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

###

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.

###

18 Jul 2011

The Arc reveals 7-15-11

By Maureen Dickinson

The Arc of Rock Island County is announcing to the public its new name, graphic identity and signage at its four main sites. Individuals served, staff, board members, organization members and family of individuals served will be in attendance.

Founded in 1952, The Arc promotes living and working in partnership with the community to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc serves 325 individuals on a daily basis throughout the community.

WHO: All are welcome! The event is open to the public.

WHAT: "Reveal Event" celebrating the organization's new name and revealing its new graphic identity and signage. Light refreshments will be provided.

WHY: Publicly announcing these major organizational changes.

WHERE: The series of reveal events will kick off at the Arc Administration Building, with three additional reveals at other main sites as set forth below.

WHEN: Friday, July 15, 2011

10:00 am

Arc Administration Building

4016 9th Street, Rock Island, IL

The Arc will hold subsequent reveal events at other sites as follows:

11 am  Arc Industries
610 37th Avenue, Rock Island, IL

12 pm  Heritage Fifty-Three
4601 53rd Street, Moline, IL

1 pm  Opportunity Center
5101 52nd Avenue, Moline, IL

18 Jul 2011

Herbert Hoover NHS News Release: Evening Ranger Talks, July

By Adam Prato
WEST BRANCH, IOWA– National Parks are known for their ranger-led programs
and activities. This summer, rangers at Herbert Hoover National Historic
Site in West Branch, Iowa will offer short 10- to 15-minute talks to
visitors enjoying a summer evening in the park. Come and hear "Historic
Preservation: Why, How, and What?" on Wednesday, July 20 at the Friends
Meetinghouse and "Herbert Hoover's West Branch" at the intersection of the
Downey and Penn street traces near the Birthplace Cottage on Thursday, July
28. Meet the ranger at 7:00 p.m. on those evenings to hear some things you
may not have known about Herbert Hoover NHS.

On Saturday, July 16 writer M.S. Coe will help kids ages 4 through 6 flex
their poetry muscles through creative movement, drawing, reading, and
writing at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. "Poetry Sprouts" starts
at the visitor center on Saturday, July 16 at 9:30 a.m. and will last about
one hour. If you are interested in attending, please call (319) 643-2541
before July 16. Parents are invited to stay and participate with their
children. M.S. Coe is the Artist-in-Residence at Herbert Hoover NHS until
July 20.

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. Parking is limited so please
allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online to
www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa  52358

319 643-2541 phone
319 643-7864 fax
www.nps.gov/heho

Photographs may be available upon request.
Herbert Hoover NHS is on Twitter: @HooverNPS.
18 Jul 2011

Braley Demands Investigation of Murdoch's News Corporation

By Administrator

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) called on Darrell Issa, Chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, to launch an investigation into Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Rep. Braley called for the investigation following reports that News Corporation and its subsidiaries may have bribed foreign law enforcement officials and potentially hacked the phone lines of U.S. citizens.

"These reports are very troubling and I believe they require a thorough investigation," said Rep. Braley. "The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has a duty to protect the privacy of Americans and to hold U.S. corporations accountable - and I expect Chairman Issa to direct the Committee to carry out its duties as they relate to this very serious case."

A copy of Rep. Braley's letter to Chairman Issa is pasted below and available here: http://go.usa.gov/BO4 

July 13, 2011

The Honorable Darrell Issa

Chairman

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

2157 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairman Issa:

As you may know, serious allegations have recently been raised accusing Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation of acting improperly and possibly in violation of United Stateslaw.

It has been reported that News Corporation and its subsidiaries may have bribed London police officers for information for use in newspaper articles, including information about high-ranking government officials. If true, these charges could be a violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) that forbids bribery of foreign government officials by U.S.-based companies.

Additionally, News Corporation has already admitted to phone hacking in London, and I have concerns about allegations that hacking may have also extended to U.S. citizens. I ask that you investigate whether victims of the September 11, 2001 attack and other U.S. citizens had their cell phones targeted by News Corporation. Please look into the serious allegations that have been made against News Corporation. We owe it to the American public to find out if victims have been subject to criminal actions by News Corporation and its affiliates.

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has a duty to protect the privacy of Americans and tohold U.S. corporations accountable. I look forward to your response within ten business days regarding an investigation of News Corporation. Thank you foryour consideration.

