19 Jul 2011

Braley Statement on Institute of Medicine's Report on Women's Health

By Administrator

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement regarding the Institute of Medicine's decision supporting women's comprehensive health care:

"I commend the Institute of Medicine for their recent report supporting women's access to comprehensive health care. I have long fought for women's rights, and I believe this would be a groundbreaking step to ensure that women have full control over their reproductive lives. By requiring that health insurers provide birth control at no cost, this important action would remove major financial obstacles for women who are seeking contraceptives."

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18 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Protect Good Samaritans Performing CPR

By Laurel White

New Law Updates Legal Protections for Citizens Helping in Emergencies

CHICAGO - July 18, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to help protect good Samaritans who provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a person having a heart attack or suffering cardiac arrest. Governor Quinn signed House Bill 1549, which amends the Good Samaritan Act in order to provide liability protection to individuals who are trained in CPR in accordance with either American Red Cross or American Heart Association standards.

More than 300,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest in the U.S. every year. According to the American Heart Association, less than 8 percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital survive. CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest by a trained bystander can double or triple a victim's chance of survival.

"Citizens who have been trained in CPR should not be reluctant to use their training to help another person in an emergency," said Governor Quinn. "CPR saves lives, and we want those who are able, to step up and help their fellow citizens in a crisis without fear of a lawsuit. This law protects good Samaritans and will protect lives." 

Previously, legal protections covered 'certified' rescuers; the updated law amends language so that all 'trained' rescuers are protected from lawsuits. Public confusion about who would be protected from civil liability under the Good Samaritan Act decreased the number of people willing to provide CPR to someone in emergency situations.

Updated training methods from the American Red Cross and American Heart Association focus on hands-only CPR, in which chest compressions are delivered to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Hands-only CPR has been shown to be as effective as traditional CPR, and is easier to master and perform than mouth-to-mouth ventilation.

House Bill 1549, sponsored by Rep. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joilet), was an initiative of the American Red Cross and supported by the American Heart Association. The law takes effect immediately.

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18 Jul 2011

ATF Director: DOJ Response to Fast and Furious Investigation Intended to Protect Political Appointees

By Grassley Press

Chairman Issa and Senator Grassley Press Attorney General Holder with Key Testimony

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa and Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley today pressed Attorney General Eric Holder about the Justice Department's unsatisfactory responses and lack of cooperation with an investigation into the highly controversial Operation Fast and Furious.  A letter sent by the two lead investigators highlighted testimony indicating internal disputes within the Justice Department and a statement from the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) that the Justice Department is attempting to protect its political appointees.

"It was very frustrating to all of us, and it appears thoroughly to us that the Department is really trying to figure out a way to push the information away from their political appointees at the Department," ATF Acting Director Kenneth Melson said of his frustration with the Justice Department's response to the investigation in a transcribed interview.

"The Department should not be withholding what Mr. Melson described as the 'smoking gun' report of investigation or Mr. Melson's emails regarding the wiretap applications," wrote Issa and Grassley. "Mr. Melson said he reviewed the affidavits in support of the wiretap applications for the first time after the controversy became public and immediately contacted the Deputy Attorney General's office to raise concerns about information in them that was inconsistent with the Department's public denials. The Department should also address the serious questions raised by Mr. Melson's testimony regarding potential informants for other agencies."

Click here for Rep. Issa and Sen. Grassley's letter to Attorney General Holder.


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18 Jul 2011

Country Style Ice Cream now available at Milan Hy-Vee

By Jake Glimco

Milan, IL / July 18, 2011 -- A local soft-serve confection that has delighted the taste buds of almost three generations will be given out in abundance at Milan Hy-Vee's first Family Fun Days, July 22nd and 23rd.  This family event will feature children's games, a bounce house, educational exhibits from Niabi Zoo and a large assortment of all-you can eat food items including Milan Hy-Vee's newest offering:  Country Style Ice Cream.   Milan Hy-Vee is the first in the supermarket chain to stock quart containers of Country Style in its freezer section.  Six varieties of this Quad-Cities favorite are also being served in Hy-Vee's restaurant as well, including their classic vanilla soft-serve and their rich European-inspired dark chocolate flavor, which was added to the Country Style menu two years ago.   "I grew up with Country Style", said Tony Collins, Assistant Director of the Milan Hy-Vee.  He added, "I feel strongly that this high-quality product will be a welcome addition to our store."

