Historic Overhaul will Help Prevent Food Contamination, Improve Illness Outbreak Response

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) hailed today's Senate passage of legislation to better protect Americans against contaminated food and food-borne illness.  The measure passed by a vote of 73 to 25.  Harkin, who is Chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), is a lead sponsor of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, and has worked closely with a bipartisan group of Senators over the past year to establish a broad coalition of support for the bill.

"For too long, we've allowed trips to the grocery store to be a gamble for American families," said Harkin.  "The bipartisan bill passed by the Senate today will give our citizens some long-overdue peace of mind in the supermarket aisles, establishing tough new protections against contaminated food.  By working with our colleagues across the aisle, today we've scored an important victory for the American people.  I hope this will serve as an example of what we can do to improve the lives of citizens across the country by working together."

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act will:

  • Improve prevention of food contamination through identification of hazards before food becomes contaminated.
  • Allow the FDA to issue mandatory recalls in the event that businesses do not voluntarily recall harmful foods.
  • Require grocery stores and other food retailers to notify consumers if they have sold food that has been recalled.
  • Improve disease surveillance so outbreaks can be discovered earlier.
  • Allow FDA to respond more quickly when food-borne illness does occur by improving the ability to trace contaminated food back to its source.


A summary of the legislation is below:

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act

Recent outbreaks of food-borne illness and nationwide recalls of contaminated food from both domestic and foreign sources highlight the need to modernize and strengthen our nation's food safety system. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act is a bipartisan plan that provides new food safety tools and updates food safety standards to ensure the safety of our food supply.


Improves Our Capacity to Prevent Food Safety Problems

  • Hazard analysis and preventive controls: Facilities must identify, evaluate, and address hazards and prevent adulteration via a food safety plan. In certain circumstances, gives FDA access to these plans and relevant documentation.
  • Access to facility records: Expands FDA access to a registered facility's records in a food emergency.
  • 3rd party testing: Provides for laboratory accreditation bodies to ensure U.S. food testing labs meet high quality standards and, in certain circumstances, requires food testing performed by these labs to be reported to FDA. Allows FDA to enable qualified 3rd parties to certify that foreign food facilities comply with U.S. food safety standards.
  • Imports: Requires importers to verify the safety of foreign suppliers and imported food. Allows FDA to require certification for high-risk foods, and to deny entry to a food that lacks certification or that is from a foreign facility that has refused U.S. inspectors.


Improves Our Capacity to Detect and Respond to Food-borne Illness Outbreaks

  • Inspection -Increases the number of FDA inspections at all food facilities.
  • Surveillance - Enhances food-borne illness surveillance systems to improve the collection, analysis, reporting, and usefulness of data on food-borne illnesses.
  • Traceability - Enhances tracking and tracing of high-risk foods and directs the Secretary to establish a pilot project to test and evaluate new methods for rapidly and effectively tracking and tracing food in the event of a food-borne illness outbreak.
  • Mandatory Recall - Allows FDA to initiate a mandatory recall of a food product when a company fails to voluntarily recall the contaminated product upon FDA's request.
  • Suspension of Registration - Allows FDA to suspend a food facility's registration if there is a reasonable probability that food from the facility will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.


Enhances U.S. Food Defense Capabilities - Directs FDA to help food companies protect their products from intentional contamination, and calls for a national strategy to protect our food supply from terrorist threats and rapidly respond to food emergencies.

Increases FDA Resources - Authorizes increased funding for FDA's food safety activities, such as hiring personnel, and includes targeted non-compliance fees for domestic and foreign facilities.

Regulatory Flexibility - Modernizes our food safety system without being burdensome. Provides training for facilities to comply with the new safety requirements and includes special accommodations for small businesses and farms. Exempts small businesses from certain aspects of the produce standards and preventive control requirements.

Without action, two million Americans will lose coverage

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today joined 28 senators in calling for a vote to preserve unemployment insurance for another year.  Without action, benefits for workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own will begin to expire on Tuesday, November 30.  In a letter sent to Senate leadership, the senators urged a continuation of the unemployment benefits program through December 31, 2011.

The senators wrote: "Currently, the national unemployment rate is 9.6 percent.  At the current rate, without a reauthorization, we would cut the life line that millions of Americans use to stay afloat.  Equally importantly, we would endanger our fragile economic recovery by reducing the amount Americans spend on groceries, utilities and other basic needs."

