25 Oct 2011

Connect Iowa Releases 2011 Residential Broadband Adoption Survey Results

By Jessica Ditto

37% of Iowa residents still do not have broadband at home

Des Moines, IA - Today, Connect Iowa released new residential broadband adoption survey results revealing the top trends in technology use among key demographics in Iowa. The preliminary indicators from the survey are available online, which gives a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities for expanding broadband in targeted sectors. According to the survey, approximately 37% of the population still does not subscribe to broadband. Most notably, the majority of low-income, senior, disabled adult, and Hispanic households are without broadband at home, leaving them facing an uphill battle in keeping up with essential online resources, job and educational opportunities, and social services.

"Improved broadband connectivity is vital in terms of spurring economic development," said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. "Better broadband access stimulates job creation, boosts productivity, improves educational resources for tomorrow's workforce, and ultimately enhances the state's economic standing in the international arena."

This survey is conducted in support of Connect Iowa's efforts to close the state's digital gap. The survey explores the main barriers to adoption - cost, digital skills, and relevance - and also provides unique insights into the national broadband landscape.

"These findings are key to helping us create custom local and regional broadband deployment plans," said Connect Iowa Program Manager Amy Kuhlers. "Connect Iowa's goal is quality broadband access, adoption, and use across all corners of the state."

The survey reveals that:

  • 45% of Iowans living in rural areas do not subscribe to broadband service at home.
  • When comparing to the 63% of all households that do subscribe, there remain large gaps among key demographics:
    • 62% of low-income households;
    • 66% of seniors are without broadband.
  • 42% of low-income households with children are without access to this essential tool at home.
  • The biggest gap is among low-income seniors. Only 26% of low-income seniors subscribe to broadband and only 41% have a computer at home.
  • The largest barrier to non-adopters is relevance - 26% of non-adopters say there isn't Internet content worth viewing. The second most commonly cited barrier is that it is too expensive.
  • The top reasons Iowans say they started using broadband is because they realized it was worth the cost or it became available.

These results and comparisons to many others are available on Connect Iowa's new consumer trends widget. This interactive tool gives people the ability to view, share, and download the results. Connect Iowa will use these survey results to target solutions in communities based on the demographic and economic barriers that the surveys indicate are most relevant to those communities.

This release comes on the heels of the FCC's newly released plans to launch a comprehensive public-private initiative called Connect to Compete, aimed at extending digital literacy training and providing employment assistance to communities. Connect Iowa's parent organization, Connected Nation, is one of the top strategic advisors in the national initiative.

Connect Iowa's 2011 residential survey was conducted in the summer of 2011 and includes responses from 3,600 residents. The survey was conducted as part of the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and by the American Recovery and Reinvestment of 2009.

# # #

About Connect Iowa: Connect Iowa is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a nonprofit in the state of Iowa to promote broadband access, adoption, and use. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is leading the initiative to increase broadband Internet access throughout rural Iowa. Connect Iowa was commissioned by the state to work with all broadband providers in Iowa to create detailed maps of broadband coverage and develop a statewide plan for the deployment and adoption of broadband. For more information visit: www.connectiowa.org.

25 Oct 2011

Information from Herman Cain's Camp

By J D Gordon

Cain Strikes Gold in Western Republican Leadership Conference Straw Poll

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain's message continues to resonate with voters, showing his staying power with a decisive win of 31 percent of the votes in the Western Republican Leadership Conference straw poll in Las Vegas Friday.  Cain's straw poll victory followed the four-day Western Republican Leadership Conference, and confirmed Cain's Tuesday success at one of the liveliest debates of the race.

"I thank the Western Republican Leadership Conference for their support and vote of confidence.  There are many unique challenges facing Western states including housing prices, struggling local economies, unemployment and the environment.  As president, I look forward to addressing these challenges with real solutions?not Washington promises," said Cain.

The Western Republican Leadership Conference straw poll win follows Cain's successful wins of major straw polls in Florida, Kansas City, Minnesota, and Illinois.