Admission to Hy-Vee's Family Fun Days will be $5 for adults and children under six are admitted free with a paid adult admission.  The event will also feature a dunk tank fundraiser, with proceeds to help build a new elephant enclosure at Niabi.  Milan Hy-Vee is located at 201 West 10th Avenue, Milan.  The Family Fun Fest activities will be held in the grassy field just north of the store.  

Country Style's Taste Like Homemade flavor is now even closer to home for residents in South Rock Island and Mercer Counties.   This new distribution outlet is especially significant to Country Style owner, Kent Kindelsperger, who lives just outside of Milan and grew up near Sherrard.  "We're so glad that Country Style is now a more convenient treat for my friends and neighbors....and me, of course!" Kindelsperger is currently experimenting with Hy-Vee's bakery on new cake/cookie and ice-cream flavor combinations.   He welcomes your ideas.  Send him your ideas by going towww.countrystyleicecream.com or going to Country Style's Facebook page. 

As rich as it tastes, Country Style is also a healthier alternative than many other frozen dairy treats.  Country Style is gluten-free, reduced fat, kosher and contains no high fructose corn syrup.  In 1994, Country Style became one of the earliest soft-serve manufacturers to pasteurize its product, bringing the mixture to ultra-high temperatures before freezing, to kill any potentially harmful bacteria.  Country Style Ice Cream was founded in 1947 by brothers Wayne and "Whitey" Lindgren.  Kent Kindelsperger has owned and operated Country Style since 1988.  Country Style franchises now sell their unique flavors in both Lehigh Acres, Florida near Ft. Myers and Chester, Virginia, south of Richmond and west of Colonial Williamsburg.

18 Jul 2011

July 21st 2011 " The Century of the Self" Part 1 Happiness Machienes: Independent Scholars' Evenings

By Narveen Aryaputri

Independent Scholars' Evenings:

July 21st. 2011

Continued evening on "Propaganda" focusing on the 4 Part BBC series

"The Century of the Self"

Part I: Happiness Machines

Where once the political process was about engaging people's rational, conscious minds, as well as facilitating their needs as a society, the documentary shows how by employing the tactics of psychoanalysis, politicians appeal to irrational, primitive impulses that have little apparent bearing on issues outside of the narrow self-interest of a consumer population. 

7.00 p.m  

second floor of 

The Moline Commercial Club

1530 Fifth Ave. Moline.

309-762-8547 for the Moline Club

309-762-9202 for The Institute.


light refreshments, wine and beverages are served.

The event is free and open to the public.

doors open at 6.30

Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. Is a 501(c)3 at state and federal level since 1996.

18 Jul 2011

Great Mississippi River Clean-Up 2011

By Natalie Linville-Mass

2011 Great Mississippi River Clean-Up

Comes Home to the Quad-Cities

Quad-Cities/ July 10th, 2011 - A massive volunteer effort to clean the mighty   Mississippi   is about to begin its third phase in the place where it all began.  The Great Mississippi River Clean-Up (GMRC) is a volunteer effort coordinated by Living Lands & Waters (LLW), an East Moline, IL-based non-profit environmental group.  Last year, LLW coordinated the first-ever simultaneous clean up of the  Mississippi River .   This year, the initiative has expanded from 22 to 30 cities and has grown into a summer-long campaign.    Living   Lands   & Waters (LL&W) will launch the third phase of the 2011 Great Mississippi River Clean Up on Saturday, August 13th. Volunteers from the Quad-Cities through Keokuk will help pull garbage out of the waters and onto the shores of Muscatine ,  Burlington ,  Ft.   Madison  and  Keokuk ,  Iowa  and Oquawka, New Boston and   Nauvoo ,  Illinois  .  This year's Great Mississippi River Clean-Up began on June 11th along the shores of  Wisconsin ,  Minnesota  and  Northern Iowa , where volunteers pulled truckloads of discarded materials from the waters so that it could be disposed of properly.   Clean-ups previously scheduled in   Saint Paul   and Red Wing, MN and Prairie duChien, WI had to be re-scheduled because high water and fast-moving debris made it too hazardous for volunteers.