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, if Congress fails to take action, two million workers will lose their unemployment benefits this December.   Each month after that, over one million more would fall off the rolls.  By April 2011, six million workers would be without benefits.

Preserving unemployment benefits will not only provide vital assistance to laid off workers and their families, it will have a significant benefit to the economy.  Goldman Sachs has said that an expiration of unemployment benefits would cause economic growth to fall by half a percentage point.  The Economic Policy Institute has said that extending benefits would increase the gross domestic product by 0.7 percent and create the full-time equivalent of 723,000 jobs.  A U.S. Department of Labor report commissioned by the Bush Administration found that unemployment benefits in the recent recession saved 1.6 million jobs per quarter and lowered the unemployment rate by 1.2 percent.

The letter is signed by Senators Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Mark Begich (D-AK), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Roland W. Burris (D-IL), Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Robert Casey (D-PA), Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY), John F. Kerry (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), Carl Levin (D-MI), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tom Udall (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The text of the letter sent to the Senate Majority Leader and Chairman of the Finance Committee is below:


The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
United States Senate
S-221, U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Max Baucus
Chairman, Finance Committee
United States Senate
511 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Majority Leader Reid and Chairman Baucus,

We are writing to urge a reauthorization of the current federal unemployment benefits programs through December 31, 2011.  As our nation continues to battle high unemployment rates, we must act immediately to continue vital safety net coverage for those most in need.

With nearly 15 million Americans unemployed and the number of unemployed expected to remain high beyond 2011, a long-term renewal of the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program and full federal funding of the Extended Benefit programs are necessary to keep our economy on the road to recovery, as well as to keep food on the table and a roof over the head of families across America.  

For the past six decades, Congress has provided federally funded unemployment insurance benefits during every recession.  Further, federal unemployment insurance benefits have always been provided until the economy was on a stable path of growth.  In fact, the highest unemployment rate at which federally funded unemployment benefits were not extended was 7.2 percent.  Currently, the national unemployment rate is 9.6 percent.  At the current rate, without a reauthorization, we would cut the life line that millions of Americans use to stay afloat.  Equally importantly, we would endanger our fragile economic recovery by reducing the amount Americans spend on groceries, utilities and other basic needs.  A reduction in consumer spending would cause a direct negative impact on the economic recovery.  Goldman Sachs has estimated that if federal unemployment benefits are allowed to expire, growth would fall by half a percentage point.  An end to this vital safety net program would not only harm millions of Americans, it would also be counterproductive in spurring economic growth.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, if Congress fails to take action, two million workers will lose their unemployment benefits this December.   Each month after that, over 1 million more would fall off the rolls, and by April 2011, 6 million workers would be without benefits.  When there is a single job for every five unemployed workers, ending federally funded unemployment insurance programs will only send more Americans on the path to poverty.  

We understand the fiscal concerns that arise when debating a continuation of unemployment insurance programs.  However, a broad spectrum of economists has stated that these benefits have a significant stimulative effect and a greater impact on gross domestic product than most other federal programs.  In fact, the Economic Policy Institute has stated that an extension of federally funded extended benefits would increase gross domestic product by 0.7 percent and save or create the full-time equivalent of 723,000 jobs.  A U.S. Department of Labor report, commissioned during the Bush Administration, has found that unemployment benefits during the most recent recession saved 1.6 million jobs per quarter, lowered the unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points, and reduced the decline in gross domestic product by 18.3 percent.  Based on this information, now is not the time to end federally funded unemployment benefits.

Federally funded benefits will begin to expire on November 30th.  Due to the impending date, we request action be taken immediately to reauthorize these important benefits through December 31, 2011.  We thank you for your consideration of our request.  As we recover from the worst recession since the 1930s, we are committed to ensuring our constituents are able to properly provide for their families.   

Amana - If it' s laughter you crave this holiday season, venture with us into the mind of best selling author David Sedaris as The Old Creamery Theatre Company presents his Santaland Diaries. Not your warm and fuzzy tale, but sure to make you laugh, The Old Creamery Theatre' s production opens Thursday, Dec. 9 on the Studio Stage at 3023 220th Trail in Middle Amana.


Featuring The Old Creamery' s Nicholas Hodge, this one-man show tells of the unique adventures of an actor working as an elf in Macy' s Santaland during the holiday season. Based on Sedaris' true experiences The Santaland Diaries debuted on National Public Radio' s Morning Edition.