The Western Republican Leadership Conference straw poll, conducted by Citizen Outreach, polled 552 attendees at the Western Republic Leadership Conference over a period of three days on the GOP presidential contenders. Citizen Outreach's David Mansdoerfer, who oversaw the straw poll, stated. "The results at the top aren't surprising. Herman Cain has spent a lot of time in Nevada and it shows. You can see people reacting to his message about the economy and job creation."

Cain's View on Abortion Policy

"Yesterday in an interview with Piers Morgan on CNN, I was asked questions about abortion policy and the role of the President.

I understood the thrust of the question to ask whether that I, as president, would simply "order" people to not seek an abortion.

My answer was focused on the role of the President. The President has no constitutional authority to order any such action by anyone.  That was the point I was trying to convey.

As to my political policy view on abortion, I am 100% pro-life.  End of story.

I will appoint judges who understand the original intent of the Constitution.  Judges who are committed to the rule of law know that the Constitution contains no right to take the life of unborn children.

I will oppose government funding of abortion.  I will veto any legislation that contains funds for Planned Parenthood.  I will do everything that a President can do, consistent with his constitutional role, to advance the culture of life."

--- Herman Cain

Herman Cain Launches Opportunity Zone Plan, Clarifies "9-9-9 Plan" Details

As part of his bold vision for the American economy, Presidential candidate Herman Cain unveiled his Opportunity Zone Plan, designed to create an environment in designated communities that allows production to drive the economy, not spending; which encourages risk-taking to drive growth, speaking Friday outside of Michigan Central Station in Detroit, Michigan.

"Opportunity Zones are fundamentally different from other attempts by some public policy makers in the 1990s," said Cain, "as we are trying to energize local small business and indigenous start-ups to participate in these Opportunity Zones."

Addressing recent questions about the "9-9-9 Plan", Cain said, "We carved out a substantial amount from the aggregate "9-9-9 Plan" tax base, enough to exempt those in poverty, and we will work with Congress to best apply these in a way to break the "poverty trap" and replace it with positive incentives that encourage people to work and take risks in this economy."

Mr. Cain's Opportunity Zone Plan has three key principles; First, empower Americans to achieve economic dreams; Second, incentivize Americans to work, invest, and take responsibility for their behavior; and Third, promote widespread equality of economic opportunity."

Mr. Cain explained: "Opportunity Zones in conjunction with the '9-9-9 Plan' will turn the whole country into one giant Opportunity Zone. Some of the most attractive features will be zero capital gains tax, immediate expensing of business equipment, and no payroll taxes are "factory installed" in the '999 Plan' for the whole country to benefit."

Opportunity Zones will allow employers in Zones to make deductions for payroll (as opposed to income) and allow deductions for those living and working in the Zone.  The Zones will provide relief and reward those already struggling in the Zone and likely to lead to economic renewal.

"I will never support equality of results, but I will raise a little Cain and fight for equal opportunity, economic growth, and jobs. And in doing so, we will empower the engine of American Exceptionalism," said Mr. Cain.

Mr. Cain's Opportunity Zones Advisory Committee Co-Chairs, Jerry Gonzalez, J.D.; Niger Innis and Roger Campos, J.D. are well respected national business leaders and legal experts.

Herman Cain Campaign Announces Leading Iowa Republican

The Herman Cain presidential campaign announced Wednesday that former Republican Party of Iowa Chairman, Steve Grubbs, will join the campaign as the Iowa State Chairman.

"We tried a community organizer as president, maybe it's time we put a CEO in the White House," said Grubbs. "I've had the good fortune to work with Bob Dole, Steve Forbes and Tommy Thompson and I can honestly say that I've never quite seen the groundswell of excitement that I'm seeing for Herman Cain."