The phenomenal growth of the Great Mississippi River Clean-up, with the addition of eight more cities this year, required organizers to broaden their efforts to monthly clean-ups across the summer.  In all, 1200-1500 volunteers are expected to take part in this year's clean-up of this iconic waterway.  The final phases of the GMRC will begin September 17th and involve volunteers from  Canton ,  MO  through   St. Louis ,  MO.   Please note the dates are subject to river flood conditions

LL&W Founder and President Chad Pregracke says flooding is something LLW adapts to almost every year.  "The river is constantly changing, and because of that, we must always be prepared and able to respond."  Pregracke, who was recently recognized as a 'Service Hero' at the Points of Light Foundation's tribute to former President George H.W. Bush, Sr.  Pregracke adds that doing the clean up in phases will help bring our important message to more people.  Said Pregracke, "That's part of what Living Lands and Waters is all about:  bringing the health of our rivers to the attention of everyone who depends upon them, and then working to improve it."

The Great Mississippi River Cleanup will remove debris such as tires, barrels, propane tanks, appliances, plastic bottles and more from the waterway. Volunteers will be needed to assist in debris collection on the day of the cleanup. If possible, LL&W is also looking for people who are willing to haul debris in their boats to the boat launch where roll-off dumpsters or other disposal facilities will be in place.

 Living   Lands  and Waters is a 501(c) (3) environmental organization established in 1998 and headquartered in   East Moline ,  Illinois  .  LL&W has removed more than six million pounds of trash through cleanup efforts along the  Mississippi ,  Missouri ,  Ohio ,  Illinois  and  Potomac  rivers since its launch over 12 years ago. LL&W also coordinated flood relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina and the historic floods in  Cedar Rapids ,  Iowa  and   Lake Delton ,  Wisconsin   in 2008. 

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please visit www.livinglandsandwaters.org.

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18 Jul 2011

A Special History Event for Seniors

By German American Heritage Center
"MEET MARY TODD LINCOLN"

A free history event for seniors, 60 and older.

Tickets sponsored by Eye Surgeons Associates of the Quad Cities

 

The German American Heritage Center, located at the foot of the Centennial Bridge in Davenport, has a special opportunity for active QC seniors scheduled at its facility on Friday, July 29 at 1:30 p.m.   At that time seniors may enjoy an historical presentation by Dr. Marrietta Castle of Rock Island, who will be appearing in period costume speaking as Mary Todd Lincoln.   Seniors can learn of Mrs. Lincoln's life as told ten years after her husband's assassination and at the time of her release from a sanitarium where she had been committed by her oldest son, Robert.  The show lasts about one hour.

 

The presentation is FREE to area seniors 60 and over;  tickets are available at CASI, 1035 W. Kimberly in Davenport and at the Life Fitness Center in Bettendorf.  This opportunity is a community service to seniors sponsored by the generosity of Eye Surgeons Associates of the Quad Cities. Tickets are limited; one per person; first come first served.

 

"Meet Mary Todd Lincoln" is a special senior event to coincide with two unique exhibits available at the German American Heritage Center.  Those include a first floor exhibit "The Civil War - The German Element" and the visit to the Quad Cities of the traveling "History on the Move" trailer from the Iowa State Historical Society which will be in the Center's parking lot from July 28 through August 7.  The trailer is entitled "The Fiery Trial: Iowa in the Civil War" and features Iowa's role in the great conflict, the war's causes and aftermath, the work of Annie Wittenmyer on behalf of soldiers, widows and orphans, and Iowa's role in the the Civil Rights movement after the war's end.  There is also a touchscreen feature which allows Iowans to search for a Civil War soldier ancestor by name and county and learn his fate with the Union army.  Seniors may experience the presentation, the exhibits and the permanent display of "The German Immigrant Experience" on the third floor.  All portions of the senior visit for this event are air conditioned and handicapped accessible.

 

Residents of area senior living facilities have been invited to visit the Civil War exhibits at designated times during the week of August 1 - August 5.  The general public is also welcome to attend; see the GAHC website www.gahc.org for times and admission prices.  A special $10 family rate ticket will be in effect from July 28 - August 7.  There is no charge to visit only the traveling "Fiery Trial" trailer.

18 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Thursday, July 14, 2011**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - July 14, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:  

   

Bill No.: HB 103  

Requires the Department of Public Health (DPH) to post a report on their website by pharmaceutical manufacturers and group purchasing organizations by September 30, 2013 as required by the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA).  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Action: Signed                           

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 144  

Allows a municipality to dissolve their police or fire pension fund if there are no active participants.  