Sincerely,

Bruce Braley

###

18 Jul 2011

Braley "Plain Language" Law Provisions Go Into Effect

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that several provisions of his Plain Writing Act of 2010 are going into effect.

Today is the deadline for agencies to designate a Senior Official for Plain Writing. This individual will be responsible for overseeing each agency's implementation of Braley's law, including:

·         creating a plain writing section of the agency website;

·         training agency employees;

·         ensuring full implementation of the law; and

·         publishing a public report on progress towards meeting the plain writing requirements.

"The Plain Writing Act requires some simple changes to business-as-usual that'll make a big difference for anyone who's ever filled out a tax return or received a government document," Rep. Braley said.  "Today, some of those changes go into effect and begin the process of making our government agencies moreaccessible. In the long run, writing government documents in plain languagewill increase government accountability and will save Americans time and money."

The Plain Writing Act, authored by Rep. Braley, requires the federal government to write documents, such as tax returns, federal college aid applications, and Veterans Administration forms in simple easy-to-understand language, making government more transparent and saving the government millions of dollars. President Obama signed Rep. Braley's bill into law last October.

###

18 Jul 2011

Braley Secures $12.5 Million in New Medicare Payments to Iowa Hospitals

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that 20 Iowa hospitals will receive $12.5 million in additional Medicare reimbursements. The payments will be delivered to the hospitals tomorrow, and come as a result of a provision Rep. Braley authored and passed into law during the health care negotiations last Congress.

"For decades, Iowa's doctors have been punished for no reason other than geography," said Rep. Braley. "These payments are the first step toward ending these geographic disparities and reforming our Medicare system so it finally rewards quality of care instead of the number of procedures performed."

The following Iowa hospitals will receive the funds:

Hospital Name  

County  

Estimated Payment  

Broadlawns Medical Center  

Polk  

$44,991  

Grinnell Regional Medical Center  

Poweshiek  

$89,982  

Iowa Lutheran Hospital  

Polk  

$479,904  

Iowa Methodist Medical Center  

Polk  

$1,709,658  

Lakes Regional Healthcare  

Dickinson  

$74,985  

Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center  

Marshall  

$164,967  

Mary Greeley Medical Center  

Story  

$479,904  

Mercy Hospital  

Johnson  

$509,898  

Mercy Medical Center - Cedar Rapids  

Linn  

$584,883  

Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines  

Polk  

$2,129,574  

Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa  

Cerrogordo  

$1,004,799  

Mercy Medical Center-Sioux City  

Woodbury  

$779,844  

Skiff Medical Center  

Jasper  

$104,979  

Spencer Municipal Hospital  

Clay  

$164,967  

St Anthony Regional Hospital  

Carroll  

$104,979  

St Luke's Hospital  

Linn  

$794,841

St Luke's Regional Medical Center

Woodbury

$374,925

Trinity Regional Medical Center

Webster

$434,913

Unity Hospital

Muscatine

$74,985

University Of Iowa Hospital & Clinics

Johnson

$2,399,520

TOTAL

$12,507,499

Rep. Braley secured the funding during late night negotiations with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Obama Administration officials before the final health care votelast spring. Tomorrow, Iowa hospitals will receive $12.5 million in additional Medicare reimbursements, or 8.3 percent of the available funds. Under Rep. Braley's provision, Iowa receives the 4th-highest amount of payments of any state.

Last Congress, Braley negotiated a compromise adding language to the health carereform bill that provides an immediate $800 million to address geographic disparities for both doctors and hospitals, as well as written guarantees from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for further action toreform Medicare reimbursement rates. Iowa doctors and hospitals have long suffered from an unfair Medicare formula which reimburses them at a lower rate than providers in other states - all while offering some of the highest quality, lowest-cost care in the nation.

###

18 Jul 2011

AARP LAUNCHES NEXT WAVE OF EFFORTS URGING CONGRESS, WHITE HOUSE TO PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE FROM BENEFITS CUTS

By Ann Black

New national television ad, grassroots activities, and Capitol Hill blitz tell lawmakers, "Seniors are not pushovers."

Washington, DC–Today, AARP launched its latest wave of efforts, centered around a new direct-message television ad, urging Congress and the President to make responsible decisions during the deficit reduction debate by cutting waste and closing loopholes instead of cutting critical Medicare and Social Security benefits that millions of Americans have earned through a lifetime of hard work.

