BAUCUS, GRASSLEY, STARK RELEASE GAO REPORT  SHOWING NEED FOR TRANSPARENCY IN NURSING HOME OWNERSHIP
Report Highlights Need for Better Accountability and Transparency
in Private Investment Firm Ownership of Nursing Homes

Washington, DC - Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health Chairman Pete Stark (D-CA) released a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report today on the need for greater transparency regarding companies' ownership of nursing homes.  Baucus, Grassley and Stark requested the report, titled "Complexity of Private Investment Purchases Demonstrates Need for CMS to Improve the Usability and Completeness of Ownership Data."  The report highlights the increasing rate at which private investment firms are purchasing nursing homes and the lack of transparency in nursing home ownership arrangements that often results.  The lack of clear ownership information makes it difficult for consumers and regulators to know who owns the nursing home and who bears responsibility for decision-making affecting quality of care and to hold those responsible parties accountable.  Baucus, Grassley and Stark have long worked to improve the accountability of nursing home owners across the country in an effort to protect Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and taxpayer dollars.  The lawmakers have requested a subsequent GAO report that will evaluate the relationship between these corporate structures and the quality of care provided to nursing home residents.

"Nursing home residents and their families deserve to know the full story about who is ultimately responsible for their care," said Baucus.  "Federal health care officials need full and detailed information so they can properly oversee these nursing homes and hold the correct parties accountable for keeping patients safe and well-cared for.  The new health reform law, the Affordable Care Act, works to address some of the problems highlighted in today's report by significantly increasing transparency and shedding light on the ownership and safety of nursing homes.  We will continue to keep a close eye on the implementation of these transparency measures to ensure we have a clear picture of who is accountable for the quality of care in nursing homes."

"I've been fighting for greater transparency and accountability for nursing home residents and their families for more than decade," Grassley said.  "This report provides further evidence of what we already knew - that the federal government needs to do a better job giving nursing home residents -- including Medicare beneficiaries - complete, accurate and timely information so they can make the right choices when choosing a nursing home.  I'll continue my vigorous oversight to hold the system accountable.  We owe that to nursing home residents."

"This GAO report found that a handful of private equity firms have been buying up nursing homes over the past decade - leaving seniors and their loved ones in the dark about who is making the decisions about their care," said Stark.  "New disclosure requirements in the health reform law will shed light on who owns nursing homes, who is making care decisions, and how these facilities are being run.  I intend to monitor CMS's progress in implementing the law, and look forward to a future report on the relationship between ownership and quality of care."

The GAO report details how private investment firms acquired 1,876 nursing homes from 1998 to 2008, with ten large firms accounting for 89 percent of the purchases. According to the report, then-current law did not require sufficient disclosure of information on multi-home chains and led to a lack of accountability across the industry.  The three lawmakers noted that provisions enacted into law in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provide CMS an opportunity to address these shortcomings and may be the solution to problems identified in the GAO report.  Specifically, the Affordable Care Act requires nursing homes to provide information to state and federal health officials about the facility's ownership, governing body and organizational structure.  The new law also increases transparency of information related to nursing home staffing, certifications, complaints, criminal violations and expenditures, including wages and benefits for staff.  This increased transparency will help improve patient care by making clear who is ultimately responsible for keeping patients safe and well cared for.    The three lawmakers will be monitoring CMS's efforts to improve transparency as required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and as recommended in the GAO report.  Today's GAO report is available here.

 

 

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French-inspired Nouveau wine tradition becomes a 26-year tradition in Galena, Illinois

GALENA, Ill. - "Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!" Simply translated, "Wine lovers: get ready, get set, go!" The third Thursday of November marks the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau, and the opportunity to be the first to sample the new, shortly fermented wine, previewing the current year's fall harvest.

In France, this tradition began well over a century ago. In Galena, Illinois, it kicked off at the hands of Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery in 1985. Today, it's grown to be a full-blown community celebration inviting epicureans of all levels to enjoy all things wine.

The weekend officially kicks off Friday, November 19 at 2:30 pm when the familiar "clip clop" of horse hooves will be heard throughout Galena's downtown. On board the horse-drawn wagons sporting revelers is a celebrated guest that will have the entire town in merriment all weekend?Galena Cellars' 2010 Nouveau wine.