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits  

Action: Signed                           

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 177  

Removes paper copies of library registration records from the definition of public records once the information is transferred into a secure electronic format and checked for accuracy.  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Action: Signed                           

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 179  

Allows library districts to obtain insurance policies to protect against financial malfeasance and loss as an alternative to a personal surety bond posted on the library district treasurer.  

An Act Concerning: Libraries  

Action: Signed                           

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 274  

Provides recourse against the license of a dentist or dental hygienist who violates an existing probationary status.

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 275

Prohibits the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) from employing persons with specified criminal backgrounds in child care facilities licensed and operated by DCFS.

An Act Concerning: State Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 276

Amends the County Jail Act and provides that when - in the opinion of the warden - the lives or health of the prisoners are endangered, or when the security of the penal institution is threatened, that the warden may move an individual or a group of prisoners to some suitable place within the county or to the jail of some convenient county where they can be confined until they can be safely returned.

An Act Concerning: Corrections

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 991

Requires that all energy policy statements adopted by homeowners associations shall address the location, design and architectural requirements of any allowed composting, rainwater collection, solar energy or wind energy collection systems.

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 1093

Eliminates two cost-ineffective methods of emissions testing from the Vehicle Code, known as the steady state idle exhaust gas analysis ("idle exhaust"), and the evaporative system integrity test ("gas cap").

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1096

Requires each nursing home to have a staff member trained as an infection control professional to help prevent the spread of institutional infections.

An Act Concerning: Health Facilities

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 1112

Allows victim and witness assistance centers to help families of victims of fatal injury crashes obtain roadside memorials, and adds offenses from which penalties can be assessed for deposit into the Violent Crime Victims Assistance Fund.

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1220

Provides municipalities with the authorization to impose administrative fees for impounded vehicles.

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 1255

Allows birth parents of adopted or surrendered children born before Jan. 1, 1946 to use the same Birth Parent Preference form as birth parents of adopted children born after that date, and also provides clean-up language to adoption reform language from last session.

An Act Concerning: Families

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1259

Requires the Department of Public Health to send death records to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services every three months.

An Act Concerning: Public Health

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 1279

Strengthens the requirements for renewing a license to inspect fire sprinkler systems.

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1287

Defines "webinar" in the Insurance Code and allows insurance producers to attend webinars to satisfy continuing education requirements.

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1303

Allows the Fire Prevention Fund to be used for the maintenance, operation and capital expenses of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System.

An Act Concerning: Safety

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 1311

Allows local corporate authorities to enact ordinances regulating sound devices.

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 1316

Creates interest-bearing accounts for moneys received from federal grants received by the Illinois State Police and Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

An Act Concerning: State Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 1338

Codifies the state immunization registry (ICARE) to keep track of child immunizations as an opt-out system, rather than opt-in.

An Act Concerning: Health

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1379

Amends the Registered Titles (TORRENS) Act to repeal the Act on Jan. 1, 2014 instead of July 1, 2037.

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 1490

Creates a regulatory framework for the boxing and mixed martial arts professions.

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1513

Amends the Wage Payment and Collection Act to allow municipalities with populations of less than 500,000 to make deductions from employee wages or final compensation that do not exceed 15 percent of the net amount of the payment for an excess payment made due to, but not limited to, a typographical or mathematical error made by the municipality or to collect a debt owed to a municipality after notice to the employee and an opportunity to be heard.

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 1524

Allows qualified examiners to examine a respondent and testify at a hearing before a person can be found subject to involuntary admission to a mental health facility.

An Act Concerning: Health

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1684

Changes the requirements for lifting patients to minimize the risk of injury to patients and nurses.

An Act Concerning: Health Facilities

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1706

Changes the qualification standards for children who receive home or hospital instruction. 

An Act Concerning: Education

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1760

Reforms the evaluation system for employees of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. 

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1857

Permits commissioners and employees of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to engage in political activities on personal time.

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1877

Allows the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital to request registration from the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Controlled Substances Act.

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 2019

Repeals the Community Senior Services and Resources Act.

An Act Concerning: Aging

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 2043

Provides that the Senior Pharmaceutical Assistance Review Committee (SPARC) shall meet and provide reports as deemed necessary.

An Act Concerning: Aging

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 2101

Permits a county to deposit public funds into credit unions and allows the county to make certain other interest-bearing investments.

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 2936

Codifies a federal notification requirement pertaining to transferring persons found subject to involuntary submission from one mental health hospital to another hospital.

