciate their foresight."

A Sustainability Award, which recognizes first-time winners, was given to the University of Illinois Retro-commissioning Group, which is comprised of engineers, field technicians and tradesmen. The group has spent $6 million making 27 campus buildings more energy efficient. The team's efforts have resulted in an average energy savings per building of 26 percent and a total $9.7 million reduction in utility costs since 2007.

Four community colleges - John A. Logan College, Lewis and Clark Community College, Rock Valley College and Southwestern Illinois College - all received sustainability awards for implementing energy efficiencies on campus.

"More efficient energy use in community colleges means more opportunity for students to get the education they need to be ready for the workforce," Simon said.

The winners are:

·         ActOnEnergy Business Program, Peoria

·         Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne

·         Cabot Corporation, Tuscola

·         City of Evanston, Evanston

·         City of Naperville, Naperville

·         DuPage County, Wheaton

·         Earth Friendly Products, Addison

·         Elmhurst Park District, Elmhurst

·         Gabriel Environmental Services, Chicago

·         GE Healthcare IT, Barrington

·         Harris Corporation, Quincy

·         J.L. Clark, Rockford

·         John A. Logan College, Carterville

·         Lewis and Clark Community College, Godfrey

·         Lincoln Park Zoological Society, Chicago

·         NOW Foods, Inc., Bloomingdale

·         PortionPac Chemical Corporation, Chicago

·         Rock Valley College, Rockford

·         Solberg MFG., Itasca

·         Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville

·         The Sherwin-Williams Company, Effingham

·         Uncommon Ground, Chicago

·         University of Illinois at Chicago, c/o Office of Sustainability, Chicago

·         University of Illinois Retro-commissioning Group, Champaign

·         Village of Hoffman Estates, Hoffman Estates

 

###

01 Nov 2011

Figge celebrates Haitian art exhibition with special event

By Susan Horan

(Davenport, Iowa - October, 2011) On November 10, the Figge will host an event to celebrate the exhibition Restoring the Spirit: Celebrating Haitian Art which features art work that vividly portrays Haitian culture and history.  The Figge is partnering with Kids Against Hunger Your Quad-Cities to bag lifesaving food which will be delivered to Haiti.

Kids Against Hunger is an international food relief organization working to save the lives of starving people. The local chapter has provided over 700,000 meals to starving people in Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua, many of whom suffer from malnutrition and resort to eating mud cakes to stave off the hunger.  In addition, they have provided nearly 65,000 meals to hungry people in the Quad Cities. The bagged meals, made up of rice, soy, six vegetables and twenty-one vitamins and minerals, provide a nutritionally complete meal and cost $0.25 per meal.

The Figge is seeking over 100 volunteers to help bag food from 5pm to 6pm on November 10.  Families and children are encouraged to participate.  Suggested free will cash donations of $20 will be accepted to help cover the cost of these meals.  For a fee of $360, teams of 12 volunteers can sign up to create 1440 meals in an hour.  There will be a brief program at 5pm with remarks by John Kessler of Kids Against Hunger your Quad Cities.

At 7pm, Figge friend and Rock Island psychologist Dr. Ralph Saintfort will present a talk, "The Earthquake in Haiti and Its Aftermath." Dr. Saintfort has been a clinical volunteer with Konbit Sante Cap-Haitian Health Partnership since 2003. He was born in Haiti and lived there with his family until he was 14. This talk is offered in conjunction with the special exhibition Restoring the Spirit: Celebrating Haitian Art.

 

To volunteer at this event, please contact Jennifer Brooke at the Figge Art Museum 563.326.7804x2048 or j.brooke@figgeartmuseum.org

This event is sponsored by the Figge Art Museum, the Scott County Medical Association, the Rock Island Medical Association and the Rock Island Medical Alliance.

-end-
31 Oct 2011

USDA Cooking Guidance For Pork, Red Meats

By USDA Communications Office
A new TV feature is available on the USDA FTP site. The new feature can also be seen on USDA's YouTube channel and downloaded as a video podcast. See below for details.

FTP Download instructions:

The host: ftp://ocbmtcmedia.download.akamai.com

User name: usdanews

Password:  Newscontent1

Filename: Pork Prep English

The new file is in QuickTime Movie (H.264 ), MPEG 4, MPEG2 and HDV.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCrKpYpSLFM&feature=channel_video_title

video podcast: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/usda-down-to-earth-video-podcast/id461819504?uo=4

RSS feed: http://downtoearth.usda.libsynpro.com/rss

Please email bob.ellison@usda.gov if you have problems or suggestions.

