Highlights work in Congress to improve quality of care for Alzheimer's patients

Cedar Falls, IA - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) gave a speech at the East Central Iowa Chapter of the National Alzheimer's Association breakfast.  Rep. Braley spoke on the importance of improving quality of care for Alzheimer's patients, and investing in Alzheimer's research and prevention efforts.

"I have seen the effects of Alzheimer's disease, and no family should have to go through the struggles of dealing with this deadly disease," said Rep. Braley. "The simple truth is that by investing in research, care and prevention now, Congress can save lives and save money in the long run.  I will keep fighting to find a cure for Alzheimer's, and to make sure that we're providing the best possible care to those who suffer from this disease."

Congressman Braley is the only member of the Iowa delegation who has cosponsored both H.R. 1897, the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act, and H.R. 1386, the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act.  These bills would expand the federal commitment to prevention and research efforts, and also ensure patients, families and doctors have better information on medical and non-medical services to treat the disease.

In 2010, Congressman Braley helped pass into law language that would identify and measure the best medical practices for treating and caring for individuals with Alzheimer's, and a bill to create a national strategic plan to address the disease.

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DES MOINES, IA, August 18, 2011- Tomorrow, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will hold a White House Rural Forum at the Iowa State Fair with businesses and community leaders, farmers, ranchers, and Tribal leaders to explore ways federal, state and local officials can work together to improve economic conditions and create jobs.  As chair of the White House Rural Council, Secretary Vilsack will discuss the Rural Council's new policy recommendations, which focus on key areas of need in rural America including helping rural small businesses access capital, expanding rural job search and training services, and increasing rural access to health care workers and technology.

Friday's event follows on President Obama's White House Rural Economic Forum today in Peosta, IA, and allows attendees at the Iowa State Fair to participate in a Rural Forum.  Secretary Vilsack will give a recap of what was discussed with President Obama today.

Friday, August 19, 2011
10:00 a.m. CDT

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Vilsack will hold a Rural Forum with businesses leaders, farmers, ranchers, and Tribal leaders  to explore ways federal, state and local officials can work together to improve economic conditions and create jobs.

WHERE: Iowa State Fair
Penningroth Media Center in the Cattle Barn
Des Moines, IA

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DES MOINES, IA (08/17/2011)(readMedia)-- Norita Solt of Bettendorf took home the blue ribbon in Bruce Piper's Apricot Pie contest judged Saturday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

Shelby McCreedy of Atlantic placed second, and Cynthia Murphy of Des Moines took third. Joyce Larson of New Market earned an honorable mention.

For the contest, entrants baked a two crust apricot pie with no other fruit or nuts. The pies were judged on flavor, general appearance, consistency of filling, crust and creativity.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

Service to Seniors Impacted by Reckless Budget Cuts

Waterloo, IA- Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement on the early closure of Social Security Offices:

"Iowa seniors are already seeing the real impact of irresponsible Republican budget cuts.  It's a sad day when tax bonuses for the rich are extended, yet we restrict seniors' ability to secure their social security benefits.  Cuts on the backs of our nation's seniors are the wrong way to fix the deficit."

In July, Commissioner of Social Security Michael J. Astrue announced plans to close Social Security Offices across the country a half hour earlier at 3:30 PM in response to budget constraints.  The cuts stemmed from passage of H.R. 1473, the Continuing Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2011, which Rep. Braley opposed on April 14, 2011.  The early closures took effect on August 15, 2011, impacting offices across Iowa and the nation.

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