Local restaurants embrace the celebration, offering traditional Nouveau-inspired luncheons and wine tastings, live music and receptions. Throughout the weekend, wine lovers can also enjoy vineyard tours (Galena boasts three area vineyards), winemaker dinners, wine-inspired pampering such as spa and shopping specials and lodging packages.

New to this years' celebration is a Grand Tasting offering a sampling of more than 200 wines. A great value at only $30 per person ($35 at the door), the Grand Tasting takes place on Saturday, November 20 from 3:30-6 pm at Galena's Convention Center (900 Galena Square Drive).

Advanced tickets purchase (recommended), as well as a complete list of weekend happenings and offerings are available online at www.nouveauweekend.com. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling (877) Go-Galena. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

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On Saturday, November 6th at 11:00 A.M. a Fall Tree Hike is planned at the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center. Participants will enjoy a fall stroll exploring the Wapsi woods and learning about our local trees.  Learn how to identify them by leaves, bark, seeds, nuts and fruits.  Bring a friend, a picnic lunch and stay for the afternoon program as well!

Following the fall tree hike, at 1:00 P.M., the program Rustic Residents will take place at the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center. Participants will see how seeds, nuts and twigs can be "magically" transformed into people and creatures.  Guaranteed fun for the whole family!  Supplies are limited, so please pre-register at (563) 328-3286.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the Committee on Finance, today made the following comment on a report released from the Government Accountability Office, "Tax Debt Collection: IRS Could Improve Future Studies by Establishing Appropriate Guidance."  The report is available here.  Grassley has written to the IRS regarding private contractors for debt collection. The March 5, 2009, IRS response to Grassley is available here.  The May 6, 2009, IRS response to Grassley is available here.

"According to this report, the IRS used a flawed study to justify ending its contracts with private agencies to collect owed taxes that the IRS wasn't collecting on its own.  The IRS knew the study was flawed because the GAO told the IRS how to do the study.  But the IRS didn't implement the GAO's recommendations to fix the study, even though it agreed with them.  The IRS used the results from the defective cost-effectiveness study to defend its decision to terminate the use of private collection agencies, even though that wasn't the primary purpose of the study.

"Union advocates, including members of Congress, Obama administration officials and the taxpayer advocate, tried to tell the public that IRS employees could collect the tax debts cheaper and better than private employees.  Yet, the IRS' own information shows that the fledgling pilot program was returning money to the Treasury and that private employees' quality ratings were consistently higher than that of IRS employees.  Union supporters' successful disinformation campaign ultimately hurts other taxpayers, as private agencies were collecting dollars that the IRS wasn't and isn't going to collect anyway."

"The IRS used a poor study to secure a task it said it could perform but hasn't.   As of the most recent fiscal year, unpaid tax debts equal $328.1 billion. Only $120.4 billion of that amount is deemed potentially collectible and IRS is not actively pursuing $27.4 billion that it says is collectible. These are significant increases from when GAO first started tracking these numbers.  So, not only has the IRS made no progress in reducing unpaid tax debt, but also we're worse off every year."

"Private collection agencies were supposed to help the IRS collect debts that it couldn't or wouldn't collect on its own. And, despite the IRS' announcement last year that it would be dedicating IRS resources to working cases that the private agencies would have worked, GAO tells us today that that isn't the case. At the same time, the number of hours IRS employees dedicate to union activity at the office, on the taxpayer's dime, is significant.  Those IRS employees should spend more time doing the government's work and less time protecting their jobs."

2009 college grads carried an average of $24,000 in student loan debt, up 6% from the previous year, according to The Project on Student Debt's report, Student Debt and the Class of 2009, released this month.  Statewide average debt levels for the Class of 2009 vary widely; Iowa makes the list as the fourth highest, with an average debt of $28,883 (behind the District of Columbia, New Hampshire, and Maine). In addition, 74% of Iowa graduates report having debt, which ranks Iowa second, only behind South Dakota (78% of grads with debt).  In the current economic climate, college grads face unique challenges in paying back student loans, and substantial debt can limit career options and make it difficult to save for a home, a family, a retirement, or their own children's educations.