Also, use this free ftp client if you have problems.

http://filezilla-project.org/download.php?type+client

FEATURE - USDA COOKING GUIDANCE FOR PORK, RED MEATS

 

INTRO: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has lowered its recommended cooking temperature for pork cuts and other meats. USDA's Patrick O'Leary has more from Washington, D.C. (1:57)

 

THERE'S A NEW RECOMMENDED TEMPERATURE AND PROCEDURE FOR COOKING PORK. THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SAYS THE NEW TWO-STEP PROCESS IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT FOODBORNE ILLNESS:FIRST, PORK ROASTS AND CHOPS SHOULD REACH A SAFE MINIMUM INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 145 DEGREES FARENHEIT, BEFORE REMOVING FROM THE HEAT SOURCE AND AS MEASURED WITH A FOOD THERMOMETER. SECOND, CONSUMERS SHOULD ALLOW A THREE-MINUTE REST TIME BEFORE CARVING OR CONSUMING PORK CUTS.

 

Dr. Elisabeth Hagen, Under Secretary Food Safety: So USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined that it is just as safe to cook pork, whole cuts of pork and other red meats to 145 º with a 3-minute rest time as it is to cook them to 160 º with no rest time. And this combination is sufficient to protect against pathogens such as Salmonella that could be found in those cuts of meat.

 

DURING THE 3 MINUTES AFTER MEAT IS REMOVED FROM THE HEAT SOURCE, ITS TEMPERATURE REMAINS CONSTANT OR CONTINUES TO RISE, WHICH WILL DESTROY ANY PATHOGENS.

 

Hagen: And so lowering the cooking temperature of raw pork, steaks, roasts, and chops by 15 degrees with the addition of that 3-minute rest time will provide consumers with a product that is both microbiologically safe and at its best quality: juicy and tender.

 

THE USDA SAYS THE SAME GUIDANCE APPLIES FOR ALL MEATS, INCLUDING BEEF, VEAL AND LAMB. THEY SAY THE SAFE MINIMUM INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 145 DEGREES SHOULD BE VERIFIED WITH A FOOD THERMOMETER.


Hagen: That's right, a food thermometer is really the only way to determine if meat has reached an internal temperature that ensures the product is safe to eat.

 

THERE IS NO CHANGE TO THE RECOMMENDED SAFE COOKING TEMPERATURES FOR GROUND MEATS, INCLUDING BEEF, VEAL, LAMB AND PORK, WHICH REMAINS 16O DEGREES FARENHEIT, OR FOR POULTRY PRODUCTS, INCLUDING GROUND CHICKEN AND TURKEY. THAT REMAINS AT 165 DEGREES FARENHEIT.

 

Hagen: To learn more, you can ask a food safety question at AskKaren either on-line or on your smart phone, or call the USDA's Meat & Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPhotline.

 

IN WASHINGTON, FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, I'M PAT O'LEARY.

31 Oct 2011

Is Colonel Davenport's home haunted?

By M. McNeil
Rock Island Junior High afterschool students are going to try and figure out if Colonel Davenport's home is really haunted

JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN--Students in the Lights on for Learning program at Edison Junior High are performing the play entitled, "IS THE JOINT HAUNTED?", this Friday, October 28th at 1:45 pm in the school gym.

On July 4, 1845, Colonel George Davenport of Rock Island was murdered in his home by robbers looking for gold and paper money. The Davenport Mansion was the first fine home built in the area.  In the years that followed, it fell into disrepair. Eventually the home was saved by a not-for-profit group, the Col. Davenport Historical Foundation, a group founded to save and restore the historic house. Because Davenport died a violent death, many have long wondered whether the house might be haunted. Recently, a local paranormal society decided to investigate.
This play is the story of how that investigation went and is written by local playwright, John O'Shea, a former Assistant States Attorney for Rock Island County and as Corporation Counsel for the City of Moline, IL. O'Shea is the author of thirteen published plays.  He retired in January of 2000 after serving twenty six years on the bench. Don has been active in Community Theater since 1967, as an actor, singer, director, producer and playwright.

Since retirement from the bench, he has directed plays at Edison Jr. High School, and Alleman High School in Rock Island, IL; Seton Jr. High in Moline, IL; and at Sherrard High School, in Sherrard.  He has also directed community theater at the Quad City Music Guild, and for the Riversong Players.  Don is also a paid political op ed writer for the Moline Dispatch and Rock Island Argus newspapers, where his opinion pieces appear twice each month.

The media is invited to attend the play and interview O'Shea, the Lights ON students who participate in the after school drama club and their teachers.

WHO:  Edison Junior High Lights ON Drama Club
WHAT:  O'Shea play, "Is The Joint Haunted?"
WHEN: , Friday October 28, 2011 at 1:45 pm
WHERE:  Edison Junior High 4141 9th Street    Rock Island
31 Oct 2011

NARI supports National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 23-29, 2011)

By Morgan Zenner

Learn how your remodel can impact a child's health during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Survey results reveal homeowner attitudes about lead hazards during a renovation

 

Des Plaines, Illinois, October 26, 2011?The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is raising awareness of the dangers of lead exposure by observing National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week on October 23-29, 2011. The Environmental Protection Agency's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule requires certification and lead-safe work practices for any renovation, repair or painting projects in homes and child care facilities built before 1978. For more background on the EPA's RRP rule, please click here.

