New Laws Promote Agriculture Tourism, Expand Homemade Food Sales and Ensure Consistent Regulation at Farmers' Markets

CHICAGO - August 16, 2011. In honor of Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair, Governor Pat Quinn today signed three pieces of legislation to support Illinois' agriculture industry and increase access to farmers' markets for the growing cottage food industry. Senate Bill 840 allows certain homemade foods to be sold at Illinois farmers' markets, and Senate Bill 1852 creates a task force to recommend statewide farmers' market regulations. The Governor also signed House Bill 3244 requiring the state to develop a plan for increasing agriculture-related tourism opportunities in Illinois.

"The best way to celebrate Illinois' agricultural strength is by making it easier for Illinois residents to buy fresh foods and support farmers and local economies," Governor Quinn said. "Farmers' markets allow us to buy fresh, healthy produce and other homemade goods directly from the people who make them, and this legislation will enable those business owners to sell directly to consumers while making sure safety standards are consistent for all markets throughout the state."  

The popularity of farmers' markets has surged in recent years, and a lack of consistent regulation at the increasing number of markets has created confusion about how products may be sold. Senate Bill 1852, sponsored by Sen. David Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) and Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro), creates a task force to review the rules and laws defining what products can be sold at farmers' markets, as well as sanitation and food preparation requirements. The 24-member task force will then assist the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in developing and implementing administrative rules ensuring consistent statewide farmers' market regulations.

Senate Bill 840, sponsored by Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria) and Rep. Lisa M. Dugan (D-Kankakee), allows homemade foods like jams, cookies and cakes to be sold at farmers' markets. Cottage food vendors must meet the following conditions for their products to be sold at Illinois' farmers' markets:

• ·         Foods, such as baked goods, preserves, dry herbs or teas, must be safe for consumption;
• ·         Food is sold only at a farmers' market;
• ·         Seller does no more than $25,000 a year in sales;
• ·         Follows specific labeling requirements;
• ·         The cottage food operation is registered with the local health department;
• ·         The person preparing and selling the food has a valid Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate; and
• ·         A placard that states, "This product was produced in a home kitchen not subject to public health inspection that may also process common food allergens" is located where the food is sold.

Under House Bill 3244, sponsored by Rep. Kay Hatcher (R-Yorkville) and Sen. Kirk W. Dillard (R-Westmont), the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will develop and implement a statewide strategic plan to increase agricultural tourism. This builds upon existing efforts by the Quinn administration to strengthen Illinois' agri-tourism industry.

DCEO and the Illinois Department of Agriculture have a long-standing partnership with the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA) to promote the Illinois wine industry. Through the state's tourism site, www.EnjoyIllinois.com, visitors can learn more about the dozens of wineries and other natural and agriculture-related attractions nestled throughout the state. DCEO also assists in marketing agri-tourism tours that have been created among its industry partners, both domestically and internationally, and promotes the use of locally grown foods in its marketing efforts.

Senate Bill 1852 and House Bill 3244 go into effect immediately and Senate Bill 840 takes effect Jan. 1.

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Roundtable discussion focuses on ways to get Guard members back to work

Johnston, IA - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) met with Iowa National Guard leaders and their partners at Camp Dodge to discuss employment initiatives for returning Iowa service members.  Representatives from the Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve agency, Iowa Workforce Development, and Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs participated in the briefing.

"This is a critical moment to support our friends and neighbors in the Iowa National Guard, Reserves, and other military branches," said Rep. Braley.  "Thousands of Iowans have returned home after serving overseas this past year.  Now we must support them and bring their experience and talent back into the Iowa workforce."

"In the coming months, I will take additional steps to create job opportunities for returning service members and incentives for employers who hire service members.  Let's get to work, and make sure that these brave Iowans have access to job training, educational opportunities, and good-paying jobs."

Congressman Braley has worked closely with the Iowa National Guard throughout his time in Congress.  Last year, he secured long-overdue back pay for nearly 650 members of the Iowa National Guard and over 22,000 National Guard troops nationwide.  Prior to that, Congressman Braley led an investigation that resulted in nearly 3,500 members of the Iowa National Guard receiving their GI Bill education benefits, after these benefits were initially denied by the Pentagon.

Congressman Braley currently serves on the U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs, and as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

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Law Will Help Protect Communities from Undue Environmental Harm  

CHICAGO - August 16, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation calling for an assessment of Illinois' environmental laws and policies to ensure that no segment of the population will disproportionately bear the adverse environmental and health effects caused by pollution.  

"Race, income or nationality should not determine the quality of the air one breathes or the water one drinks," Governor Quinn said. "We want to make sure that all Illinois families live in healthy communities. This commission will help us strengthen environmental laws so that every Illinois resident has clean air and clean water."     

Senate Bill 2193, sponsored by Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) and Rep. Will Davis (D- East Hazel Crest), creates the Environmental Justice Act and the Commission on Environmental Justice.  The commission is tasked with reviewing and analyzing current state laws and policies. Based upon review, the commission will make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly to address environmental justice concerns.  

"As a mother of three, I'm personally committed to making sure that all children grow up in communities where clean air and water are protected so that they can develop into health adults," said Sen. Hutchinson. "The aim of this council will be geared towards ensuring that a person's income, age, race or nationality does not mean they must be relegated to living in an unsafe environment. I thank Governor Quinn for recognizing this fact by signing this bill into law."  

The new law addresses concerns about rising asthma rates and other health indicators in parts of the state, especially in minority communities. Medical researchers have observed a connection between types of industry present in a community and childhood asthma rates.   

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is tasked with providing the commission with administrative and other support. The membership will comprise designated members of the General Assembly, community members, environmental and business organizations, health experts, local government and members of the public with expertise in environmental justice. In addition to IEPA, the council includes members from the Departments on Aging, Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Natural Resources, Public Health and Transportation.  

The new law goes into effect immediately. 

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Dahl Ford and Christian Care have teamed up to give the Quad Cities community an opportunity to win free oil changes for a year?plus a complete auto detailing from Dahl Ford. All participants must do is be accepted as a friend of Christian Care and/or Dahl Ford on Facebook. They will then be entered in a drawing to win this unique prize package. Individuals who are accepted as a friend on Facebook by both Christian Care and Dahl Ford will double their chances of winning.

The contest runs from August 15 to September 15, 2011. For complete contest rules, please visit www.christiancareqc.org.

To find Christian Care on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/christiancareqc;

to find Dahl Ford on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/thedahldifference.

Founded in 1916, Christian Care is a non-profit organization committed to serving the least, the last and the lost of the Quad Cities. The organization's vision is to eliminate homelessness, hopelessness, and domestic violence by transforming the lives of those they serve.

Christian Care's services are available to a growing number of homeless men and abused women and children 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to safe shelter, food, clothing, and personal care items, the organization provides a Community Meal Site as well as a 24/7 Crisis Line for those in need throughout the community and beyond. Its two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?allows it to focus on every member of the family. Christian Care serves homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illness.

There is a good reason that customers keep coming back to Dahl Ford. Five generations of Dahl's have influenced the automobile industry for almost 100 years. This has been made possible through years of customer's loyalty, which stems from a constant focus on the customer's complete satisfaction with its products and services. The rich history of the family as they continue to grow alongside the automotive industry is a great legacy in the making. The Dahl family legacy will continue for generations to come as they are committed to making the "Dahl Difference".