The new, multi-million dollar advertisement is AARP's third focusing specifically on the deficit debate, and begins airing today nationally and in local markets.  In addition to the TV ads, AARP leaders are hitting Capitol Hill to urge their Members of Congress to oppose cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits as part of a deal to pay the nation's bills.  AARP is keeping up the pressure on Congress and the President by engaging its millions of members to make their voices heard through direct mail, phone calls, email alerts, publications, and tele-townhall meetings.

"We're taking the voice of older Americans to the airwaves, to Capitol Hill and across the country," said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President. "Don't cut the Social Security and Medicare benefits seniors have earned."

AARP will air the television spot beginning July 13.  The television ad script follows here:

"I'm a grandfather.  A retired teacher.  And I count on Social Security.

"Here's what I'm not...

"A pushover.

"Right now, some in Washington want to make a deal cutting the Social Security and Medicare benefits we worked for.

"With billions in waste and loopholes, how could they look at us?

"Maybe we seem like an easy target...

"Until you realize...

"...there are 50 million of us.

"Tell the politicians to cut waste and loopholes, not our benefits."

To date, nearly 4.5 million petitions have been signed and will be delivered to Congress, and over 500,000 calls and emails have gone into congressional offices and to the White House over the past several weeks urging elected leaders to protect Medicare and Social Security from harmful cuts as part of a deal to raise the debt ceiling.

LeaMond added: "We know Washington needs to make tough decisions to reduce the deficit, but they should make responsible decisions instead of cutting the Social Security and Medicare benefits that seniors have worked for their entire lives."

To view the new television ad and learn about AARP's campaign, visit www.aarp.org/protectseniors. 

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with nearly 35 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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18 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Advance Innovative Education Practices

By Laurel White

Law Supports Creation of Innovative Partnership School in Aurora to Advance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education

AURORA - July 13, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will advance STEM learning in Illinois by allowing the creation of an innovative school that will offer specialized education opportunities. Senate Bill 621 supports the creation of a math and science partnership school operated by Aurora's four school districts and Aurora University on campus. Joined by local middle school students attending summer science camp, Governor Quinn called for increased STEM learning opportunities in Illinois as a way to prepare students for 21st century jobs. 

"We want our children to be prepared to compete for the jobs of today and tomorrow," said Governor Quinn. "This innovative school will increase learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and give students more opportunities to succeed."

Sponsored by Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego), Senate Bill 621 authorizes Aurora University (AU) and its four partner school districts ? West Aurora, East Aurora, Indian Prairie and Oswego ? to jointly operate a STEM school on the AU campus. When fully operational, the partnership school will serve more than 400 third through eighth grade students who have demonstrated a proficiency in mathematics and science. The school will also train teachers who return to their home school districts as leaders in mathematics and science education.

"By signing this legislation, Governor Quinn is leading the way to make STEM learning more available for children in Illinois," said Aurora University President Rebecca L. Sherrick.

In addition to nurturing students talented in mathematics and science, the partnership school will provide access to cutting-edge STEM education methods. Best practices and research results will be shared to improve mathematics and science education throughout the community.

"This is an important step to improving student achievement and increasing their interest in school," said state Sen. Holmes, who introduced the bill in the Senate. "We owe it to our students to ensure that they aren't being shortchanged during these tough economic times. It's essential that we give them the tools needed to become future leaders in Illinois."

"This has truly been a collaborative effort with one goal in mind - to provide a partnership school with area school districts at Aurora University placing an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics - something that we need to focus on in our state," said state Rep. Cross.

The university will begin to raise private funding for the partnership school immediately and estimates the cost to be $15 million. This new law passed both the Illinois House and Senate with unanimous support and takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.

The partnership school is the cornerstone of the Mathematics and Science Education Center of Aurora University, which was launched by the university's Institute for Collaboration in 2009 to address the deficiencies in STEM education in the United States. The center's programs also include content-based bachelor's and master's degrees, professional workshops and institutes for teachers, and after-school and summer studies programs for students.

"Because it engages learners of all ages, we believe the STEM partnership school holds great potential as a groundbreaking model for similar communities throughout the state and nation," said Sherry Eagle, Executive Director of the Institute for Collaboration of Aurora University, which is leading the project.

More information about this partnership school is available at www.aurora.edu/institute.

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