03 Feb 2012

Two IowansTestify before Congressional Veterans Panel

By Jeff Giertz

Braley is the highest-ranking Democrat on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 

Washington, DC - On Thursday February 2nd, 2012, at the request of Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01), two Iowans testified before the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity about lowering the rate of unemployment for the National Guard.  Braley is the highest-ranking Democrat on the subcommittee.

Iowa National Guard Adjunct General Timothy Orr tesitified alongside Dick Rue, the state chair of the Iowa Employer Support for Guard and Reserve (ESGR), about their experience helping veterans return to work when they come home from a deployment.

Last October, Braley brought the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity to Waterloo for a field hearing on veterans job creation.
03 Feb 2012

Governor Quinn Announces Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network

By Andrew Mason

New Statewide Program Connects Families Facing
Foreclosure with Resources to Help Keep Their Homes

CHICAGO - February 1, 2012. As part of his commitment to affordable housing and foreclosure prevention, Governor Pat Quinn today announced the launch of the statewide Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) in his State of the State address. A multi-agency effort coordinated by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), the IFPN connects struggling homeowners with all available assistance, resources and knowledge to help them keep their homes.

"Helping families stay in their homes is essential in keeping our communities strong and our economic recovery moving forward," Governor Quinn said. "The Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network will connect families with the resources they need to keep their homes, and get back on their feet."

The IFPN gathers all assistance and resources available to homeowners to ensure that families facing foreclosure can access the assistance they need in one stop. The IFPN provides access to counseling services, legal advice, mortgage payment assistance programs, foreclosure preven­tion events and tips on how to avoid mortgage fraud.

The IFPN's resources are available 24-hours a day online at KeepYourHomeIllinois.org, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays at the IFPN's free hotline 1-855-446-6300.

Foreclosures adversely impact too many Illinois families and communities. Illinois is consistently ranked among the top 10 states with the highest number of foreclosures. In 2011, 103,003 homes in Illinois received a foreclosure filing, or one in every 51 homes - ranking the state eighth in the country, according to RealtyTrac.

The Chicago area has been especially affected, with the city of Chicago ranking second in the nation in number of foreclosures. The Chicago area has the nation's largest inventory of foreclosed homes. According to RealtyTrac's inventory records, as of December 2011, there were 96,996 properties that were bank-owned or in some stage of foreclosure in the Chicago metro area.

Foreclosure not only impacts a family that loses their home, but has a ripple effect that destabilizes communities and negatively affects the economy at large. Abandoned properties hurt communities by creating blight, attracting crime and reducing the local tax rolls. On average, homes located the same block as a foreclosed property can drop $8,000 to $10,000 in value, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Banks with too many foreclosures on their books limit lending, stifling business growth and consumer spending, which slows economic growth.

The Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network bundles together key foreclosure assistance resources in a centralized location to make it easier for people to find the help they need more quickly, including:

 

  • Qualified, HUD-certified housing counselors, free of charge, throughout the state.
  • Legal clinics that offer foreclosure prevention legal services free of charge.
  • Financial assistance from the Illinois Hardest Hit program, which provides up to $25,000 in mortgage assistance to qualified homeowners having trouble making mortgage payments due to unemployment or under-employment.
  • Targeted foreclosure mitigation events, including the Mortgage Relief Project, with one-on-one counseling, and access to loan servicers who can discuss loan modifications and work out agreements on the spot.
  • Additional information on refinancing options, loan modification options, federal and state resources, including Home Affordable Refinance Program, Home Affordable Modification Program and other programs.
  • Advice on how to avoid mortgage fraud, job search opportunities, financial planning and other counseling services.
  • Additional information on refinancing options, loan modification options, federal and state resources.

 

"Services like counseling are critical to help people keep their homes," said Mary Kenney, Executive Director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority. "A national report recently found foreclosure counseling nearly doubles chances of mortgage modification and reduces likelihood of re-default by at least 67 percent."

Under Governor Quinn, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) partnered to establish this free, one-stop resource of state agencies and nonprofit organizations to help Illinois residents access resources so that they can remain in their homes.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (www.ihda.org) is an independent, self-supporting bonding authority that finances the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout Illinois. Since 1967, IHDA has allocated more than $10.6 billion to finance more than 215,000 affordable housing units for the residents of Illinois. IHDA sells bonds independently, based on its own good credit, to finance affordable housing in Illinois.