Rivermont Collegiate, the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college-prep school, boasts 100% graduate acceptance to four-year colleges and universities.  Furthermore, over 90% of Rivermont grads earn four-year renewable merit scholarships (valued at $1.4 million in 2009).  The value of these scholarships is substantial, particularly given rising student debt and its potential consequences.  Over 35% of Rivermont students qualify for need-based tuition assistance while at Rivermont, proving that a private PS-12th education can reap future benefits both academically and financially, while still being affordable.  In fact, Rivermont works hard at fundraising to keep itself affordable and is committed to a diverse population of students.

What are you waiting for?  Explore the Rivermont approach to learning!  Join us for Open Tours the first Tuesday of every month.  The next Open Tour will be held Tuesday, November 2nd from 8:30-10:00 a.m.  No appointment necessary!  Drop in to explore our philosophy and curriculum, take a tour of campus, see our teachers in action, and get answers to all your questions about Rivermont.

For additional information on The Project on Student Debt, including the full Student Debt and the Class of 2009 report, visit http://projectonstudentdebt.org

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate or Tuesday's Open Tours, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org

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WASHINGTON - Tuesday, October 26, 2010 - Sen. Chuck Grassley is expressing concern over whether the National Cancer Institute unfairly disciplined its ethics director for trying to make sure agency travel complies with federal law and procedures, including those set by the institute's parent agency, the National Institutes of Health.  The travel at issue is sponsored by non-government sources, such as corporations and other private entities.

"Some government agencies have more travel than others.  They should be used to transparency and scrutiny to make sure they follow the rules," Grassley said.  "National Cancer Institute executives appear to have taken issue with the scrutiny to sponsored travel given by their then-chief ethics officer.  It's important to get to the bottom of whether the ethics officer was retaliated against just for doing her job."

 Grassley wrote to the director of the National Institutes of Health and the director of the National Cancer Institute, seeking details of National Cancer Institute employees' sponsored travel.  He asked the National Cancer Institute to conduct an internal review of whether it has furnished all required information to the Office of Government Ethics and copied the Office of Government Ethics.  Grassley also reminded the National Cancer Institute that interfering with federal employees' rights to furnish information to Congress is a violation of federal law.

 Grassley's letter is available here.

INDIANAPOLIS (October 26, 2010) - Wartime veterans of Clinton have a better outlet through which to serve the community.  The American Legion, the nation's largest veteran's organization, is inviting all wartime era veterans in the area to join them in revitalizing American Legion, Post 190 to better to provide service to the community and veterans of Clinton.

Officers and staff members of the Indianapolis-based American Legion National Headquarters and Des Moines-based State Headquarters will be in town to kick off this community and veteran service campaign.

Additionally, an open house and "Welcome Home" event for all veterans, present and past, will be held at the Wild Rose Hotel in the conference center on Tuesday, November 2nd from 4-8 pm and on Wednesday, November 3rd from 2-6 pm.  The meetings will be designed to answer questions about The American Legion, VA issues, i.e. benefits, claims, problems, veterans' rights and survivor rights.  State and County Veterans Service officers will be on hand to assist with VA claims or questions.

In keeping with the 92-year tradition of The American Legion, the Clinton American Legion Post is dedicated to refocusing on community service and assistance to veterans.  The scope and nature of the Post's community service will be determined by its members and inputs from local civic and community officials.

"Service!  That's what The American Legion is all about," said Jerry Sebben, Department Commander, The American Legion, Department of Iowa.  "We exist to help each and every veteran, their families and the communities they live in.   Clinton is an ideal place to strengthen partnerships between the veterans and the community.  The people here care about their community and practice good citizenship every day.  Now, wartime veterans have a special place from which they can make a difference."

Since its inception in 1919, The American Legion has been a key advocate for veterans' benefits, children & youth, patriotic American values, a strong national defense and quality-of-life issues for those serving in today's armed forces.

The organization, which spearheaded the original GI Bill, has been advocating reform of the veteran's health care system under its GI Bill of Health.  Creation of the federal forerunner of the Department of Veterans Affairs as well as the agency's ascent to cabinet-level status is due in part to The American Legion's advocacy.  The American Legion was also instrumental in the establishment of the Veterans Home Loan, veterans hiring preference and just compensation to veterans suffering from illnesses related to their military service, including those whose ailments stem from exposure to Agent Orange and mysterious Persian Gulf origins.