"Having Steve Grubbs join our team demonstrates the commitment the Cain campaign has for its state-by-state strategy. We believe in our national strategy, but we know that we will need a strong ground based organization to do well in Iowa," said Mark Block, chief of staff for the Cain campaign. "Steve Grubbs has been a part of the Dole Presidential campaigns in '88 and '96 as well as the Forbes campaign in 2000. These presidential bids were well organized campaigns and that's our goal for the caucuses."

Steve Grubbs is considered one of the leading Republican strategists in Iowa. He has worked on four presidential campaigns and more than 100 state and local campaigns in the state. He served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa in '97-98 and served six years in the Iowa House of Representatives prior to that.

"I've looked at the Cain campaign organization and while there's a lot of work to do, it has the ingredients to win. Herman Cain has deep support in Iowa and that makes the job of finding precinct leaders easier," said Grubbs. "Mitt Romney has five years behind his organization in Iowa and that makes him the frontrunner, but the momentum of the Cain campaign is only getting stronger and the enthusiasm for Herman's vision to turn our country around is only getting louder."

25 Oct 2011

LOCAL PILOT HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE DISCOVER FLIGHT THROUGH EAA YOUNG EAGLES PROGRAM

By EEA Communications

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Oct. 20, 2011) - An area pilot has now given more than 100 young people a free demonstration airplane ride as part of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program, which is introducing a new generation to the world of flight.

Among the more than 45,000 pilots around the world who have donated their time and aircraft to the effort is Stephen Beert of Blue Grass, IA.

All pilots in the Young Eagles program explain the safe operation of airplanes and principles of flight before the short trips. Young Eagles flights are provided by volunteer EAA-member pilots in aircraft ranging from the newest airplanes to vintage biplanes. Such interesting aircraft as gliders, helicopters, and even hot air balloons and blimps have also been used for Young Eagles flights.

Since 1992, the EAA Young Eagles program has flown more than 1.6 million young people free of charge. Recent research shows that these young people are five times more likely to become pilots than non-Young Eagles. They also already comprise more than seven percent of the nation's pilot population under age 35, as nearly 20,000 pilots are former Young Eagles participants.

Participating young people become official Young Eagles with the flight, with the names of the pilots and the participants are also included in the "World's Largest Logbook" that is on permanent display in the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis., and online through the Young Eagles website.

A Young Eagles flight is the first step in EAA's Flight Plan, which helps young people move from an initial flight toward the full potential of aviation. Among the menu of Flight Plan activities available is a free EAA student membership, free access to Sporty's Online Pilot Training Course, a free flight lesson, and reimbursement for the costs of a successful FAA written test in addition to more than $300,000 in scholarships and awards available to young people each year.

Visit www.youngeagles.org for more information.

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 170,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.

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25 Oct 2011

Illinois Enters Race to the Top Competition for New $70 Million Grant

By Katelyn Tye

Funding Would Boost Early Childhood Services Statewide and Ensure Better Coordination and Excellence

SPRINGFIELD - October 20, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn announced today that Illinois submitted an application to the federal "Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Fund," which is worth $70 million in early childhood education funding and would significantly improve the coordination and quality of early childhood services in Illinois. The application was submitted to the federal Department of Education as part of the $500 million dollar competition. As a large state, Illinois would be eligible for up to a $70 million award.

Illinois' comprehensive application aims to build on Governor Pat Quinn's strong emphasis on early childhood education by developing a more unified approach to supporting young children and their families. The funds would help ensure that Illinois children enter kindergarten with the necessary skills and knowledge for success.

"The best long-term economic plan Illinois can have is a solid education system that prepares our children for a 21st century workforce," Governor Quinn said. "This proposal gives our state an opportunity to increase access to quality early learning and development programs and to help serve many more children from low income families in high quality programs."

The collaborative multi-agency grant requests funds to expand and intensify initiatives the Illinois State Board of Education, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children and Family Services currently fund in communities of high need. Home visiting, child screening and assessment, and family support services would be enhanced based on the latest best practice to positively impact the development of children early in life. The U.S. Department of Education will announce awards later this year for states that are leading the way with ambitious, achievable plans for implementing coherent, compelling, and comprehensive early learning education reform.

