WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Explore Iowa's prairie heritage on Labor Day Monday, September 5 at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Ranger-guided walks of the 81-acre tallgrass prairie will start at 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Meet at the Gravesite Parking Lot.

A park ranger will discuss how and why the National Park Service is restoring this endangered habitat as part of the landscape commemorating Herbert Hoover's life. The walk is less than a mile and lasts about one hour. Bring water, dress for the weather, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent are also recommended. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.

Moline, IL - State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) announced his re-election campaign for the 71st Illinois House District on Thursday, August 18th:

 

"My wife of 32 years, Betsey, and I entered the political realm in 2007 because we understood the importance of bringing balance to our local political environment. We took that very balance to Springfield and helped create the environment that produced a better Illinois budget process. We have seen successes both locally and in the General Assembly, but the job is far from over."

 

"As a member of the House Higher Education Appropriations Committee, I participated directly in the process of creating a balanced budget with a responsible, open, and transparent course of action that Illinois has not witnessed in decades."

 

"I have worked hard to represent my constituents - the working families and senior citizens of the 71st District. By teaming up with members of Congress, the Governor, and others, I am striving to bring jobs to the 71st. I have sponsored numerous bills and resolutions to help improve the jobs climate in Illinois."

 

"Our key legislation for my first session was House Bill 3500, legislation that is protecting the identities and other personal information of Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Card holders. The companion legislation, House Resolution 89, launched an audit of the Illinois State Police and their administration of the FOID card program. Together, this legislative package is providing us with information we deserve and the freedoms we need."

 

"I am running for re-election because there is much more work to do. We must continue to fight for a fiscally responsible budget that does not spend more money than the State takes in. We must improve the jobs climate to get Illinois working again. And we must continue the effort to reform Springfield, to put a stop to political corruption and restore the people's trust in their government."

 

"We've only begun. Let's keep moving in the right direction."

 

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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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