The Santaland Diaries is rated theatre R and runs through Dec. 19. Show times are Thursdays, and Sundays at 3 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22.50 for adults and $15.50 for students. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are always welcome if seats are available. Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for tickets or more information.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 39 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest. We thank KGAN and Fox 28, our 2010 season media sponsor.


Launches Annual Holiday Card Drive for Wounded Troops, Urges Support for Homeless Veterans at Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

CHICAGO - November 29, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today joined local schoolchildren to light the state of Illinois' annual holiday tree and launch the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive. Governor Quinn encouraged schoolchildren from across the state to take part in the annual drive by making holiday cards for servicemembers at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany. Governor Quinn will personally deliver the cards during a visit to troops at LRMC later this year.

"We want every servicemember who is spending the holidays at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center to know that we are all thinking of them and are grateful for their courage and sacrifice," said Governor Quinn. "I encourage everyone in Illinois to join me in supporting our servicemembers and Veterans this holiday season."

This year will mark the sixth time that Governor Quinn has visited Illinois troops and their families at LRMC. The center is the largest American hospital outside of the United States. For more information on how to participate in the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive, please visit OperationHomefront.org.

Governor Quinn was also joined at the tree lighting ceremony by Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Director Dan Grant and representatives from a number of Veterans' organizations to encourage residents throughout the state to support homeless Veterans during the holidays. The IDVA operates the Prince Home for Homeless and Disabled Veterans, a facility that has become a national model for supportive housing and therapeutic services for homeless Veterans.

"Everyone always asks what they can do to help Veterans, especially at this time of the year," said Director Grant. "Supporting the organizations that are providing essential services for homeless Veterans and helping them to rebuild their lives is one of the best ways you can do it."

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that approximately one-third of the nation's adult homeless population is made up of Veterans, with many suffering mental illness and alcohol and/or substance abuse problems. In Illinois, nearly 10 percent of the homeless population is made up of Veterans.

Governor Quinn was also joined at the tree lighting ceremony by the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center Inspirational Choir and Chase Bernardi, a formerly homeless Iraq War Veteran.

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Independent Scholar's Evening

Thursday, December 2nd @ 7.00 p.m.

We will continue with our entries in

"Life on the Mississippi - The New Millennium."

We will have archival pens handy.

Free flowing entries are welcome in addition to.

Scholars making entries of their poetry and thoughts.

2nd Floor of

The Moline Commercial Club

513 16th Street

Moline Il 61265

Wine, beverages and light refreshments are hosted.

Cash bar is available at 6:30 pm.



The Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by

The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd.

A 501(c)3 organization at state and federal levels incorporated in 1996

www.qcinstitute.org

The event is free and open to the public

URBANA - Tony Franklin was recently named University of Illinois Extension Director for the multi-county unit comprised of Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Stark counties.

"While there will be many challenges as we transition into the multi-county system," Franklin said, "the initial challenge will be to establish relationships with key stakeholders and volunteers, but it's one I'm really looking forward to."

Franklin was Associate Dean of Students at Knox College before joining University of Illinois Extension in 2001. He has served on numerous regional and statewide committees.

My vision for Unit 7 is to provide quality high impact programs that address critical issues and provide public value.  Goals and program initiatives will be implemented by a team of Educators in the following subject areas:  4-H Youth Development and Military Youth; Family and Consumer Sciences; Horticulture; and Community Development.  Specific programs will be determined based on local needs

The change in leadership came as the result of a restructuring of Extension due to a reduction in state funding.

"Even though Units are larger, we want to reassure everyone that the help you need from Extension will be just as accessible as it has been in the past" said Robert Hoeft, Interim Associate Dean for Extension and Outreach.  Hoeft says "People can still call the same phone numbers or use the same emails they have in the past to reach their local Extension staff."

The Extension educators who have been also been named are:  Jennifer Garner, Community Development; Cheryl Geitner, 4-H Youth and Military; Martha Smith, Horticulture; and Janice McCoy, Family Life.

An educator in Expanded Food and Nutrition Education has yet to be named.

For more information about how to find your local Extension office or personnel, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/.

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CHICAGO - November 24, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today approved 20 and denied 48 clemency petitions. This action marks another step in a series of clemency decisions aimed at ending a massive backlog of nearly 2,500 cases that built up during the previous administration.