The  Illinois State Board of Education has proposed new Early Childhood rules that would require any school district that offers kindergarten- half or full day- to administer the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey, or KIDS, starting in the 2014-15 school year.

KIDS will provide comprehensive information about children's developmental competencies over time and inform whether Illinois' kindergarteners have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in school. Additionally, ISBE proposes to share information about its preschool programs in a rating system already used for childcare programs registered through the Illinois Department of Human Services. The Board will review public comment and make a final decision on these proposals next spring.

"Investing in early childhood programs and collaborating with other state agencies to benefit young children is one of the most cost-effective strategies for improving education and our economy,'' said State Board of Education Chairman Gery Chico. "I'm confident that Illinois' history as a state with strong early childhood programming makes us a perfect candidate to earn this grant and develop practices that can be used in Illinois and replicated around the nation.''

IDHS currently administers the voluntary Quality Counts Quality Rating System for child care centers and homes operating full day. The Governor's office and state agencies listed above will work together over the next four years to dramatically expand the rating system to include part and full day, school and center-based early learning and development programs and all licensed child care. Part day programs will include Illinois' Preschool for All programs and federally funded Head Start programs. The expanded 5 Star system will have state facility requirements and quality criteria that must be met for programs to be at a Star Level.

If Illinois is successful in receiving the grant, funds will support extensive professional development resources and coaching opportunities for early learning and development program providers to aid them in achieving higher Star levels.

Illinois' "Early Learning Challenge Fund" application is designed to provide consistency and ensure improvement in the quality of programs offered through state funds by focusing on educational and developmental components, family support and staff competency. Through greater inter-agency collaboration, Illinois aims to offer a coordinated system of high-quality early learning and development services available, particularly for children and families considered to be at risk.

For more information about the Illinois Early Learning Council and to view Illinois' application, visit www2.illinois.gov/earlychildhood/Pages/EarlyLearningChallenge.aspx

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25 Oct 2011

Safe Kids Releases First-of-Its Kind Halloween Research Study

By Craig Cooper
Twice As Many Child Pedestrians Are Killed While Walking on Halloween

Quad Cities - Safe Kids Quad Cities shares the newest research report on Halloween safety to Quad Cities area; a key finding showing that only one third of parents talk to their children annually about Halloween safety. This is a first-of-its kind study on Halloween-safety, which was commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct a poll of 935 parents with children ages 12 and younger to assess their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to Halloween safety.

"Given children's limited attention spans, repeated and consistent messages about safe behaviors are key to preventing injuries," says Keene Hart. "By following the basic safety tips provided by Safe Kids, Halloween can be a fun and safe night for children of all ages."

On average, twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to other days of the year. On this potentially dangerous night of the year for child pedestrians, Safe Kids Quad Cities strongly recommends that parents prepare children to behave safely and for drivers to take extra precautions.

While most of the parent participants in the study have talked to their children about Halloween safety at some point, many have not made it an annual conversation. Safe Kids Quad Cities urges parents to engage in repeated discussions with each child, every year to reinforce safety messages and safe behaviors because of the risks they face on Halloween.

According to the study, 40 percent of parents allow their child to use one or more unsafe item on Halloween such as a mask, loosing fitting clothing, and / or a sharp object - any of which could contribute to falls, burns or pedestrian injuries. These are preventable hazards that could be avoided by following Safe Kids Quad Cities safety tips.

Another key finding of this report shows twelve percent of children five years of age or younger are permitted to trick-or-treat alone. Not only should these young children be accompanied by an adult, but it is also recommended by Safe Kids that no child under 12 years of age spend Halloween night navigating the streets unsupervised. This recommendation was made to protect children who often lack the maturity and cognitive ability to make appropriate decisions to accurately judge speeds and distance.