 

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03 Feb 2012

Governor Quinn Announces Export Advisory Council During State of the State Address

By Nafia Khan

Council will Help Illinois Reach Ambitious Goal of Doubling Exports by 2014 

SPRINGFIELD - February 1, 2012. As part of his State of the State address today, Governor Pat Quinn announced the formation a new council that will help Illinois reach his ambitious goal of doubling the number of state exports by the end of 2014. The Governor's Export Advisory Council will work with the Governor and other state officials and agencies to provide recommendations aimed at improving Illinois' standing in the international marketplace.

"Illinois is home to world-class goods and services, and we should utilize all of our assets in order to market them around the world," Governor Quinn said. "Expanding trade opportunities in growth markets like China, Australia, Brazil and India puts Illinois products in the international marketplace and creates jobs here at home."

The council, which is headed by Navistar chairman and CEO Daniel C. Ustian, will work to increase exports by providing recommendations on state policies and programs with the goal of fully leveraging Illinois' competitive strengths in the international marketplace. The council will also advise the Governor on trade advocacy positions at the federal level, and council members will serve as international ambassadors for Illinois. Members will work to promote Illinois firms and the inherent advantages Illinois can offer countries seeking trade opportunities.

"The key for Illinois manufacturers and other businesses is to foster a strong environment for growth, and Governor Quinn shares my passion for creating those opportunities by developing a strong trade policy," said Ustian. "We have great companies and Illinois is rich in assets and talented workers. With business leaders and the Governor's administration working together, we can gain a competitive edge in the global economy."

The Governor's aggressive focus on harnessing and promoting the strength of Illinois companies abroad will have a significant impact on job creation at home. Devising and successfully implementing strategies to meet the 2014 target will result in the addition or retention of nearly 230,000 jobs in Illinois.

The Governor's Export Advisory Council will be made up of CEOs and other prominent leaders from the private and public sectors whose work in the international marketplace has uniquely positioned them to provide insight into Illinois' ability to significantly expand exports. For a complete list of members, please see the attachment.

The council will meet several times a year and will work with the Illinois Departments of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Agriculture. After identifying challenges to expand exports, the council will recommend policies and programs that will help Illinois better compete at a global level. It will also work with their peers in the private sector and Illinois companies to promote Illinois as a great state to do business.

For more information about Governor Quinn's State of the State address, please visit www.illinois.gov, and for more information about why Illinois is a great place to do business, please visit www.illinoisbiz.biz.

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03 Feb 2012

Lisa L Bierman Re-election Announcement

By Tammy R. Wilson
On February 2, 2012 at the Rock Island County Building, 2nd floor Board Room, Rock Island, Illinois at 10:00  Lisa Bierman, the Rock Island County Circuit Clerk of Court, will announce her candidacy for re-election. Various Elected officials/candidates, friends and family and many other campaign supporters will be present.

Lisa brings an abundance of knowledge and dedication to the position, with 30 years of service at the Clerk's Office, and holding the position of Rock Island County Circuit Clerk for l3 years. A lifelong resident of Rock Island County, Lisa is respected by all officials and constituents across the great state of Illinois. Having served on over lO committees' state Wide, frorn technology to healthcare, she is profusely qualified for the position. Lisa has brought new aspects and services to the office such as:

  • Creating a self-help center
  • Working with a collection agency on delinquent accounts
  • Electronic access to case files
  • Incorporating a Payment Hearing Officer, which is an extremely successful program adopted by most other counties across the State-which saves the judiciary time on the bench and individuals time appearing in court
  • Consolidating our 3 Traffic court locations into l
  • Saving the county general fund over $800,000 yearly
  • 30 Years service with the Circuit Clerks office
  • Extensive experience in every division of the Circuit Clerks Office

As the Clerk of Court, Lisa continues to bring the latest in technology and services for the public to streamline their experience and providing assistance when people are trying to  navigate difficult procedures by offering online information and courteous  knowledgeable staff
03 Feb 2012

IHT World Medical Tourism Services Agency Introduces Low Cost American Quality Surgery Overseas

By Pam Brammann

IHT World medical tourism services specialize in helping Americans slash their health care costs by offering non-emergency surgery, health treatment and even expensive dental treatment overseas for far less cost compared to the price of treatment in the United States.

LeClaire, IA (PRWEB) February 01, 2012

An estimated 50 million Americans do not have health insurance because they can't afford the high cost. Millions more who do have insurance lack adequate coverage.

When major health issues occur, these same Americans feel helpless in tackling the high cost of care in the United States, until they discover medical tourism which is obtaining needed treatment outside the United States.

When most Americans first hear about medical tourism, their first reaction typically is to ask, how safe it is and what is the quality compared to the United States?

Unfortunately far too many people still have the misconception that health care overseas is inferior to the treatment received in the U.S.A.  But in today's world, this belief is no longer true.