Equally aggressive are The American Legion's efforts to instill values in young people through numerous programs, including American Legion Boys State, American Legion Boys Nation, Junior Shooting Sports, the National High School Oratorical Contest, American Legion Baseball, Teenage Suicide Prevention, Child Health and a McGruff Safe Kids Program.  The American Legion has supported Scouting since 1919.  Many American Legion Posts also support Junior ROTC high school units, fund-raising for handicapped children, the Children's Miracle Network and partnerships with other nonprofit organizations such as Special Olympics.

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PRINCETON, IL (10/26/2010)(readMedia)-- He served in Vietnam and several other operations, including tours in Iraq and Europe. That is only part of the highlight reel for a 59-year-old Princeton man, who has dedicated his career to protecting his community and his country. After 30 years as a member of the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG), Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Root is retiring from the ILARNG.

"The idea of being able to protect and serve our nation has always been a priority to me," said Root who wanted to be a Soldier since he was a young boy. "There is no greater call then to serve our great country."

Root, a member of the 129th Regional Training Institute in Springfield, will officially retire from the ILARNG Nov. 29. Before beginning his career in the National Guard, Root served three years in the active-duty Army. With more than three decades of service, Root served in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Desert Spring, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and helped the citizens of Illinois during several floods.

"My most memorable moment was in Iraq in 2007 when I was able to pin captain bars on my son Jason, who was deployed with the 25th Infantry Division," Root said.

Jason is one of four sons Root has raised with his wife Laura. Three of them joined the military and are currently serving in the active-duty Army. Root has been married to Laura, the senior pastor at New Hope Church of the Nazarene in Princeton, for 11 years and admits the numerous deployments took a toll on his family.

"Deployments are hard on a marriage and children," Root said. "No matter how strong you may think you are, or your wife and kids are, absence is hard on everyone. The stronger your relationship, the easier the deployment."

Root has lived a life dedicated to his country and his community. He has served in civilian law enforcement for 27 years, including 17 years with the Rock Falls Police Department and the last 10 years as Chief of Police for the City of Princeton.

"The knowledge and experience I have gained over the years from the military has impacted the way I do my day-to-day business as police chief," Root said. "Both of my careers compliment each other in many ways. This has not only benefitted me, but also the community in which I work and live."

Over the past 10 years Root's impact has been noticed by many throughout Bureau County and northern Illinois.

John Thompson of Ladd has worked with Root since Thompson was elected Bureau County Sheriff in 2002. Thompson said Root has helped make the area safer and the community is fortunate to have Root as a part of the law enforcement community.

"Tom exemplifies the term professional," Thompson said. "His constant effort to support and participate in our community is an insufficient testimony to what he provides in values, guidance and knowledge. His leadership skills, whether developed in the military or on the street, have made a wonderful impact on law enforcement within this community."

Jack Scott is a long-time Princeton resident who has seen what Root has done for the community since he started as the police chief in 2000. Scott said he has upgraded the police department's infrastructure, expanded the department, gave officers more training and increased the drug enforcement in the community.

"I would describe Tom as a class act," Scott said. "He is smart and knows how to get the job done. The guy is a workaholic who cares about his community and his country. He is a true Soldier."

Root's love for his country and pride in his community can be seen when you drive past Princeton on Interstate 80. Root and Scott were co-chairmen for the "Flags of Freedom," which are four huge American flags on the four corners of the intersection of Interstate 80 and Illinois Route 26.

"These flags are a magnificent sight," Root said. "Each flag is 1800 square feet and represents the patriotism of our community and support to our military."

To put the flags in perspective, each flag is bigger than the floor plan of most homes in Princeton. A committee of private citizens raised approximately $250,000 to display these flags, which have become a Bureau County landmark.

With more than 30 years of service, Root has had a positive influence on many Soldiers. Approximately 10 years after he left the active-duty Army, Root joined Troop E, 106th Cavalry in Rock Falls. Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti of Springfield, the Assistant Adjutant General for the Illinois National Guard, was a captain and commander of the unit at that time.