"It is alarming to hear that children ages five years and younger are trick-or-treating without adult supervision," added Keene Hart. "If they are old enough and mature enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, parents should make sure children go out in groups and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting."

In preparation for Halloween, Safe Kids Quad Cities will team up with Walk This Way program sponsor FedEx to provide kids with reflective materials to promote visibility, including zipper tags that can be attached to costumes and trick-or-treat bags, as well as important safety information to children, parents, and drivers. The Halloween study was made possible through funding provided by FedEx.

To ensure a safer celebration of Halloween, Safe Kids Quad Cities and FedEx recommend the following tips to parents and caregivers:

Trick-or-Treating Safety:

  • Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.

  • Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

  • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

  • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, choose light colored costumes that fit properly and avoid carrying sticks, swords, or other sharp objects.

  • Check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the wrapper is faded, torn, or unwrapped.

What Drivers Need to Know:

  • Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

  • Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on early in the day so you can spot children from greater distances.

  • Remember that costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle.

  • Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

25 Oct 2011

Calder Quartet performs this Saturday

By Jared Johnson

The Signature Series, a collection of small acoustic ensembles performing in diverse halls around the Quad Cities begins this weekend with the Calder Quartet. This group from Los Angeles, brought to the Quad Cities as part of the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series, performs in the Grand Lobby of the Putnam Museum Saturday at 8 PM. The Calder Quartet performs a unique array of repertoire including traditional quartet music, as well as that from innovative, modern composers and emerging musicians across genres.

 

Tickets for the concerts are just $18, and if you buy all three Signature Series concerts you can save 15%. January 21 will feature the Lyrebird Ensemble at the Figge Art Museum and May 19 will feature the driving rhythms of composer Marc Mellits at the River Music Experience. The first thing you'll do after each concert in is tweet: "That was the best music I've heard in a long time."

 

To read more about the Calder Quartet, click here. Or see them playing Mozart's 'Dissonance' Quartet and other videos by clicking here.

 

I see a concert in your future...

 

The 2011-12 Masterworks season continues on November 5th and 6th with Poems on Fate: a collection of symphonic poems all dealing with the question of why we do what we do. This concert brings together four sonic essays: Verdi's Overture to the La Forza del Destino, Brahms' choral Song of Destiny, and Strauss' glorious Death and Transfiguration, and Liszt's well-known meditation Les Preludes, portraying all of life as a well-orchestrated prelude to that which comes after.

 

Tickets for Masterworks II may be purchased at 800.745.3000, at all Ticketmaster outlets, or by clicking here. A portion of the proceeds from this concert benefits community health and the charity care needs of our neighbors through the Genesis Health System.

 

Holiday Pops featuring Todd Eldredge

 

Ice skating returns to the Holiday Pops as Olympic ice skater Todd Eldredge, couples skating team Andy and Lindsey Seitz, and the Figure Skating Club of the Quad Cities join the Quad City Symphony Orchestra for this year's Holiday Pops! Guest conductor Michael Butterman, a favorite with the Holiday Pops audience, also returns to lead this star-studded spectacular. Holiday Pops is on November 19 at 7:30 PM and kicks off Quad City Arts' Festival of Trees, along with the Festival of Trees Parade and the Lighting of the Commons. This concert is sponsored by John Deere.

 

Conductor Michael Butterman and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra will also be joined on stage by actor John Getz, known for his roles in such films as the Social Network and Zodiac, and jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis. Both John Getz and Jon Faddis are brought to the Quad Cities by Quad City Arts. And of course the Holiday Pops concert would not be complete without the hundreds of voices from the Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church, Davenport, and the Holiday Pops Children's Chorus.

 

Tickets are on sale now at the i wireless Center box office, at 800.745.3000, or online at www.qcsymphony.com. Tables along the ice are $45 per seat, with tiered pricing in the arena ranging from $15 to $35. Seniors and children can save $2 per ticket and groups of 15 or more can save even more by calling the i wireless Center group sales department at 309.277.1356.