In numerous countries around the world, hospitals meet the same high standards and receive the same quality accreditation that American hospitals achieve.

Such accreditation certification is only granted when a hospital meets or exceeds the same standards of excellence that is expected of American hospitals. Several accreditation processes exist around the world that are quite similar to each other, all ensure the highest standards of care and treatment are being offered.

This means that Americans who use medical tourism services can feel confident when traveling abroad, knowing that they will receive high quality medical care without the massive expenses they would face in the United States.

The only difference between getting medical care in the U.S. and going to a highly accredited hospital overseas, is the far lower cost outside the United States.

Pam Brammann, R.N., President and Managing Director of IHT World, LLC pointed out that if a person is in need of non-emergency surgery such as hip or knee replacement, cancer treatment, advanced stem cell therapy, dental implants, etc. and the insurance company does not offer adequate coverage, the difference in medical tourism prices compared to the United States can often yield a savings of tens of thousands of dollars.

Mrs. Brammann said, "If a person can obtain American quality treatment or surgery in another country and end up paying half the price including the cost of travel expenses for two, why wouldn't Americans consider medical tourism?

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03 Feb 2012

Help Newt Defeat Obamacare

By Friends of Herman Cain

FEBRUARY 1, 2012:

 
Dear Patriot,

In March 2006 I was diagnosed with stage four colon and liver cancer, and over the next nine months I visited countless doctors, got second opinions, had surgery, and went through numerous rounds of chemotherapy. My doctors told me that I was able to beat cancer because I got the treatment I needed as quickly as I did. I've said it before and I'll say it again: if ObamaCare had been in place, I would not have survived!

I did not have time for a bureaucrat in Washington to review my health records and approve what amount of care I was eligible to receive. The doctors needed to move quickly, and thank God they didn't have to cut through red tape to do it.

Repealing this monstrosity of a government program must be the top priority of our next President, and we need to nominate someone who has credibility on the issue.

Again, ObamaCare must be repealed, and to do that we have to nominate Newt Gingrich. We're kicking off a $1 million Stop ObamaCare Money Bomb, and I'm asking you to be a part of it. By making a donation today, you can help nominate the man who will make sure ObamaCare is taken off the books.

America can't afford ObamaCare, can't afford Barack Obama, and can't afford not to nominate Newt Gingrich

Sincerely,
Herman Cain
03 Feb 2012

Janie Almblade Graduates from Lakeview College of Nursing

By readMedia

DANVILLE , IL (02/01/2012)(readMedia)-- Janie Almblade of East Moline, IL, graduated Cum Laude from Lakeview College of Nursing during the College's winter commencement ceremony held in Danville, IL. Almblade earned a bachelor of science in nursing degree through the College's Danville Campus.

Almblade is a 2009 graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

She is the daughter of Gary and JoAnne Almblade of East Moline, IL.

Lakeview College of Nursing is a single-purpose, private institution that has specialized in nursing education in the Danville, IL area since 1894. Lakeview began offering a cooperative program with Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, in the fall of 2001.

03 Feb 2012

Braley Introduces Bill to Extend $2,500 College Tax Cut

By Jeff Giertz

Unless Congress acts, American Opportunity Tax Credit will expire at the end of 2012

 

Washington, DC - After hosting a series of campus forums at colleges across eastern Iowa last week, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) returned to Congress today and introduced a bill to extend a $2,500 tax credit for middle class families sending children to college.  Unless Congress acts, the existing tax credit will expire at the end of 2012.

The College Tax Cut Extension Act would extend for four years the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides up to $2,500 in tax credits to offset the cost of tuition, fees, and course materials for undergraduate students at two- or four-year colleges and universities.

"In the last 10 years, the cost of tuition at Iowa's public universities has increased by 83 percent," Braley said.  "Our colleges and universities are avenues of economic opportunity.  If America is to compete in a global economy, we need to keep college within reach for everyone who wants to attend.

 

"This tax credit makes a college education more affordable for thousands of Iowa families.  Congress needs to act now to keep this tax cut from expiring so the dream of college doesn't slip out of reach."

Braley spent Thursday and Friday of last week hosting campus forums at colleges in eastern Iowa.  Braley visited St. Ambrose University, Coe College, the University of Northern Iowa, and Grinnell College to hear about college affordability, student debt, and employability after graduation.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit was first passed into law in 2009 and set to expire at the end of 2012 if Congress fails to act.  Braley's bill is the first legislative effort to extend the tax credit.  For more information on the American Opportunity Tax Credit, click the following link: http://go.usa.gov/nv1

Last week, Braley introduced legislation to indefinitely keep the interest rates for federally subsidized Stafford loans at 3.4 percent, their current, low rate.  Without Congressional action, college loan interest rates are set to double to 6.8 percent in July, a fact that President Obama highlighted in his State of the Union address.