The 68 clemency petitions acted upon by Governor Quinn are from the October 2003, January 2004, April 2004 and July 2004 dockets.  Each person granted clemency has recently undergone a criminal background check through the Illinois State Police's Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS).

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has acted on 810 clemency petitions. Governor Quinn has granted 317 pardons, authorized eight persons who had already received pardons to seek expungement of their convictions, granted one commutation and denied 425 petitions.

For further information on the approved clemency cases, please contact the Prisoner Review Board at (217) 502-0948.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., November 24, 2010) - EPA Region 7 has ordered Heartland Plating Co., of Bettendorf, Iowa, and its owners to immediately address a series of issues related to the improper storage and management of hazardous wastes at the metal electroplating facility.

Last month, EPA representatives inspected Heartland Plating's operations at 3900 Elm Street in Bettendorf, and documented throughout the facility spilled and abandoned materials for which the company's representatives could not provide complete and accurate hazardous waste determinations.

Based on container labels and information provided by Heartland employees, EPA inspectors were able to determine that the company was storing or treating a number of wastes, including chromium, zinc, cyanide, cobalt, potassium permanganate, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide.

A unilateral administrative order issued today in Kansas City, Kan., requires Heartland Plating and its owners, Marion Patigler and the Estate of Gerhard Patigler, to take several immediate actions to address violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

The order directs the respondents to refrain from removing or relocating materials currently located at the facility until EPA determines the waste is being handled safely; immediately certify compliance with hazardous waste regulations or halt the generation and management of wastes until such certification can be made; identify all solid and hazardous wastes currently being treated, stored or disposed at the facility; and restrict access to areas of the property where solid and hazardous wastes have been stored or disposed, and to areas where hazardous material has been released.

Additionally, the respondents are ordered to formulate a plan for proper management or disposal of all solid and hazardous wastes at the facility in compliance with RCRA regulations, and to conduct an investigation to determine if wastes have migrated off the site. They must also undertake an immediate cleanup of any hazardous releases on the property, as well as a cleanup of the building and any surrounding areas that may be contaminated.

# # #

Learn more about EPA's civil enforcement of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act:

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/rcra/index.html

December Events and Music at Cool Beanz Coffeehouse
1325 30th Street Rock Island Illinois
309.558.0909

Tuesdays 14 & 28 Open Mic (6:30-9): Come on down and hear some great local talent performing their favorite songs.  Or come share some of what you have been working on with us. All acts welcome, PA provided.

Friday 3 Betty Z (6-9pm): Betty sings with unmatched power, emotion, and talent.  There is not a doubt that when Betty Z sings, she connects and has entered in behind the veil.  She ever remains thankful to God for all she has, and for all she has come through in this life.

Saturday 4 Kevin Grastorf (6-9pm): Kevin Grastorf is a Singer-Songwriter who will be performing songs from his first album "Courting the Muse" and more.You can listen to "Courting the Muse"at www.myspace.com/kevingrastorf.

Friday 10 Angela Meyer (6-9pm): Angela is an up-and-coming QC native who not only plays guitar and sings, but also writes her own songs.  While mostly on an acoustic country/pop feel, Angela uses influences from all across the musical spectrum.
are sponsoring a free family event with Holiday Tree lighting by Rock Island Mayor Denis Pauley, live music, pictures with santa, Ice sculptors, holiday crafts, raffles and prizes

Saturday 11 Sarah Allner (6-9pm): Sarah Allner is a local musician from Orion, who plays acoustic Americana-folk.  Not only does she play old-time tunes you will love to remember, but also original songs from the heart.

Friday 17 NSAI (6:30-9pm): Come listen to songwriters perform their own original music and reveal what sparked the song genesis... Songwriters are all are welcome to perform and original song or two.

Saturday 18 The Tangents (6-9pm): This duo plays fun music for all ages and always promises a great time.  This will be a night bursting with fun!

The Chordbuster Chorus present:  "An Old Fashioned Christmas", a Christmas musical variety program featuring: The Chordbuster Chorus, 2nd Baptist Church Brotherhood Male Chorus, Davenport North High School Chamber Singers, and quartets:  A Touch of Fun, Possible Side Effects and Choir Boys.
Saturday, December 11th, 2 p.m.
Second Baptist Church, 919 6th Ave., Rock Island.
Tickets: $5.
12 and under: free.
Information:  (563) 332-4810.
 
The Chordbuster Chorus promotes a cappella, barbershop-style harmony singing as a way of enriching people's lives.

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