25 Oct 2011

Ron Paul Presidential Campaign Announces Major New Ad Buy

By Randy Stalsberg
Two new ads capture momentum following 'Plan to Restore America' rollout
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced today the release of two new broadcast campaign ads that capitalize on the aggressive posture Dr. Paul displayed during his Las Vegas, Nevada "Plan to Restore America" launch.

The 30-second spot "Plan" clearly explains Paul's balanced budget plan to voters, and the 60-second spot "Consistent" compares his distinguished record of advocating conservative principles with the records of his establishment opponents Herman Cain, Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. 

"Plan" and "Consistent" are part of a two week, multi-million dollar blitz in the key early states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada.  The campaign will also run radio versions of these spots, and complement the broadcast push with substantial voter outreach on the same topics.

"The absolutely positive reception of Ron Paul's 'Plan to Restore America' means we're obligated to meet an even higher standard of outreach and discussion," said Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton, a "Plan to Restore America" co-author.

"No other Republican candidate's economic plan matches that of Dr. Paul's, so in turn we thought it only right to follow with a worthy campaign advertising effort," said Mr. Benton.

To view "Plan" click here.  To view "Consistent" click here.
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25 Oct 2011

A Behind the Scene Look at the Asian Carp

By Narveen Aryaputri

October 27,  2011

2nd Floor of  the Moline Commercial Club

1530 Fifth Avenue.  Moline. Illinois.

by Michael Grady, Export Manager at Schafer Fisheries, Thompson, Illinois,

will present why the newest species of carp in America is the most misunderstood fish in America.
Denigrated as inferior and invasive by the media, the Asian carps are in fact delicious, nutritious and an excellent low calorie alternative to hamburger in the American diet.

7.00 p.m. at the The Moline Commercial Club

1530 Fifth Ave. Moline.

Light refreshments, wine and beverages are served.

The event is free and open to the public, doors open at 6.30

Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. a 501(c)3 at state and federal level since 1996. www.qcinstitute.org tel.# 309-762-9202

25 Oct 2011

Legislation to Strengthen, Update Whistleblower Protections Clears Committee

By Grassley Press

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that legislation to strengthen and update the Whistleblower Protection Act unanimously passed the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.

Grassley is one of the primary authors of the bill, known as the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act.  The bill was introduced on April 6.  The legislation is sponsored by Senator Daniel K. Akaka of Hawaii and is cosponsored by Grassley along with Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, Carl Levin of Michigan, Tom Carper of Delaware, Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Tom Harkin of Iowa, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Jon Tester of Montana, Mark Begich of Alaska, Ben Cardin of Maryland, and Chris Coons of Delaware.

"Whistleblowers come forward when it isn't easy.  They risk their livelihoods to bring the truth to light.  Yet, they are often vilified by their supervisors and coworkers for doing the right thing and revealing fraud, waste and abuse in the federal government," Grassley said.  "Moving the bill through committee is a step in the right direction, but further improvements, like adding timelines for the Attorney General to address FBI whistleblower retaliation cases, are necessary to make sure these cases don't languish at the Justice Department, as two have for more than 5 years."

The legislation would:

  • clarify that "any" disclosure of gross waste or mismanagement, fraud, abuse, or illegal activity may be protected, but not disagreements over legitimate policy decisions;
  • suspend the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals sole jurisdiction over federal employee whistleblower cases for five years;
  • extend Whistleblower Protection Act coverage and other non-discrimination and anti-retaliatory laws to all employees of the Transportation Security Administration;
  • clarify that whistleblowers may disclose evidence of censorship of scientific or technical information under the same standards that apply to disclosures of other kinds of waste, fraud, and abuse;
  • codify the anti-gag provision that has been part of every Transportation-Treasury Appropriations bill since 1988;
  • allow jury trials under certain circumstances for a period of five years;
  • provide the Merit System Protection Board with authority to consider and grant summary judgment motions in Whistleblower Protection Act cases for a period of 5 years;
  • clarify that employees protected by the Whistleblower Protection Act may make protected classified disclosures to Congress using the same process as Intelligence Community employees;
  • establish protections for the Intelligence Community modeled on existing whistleblower protections for FBI employees;
  • establish a process within the executive branch for review if a security clearance is allegedly denied or revoked because of a protected whistleblower disclosure;
  • establish Whistleblower Protection Ombudsmen to educate agency personnel about whistleblower rights; and
  • provide the Office of Special Counsel with the independent right to file "friend of the court" briefs, or amicus briefs, with federal courts.