More information about this bill can be found at this link: http://go.usa.gov/nbh

Full text of Braley's bill can be downloaded here: http://go.usa.gov/n7B

 

# # #

03 Feb 2012

NRA's Annual Meetings & Exhibits 2012: A Celebration of American Values

By Stephanie Samford

St. Louis, Missouri Hosts Several Acres of Guns, Gear & Outfitters

 

Fairfax, Va. - The National Rifle Association (NRA) is pleased to announce this year's Annual Meetings and Exhibits to be held at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri from April 12-15, 2012.

Members of the news media are welcome to cover this year's event. For press credentials, please call NRA Public Affairs at (703) 267-3820. Credentials will be available for pick-up in the press office starting Thursday, April 12. Television crews and still photographers should bring necessary equipment and lenses (sports lenses) to cover events from platforms at a distance from the stage. (Please note: Due to limited resources, requests from U.S. media outlets will be given priority over foreign media requests. All foreign media requests will be handled as time and resources allow.)

Over 60,000 attendees are expected at this year's Annual Meetings and Exhibits, making this one of the largest in NRA's 141-year history. Leading firearm manufacturers will display the firearm industry's latest and greatest products. Guides and outfitters, various hunting and shooting accessories, and an extensive private collection displayed by NRA-affiliated gun collector clubs will fill acres of convention space.

The ever-popular NRA's Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum will take place on Friday, April 13, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. A list of confirmed speakers will be forthcoming closer to the event.

NRACountry, a proud partnership between NRA and country music's brightest stars is pleased to present, in collaboration with Bushnell, NRACountry Jam II at the Ferrara Theatre on Friday, April 13. This year's featured artist will be country music superstar and lifetime NRA member Trace Adkins. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.

NRA's 4th Annual Celebration of American Values Freedom Event will take place Saturday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. Glenn Beck, political commentator and host of the Glenn Beck Program, will be the featured speaker for the evening. Guests will also be treated to a rousing performance by award-winning comedian and member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Larry the Cable Guy.

NRA's Annual Meetings and Exhibits provide a safe and fun atmosphere the whole family can enjoy. The ever-popular air gun range is a top attention-grabber -- both for participants and observers. NRA offers diverse seminars throughout the three-day convention, including methods of concealed carry; hunting; Firearms Law; the Grassroots Workshop; and Refuse to Be a Victim®.

For more information, including event tickets, please visit www.nraam.org.

 

-NRA-
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.

03 Feb 2012

Freedom Salute Ceremony for Specialized Springfield-Based Unit

By readMedia

Feb. 4 Ceremony Planned at Camp Lincoln in Springfield for Unit Recently Returned from Afghanistan

SPRINGFIELD, IL (02/01/2012)(readMedia)-- Approximately 20 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers will be recognized Feb. 4 by the National Guard Bureau Freedom Salute Campaign for their sacrifice and service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ceremony will be at the Illinois Military Academy at Camp Lincoln in Springfield at 10 a.m.

Soldiers of BEST (Bilateral Embedded Staff Team) A7 returned in October after being mobilized in January 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They joined the Polish Land Forces before arriving in Afghanistan and worked as a joint unit during the course of the mobilization. The Soldiers are from various parts of Illinois and were selected for the mission based on their training and skills.

The team provided operational, intelligence, logistical, communications, engineering and planning support to the ninth rotation of Polish Forces to Afghanistan. The task force it supported was composed of almost 4,000 Polish and U.S. forces assisting more than 9,000 Afghan security forces in one of the largest provinces in eastern Afghanistan.

The team completed several ongoing construction projects designed to improve the safety and expand the reach of all security forces in the Ghazni Province.

The Soldiers also established development and transition programs for several of the less violent districts.

Most of the team participated in convoy and combat operations supporting Polish and Afghan Forces.

The Freedom Salute Campaign program is a small way to show these patriotic citizen-Soldiers, their families and employers how much their sacrifice is appreciated. On behalf of the National Guard Bureau, the Illinois Army National Guard will present each eligible Soldier with an encased American Flag, as well as a sequentially-numbered

commemorative coin, certificate of appreciation and lapel pin. Families will also receive items recognizing their support and sacrifice. The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history. It is designed to publicly acknowledge Army National Guard Soldiers and those who supported them while deployed.

News media attending the event should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and are required to notify the Public Affairs Office by 3 p.m. Feb. 3 or they will not be granted access onto Camp Lincoln. For more information call the Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569.

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