"I could tell when Tom joined the unit he had potential to be a strong Soldier," Celletti said. "There was a lot of fire and determination in his eyes and you knew he would someday evolve to be one of the strongest leaders the Illinois National Guard has. I am proud to have served alongside such a great Soldier. He has had a positive impact on more lives than he will ever know."

Looking back on his time in uniform, Root's advice for younger Soldiers is simple.

"Be proud to be a Soldier every day," Root said. "Be proud to put on the uniform. Be proud to be part of the greatest Army in the world."

Suzan Zeder?one of America's leading playwrights in Theatre for Young Audiences-is coming to Moline to attend the opening night performance of her play, The Taste of Sunrise, at Moline High School on Thursday, October 28th at 7:30 pm (see attached schedule).

The following day she will conduct workshops with both Moline and Rock Island theatre students who learned sign language in order to perform her plays.   Rock Island High School will be performing the sequel to Moline's play, called "Mother Hicks," the following weekend.

When Suzan Zeder wrote Mother Hicks, she includes a scene with an adult Tuc, who is deaf.  He says,

"You see all the things I cannot do because I am deaf.  But you don't see that which I can do.  I can sing with rivers.  I can see the sharp sting of honey and I can taste the sunrise."

The moment these words flew off her fingertips into the page, she knew Tuc needed his own story.  This is it.

Politically, Tuc's story examines the hardships experienced by deaf people before the use of sign language was widely accepted. Socially, the play explores what it means to be an outcast.  Three of the leading characters all become outcasts in some way?a deaf boy, an African American female living on her own, and a teenage mom who doesn't know where she fits in.  The leading role of Tuc is played by Max Molina, who is part of Moline's Wilson Junior High School's hearing-impaired program.  His friend Maizie, played by Jenna Pautsch, is hearing but has deaf parents, so she is part of both the hearing and deaf worlds.

Audiences will find it remarkable to know that the entire cast learned sign language just for this production.  They spent their entire summer taking hour-long ASL (American Sign Language) classes at MHS twice weekly in preparation for this play, which will be completely bilingual -- both spoken and signed.  As the play unfolds, "shadow" characters will tell the story with words and signs. This is a powerful play, and it will be an unforgettable experience for all who see it.

For more information contact the director, Chris Thomas, at 309-230-8621.

Thank you for your interest.

Rivermont Collegiate is pleased to announce the following students have been recognized on the First Quarter Honor Roll:

Upper School Honor Roll (9th-12th)

1st Quarter 2010-11

Headmaster's List (3.85-4.00)

Souriyo Dishak

Michael Garneau

Pavane Gorrepati

Summer Lawrence

Christine Mbakwe

Matthew Newsome

Meghana Pagadala

Shravya Pothula

Ramya Prabhu

Kelsey Qu

Ashish Tadepalli

Distinction (3.50-3.84)

Vishal Bobba

Harriette Clarke

Rebecca Cupp

Alejandra Martinez

Christopher Mbakwe

Victoria Mbakwe

Amanda McVey

Tristan O'Harrow

Darsani Reddy

Asha Tadepalli

Joann Weeks

ChiIeong Wong

Merit (3.00-3.49)

Manas Chimpidi

Archana Chintalapani

Daniel Foster-Pray

Karanveer Gill

Basilia Koster

Darcy Ryan

James Weeks

Meghana Yerrapothu

Middle School Honor Roll (6th-8th)

1st Quarter 2010-11

High Honors

All grades B+ or higher (or B or higher for courses designated as Upper School level)

Helena Barber

Madeline Bowman

Sarah Bowman

Adam Dada

Brandon Eckhardt

Shivani Ganesh

Hannah Hansen

Windsor Lundy

Grace Moran

Hayley Moran

Benjamin Nordick

Manasa Pagadala

Emilia Porubcin

Michal Porubcin

Isaac Sears

Suhas Seshadri

Alexander Skillin

Marta Storl-Desmond

Loring Telleen

Jacob Vaughn

Claire Wallace

Honors

All grades B- or higher (C+ or higher for courses designated as Upper School level)

Christian Elliott

Madison Ellis

Samuel Lederman

Kaitlyn Mayfield

Piers O'Harrow

Bhavana Purighalla

Harrison Qu

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.  Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, non-sectarian PS-12th college-prep school.

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