A long-time advocate for whistleblowers, in addition to co-authoring the 1989 whistleblower law, Grassley sponsored changes made in 1986 to the President Lincoln-era federal False Claims Act to empower private sector whistleblowers.  Since the 1986 amendments were signed into law, the False Claims Act has brought back more than $27 billion to the federal treasury, and has deterred even more fraudulent activity. In 2009, in coordination with Senator Patrick Leahy, Grassley worked to pass legislation to shore up whistleblower protections in the False Claims Act that had been eroded by the courts after years of litigation by defense and healthcare contractors.

Grassley is also the author of legislation that would give whistleblower protections to employees in the legislative branch as provided already to employees of the executive branch of government. He recently won approval of an amendment that would give whistleblower protections to employees in the judicial branch.  The amendment was added to a bill considered in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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25 Oct 2011

Governor Quinn Helps Illinois Consumers Access Important Information about their Doctors

By Nafia Khan

Illinois Launches New Searchable Physician Profile Website

CHICAGO - October 19, 2011. As part of his ongoing efforts to increase consumer protections and transparency in Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today launched a website that makes important information regarding Illinois' physicians available to the public. Maintained by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the site offers consumers the information they need to make good decisions about their families' health care.

"Information is power, and we want to make sure that people get the information they need to make informed decisions about the doctors who treat them," Governor Quinn said. "This online tool will provide valuable assistance for patients as they choose health care providers for their families."

The website allows health care consumers to review important information about the professional and disciplinary backgrounds of the more than 46,000 physicians and surgeons licensed to practice in Illinois. It offers a search engine that is easy to use, and enables consumers to search by the physician's name, specialty, geographic region or hospital affiliation. The program also allows consumers to compare several doctors who have similar specialties.

More than 85 percent of all licensed physicians and surgeons have provided the information necessary to create or update their profiles. Categories of information available to consumers include : the location and scope of practice; the type of insurance the physician accepts; specialties and certifications; legal and disciplinary actions taken against the physician; educational background; and professional activities or honors.

"It is clear that Illinoisans are craving this information and  they should," said Brent Adams, Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation. "Everyone is entitled to providing informed consent to medical treatment - not just being informed as to the procedure or medication, but also being informed as to who is recommending that course of treatment."

The new website takes the place of Illinois' original physician profile website, which was available between 2008 and 2010 and was removed as part of a larger Supreme Court decision. At the time, it averaged over 150,000 hits per week by over 42,000 unique visitors. The Patients' Right to Know Act (House Bill 105), signed into law by the Governor earlier this year, restored Illinois' consumers' right to access this important health care information.

"This legislation is needed even more today than it was in 2008, especially as more doctors are receiving performance-based pay," Representative Mary Flowers, House sponsor of HB 105, said. "It provides valuable information to patients when they go to select a health care provider."

"The Patients Right to Know Act will help to ensure that consumers are choosing the right physician for their needs," Senator Delgado, Chairman of the Senate Public Health Committee and Senate sponsor, said.  "The database created under this Act will enable anyone to search by a doctor's partial first or last name, city, specialty, keyword, or hospital affiliation. Patients will be able to find out ahead of time if the physician has any the specialty certifications or legal and disciplinary actions for the past 5 years in addition to being able to see their resumes."

To find a physician's profile, visit the IDFPR's website: www.idfpr.com, or visit DoctorInfo.illinois.gov.

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