An Act Concerning: Health

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 2993

Amends the election schedule for filling unexpired park district governing board terms.

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 3019

Requires duck hunters in Alexander, Union, Williamson and Jackson counties to observe 100-yard setback from any commercially-licensed hunting property when placing duck hunting blinds, unless they have permission from the property owner.

An Act Concerning: Wildlife

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 3050

Clarifies the powers and duties of credit unions and agencies under the Credit Union Act.

An Act Concerning: Finance

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 3139

Allows production of switchgrass along highway right-of-ways.

An Act Concerning: Highways

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 3155

Updates numerous statutes relating to public health to reflect current practices.

An Act Concerning: Public Health

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 3360

Provides that the Illinois Department of Employment Security, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Corrections, shall seek to provide proper employment opportunities for discharged convicts or prisoners.

An Act Concerning: State Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 3371

Allows the Pollution Control Board the flexibility to permit higher concentrations of carcinogens to be present in soil used as fill material and permits licensed geologists as well as engineers to certify tests for contamination.

An Act Concerning: Safety

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 3468

Removes a requirement to maintain a record of a patient's menstrual cycle for patients staying in a state mental health facility for fewer than 60 days.

An Act Concerning: State Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 3513

Prohibits the displaying of Social Security numbers on wristbands or files.

An Act Concerning: Business

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 1074

Creates the Uniform Foreign-Country Money Judgments Recognition Act to allow courts in Illinois to recognize and enforce certain money judgments in other countries.

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 1361

Extends the Illinois Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act to sunset Jan. 1, 2016.

An Act Concerning: State Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 1555

Authorizes the State to establish a health benefits exchange ("exchange") beginning on October 1, 2013 and requires the State to offer a health savings account ("HSA") program to employees covered by high deductible health plans.

An Act Concerning: Insurance

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 1603

Exempts certain individuals who provide mortgage loans without having to maintain a commercial license.

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 1641

Permits local units of government to pass ordinances allowing low-speed vehicles on streets.

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 1643

Allows school districts to increase driver education course fees from $50 to $250.

An Act Concerning: Education

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 1686

Changes the publishing rates and requirements for local government entities on all public notices.

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1; Section 12-45 provisions take effect immediately.

Bill No.: SB 1699

Increases penalties for financial crimes.

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 1877

Removes language in the Power of Attorney Act which provides an agent immediate authority over personal health information even if the document specifies agency is to take effect at a future date.

An Act Concerning: State Government 

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2034

Authorizes Office of the State Fire Marshal vehicles as emergency vehicles.

An Act Concerning: Transportation 

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

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18 Jul 2011

Maria Yoder Graduates from Eastern Mennonite University

By readMedia

HARRISONBURG, VA (07/14/2011)(readMedia)-- Maria Yoder, a Liberal Arts degree recipient at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va., was recognized as a member of the 2011 graduating class.

Yoder is Yoder is the daughter of Galen & Gloria Yoder of Wellman Ia.

Eastern Mennonite University is a four-year, fully-accredited Christian liberal arts college that prepares students to serve and lead in a global context. Peace, restorative justice, sustainability and inter-cultural understanding are core values. EMU offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate curriculum, graduate programs, a seminary, and houses the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. See more at: www.emu.edu/about.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Maria-Yoder-Graduates-from-Eastern-Mennonite-University/2834402.

18 Jul 2011

RELEASE: IA & IL DELEGATION MEMBERS TO GENERAL: ANY PROPOSAL TO RELOCATE JMTC WOULD FACE BIPARTISAN RESISTANCE IN CONGRESS

By Alexandra Krasov

IA & IL DELEGATION MEMBERS TO GENERAL: ANY PROPOSAL TO RELOCATE JMTC WOULD FACE BIPARTISAN RESISTANCE IN CONGRESS

Members questioncost savings as Army awaits task force recommendations

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) and the bipartisan delegation that represents the Rock Island Arsenal made clear to General Ann Dunwoody, the Commanding General of the Army Materiel Command, that any proposal to close or relocate Rock Island Arsenal's Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (JMTC) would be met with strong resistance in Congress. In a meeting in Washington, Dunwoody reassured the Iowa and Illinois delegation that the Army currently has no plans to close the JMTC, but could not disclose the work of an internal task force that was rumored to have been considering JMTC closure as a cost-savings measure.