 

"Through awareness and education, NARI is hoping to motivate every remodeler and homeowner to abide by the RRP rule when renovating their homes for the safety of the vulnerable populations who could potentially be impacted by lead exposure," says NARI National President Michael Hydeck, MCR, CKBR, of Hydeck Design Build in Telford, Pa.

 

The RRP rule is designed to protect pregnant women and children under 6 from toxic lead exposure by requiring contractors to complete an eight-hour training course outlining lead-safe work practices that contain and minimize lead dust. Those who complete the course must supervise the renovation of pre-1978 homes, and the contracting firm must be a Certified Firm with the EPA. NARI is concerned that lack of awareness of RRP and additional costs to comply with this rule is actually putting this target audience at higher risk for lead exposure.

 

NARI's June 2011 consumer survey proved this, revealing an opposite effect from the rule's intended purpose based on consumer behaviors and buying habits for renovations in older homes. The survey, which used Meredith Corporation's Home Enthusiast Panel to gauge homeowner attitudes and knowledge of RRP, found 53 percent of respondents had not heard about this rule prior to the survey. Fifty-nine percent of homeowners responded they would do demolition work themselves in order to save money?an activity that can create significant lead hazards. Twenty-nine percent would likely hire a non-certified contractor to work on their home in order to save money. Click here to request a copy of the Consumer RRP survey from NARI.

 

"These results indicate that homeowners are largely unaware of the dangers of lead?so much so, that they are willing to put their families at risk in order to reduce remodeling costs," Hydeck says.

 

That was not the case with Dan and Michelle Neifert, homeowners from Boise, Idaho, whose 75-year-old home recently went through a complete renovation. "I knew that I had to find a lead certified renovator to work on my home because every contactor we talked to said we needed to test the home and that it was against the law not to," Dan Neifert says.

 

The RRP rule became even more important to the Neifert's after discovering they were expecting their first child. Though they did not live in the home while the gut-rehab took place, it was still important that lead-safe work practices and clean-up processes were implemented and followed to protect their child from lead exposure.

 

"We figured lead was in the home, and we wanted to have everything done correctly and safely for our new child, regardless of added costs and time," Dan Neifert says. They conducted lead testing before demolition to identify exactly which areas required lead-safe work practices.

 

Lead was found in the exterior and interior of the home. The exterior windows, tiles, stucco siding of the home and detached garage tested positive, and the interior bathroom tile floor, utility room ceiling and crawlspace access were positive as well. Since the remodeling project involved replacement of all windows, renovation of the main floor and conversion of a garage into living space, all work was done within RRP guidelines.

 

The Neiferts said that lead testing, labor and materials added cost to the project, and they say the demolition added an additional week to their project.

 

"The lead-safe work practices I witnessed from visiting the home was the worksite was surrounded by cautionary tape, the entire exterior of the home was covered in plastic, and those working inside wore respirators and suits," Dan Neifert says. He adds that because he was located in a historic district, he had to notify neighbors of his remodeling plans and inform them of the RRP renovation that was taking place.

 

NARI member Joe Levitch, CR, EPA Lead Certified Renovator and Lead Paint Inspector and Risk Assessor, of Boise, Idaho's Levco Builders completed the Neifert's renovation and lead testing. "It's a win-win for the homeowners to keep their families safe and have proof that their home is safe for anyone to live in for years to come."

 

NARI, along with week organizers Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the EPA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, are assisting in promotion of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, According to the CDC, childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet an estimated 250,000 U.S. children have elevated blood-lead levels.

 

 

In honor of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 23-29, 2011), NARI is providing this checklist to minimize lead exposure for homeowners living in pre-1978 homes:

 

  • Verify that your contractor's firm is registered with the EPA unless your state has taken over with its own lead safety program, in which case the certification process may be slightly different. To find out if your state is working under its own lead program, visit http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm#authorized.
  • Verify at least one person is a Certified Renovator and has documented the training of the work crew and is supervising the work being completed in the home.
  • Know that these certifications must be accessible at the work site at all times.
  • Firms must post signs before renovation begins, clearly defining the work area and warning occupants and other persons not involved in renovation activities to remain outside of the work area.
  • Make sure you understand and sign the EPA's "Renovate Right" brochure.
  • Remove all belongings from the immediate area of the renovation.
  • Notice if your contractor is using plastic sheeting that is taped 6 feet beyond the perimeter of surfaces undergoing renovation; reusable cloth coverings are not acceptable.
  • Renovators should be cleaning up and mopping daily to minimize dust contamination.
  • Contractors must use HEPA vacuums and/or wet mopping to remove lead particles.
  • All contaminated materials should be placed in heavy duty plastic bags before your contractor disposes of them.

 

To learn more about testing your child's lead levels, testing your home for lead for lead or preventing health effects related to lead exposure visit http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/nlppw.htm. To find a NARI remodeler in your area who is a Lead Certified Renovators, visit www.nariremodelers.com. For green remodeling information, please visit www.greenremodeling.org.

 

# # #


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