Members of Congress in today's meeting - U.S. Representatives Bruce Braley (D-IA-01), Bobby Schilling (R-IL-17), and Dave Loebsack (D-IA-02), U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and representatives from Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)'s office - vowed to continue working with General Dunwoody and the Army to secure the long-term future of JMTC at Rock Island Arsenal.

"The Rock Island Arsenal is crucial to the Quad City economy," said Braley. "There are 1,700 jobs on the line at this facility and none of us are willing to jeopardize them. I'm confident that we made that clear to General Dunwoody, and I was reassured by her praise for the Arsenal and its workers. I will continue to monitor this process and work to make sure that we find ways to save and cut back in places where it makes sense ? but not at this crucial facility."

"General Dunwoody understands this delegation's commitment to defending the livelihood of the highly skilled men and women who make up the Rock Island Arsenal," said Durbin.  "It is important that every level of government work to find savings and efficiencies within system, but I firmly believe that closing or relocating the JMTC would be the wrong way to do it.  I am glad we were alerted to this task force early in the process so that we can continue to keep a close eye on it as it moves forward."

"As the Defense Department's only integrated metal manufacturer, the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center at the Rock Island Arsenal is essential to American troops abroad and to the Quad Cities community," Senator Kirk said.  "Given the importance of the JMTC to arms and armor production, as well as to veteran employment, I firmly believe in defending its position and purpose."

"We made clear to General Dunwoody that any proposal to move the work that is currently so expertly done at the Rock Island Arsenal JMTC to other facilities would contribute nothing to the Army's savings target, but would undermine the unique skills and capabilities that have served our war fighters.  We'll have to keep an eye on this task force, but I was pleased to hear the General affirm that the Rock Island Arsenal is a national treasure and express support for our delegation's efforts to ensure more stable workload in the future," Grassley said.

"Though today's meeting was productive, it is of utmost important that we as a delegation remain vigilant as the task force continues its work," Schilling said. "The Rock Island Arsenal is a national treasure and is of huge economic importance to the Quad Cities. I will continue working to ensure that work or functions at the JMTC and the Rock Island Arsenal are neither reduced nor eliminated as thisprocess continues."

"This was an important opportunity to sit down with General Dunwoody and the Arsenal delegation todiscuss the Army Material Command's review and reiterate that we will fight any efforts to close or reduce work at the JMTC or RIA to ensure jobs stay in the Quad Cities," said Loebsack. "I also believe it was critical that we discussed the need to develop a proactive strategy to keep work at the Arsenal as thedrawdowns in Iraq and Afghanistan continue.  The good jobs, economic development and contributions to our national security provided by the Arsenal and its workforce must be protected."

General Dunwoody wastasked by Army Secretary John McHugh to find savings and efficiencies within the Army Materiel Command as part of an Army-wide review to find $3 billion in savings.  A task force within the Army Materiel Command was asked to perform a review and report its findings to General Dunwoody, likely by the end of the summer.

According to the members in today's meeting, it would be difficult to find savings by closing JMTC as the facility is funded through the Army's Working Capital Fund which derives most of its funding from sales revenue on its contracts, and not through regular congressional appropriations.  The members argued that the cost of moving or replicating the many unique capabilities at Rock Island Arsenal would be extensive.

The Rock Island Arsenal JMTC is a one-of-a-kind U.S. Army facility which manufactures critical equipment for our troops around the world. The more than 1,700 highly-skilled individuals - at least half of whom are veterans - employed at JMTC specialize in manufacturing artillery, armor, small arms, and mobile maintenance kits for use on the front lines. The JMTC, perhaps best known for howitzer production, operates the Army's only foundry and since 2003 has produced half of all armor for Army tactical wheeled vehicles. Rock Island Arsenal, the region's largest employer with a 8,600-person workforce anchored by the JMTC, injects $1.3 billion dollars directly into the local economy each year.

In May, after learning that an internal task force at the Army Materiel Command was considering relocating Rock Island Arsenal's JMTC, the bipartisan group of seven lawmakers from both the Illinois and Iowa Congressional Delegations called for a meeting with McHugh, as soon as possible to discuss their concerns about the cost associated with conducting such a move as well as the impact it would have on the Rock Island Arsenal.  A few weeks later, the members received assurances from McHugh that the Army currently has no plans to close the JMTC.  Today's meeting was in response to a similar request sent to General Dunwoody in May.

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